Together, Red, White & Blue give a patriotic or nautical feel; separately, they make a bold statement.  Either way, they are palette pleasers that will add pride to your pad.  JCPenney now carries home furnishings that echo that patriotic spirit and are easy on your pocket book.  This year they launched the American Living Collection.  The look has a Ralph Lauren feel, but at a fraction of the price.  Right now they are offering free shipping on orders of $49 or more!

Take a peak at JCPenney in My Secret Database!

At the end of the day, there is nothing more inviting than a beautiful, luxurious bed.  Think soft satin sheets and a comfy mattress sitting atop a regal bed with the perfect amount of pillows and blankets enveloping your body in comfort.  What?  That’s not your bed?  Well, then I am going to give you a crash-course in boosting the sleep-appeal of your roost!

While a new bed frame, mattress and sheets would be grand, they can be a substantial investment.  I am happy to say that there are great economical alternatives to give your bed a facelift.  By considering the different features of your bed from the floor up, you can quickly transform it into an ethereal escape.

Great Legs - We reviewed some Unusual Headboard Options  last month (and another great one shown above) but how many times have you banged your toe on that horrible metal bed-frame?  Yep, it’s that sturdy, yet ugly frame that came with the mattress.  There is a way to upgrade the legs of your bed with Bed Boots.  They are small decorative, hardwood boxes that are designed to cover the legs of most metal frames.  They come in five different finishes.  This eliminates the need for a bed-skirt or at least the need for one that reaches the floor.

Lift me Up - Do you like the regal feel of being a bit higher off the ground?  There is a kid-like joy to jumping into a high bed.  Many bed and bath stores, including Linens and Things, carry adjustable bed risers that increase the height of your bed; as well as the storage space beneath.

Cover Me - If you decide to forgo the bed-skirt, then you want to make sure you cover that naked box-spring.  Just buy an additional fitted sheet and I promise that you will love the tailored look.

Mattress Revival - Hour for hour, you mattress is the hardest working furnishing in the house.  It may not be as comfy as the day you met, but that’s no reason to kick it to the curb.  An affordable visco foam mattress topper will surely put a spring in your step.

And now that you don’t have to buy a new bed and saved all that money, spoil yourself with opulent bedding in My Secret Database.  Sweet Dreams!

Searching for some sumptuous new sheets for your bed?  Hunting for the perfect housewarming gift for a friend who likes to entertain?  The Giving Tree Luxury Linens is the place to go when you want to indulge.   

The owner, Carol Teplick, stocks the store with only the best for your bedroom, bathroom and tabletop.  They carry brands such as Peacock Alley and Yves Delorme and help you find what you need with good old Southern Hospitality.  They have a shop in Mobile, Alabama; but if you are shopping online you get the same type of attention you would get in person.  You can request free fabric swatches to make sure you select the perfect item and if you need more details don’t hesitate to call them.  They go above and beyond with stellar customer service.  

I have purchased from the Giving Tree for many of my clients and they love the beauty and quality of what they have to offer.  Also, if you sign up for Carol’s Newsletter, you are in a drawing for a $250 gift certificate each month.  Then you can really indulge!  Happy Shopping!

Shop for Bedding and Table Linens in My Secret Database.

Bamboo is making itself at home everywhere, from your bedroom to your kitchen to your dining room.  We may compare it to wood, but technically bamboo is a grass.  It is the fastest growing woody plant in the world; making it nature’s most sustainable resource.  It can reach maturity in 4 years.  One species has been clocked at growing 47 inches in 24 hours!

The more obvious uses of bamboo are seen in the form of furniture, flooring, drapery rods, blinds and cutting boards.  There are also new items making the scene that incorporate fabric that is made from bamboo.  Examples include supple sheets and towels, fashionable clothing, and light and airy drapery sheers. There are oodles of options.

Let’s not forget that the bamboo motif is ultra attractive and adds an exotic flair to any room.  Chandeliers, mirrors, pillows, wallpaper and chairs look fantastic in a multitude of colors and patterns. 

Bamboo is a double duty design item that can add a terrific twist to your home!

You will find many items with Bamboo motifs in My Secret Database. The Eco-Friendly companies are indicated with this symbol!

It’s time to celebrate the Heart and Soul of our dear Moms.  They nurture us, worry over us and celebrate our victories.  For that, they deserve at least one day of honor!  As you consider gifts of flowers, chocolates and jewelry, I would like to offer you some ideas that hit a little closer to Home.

Current Photos - What Grandmother doesn’t have a brag book with photos of her cherubs?  Keep her up to date whether she is near or far.   The Ceiva Digital Photo Frame allows anyone with a computer to send photos to Mom and they will appear magically before her very eyes.   The frames come in several finishes to compliment her decor.

Rest and Relaxation - Memory Foam mattresses are luxurious but can be a bit pricey.  On the other hand, Memory foam Mattress Toppers are affordable and a snap to install.  They improve support and will reduce pressure on her body.  She will feel refreshed and revived.

New Faucet - Aging hands and arthritis can make it difficult to turn the knobs on faucets.  Surprise Mom with a fashionable new faucet with levers that are easy to turn.  The Danze South Sea Faucet from Fixture Universe has a modern bamboo motif with a brushed nickel finish. Don’t forget to include installation.

