Seasonal changes invigorate senses
DEAR DESIGNER: Is it traditional to change bedspreads in the spring and fall? I’m from a northern state where the winters are severe. We traditionally changed our bedspreads with the seasons, twice a year. Las Vegas is much milder in climate so I wondered if it is customary to make the change here. — Janice.
DEAR JANICE: In many parts of our country, bedrooms have two wardrobes much like people have their winter and summer clothes. This trend began years ago out of logic and necessity.
Wool fabrics and yarns were utilized to make blankets for the harsh cold winter months and cool cottons for the hot summer months. Darker colors were chosen for winter months because they absorb the sun (and light) allowing the fabrics to hold heat. On the flip side, lightweight fabrics, like cotton, allow your body to breath, which helps to keep you cool as you sleep. Light colors reflect the sun (and light) and the fibers remain cooler.
Today, there are man-made fibers that bridge the gap between warm and cool, so the tradition has changed from necessity to that of habit, social status and vogue.
Refreshing your bedroom for spring doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking when you plan ahead. If you order custom draperies and bedding from a designer, consider ordering both bedspreads at the same time you order your draperies. Your designer can be very helpful in coordinating all the fabrics so the draperies coordinate for both looks. Order the draperies, dust ruffle and one set of pillow shams to match both your winter and summer look. This will keep your room consistent with your overall design.
One efficient way to accomplish this is with duvet covers. Buy one duvet and covers. A duvet cover looks much like a huge (comforter size) empty pillow case. A duvet is the fluffy insert you put inside the duvet cover. Duvets are usually white or natural in color and are not meant to be used without a cover. They are usually made with down stuffing, but there are polyester options for those with allergies. The duvet can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses.
Duvet covers come in handy for other reasons, too. They are lightweight and can be washed or dry cleaned inexpensively. While changing your duvet from winter to summer, you have an option of using the empty duvet cover for a simple lightweight look. Or, have your duvet cover made with a summer fabric on one side and a winter fabric on the other. Simply flip the duvet over for a fresh look that will save storage space.
Whether you use bedspreads, comforters or duvet covers on your bed, the energizing freshness that comes from changing your winter bedding to lighter springtime fabrics is much like the feeling you get the first time you open your windows in spring, a result as invigorating as the fresh spring air.
Cindy Payne is a certified interior designer with more than 25 years of experience, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, as well as a licensed contractor. E-mail questions to her at deardesigner@projectdesigninteriors. com or send them to her at Project Design Interiors, 2620 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 189, Las Vegas, NV 89109. She can be reached online at www.projectdesign interiors.com.