My Bed, My Bed, I Love My Bed!

Thomas Decker said: “Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” After spending several nights of missing that “golden chain”, I can relate as to how true his statement is! (I'll spare you the details of recent dental surgery.) During my recuperation, I appreciated the nurturing of my soft, layered bedding and special bed pillows, as they offered a little more solace to the discomfort of a pulsing jaw. High thread count sheets, fluffy pillows and cushioned mattresses shouldn’t be considered a frivolous luxury. They are part of promoting the healing process our bodies need to experience - whether recovering from an illness or just the events of the previous day. Sleep deprivation, and the impact on our health, has been a well-covered topic by many authors and the media.

Fortunately, sources for these well-made items are found across the country and are also available through specialty shops, chain outlets and on the net. If you live in a metropolitan area, it is definitely worth your while to head out for a visit to some of your local shops. There is nothing like having your hand involved in the selection process of bedcoverings. All large thread count processes are not always created equally and your local shop owners will be able to offer good examples. Aside from varieties of cotton, there are also washable silks and organic products, should you be looking to eliminate dyes or elements which create sensitive skin reactions.

I have to admit, while Frette linens are considered to be the epitome of all, I have always been pleased with the performance of my Ralph Lauren sheets. They begin with a soft hand and seem to “age” nicely and with no pilling. I also love the patterns of Yves Delorme and Sferra for layering pillows and duvet covers. DeWoolfson Down, a NC-based manufacturer of down duvets, pillows and other bed accessories, offers pillows for every preference. They will even add extra filling, should you go too soft and need more firmness. Their summer weight silk comforter is just right for southern nights and it feels like you are wrapped in baby bedding!

If you are starting from scratch, you can begin layering the perfect bed with good basics investments, knowing they will be long-lasting, while you are in the process of completion. If you aren’t a big fan of contrasting patterns and colors, you can use subtle tone-on-tone designs and personalize with a monogram. A great sheet ensemble, blanket and blanket cover, euro shams and pillows will get the process off to a good start. Also remember, Americans usually don’t buy mattress sets as often as they should, so pay attention to the quality and construction. Even within the same brand, there are “Good, Better, Best” options. I love the Kingsdown product and their attention to engineering for the best night’s sleep. They are another “made in NC/USA” company. I am still in the process of connecting the links of that golden chain of sleep. I didn't anticipate needing extra recovery time to get back to the old, but new self! Fortunately, typing requires no activity of the jaw. If I am tired, I can pull back from the keyboard and curl up with a good book and a warm cup of tea.

To lead you off to slumberland, I'll leave you with a fun bedtime poem from R. Riecke Gernon:

"My bed, My bed, I love my bed.
It rests my feet, it rests my head.
It brings me sleep from dreadful days.
It clears my brain from misty haze.
It rests my neck, it rests my back.
I love to spend time in my sack.
It rests my eyes, it rests my heart.
It brings each morn a brand new start.
It rests my hands, it rests my toes.
Whatever else it rests, who knows."
So even though it’s seldom said.
My! Oh how I love my bed!

(Photo credits - Yves Delorme, DeWoolfson Fine Linens)

AVA Living Honors ICBW Again!

AVA Living - an interior design focused website - http://www.avaliving.com/ - has been so kind to Interior Concepts by Wanda -aka - Interior Concepts by Wanda - or - aka - me! I submitted my blog on "Vanilla doesn't have to be boring!", and they recently published it on the first page of the site. I think it might stay posted for a few more days. Being more of a modest person, I don't do the "tooting of my own horn" thing, very well, but I know people really do want to know about the latest happenings, especially past clients, with whom I love to maintain contact.

I'll get back to blogging with more useful information, this weekend. Thanks for indulging me this one little "toot"!

Nature's Influence

It must be the prediction of four straight days of a chilly rain that has me either - 1. Dreaming of the upcoming spring weather. -or - 2. In the mood for nesting, which always has me switching things around the house. In either case, I was browsing through one of my trade vendor sources, Sedgefield by Adams, to see what might be new. I found myself drawn towards these organic shapes and just had to share them. The twig bracket, with the frogs, was much too fun to pass up. They are full of whimsey, and yet, somehow, offer an element of sophistication.

I'd better warn my husband to head for far away places, on Saturday. I feel a "redesign" coming on!

"Vanilla" Isn't The Same As "Milk Toast"

Vanilla . . . It either conjures up thoughts of being one of the more rare and rich of flavorings, as it is one of the second most expensive spices, after Saffron – or - one typically references it to something plain and ordinary, such as being one of the most common flavors of ice cream. It is also can be used in the same context as "milk toast". I know I have been guilty of commenting about design, color palettes, and the like, with the latter in mind. If I had taken more time to think of the more exotic version, the beautiful orchid, and the tedious process of cultivating and producing the finished product, I would have taken more care in connecting this label to anything in interior design. Come to think of it, “Vanilla”, while it can stand well on its own, is also a wonderful compliment to many other flavors.

Thanks to the wonderful examples on the House Beautiful and the Veranda websites, (Click on image to enlarge), I have created a collage of rooms. What these rooms all have in common, are the beautiful, creamy – or vanilla, neutral backgrounds – and – how different they all are! Some rooms may be quieter in their overall palette, while others just burst from the page with color. Can you imagine; however, the starting point of each space? If these rooms were visited, before all of the layers of color, pattern, texture and design elements were placed, they would be almost certain to receive a “ho-hum” response. To coin a phrase from an old commercial, something akin to, “Where’s the beef?” could be heard.

If you love the idea of color, but you: 1. Are a little commitment phobic, 2. Change your mind at the drop of a hat, 3. Move around a lot, or, 4. Simply can’t make up your mind, then Vanilla – aka - Neutrals may be the perfect solution for you. Think of the many other ways you can pop color into the room. Rugs, art, pillows, lamps and collections, all offer instant gratification as well as flexibility. You can adapt to the seasons, with deeper tones in the fall and winter, and with lighter versions in the spring and summer. Even furniture pieces can be painted to add strength and character to the room.

The only downside of the use of neutrals would be if you are not able to bring in some of the items, mentioned above, to pull together a finished look. If you have limited resources, then it might be less expensive to pick one pop of color on the walls, and let the room(s) be built over time. If you have the understanding and patience to allow for layers to be accumulated, and you want the flexibility to pick and chose, then neutrals can be a wonderful design solution.

Mmmmm – Vanilla and coffee – or – chocolate – or orange – or strawberry – or mint – or . . . . ?