Windows Treatments - I need your help!

Greetings Designers!

It's week 4 and I'm chugging away at redesigning my master bedroom, and having a blast! I think it's not only because I got a new mattress and am sleeping better on a bigger bed, but I have a valid reason to shop...need I say more? This week's post is dedicated to bedding and window treatments, since that's where I am on my project list. I'll also share with you some thoughts on letting some Light into the soul, after all, that's what windows are for. You ready for this? Let's go!

Project Status

Yes people, I'm quarter way through completing my bedroom (and this will take longer than 10 weeks). I'm quite pleased and trying not to lose momentum, which is part of the reason I'm blogging about this, so I will stay committed to the end. Friendly word of advice: share your interior design plans with friends and family so they can help you stick to your commitment and stay objective. Of course, don't tell anyone who won't be helpful or be happy for you.

Window Treatments

This has given me a little angst lately, I just can't decide! I just have not been able to find the right one just yet, but there are a few that came close. My predicament is that I have absolutely no time to get custom drapes made. I always knew this would be tricky since I don't want solid drapes, but ones with a pattern. But, I might be willing to settle for some nice black-out linen drapes. Here are the options I'm considering:

Here's where I need your help, which option should I go with? A, B, C, D or E? Remember, my style is a mixture of French Eclectic and Cottage Chic. I'd love to hear from you.

And if you want to be sure you're picking the right size window treatments, check out the West Elm window guide, I found it useful.

Bedding

OK, so last week I was only 20% through with buying all the bedding I needed, including new pillows (functional and decorative), duvet cover, shams, and sheets. Now I'm 100% done with that. I mentioned flannel sheets last week, but on an excursion to my local Bed, Bath & Beyond, there were no suitable ones to be found (whaaa!) The only ones in stock had snowflakes and snowmen on them, I thought, "What am I 12 years old?" I settled instead for 630 thread count Supima cotton sheets. These were not that cheap ($80.00), but with 20% off, I knew I got a bargain. How was I sure? I stopped in Marshalls before, and the were selling 200 and 300 count sheets for $50.00. Granted, they were Calvin Klein, etc, but that doesn't mean everything to me.

So what's the big deal with the thread count? Thread count is the number of threads in one square inch of the fabric, and this affects the durability and softness of your sheets. Translation, after several washes, those sheets still feel great. The ones I bought had a warranty of 10 years. It just makes sense to buy quality, and buy once. A thread count of at least 200 hundred is recommended (see the Home Institute for more details). Fabric is another consideration; mine was Supima, a type cotton with extra-long fibers (USA grown). I'm sure you've heard of Egyptian cotton, which is silkier, and longer than regular cotton, but also pricier -- at least 15% more. So I compromised with Supima. I also picked up 300 count Ralph Lauren sheets ($39.99) from Marshalls; not every night is a luxury night people ;-)

And what of the pillows, and duvet cover? Pillows are so essential to a good night's sleep - don't sleep on selecting the right pillow. Those neck pains you have in the morning? Maybe you need a new pillow. So, I'm a side sleeper, and bought a pillow that meets those needs. If you're the same or a stomach/back sleeper, you'll want a pillow for that. All you need is 1. These can range anywhere from $20.00 - $39.00. You can make up your savings and buy those $10.00 pillows for that fluffy/decorative look. Speaking of which, here are some of the decorative pillows I found at Marshalls, and I'm thinking of keeping them (bear in part of my design style is cottage chic):

Decorative Pillows - What do you think?

Duvet covers are my preference for keeping warm. Instead of buying several comforters or quilts, consider
buying 1 duvet for your bed (twin, double, queen or king). Then you can buy different duvet covers to change the look of your bedding. Ikea  sells these(both duvets and covers), as well Kohls, and Pottery Barn. Here's the one I got:

Duvet Cover (Ruched) - DKNY

Let some Light in

I couldn't help thinking, as I wrote this post, about windows, and how they're designed to let light in or keep it out. I know a lot about this since my bedroom window is right next to a street light and without the proper shades it can be difficult to fall asleep. But aside from sleeping purposes, why else would you want to shut light out? I understand there are people who just don't like too much light in their homes, but I'm not one of them. The more I think about it though, is the more I realize none of us would be happy with total absence of light. Yes, we like the option of shutting out some of the light when we'd like, but not for it to be completely dark all the time! I shudder to think. That would mean no plant life, sickness, disease, depression, heaviness, accidents... must I continue?

Did you realize that so much of our life is dependent upon light? Yep. Serious stuff. Apart from the physical aspects of light, how do we let some into our souls? In case you haven't recognized it yet, so much of our physical needs (nutrition, design and otherwise) parallel our spiritual needs. So it means we must need spiritual light, and by extension, there is spiritual darkness. Light is defined as something that makes vision possible, or something that enlightens or informs (Merriam-Webster). Interestingly enough, 'truth', 'enlightenment', 'inner light' and 'spiritual illumination' are all words/terms listed by Merriam-Webster in reference to light. Coincidence? No. The only time one would want to remain in darkness is to hide something. Wondering where you can find this much needed light?

John 8:12 says "...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 12:46 also says, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness."

Designers, there is no need to walk in darkness, take Jesus as your light.

Happy designing!

Kyla