Have a little bit of fun with it!

Layers, layers, layers! They really are the hidden secret to a well made bed. And it really can be easy at 1, 2, 3! How you choose to make your bed is totally up to you and can often end up being a reflection of your personality. We like our beds made with lush fabrics, clean linens and stark cottons. We tend to love lighter color palettes but every once in a while when we find a delicious print or floral pattern.. we spice things up!

Step 1 - It's all about your foundation!

Let your personal style do the talking here with a choice of a patter or solid, perhaps in your favorite hue. For a soft and inviting feel, don't be afraid to add multiple layers here - comforter, duvet cover, bed quilt.. and most importantly, try to avoid a one and done approach. The best part about having multiple 'base' layers is that they can of course vary in fabric. Above, we've chosen to go with Bella Notte Linens for both the linen and the velvet throws. In additional to our custom silk bedskirt, the layers begin to make your bed look anything but ordinary!

Step 2 - Throw pillows are anything but optional!

This is where you can really mix colors and patterns. Often clients assume that decorative pillows must repeat a color from your quilt, duvet or comforter - and really, that's not a hard and fast rule. They absolutely can be similar but we would discourage you from purchasing the exact same color of decorative pillows. And for good reason - you can create a more interesting look by again featuring multiple fabrics. In our case, it is the type of fabric (linen and velvet) that is tying the bed all together not necessary the same color. Also try to think of colors on a gradient scale.. hues can have a subtle node to the dominant theme without being exactly like it.

Step 3 - It's all about how you put it together!

We're not afraid to take risks and we certainly don't mind having a little bit of fun when it comes to making our beds. We found these amazing Designers Guild pillow shames with the most gorgeous floral pattern we've seen in a while. Of course, we knew we had to have them but even for us they were a little bit out there. However, looking at the bed pictured above, you'd never know that was the case! The one aspect that makes these floral shams work is that they tie in our color scheme perfectly. Our decorative Bella Notte Linen pillows are able to become the center of attention with such a strong and beautiful backdrop that these shams create.

This bed in particular has luscious rosier hues that dabble in lavender. Meanwhile, our Bella Notte Linen ruffled throw is a powerful charcoal navy-gray combination that lends itself to a natural progression to the stark black shams with bright rose accents. Overall, this bed does a wonderful job of presenting a collective look by following these three easy steps! Remember, creating the perfect look for your bed is nothing to lose sleep over so make sure you select from a wide array of bedding options that allow you to dress your bed based on all your favorite indulgences!

Captivating and collectable.. What more could you want?!

Probably the number one question that clients ask us is 'how do I know what I should start collecting?' And the truth of the matter is, it should be 'something' that resonates with you. It doesn't have to be this well thought out strategy of what will go with my current interior decor or do I have the proper cabinet for this.. and I'm sure you can come up with the rest of the 'what if' questions yourself. The number one takeaway always seems to be that the things we fill our homes with are specific and unique to us - and frankly, that is what makes them eclectic. In other words, unique.

Within the last few years we began collecting Oriental art, figures, objects.. because we personally found them captivating.

Asian craftspeople have been making ceramic, clay, or porcelain figurines and vases for thousands of years. Figurines are typically cast in the desired shape and then refined with hand carving. Most pieces require layers of glaze to be applied to enhance the beauty of each piece. The porcelain or ceramic most often associated with Oriental pieces is that of a paper-thin consistency. For example, if you were to hold up the vase pictured above to the light you could see right through it. This type of craftsmanship adds to the complexity of this art form and of course, increases the desirability and value for such pieces.

Now, you know we love anything and everything with meaning. And not only do these Oriental pieces have a deep and rich history that follows them but they also have little hidden meanings. The children figurines are symbolic of a gift you would give to someone on their birthday. And instead of their little boards saying 'happy birthday' they say 'long life'. And in our home, we'd probably like to call that good juju for your home! Bring it on!

Finally, it's important to recognize that like anything - Oriental figurines, vases, art has been mass produced. Many are considered to be a far cry from originals while there remain few that are exemplary craftsmanship - reproduction or not. For us, although we try to do our best to authenticate pieces and purchase from trusted sources - you never really know what it is that you are collecting. But if you're like us, half the fun is the hunt for new pieces, the research into the history and meanings of each and then the very last bit is the authentication process. So we encourage you to enjoy the process of collecting - regardless of what you choose to collect! And remember, more is always more!