Tag Archives: Bedroom Design

Bedroom Design: The Power of Two

Post by Erin Sears.

Many years ago when I was an art student I took a course in the Art and Culture of Western Africa. My professor was a lovely man and a consummate storyteller. One of the tales he shared with us was about the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The Yoruba have the highest rate of twin births in the world. Twins are revered in their culture and seen to be fortunate. They are given special names and the entire community rejoices at their birth. The story that stuck with me the most is that for Yoruba people, the first twin born is actually considered to be the younger twin. This twin enters the world and checks things out, letting the older, more dominant twin know that it’s safe to be born. Throughout the years, amongst twins I’ve known, I’ve seen this pattern repeated time and time again. The firstborn twin is the twin that is more extroverted and active, while the second born twin carries a quiet wisdom and confidence.

What does this have to do with bedroom design? Twin beds show up frequently in good design. Just like with their human counterparts, twin beds add something special to a room. Twin beds give a room symmetry and balance.  They are both a bold and an innocent choice, reminding us of our youth and the good fortune of having enough room for everyone. Twin beds are not just for children; they are often enjoyed in vacation homes and guest rooms- joyous spaces that are meant to be shared with others.

Here are some of my favorite sets of twins:

Source: http://myoldcountryhouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/monday-makeover-twin-beds.html

The graphic prints of the headboard and the two rugs really attract me to this room.  If you head over to the blog, it shows the transformation of these beds from yard sale find to what you see above. Really cool DIY idea.

 

Source:  House Beautiful

The sweet sophistication of this room makes me want to curl up in one of these beds and sleep for a really long time. Clearly, the room pictured is for a child, but what I find compelling is that the room also has real “adult” furniture and accessories that make it versatile. Anyone could sleep comfortably here.


Source: http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/img.htm?404/404_4_10g.jpg


Turquoise! Tufted velvet! These unique twin headboards could be dressed up with different linens for adults, but are totally kid appropriate too.

May twin beds bring good fortune to your home.

For more on the Yoruba people of Nigeria and their magical twins: http://www.randafricanart.com/Yoruba_Customs_and_Beliefs_Pertaining_to_Twins.html

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Bedroom Design: Hooray for Houndstooth!

Post by Laura Cheng.

Houndstooth is one of my all time favorite graphic patterns. From iconic Chanel to daring Alexander McQueen, it has been a Scottish inspiration on the runaway for centuries. And for all my football fans reading this, houndstooth can be summed up in 2 words: Bear Bryant.  Its versatile, graphic pattern can be as daring or as subtle as one would like. Fun fact for the day: a smaller-scale version of the pattern is called “puppytooth”! How cute! If I ever wanted to give my bedroom a dose of good, old-fashioned sophistication and elegance, there is no doubt I would utilize this pattern.

I love the crushed velvet orange bed frame in the bedroom, but what I really noticed was the houndstooth rug. Its crisp black and white pattern is the perfect preppy fall accent. There’s another trend here that also caught my eye. Just as layering clothes keeps you warm, layering rugs have a similar effect. Not only does the technique add visual interest and texture to the floor, but it’s also so practical and easy to mimic. A quiet sisal rug as the base layer happily allows the houndstooth pattern to strut its monochromatic colors and anchor the space in the bedroom. And for the finishing touch that is essential but often overlooked, a vase of roses in a balancing hue keeps the bedroom timeless and romantic.

Source: http://shaylacopas.com/design-trends/2011-trend-houndstooth-in-your-home/

Usually, houndstooth is black and white, but it can also appear in varying shades.  It is just as, if not more,  wonderful in shades of red or navy.  Or if black and white is too bold and busy,  a nice neutral beige can often be the answer. This handsome wool throw by Moon of England is complements any bedroom decor without overwhelming the space.

Source: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/moon-houndstooth-throw-blanket-new-wool~p~4654r/

On the opposite spectrum, if I was looking for a statement piece, this one of a kind Pied-de-Poule armoire  by Seletti would be it. Getting dressed on groggy fall mornings will be definitely be more interesting with a jolt of fun and drama. The armoire is made of MDF with a silkscreened houndstooth pattern. I’m not quite sure where I would put it yet, but what I am sure of is I’d have a psychedelic start to any day.

 

Source: http://www.selettiboutique.co/seletti-trip-wardrobe-the-trip-furniture-pied-de-poule.html

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Bedroom Design: Breakfast in Bed

Post by Erin Sears.

Fall is officially upon us.  As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, I am sleeping more.  The long days of summer have passed me by and I want to curl up and be cozy.  When I read the Charles P. Rogers Bed Blog, I am frequently left drooling by Alison Hein’s delectable Breakfast in Bed blog posts.  They make me believe that I can actually cook and have inspired me to go for it!  However, if I’m going to actually eat in bed I need a way to do it that is stylish, affordable, and won’t ruin my sheets.  This brings me to breakfast trays.  It turns out that there is a breakfast tray available for every décor.  Here are some of my favorites along with my personal fantasies to accompany them:

The I-want-to-pretend-that-I-live-in-a-cottage-by-the-sea tray.

