– Historical Development of Nurseries: – European nurseries historically had few decorations and were kept away from visitors’ sight. – An 1842 article emphasized the importance of ventilation and discouraged using shaded rooms for nurseries. – Authors in the 1870s advocated for visual stimulation in nurseries for children’s development. – Colorful wallpapers started appearing in nurseries as a result of the push for interactive environments. – In Edwardian times, nurseries for the wealthy included a suite of rooms with bathroom facilities. – Nursery Decor and Design: – Concerns about the impact of ornamentation on children’s development led to debates on nursery decor. – Suggestions in the 1900s included using colorful pictures instead of bright colors in the night nursery. – Hygiene was a concern, leading to recommendations for wood panels or washable paint on nursery walls. – Recommendations for nursery design included spacious, well-sunlit rooms with medical supplies. – Modern nurseries typically include a crib, changing table, rocking chair, and baby care items. – Evolution of Nursery Function: – A nursery is usually the smallest bedroom in a house until the child is older. – Jane Ellen Panton emphasized spacious, well-lit rooms for children’s comfort and health. – Nurseries can serve as a child’s bedroom into their teenage years or until a younger sibling is born. – Fictional portrayals of nurseries are common in literature and films. – Historical sources like Edwards (2023) and Panton (1890) provide insights into nursery practices. – Nursery Suite in Edwardian Times: – For the wealthy and mid-tier classes, a nursery suite included a night nursery and a day nursery. – The suite also had bathroom facilities and possibly a small kitchen. – The nurse and nursemaid slept in the nursery suite to be close to the children. – The night nursery was where children slept, while the day nursery was for eating and playing. – The Edwardian nursery suite was a self-contained space for childcare and children’s activities. – Practical Elements in a Nursery: – A modern nursery typically contains a cradle or crib, a changing table, and a rocking chair. – Various baby care items like baby powder and medicine are essential in a nursery. – Nurseries are designed to cater to the needs of infants and toddlers. – Practicality and functionality are key considerations in nursery design. – Fictional representations of nurseries in popular culture influence real-life nursery design trends.