For the last few months, I’ve felt a little unsettled with our bedroom and have been contemplating painting one wall—or the whole room—black or a really dark color. But, then I remembered the feeling I originally wanted the room to have when I painted it white. Clean, fresh, breathable.
I think the unsettled feeling I was having was due to my busyness/laziness/whatever you want to call it. Isn’t it amazing how much better your room feels when you take five minutes to make the bed and clear the clutter off the bedside tables? It also helps that the babies’ things are slowly finding their way of our room. I will admit I’ve mostly always been in the “if you’re just going to get back in the bed, why make it?” camp. But, I resolve to do better. Because a made bed—even if it’s not perfectly done—makes me feel happier about my room every time I walk through. And, honestly, it’s crazy to spend this time decorating our room for the sake of a few good pictures for the blog and me to not actually enjoy it every day.
I am still itching for a little change, though. Instead of painting the walls, I’m playing with some different pillow fabrics for the bed and adding some new accessories. I’ll show you all of that soon.
(draping fabrics and playing with different combinations a few weeks ago)
Are you a bed maker?
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
January 22, 2014 at 10:51 amOooh, I love that combo you’re playing with! A few new pillows would give you such great options to mix and match!
crystal says
January 22, 2014 at 10:53 amYes! I have to make the beds every morning or I feel like the whole house is a wreck.
Elizabeth says
January 22, 2014 at 11:31 amI make mine everyday. It helps me feel like my home is a little more orderly and for some reason crawling into a made bed at night is much more refreshing than one that has sat crumpled and unmade all day.
Kelley Lively says
January 22, 2014 at 11:38 amI have to make my bed, maybe I’m crazy. I have a small house though, so little things like the bed being unmade makes the whole room look like a complete mess. Some mornings I have to leave earlier than my husband and it stresses me out to come home to an unmade bed. He doesn’t share the same OCD tendencies!
I love those fabric choices by the way!
Emily Clark says
January 22, 2014 at 12:14 pmI think my husband is probably on the same page as yours :)
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
January 22, 2014 at 11:40 amYour bed is gorgeous! Yes, I have to make my bed everyday! It helps me feel organized with everything else.
-Shelley
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
January 22, 2014 at 11:40 amYes, I have always been a bed maker. It really bothers me to have the beds all unmaid in every room of the house. I also want to climb into a fresh crisp looking bed at night, so making it really helps that.
Can’t wait to see the new accessories and pillows. Hugs, Marty
Margaret says
January 22, 2014 at 11:48 amHi Emily- I am a bed maker- I became one when we bought a house with a first floor master. I walk through the bedroom lots during the day, and I like seeing the bed made! I also love my bedding- makes me happy to see all the colors. I love the new pillow fabrics you have draped over the pillows!
classic • casual • home says
January 22, 2014 at 11:55 amAbsolutely…love coming home to a made up bed! Yours is lovely.
Arli says
January 22, 2014 at 11:56 amAbsolutely! If there’s one “housekeeping” chore I do every day, it is make the bed. It makes the whole room look put together no matter the condition of the rest of it. And it’s SO NICE to get into a clean, made-up bed each night.
Shanna says
January 22, 2014 at 11:57 amOh yes! I think making the bed every day is super important. As silly as it may sound, it really does “set up” my day for feeling in control of what’s ahead. And there is nothing worse than coming home after a long day to find a bed in shambles with pillows on the floor; conversely, it is so wonderful to come home after work to find a nicely, neatly made bed. :) I can’t wait to see what you do with your space.
Lucinda says
January 22, 2014 at 12:06 pmI’m a bed maker! I’ve been known to make up at the end of my day just to get in it a few hours later. Now I really need to work on my nightstands.
Natalie says
January 22, 2014 at 12:11 pmI have always loved your room! I have been wanting that blue floral fabric since you shared it with us a while ago. But it’s always been out of stock! It’s going to look great! Excited to see it finished.
Off to make my bed…
Tracy says
January 22, 2014 at 12:23 pmHaha! I was never much of bedmaker myself. That is, not until I got married and discovered my husband’s pet peeve is an unmade bed. His other pet peeve, as is most men’s, is pillows. So my compromise is to have all white linens for the master & load up the guest bedrooms with pillows. My poor houseguests!