Source:  www.alsohome.com

The I-live-in-the-French-countryside tray.  Handsome Frenchman not included.

  Source:  www.thekitchn.com

The My-life-at-the-spa-Southern-California-I-can-hardly-be-bothered-to-take-off-my-terry-cloth-robe tray.


Source:  www.dwr.com/product/fiona-teak-tray.do?sortby=ourPicks

The I’m-having-a-bed-party-and-you’re-invited-heirloom tray.


Source:  http://www.cupcakesforparty.com/2010/03/no-cook-breakfast-in-bed-for-two.html

The I-will-buy-this-immediately-as-soon-as-I-learn-Italian tray. Ti amo!


Source:  http://www.mrless-mrsmore.com/project/products/vassoio_battista.html

I hope that you find the breakfast tray of your dreams too.  Enjoy fall, enjoy food, and let the nesting begin!

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Bedroom Design: Fit For a Queen

Post by Erin Sears.

When I was a girl, I never wanted to be a princess.  I wanted to be QUEEN.  With red hair, pale skin, and the middle name Elizabeth, I was sure I was a royal descendant.  The meager contents of my current bank account not withstanding, I still believe in decorating on a large scale.  Your home and your bedroom in particular, is a reflection of who you are as a person.  At home, you have the total freedom to surround yourself with furniture and objects that inspire you and make you feel good.  Why play small?  Go for it!  Good furniture is an essential investment that will pay off for years to come.  You don’t have to look far for this kind of luxury.  The Charles P. Rogers website can provide you with many stunning options. I still want to be queen and this week I’d like to highlight some beautiful beds that could make you feel like royalty as well.

First, the new Tansy platform bed in white leather.  Gorgeous! A perfect place to wake in the morning prepared to meet your royal subjects.

Tansy Leather Platform Bed

Nothing says drama and opulence like a canopy bed.  For real.  If we’re being honest, a lot of us dreamed of having a bed like this when were kids.  You’re a grown up now, so it’s time to make those childhood dreams a reality.  This one is the Cairo Canopy Bed with Bell Top.  I like it with the finial option.  If you’re going to do it, you might as well go all the way, right?

Cairo Bell Top Iron Canopy Bed

Finally, we have the Marseille Bed in the black and gold finish or antique white.  It’s the perfect way to display your coat of arms with pride.

Marseille Forged Iron Bed

All beds can be found on the Charles P. Rogers website and are offered at a variety of price points that won’t empty your kingdom’s coffers.  May you and yours have a wonderful nights rest. Sincerely, the QUEEN

Source for all photos: www.charlesprogers.com

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Bedroom Design: Mapping It Out

Post by Laura Cheng.

When I was young, my parents had a large wall map of the United States in the office with thin, flagged pushpins of all the places that we had travelled to. Year after year, it was a wonderful sight to see the map overcome with pin holes, sometimes running out of room to insert a pushpin where the cities were close together (ie Fort Worth and Dallas). Maps make fantastic  bedroom décor because they remind  me of my past travels, or unique places that I have yet to travel to. Besides the memories they elicit, I drawn to their intricate designs, which bring a striking graphic artform into the bedroom.

Traditionally, a map is framed onto the wall. However, when shopping for map décor, I like to think off the wall. Map motifs can be found on headboards, as a welcome surprise in a nightstand drawer, and even handsomely stitched on a quilt.

This headboard is transformed into a statement piece with decoupage medium. The bold colors of the map make it one of a kind furniture item.  This bright, vibrant visual is made the center of attention by keeping the rest of the bedroom fairly simple. By choosing a map of an area with personal interest, you can go to bed dreaming of all the places that have been travelled or will be travelled to.

 

Source: http://www.bhg.com/blogs/centsational-style/2012/08/11/decorating-with-maps-globes/

For a more subtle integration, install “map liners” in your nightstand drawers. Each time you open them, you will be reminded of great places. A favorite paper map can also be adhered to the bottom and sides of a drawer as an unexpected and novel way to decorate your bedroom. If you don’t already have a favorite map, it’s a great way for wanderlusts to start collecting them on their next trip. Or for those homebodies, skip the been there done that, and join your local AAA.  If you’re a homeowner, get a survey of your home. If you’re a programming print the Matrix screen saver. Maps can be of many things, including blueprints and even so much as cryptic computer code.

 

Source: http://simplifiedbee.blogspot.com/2011/04/decorating-ideas-using-maps.html

For an unforgettable memory, get a custom stitched map quilt. For $450, the creative folks at Haptic Lab will design you a limited edition quilt of a major city. I am partial to this one of New York City.

 

Source: http://www.hapticlab.com/products/quiltmapnyc

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