6 easy ways designer Shea McGee styles beds to make them so much more luxe, restful and comfortable
Netflix Dream Home Makeover series’ host and interior designer Shea McGee on how she styles beautiful beds for a luxurious, comfortable look
I am convinced you have either watched every single episode of Netflix’s hit interior design series, Dream Home Makeover, or you will at least be familiar with it. If not, please switch it on in the background as you read this, and I apologize in advance for getting you to binge on what is a very addictive show for all interior design lovers out there (of which I am assuming you are one).
The homely, cozy, and light-filled aesthetic of super popular interior designer and series host Shea McGee is very much loved and is influencing a myriad of followers everywhere due to its effortless and relaxed but equally impeccable look. Luckily for us all who can only dream of having Shea transform our homes, the designer has just released her latest book, The Art of Home, talking through her approach to designing every single room of a house. And even luckier, she has shared with us an excerpt going through all the steps to style your bed just like she would do it, for a bedroom that will feel like an oasis of calm and comfort. Enjoy!
Shea McGee’s bed styling tips
The founder of Studio McGee, Shea has parlayed a career in interior design into an empire. She presents Netflix's show Dream Home Makeover, she has collborated with Target as well as created her own line of homeware, and she is known for perfecting a pared back, calming and slightly coastal/rustic look.
1. Create a base with sheeting
'First things first: creating a base of comfort for your bedding is essential. Crisp, soft, or textured linen, sheets should be based on client preference rather than style - a classic sheet pairs well with anything layered on top.'
2. Fold the duvet
'Duvet covers do not need to match the sheets; rather, they need to coordinate. Folding duvets once or twice provides the fluffy appearance that entices you to dive right into bed.'
3. Fold in coverlets or quilts
'Next, we add a coverlet or quilt to create a warm, comfortable setting. There are many ways to style a bed, but I usually place a quilt under the duvet or a coverlet on top. You can use one or both depending on the location of the home and how much additional warmth is needed. In homes with consistently warm temperatures, I will forgo this layer altogether. I also make these decisions based on what color or pattern I want most prominent in the design scheme.'
4. Add pillows and shams
'I like to use two sleeping pillows and two shams that fit the length of the bed. I stack or prop them against the headboard depending on the look I’m chasing. Typically, I match the sleeping pillows to the sheets and the shams to the duvet, but there is no hard rule here, and it’s fun to mix it up.'
5. Bring dimension with decorative pillows
'Now it’s time for the fun part! Whether it’s a stacked-pyramid look or a simple long lumbar, adding throw pillows brings more dimension by introducing texture, pattern, and color.'
6. Complete the look with a soft throw
'Lastly, adding a throw to the end of a bed adds an extra hint of texture and functionality for cooler nights or midday naps. The draped effect also lends a more lived-in aesthetic.'
Price: $31.98
Get Shea McGee's tips and tricks for creating a cozy and impeccable look in every single room of your home. With beautiful and inspiring imagery, this is a book you don't want to miss.
Follow Shea's tips and style your bed with these buys
Price: $148
Nothing says luxurious comfort more than fresh white bed sheets. These are the perfect base to start layering the rest of your bedding form.
Price: $78 (set of 2)
Shea loves to play with texture in neutral tones. These shams in cream made from a cotton waffle weave are perfect for layering on your bed.
Price: $88
Never forget a throw, for the last touch of comfort when styling your bed. Place it casually for a homely, lived in feel.
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Raluca is Digital News Writer for Livingetc.com and passionate about all things interior and living beautifully. Coming from a background writing and styling shoots for fashion magazines such as Marie Claire Raluca’s love for design started at a very young age when her family’s favourite weekend activity was moving the furniture around the house ‘for fun’. Always happiest in creative environments in her spare time she loves designing mindful spaces and doing colour consultations. She finds the best inspiration in art, nature, and the way we live, and thinks that a home should serve our mental and emotional wellbeing as well as our lifestyle.
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