Look who hit The Big Time! Heady Bed’s black faux leather headboard was spotted on the premiere episode of Bud United’s new hit show The Big Time on ABC!  We’re giddy!

THANKFUL for our new space!

Up for some pampering & a dreamy nights sleep!?  We are excited to be gifting some ‘Sweet Dreams’ loot to a deserving fan!  Valued at over $200, Heady Bed’s ‘Sweet Dreams’ kit includes an Amazon Kindle,  a Philosophy Hope Will Set you Free Facial Care Kit (cleanser, exfoliant & moisturizer), a Godiva Chocolatier Raspberry Ganache Scented Candle, Spa Sister silky eye mask and a pair of overnight softening gloves & socks.

How to enter?!? Just ‘like’ us on Facebook and ‘like’ our ‘Sweet Dreams’ post! For 3 extra entries share the post on your wall! We will draw a winner at random on December 3rd!

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As a Manhattanite (one of those odd creatures who choose to live with millions of people in the smallest and most expensive of quarters), my urban sense of nesting usually revolves around whatever is compact and cheap. After all, when you have the luxury of a walk-in closet in New York City, it is often your bedroom. And living/dining room. With a kitchen on the wall and a charming view of your neighbor’s fire escape.

That having been said, I decided to spruce up my recently acquired apartment with some bedroom furniture and hopped on the bus for a twenty minute ride to the mecca of thrifty apartment shopping:

Being a quarter Swedish, I figured this process would be a breeze. I knew exactly the armoire I wanted, had acquired the proper assembly tools at home, and was ready to use some hardy Minnesota-bred muscle. Plus, I heard they served meatballs with lingonberries.

Then this happened:

Just the facts: An 80 pound, 8 foot long box is not easy to maneuver even with a cart. Nor are two, especially by oneself. I had a feeling that I would be paying a sizeable delivery fee since I somehow couldn’t picture me and my raft-sized lead weights traveling back to the city on a bus. IKEA was now added to my list of dirty four-letter words.

* * *

With that experience behind me, I wasn’t sure how to complete my hoped-for bedroom styling. My bedroom decor was decent, but not fully realized. Something was missing…I decided I wanted a headboard to avoid feeling like a college student or a bachelor. But the thought of a second haul to and from IKEA gave me wary goosebumps and I knew I wouldn’t want to pay the hefty price for one of the more well-known home stores to ship or deliver. That fee would probably cost as much as the headboard. Even if I did decide to splurge, who knew if it would even fit in the elevator?

Luckily, there was Heady Bed. After picking out the perfect fabric for my room, I used the online design tool to configure the right number of panels for my customized headboard. With a few point and clicks, my Heady Bed was ordered and on its way to my front door. No hauling, no cart maneuvering, no panicking about elevator dimensions. I had goosebumps but this time they were the excited kind.

  The boxes arrived swiftly. I was surprised at how light they were. I’m sure my UPS carrier was pleased, as well.

The panels were perfectly tucked into the box, leaving no room for bending or crushing. I had the benefit of an assistant (also known as “Mom”) who happened to be visiting, but I could have effortlessly accomplished the installment without any extra hands. My dachshund Bryndal was willing to offer up some helping paws.

I was welcomed with an instruction packet, taking me step by step through the process. I appreciated the clear visual aspect and wording. Nothing needed translation or deciphering.

As I laid the panels upon the bed, I could see that the size and fabric were perfect choices.

Mister Curiosity was slightly disappointed that this wasn’t harder. He really wanted to help. After all, this is his bed, too.

Assembly couldn’t have been easier. The individual panels were attached with bolts and nuts through aligned holes. Simply use your fingers to tighten and adjust. The hardware was securely packaged so that no little nut could escape and be lost.

Now that the headboard was a unit, it was time to decide where I wanted it positioned and then to mark the French cleats with drill holes.

And now for the fun part.

Who doesn’t like an excuse to use a power tool? Vroom-Vroom.

Looking good…one last check for level (both by eye and by tool)…

 The final product, all in all, took under thirty minutes to create, from unpacking to admiring. If I may take a moment to brag, here she is:

Overall, the joy of my finished product was only out-shined by how easy and painless it was to install. In fact, I can’t even call it an installation or set up. I think Heady Beds require a new word: instant-tallation.

I really couldn’t be happier with my new Heady Bed. As for Bryndal, well…take a look and decide for yourself:

Were you admiring the lovely teal Heady Bed as much as I have been? Coming up next: My inspiration and decor…

I’m finally staying in one place for more than a year – hooray!  And with no dreaded move looming overhead I had a bit more time (& a great excuse) for a style upgrade.  Although I love going out, socializing and enjoying my spectacular city, I am a homebody at heart. It’s important to me that my space is comfy, functional and filled with pieces that I love.

I had a major moment when I saw this gorgeous chevron pillow at Room & Board.  The second we locked eyes I knew it was over. This is a relationship I could build my whole room around. To keep my chevron print company I combed through fabric samples until I found two beauties that could play a supporting role gracefully.

My pillows and my back need something fabulous to lean on.  I choose a slightly over-sized Heady Bed in rich chocolate faux leather to anchor my room. To balance out the brilliance at the head of the bed and soften the crisp white of my duvet I choose a throw that can actually get me excited for the cold Chi-town winters.I fell in love with the story and texture of kuba cloths and combed Ebay for just the right patterns. I added a pop of color and some whimsy with my ‘love’ poster from Made by Girl.

Leaning up against my cool, cozy headboard surrounded by my saucy throw pillows, wrapped up in double G’s, sipping a hot lemon water (or perhaps a healthy glass of red) with a good book in hand… that’s where I’ll be tonight.

