Try This At Home

Last week my friend Marsha at the dreamy lifestyle and fashion blog Splenderosa posted a photo of one of my favorite bedrooms of all time. We were both coming off bad colds and were thinking of comfort, and while we love the tranquil feeling of this room, agreed that for it to be perfect we would need to change the bedside tables and lamps - these were too small to be practical for us. Marsha said, let's do it...let's post what we'd substitute if this was our own.

photo: The White Company via Achica

I love a little fantasy decorating so I was all over it. I need to have some storage in my night table, preferably drawers, but I don't like anything big beside the bed. As for lighting, I prefer a 'swing-arm' style wall fixture mounted next to the headboard because I read in bed and don't like to have too much on the surface of my bedside table. And, I am very particular about light levels so the light output needs to be adjustable with a dimmer switch. Here is what I would swap in.

Available in over a dozen finishes, the Bedside Table with Three Drawers from Chelsea Textiles provides ample storage in a compact size, 20" wide by 15" deep.

Circa Lighting is always my first stop for light fixtures. I love the quatrefoil detail on the Griffin Swing Arm  lamp by Suzanne Kasler for Circa. Available in two finishes, this fixture also comes standard with the essential dimmer.

While it was fun to think of customizing the room to my particular needs, Marsha suggested expanding on the idea and recreating the rest of the room which we agreed was divine. Yes! And as Marsha has a background in fashion, jewelry design and wardrobe styling, why not imagine wearing the cozy feeling of this room? Remember Domino magazine's monthly feature Turn This Outfit into a Room? Well, Marsha is turning this room into an outfit. Have a look at my picks for a perfect sanctuary below and then head over to Splenderosa to see Marsha's style and creativity at work.

I should begin by saying I take sleep very seriously. I believe it is as important a part of nurturing one's health as nutritious food and exercise, and I make a big effort to ensure the whole family gets enough quality sleep.

So let's start with the wall color. While I am nursing a crush on white rooms at the moment, I need something more serene in my bedroom than stark white. Currently my room is Benjamin Moore's pale grey Athena. Having just read a post on Remodelista entitled 10 Secrets for a Better Night's Sleep, I am interested in trying one of their recommended colors, Ben Moore's French Canvas. 

On to the bed....I like the simple, clean lines of the upholstered base in the Belgian Slipcovered Parsons Headboard and Bed Skirt from Restoration Hardware.

Of the many fabrics available to choose from, I would order the slipcover in 'sand' Belgian linen.

I am a devotee the Italian Linen Plain-Sewn Bedding from Cuddledown. As you might recall from this previous post, it is one of the 10 Things I Can't Live Without - sheets in white, duvet cover in flax. 

As for the duvet, I recommend Cuddledown's 800 Fill Power Sateen Down Comforter. I use the 'level 2' because we keep our room very cold at night (the thermostat is set at 58°) as I believe one sleeps better in a cold room. And, I have to have the window open - how wide depends on the outside temp. The company's website has a formula to help you choose the ideal weight comforter based on the nighttime temperature range of your bedroom and how your body responds to it. I promise you will never sleep better.

New additions...the original photo is actually from one of my favorite shops in the UK, The White Company. My sister, who lives in London, introduced me their luxurious bedding and bath towels a few years ago. I think the Loire Throw and Pillows would add some nice texture to the linen bed.

Or, the Chunky Hand Knit Throw if you want a little color contrast.

I love mirrors - the bigger, the better - and I saw this beauty at Tone on Tone during my visit to the DC area last year. I am not sure if it is still available - if not, Loi undoubtedly has something equally spectacular.

While we are shopping at Tone on Tone, in the mirror is reflected a pretty armoire. I love this 19th-century, Swedish Gustavian piece that Loi recently added to the shop. 

On the floor...I'd put one of these wool flokatis from World Market on either side of the bed. I can't imagine anything would feel better underfoot. 

Lastly, the chandelier...I like the shape of the French empire-style chandelier pictured in the rafters and I imagine the crystals cast a lovely glow. I have a history of splurging on light fixtures and that for my dream bedroom is no exception. This example is from antiques dealer Jean-Marc Fray and is featured on their website here. 

Thank you, Marsha, for suggesting this fun idea. If you haven't yet visited Splenderosa, head over now. You will want to see the wonderful giveaway Marsha has included for one lucky reader.