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Posts Tagged ‘flat rate interior design’
Years ago, I was introduced to the concept of being intentional about bedding. Sure, I had coordinating shams and comforter, but how intentional is a bed-in-a-bag? I mean, does that really provide a quality nights sleep, or a place that you look forward to falling into night after night, or give you that “I don’t want to leave this” feeling? Splurging on high quality sheeting was so frivolous…so expensive…so unnecessary.
Then, I became aware. You know—one of those “Ah Ha!” moments. I slipped into a bed that was like a cloud. The soft featherbed wrapped around me with silky-soft Egyptian cotton sheeting and my eyes were opened, even as they were quickly shutting to get the best sleep in a long, long time. In short order, we made some changes in how we dressed our bed and it is now affectionately known as “The Cotton Ball.”
Later, coincidentally, I worked in a luxury linens boutique for several years and learned even more about the elements to the perfect bed. The quality and composition of the foundations, the linens, and even the accessories all add to the overall sleep experience.
It is indeed an experience…it’s tactile… it’s emotional…it’s completely sensory. We spend 1/3 of our lifetimes sleeping. Lack of, or even unsatisfying, sleep has been known to cause a multitude of illnesses, mental issues, and relational problems. Why not pay closer attention to the environment of sleep—specifically what we choose to sleep in and on?
The next few articles will break down the essential elements of a luxurious, well-dressed bed. Like most things, there is quite a range in quality and price of each of the elements. You could spend $50 for a king-sized Egyptian cotton sheet set from a big-box store, or you could spend $500 for a similar set from a luxury linens manufacturer. Yes, there are differences—it’s not just a label game. The whole bed (not including the mattresses) can cost around $300 for low-end products to over $5,000 (easily!) for the true, luxury bedding ensemble.
Take the information and make it yours and in your budget. Start with sheeting. Buy the best you can afford or even slightly above. They will last longer, feel better and you are worth it…but more on that later.
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY ONE:
The basics of a well-dressed bed
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY TWO:
The foundations: Featherbeds, down comforters and oh so many pillow choices…
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY THREE:
Sheeting basics: Sateen, percale, cotton and alternative fibers
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THE GUIDE TO THE WELL-DRESSED BED—DAY FOUR:
Bedding design: From simple to elegant, the décor of the boudoir
From Apartment Therapy (Image: 1. Kivik Sofa from Ikea 2. Reid Sofa at DWR 3. Massimo sofa from Poltrona Frau)
I recently helped my parents buy a new sectional. Sound easy?
Not really.
There are so many factors that go into manufacturing furniture that it’s hard to know really what you’re getting for the price tag. Frame construction, padding materials, foam or down cushions—or a combination of both…. It can be confusing. Throw in any amount of frugality and the choice gets even more difficult. It is probably easier to buy a car.
The New York Times featured an EXCELLENT article on the differences in low- and high-end couches, including construction and how to make an informed purchase.
Notable comments:
• “They say only rich people can afford to buy cheap stuff.”
• “Unlike fashion, where you pay for style and name but not necessarily construction, with a sofa…you are paying for quality.”
• A purchase (is) conditional on your life stage.
Read the full article at The New York Times.
Doing a proper “test” on a sofa is very important, as my parents discovered. Having a side-by-side seating test between the cheap, starter sofas and finer brands showed pretty stark differences, especially in the cushions and the anticipated life span.
Give yourself some time, both in the overall search and in the time to do the sit-test. Purchasing two $700 sofas four years apart because they fall apart is still more expensive than a nicer sofa that will last for many, many years.
I have many fine furniture options available for you: Baker, Hickory White, Fairfield, Bernhardt, Hekman, Leathercraft, Dwell Studio for Precedent, Harden and many others that offer a wide range of styles and endless fabric/finish options.
Contact me if you would like help chosing the right sofa for your needs.
Have a project planned for 2013? Come visit the Springfield HBA Home Show and learn about new products and make connections with qualified professionals in all areas of home and garden design, construction and renovation.
Plus, I’d love to visit with you and see if eDECORATING, the innovative online design package, can be helpful in accomplishing your home remodeling goals. I’ll be at the Springfield Design Association booth on Friday from 11:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. While you’re there, make an appointment for an in-home consultation, plus you will receive a coupon code for 15% off of your eDECORATING plan.
I look forward to meeting you!
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Contact me to make an in-home design appointment or for more information on eDECORATING!
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