About Gabrielle Johnson
When shopping finally becomes an Olympic event, editor Gabrielle Johnson is pretty sure she’ll take home the gold medal for Canada – after inquiring about the availability of other colours (lilac? chartreuse?) and politely requesting a discount. Every week, she shares a glimpse into what’s on her style radar.
Best-Dressed Bed
life/style Toronto
(Aug.17.10)
Have you ever had one of those days when you peered into your closet and couldn't stand any of the clothes in your wardrobe? When you convinced yourself that the dresses and skirts and pants that seemed just fine yesterday became hopelessly outdated overnight? I had a moment like that a couple of weeks ago, only it wasn't my clothes that suddenly needed a complete overhaul; it was my bedroom. My striped duvet cover — the one I felt was "so Marni" when I bought it two years ago — looked flat and sad to me, while the mismatched sheets that used to clash in a good way now just clashed, period. It was time for a bedroom makeover.
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Since the bed is the focal point of any bedroom, I started with a new duvet cover and pillow shams. I fell in love with Crate & Barrel's Marimekko Ruby Poloneesi Bed Linens, but my husband was skeptical. "They're pink," Matt said. "No, they're a deep ruby red," I countered. "Fine," he gave in grudgingly, "but I want you to remember how nice I am!"
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To balance out the overall girliness of the bedroom, I picked up West Elm's Organic Cotton Frayed-Edge Sheet Set in Slate. The sheets are super-soft and make the ruby, black and violet of the duvet cover really pop. (I also bought a set of lavender Ralph Lauren Dunham Cotton Sateen Sheets from Winners in case I want to amp up the femininity. Sorry, Matt!)
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When it comes to makeovers, the problem with updating one element of a room is that you inevitably feel the need to rethink everything else, too. I'm now on the hunt for new bedside tables — specifically, an affordable (and available-in-Canada) version of UK retailer Graham and Green's stunning Black and Bone Inlay Bedside Table.
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And if I'm going to change up my nightstands, I've got to find new lamps to match, right? I'm loving the glam Art Deco vibe of this Black Crystal Lamp from Pier 1 Imports. I think even my husband would approve of the sophisticated black shade and elegant glass-crystal base.
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The only thing I truly dislike about my condo is the ugly, cheap-looking off-white carpeting in the bedroom. When I finally work up the courage to rip it out and replace it with hardwood flooring, I'll cosy things up with this 100% pure New Zealand wool Atlas Rug from West Elm (shown here in Ivory, but I'd opt for the Grey). |
Is there a room in your home that you're dying to make over? What would you change?