A comfortable home and sleep setup is always important, but never more so after the arrival of your, well, new arrival. And, because homes don’t grow just because your family does, making your current space work for you and baby (and your budget) is key.

One room for you and baby

The good news: you couldn’t ask for a more adorable roommate. The not-as-good news: a solid night’s sleep might be off the cards for a while. Whether it’s just for the first few months, or a longer-term arrangement, these two bedrooms show that a comfy, shared space with baby is definitely doable.

A nursery with the next phase in mind

For little ones that grow up so fast, here are two rooms designed to last. Gender-neutral colours, extendable beds and other smart ideas will see little ones through many milestones, and can be easily reused if baby #2 comes along.

The white walls in this nursery are a blank canvas for pops of colour, brought in through bed linen, toys, a rug and a simple string of bunting. They’ll be an easy and affordable update later, when future “big-kid” has their own favourite shade.

Even if the circus tent ceiling doesn’t stay in town forever, white or pine furniture (including an extendable bed) will always look great, no matter what colour ends up on the walls next.