Room to grow

Jennifer Cohen wishes she had had the sense to think about the cents she was lavishing on decorations for her baby daughter's bedroom.

Cohen pulled out all the stops for the dream nursery -- down to the custom-made crib bumpers and skirting. But baby Gabrielle quickly outgrew the nursery and those precious and pricey baby items were stowed away all too soon.

For her 9-month-old son Ryan, the New York City mom says she has been more prudent, investing in the basics such as window treatments and light fixtures that will last him through childhood.

"I learned from the first time," she recalled. "It was wasteful. You want to make wise choices."

It's natural to get caught up in the excitement of welcoming a baby home. But unless money is no object, parents should plan and invest in the underpinnings that will carry a child through different stages, experts advise. The fun part -- Batman, baseball, princess or ballerina themes can be rotated in and out with new bedding or wall hangings.

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Steve Krickovic, owner of USA Baby in Midlothian, said children's furniture manufacturers have adopted the "build to grow" concept. Eight out of 10 cribs he sells are convertible "lifetime" models that can shed their rails and turn into beds.

"Manufacturers are actually taking full-sized beds, designing them first, then converting them into a crib," he said. "It's the mindset of making sure it looks as nice or nicer as bedroom furniture than it does as nursery furniture."

The convertible cribs, paired with night stands, dressers and armoires for storage, become big-kid pieces -- or even guest-room furniture. "A lot of people are buying the contour changing pad that straps onto a traditional dresser instead of buying the classic changing table," Krickovic said.

Parents who are intimidated by the purchase price of convertibles -- $299 and more -- should realize it's cheaper in the long run. "If they spend $700 on a room full of temporary furniture, they're going to end up buying more furniture for him or her when he or she is 2 or 3 years old," he said.

Before thoughts turn to themes of unicorns or dinosaurs, it's time to build an infrastructure that will hold up until the child is off to college or on her own.

That's as simple as starting with a good paint job in a solid color. Wallpaper or even a border could prove short-lived and costly to remove, but wall hangings and removable vinyl decals liven the room and are easy to change and update.

You'll want neutral, sturdy window treatments such as wood blinds, shades or shutters. This is an area you don't want to skimp on because they get a lot of wear and tear, said Jamie Gibbs, a New York interior decorator. "Buying three cheap ones will turn out to be more expensive than one that's good quality," he said.

Be careful about drapes or blinds with long pull cords that can be dangerous for toddlers. One inexpensive solution: You can twist the cord around a small piece of decorative hardware installed on the window molding. Manufacturer Hunter Douglas offers a retractable mechanism to raise and lower shades, which keeps the cord at a constant length.

It's also worth investing in good lighting. Start with a sturdy ceiling mounted fixture, then add lamps for reading. Use a basic design for the base and play with the shades, said Celia Tejada, senior vice president, product design and development for San Francisco-based Pottery Barn. They come in all manner of colors and designs from sea horses to sequins to sailboats.

When it comes to establishing the basics, relate the kids room to the rest of the house -- it shouldn't be a jarring contrast. "It should be an extension of your home," Tejada said. "Think about the finishes. Is it white or dark wood? Country or modern?

Along with the crib, you need a changing table, but forget about those traditional wicker numbers that are quickly headed for the yard sale. Instead, purchase a standard dresser. Many sold at specialty retailers come with changing tables or trays that bolt to the top and are easily removed.

Another alternative: a new or used armoire, especially if it has a fold-down or pullout shelf. You can hide the diapers and accessories behind the doors and later use the piece for clothes, a television or computer.

Whatever you buy, choose the same finish as the crib and one that you can match later when you're ready to add a desk or bookshelves. You won't need those early on, but will want to add them by the time the child is in elementary school. That's when you will also need to buy a good-sized desk that can last through high school. Make sure it's big enough for a computer, keyboard and printer.

Speaking of adjustable furniture, many retailers sell play tables with removable legs of different heights. That way, the piece works as a low play surface for a toddler, and can later be raised for an older child. Don't get too hung up about creating play spaces in the bedroom, though. Social creatures that they are, many prefer to be near the action in the rest of the house or apartment.

You'll be tempted to buy a big plastic box to stow piles of toys, but instead go for a storage chest that is a classic trunk and later can be used to store blankets, sweaters or memorabilia. The trunk also could double as extra seating when friends come over to play.

If the layout lends itself, it's efficient to add a window bench seat with storage beneath. Add a cushion and you've got a great nook for reading, listening to music or just daydreaming -- something your child will do at every age.
Times-Dispatch staff writer Julie Young and Associated Press writer Judith Crown contributed to this report.