Over the years, I’ve styled a lot of beds – in our home, in the places we’ve hosted in Millthorpe, and now here at Hargan’s Cottage in Carcoar. One thing I often hear from guests is how cosy and comfortable the beds are and truthfully, I take that as the biggest compliment.

Styling a bed is one of my favourite things to do, so much so, I even designed my own pillowcases using my photography - The Shopkeepers Leaves Pillowcases. For me, it’s all about layers, texture, and that inviting feeling, no matter the season.

It’s all about feeling, not perfection

When I make a bed, I never aim for that crisp, perfectly tucked look. I like it to feel lived-in. A little bit of a slept-in look is what I’m going for; something that invites you to slow down, curl up, and rest.

Linen is always my first choice

I’m a linen girl through and through. There’s something about the feel of good linen on your skin, and I love the texture it adds to a space.

I always use a fitted sheet and a top flat sheet, not necessarily matching. Sometimes it’s plain on the bottom and a stripe or check on top, or the other way around. My go-to colours are usually in that earthy, autumn palette… mocha, chocolate, grey, natural, olive. Those tones feel grounding to me.

On top, I use a linen duvet cover, and in the colder months I layer a coverlet across the foot of the bed. Then I usually throw on a blanket or a rustic linen throw. And I really do mean throw – I stand at the side of the bed and toss it across wherever it lands.

Adding warmth and texture with throws

Throws are one of my favourite styling pieces. I like using ones made from cotton or a rustic-style linen... something with a bit of texture like the Len & Spolka Bedspread. I usually go for neutral colours that work with the rest of the bedding. They add that extra sense of comfort, and they’re practical too.

Cushions and pillows, always odd numbers

There’s a bit of a formula I tend to follow:

• Four standard pillows – two in a plain colour, two in a contrast

• Then one feature cushion at the front – either a big square or a long rectangular one

I always style with odd numbers, it just feels better to me. My go-to brands are Pony Rider (their Highlander cushions are a favourite) and the beautiful hand-stitched quote cushions from Cathy Penton. I usually stick to a fairly coordinated look, but it’s always relaxed.

Finishing touches

Beside the bed, I like to keep things simple but styled. A candle, a little stack of books, maybe a small bunch of foliage in a vessel or a group of old bottles. I also love a little pottery dish for jewellery, just something handmade and thoughtful.

And I’ll let you in on a secret: the real key to a cosy bed is what you can’t see. I always use Microcloud products – their mattress toppers, duvets, and hotel-standard pillows are so good. The support and softness they add is just unmatched.

Some of my favourite bed linen brands:

• Linen Tales
• Pony Rider
• Cultiver
• In the Sac
• L&M Home

I really believe a well-made bed makes a space feel loved. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to feel like you. That’s what home is all about.

Create a bed that feels like home with our favourite linen, throws, and cosy touches.