If you can’t decide between modern and traditional styles for your custom bedding, take some advice from the dean of decorators himself: go for both! What’s now referred to as a transitional style (somewhere between contemporary and traditional decor), arguably began with Albert Hadley. Hadley enjoyed mixing vintage fabrics into fresh designs. Here, a few ways to get the best of both worlds with Hadley-inspired custom bedding design.
Custom Bedding Design Principles Inspired by Albert Hadley
Mix multiple textured fabrics in complementary colors.
Much of Albert Hadley’s interiors are bathed in minimalistic white and cream, which allows for more playfulness when it comes to fabric texture. In one beautiful Manhattan apartment bed set, Hadley mixed and matched numerous textures, from a chrysanthemum print blanket to fluffy throw pillows and even an upholstered bed frame. To this day, you can’t go wrong with a neutral bed set and a bunch of pillows and blankets in varying patterns and textures. Add a pop of color with a bolster or accent pillow.
Go for bold — but balance it out.
Hadley believed in bold design, but he balanced contemporary colors and design (like this bright red bedspread) with restraint in a very minimalistic room. To channel this look, balance sharp-edged contemporary design with soft, comfortable accessories. Add soft and fluffy throw pillows to a clean-line modern bed, or go for wild and bright throw pillows, but balance them out with a simple white bed.
Strive for unified design.
While it’s tempting to zoom in on one piece of the room as your focal point (and a luxurious bed is certainly a good place to start), Hadley designed with the entire room in mind. One of his most famous interiors, the home of Brooke Astor, shows this clearly in the bedroom. There are multiple fabric styles and at least seven distinct patterns throughout. Yet the flowing canopy of the bed matches the drapes, whose pattern matches a chair, whose color matches a bench, whose pattern is a twist on yet another chair!
Have it All, Hadley-Style, with Your Custom Bedding
In short, Hadley understood that custom designer bedding is linked to custom drapes and fabrics throughout the home. At Strickland’s Draperies & Fabrics, we agree. If you’re interested in custom bedding for your space, consider taking the next step as well, adding upholstered furniture, custom draperies, and even wallpaper to match. No matter the size or scope of your project, we’ll help you find the perfect balance for your personal aesthetic. Ready to get started? Give us a call or visit our showroom to take a look at our offerings.