There’s no doubt that uncertain times have led to nostalgic homewares trends and we are very much here for the latest one. Having eschewed any hokey associations, courtesy of a variety of contemporary reimaginings, gingham is back in the style spotlight in a major way. Akin to the little black dress of bedding, gingham bed linen is a timeless, versatile look that suits most spaces.
Castle & Things: From bedding to cushions and blankets (in small and large scale gingham designs) we absolutely love this range and its glorious rainbow colour palette. From $49.
That baby blue gingham is super fresh
Navy and white gingham is a bonafide classic
The oversized check is a statement making look
Linen House: Available in gorgeous neutral colour ways (black, caramel and stone), the classic and versatile Springsteen range can be mixed and matched and is made from soft, washed cotton. From $59.99.
Sheet Society: The brand’s checkerboard range is available in mini and mega designs in sage green, blush and beige. We absolutely adore the mix of small and large scale prints. From $50.
The combination of small and large scale checks is such a modern look
Adairs: With a colour range that covers the entire spectrum, Adairs has certainly embraced the check trend. From $69.99.
Home Republic printed orange check sheet set
Home Republic vintage washed linen dusty mauve check sheet separates
Adairs Kids gingham sunshine sheet set
Kip & Co: The brand’s Tuscan gingham design, combining an unlikely pairing of deep green and peach, is a statement making look. The range is made from French flax linen. From $45.
Society of Wanderers: From lilac gingham to a bold green and gold and a fuchsia and red check, this gingham range is not for the faint hearted. We love the ruffle detail and we love the range mixed and matched. From $99.
Mix and match bedding tips from Kip & Co
It’s the time of year where we’re all adding extra layers to our beds for warmth but the more we add, the harder it can be to achieve a cohesive…
Interior stylist Georgia Duncan uses her designer eye to curate a roundup of some very stylish bedside tables. From budget friendly, to higher end splurge, to Australian made, there’s something for everyone here.
The Gridwork Side table is Melbourne made, and has a wicked industrial edge. Using products traditionally found in industrial settings, the toughened, yet oh so design savvy fluted glass, paired with either stainless steel or a powder coated black frame, creates a very streamlined, minimalist, yet hardwearing option. Storage shelves create nooks for your favourite books, and any other special items.
Available in three colour ways, the Slim Bedside Table displays a great amount of form and function. The on-trend curved legs create an ‘ongoing’ effect, while the drawer is a perfect place to stash all those necessary, yet unsightly items.
The Powder coated steel Curve side table, takes on the on trend circular legs, while the top is perfect size for your lamp and personal items. Below, there is space for some magazines, or to be left empty for that perfect minimalist look.
Versatile throughout the house, but very useful in the bedroom, the modern classic tray table from HAY comes in many colours. It’s aesthetically light and you could always nice basket placed underneath if you needed extra storage.
With its on trend woven shelf, and functionality of a single drawer, the Origins side table is definitely another example of form and function. Made in Melbourne from Australian Messmate, there are also custom timber options available. This is a do not pass go option if you are looking for a small piece of storage and a great looking piece. 8-to-10 weeks lead time.
The Nikkeby bedside drawers are perfect for a room needing something a bit more hardy to withhold the test of time. Coming in a classic olive green, these are sure to suit a range of bedrooms, and come in at the budget-friendly end of the scale.
For those who either want to save on space or have enough storage already, the Fold Bedside is literally the perfect option. Made in New Zealand from powder coated aluminium, they are even hardy enough to go in bathrooms or outdoors. Base models come in white and black, but there is a large range of custom colours too. With a shelf for your lamp and phone, and one for your book and hand cream, this really is a great option.
With its rattan finish, and teak frame, the Agatha Bedside is a space saving storage soloution like no other. Rather than a drawer, this bedside has a fold down door.
A definite piece for the bedroom, the Pierré has a playful presence. Designed to make a statement, with a marble top, rattan shelf, steel structure and teak spherical feet.
An on trend classic, the Quinn is a larger scale, versatile, and oh so functional piece. Pop your unsightly favourite things in the drawers, and a gorgeous lamp on top along with a few of your best sleepy-time styling objects and you’re away.
-For as long as Georgia can remember, at the forefront of her six senses has been design. Based in Melbourne, she works as a freelance stylist and creative in the interiors world. See more of her work on Instagram or via her website.
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Logan & Mason 'Lemon Zest' quilt cover. Styling by Adam Powell and photography by Nathan Hendry
When it comes to bedroom styling, the bed is arguably one of the key places to get right because after all, there’s nothing quite like a stylishly dressed bed is there? Not that I need much of an excuse to jump in at the end of each day but I digress…
From the importance of dressing the foot of the bed to just how many cushions is too many (the subject of countless arguments between husband and wives across Australia!), we caught up with Legend Linen head stylist Danielle Kelly recently who shared her expert tips and tricks.
Private Collection ‘Boronia’ quilt cover in denim. Styling by Steve Cordony & photography by Maree Homer
Quality Given we spend a third of our lives in bed, it pays to splash out on quality bed sheets because not only will they feel better but they’ll last the distance. “Think of cosy nights, style and sophistication, and the ability to withstand regular washing – invest!” says Danielle.
