Here at GlamNest, we are a bit obsessed with bedding: plush, ultra-refined linens, organic floral-print pillowcases, mod graphic duvets–count us in for anything fabulous that inspires a comforting, snuggly, and preferably 9-plus-hour sleep. (Some would argue that I have an unhealthy attachment to sleep; I would counter that sleep is the only thing that keeps me healthy when totally stressed out!)
My current obsession? Nancy Koltes Fine Linens. I pass her Manhattan boutique (one of seven across the country) often, popping in to marvel at the beautifully squishy beds, piled sky-high with pillows and poufy-plush duvets, and thinking comforting thoughts. Textile designer Nancy Koltes, who produces her exquisite products in Italy, can always be counted on for lively conversation and an insider’s view of the industry, including the impact of extra-thick mattresses on linen manufacturers (everyone had to resize their sheets!) and the thread count marketing myth (note: luxury is less a matter of threads per inch than the quality and treatment of the threads themselves).
Last week I checked out some of her newest designs and fell for the restful blues and soft pinks of the Asian-inspired Dogwood (Italian-made percale duvets and shams) and two pretty Madras prints–Joy and Gypsy–made from supersmooth chambray in warm citrus hues. Just writing about it makes me want to sink into a deep, dreamlesss sleep….zzzzzzzz…
Ooops! Dozed off there for a sec. What was I was saying? Ah, yes–Nancy Koltes. Check out both her retail and wholesale websites (a great designer resource) for more comprehensive info, including helpful linen-care tips that are applicable to anyone who wants to ensure the comfort and longevity of their sheets: Never ever use bleach, don’t overdo the detergent and–this is key–do not fry them in the dryer or you’ll bake any lingering detergent right in.*
(* FYI, this last point is especially important for eco-obsessed clean freaks, who spend a gazillion dollars on organic cotton sheets, over-soap them, and dry them on a high setting, thus ensuring a not-so-healthy snooze in a detergent bath–not a good idea for anyone with chemical sensitivities!)
–Jen Renzi
Technorati Tags: Nancy Koltes Home, best summer bedding, luxury Italian linens, floral-print sheets, colorful pillows, thread count myth
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