5 Tips for Dressing a Welcoming Bed: From Foundation to Finishing Touches

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, it's not just about the quality of your mattress and pillows. The overall look and feel of your bed can have a huge impact on how comfortable and inviting your bedroom is. We've all seen those perfectly styled hotel beds and wondered how to recreate that feeling at home. Fortunately, with a little attention to detail and some key pieces, it's easy to dress your bed for success. Here are five tips for creating a welcoming bed that you'll love to sink into every night.

1. Start with a good foundation

Before you even think about adding decorative pillows and throws, it's important to invest in high-quality bedding. Look for fluffy duvets and top-quality pillows with fillings that suit your preferences. Pay attention to details like fill power and construction to ensure that you're getting a product that will hold up over time. And don't be afraid to ask questions about animal welfare if you're concerned about the ethical implications of down products. A well-made foundation will provide the basis for a comfortable and inviting bed.

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2. Layer on the linens

Once you have a good foundation in place, it's time to start layering on the linens. This is where you can really have fun with color and texture. Consider adding a lightweight coverlet or quilt for added warmth and visual interest. Choose sheets that feel luxurious against your skin and coordinate with your overall color scheme. And don't forget to add a bed skirt to hide unsightly bed legs and create a cohesive look.

3. Mix and match pillows

When it comes to decorative pillows, there are no hard and fast rules. Mix and match different shapes, sizes, and textures to create a personalized look that suits your style. Consider using shams in the same fabric as your duvet cover for a streamlined look, then add in accent pillows in complementary colors or patterns. Don't be afraid to play with scale - oversized pillows can make a big impact and provide extra comfort.

4. Add a throw

A throw is the perfect finishing touch for a welcoming bed. Choose a cozy knit or soft fleece in a complementary color to drape over the foot of your bed. Not only does it add an extra layer of warmth, but it also creates a sense of texture and depth.

5. Don't forget the details

Finally, don't overlook the small details that can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your bed. Fluff your pillows every morning and evening to keep them looking plump and inviting. Steam or iron out any wrinkles in your bedding and bed skirt for a polished finish. And consider adding a few finishing touches like a scented candle or vase of fresh flowers to create a truly welcoming atmosphere.

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By following these five tips, you can create a bed that feels just as inviting as those in the top hotels and magazines. Whether you're getting ready for a restful night's sleep or just lounging with a good book, you'll love sinking into your cozy and stylish bed.

5 Tips for Placing Decorative Pillows Like a Pro: From Symmetry to Pillow Karate

Decorative pillows are a simple and effective way to add texture, color, and personality to any room. But, placing them can be tricky, and the wrong arrangement can make the space look cluttered or unbalanced. Whether you are looking to create a sleek and elegant look or a cozy and eclectic vibe, there are a few tips to keep in mind when placing decorative pillows.

1. Mirror Symmetry: This is a classic approach to placing decorative pillows. It involves using even groups of perfectly puffed pillows in exclusive fabrics. This technique works well in more formal settings, such as a traditional living room or a luxurious master bedroom.

2. Asymmetry and Triangle Shapes: If you are going for a modern and edgy look, consider using asymmetry and triangle shapes. Mix and match different patterns and colors, and play with the placement to create a unique and eye-catching arrangement.

3. Odd Numbers (2:1:2 Method): This is a popular technique used by interior designers to create balance and harmony. It involves placing two pillows of the same size at each end of the sofa, then adding a larger pillow in the middle, and finally, two smaller pillows in front of the larger one.

4. Pillow Karate: This may sound funny, but it's a standard trick among stylists to create a more casual and inviting look. The technique involves giving the pillows a chop at the top to create a notch and a shadow effect. This technique works well with glossy fabrics and strong patterns and is also great for concealing stains.

5. Tummy Strike: This is another variation of pillow karate, where you pat the middle of the cushion to create a more relaxed and cozy look. This technique works well with soft and fluffy pillows and is perfect for creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in your living room or bedroom.

Placing decorative pillows can be a fun and creative process. Whether you opt for symmetry or asymmetry, pillow karate, or tummy strike, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your space and personal style. With these tips, you'll be able to create a stunning and comfortable atmosphere that reflects your unique personality and taste.

Wallpaper: How to Choose the Perfect Pattern and Size for Your Space

When it comes to decorating a room, choosing the right wallpaper can make all the difference. Wallpaper not only adds color and texture to a space but can also create moods and visual effects. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect pattern and size for your space. Here are some tips and rules of thumb to help you make the right decision.

Consider the Architecture and Period of Your Home

Start by considering the architecture and period of your home. Whether you want to follow the style and age of your home or go against them, it's important to be aware of the patterns and forms that were popular when the house was designed. Each period has characteristic styles and patterns that you can choose from.

Choose the Right Pattern Size

The size of the room or the area of the wall can be a good pointer when it comes to choosing a pattern. A small room looks better with a small pattern, while a large room can handle a larger pattern. However, this rule of thumb should be taken with a grain of salt. Open-plan layouts can feel messy if every wall is papered with large patterns. Small patterns create a calm background that can help highlight individual objects, while large patterns tend to overwhelm objects.

Consider the Number of Colors on the Wallpaper

The number of colors on the wallpaper also influences the overall effect. The more colors, the more complex the pattern becomes. If you're not sure, choose a wallpaper with fewer colors, which creates a more cohesive look.

Choose the Right Wall

If you want a small impact, choose the smallest wall in the room. If you want a big impact, choose the largest wall or the first-impression wall.

Create Contrast with Doors and Moldings

Using wallpaper to create contrast with doors and moldings can be a great way to accentuate or camouflage them. Using wallpaper with a similar pattern to the molding can make the room feel narrower.

Choose the Right Pattern

When it comes to patterns, there are two main categories: organic/leafy and geometric/formal. Organic patterns include foliage, flowers, irregular designs with birds and animals, toile de Jouy, and paisley. Geometric patterns include geometrical shapes (e.g., triangles, squares, rectangles, rhomboids), stripes, checks, and houndstooth. Vary the size of the patterned structures to ensure that not all patterns have the same rhythm.

Wallpaper is a versatile and effective way to add color, texture, and pattern to a room. By following these tips and rules of thumb, you can choose the perfect pattern and size for your space. Remember to consider the architecture and period of your home, the number of colors on the wallpaper, and the right wall to make an impact. With these considerations in mind, you can create a space that reflects your personality and style.