Jen says
January 22, 2014 at 12:36 pmI appreciate a made bed, but I must admit I don’t often get around to doing it! I just always seem to run out of time in the morning rush to get out the door.
Btw, I love your honesty, and how you come through as a “real person” (albeit a real person with amazing design abilities!) I love the fabric choices for the pillows!
[email protected] says
January 22, 2014 at 12:37 pmHa! I just posted a few minutes ago on my blog about how much we dislike our master and exactly why we haven’t done anything to change it in nearly 4years (planning an eventual renovation). So know Emily that you aren’t suffering alone:)
courtney {a thoughtful place} says
January 22, 2014 at 12:41 pmOh, fun fabrics you are playing with! I am such a bed maker. I love walking back into my room when it is clean and made up. Reminds me of a hotel room. . . and that is the closest I will get to a getaway anytime soon so I’ll take it. If only someone would toss a mint on my pillow ;)
tina says
January 22, 2014 at 1:26 pmLove the new fabrics! Can you tell us what the top fabric is? Would love to have some for a couple of pillows.
Emily Clark says
January 22, 2014 at 2:37 pmSure, I blogged about it here:
https://emilyaclark.com/2013/11/a-fabric-find-if-you-still-love-dragons.html
Kellie says
January 22, 2014 at 2:19 pmI think at the end of the day it feels so much better to slip into a neat and tidy bed.
Please point me in the direction to purchase some of those blue and white striped pillowcases!
Emily Clark says
January 22, 2014 at 2:33 pmThey’re part of a duvet set from IKEA.
KATHYSUE says
January 22, 2014 at 2:23 pmI am a bed maker, it sets the tone for the entire day for me. I think you are craving some color! Changing out the pillows is a great idea and with your neutral backdrop and bedding you have so many fun options. Enjoy making some fun decisions.
Kathysue
Debbie says
January 22, 2014 at 2:56 pmNot bedding related, but that leopard print fabric – it looks almost identical to one I was considering for a project a few months ago. When the upholsterer looked it up, it was being discontinued so there was limited supply. But then it also seems like it’s now being carried by Ballard Designs.
Anyway, it’s a great fabric and I was sad that it didn’t work for my project so I hope I get to see it in yours!
Emily Clark says
January 22, 2014 at 3:27 pmI found mine at a consignment store in a fabric booth. I think it’s a Robert Allen fabric. Was happy to find it and have been hanging onto it for a while trying to decide how to use it.
Dwell by Cheryl says
January 22, 2014 at 3:03 pmAbsolutely! Growing up, we couldn’t leave the bedroom in the morning until the bed was made. Still to this very day, I make my bed before I even brush my teeth. I can’t imagine getting dressed in my bedroom and having to step over all of those Euros and toss pillows and such. Me and visual clutter don’t do well at ALL. Making the bed, at least for me, is a must.
[email protected] says
January 22, 2014 at 3:06 pmAs a kid my mom told me that if I didn’t make my bed my day would not be good and every since then I make my bed every morning. I do feel like my day goes better when I leave my house in an orderly state.
p.s. I love the new fabrics you are playing with. A nice refresh.
Jen Robbins says
January 22, 2014 at 3:54 pmMy husband says “do you know how to tell if your wife is type a? When you get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and she makes your side of the bed while you’re gone.” :) I used to be almost that ‘type a’ girl, but honestly I’d rather have those precious moments in the morning to sip on my coffee and watch the birds than to make the bed. A few years back, I simplified and removed all the pillows except a few euros. So when I do make the bed, it doesn’t take near the time, but looks neat and tidy!
With that said, I love to look at a well-made/dressed bed and the fabric choices you show here are gorgeous and fun!
maurie says
January 22, 2014 at 4:19 pmOK…you have motivated me to try. I agree that it looks so much better and makes me feel better when I do it ! Sometimes I try but then I get busy and stop again…:( so now I need to commit…thanks for the nudge.
