If you're like most people - you rarely give making your bed a second thought. In fact, 'making' your bed seems like too much of a daily hassle from Monday - Friday. Which only leaves two days to really have one made and who's spending their weekend doing that?!

You guessed it.. we are! And we've got plenty of GREAT reasons for why you should care about what your bed looks like. For one, a made bed makes your bedroom come together. Think.. fewer things on the floor and a space that triggers relaxation. There is nothing relaxing about mess and chaos everywhere - so for that simple fact, trust us with this one!

We wanted to show you how one bed - in the same bedroom can be done up two different ways and give off a completely different feeling. This concept really highlights the importance of understanding the fluidity of interior spaces and giving yourself the freedom of switch things up.. and enjoying a clean and tidy space with your bed made!

The first way we've put together the bed above is by choosing to stick with a softer palette of colours. The French tapestry in the background sets the tone perfectly to pull out the colours on the velvet Bella Notte and the Missoni accent pillow. The white linen sheets and lace coverlet add a sense of freshness to the overall look. This look is both simple, elegant and could be considered to be more feminine. All in all, we absolutely can't get enough of it!

In this second look, we've kept the white linen base the same. It's like a fresh new canvas and it really allows you to play with the pillows and throw to switch up the feeling of your bedroom. We've also kept the tapestry the same to showcases how little has to be changed when switching up your bedding!

Here we've added a softer blue hue along with a dark charcoal navy. Most people think that these two colours are too far apart on the colour spectrum to be placed together but since they stay within the same in colour gradient - it absolutely works! We've also kept the same Missoni pillow for a neutral base. Notice how it works effortlessly in both set ups! Now, this really is an insider interior design tip - most clients are always reaching for colour when they want to infuse new life into their rooms. Despite this being one way to inflict a sense of change - you're always going to need neutrals that can be carried from one look to another. Invest in these first!! You'll be so glad you did!

So when should you switch up your bedroom look?! It's totally up to you.. sometimes it makes sense to bring about changes with the seasons. Think white and light linen for the summer and heavy fabrics and throws for the winter months. Or for example, if you find that your room feels too dark and gloomy and you're not ready to undertake a paint colour change on the walls.. then lightening up your bedding and accent pillows will greatly contribute to that swift change!

Regardless of what your daily routine looks like or what kind of current bedding you have - try to make a habit out of making your bed. Try different ways of doing it.. find one that takes the least amount of time and then sneak that in every morning before the chaos of the world begins. You'll learn to enjoy your living spaces and ultimately, feel more at ease when you come home from work.

Believe it or not, both beds that we made here took us less than 5 minutes.. and we had plenty of fun doing it together!!

Xox

Probably the number one question that clients ask us is 'how do I know what I should start collecting?' And the truth of the matter is, it should be 'something' that resonates with you. It doesn't have to be this well thought out strategy of what will go with my current interior decor or do I have the proper cabinet for this.. and I'm sure you can come up with the rest of the 'what if' questions yourself. The number one takeaway always seems to be that the things we fill our homes with are specific and unique to us - and frankly, that is what makes them eclectic. In other words, unique.

Within the last few years we began collecting Oriental art, figures, objects.. because we personally found them captivating.

Asian craftspeople have been making ceramic, clay, or porcelain figurines and vases for thousands of years. Figurines are typically cast in the desired shape and then refined with hand carving. Most pieces require layers of glaze to be applied to enhance the beauty of each piece. The porcelain or ceramic most often associated with Oriental pieces is that of a paper-thin consistency. For example, if you were to hold up the vase pictured above to the light you could see right through it. This type of craftsmanship adds to the complexity of this art form and of course, increases the desirability and value for such pieces.

Now, you know we love anything and everything with meaning. And not only do these Oriental pieces have a deep and rich history that follows them but they also have little hidden meanings. The children figurines are symbolic of a gift you would give to someone on their birthday. And instead of their little boards saying 'happy birthday' they say 'long life'. And in our home, we'd probably like to call that good juju for your home! Bring it on!

Finally, it's important to recognize that like anything - Oriental figurines, vases, art has been mass produced. Many are considered to be a far cry from originals while there remain few that are exemplary craftsmanship - reproduction or not. For us, although we try to do our best to authenticate pieces and purchase from trusted sources - you never really know what it is that you are collecting. But if you're like us, half the fun is the hunt for new pieces, the research into the history and meanings of each and then the very last bit is the authentication process. So we encourage you to enjoy the process of collecting - regardless of what you choose to collect! And remember, more is always more!

One bed, two ways - But who's counting?!

Captivating and collectable.. What more could you want?!