Build A Better Bed ~ Part 1
I recently experienced a “life change” that had me shopping for a queen-sized bed just for me! Buying a mattress is one of my least favorite things to purchase, so I went to Weir’s, took the advice of the salesperson on which would be the best fit and value for me and got out relatively quick… Now? On to the fun stuff! Dressing the bed!!
About 12 years ago I bought my favorite bedding from Peacock Alley for a guest bedroom. It has proven to be timeless and seems to get more soft and luxurious with age.
I chose a neutral color pallet and subtle pattern so that I could display one of my favorite possessions…a tatted coverlet that belonged to my grandmother…at the foot of the bed. I love the way the patterns and textures work. Peacock Alley linens are perfect for working together with that special blanket or throw you purchased on a special vacation or your own family heirloom. The patterns used in their line are specifically chosen to work well with others so that you can change the look of the bed with the seasons… or your mood.
Peacock Alley Design Studio
At the same time I put together this bed, I also had custom bedding made for my own bed. That custom-made bedding was sold at a garage sale several years ago and, although I spent a fortune on fabrics and labor, didn’t hold up well. So, now that it’s time to “make another bed and lie in it” it’s a no-brainer to seek the help of Peacock Alley for luxurious linens that will last.
I was so excited to learn that Peacock Alley recently opened a design studio in the Dallas Design District. It’s absolutely gorgeous and has all of the components of what you need to build a dream bed. Next week I’ll show you more of their new digs and tell you about their “naked bed”. Don’t worry…I’ll keep it G-rated…
To get this “bed building” series started, I’m giving away Peacock Alley’s resort throw…a $95 value. These are so dreamy! They almost melt in your hands…simply irresistible! Here’s what you need to do to win!
First, “Like” Peacock Alley’s facebook page. Then, “Like” The Hidden List facebook page (you may have already done this, but I’ll be checking both pages to confirm the winner). Finally, leave a comment about what you look for when choosing bed linens. Do you simply look for color…pattern…design? Or do you search for quality fabrics that feel the best to the touch? Do you have a special heirloom that you build your bed around? Let us know…
You’ll have all week to leave your comments, we’ll chose randomly and I’ll announce the winner next week in Part 2, as we explore the Peacock Alley showroom and I share my experience there.
Good luck!
July 20th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
How fun!! I really like your grandmother’s coverlet. Can’t wait to see your finished boudoir and hope I win the throw!
And sadly, we still don’t have a ‘grown-up’ bedroom. Bed linens are chosen by color and hand, but the entire bed itself is haphazardly thrown together. I’m just happy to have it made in the morning!
{mommy chic} design. style. kids. life.
July 21st, 2011 at 12:36 am
I love your blog! I’ve never really spent a lot of time thinking about my bedding but I love a bed that can change with the seasons. Always neutrals but with different textures. I love real pillows – not decorative pillows. I also love soft throws.
July 21st, 2011 at 1:40 pm
My bed linens have to be SO comfortable!! Soft, 100% cotton…the higher the thread count the better
and, they have to be in wonderful colors and textures (no gawdy florals!)
July 21st, 2011 at 2:33 pm
I look for calm and comfort when building a bed. I always stick with white or very neutral bed linens ~ I don’t want my brain to have to process any color or pattern when I fall into the sack in the evening. The lack of color provides a sense of calm to me. I love soft sheets with a high thread count so I feel like my body is melting into them. Additionally, soft blankets are an essential as well. I think texture is a key ingredient in building a better bed. Finally, I love down filled duvets ~ the down makes me feel like I’m sleeping under a fluffy cloud (down filled pillows are yummy too and make me feel pampered after a long day’s work). My dream would be to have a set of linen sheets someday ~ new or vintage. Peacock Alley is a dreamy place to buy bed linens! Thank you for this wonderful series on Building a Better Bed!
July 21st, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Oh, I just love Peacock Alley! I first bought linens from them when building my marriage bed. I was able to mix their decorative king shams and a beautiful quilted duvet with some less expensive bedding from a “big box” store, and ended up with a romantic bed that I loved and could afford! Later, I bought my then-unborn first baby an unbelieveable chenille blankie that withstood many years of baby/toddler/kid use (and abuse), countless washings, being dragged all over the country–I even paid to have it shipped home from a hotel in New Orleans last year, when it was left behind accidentally! (Now, it’s resting safely in a hope chest). Soon, I will be redoing my (now sixteen year old) daughter’s bedroom, and would love to give her some beautiful bedding that will last her for many years. Her room is furnished with my mother’s childhood art deco furniture, which I anticipate will be handed down for generations. Wouldn’t it be lovely for the bed to have beautiful heirloom-quality linens that can make much of that journey, too?
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Never heard of Peacock Alley till your post, and I think it’s something we’ll have to check out on our next bedding adventure. We got a duvet cover from Z Gallerie– with a pattern we both love, but it’s only a year old and is starting to show age.
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Their baby blankets are the absolute best! Hopefully we can give one of those away before the end of the series! Your 16 yr old is a lucky girl! Would love to see the end result when you finish! Thanks for your comment!! Good luck in the contest!
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:00 pm
I’m with you all the way on the white sheets! So crisp and clean! So glad you like the series! There’s lots of great stuff ahead!!
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Gawdy florals! Love that description…I see what you’re talking about clearly in my mind! I’m going to be giving some great info on thread count and the quality of the cotton used in the sheets soon! I recently took a crash course in this at Peacock Alley…very interesting info to come!
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Oh, Peacock Alley is the perfect place for you if you like changing with the seasons and textures that can be thrown to gather and look fabulous! This resort throw is SO soft! Good luck!!
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Would love to show you my grandmother’s coverlet some day. I can’t believe that someone actually spent SO much time working on that. The threads that they used in tatting are so tiny and the patterns are so complex!
This new bed I’m putting together is going to change my bed making habits! Let’s build a grown up bed together!!
Good luck on the throw!
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:09 pm
I’m so glad to introduce you to this amazing linen company! I’ll hopefully show you how you can build a bed with these gorgeous linens by getting one thing at a time to work up to an amazing finished bed. Thanks for your comment! Good luck!
July 26th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Our mattress is 18″ thick. I hate it, but that is my very first design criterion for bedding — it has to fit this huge bed! I look for crisp, cool cotton — sometimes white, and sometimes varying shades between fitted, flat and cases.
Few things are better than snuggling down on a Saturday morning, with a terrific thunderstorm pouring outside!
July 26th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Wow! Couldn’t agree more! I would love a good thunderstorm in Dallas now!
July 28th, 2011 at 12:27 am
Hi Kelley, I look for bed linens in colors that don’t show black dog hair or orange cat hair.
I’m pathetic. I have not had a pretty bed since 1993, but the canine and feline animals that have slept in it seemed to be pleased with what I have chosen. I won’t disclose anything about the homo sapiens.
July 28th, 2011 at 6:46 am
Peacock Alley has been a favorite of mine for years!! Beautiful and elegant linens!
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