Lori Pruitt says
January 22, 2014 at 4:30 pmProud bed maker! But I am a convert. Didn’t start doing it until I became a mom. Now it’s the first thing I do. To me it makes me feel like I’m starting the day right by accomplishing something, regardless of how small it may seem. I walk by my room quite a few times a day and it’s nice to see it made. Plus the big reason for me is that usually my house is in chaos due to a rambunctious 3yr old, so pulling back the blankets at the end of a long day seems to help “wipe” all the craziness and mental clutter away and helps me sleep better. Any little bit of luxury helps :)
Gwen, The Makerista says
January 22, 2014 at 5:08 pmI’ve always been a bed maker, but the last few years I have been on and off. I totally agree though, my whole day feels better when I take the few minutes to do it! Same with cleaning. When my house is really clean I feel amazing. But when I’m cleaning my floors and think “this is something you’re going to have to do again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day…for the rest of your life!” That overwhelms me. :)
shelly says
January 22, 2014 at 6:02 pmYES!!! I have to or my entire room feels messy and out of whack. I can not even get dressed with our having the bed made and the room picked up.
Laurie at Laurie Jones Home says
January 22, 2014 at 6:12 pmI always said if I ever won the lottery I would have freshly washed and pressed linens on my bed every day, there’s nothing better than slipping into made bed, with that being said, I’m about 50/50 with making my bed but will say I feel way better if it’s made! I am in love with that fabric combo you’re playing with, that’s the great thing about those white walls! (:
Baileywife says
January 22, 2014 at 6:18 pmI am a bedmaker….not a dish-doer, so at least when I make my bed each morning, I feel cleaner and a little more organized….even though I am not! ~Kim
Sloan says
January 22, 2014 at 6:40 pmI am not a bed maker, but went through a phase a few months ago where I started making the bed. It feels so good to get into a made bed at night! Thanks for the motivation to start again!
sherry hart says
January 22, 2014 at 6:50 pmI do like my bed made…and probably make it 4 out of 7 days. Of course every time I make it I want to change all the pillows….it’s just what we do. What’s up with that?
Steph. says
January 22, 2014 at 7:17 pmI am a TOTAL NEAT FREAK!!!! If I do not make my bed, I just feel depressed returning home from work each day. I make it before we leave on vacation….even if it is the wee hours! My kids are not great bed makers, but I am okay with it for the most part as long as our bed is picture perfect. :)
Katie M says
January 22, 2014 at 7:59 pmI make my bed DAILY because I’ve convinced myself no spiders/bugs/creepy crawlies can get in otherwise hahaha
Carla says
January 22, 2014 at 8:15 pmI don’t make my bed all the time… I don’t take after my mother… I try and do it fifty percent of the time.
I could easily find an extra 2 mins before work but it’s low on my priority list…
However, I love it when it’s made, it makes me feel organised even if the rest of the house isn’t!
I find I make if less when I get bored of my room so a quick makeover is the key a few times a year. Like you I recently changed a few things around in our room to make me fall in love again with feeling of security and comfort somewhere I can hideaway in a pretty haven. It’s amazing his cushions can make it feel like a whole new room.
http://www.insidehomeliving.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/decorating-on-holidays.html?m=1
Lisa Latreille says
January 22, 2014 at 9:02 pmHi Emily,
I can so totally relate to you, I have always been obsessed with making my bed, as a child my grandmother said “you never sit on a made bed” thats why every room had a chair……So as not to crease the cover.
However with the arrival of our third child who is only 18mths old & sleeps in the bed with me, my bed has had a total downgrade…….& with the addition of lovely bed rails, it looks like a giant cot.
However on the rare times that I have had the time /energy or mental clarrity to make my bed, I sigh a great big AHHHH! I do so love a neat/made bed! And the whole day does seem to start better & I feel so inspired everytime I walk through my room.
I’m such a visual person that the effects of a made bed are a visual/Emotional/mental delight.
So needless to say that the effects of an unmade bed tend to make me a little nuts!!
Love what I’ve seen of your blog so far. Regards Lisa Latreille.
JennyBC says
January 22, 2014 at 9:14 pmI am such a bed maker. I cannot stand to come into my room with an unmade bed. It makes me feel like I am so out of sorts. Now what I am not good at is cleaning off my bedside table. Goodness, it looks like a library had a drop box on my table. I have got to find a better solution. Maybe I should not try to read 4 books at a time.
