Su narner pleasures SUMMER FUN AT TINY DOUBLES LORI KRAUSE Beautiful Bedrooms Are Restful Retreats photographer creates BY JENNIFER PLANTIER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS A tastefully decorated home may indeed be a showcase for friends and family to appreciate, but your own bedroom is a private niche that should be designed to please only its regular occupants. A relaxing air and the good feel- ings derived from physical and emotional comfort could make it the most inviting room in the house — and not just at bedtime. Few of us have the opportu- nity or the finances to start from scratch, but it might not take much to turn a rather average room into a much-needed oasis. color, black and white and hand colored children's portraits ELEMENTS OF STYLE When it comes to furniture, you really only need the basics to set the stage. A bed with a com- fortable mattress (a headboard is really optional), a chest of draw- ers or armoire for storage and/or a bedside chest or stand are re- ally 211 you require. Consider the size of the room and your per- sonal needs when choosing fur- nishings, and leave some open spaces so the room doesn't feel cramped and uncomfortable. Select bedclothes, curtains and other accessories that enhance the furniture. Elaborate or dra- matic furniture may call for sim- MOOD MAKING pler fabrics and a minimum of Individuals who are starting additional objects to draw the eye out in a new home or going for a away from it. Make the most of complete new bedroom look plaintr pieces with vivid, eye- should think first about the at- catching prints and/or colors. mosphere they'd most love to es- Bedding ensembles, which of- cape to. ten have accompanying lines of Get ideas from model homes, wall coverings, window treat- showcase home tours, books, ments, fabrics and other deco- magazines or anywhere else you rative accessories, are the can think of before you decide. quickest and easiest way to give Following are a few luxurious a bedroom an instant make-over. themes and how to go about Distinctive linen designers achieving them. like Laura Ashley, Revman and • Au naturel. The great out- Martex showcase exquisite of- doors may be the simplest and ferings for every taste — fresh, freshest place to look for inspi- romantic floral prints, stately ration. The possibilities range paisleys, contemporary geomet- from garden florals, botanicals rics and artistic, textural prints and green leafy prints to wildlife that recall faraway places. Furniture that is carved or hand- Frette's fine Italian linens fo- painted with earthy designs cuses on luxurious fabrics lends itself to the theme. FiniQls (jacquards, damask, lace) and shaped like leaves, metal or ce- prints with a definitively ramic animal statues and even Mediterranean look and feel. Whichever motif inspires real plants make good finishing your sweet dreams, it's the touches. • Isn't it romantic? This sheets that you'll feel against dreamy, whimsical style is a pop- your skin all night, so quality is ular direction for bedrooms, even key. Opt for comfortable fabrics if the rest of the house is rather that are easy to care for and still straight-laced. Four-poster and look good after more than one canopy beds, lace or sheer bed wash. Martex is introducing an hangings and softer colors leave innovative new fabric that com- bines the absorbency of cotton no question as to the mood. • Country home. More than with softness of silk and the appropriate for charming fat in- sheen of taffeta. The blend of 60 houses and those who wish they percent cotton and 40 percent re- had one. Sleigh beds, quilted fined denier microfiber allows for blankets or bedspreads and any- stunning looks and convenient thing that looks handmade re- washability. RETREATS page 70 veal the down-to-earth style. 855-9070 32522 Northwestern Highway • The Courtyard Summer Styles! 20%-50% off department store prices everyday on the hottest looks to keep you cool this summer! 30,000p airs of designer and top name brand shoes for women and men. SOUTHFIELD TEL-TWELVE MALL (Telegraph & Twelve Mile Rd.) 350-8900 TROY 3635 ROCHESTER ROAD (Between Big Beaver & Wattles Rd.) 689-2800 M, W, TH, F, SAT 10-9, SUN 12-5 (Southfield), SUN 12-6 (Troy) CLOSED TUES FOR RESTOCKING STYLE • STJAINIER 1995 • 69