Butch it up

Jenny (recall my friend from this post) has presented us with another decorating conundrum to solve.  She sent me a pic of the duvet she wants to purchase for the new home she shares with her fiance (!), Charlie.  It is from Anthro and most definitely fits into Jenny's boho chic aesthetic. 

Here she is:

Anthropologie Alhambra Quilt in Apple

It perfectly suits Jenny (she selected it) so what is the conundrum?

Jenny faces the challenge of preventing her new master bedroom from becoming too girly.  After all, she is no longer living in her swingin' bachelorette digs.  Jenny wants to take Charlie's preppy and obviously more masculine style into account when selecting their new --joint-- bedding. 

This is a challenge I face often considering that my style is also a bit feminine or at least bright and patterny...something that is certainly not the hallmark of masculinity.  The duvet selected by Jenny is colorful and flowery so it could never be construed as "masculine," but there is definitely a way to tone it down and incorporate some more traditionally masculine elements into the overall bedding scheme. 

Here are some of my tips and suggestions for butching up Jenny's master...or at least preventing it from turning into Jenny's princess palace.  Striking a perfect balance between masculine and feminine is a challenge, but I hope these ideas help Jenny get a bit closer to her goal. 

I would first downplay the crazy fun floral pattern by selecting a simple white coverlet or quilt to cover the entirety of the bed.  I would place the duvet (folded) at the foot of the bed (about 1/3 of the bed covered with it).  This is a formula that I use for all of my beds because it controls the pattern and prevents it from becoming too overwhelming.  I also love a comfy white coverlet as it gives a bed the appealing crisp white bedding look that is just so welcoming and clean.

I love the old stand-me-by PB pick stitch quilt in white although there are literally countless white quilt/coverlet options in a myriad of price ranges.

Now, what should we do for our bedskirt?  Again, the one featured from Anthro doesn't reduce the crazy pattern going on.  May I suggest...

Burlap bedskirt. 

  

Jute bedskirt.

Another old stand me by, the burlap or jute bedskirt.  I particularly like this idea for Jenny's bedding because it grounds everything with a natural and textural element, something she loves.  I have one on my own bed from Bellanoche, and it is even more textured, dark and burlapy.  I wish I could remember the name of the designer.  It always garners compliments, especially because it, too, is paired up against our orange patterned duvet.  Such a stunning contrast, in my humble opinion!

As for the Euro shams, I would suggest either the Anthro Euro shams to match the duvet or simple white euro shams because they will be partially "hidden" behind these babies...

Matouk Shams with deep olive border and mono

   or...

  

Matouk shams with deep olive border and mono

Matouk bedding is worth every cent...and the amount of colors and the monogramming styles are countless.  Such a statement.  Such a showstopper.  I think the deep green or leaf green and white hotel style sham with a crisp monogram adds a preppy and simple element that serves to restrain the party going on at the foot of the bed....without being boring, of course! 

There are also more cost-effective options, including Pottery Barn's grand embroidered collection.   Although not appliqued, the monograms provide the same grounded effect.  I would also be sure to do a more masculine style mono...no curly cues! 

Then, let's place a long rectangular bolster across the mono pillows.  The below fabric options provide some contrasting, yet controlled pattern.  Perhaps white buttons for a tufted look or even just a white fabric piping or edge?

    

Simple and preppy.

    or

   Geometric (I was unable to download a chocolate and white version of this gorj Quadrille fabric)

As for the sheets?  I love white, crisp and simple for the boys (and girls). 

A little lagniappe....a luxe cashmere throw from Williams Sonoma home.

Definitely a splurge, but on sale right now.  A very special touch for a luxe touch for their sanctuary.  I would opt for the apple or camel or chocolate.

   

Oh, and a bit more lagniappe.  This could get a fug or fab comment, but I love a mongolian lamb pillow.  Something warm and sexy! 

         A bit masculine, with the boho edge for Jenny.

There are obviously a million things that could also be done to butch up this room...including headboard selection, paint, lighting, rug, window treatments, bench or chairs at foot of bed, etc.  The bedding alone does not a his and her bedroom make.  

That being said, a well balanced combo of masculine/feminine styles for the bedding is a sweet start to a perfect partnership.Has anyone else had this coupling problem?  I will share snaps of our master bedroom when it is "done..."  That may be in a couple of years. 

Cheers,

JSH

P.S.  Love these sheets from Dwell's line for Tar-jay.  I think, as a separate option, these sheets would be another fabu option for a his/her bedroom.  My head is sort of exploding with the multitudes of really great ways to use these.