Pam @ Simple Details says
January 22, 2014 at 9:59 pmGorgeous mix of fabrics, and I really love your white!! I’ve always been a bed maker and am a tad particular about the process. I taught my husband the order to take everything off and how to fold them in the evening so I can easily put it back together in the morning – he thinks I’m completely nuts! : )
liz heller says
January 22, 2014 at 10:39 pmI am a bed maker, except for Saturdays. I think I like the feeling of
cool sheets when I get into bed. If the bed feels room temperature then they don’t feel as good. Probably all in my head! But I do feel better
sara says
January 23, 2014 at 1:03 amI dont care about my bed being made u til I change the bedding. Then I makr it perfectly and.no one is allowed.to.touch it until bedtime.
Where did you get your bed? I’m looking for one like that.
Emily Clark says
January 23, 2014 at 7:39 amIt’s made by Zocallo Furniture. I think it was called the Madison bed.
Shannon [Our Home Notebook] says
January 23, 2014 at 2:18 pmLove your thoughts on this. I’m a most-of-the-time bed maker and it’s amazing how much it clears up the room (and my thoughts) when I do. It’s one of those things that helps me feel fresh and ready for the day. Have fun with your new fabrics – I love how they can breath a little new life to a room.
Tammy @ the colored door says
January 23, 2014 at 2:31 pmI am a bed maker. I agree with you, it is nicer to walk into the bedroom with a made bed. It is a little thing but always makes me feel better. Have a great day!
[email protected] says
January 23, 2014 at 5:19 pmAbsolutely! I make my bed first thing in the morning, except for on Sundays…which is the day the house gets the messiest!
Carly Winborne says
January 24, 2014 at 1:50 amYes, I make my bed everyday, too. For the exact same reason as everyone says above. But after reading through all these thoughts from your readers, I’m surprised that there is something missing. The main reason I do it…if I am going to teach my children to make their beds and expect them to do it everyday as a way to take care of our things and blessings we have, then I must set the example myself. Order is a good thing, but training your children is paramount. What a great question you have asked!
Julia says
January 24, 2014 at 2:00 amI rarely make the bed except when the sheets get changed but I always iron bedding. It started with just mine but it looks so good now I do all three kids. I’m a little ocd about it and yet the making it part? take it or leave it.
CTBaker says
January 25, 2014 at 8:01 amBed making is a MUST!! I’m slightly neurotic about the styling of the pillows, etc. I always tell my boys when I send them off to make their beds, “make it look like a magazine!” I know they think in a freak show!
Love your fabric combo!
barbara says
January 25, 2014 at 11:23 amThat Dwell Studio fabric is one of my favourites! I am using that to inspire a bit of change in my family room!
Sherry Young says
January 27, 2014 at 7:10 pmI must confess I am not a bed maker. Although I may have to work on that as this subject has come up a lot lately. Will work on it. I do admit I get very tired of moving and relocating pillows, but love the way they look on the bed.
[email protected] says
January 27, 2014 at 8:30 pmI’m not typically a bed maker, I’m more of a lay in bed until the last possible minute that you have to be up for work and then run around like a crazy person. But lately I have been considering changing that routine so I can make the bed, tidy and have “me” time in the morning before work. We’ll see though haha.
Sixtyfifthavenue says
January 29, 2014 at 7:48 pmFirst I have to say I made my bed this morning, not an every day bed maker here so thanks for the motivation. I loved walking in there today, the whole room felt put together. And second I really like the direction you are going with the new pillows!
Rose says
January 30, 2014 at 5:02 pmI love looking at your ideas while finishing decorating our house after moving. I tend to run out of focused energy.
I always make my bed. While my four sons were younger, there ‘were’ days that I didn’t get to it. In a ‘Hints For Heloise’ spot on TV ‘years’ ago, Heloise showed how to make the bed while still in it, pulling everything up and to the sides, then slipping out and finishing with tucking and straightening. (I still do it that way)
Also, now with ‘house staging’, one of the best rules when showing a home you still live in, is to be sure the beds are made. No matter what else you have going on in the room, whether sewing or crafting, if the bed is made, the room looks put together.
You have great taste and flair, Emily.
Emily Clark says
January 30, 2014 at 5:05 pmI am envisioning myself trying to make my bed while I’m in it and then slipping out. Somehow, I don’t think this is going to go well for me. Ha! Love that, though :)