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Make your bed properly – No matter how lovely your bed linen, a poorly made bed will let it down. Sheets and pillows need to be flat and straight and a few simple accessories, like cushions and throws will really set a well made bed off. If you are using a throw take care how you position it. Use your throw folded as a runner ¾ of the way down or fold and drape at the bottom of the bed.
Always Iron your bed linen – there is nothing worse than wrinkled bed linen for spoiling the look. Pure, natural fibres, like those used by Christy, look and feel fabulous but they sometimes need that extra bit of care when ironing. To keep your bed linen looking its best follow these simple rules:
Natural drying - take the linen straight out of the washing machine and lay it as flat as possible on your drying line. Iron your linen while it is still damp and store as flat a possible until it is on your bed.
Tumble drying - ensure the dryer is set at the right temperature. Cotton should be dried at 40 degrees rather than on a high temperature and linen should be left to dry naturally.
If your bed linen incorporates delicate detailing simply iron on the reverse or place a plain sheet over the top to protect it.
Creating the Look
Accessorise – the easiest way to bring colour in to the bedroom or to create a certain look is to experiment with accessories. Cushions and throws are perfect for this and by buying a few things at a time you needn’t break the bank. Try choosing a theme – for instance Christy’s new Viva and Fiji cushions take their inspiration from oriental and Indian cultures. Accessories can create a look on their own so try changing them for different seasons or just when you fancy something new.
Experiment with Colour - Don’t be nervous about using colour as strong tones are really making a come back this season. Think bold and try mixing plains with patterns as well as other plain colours. When you are shopping try different colours and patterns together by putting pillow cases next to each other to see how they look. Try mixing clashing colours or plain colours with patterned designs. You might want to choose a fitted sheet and two rectangular base pillows in one colour or design then contrast with a duvet cover and top pillows in a different one.
It’s all in the detail – choose bed linen with interesting and high quality details as this not only adds interest but also helps to create a luxurious look. Look for pretty buttons on pillow cases and duvet covers, fine embroidery and edging in contrasting colours.
Change with the Seasons – During the winter months use throws and cushions in warm, heavy, textured fabrics like wool and corduroy to create lots of warm snugly layers. You can still use accessories to great effect during the warmer summer months but choose light, delicate fabrics like cotton and silk. For bed linen choose Egyptian cotton to keep you cool in summer and warmer fabrics like cotton sateen in winter.
Take your inspiration from around you – Draw inspiration from magazines, shop displays and other people’s homes. Many people want to re-create the hotel look in the bedroom. Here is how to do it easily:
Use simple but top quality bed linen in neutral colours and keep the styling simple. You don’t want to overload your bed with too many cushions and accessories for this look. Use square pillowcases as well as your four standard rectangular pillowcases to add layers and a few strategically placed coordinating cushions to really set off the look. Tailored, simple and generic is the key!
Christy now offers a complete home range which includes items for the bedroom, bathroom and sitting room. All can be ordered online at www.christy-home.com. |
