Photos courtesy of Lauren/Bloomingdales

Back when summer was just beginning, I got an offer I could not refuse. Lauren by Ralph Lauren and Bloomingdale's asked me to create a vignette incorporating a Fall 2011 Lauren Home bedding collection for the fall Bloomingdale's catalog. What a treat it was to create this room.
By bringing together the Lauren bedding, Ralph Lauren Furniture and accessories, as well as their wallpaper and rugs, I was able to create an entire environment for this new bedding to live in. I worked with the Suite Diamond bedding, a classic, cream colored pattern that included a fitted quilted coverlet, euros and boudoirs tailored to a T.
My room, along with those created by fellow bloggers Michelle Adams of Lonny, Jennifer Boles of The Peak of Chic and Eddie Ross, were photographed this past June, and will be shown in the Bloomingdale's Fall Home Book. It comes out any day now, so watch your mailboxes.
In addition, the rooms will be on the Bloomingdale's home website under Design Like a Pro. From shooting my room in Atlanta to being gifted a Ralph Lauren ensemble for the photo shoot, I must say, this has been such a great project to be a part of.

My inspiration? A country bedroom escape in a fresh and kicky color palette. I wanted to create a space that had energy to it but was also classic.
I envisioned this as a country respite for a busy city gal. She would escape here to write, as well as RSVP to dinners and cocktail parties from the cozy comfort of her bed.

THE BEDDING:

Photo courtesy of Lauren Bloomingdale's
The minute I saw the luxe monochromatic Suite Diamond bedding in serene cream, I knew it was perfect for the mood I was creating. The fitted quilt with channeling and tiny buttons at the corners were details I loved. I definitely am seeing more fitted quilts recently. The bedding is tailored and feminine-- two design aspects I wanted to incorporate into my scheme. My inclination was to do a blue and white room, since it is a beloved, evergreen color combination. With a pop of bright orange, the combo took on a new freshness.

THE SCHEME:

The first thing I did was create a scheme, to get my inspiration and palette going. I wanted to see how everything tied together, and then fill in from there.

On her nightstand, the invites await her, along with personal things she loves- a picture of Capri, her favorite summer getaway, and mini orchids potted in a faux bois teacup. Do you recognize that wonderful swirly calligraphy? It is Bernard Maisner's, whose work I adore.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home
I was looking to create a space that was feminine as well as fresh. I chose the Tabley House Floral wallpaper from Ralph Lauren Home for its bold Chinoiserie blooms on branches in varying shades of blue on white. I knew this could carry the room forward with what I was pulling together.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home
Now for the bed. The Ralph Lauren Home Argonne Bed in a dark Mahogany with Louis XVI details and finials was a good fit for the crisp bedding. I liked how it worked well with the dresser and remained classic in feel.

Photo courtesy of Emily Amy Gallery
I knew I needed a wonderful modern piece of art for the mix. I had been on the hunt for this essential before the shoot, and felt this was a key component, since it was to be the focal point, hanging above the bed. The area in between the windows was important to highlight. The gals of Tilton Fenwick pointed me to their friend's gallery in Atlanta, The Emily Amy Gallery. Luckily, they were located near the shoot location and they were nice enough to let me include it. This piece, Sun Cloud, by Melanie Parke, has the right amount of royal blue and shades of the color to tie in with the overall scheme.
The gallery has many wonderful pieces with an abstract modern slant. Make a visit if you find yourself in Atlanta.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home
The Dryden Studded Chest from Ralph Lauren Home is a classic piece with campaign details and nail head trim that I chose for the nightstand. There is a pull out shelf that could create extra surface area if I needed it.

An indigo and white cotton striped Dhurrie from Ralph Lauren had the pattern play to work with the wallpaper. I knew it was an important way to incorporate a stripe for added pattern, and this was my place to do that.

Bungalow 5 Angelica lamps added the right pop of color to the nightstands. We did a shot with them and also changed them out for a Crystal Ralph Lauren lamp pair for a totally different look.

Photo courtesy of Samuel and Sons
A pop of orange tape trim is exactly what the lampshades needed to add some zing. I chose this Zig Zag Border Trim in pumpkin from The Roger Thomas Collection at Samuel and Sons.

I had seen this Frances bench from Gabby's in a cerused finish before and knew it would be just the thing for the end of the bed.

Now for the accessories...

The decorative objects, I felt, should tie the colors and textures of the space together. Decorative books covered in blue marbleized paper covers from Karen Robertson fit that need.

Photo courtesy of Emissary Home and Garden
Another surface area that can serve as a seat or a place for books is always a nice addition. I used an orange Garden Seat from Jardins en Fleur to break up the pattern with a solid element.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home
The Ralph Lauren Lautrec Silver Rope Frame had just the right texture and nautical element for the nightstand.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home
For a great shape and function, I chose the Delmere Jewelry Box in cream shagreen by Ralph Lauren Home to tell the story of who lived there.

Photo Courtesy of John Derian
When it comes to accessories, the details are a final layer that bring everything together. A quick pre-shoot trip to Bergdorf Goodman is where I found this Florence Nightingale Heraldic Decoupage Plate by John Derian. I was fascinated with the monograms and the shades of blue were just right.

A uniquely shaped decorative object with some height would make a nice addition to the nightstand too, especially against the orange lamp base.

Photo courtesy of Connor
To get some of the most beautiful invitations around, I went to Connor to borrow hand engraved invitations. I added these to my own invites for a nice mix.