The Stuff of Dreams

Stylish beds and bedding make a relaxing sanctuary a reality.

Article by Jenny de Jesus, Photos by David Croxford

Issue Date:  August 2008



Most of us spend about one-third of our lives in bed. Invest in your rest, and the other two-thirds are bound to be even better. Create a comfortable, inviting sanctuary with the best bedroom basics: a classic bed, luxurious linens, plush pillows and a quality mattress.

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Dress Well

These Island-inspired linens, in either hibiscus or plumeria patterns, were designed exclusively for Red Bamboo, Kailua, and are available in six colors. The 100-percent cotton duvet set, $250, comes with two pillowcases and is machine washable. Accessorize with matching Euro shams, $36.95 each.


Step 1: Choose the Right Bed


Whatever your bedroom décor, let this staple furniture piece shine. Check out the latest styles, and sleep structurally sound.
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Photo courtesy of C.S. Wo


Poster Perfect

The Martha Stewart Katonah Collection Carriageway Tester Bed has an acoume finish, striking four-poster design with carved details and removable support rails for an optional canopy. Find it at: C. S. Wo, $3,290-$3,630.





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The Opium Bed

It’s imported from Bali and made of solid teak. Available in two shades, the headboard- and footboard-less platform bed is simple and elegant. The handcrafted design boasts solid construction, and will last 20 to 30 years. Find it at: Bali Boo $1,315.


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Photo courtesy of Pacific Home

Soft Shelter

The Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Preston bed offers sleepyheads a sheltered feeling. The button grid-tufted platform bed requires no box spring and the soft, upholstered headboard is ideal for reading in bed. Find it at: Pacific Home, $2,646–$3,366.


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Photos courtesy of Organized Living

The New Wall Bed



Short on space? A wall bed is a great option for the home office, guest rooms or smaller rooms. With nine different colors, several wood veneers and 10 different door styles available, the bed can be customized to match any décor. The wall bed fits standard mattresses in twin, full and queen sizes. Find it at: Organized Living, starting at $1,800.









Step 2: Go Under Cover


“There’s no right or wrong way to dress your bed,” says Kaye Fawcett, of Fine Linens & Furnishings. “It’s whatever you’re comfortable with.” Luckily, comfort and style effortlessly go hand in hand in the bedroom. With the solid foundation of a quality bed and mattress, the rest is fun. “You can always add to it,” Fawcett says. She recommends playing with textures and colors to achieve a sophisticated resting spot. A tight palette of tone-on-tone shades in soothing, cool colors is always a popular option. Layer high-quality sheets with as much or as little extra bedding as you like. Comforters, duvet covers—with or without the duvet—coverlets and throw blankets, along with pillows of varying sizes and shapes, all add character.  Make small tweaks seasonally. Bright citrusy colors, for example, such as tangerine and lime, are great options for summer.
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Indian Summer



Invigorate your bedroom style with brightly colored bedding from Fine Linens & Furnishings. Summery shades of orange, pink and red energize any space.







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Micromanage

MicroCotton sheets are all luxury. The 100 percent cotton linens are ring spun and combed for a super soft and silky feel. Sheets in subtle shades from $135. Find it at: SoHa.


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Natural Beauty

Ecofriendly, organic bamboo bedding is naturally silky-soft yet durable and antibacterial. The porous fiber also adapts to your body’s temperature to keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not. Easy care makes it a beautiful choice for any bedroom. From top: pinebough pillow, $175, MicroCotton blanket, $254, and HomeSource bamboo coverlet, $245. Find it at: SoHa.

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Photo courtesy of Sears

Bright Lights

Balance bright orange accents with cool blue. As a plus, the pearlized, printed soft cotton sateen is a dream to sleep in. Ty Pennington Style Meadow Collection from $19.99. Find it at: Sears.








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Luxe in Lavender

A variety of textures adds visual interest to a monochromatic color scheme. Coverlet, $99.99, and throw pillows, $29.99 each. Find it at: Sears.



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Expect the Unexpected












For a refreshing change, try unsual color combinations. Purple Everyday Luxe Collection Wave comforter and pillow shams, $229.99. Find it at: Sears. Dwell Studio Essex duvet set from $299. Find it at: Pacific Home.

















Time for a New Pillow?

If you can fold your pillow over and it doesn’t spring back, you’re definitely due for a new one. Pillows should be washed regularly and replaced every two to three years. When shopping for a new pillow, make sure to match it to your sleeping style. A side sleeper has different pillow needs, for example, than a stomach sleeper. Ideally, the pillow should cradle your head to be in line with the spine, not tilt or crimp it. Allergy sufferers should cover pillows with allergen-impermeable cases to protect against dust mites.


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Citrus Stripes

Throw a long pillow into the mix with the standard shapes, $385. Find it at: Fine Linens & Furnishings.


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Island Style

Hibiscus Euro sham pillowcase, $36.95. Find it at: Red Bamboo, Kailua.





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Spice It Up

Joh Robshaw pillow, $100. Find it at: Fine Linens & Furnishings.




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Sea and Sky

Coral pillow in java, $150, and duck egg robin pillow, $144. Find it at: Pacific Home.


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Lush Leaves

Laser cut pillow, $38. Find it at: Red Bamboo, Kailua.




