COOL DOWN FOR WARMER WEATHER
With spring just around the corner, it’s time to lose those heavy quilts and wool blankets
One of the exciting things about Canada is the changing seasons — yes, spring is less than two weeks away. Not only do we get to change wardrobes, we also get to create a different level of comfort in our homes. One of the first areas I focus on is the bedroom. Incorporating spring bedding trends and increasing cool comfort on the bed is a great way to welcome the soon-to-be warmer weather. Here are a few changes to make before your head hits the pillow.
SHEETS
Bed sheets are a personal preference that many people differ on. I, for one, cannot sleep on sheets that have synthetic blends. I get way too hot and feel like I am smothering in plastic. Buying a set of quality sheets made of natural fibres offers a few advantages: the longer fibres (found in quality cotton and linen sheets) allow for better wear, easier ironing and give a soft, luxurious sheen to the overall look. For casual summer looks, I like to line-dry my sheets and pillowcases and not iron at all. I love how the soft wrinkles give a casual look to the bed. In the guest room or for those who prefer a more formal look, ironing and starch is the way to go for a hotel-like, pristine sheet.
PILLOWS
I admit, I am a two-pillow kind of guy in the winter. Snuggling into one soft pillow with a second firm pillow for support creates a cosy comfort for me. But in summer, there’s no need to snuggle to keep warm; one pillow is just fine. A good memory foam for support and a washable pillow cover (look for pillow protectors with features like Coolmax technology, which promotes air flow and wicks away moisture) will help you keep your cool on the hottest of nights.
BEDTIME FASHION
The change of seasons is the time to say goodbye to the heavy comforters and faux fur and chenille throws. Switch to cooler-feeling materials like cotton, linen and thinner summer-weight quilts. Look for lots of colour and pattern to layer an eclectic or ethnic feel to your warm-weather bed. Want to add strong colour to an existing neutral bed? Hang a colourful throw over the headboard and toss on large decorative cushions to create a luxe, layered look that will become your new style station for spring selfies.
REDECORATING YOUR BEDROOM THIS SPRING?
1. Paint a focal wall behind the bed. Choose a colour similar to the headboard (if wood, choose a brown that matches). It will give big impact to even the smallest room.
2. Unless your bed is a platform style, always use a bed skirt to hide the mattress foundation and whatever’s hiding under the bed. Like the focal wall paint colour, make it the same colour as the headboard. 3. Large hanging pendant lights are all the rage for bedrooms. The right spot: centred to the middle of the headboard at the end of the bed.