Bedding for a Princess on a Shoestring

It's amazing how expensive crib bedding can be. A full set that includes a comforter/ quilt, crib bumper, a fitted sheet, dust ruffle, and a possibly a diaper bag can cost upwards $180.00. Something to keep in mind is that purchasing a full set is probably over-kill. Child safety organizations recommend against using comforters, crib bumpers and pillows in the crib since they pose a risk of suffocation.

Purchasing bedding a la carte is your best economical option. All you need to invest in the short term is a 100% cotton fitted crib sheet and dust ruffle. Dwell Studio now makes a line for Target. Here's what we got for our little princess:
Olivia Crib Sheet
Olivia Crib Skirt

Right now they are on clearance. So, for both items, I only paid $24.00!

Interior Design: Master Bedroom Bed

It's been difficult to find time in my friend's busy schedule to continue on with this project! :(

But... finally...a decision has been made on the master bedroom bed. We have decided to go with the CB2's Mercury Bed - yay! The order has been placed, and we just need to wait for it to arrive.

Since price point is a key determining factor, the couple is considering purchasing a mattress from Ikea . My recommendation has been to spend some money on a good mattress. Thoughts?

Bundling Up

A friend of mine suggested that I should blog on my knowledge of down comforters. I'm certainly not an expert but here are some tips that I used to purchase our new fluffy comforter:

* Feathers vs. Down. Absolutely go for down... white goose down, if you can! Siberian, Hungarian & Polish white goose down fills are top notch and mostly hypo-allergenic.

* Fill Power. Fill power is a measure of the quality & warmth of the down. Higher fill power comforters have larger and stronger clusters of down (translation - more insulation). If you live in warmer climates, you probably don't need more than 550. For those in cooler climates, go for ones with 700 - 800.

* Weight. Fill weight tells you how heavy the comforter will be. This is not positively correlated with the actual quality. I prefer light weight comforters.

* Baffling/ Baffle Box. This is an absolute must since it will help to keep the down in place.

After researching numerous comforters, I ended up selecting Laura Ashley's King Comforter. It features 700 fill power, 40 oz fill (which is lighter than most for a king size), baffling, a 660 threadcount cover, and the cost - only $154! My husband and I have been snug as a bug lately.

Interior Design: Master Bedroom Choices

This is my best friend's master bedroom. It's a beautifully open space with high ceilings and open wall space. My friend and her husband are considering a low japanese style platform bed similar to the one from West Elm. I would like to suggest that they consider beds that play to the height of their walls such as the Metal Canopy bed or this high back platform bed. The latter's shape is reminiscent of WS' Newport bed from a previous post that I adore but is too rich for me. I'm also planning on finding the right end tables - avoiding matchy-match as much as possible. What do you think?

A Boost For Every Marriage

My husband and I have agreed that it's definitely time to upgrade our queen to a KING (yippee!!!). The Newport from William-Sonoma Home is currently the front runner. It's price is obviously making me trigger-shy, and it's not exactly what I'm looking for. I love the shape of the headboard but wish that the frame was less substantial & bulky. Have you seen any good alternatives?