Designer Bedrooms: Four Poster and Canopy Beds

I just can't seem to get the image out of my head. Designer Charlotte Moss showcased a gorgeous four poster canopy bed in her Aspen home that made quite a dramatic statement.

According to Wikipedia, a four poster bed is a bed with four vertical columns, one in each corner, that support a tester, or upper (usually rectangular) panel. A canopy bed is similar to a four poster bed but with ornate or decorative fabric that is often draped across the upper space between the posts and a solid swath of cloth may create a canopy directly over the bed. Here are some of my favorite designer bedrooms featuring four poster and canopy beds.

This guest room in an Ojai Valley, California estate was designed and briefly owned by interior designer Kathryn M. Ireland. Actress Reese Witherspoon now owns 6+ acre ranch style compound designed by Wallace Neff. While in residence, Ireland used her own colorful suzani inspired fabrics to cover the chunky four poster bed. The stunning long pillow is made of antique suzani fabric.

Designer Nancy Price created a formal, yet tranquil retreat in her master bedroom. The dark wooden Planter's Bed by Hickory Chair contrasts beautifully with the soft, white bed linens.

In this nautical bedroom, designer Tom Stringer placed a traditional four poster bed between two matching 3-drawer sidetables. The sunny yellow sidetables coordinate beautifully with the bed's headboard in Ralph Lauren's Coastal Stripe. Keeping the room simple and serene, Stringer paints the walls, ceiling and antique chandelier white.

The antique barley-twist four poster bed makes quite a statement in this traditional master bedroom by designer Meg Braff. The room's red, white and lime green color palette is beautifully balanced.

In this soft pink, white and brown bedroom designer Gary McBournie centers a Loire iron canopy bed by Niermann Weeks perfectly between two windows. The sweet bedside chest of drawers with monogram is a lovely touch.

The black anodized aluminum four poster bed by Ralph Lauren takes center stage in this modern bedroom designed by Kerry Delrose. The sleek carbon fiber CF1 chair in black leather also by Ralph Lauren gives this white, tan and black room a punch of color.

This tranquil bedroom was designed by Albert Hadley. The 18th-century folding bed in a soft shade of blue is covered in white linens to keep a simple look.

Wow. This stunning mirrored four poster canopy bed in this room designed by Jonathan Berger was based on a 1940s Serge Roche bed. I particularly like how Berger mixes the patterns - the geometric rug and stripes are brilliant together!

Are you sold on four poster canopy beds? For more information on manufacturers, interior designer Patricia Gray has compiled an excellent list of 10 Top Four Poster Canopy Beds.

*images from House Beautiful and Elle Decor

Interior Designer David Coote

Winter is white. And so is Dave Coote! Not in that sense of course! I mean his white interiors are his hallmark.

Dave Coote is a UK based furniture and interiors designer well known for his retro style with an emphasis on reclaimed materials. His clients include Marks & Spencer, BHS, Laura Ashley, John Lewis, Ikea, Homes & Gardens, Red, Country Homes & Interiors and many others.

Dreamy and ethereal, austere and delicate...white...guess what I think of them!

Ladies and gentlemen I give you: Dave Coote!

























































You might want to check out his shop Pale and Interesting
Or go to his website right here

There is a MckLinky party going on at The Inspired room. There are many links there to other blogs showing winter inspiration. Hop over and read them all!

Christmas Wreaths & More: Beacon Hill Style

After Christmas last year we went to Boston and I spent a fun afternoon in Beacon Hill photographing Christmas decorations. I especially love these wreaths with the multi-colored ribbons. Look closely through the window and you'll see deer antlers. I have a feeling this home is as stylish inside as out.This would be easy to do - spray paint branches red and place in containers w/moss.

Love this creative peace sign wreath!






Even the post office gets into the act.
More branches - simple and doable.






Love the pattern on the containers outside this venerable home in Louisburg Square. Happy Monday!

Seven Things You May Not Know

About a month ago a fellow blogger, Emmie of Aspirations of a Southern Housewife, gave me a Kreativ Blogger Award. Emmie writes a wonderful blog, do stop by and check it out!

Thank you Emmie for nominating me. You need to share seven things about yourself. I tend to be a rather private person, so I have been hesitant, but here they are in no particular order.

I am an incredible procrastinator but also an over achiever/Type A personality. This causes me lots of stress in my down time but very concentrated blocks of productivity during my work time.
I am half Italian and half Portuguese, My grandparents on both sides came to America in their youth and spoke only broken English. I love my heritage. I am very expressive and passionate about life, actually about almost everything.
Of all the areas of design my favorite is kitchen design and spacial planning. I really should have been a kitchen designer; perhaps someday I can play one on TV.

I have an incurable antique furniture habit. My basement and attic are filled with furniture that will someday find the perfect home - but until then happily reside in spaces above and below where we actually live.
I love puppets. I wanted to be a Puppetry major in college but my parents thought it was irresponsible. Instead, at their urging, I entered college as Accounting major (what a laugh!)
I am a mother of two beautiful children. They are amazing people and they make me laugh everyday. I can not imagine what my life would have been like with out them.
I believe we are all connected somehow and that we need to be good to one another. I try to be a better person every single day.

I am also suppose to nominate seven other blogs for this award, but I am interested in so many blogs I couldn't possibly choose. So, if you would like to share anything about yourself, please consider yourself nominated. I would love to know more about YOU!
xx-Gina