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Make Room

Use ingenious ideas with linen, furniture and decorating to create a warm and cocooning winter bedroom

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By Piet Smedy | June 20, 2017 | Bedroom

With considered care given to colours, soft textures, and warm furnishings, create a comfortable and inviting bedroom – for the added warmth you need this chilly season. Associate editor Piet Smedy shares seven ingenious ideas, from linen to furniture and decorating, to create a warm and cocooning winter bedroom.

Bedding

Photograph: Francis Amiand, Courtesy of Le Roch Hotel and Spa

A down feather duvet is the quickest way to ensure a perfectly comfortable night’s sleep. ‘Down is suitable even for people who suffer from allergies as it’s usually dust mites – not the feathers – that cause reactions,’ says Gaynor Walkey, owner of Granny Goose, who source feathers from sustainable farms across the world. ‘Choose a pure product that has been sterilised and de-dusted to achieve the best results.’ Always use a protector to keep the duvet unsoiled, though ensure that it is professionally cleaned every 4 to 5 years.

Linen

Expert tip: ‘look for a bed in a breathable material that supports your back while still allowing ease of blood flow,’ says André Gouws of Hästens.

1. Fabric

Photograph: Giorgio Possenti, Courtesy of Dirk Jan Kinet

In the South African climate, regardless of season, one material stands above all others when it comes to sleep comfort: cotton.

‘The natural qualities of cotton are adaptable to any climatic conditions,’ says Friedrich Mueller of Chrysalis Linen. ‘From Highveld nights, when a brushed linen creates warmth, to stifling summer evenings when a percale-weave cotton is not only cool to the touch but also absorbs perspiration off the skin.’ Ensure that the bed linen – even if it’s sold as percale – is 100 percent cotton and not a polyester blend.

2. Weaves and Thread Counts

Photograph: Simon Upton

Consider your linen carefully before investing in a high-quality set. ‘While a higher thread count does make linen feel denser and more luxurious, take note of the quality of the fabric being used. Even at a lower thread count, a higher grade yarn will still feel softer than an inferior one at a higher count,’ cautions Alex Nurse, owner of The Bedroom Shop. The weave affects the feel of the fabric, with percale being flatter and crisper while sateen is smoother with more of a sheen.

‘To create a tranquil space, furniture and curtains are kept unfussy. Layer using cashmere throws and textured wallpaper’ – Yvonne O’Brien, The Private House Company

Headboards and Bases

3. Minimal

Photograph: Courtesy of Restoration Hardware

A strongly linear headboard and base in contemporary materials is key to achieving a modern, pared-back style in the bedroom. ‘Simplicity is key to achieving a modern-looking bedroom,’ advises Tracey-Lee Gradidge, interior designer at Casarredo. ‘Rely on your choice of material to finish off the headboard and base effectively.’ Tracey recommends full-grain, luxurious Italian leather with the focus on stitching. If leather isn’t preferable, a non-reflective fabric will do the job – just make sure it is easy to maintain. ‘The style of this bed employs a low back with a sleek, padded base that complements the relaxed modernism of the mid 20th-century American design bed,’ says Tracey.

‘Use modern pedestals and lighting alongside traditional finishes to master classic-contemporary design’ – Tessa Proudfoot, decorator

4. Traditional

Photograph: Annalize Nel

A traditional bedroom scheme is anything but outdated. Give the space an instant shot of glamour with an updated take on antiques and finishes. ‘Hang an antique chandelier above the bed, or suspend two smaller ones over the bedside tables,’ recommends Jacqui Moskovitz, owner of The Crown Collection. ‘You can also use a gilt mirror as a headboard or place a sofa at the foot of the bed to complete the look.’ Decorator Tessa Proudfoot, who created this space, recommends deep-buttoning a headboard that has been upholstered in a contemporary fabric to update the look.

Children’s Bedrooms

5. Colour

Photograph: Elsa Young

Just because you’re decorating a kid’s room doesn’t mean you have to compromise on great decorating. ‘Don’t be afraid of using a more sophisticated palette for older children’s rooms,’ says architect and decorator Dominic Touwen, who created this contemporary yet playful bedroom. ‘Wallpaper is a clever way to up the ante, especially if you do only one wall. Just make sure that it’s fully wipeable to deal with those sticky fingers.’

Expert tip: ‘Children’s bedrooms are about function over form. Play with colour and texture but remain focused on creating a practical, easy-to-clean space,’ says Nicola Stocks of Taylor Joy Furniture.

6. Comfort

Photograph: Alexandre James

Adapt elements of the bedroom to create an interactive experience in a child’s room. In this bedroom, designer Hugh Leslie installed a wrap-around headboard and extended the length of the bed to make more room for nestling during bedtime reading. A pile of scatter cushions finishes the clever, cocooning effect.

7. Decorate

Photograph: Elsa Young

Children’s tastes change very quickly as they grow up, so make sure you create a bedroom that is easily adaptable to decorative updates. In this Craig Kaplan-designed bedroom, playful elements – such as surfboard art, printed scatter cushions and wallpaper – are contrasted with more classic detailing, furniture and accessories to create a space that’s easily adjustable to changing preferences.

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