How to Create a Designer Look Bed

When you look around your home does it leave you feeling blah?  Do you feel like it’s missing something, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is?  It’s not that it’s bad. It just doesn’t seem to have any pizzazz.

Do you want to know what the secret is?  How to create a home like the ones you love on Pinterest but without spending a fortune?  Don’t have an unlimited budget but still want to create a beautiful environment that you can enjoy and be proud of?  Something that’s comfortable and stylish and makes you smile?

Today I want to share two secrets that will take your home from “it’s ok” to “beautiful.” Elements you can easily incorporate in your home and won’t cost you a small fortune.  Let’s talk about the importance of texture and layering.

I’m using a bed as an example for how transformative texture and layering can be, but incorporating layering and texture will transform any area of your home.  It will add that “je ne sais quoi” that “something” you just couldn’t figure out was missing.

Take a look at the first picture below.  It’s not horrible, actually, it is very tidy, but it’s just so predictable and boring.  It’s like every other bed out there; pretty dull and it leaves you flat; yawn.  It might also be the reason why the bed doesn’t always get made; it’s just so uninspiring.

Now let’s take a look at the same bed with a few simple additions.  Look at what a big difference adding in some layers and texture makes.  If you could get your bed to look this pretty, would you be more inclined to make it every day?  I know it makes me smile whenever I walk into the bedroom and see this lovely bed.

So let’s break it down, step by step, so you can easily recreate this look for your bed too.  I highly recommend using a duvet for your bed instead of a bedspread or comforter.  If you currently have a bedspread or comforter that you love, please use what you already have, but consider switching to a duvet at some point in time if you decide you want to update your bedding. 

It is very inexpensive to purchase a duvet cover with matching pillow covers.  It allows you to change out the entire look of your bed for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new bedspread or comforter. 

Plus there is the storage aspect to think about.  Bedspreads and comforters are quite bulky and take up a lot of precious storage space when not in use.  Duvet covers and pillow cases fold up neatly and only take up about as much space in your linen closet as a set of sheets.

The base for making the bed is very simple, use either a white or a neutral sheet set, and a white or neutral colored cotton blanket.  Purchase the highest quality natural fiber you can afford, something that will hold up to repeated washing; cotton is my personal favorite.  You will get a much better night’s sleep if your sheets are soft and comfortable against your skin.

The same goes for the blanket, purchase one that is a natural fiber, soft and warm but durable, so it will hold up to years of use.  In the long run it will save you money if you invest in good quality.  You will not need to replace it for years and years, unlike lower quality sheets and blankets that will fall apart after a few washes and need to be replaced more often. 

To create layers, fold down the flat sheet over the blanket and then fold it down again, so that about 10 to 12 inches of the sheet are showing. This will take up about the top third of the bed.  Then tuck everything in nice and snug, with hospital corners, for a neat, crisp look.  This creates the base that we will build on.

Ok, that takes care of the basics, now on to the fun part!  Notice the addition of layers of pillows, the different sizes and colors add visual interest to the bed.  The sleeping pillows are hidden behind the row of 3 large Euro sized pillows.  The two king sized pillows match the duvet cover and the smaller throw pillows tie everything together.

You don’t need to use as many pillows on your bed, but try to use at least a few more than just your sleeping pillows.  Arrange them in a way that pleases you the most.  I’ve seen lovely made beds where the pillows are stacked one on top of another, horizontally instead of vertically.

Play around with this until you find a look that you like the best.  There is no hard and fast rule for this.  Have some fun, and if you want, you can change it up every day if you like.

I usually splurge and purchase one fun throw pillow that I place front and center.  Choose one to change things up a little with the seasons.

TIP:  Purchase pillow cases instead of throw pillows.  It’s much less expensive to buy just the covers, plus, where do you store all those pillow when you aren’t using them? 

Let’s move to the foot of the bed.  Folding the duvet into thirds at the foot of the bed instead of pulling it up across the entire bed creates another layer, and gives the duvet that loft and fluffiness that looks so lux and inviting.

A down duvet insert will provide the most loft.  It will keep you nice and warm and is very lightweight.  If allergies are an issue, there are very good alternatives on the market these days.  You can also use a comforter or bedspread at the foot of the bed to achieve a similar look. 

Finally, add a nubby throw to the corner of the bed.  It brings it all together to make this look like a bed that you want to curl up in, get cozy, and take a nap!  Can’t you just picture yourself snuggled up on this bed under that nubby throw enjoying a hot cup of tea, reading a good book on a rainy afternoon?

Creating a beautiful bed doesn’t have to be difficult or cost you a fortune.  It’s all about creating layers and adding texture to turn your bed into a beautiful destination that invites you to relax and get a restful nights sleep!

I hope these tips inspire you to create a beautiful home. I would love to see your creative ideas and how you’ve incorporated layering and texture in your home!