Ask a Designer! - What is the number one update I should consider for my home in 2025?
New Year. New Sheets!
Did you know that in some countries like Portugal it’s tradition to start the new year with new sheets?! Along with the pop of a champagne cork, freshening things up around your home makes sense to usher in and signify a new start. For those of us who appreciate good décor, it’s less about dropping a few pounds and more about switching things up for a new perspective in our rooms. Sleep goals and living intentionally go hand in hand. What better way than to start with new sheets and a new look for your bedroom.
The world of sheets can be confusing and overwhelming to navigate. With so many options in the marketplace we can help by highlighting some of the key considerations:
Colour Psychology
Colour can make a big impression on how we feel and use our rooms. Soft earthy neutrals can add impact in white rooms and continue the softening effect. Sand, taupe, and terracotta sheet colours can ground a room and easily blend with other décor colour schemes. For a more minimalist look, whites and pastel colours evoke a hotel sensibility and provide a crisp, clean aesthetic. Playing with patterns and mixing similar colours is also a creative and customized way of adding interest and newness to your bedroom environment.
Cozy Up
Soft European linens and breathable cottons provide the ideal sleep environment. Percale sheets are also a light weight, crisp and incredibly soft option. Add a thick duvet and extra quilts for a variety of sleeping and temperature scenarios. A relaxed look for bedding still provides a special touch but allows for a more lived-in look which cottage country is all about. You will also want to ensure your new sheets fit your mattress.
For pillows, general rule of thumb is a combination of firm and soft considering both plush and slim. Cottage country requires low maintenance yet providing a luxurious experience will leave you glad you made the change for the new year!
Comforter or Duvet?
There are pros and cons to both, and in summary, comforters often come in a set which is handy for those who want to avoid the mix and match homework! Both come in synthetic or down and prices can range. The good thing about a duvet is the versatility of changing the cover when you want a new look. Duvets are generally fluffier and easier to care for as you simply launder the cover. Comforters when it comes to layering design, are fun to explore the various combinations. Reassembling a duvet after laundry day can turn into a workout wrestling the 2 pieces. It comes down to personal choice though and if you like to redecorate frequently, the duvet option allows you to swap out the cover seasonally or when desired.
Does Thread Count Matter?
Thread count used to be the standard method to understand luxury fabrics vs other less costly options. However, thread count is not necessarily the only way to measure sheet quality. Sheet material and quality of fiber is also a way to measure durability and feel. Different materials will have different thread counts. It’s important that it feels good to you and many fabrics will feel differently after laundering. Percale sheets for example, take on a softer feel and get better over time. Sateen sheets also become softer and lose the shiny effect after washing. Removing them while a bit damp from the dryer is also helpful to maintain the fiber quality.
A view to our Clear Lake project where clean soft bedding tones create a calm and relaxed feel – See more of this project
Our Carmichael bed in Merino Cream creates a soft feel with its upholstered look. Click to see more of this project.
We think 2025 is all about splurging on your sheet sets! Purchasing intentionally and securing a good night’s sleep means considering durable fabrics, the right weave and trying a new colour scheme! Remember: your sheet choices work to enhance the visual appeal of your overall room!
If you have a design question you would like to submit for the next Town Crier issue, you can send it to the Home by Tim + Chris design team at: info@homebytc.ca
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