Soften Your Space


Bare floors just don’t say cozy like a nice, plush rug. “Rugs along the sides or base of the bed help to soften wood or stone floors,” says Kelly McGuire, of Island Rug Co. “Plus, they help to mute any noise in the room.” McGuire recommends wool, soft flokati or shag rugs for the bedroom. To create a peaceful atmosphere, make sure to harmonize the color and design of the rug with the other elements of the room. Island Rug Co. can work with you to create a custom rug of any size, shape or color to complement your overall bedroom style.

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Tread Softly

Soft flokati and wool shag rugs feel fabulous underfoot. Find it at: Island Rug Co.



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Wonderful Wool

Create the bedroom rug of your dreams. Versatile wool comes in an array of different colors and styles. Find it at: Island Rug Co.


Step 3: Choose a Quality

Mattress


A good mattress is the foundation of a great night’s sleep. It’s also a big investment. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to narrow the field. Mary Racca-Ventura, of SlumberWorld, says it’s important to first realize when you need a new mattress. “If you wake up with back or body aches, or if there’s a noticeable body impression in the mattress, it’s probably time for a new one,” Racca-Ventura says. Mattresses aren’t meant to last forever, and most need to be changed out every seven to 10 years. 

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Photo courtesy of Sears
The makings of a mattress vary. In addition to traditional spring mattresses, there are adjustable air-filled models and foam mattresses, including latex and memory foam types that mold to your body. Latex mattresses—made of synthetic latex, natural latex or a combination of both—are gaining popularity in the Islands for their unique characteristics. Talalay latex mattresses, for example, are antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiallergenic, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Racca-Ventura also notes that the durable material is great for airflow and moisture-wicking in warm climates.

When it comes to making your selection, remember it’s ultimately about personal preference and not price. Ala Moana Sears bedding consultant Yasu Nitta says comfort will always be the bottom line: “No matter what, if you’re not comfortable, the mattress is going to be useless.” Always buy a mattress in person and don’t be afraid to spend some serious time bed-hopping in the store. It can take up to 15 minutes to test one model to tell if it’s truly comfortable. SlumberWorld even encourages bringing in your pillow from home for the most realistic experience.
Once you’ve found the mattress of your dreams, take care of it. Mattress maintenance is simple. From time to time, rotate the mattress from head to toe, vacuum its surface and protect it with a mattress protector. SlumberWorld offers two types of protectors, quilted and waterproof. The latter, Racca-Ventura says, is a great option for pet owners. Regardless of the style you choose, the cover is essential for extending the life of the mattress. And take note: if your mattress sags even a little, check your warranty, it could be defective.

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Photo courtesy of SlumberWorld

Mattress for the Stars

Handcrafted mattresses, such as the original Aireloom and Kluft mattresses found at SlumberWorld, are the Rolls Royces of the luxury bed world. Aireloom mattresses have even graced the bedrooms of the White House.






Bed Buying 101


Jennifer Johnson, co-owner of Pacific Home, offers a few quick tips to consider when you’re in the market for a new bed.

Size: Take into account the size of the bed in proportion to the room. “A large four-poster canopy bed will make a small room feel even smaller,” Johnson says. Beds without footboards, or even headboards, work well in tight spaces.

Height: Do you have small children or pets? A low, platform-style bed is easier than a high bed for both kids and furry friends to access.

Style: There are endless style options for beds, but have you considered upholstered styles? Johnson likes the upholstered look for its cocoonlike quality. “They’re quiet and comfortable,” she says.










CHEAT SHEET

Here’s your guide to decoding those tricky sheet descriptors.

Percale:
closely woven fabric of any kind with a smooth look and crisp feel

Sateen: woven cotton with a slight sheen and satinlike feel

Pima/Supima: strong, yet soft feeling, extra-long staple (ELS) cotton

Egyptian:
the softest feeling, finest quality ELS cotton grown near the Nile River










Does “Thread Count” Count?


Confused by thread count? It refers to the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. But a high count doesn’t necessarily guarantee high quality. Look, instead, for a high-quality thread like Egyptian cotton.


















Coordinate

with Color


Classic sheets in neutral shades, such as white and cream, can be dressed up or down with different colors for endless style options. It’s a good idea to start with a two-color palette and carefully add in a third. To mix it up, pair patterns of varying sizes and scales. Still unsure? Try already-coordinated collections, like the Everyday Luxe Collecttion from Sears (right and below), for mixing made easy.










Custom Style


Having trouble finding the exact bedding you’ve been dreaming about? Go custom. Kreative Kamaaina design gallery manager Camille Andrade-D’Amato says when it comes to custom bedding, the options are “limitless.” A variety of styles and fabrics, including “green” fabrics, such as bamboo, enable clients to create a unique look that can include everything from the bed skirt and duvet cover to throw blankets and pillow shams. “Whatever your budget, we can work with you to create a look that’s all your own,” Andrade-D’Amato says. Bring in examples from magazines, or even your own fabrics for a consultation at the gallery. The fabrication is done locally and is a great choice for custom-size beds.
















Having trouble sleeping?


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May Hinazumi, of World of Feng Shui at Pearlridge Uptown, recommends trying something a little different—amethyst. The purple stone is believed to encourage peace and contentment and lead to a restful night’s sleep. Place amethyst in any form, including a decorative tree (left), $38.80, near your bed for quality shut-eye.
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