DESIGNING a nursery for the very first time is an exciting task for new mums and dads, writes Gabrielle Fagan. Be inspired by royal parents-to-be Harry and Meghan and make baby's room the jewel in the crown of your home.

AT THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex's new home, Frogmore Cottage, Windsor, rumour has it the couple have chosen a fashionably gender-neutral grey-and-white colour scheme.

Meghan is known for her love of interior design and it's said she created a mood board with her decor inspirations, so her vision for Baby Sussex's room was perfectly interpreted.

Cameras and a state-of-the-art sound system are expected to be featured and, with their concern for the environment and keeping things natural, Harry and Meghan have apparently chosen eco-friendly paint.

With their desire for privacy, their little one's special room is unlikely to feature on their new SussexRoyal Instagram account, so we've asked the experts for their tips on preparing for baby's arrival.

- Create a magical kingdom

"Most of us aren't as lucky as Harry and Meghan when it comes to space, but there's a lot to be said for planning the layout of any nursery at the beginning," said Toks Aruoture, designer and founder of online nursery specialists,The Baby Cot Shop.

"Decide where you want the cot to be and then plan the rest of the layout with that in mind, so the space is practical, beautiful and fit for a new prince or princess."

Grey and white decor gives a "chic look that works in a contemporary or traditional nursery", said Toks.

"It's a versatile backdrop which can easily be enlivened with small pops of colour without disturbing the serene atmosphere essential for baby's room," she explained.

"The balance between grey and white will depend on the size of the room and the tone of grey. Smaller spaces should have more white as this reduces the absorption of light and will help to give the illusion of a larger space.

"Overall, parents are going for relaxed designs which stretch into a more "boho" style as they take a more baby-led approach to raising their children.

"There's a real focus on protecting the environment, with natural materials taking precedence this year - rattan and all organic products. Choose accessories such as a rug, cot canopy and blankets in different natural materials like wool, organic cotton and chenille, to add interest."

HER TIP: A wall mural will have a magical effect. Trending themes are safari (which could appeal to Meghan and Harry with Botswana, in Southern Africa, one of their favourite getaways) and classic nursery characters such as Peter Rabbit and Winnie-the-Pooh.

Nursery art in monochrome or framed family photographs are a lovely way to personalise the space.

- Colour up for classic style

"We still use colours that children find stimulating, such as pinks, blues and oranges, but mute them slightly to create a room that is calm and conducive to sleep," said Lucinda Croft, creative director of Dragons of Walton Street, which kitted out nurseries for Princes William and Harry, as well as their cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

"Pairing these with warm oatmeal, jute or light grey conjures a space that parents can really enjoy too, and ensures longevity of a scheme," said Lucinda.

"An enduring favourite for pattern is gingham, which is ultra-traditional."

As a fan of embroidered and beautifully patterned fabrics, Lucinda recommends Jane Churchill's Beatrix Potter fabric (£52 per metre, colefax.com) which is perfect for lampshades.

Meanwhile, Jane Churchill's pretty One Hundred Acre wallpaper (£56 per roll, johnlewis.com) depicts the settings for all Christopher Robin's adventures with Pooh, Piglet, Kanga and Eeyore.

- Make it personal

"Social platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest give parents the inspiration to mix and match colours and designs, to create nursery spaces that fit their personal style, rather than following a single theme," said Nicola Rodgers, head of design at nursery brand Mamas & Papas.

"While black, grey and white continue to feature as core gender-neutral tones, through the year we'll see shades of tan, stone and terracotta joining the palette.

"If you're looking for a shot of colour while maintaining a natural look, pale mint and peach will also be popular additions."

Nicola added: "One of our key themes is nautical - coastal icons, such as boats and sea life including whales, reflecting the interest and desire to protect marine environments."

"Circus-themed films, such as Dumbo, remind people of the fun of the fair, and our Big Top Tales has bright, playful characters and circus-style prints, patterns and wall art."