Merced Sun-Star

Dressing the bed is an art of home decor

- Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website

Beds are meant to be comfortabl­e and enhancing, gone are the days in which beds are just for function, these days “dressing the bed” is for some an art form, involving an array of pillows, lots of layers and texture.

CREATE A MOOD

How do you want your bedroom space to make you feel? Do you want the space to feel warm and cozy or cool and tranquil? Whatever you choose, you are going to want to make the right selections, that will help set the right balance. Warm colors will help to make a space feel cozy, while cool colors, will create a feeling that is more tranquil and calm.

SELECT A DESIGN AESTHETIC

Modern or Traditiona­l? What is your aesthetic? Once you know your own personal style and desire, this will provide direction as you select the perfect bedding. Traditiona­l? Look for soft fabrics and small simple prints. More modern? Think of clean elements, such as piping or stripes and clean, graphic prints.

MUST HAVES

Where does one get started? When creating the ideal bed, think of layering. Essentials include sumptuous sheets, a good quality, quilted coverlet, followed by a high quality cotton duvet cover with a duvet insert. Many designers recommend using flat sheets as opposed to a flat and fitted sheet. Top sheets should be one size larger than the mattress size in order to allow them to be sufficient­ly tucked into.

SAVE OR SPLURGE?

Pillows, pillows, pillows. Pillows are a designer's secret weapon. They allow one to swap in and swap out color and texture instantly. Luxurious, high end pillows will add instant glam to nearly any bedroom.

Sheeting is another area where you will want to splurge, in many instances, the quality of the sheeting will correspond with the price point. Where can you save? Beyond the basics of sheeting and duvet covers, fringe items such as bed skirts and throws are where one could likely save.

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 ?? TNS ?? A center toss pillow in the same color palette as the bedding creates a sense of cohesivene­ss.
TNS A center toss pillow in the same color palette as the bedding creates a sense of cohesivene­ss.

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