This lucky girl lives a) with the best roommie (aka Simo) & neighbors one could ask for and b) right next door to the Merchandise Mart (aka Mart or MM).  It’s Saturday morning and I am just waking up with way too little sleep after a fun night out with the girls.  Q: What’s the first thing I do?  A: Text my roommate.  You read me right.  Technology = sloth.  So after some back and forth about who should make who breakfast we decided to walk across the street to the Mart to pay someone to make it for us.  We roll out of bed, grab our friend/neighbor Matt and trek 30 feet to the MM food court.

While enjoying our egg sammies and caffeinated beverages I announce that we are making an impromptu trip to the Dream Home exhibit just down the hall.  The Dream Home is something that the Mart uses to showcase top designers and the latest in design.  Matt was less than thrilled but knew he didn’t have a choice.  At least he had jeans on though… Simo and I were worried they wouldn’t let us and our grungy pjs through the door.  Good news folks… despite appearances they let us all in and we had a wonderful time pretending we were one big happy family living the American dream in our Dream Home.  Enjoy the tour with us, mouse over the image for credits and pls excuse the picture quality as all were shot with my mobile:

kitchen heaven

Simo & Matt enjoying imaginary cappuccino & croissants

display love

romantic dinner in

closet lounging

these Brian Atwoods look good… but I know a pair of Loubs that would look even better

Matt picking out a pretty dress for the ball

grey toned luxury

headboard envy

bedroom fireplace = necessity

normal-sized books were so last year

office serenity

must have African nook

saddle art… brilliant

monkey art… Simo blends right in

Thanks for touring with us!

Birds are chirping and I have to remind myself that the white specs upon the sidewalk are blossoms, not snowflakes.

It’s Spring! Nothing communicates March through May better than the color of grass, buds, moss, veggies, and the symbol of newness and growth – GREEN.

I’m green with envy for this fresh Aloe CR Chenille Heady Bed fabric:

Imitating nature, I’d pair this Heady Bed with West Elm’s Organic Reflections Duvet Cover and Shams. I love the  modern leaf motif and the playful birds ready to sing you to sleep. Softer than soft ivory Coyuchi Sateen sheets are 100% organic and 100% slumber worthy.

Other elements in the room should reflect earthiness and have an organic form. This Twisty Stool from VivaTerra fits the bill.

A recycled glass carafe kept bedside will provide hydration through a wonderful late night read. Perhaps something by Thoreau?

Scoot into handmade felt slippers from the Etsy shop Kadabros when it’s time to greet the morning.

These Natural Storage Cubes from Crate & Barrel not only go along with the decor, but provide ample hideaway space for linens (or in my case, purses).

Botanical prints such as this set from Terrain would grace the walls, bringing more of the outdoors inside. I also dig the idea of using photos of your own trees or favorite plants transferred to canvas for an individual piece of art.

Nothing is more invigorating than the scent of fresh cut grass. Use wheat grass to cultivate your own patch of greenery that will last a lot longer than a vase of flowers. Just no garden gnomes, please…

Next up: Spring cleaning? Or not…

All of the hullabaloo surrounding the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton makes me long for the days when I lived across the pond in London Town. Endless rain paired with black ensembles & matching “brellies”, fish & chips, well kept gardens, Harrod’s, pints, affordable theater, and those delicious accents are just a sampling of what makes that city such a classic.

Another classic that I fancy is Blissliving Home’s new line of London inspired bedding, properly entitled London Calling. Never too cheeky, this collection features some of the city’s most iconic images balanced with fun and punchy accessories.

I especially love the vibrant red and mint pillows – who wouldn’t want a royal crown to call their own?

This look could be paired smashingly with our White Faux Leather Heady Bed that would keep the vibe fresh and mod. Although we love the Queen, we probably don’t want to imitate her decorating style…unless you are really into Victorian florals.

I’d also add a Keep Calm and Carry On print, a slogan produced by the Ministry of Information in 1939 to boost the morale and motivation of the British people during World War II. This poster was rediscovered in 2000 and I find it to be more relevant than ever.

The Oscars have come and gone, along with the goody bags, speculation, and awkward speeches, but it is always the Oscar gowns that remain in my mind long after the red carpet is rolled up.

One in particular this year was breathtaking – Mila Kunis in Elie Saab:

I can re-imagine this glam and feminine look into a bedroom that would be a scene stealer and fit for a movie star…

A duvet with delicate detailing to mimic Mila’s would be the lead player with sheets in the perfect shade of lilac beneath. I’d cast Anthropologie’s Cirrus Bedding along with Errebicasa’s lustrous sateen sheets.

Costarring a Heady Bed draped in our Silver Lux Velvet fabric, which has the loveliest of bluish-lavender shimmer within the silver hue. I imagine a height of at least 3 panels as this room should not be lacking in drama!

Since vanity is an actor’s job qualification, finishing touches would include mirrored accessories such as this streamlined and modern West Elm Parsons End Table and the Howard Elliot collection of Michelle Mirror Panels.

A few well-edited pillows, a luxurious throw from Yves Delorme, and a useful and shimmery Calypso pouf will add that Hollywood Regency sparkle.

Of course every star needs to be well lit, and what better way to create a big screen feel than with CB2′s Beacon Floor Lamp?

Lavender is not only a soothing and relaxing scent to wind down the day, but it also is a color reminiscent of Saab’s soft purple gown. I prefer a soy based artisanal candle, ala Linnea’s Lights.

Although we all can’t keep one of those golden statues (or Colin Firth), there is no reason not to have a little glamour incorporated into our daily lives.