Bedside manner
I think of the bedroom as being a sanctuary where our tactile and visual senses have the opportunity to relax and revel in a peaceful and luxurious mood. The bed reigns supreme, and with the selection of bed linens available online and in stores, the atmosphere you choose to build is only limited by your imagination.
A good starting point when decorating a bedroom is the bed cover. It’s the focal point and will be the inspiration for the color of the walls, the window treatments and floor covering. The materials that make up the furnishings – the bed, bedside tables, dresser and chair – are also important elements. Wood, metal and plastic each tell their own story when mixed and matched with fabric designs and colors. Finland’s bright Marimekko fabrics are fun and fanciful paired with contemporary plastics or white metals. Fine cottons and linens are reminiscent of fine homes, paired with wood and wrought iron.
When it was time to compose sleeping spaces for my own home, my first thoughts centered on what fabulous fabric textures enhance a good night’s sleep. We all have our preferences, but for me the touch of smooth, crisp, high-quality cotton sheets feels glorious against the skin – high-end hotel sheets that are meant to make you feel special. Layering the bed with a combination of intriguing textures promotes visual interest. The duvet cover I chose is linen, a true classic with a slightly rougher finish that has rustic appeal.
The custom headboard is a favorite DIY project that is easy to assemble. A sheet of MDF (medium density fiberboard) is cut to whatever size or shape you want. It acts as a canvas behind the bed, creating any mood that suits. Wrap padding around the front and sides of the board and glue it in place. Then cover the headboard with fabric. Here I used vintage sacking material that had a fine stripe design, which runs one way on the headboard and then turned for the accent pillows. The sacking introduces another textural dimension to the bed. A final luxurious touch is the cashmere blanket folded neatly at the foot of the bed, ready to pull up for a bit of extra warmth and elegant indulgence.
The color palette is blue and white, a duo that fits any style. Blue is a soothing shade, signifying clear skies and cleansing water and produces a spa-like feel when coupled with white. There is nothing in the room that jars or is high energy.
Wood is a natural element that maintains the simplicity and rustic allure of the setting. A bench is always a good idea placed at the end of the bed, for perching while dressing and folding back bedlinens not needed at night. The old wood bench is light. The floating bedside tables, also made from old wood, are small and appear weightless, adding to the airy feeling of the rustic mood. Positioning tiny reading lights on the wall is a space-saver. The overall simplicity of this bedroom is captivating. Natural materials and uncomplicated style lines soothe and refresh. This is a wonderful space in which to let go and dream.
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