PARACHUTE’S SOFT LANDING
Ariel Kaye founded the brand Parachute in Los Angeles in 2014 to sell high-quality bedding. She became known for her soft, comfortable sheets, towels, robes, rugs and mattresses. Her first book, How to Make a House a Home, was released this spring. Here a
Q What types of sheets should I purchase to avoid overheating at night?
A Linen is a great fabric for summer for those living in hot and humid climates. Linen fibres are hollow, which allows air and moisture to move throughout. Ancient Egyptians prized the fabric for its wicking properties and breathability. It’s actually a great fabric year-round; during the winter months, the hollow fibre acts as a natural insulator and helps retain body warmth as temperatures drop. Swap out your duvet cover and heavier insert for a lightweight quilt or a top sheet to avoid overheating.
Q I have a hard time finding soft throws that are washable. Why are these hard to find?
A Throws are generally made from more delicate fabrics such as merino wool, alpaca and cashmere. The texture and quality of the fabric is what makes a good throw so nice to cuddle up in. Personally, I love to use our quilt on the couch when I want to read a book or watch some TV. It’s made from linen and percale, so it’s the ideal weight for getting cosy. Plus, it’s machine-washable.
Q I’m trying to make my bed a sanctuary. I find my husband and I relish freshly laundered sheets in this stressful time, so I seem to be changing our bed linens twice a week. What else do you recommend to enhance that experience?
A We recommend washing linens every seven to 10 days. If you feel like changing them more frequently, I would add a wool dryer ball to your machine to soften the fabric and decrease the drying time. I love to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to my dryer balls to make my laundry smell even more fresh and inviting.
Q: What are the best ways to make a new one-bedroom apartment feel like home for someone in their mid-20s, especially when on a budget?
A: Play with colour and texture to create a warm and comfortable vibe. I love white walls and soft greys or tans to create a sense of calm; a fresh layer of paint can be done inexpensively. I also love to add soft touches. A cosy rug, layered blankets and a wall hanging or framed art add dimension to any room.
Q: How do I care for bedsheets? The front-loading machines can really take their toll on fabrics.
A: We recommend you use low heat in both the washer and dryer. Use dryer balls to help reduce the time it takes to dry sheets. Never overload the machine. Wash and dry sheets alone; avoid throwing in other clothing items at the same time, especially those with zippers.
Q We want to make our home office brighter. It has a rust-coloured grass cloth on the walls that makes the room feel dark. There is cherry furniture in the room: a desk, floor-to-ceiling bookcases with a laptop area in the middle, and hardwood floors. What would you suggest for wall colour? Our style is closest to transitional with neutral colours in the adjacent entry hall and kitchen.
A I love a neutral colour palette and would stick to whites, soft greys and tans as a juxtaposition to the darker elements in the room. Take cues from the adjacent entry hall as a way to connect the spaces and create a flow.
Q Do pillowcases need to be washed more frequently than bedsheets?
A Pillowcases tend to get more dirty because of the oils on your skin and in your hair. Although they don’t need to be washed more frequently, if you think they could benefit from an extra wash, I would suggest doing so every five days and your sheets every seven to 10.
Q What is one furniture or design staple that you think is overdone right now?
A I think people often get carried away by trends and can try to incorporate too many into their space when they are first getting started. It’s easy to get caught up in the “of-the-moment” look, and within a few months you have a house full of mismatched styles. When I see a new item for the home, I usually give myself a week before I purchase to make sure I really like it, need it in my home and see it fitting in with my esthetic. I am also a firm believer that design is never “done.” Especially when you move into a new space, it’s nice to give yourself time to get to know the bones, the architecture and how you are using the rooms, and take design cues from experience.
Q I want to bring some colour to my bedding instead of the all-white looks that are popular now, but I can’t seem to take the plunge. Any tips?
A An all-white bed is always a beautiful and classic look. Adding a more colourful quilt would be a great way to test the waters of bringing colour to your bedding palette. It’s a great layering piece with the warmer months approaching. A nice grey or blush quilt would look beautiful with an all-white bedding set. I might also try an accent colour with euro shams.
Q I’m going to be in my backyard a lot this summer. What are your tips for making outdoor spaces comfy?
A I am also spending a lot of time in the backyard these days. I love to bring out a quilt and a bunch of decorative pillows for a relaxing and comfortable setup on the grass. I’ve also added more pillows and some cotton throws that are easy to wash to our outdoor couches, so they are even more comfortable. Delicious food and a great drink also make the outdoors more comfy.