I don’t usually whip out the laptop for a blogger competition but this one by Fresh Design Blog is simply too irresistable to pass up. The prize? £200 to spend on luxurious bed linen and accessories by the gorgeous The White Company. I have a ‘not so secret’ love affair with The White Company and we’ve tried hard to emulate the style in our own home. The secret for me is the layering of sumptuous textures to create a ‘lived in’ romantic look.

I used to live within walking distance of the Kingston store and collected lots of beautiful pieces over the years. I was obsessional about throws and cushions and I was really proud of my home and all its trinkets. When I relocated to Reading and became a mummy - my home became more practical; we’re incredibly wary of beautiful and ornate accessories in case Dexter gets ahold of them. This competition has reminded me that our bedroom needn’t be child-proof and should be our little sanctuary.

The challenge is to create a wintery bedroom style using products of our choice from The White Company website. As tempting as it was to literally post the entire contents of the website, I’ve tried my best to whittle it down to my absolute favourites; the things that, having seen them, I simply can not live without.

(From left to right): Florence Chest of Drawers, Solid Glass Orb Ceiling Light, Grey Princeton Throw, Chunky Hand Knit Cushion Cover in Smoke, Velvet Eaton Armchair, Belgravia Bed, Montebello Bed Linen Collection, Ercol Love Seat, Antique Cut Glass Table Lamp

Craig and I are massive shabby chic fans and the Florence Chest of Drawers suits our style perfectly. We prefer ornate lines rather than solid clean ones. We’re all for statement pieces that say things about us rather than mass-produced things. I sometimes think I should have been born in the Victorian era where things were prettier and pieces were celebrated for being unique.

The Solid Glass Orb Ceiling Light is my little way of injecting some glamour into our room. I’ve always dreamt of having a chandelier but have never been brave enough to buy one. Some heavy glass lights can look like you’ve tried too hard. I remember a school friends parents had one in their cosy 1980′s semi hung up rather extravagantly in their dining room. It didn’t look right at all but it was so pretty when you saw all the droplets of light reflect from their dining table. I figure if you can’t have a bit of glam in the bedroom, where can you?

To create that perfect bedtime ambience adding the Antique Cut Glass Lamp would round off the lighting perfectly. The base of this is just so intricate and pretty. I can already see the lamp reflecting off the ceiling light and creating a really soft warm glow.

In the spirit of layering and adding texture - I’ve opted for the Princeton Throw and Chunky Hand Knit Cushion Cover. This is one area where Craig and I don’t agree. Craig thinks that decorative pillows and throws on beds are a waste of time. He resents having to toss them all off the bed before he goes to sleep. I couldn’t disagree more and love the idea of a super snuggly bed with beautiful accessories - I love walking past my bedroom door and feeling the pull of my bed. I love this mix of check and chunky knit as it makes the bed look as though you could just sink into it.

I’ve also picked the Eaton Velvet Armchair. I don’t think you can beat the feeling of waking in the morning and seeing your husbands clothes messily draped over an armchair. I find this the most reassuring thing in the world and I won’t ever stop Craig casually tossing his on the floor. It’s the best feeling in the world stripping off quickly and jumping into bed - you can put your clothes away in the morning.

On the subject of creating a romantic setting, the Belgravia Bed says it all really. I love the soft curves on the headboard as it feels like you are shutting the rest of the world out and it’s all about you and the person you love.

Of course our linen would be the softest 300-thread-count, Egyptian-cotton sateen (this is one amazing dream bedroom!). The Montebello Collection in silver is perfect as the simple border will compliment the checks of the Princeton Throw and the muted greys and brown in the rest of the room.

The Ercol Love Seat would live in our dressing room - there’s something very comforting about natural wood against fabric and this would look gorgeous with a few textured cushions. It reminds me of cottages, farmhouses and warm open fires.

As this is a festive challenge - you’d also need a few other accessories to really get that Christmassy feeling. Once again The White Company has some perfect trinkets to complete the look - if you hurry some of these are in the sale with up to 50% off!

I prefer a simple and understated Christmas, so I really love this stunning Mini Pine Cone Garland. Sprayed with a little cinnamon room fragrance this would smell and look beautiful draped over a triple mirror. Top this off with a pretty 3-wick fragranced candle and sparkly tealight holder and you have a subtle Christmas effect without ramming it down your throat. It’s also a look that you can keep long after the festive season has ended.

The best way to show off all these little burst of light would be to simply position them in front of this beautiful Carlton Triple Mirror so they reflect off each of the three mirrors. This is by far my favourite piece and I’ve popped it on my ‘can I have?‘ list that grows by the day - poor Craig…

 

 

I’ve also gone ahead and had a play on Pinterest and created the ultimate mood board of my dream The White Company bedroom. Please do look pop on over and have a look - you’re more than welcome to follow me and take a look at some of the other things from the web I’ve fallen in love with.

Finally, because sharing is caring - here are the rules should you want to take part:

• Your blog post must showcase items from The White Company’s home collections to illustrate how you would style your bedroom over the festive season. Do not include products from brands other than The White Company.
• You may use pictures, links and social platforms to make your blog post as creative and original as possible. The White Company Christmas Bed Competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man who are aged 18 or over only. One entry per person.
• There will be one winner chosen by host blogger Rachel of freshdesignblog.com. The winner will be notified after January 14th 2013 by email. The email will contain details of how to claim the prize.
• The prize is bed linen up to the value of £200. Please note you do not win the products selected for your blog post as The White Company cannot guarantee that the items will be in stock or available in your requested size.
• The competition winner must claim their prize within 7 days of notification being sent and The White Company reserves the right to select an alternative winner should the prize not be claimed within this time. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash or otherwise and no cash alternative will be offered. The White Company reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or higher value in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Liability cannot be accepted for entries which are lost in transit or not received by The White Company due to technical difficulties.
• Fresh Design Blog’s decision and any decision taken by the Promoter is final and no correspondence will be entered into. We reserve the right to feature photographs and screenshots of the winning blog, as well as the name and county of the prize winner in future publications and publicity.
• This promotion is not open to employees of The White Company, their families, associated agents, or anyone professionally connected with the promotion.