Project Design and How to make a Beautiful Bed.

First ... Happy Friday! It has been a hectically wonderful week. You know Feast or Famine as my Mother used to say. This week ... a Feast. Projects coming to a head and things are happening NOW.

But ... back to today. Cindy and MaryAnn brought some fantastic bloggers together to share their thoughts on ...

"How to Make a Beautiful Bed."

I am thrilled to be apart of this group as I have shared with you that in the Winter I truly like to cocoon. It gets dark at 4:30 pm in New England in December. Yes, that means I want to break out the wine a little earlier than I should, and I hate to drive to and from school activities in the dark. But what keeps me focused is creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in our home.

The Bedroom is big for me because I find that it is more fun to cozy up in bed to watch a movie in the winter time and the dogs and kids are all welcome!

Back in the Spring Don and I made the commitment to finish our bedroom. I have to tell you that I believe the bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house.

Yes, it is normal to want your guests to see the pretty stuff and not worry about what is behind closed doors. HOWEVER ... at night, it is important IMHO that you have a place to relax and feel special. No laundry piles, no work (well ... maybe a laptop every now and then) and no clutter. This is where you are truly supposed to feel pampered!

Here's my simple formula for making a beautiful bed ...

1. Layering.... and the best place to start is a simple white Matouk duvet cover. Without a down insert in the summer ... with one in the winter. I lean toward a monogram!

2. Complementary Coverlet/Blanket at the foot of your bed. It looks pretty, and then gives you a little weight when you need it. I like weight.

3. Pillows - For a king bed I like 3 European Shams with an accent lumbar. For a Queen I like 2 Standard shams with a lumbar. Pretty ... and great for propping up!

4. Headboards - Fabric headboards come in so many shapes, sizes and price points. I chose Thibaut for mine.

Take a look at these from Oomph! And notice the simple white linens ... but with a contrast stripe for punch!

Or Paint. If you don't want to go the Fabric Headboard route, consider painting a wood bed that might need an update, like I did for a client here ...

And my blogger friend Pam, did here on this four poster bed for a client of hers ... isn't it fantastic!

5. And while it doesn't sound like much, I mentioned this on Wednesday ... try some lavender detergent on your sheets. You'll sink in and relax on command! Let the Beauty touch your Smell, Touch and Sight senses!

6. Pattern and texture. High and Low. All in the mix ... I did this bed for a client with a headboard from Arhaus furniture, Custom accent pillows, and bedding from Pottery Barn.

I hope as you begin to cocoon this fall and set up your bedroom that you will think about layering and taking care of what touches your senses as you slumber away.