April, 2012
8
Homes & Gardens
Dreaming of a good IF there’s one place in the home that should be a peaceful retreat, where it’s almost impossible not to instantly rest and relax, it's the bedroom, writes Gabrielle Fagan. Be inspired by the founder of The White Company Chrissie Rucker, designers Zandra Rhodes and Rachel Ashwell, the presenter of TV’s Location, Location, Location Kirstie Allsopp, and pop superstar Kylie Minogue.
inspire happy memories on a white painted bedside table. Her tip: Accommodate an easy chair where you can sit and relax, and keep the bed as a separate zone for sleeping. Colours such as soft smoky greys, pinks, blues, teals, taupes, ivory and whites are good choices for a peaceful setting. Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic bed linen collection starts from £60 for a duvet cover from House of Fraser.
Rachel Ashwell Her name is synonymous with the trend for ‘shabby chic’, an unpretentious laid-back living style she helped bring into vogue 20 years ago. Ashwell favours a country look for a bedroom based around easy-on-theeye soft, primitive colours. “I love faded florals, with vintage scatter cushions on the bed for summer days, and like to conjure an eclectic, romantic, inviting and soft atmosphere,” she says. “Traditional furniture, either in light or bleached wood or in distressed finishes in whites or greys, won’t dominate and will impart a tranquil feel.” In her own bedroom she has plush silk curtains, a sparkling chandelier and a collection of photographs to
Chrissie Rucker The founder of the hugely successful The White Company believes the bedroom should be a sensual sanctuary where comfort reigns. “The starting point for great quality bed linen is that it must be made from the best quality yarn. Once you’ve slept in fabulously smooth and luxurious pure cotton - whatever the thread count – you’ll never look back,” she says. “It’s worth investing in high quality bed linen because it really does affect the way we sleep. Pure cotton or linen are preferable because both fabrics are breathable, cool and comfortable. “Don’t be deceived into thinking that the higher the thread count the better the sheet, as different types
of bed linen require different thread counts to produce the desired finished product.” Her tip: In spring and summer a bedroom should be a cool, airy sanctuary with soothing scents. “Lavender-based scents or rose and peony always work well, as do flowers such as simple white potted orchids. Use pillow mist or linen spray to scent linen and a scented candle to help you unwind after a long day.” Santorini Bed Linen Collection starts from £75 for a double duvet cover and features in the ranges at The White Company. Kirstie Allsopp “I love beautiful bed linen – there’s nothing like climbing into crisp, clean sheets at the end of a long, tiring day,” says Allsopp. “My bedroom isn’t exactly an exclusive sanctuary as there are always small people crawling into bed for a cuddle! When decorating a bedroom I like a theme based around one thing that I can’t live without, which might be favourite bed linen, or curtain fabric, or an accessory, and I build the scheme from there. “Currently, I’m embracing colour for my bedding with lots of florals, stripes and ginghams which have a
vintage look with a contemporary twist, and can be matched with co-ordinating cushions, throws and feminine lampshades.” Her tip: Instead of redecorating, rearrange furniture and buy bedroom treats such as towels, sheets, cushions or lamp shades to transform a room for little cost. Kirsty Allsopp’s Home Living Collection starts from £50 for a single duvet cover. Stockists include House of Fraser, Debenhams and selected Fenwicks.
Rachel Ashwell..