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

A house tour from me!

Last year I conducted a house tour for Apartment Therapy. By lucky coincidence I went to pick up a desk I found on craigslist from the very congenial Leona and Kay, and I was instantly struck by the clean design of their top floor, Park Slope apartment. Around the same time, I was asked to conduct a house tour for Apartment Therapy. I instantly thought of their home, and they were kind enough to allow me to present it. Nice place isn't it?

Their apartment had great light!


This shower curtain was a hit - they acquired it at a local hardware store





This 50's dinette set is their prized possession

The headboard is actually an inexpensive Ikea mattress!






A day bed for guests. The curtain behind it acts as camouflage for storage



These sliding screens from Ikea make for pretty closet doors




Here was my original post:
I was shocked when Kay and Leona told me they had moved into their beautiful top-floor apartment only a month ago. They've hung art, curtains as partitions, and even come up with an attractive and functional closet system. The couple's furniture and décor comes from a wide variety of sources, such as flea markets, antique stores, Ikea, Art de vivre in France, Christie's, and Lumas. I was really impressed when they revealed that the headboard for the bed is actually an Ikea mattress. I thought it was a real upholstered headboard! The apartment has a surprising loft-like feel, as they've chosen to embrace a more open layout, including using what most would consider the bedroom as a living room, and the living room as a bedroom. They spend the most time in the living room, so they designated the larger room with better light to serve the purpose. Kay and Leona also enjoy the almost exclusive (nobody else ventures up there) rooftop with a great view of the Statue of Liberty!

Their survey for Apartment Therapy:

Your Style?

Although we like modern design, we wanted to give this brown stone (pre-renovation) apartment a special touch and combined modern and vintage elements. Because our lease is limited to one year, we couldn't structurally change anything in the apartment.

Favorite Element?

The open bedroom with fireplace, the kitchen that opens to the dining room. The almost exclusive rooftop.

Biggest Challenge?

The open bedroom without a door to the dining room and the lack of storage / closet space.

What do friends say?

Love it

Biggest Embarrassment?

He: The old IKEA sofa and the cheap lamps;
She: the 1995 Baywatch centerfold in the office

Proudest DIY?

The classy (we think) but inexpensive and easily removable walk-in closet.

Biggest Indulgence?

The art (photo art mainly). We love our custom-made walnut dining table from France, which combines a modern shape and warm wood color combined with chairs from the mid 19th century. And the 50ies modernist bar and all the photo art for the walls that is yet to come

Dream Source?

Christie's (they actually have very interesting stuff at their furniture auctions)

Furniture: Custom made dining table from Art de vivre with 19th century chairs
50ies Formica diner table and chairs for the kitchen
Chest of drawers, daybed and sofa from IKEA
Walk in closet a combination of Home depot & IKEA
Vintage and antique furniture shops in Brooklyn
Glassware and chandeliers from flea markets
Beds: Standard spring box and mattress with a twin mattress (our guest mattress) used as a headboard
Artwork: several galleries, Lumas

via Apartment Therapy via ashleywhitedesign.com -- me ;)