Budgeting for a Nursery + Nursery Budget Calculator

Overwhelmed preparing for your new baby? We are here to help you create the perfect nursery; fully stocked and under budget. Whether you’re hiring a professional interior designer or going DIY, we have the ultimate guide to help you budget wisely and design beautifully. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about budgeting for a full nursery remodel with interior designer recommendations and a comprehensive DIY checklist. Plus, we put together a free nursery budget calculator to help you start your nursery design!

Why Budgeting for a Nursery Remodel is Important

Remodeling a nursery is a big investment. Proper budgeting is key to creating a safe, comfortable, and stylish space without overspending. Remember, your baby’s room will soon turn into a child’s room, so think long-term and spend the bulk of your budget on long term, quality items. At Doves & Tails, we focus on heirloom dressers for your family because we understand the balance of legacy, quality, style.

Why is everything so expensive for a nursery?

Well, it is, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are on a tight budget, we recommend taking a strategic approach. Do you really need a $400 monitor? Probably not. Do you even need a crib or mattress? We co-slept for the first year and didn’t end up using a crib or bassinet. We just put our baby to nap and sleep (safely) on our own bed, but we understand that may not work for your family. So, we encourage taking your holistic child care plan into your budget.

If you are finding your budget tight

Prioritize health and safety: We always recommend safe and non toxic essentials first. Example: Non toxic, zero VOC paint takes priority over a $400 baby monitor.
What can we wait on? A Montessori wardrobe is a great addition, but won’t get used until your child is at least 1 year old. We know its exciting, but some purchases can wait!
Don’t buy everything at once, test! We ended up with lots of products we didn’t use (or simply didn’t like). Especially if this is your first child, start with buying a few essentials and see what ends up working for your family’s routine and your new baby. For example, don’t buy 12 bottles because your baby may like a different style nipple!
Buy second hand - Lots of baby and nursery items never get used and many barely get used. Just ensure what you buy still holds up to safety standards and can be properly cleaned.

What does a Professional Nursery Remodel cost?

If you prefer a professional touch and budget is less of an issue, hiring an interior designer can help you achieve a cohesive and stylish nursery. Interior designers bring expertise in space planning, color schemes, and furniture selection, ensuring that every detail is perfect. We have the fortune of communicating and working with interior designers all over the United States, many who focus exclusively on childrens rooms. So if you need help finding an interior designer in your area, just reach out on this form with your name, email, and zipcode so we can offer our best recommendations.

General Cost Levels for a Professional Remodel

Consultation and Design Fees: Initial consultation with an interior designer can range from $100 to $300, with design services typically costing between $50 and $200 per hour.
Furniture and Decor: High-quality furniture and decor can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on your preferences. So we really need to pick and choose what is most important to use and what will serve your family the best for the longest period of time.
Labor Costs: If structural changes or custom installations are needed, labor costs can add up significantly, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000+.

Tips for Working with an Interior Designer

Set a Budget: Discuss your budget upfront with your designer to ensure they can work within your limits.
Define Your Style: Share your vision and style preferences to help the designer create a space that reflects your taste.
Ask for References: Check references and reviews to ensure you hire a reputable designer that aligns with your aesthetic and values.

General Cost Levels for a DIY Remodel

Budget-Friendly: Total costs typically range from $500 to $1,500. This includes basic furniture, essential decor, and minimal customization.
Mid-Range: Expect to spend between $1,500 and $5,000. This allows for higher-quality furniture, additional decor, and some custom touches.
High-End: Costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. This includes premium furniture, extensive decor, and custom-designed elements.

Essential Components for a DIY Nursery Remodel

There’s a lot to remember and forget. Make sure you have the essentials with our downloadable checklist!

Furniture: Crib, mattress, changing table, dresser, and a rocking chair or glider.
Bedding and Linens: Crib sheets, mattress protectors, swaddle blankets, and receiving blankets.
Storage Solutions: Closet organizers, storage bins, dresser drawer dividers, and a diaper pail.
Safety Items: Baby monitor, nightlight, outlet covers, and corner guards.
Feeding Essentials: Nursing pillow, bottle warmer, and a high chair.
Comfort and Entertainment: Mobile, sound machine, books, and toys.
Hygiene and Health: Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby bath tub, thermometer, nail trimmers, nose sucker, and humidifier.
Clothing and Accessories: Onesies, sleepers, socks, mittens, and hats.
Additional Convenience Items: Laundry hamper, clothing hangers, play mat, and a baby carrier or sling.
Decor and Personalization: Wall art, rugs, curtains or blinds.

Conclusion

Remodeling a nursery, whether through a professional designer or a DIY approach, involves some planning and budgeting. By understanding the costs and essentials, you can create a beautiful and functional space for your baby. Yes, everything is expensive but not everything is necessary, so take your time, get some advice, and do what works best for your family.

Sincerely,

Doves and Tails

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