Feather Your Nest

Color Matters

• Choose your bedroom colors with care. A dramatic red bedroom might seem like a great idea, but you will probably find it hard to get to sleep every night. Soft, muted colors are most conducive to rest and relaxation. Atlanta designer Dan Carithers likes yellows, pale greens, and soft pinks and blues. "I am also crazy about chocolate walls with white on everything else," says Carithers. Quiet colors set the stage for rest and contemplation and give your eyes a much-needed break.
• After determining your color scheme, select the fabrics for your windows, furniture, and walls. Toiles are popular now and are available in many patterns and colors. Fabric in a neutral color with a nubby texture lends a more masculine feel to the bedroom. Touchable textiles such as velvet and silk shantung give the bedroom an air of opulence, while fine cottons are suited for a more casual retreat. Add accessories such as a faux-fur throw or silk pillows for extra comfort and appeal.