Enjoy the day and make sure you share My Design Secrets with Mom!

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Memorial Day bring family and friends traveling from near and far.  Is your guest room ready to do its job?  When they arrive on your freshly swept doorstep, welcome them with open arms and a well-appointed space they can call their own (for the weekend:-)).  Beyond decorating the bedroom with your personal flair and style, think about furnishing your guest room with the same consideration you give to your own bedroom.  Carefully contemplate how the room will be used and by whom.

Here are a few Back-to-Basics suggestions:

• Cradle them in Luxury- A good foundation is critical, so why not go all out on the bedding?  Purchase 400+ thread count sheets and some wonderful pillows and a comforter that suits your climate.  Make them feel like they are at a luxury hotel.
• Wake them up Gently - Put an alarm clock with a CD player in the room and leave them a variety of Cd’s.  Soothing tunes to fall asleep and something upbeat for during the day.  Why not burn a CD with a mix of songs you know they will like and let them take it home as a gift?
• Remember what they Forgot - Put an extra robe in the closet and extra toiletries in the bathroom.  They will really appreciate not having to ask for these items.
• Make Room - Make sure your closet and drawers have extra space for their belongings.  Nothing says “we are happy you are here” like some extra space and a few empty hangers.
• Stay Tuned In - Whether you like having a TV in your bedroom or not, most guests appreciate one.  They may use it to go to sleep or just to take a break on their own.
• Creature Comforts - Put a glass of water by their bedside and let them know where they can easily find a snack in the kitchen. 
• Light the Way - Make sure the room is well lit for safety and comfort.  Do they have a good light for reading?  How about a night light to the restroom?  It’s best if you have a light that can be switched from the doorway and the bedside.

The best way to assess the comfort of your guest room is to  spend a night sleeping there yourself!  You will be amazed at the small things you notice.  This is the easiest way to get the full experience; giving you time to replace lumpy mattresses and stale towels before your guests arrive.

There are many people in our lives that we wish we could see more often.  It’s great to show them how much you care through the little things you do to prepare for their visit.  Just like a gift, it’s the thought that counts most.

Explore Furniture & Bedding in My Secret Database!

When I was poking around The Land of Nod, I was sucked in by some outrageously cute and very French children’s bedroom decor.  The name of the curtains is what got me.  They are called, “Zay Hallo to My Leetle Curtons“.  Go ahead; say it out-loud, it will make you smile.  Say it a few times, no one is looking.  You are transported to a small Parisian cafe enjoying a croissant and cafe au lait.  These charming curtains are simple and classic with a light feeling that is perfect for your little girl’s room.  At $29 per panel, they are a steal! 

The curtains look precious with their Ooh La La Crib Bedding, but the great thing is that they would look equally as wonderful in a young girl’s room (gotta love double duty) with their Ooh La La Bedding.  Everything is 100% cotton and 200 thread count.  No pilling polyester here.  Don’t miss the dainty little hand embroidered pillow that features a little girl walking Le Woof!

Land of Nod carries children’s furnishings in Classic, Modern, Country & Casual and Beach House styles.  There is something for everyone.

Angela Adams says that her designs reflect the beauty of the Maine coast and she does a phenomenal job of backing up that claim. On first impulse I would not expect Maine to be a haven for modern design but her creativity as an artist who has a keen eye for interiors is evident.  The shapes and colors in her amazing rug designs reflect the beauty of nature with tranquil undertones.  She has a large selection in wool and additional designs in cotton as well as bedding and pillows.

I also appreciate that they are an affiliate of RugMark.  RugMark is working to end illegal child labor in the carpet industry and to offer educational opportunities to children in South Asia.  Good for your home and good for our world!

Soft, beautiful bed linens are a luxury that is certainly worth the money. Good quality sheets last a very long time and dollar for dollar get much more use than most of your favorite clothing items. I always encourage my clients to treat themselves to the best sheets they can afford. You deserve it. Luckily, there are many companies out there making beautiful looking and great quality bedding. The sheets above are from Anna Sova and are 460 thread count and come in 3 basic colors and 3 colors with “wow” factor.

http://www.annasova.com/catalog/displaycatalog.asp?cat=60

Many people judge (and brag about) a sheet based solely on its thread count but there are other points to consider. I am going to break it down so you only have three things to look for:

Thread Count - This is how many threads per square inch. The more the better but it really tops out at 500. The companies that are claiming higher thread counts are using other processes with smaller threads so they can claim the higher thread count in their marketing. I recommend 200 or higher.

Materials - Cotton is King! Don’t bother with sheets that have polyester in them. Blended fabrics do not breathe or absorb moisture so they are not as comfortable. They will never be as soft and they will pill. Egyptian cotton is the best you can get.

Finish - The fabric is processed or finished in various ways that will affect its “hand” or the way it feels. The processes can be complicated but you just need to feel it to know what you like.

I am also ecstatic to see that many of our mainstream companies are offering organic bed linens. Cotton is unfortunately one of our most pesticide laden crops so while organic sheets cost more, they are worth it, especially if someone in your family has allergies or chemical sensitivities.

And always, always wash your sheets before you use them for the first time!

West Elm:

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODb326&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1BEDSHE&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1BEDSHE