A Necessary Mattress Primer (with a little eye candy to make it more interesting)

So obviously I'm a huge believer in the necessity of a beautiful bedroom, and I could loose hours pouring over inspiring bedroom photos.  Mattresses are something that maybe aren't the most enticing topic of study, but they are a vital one.

So I've done a little bit of research for you so you don't have to...

via Lonny Mag

Pillow top
Most people these days are in love with pillow top mattresses, and I am a recent convert myself.  Their initial comfort and relief of pressure points is above average. As comfortable as they are, there are some things you want to keep in mind. That extra pad of cushion can make you feel like you are floating on a cloud, but they "they are at least two times more likely than non-pillow top mattresses to have durability / longevity problems"- SD 

If you sleep hot you may want to consider forgoing a pillow top. Before making the investment of a mattress, you could always get a pillow top topper for your current mattress to see if it's the mattress type for you.

via aliciabdesigns

Memory Foam
 Memory foam mattresses are also a top seller these days. These are fantastic because they form to your body and most people will say that having one has enhanced their sleep. One con I found again is that they tend to retain heat, so they won't be the best option for hot sleepers, and another is the initial off-gassing and odor complaints seem to be higher than with other mattresses.

The pros are movement isolation (so your tossing partner won't disturb you as much), long life span, and superb pain relier. - via SD

Latex
Latex mattresses are something I've been hearing about for a few years now.  They have many advantages of memory foam mattresses, but not the cons that come with them. The can also be "all natural" which appeals to green consumers.  The cons are that they can be hard to find and therefore hard to test, as well as find reviews for.  Natural Latex mattress tend to be more expensive than other mattresses of the same size, but tend to have longer lifespans.

Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the most popular mattresses.  They are the most widely available which makes them easiest to try out because showrooms always carry them.  Due to the fact that they've been around so long also means you'll have many different variations to try, and many different price points to shop from.  Pros are ease of movement on the bed and that they're good for those who sleep hot.  Cons are that they tend to wear out after 5-7 years, and coils and padding wear down.  They also aren't the best for reducing motion transfer.

via BHG

Pocket Sprung
Pocket sprung mattresses may not be something you've heard of but one of it's great features is that the springs move independently to support your body.  The independently moving springs also helps with not transferring movement from your partner.  Not so great features are that it's a heavy mattress and not great for those with allergies do to all of the filling.

via countryliving

Hopefully this review can help you narrow down one or two types of mattress you'd like to shop for.
Whatever type of mattress you choose, be sure that you've done your research since mattresses aren't a cheap purchase and tend to stick around for a while.

this post is in partnership with zsleeps.co.uk

The shoes that inspired a room

So I'm not usually a girl who drools over designer labels, but I loved these shoes before I even knew who's name was on the label! I loved the juxtaposition of the black suede, and the patent leather maryjane strap and wrapped heel. So of course I wanted to pull a whole room together based on them!

The shoe (sadly banished to my closet until my heel injury heals)

A glossy lacquered nightstand paired with a velvet arm chair reminded me of the suede and the patent leather. Same with the tulle dress paired with the black satin bow. I also love, love, love, the indulgent glamor of the bureau top with all of the pearls and the lacy nightgown hanging out of the drawer.

Shiny pearls and matte rose petals; an intricate iron bed with luxurious but not too "matchy-matchy" bedding- creates a look that's elegant, but also warm. And chocolate, of course.

Pearl Necklace, Jamie Nelson, Black Nightstand, Brocade Home,
Purple chair and Ottoman, Graham and Green, Roses in a Teacup, Polly Wreford, Rings (board 2), Chocolate dessert (board 1) Thomas Dellhemmes, Bed (board 1), Dresser Still Life (board 2), Daniel Farmer, Tulle and Satin bow gown, Jessica Stam in Harpers Bazaar February 2007 by Solve Sundsbo via {this is glamorous}

Look at the goodies I found for cheap!

I have a pair of heels from target that I've had for four years now. They were $14.00, they are comfortable, and I get tons of complements. That alone makes me a fan of Target. They also have a huge selection, feature affordable goods by designers, and have tons of great stuff for the home! Are you a target fan?


59.99 Tear drop table lamp


Corelle Sketch 16-pc. Dinnerware Set $69.99


great colors! Blossom Rug Collection - Gray $499.99 - $899.99



Japanese style curved magazine rack $24.99 - such a steal


This is the headboard I'll be getting once I save up!
Blanc de blanc headboard, $199-299





Galaxy wall mirror, $29.99


Dwell studio for target lattice pillow $24.99




simply shabby chic metal flowers chandelier, $39.22

Is Shabby Chic still chic?

Rachel Ashwell started Shabby Chic back in the 80s after years of scouring thrift and antique stores for furniture with beautiful lines and the patina of a good life. Shabby chic has now become a decorating style of its own; pastels, worn finishes, whites, and romance are all variables that pull the look together. Some say that shabby chic has lost it's appeal, but I'm on the fence about it. I absolutely love the photos, and I think I could never get out of one of those beds once I 've slept in one. But I also wonder if the furniture and accessories could be blended in with people's already existing decor, or if one goes Shabby chic, do they have to go all out? What are your thoughts?

Images via
Shabby Chic

Eco chic furniture and accessories

So, I know that "green" and "eco-friendly" items aren't exactly new buzzwords anymore. But I still love when I find a product that is made from recycled glass or reclaimed wood. What's even better is if the product is designed well and affordable. It's hard to find all of those things from one seller (especially affordability), but VivaTerra comes close!



Flowered enamel picnicware, starts at $35
I don't know why I like these, they're kitsch, but I like these


Ecowood grid shelf, $69


Recycled glass vases, $39 to $98



Suzani benches, $395 for narrow, $895 for wide



Gustavian vintage bed, $1,995 - $2,095
*swoon*


Branch and glass side table, $198


Entwined root stool, $99
I would take the glass top idea from the first table and put it on the root stool.


Railroad tie dining table $998


boatwood clock, $69

Images via VivaTerra

Designer Portfolios

Some great images I've collected from a few interior design portfolios. I hope you like some of them!

Briger and Briger

I adore this bedroom, the bed is gorgeous, and I really like the quaint rug on the floor by the bed.

Books, an open pantry, baskets, a library ladder - what else could I want?




I've never seen a kitchen layout like this one, I wonder how well it works





I love this bedroom. It's so diverse, and the stone floors and carpet make it feel like it's in a temple.

Images via Briger and Briger

Diamond Baratta Design


Images via Diamond Baratta Design

Design, Inc.


Images via Design, Inc.