Waiting on a big day surprise? Don’t let the challenge of designing a gender-neutral nursery spoil the fun! Create the nursery of your dreams with these helpful tips.

Pick the Perfect Palette

If you think picking a gender-neutral nursery palette boils down to selecting the perfect shade of beige, think again! Traditional neutrals like tan and beige can provide a beautiful backdrop for your design, but these tried and true tones are not the only hues on deck.

If beige is not your thing, branch out! Choose a brighter neutral like white or grey, and punctuate with a bold accent color like coral or teal. Craving even more color? Try a color-saturated combo like navy blue and mint green, or turquoise and red. Greens and yellows work well for both sexes. Even pastel blue, although typically reserved for boys, is extremely versatile. Pair with a bright yellow or soft orange for a modern look that defies the gender stereotype.

For more help choosing a color scheme, check out these helpful tips.

Play with Texture, Pattern and Scale

These subtle and often overlooked elements of design play a starring role in nurseries featuring a neutral palette. In the absence of striking color, a rich variety of texture and pattern creates visual interest, keeping the room from looking flat.

When shopping for accessories, concentrate on introducing an assortment of natural textures, such as hemp, wicker, wood and even stone and metallic accents. Look for bold patterns in subtle colors, or choose brighter accents with a more understated motif.

You can even mix and match patterns for added variety. (Just follow these simple rules.)

Another tip? Pay attention to shape and scale. Offset a sleek crib with a soft and curvy armchair or pair a slender rocker with an oversized ottoman for a dramatic, eye-catching effect.

Introduce a Theme

Few things light up the imagination like a truly great nursery theme, but choosing a  gender appropriate motif for your yet-to-be determined baby boy or girl can be tricky. Still, while pirates and princesses may be off the table, many adorable themes remain in play.

Looking for inspiration? Look outside! Introduce baby to the world around them by incorporating a natural theme featuring friendly ocean life, woodland critters or exotic animals. Explore the heavens in a nursery featuring stars, clouds and colorful hot air balloons, or take on the great, white north. Transport your little adventurer to far-away cities, or make your own hometown the star of the show. There’s a world of possibilities beyond your doorstep!

Found a concept you love? Great! Get started with some practical advice for decorating with a theme. Still deciding? Consider these tips.

Embrace the Work-In-Progress

While having a finished nursery to show family and friends can be fun, there’s really no rush. Most parents find it easier to bunk with baby in the beginning anyway, and evidence has shown that sharing a room during baby’s first six months significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.

If you want your design to have a truly personal touch, forget the big day deadline, and focus on creating the nursery you’ve always dreamed about. Not a fan of genderless color schemes? Start with a chic neutral like grey, and add a pop of pink or blue after baby hits the scene. Having trouble finding gender-neutral accessories? Pick a few favorites from both camps, and make your purchases later. Of course, you’ll want to finish the bulk of the work before baby arrives. (Heads up: You’re going to be a little busy!) But the finishing touches - the details that make your baby’s nursery really special - can always wait.