When I moved into my new apartment in Brooklyn, I might have gone a little overboard. I went from a 350 square foot studio with a lofted bed (it just barely held a queen sized mattress) to a 1,400 foot one bedroom apartment. While my studio was really cute (it had high ceilings and so much light!) I had gotten really tired of climbing up a ladder every night to go to bed. I could not wait to have a bedroom door, and (gasp!) a real bed! The part where I went overboard was that since I was buying a real bed for the first time in years, I sprung for a king. A few friends teased me… did I really need that big of a bed when I live alone? Probably not but honestly it was probably the best decision I’ve made. To me, one of the best parts of traveling or staying in a hotel is getting to sleep in a big old king sized bed. Now, that’s my everyday! I actually find myself wanting to travel less as I like my bedroom so much.
Today, in collaboration with Bloomingdale’s, I’m sharing five ways to make your apartment feel like a hotel. As a side note, my friends all refer to my apartment as “Hotel Stripe…” it’s silly and a little hilarious as they’re making fun of my obsession with perfection, but I kinda love it. Ever since getting an actual bedroom, I have become obsessed with making it feel relaxing and inviting like a hotel. Also – I will be sharing a full home tour eventually, but I’m still figuring out art and my sister and I are going to wallpaper it together!
ONE // Think about the “amenities.” This is a silly thing but anytime I stay at a really fancy hotel, I always take the slippers. When I make my bed in the morning, I will then lay out my hotel slippers out next to my bed as if I were in a hotel. I keep a phone charger on both sides of the bed, and in my nightstand drawer I keep all of my little luxuries: hand cream, foot cream, lip balm, and a luxurious silk eye mask.
TWO // Invest in the best mattress you can afford – and be sure to try it first, in store. As a part of this collaboration, Bloomingdales’ invited me in to choose a new Kluft mattress and it was a life changing experience. Everyone is really different in terms of what they fall asleep (and stay asleep) best on. Some like a mattress that’s super soft like a cloud, others want something more firm. In all honesty, I thought I preferred something extra firm until I went to Bloomies and laid on every single one of their mattresses. (This is actually a really fun activity, by the way.) I ended up going with something in between. I chose the Latex Collection in Park… ultra supportive (so I’m less tempted to sleep on my stomach) but still soft. I have had my new mattress a little over a week and have been sleeping better than ever… it’s amazing what a huge difference a great mattress can make.
THREE // Hang plants and put fresh flowers on either side of the bed. I am something of a black thumb but have a few plants that I can’t seem to kill. (I recommend Aloe and Philodendrons… I’ve had my Philodendron since April and it’s still going strong!) Plants immediately make a space feel more relaxing and inviting, but they also help to purify the air. And what’s better than waking up to fresh flowers!? When I am on top of my game, I go to the farmers market for something local and exciting like these snap dragons… when I’m not, it’s bodega roses. I like to use matching vases on either side of the bed so I will do either simple mason jars or these gold striped vases from Kate Spade.
FOUR // Minimize Clutter. This is an important one! As I work from home + entertain a lot, it can be tempting to shuffle all of my clutter inside and into the bedroom. I really try to avoid doing this though… I sleep so much better when everything is put away. I don’t know what that is but for me, if my sleep space is clean and clear, I always have a better night sleep.
FIVE // When in doubt, choose all white bedding. Sure, I have some fun colored bedding and love a pattern from time to time but there is a reason most hotels do all white. It’s universally beloved, always chic, and so soothing… like falling asleep inside of a cloud. I actually LOVE Ugg’s home collection… I feel like it’s a secret that no one knows about yet. This set is super soft and cozy. (Total side note and unrelated to bedding, but these baskets are also really great.)
photography by Carter Fish // Created in partnership with Bloomingdale’s + ShopStyle.
Yes to no clutter and white bedding! It really brightens up the room, and makes it look much spacious than it actually is.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks Charmaine! Have a lovely weekend!
I love that you got a king size mattress! I’ve actually been on the hunt for a new one and while it’s just me, I’ve been toying with the idea of doing the same. No shame 😉 I’ve loved watching your space come together. Now, can you come help me do mine?!
You should 1000% do it. I am the happiest with my big bed!!!
Your space is SO great, Grace! Loved this collaboration!
Pink Champagne Problems
Awww thanks so much Dana! xoxo
I love this post! I’m all about the amenities too. I must get it from my mom, who always sets out a carafe of water, a piece of chocolate, and a new candle whenever I come home to visit 🙂
Briana | youngsophisticate.com
Chocolate is such a good idea! Totally stealing that!
Love these tips! I can’t wait for your full home tour!
Angela
Thanks Angela!!
All white bedding and minimizing clutter will definitely go such a long way!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Agreed! Thanks Briana – have a great weekend!!
Love the theme of this post! I have an UGG rug and am obsessed with it and gifted a blanket of theirs to my mom a few years back. it really is a little secret how good their Home stuff is!
Totally agree! Such a good little secret!!
LOVE these ideas. But are those pineapple pillowcases the Ugg too? I only saw solids when I clicked on the link. And I am literally about to go out to my bodega to get bedside flowers, such a lovely little idea I never thought of.
You mean Palm Trees right? Those are Tommy Bahama! Here is a link! http://shopstyle.it/l/lFBW
Palm trees, pineapples, same thing? 🙂
Thoughts or advice on keeping white bedding looking fresh? I’m pretty good about washing and changing my bedding/sheets but I feel like it just wears down SO much faster than non-white or printed bedding. It makes it hard for me to justify paying extra for super cozy bedding (sheets, comforter etc) when I have to replace it so often 🙁
yes to the above comment – how do you keep the bedding so white?
Haha I don’t know! Maybe I’m just lucky but have never had a problem? I wash my bedding with other whites only and if it’s dingy, I will use bleach! Sorry that’s not more comprehensive but i don’t really do anything special.
I replied to the other commenter, I know this isn’t very helpful but I’ve never had a problem! I change my sheets every two weeks and only wash them with other whites. Occasionally Tyrion will get the sheets dirty (his eyes run) in which case I keep a Clorox stick in my nightstand to help clean any spots… but honestly just haven’t had any issues! I rotate through 3 or 4 different sets of sheets so maybe that helps with minimizing wear? Sorry it isn’t more helpful I bet Martha Stewart or someone who is more of a domestic expert may have tips on her website!
Love all of the white and light and plants!
Thank you!!
My fiancee and I are moving in together on Friday and we bought all white bedding- I’m a bit nervous about it but I do agree- it just feels SO luxurious!
Aw congrats on the move in!!!
I really don’t think you have ANYTHING to be nervous about… if they get dirty just wash ’em with bleach!
If I could afford a $10K mattress I would probably sleep better, too!!! Looks like a wonderful mattress!
I do have to agree that the UGG sheets are the BEST!!
Thanks for sharing!
I like all-white bedding too. It always looks cleaner and more inviting (to me, at least). Also, I totally don’t blame you for choosing a King Size bed! My dream is to one day have one of my own, but for now, I’m alright with a Queen 😉
It’s the best! If I weren’t starting over (I had no bed, haha!) I would have stuck with a queen… but the king is just so luxurious! xo