Lay the foundations While you might have beautiful bed linen, sometimes the overall look can be a little underwhelming if you haven’t paid enough attention to what is inside your doonas and pillows. A plush, inviting vibe is the look that most people are after which is why it pays to use the right inserts and fillers. “For an extra-plush look try using duck feathers, or even stuffing two inserts into your duvet cover. You can also add a featherbed beneath your fitted sheet for extra softness too,” says Danielle.
Logan & Mason ‘Zulu Animal’ quilt cover. Styling by Adam Powell and photography by Nathan Hendry
Select a theme or colour palette As with most interior decorating decisions, you should spend a bit of time considering what your room’s dominant aesthetic, or central theme, will be. “What is it that you want to achieve? If it’s soft and relaxing use muted greys and dusty pinks. If it’s bold and bright use vibrant colours and loud prints,” says Danielle who recommends never using more than three colours in a scheme.
Layer it up Unsurprisingly, Danielle is a big fan of texture and layering for that easily-but-artfully-pulled-together vibe. “The aim should be to achieve casual elegance. Once you’ve placed your sheets, you can layer blankets, comforters, and duvets depending on your climate and personal taste,” says Danielle.
Logan & Mason ‘Lemon Zest’ quilt cover. Styling by Adam Powell and photography by Nathan Hendry
Dress the foot of the bed “Add a soft throw at the foot of the bed for a final flourish,” says Danielle. Not only is this a great place for your pets to snuggle but it serves a practical purpose on cooler nights and is a great way to break up the expanse of a large bed.
The cushion dilemma – how many is too many? Regardless of how many cushions you have on your bed you should aim for a variety of sizes. “For example if you own a king size bed you will need three Euro cushions, four standard cushions and three feature cushions. This gives things a relaxed, ‘lived in but luxurious’ vibe,” says Danielle. By my calculations that is 10 cushions in addition to two pillows which is generous, even by my extravagant, cushion-loving standards!
Private Collection ‘Dash’ quilt cover in chambray
The devil is in the details Attention to detail is paramount when it comes to dressing a bed – it’s the detail that makes the whole. “Small things like a piped edge or stitching details can add that extra sophistication to bed styling,” says Danielle. Personally, I don’t think you can go past quilting for an extra layer of texture and interest too.
Sealy share their top tips for an extra special bedroom.
Colour is a unifying force. Use it to harmonise the many elements of your bedroom.
Crisp whites are classic, clean and energising, but can often look overly sterile if not paired with coloured accents or varied in texture. Solid, subtle creams, beiges, taupes and muted shades of blue are softer alternatives that are less likely to age than trendy geometrics and graphic patterns. Choose and maintain a consistent colour palette, paying attention to smaller details such as matching hardware and wood tones.
Deep, dusty blue hues are perfectly paired with dark, romantic plum hues in this chic bedroom interior by Sealy.
Use your budget wisely. Some aspects of your interiors are worth investing in, while other elements are okay to skimp on.
Upcycling can be fun and is a wonderful way to reduce wastage when revamping an outdated room. Refreshing an aging dresser with simple silver hardware or a new finish, for example, is a relatively inexpensive way to breathe new life into your daggy decor. Other aspects of your bedroom interiors however, such as a supportive mattress that allows you to sleep restfully, are worth investing in. There should be no skimping when it comes to your health — you spend one third of your life in bed, after all — but there are plenty of creative ways to acquire minimal, classic pieces of furniture and decor on a budget.
Serene blues are instantly calming; a fantastic styling option for this quality, handcrafted Sealy mattress.
Your bedroom is your sleep sanctuary, so keep your comfort at the forefront of your mind.
Generously layering plush pillows over your bed will create the feel and appearance of abundant luxury. The rest of your bedding, however, should be easy and practical. A temperature ranging between 16 and 20°C is ideal for a restful night’s sleep, so opt for fresh, light bedding in the summertime. In the cooler months, soft, textured throws and cozy knits in versatile neutrals are a great investment for adding warmth. Be sure to layer these over a firm, high quality mattress: a mattress that sinks or sags in the centre is generally will not provide the support your body needs for a comfortable night’s rest, and won’t allow your bedding to sit nicely.
Crisp white bedding layered with a cosy, neutral knit hits the mark in this bedroom styling by Sealy.
Declutter your space to the best of your ability.
Space is luxurious and liberating, while clutter only serves to collect dust. Unfortunately, many of us are in the habit of cluttering our nightstands with our personal belongings, and hanging on to every beautiful piece of decor we come across. Less is more, so resist the urge to hang on to anything that a) isn’t useful, or b) doesn’t vibe with the rest of your interiors.
If minimalism is something that you struggle with, take it slow: aim to donate, gift or recycle one belonging of yours per week, and utilise space savers, hidden storage or a storage locker for the rest of your non-essentials.
The Sealy Posturepedic SpaceSaver™ drawer base comes with hidden storage to keep clutter at bay.
Add a touch of personality to your interiors. Your space can be lively, soulful and exciting while still being effortless and tasteful.
Clean and classic doesn’t have to be mundane, in the same way that playfulness doesn’t have to be messy. Fresh greenery and a captivating artwork are two great ways to bring life to your space in a way that’s tasteful, and work especially well bringing balance to a mature master bedroom. See your local greenhouse for a low-maintenance indoor plant that will add effortless pep to your interiors, or pick out a beautiful, calming piece by your favourite local artist.
Fresh, low-maintenance greenery is effortlessly energising against deep greys and neutral beige in this classic, carefree bedroom styling by Sealy.
