Posted on: January 15, 2009

Expect the Unexpected

Redefine the bedroom with color, texture and even eucalyptus-based pillowcases

By Kate Sullivan
CTW Features

Call it the case of the beautiful pillow, but with today's options for making the bed, creating your own picture-perfect sleep sanctuary is as easy as changing your pillowcase. From cottage cozy to detailed embroidery, bold stripes to floral fun - add bang to your bedding with a simple pair of pillowcases.

When Molly Moore of Chicago ventured off to Guatemala to enhance her Spanish language skills she returned with more than a new vocabulary. "In the market one day, I spotted the most beautiful, handmade pillowcase. On a white background a large, colorful, embroidered flower popped off the fabric. Now, every time I look at my bedding, the bright greens, pinks and yellows remind me of my visit."

For Moore, the solution to her bland bedding appeared when she least expected, but for the rest of us, there's no need to cross the equator.

Serenity now

According to Barb Abrass a buyer at St. Paul, Minn.-based F & B Linens, while most customers want to stick within their bedding comfort zone, looking beyond the end of the bed offers another route to cohesive look. "Find a color in a painting on a wall or in a lamp shade to tie in the new pillowcase," she suggests.

To broaden your bedding options without sacrificing any shut eye, Abrass suggests sticking with muted tones, but adding dimension by choosing brands that experiment with bold borders. Look for pillowcases or shams that have a contrasting color with the material that surround one or more of the sides. "Change your look by ordering or choosing a white or taupe pillow with a colored or textured edge."

Nancy Koltes, founder of Nancy Koltes At Home in New York City, says that colors have a big impact on comfort. "Striving for serenity is color driven; you can use spa-like colors. It's your haven, somewhere to relax," she says.

The importance of touch

Perhaps the only time comfort comes before fashion occurs within the bedding market. "Bamboo fabric sells as one of the softest," says Abrass. But she also recommends eucalyptus-based fabrics for a shinier, thicker feel, such as ones made by the Italian company Legna. And for the frequent traveler, "percale has a thinner, finer hotel quality feel." Decide what feels best to the face then opt for what looks best to the eye. Koltes is also a fan of percale. "Comfort doesn't negate the fact that it can't be beautiful," she says. "You can have comfort and beauty."

Cream of the crop

� Pretty prints - Abrass says that Nancy Koltes' best-selling Foglia leaf jacquard pattern appeals to the French County type, from a smoldering mocha to bright sunny gold. The pattern is a long time favorite of Koltes, who says she prefers leaves to traditional floral patterns.

"Leaves have always shown up in my work," Koltes says. "They tend to have a nice classic shape. I find it more pleasing than flowers."

Classic but chic clients steer toward New York City-based Lulu DK Matouk for color and styles like the River geometric pattern in honeydew or the more contemporary Poppy floral black, white and blue print. Opt for a colorful print if you have a solid or two-tone duvet. Don't try to match to the comforter, instead pick a contrasting color from a similar palette. Gold print pillows against black and white bedding add a modern twist to a classic look.

� Border patrol - Break tradition with the trim. For the minimalist, Abrass recommends DEA's Oasi dots pillow case with a white or ivory base surrounded by a lilac, blue lagoon or dark chocolate sateen border. Fans of flowers bring garden appeal indoors with SFERRA's Rosina style that details edges with embroidered roses in colors like daffodil or blossom.

A reason to experiment

Abrass sees another reason to get creative with your cases. When in the market for new bedding, she recommends shoppers start small with the pillowcase purchase. "If you are going to try a new thread count or fabric like bamboo, buy the pillow case to see if you like the feel of it, since your face rests on it every night, to decide if it's worth the change in bedding and the extra money."

Handle with care

"Linens get laundered frequently - unlike upholstery, there's a usability factor that has concerns of color and care in bedding collections. Sateens are beautiful and comfortable, and they have good wash-ability and wear-ability," Koltes explains.

For finer products, think mild maintenance. No harsh detergents needed to detox your delicates. Use gentle suds and dry on low. Steer clear of the bleach. To wash out those makeup marks or remnants of hair gel? Soak your cases and carefully rub fabric against itself until the stain lifts. No dryer time until all traces of the residue are gone. Heat sets the unwanted spots. For Abrass, "I have some clients that hand wash their pillow cases in the bath tub because they are so precious."

Stepping up your sleep style doesn't require rearranging your room, just simply shift your pillowcase paradigm. It's time to pay attention to this often overlooked bedding element. Koltes suggests approaching your bedding design like you would approach an interior space of your house. "Linens create the mood and can be the centerpiece for the room," Koltes says. "Decide where you want your focus, whether it's the room color or accessories like a simple bed backdrop."

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