A perfect blend of traditional design and whimsical style, Amie Freling Brown merits a large and dedicated following as a designer and artist. She shares her bedroom makeover to surprise her Mum for the holiday from her Meme Hill blog. Amie featured Laura Ashley products available online and at The Bon-Ton stores.
Every year I attempt to make gift giving more personal and meaningful. But what exactly do you buy that person who has just about everything? In my family, that person would be my mother. Every time that she wants or needs something, it appears the next day. She just goes out and buys it. I recently helped her pick out a new bed and mattress and noticed that she was in need of some new bedding. Thinking ahead this year, I decided the perfect gift would be to surprise my parents with new bedding and decorate their room for Christmas!
Go with a Classic
My mom’s impeccable decorating style has always leaned towards classic traditional. She has discriminating taste and only likes the best. I enlisted the help of my daughter Chloe and niece Charlotte and went directly to The Bon-Ton website to see what they offered. My mom has always loved Laura Ashley so I knew I couldn’t go wrong with such a reputable brand. There were so many beautiful choices when it came to bedding sets. I pulled inspiration for the new bedding from the botanical art prints that hang above their bed- a soothing palette of turquoise, creams and beiges.
After spending close to an hour looking at all the fabulous selections, the girls and I chose the Edwin King Sheet Set and Amberley Quilt and Sham Set in Biscuit . In addition to the bedding sets, we also discovered a wonderful 100% all cotton woven Dot Throw for hanging out and watching TV in bed. This bedding would be such a wonderful treat for them. Finally, something that they needed!
Making the Bed
New king size hypo-allergenic pillows were also in the lineup. After all, new bedding deserves new pillows! The Edwin Sheet Set was so beautiful! It was incredibly soft and the light beige chevron pattern was stylish and classic. I will never buy anything other than 100% cotton sheets. There is nothing softer.
Finishing it off was the Amberley Quilt. With a different pattern on each side it was tough to choose which side to show more of. The girls decided that the dotted throw would look best on the beige mini floral side and I agreed. The white and tan floral pattern would peek out over the folded top. We layered on the quilted shams and added silk, velvet and linen accent pillows and a petite silk embroidered JOY pillow trimmed in feathers. The Gray Woven Dot Throw would tie in all the colours and add the final layer of warmth.
Pattern Play
To add interest I always like to mix a solid with a floral and a geometric. In this bedroom ensemble the geometric is my fringed polka dot cotton throw. You can never go wrong with a polka dot. (On a side note; this cozy throw also comes in red and cream. To shop for the red and cream version , click here.)
Adding Christmas Cheer
Now that the new bedding was on and bed made, we focused on the Christmas decor. We added a mix pine wreath with turquoise hydrangea, frosted pine cones, light green & aqua blue glass bulbs and a shimmery gold ribbon.
To make the bed even more inviting, Chloe added a silver tray with champagne coloured bottle brush trees, candles, and more pine branches and cones. On the nightstand we added silver plated sculptured pine trees. It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Just past the antique maple French armoire we put up a 7 foot pre-lit frasier fur artificial tree. We centered it in front of the window so that when they entered the room it would draw you in with it ‘s bright lights and glistening ornaments.
To the left of the tree right above the accent chair are a trio of Audubon bird prints. We collected every bird ornament we could find and created a virtual Christmas aviary. Some of the glass bird have the most beautiful feathered tails. Surrounding the birds are hand blown and hand painted glass bulbs and ornaments in shades of copper, bronze, gold, turquoise, green and champagne. At last, the room was finished and ready for my parents!
* I have happily partnered with The Bon-Ton and received merchandise in exchange for this post. Opinions are 100% my own.