the retro barn blog

Chesapeake, a new vintage style quilt by VHC.

Well, it’s that time of year again. Time for the year end wrap-ups, the top 10 lists, and the endless replay of stuff that happened this year. It’s also a time to look ahead to the new year and hope for brighter days. Based on what we’re seeing and hearing, this is our totally unscientific report on the bedding trends coming in 2013.

1. Vintage Style Bedding. You know what they say, everything old is new again. Vintage linens have always been a hot collectable item, so it’s no surprise that bedding designers are looking to the past for inspiration. We’re seeing  a return to the vibrant, cheery style quilts that were so popular in the 1930′s and 1940′s. They helped lift spirits during the Great Depression, so maybe that’s what we need today. We’re also seeing lots of bedspreads, ruffled sheets, and embroidered pillow cases- things your grandmother kept in her hope chest.

2. Rustic Bedding. Rustic chic is all the rage now. Even the “mainstream” bedding manufacturers are introducing collections with western, lodge and Southwestern themes. The colors are becoming more diverse (not just brown!) and the fabrics are more opulent. The juxtaposition of rustic and contemporary elements is a big trend in decorating right now, opening up the possibility of adding down-home accents to even the most elegant homes. Antlers are popping up in the strangest places!

3. Bedding Separates. You many have noticed, the “Bed In A Bag” is not nearly as easy to find these days. Bedroom furniture has changed so much in the past few years, it has become increasingly difficult to offer bedding using the “one size fits all” approach. Many folks are sleeping on platform beds, memory foam mattresses, and other assorted deviations from what used to be the norm. New beds require a new approach to bed linens, and coordinated separates are often the most practical option. Bedding manufacturers are catching up with these changes and offering more size options and more “a la carte” bedding sets.

4. Bedding Made In The USA. Finally, we are seeing more and more bedding manufacturers offering American made goods. At this point, it’s just a few items here and there – but it’s a start. Manufacturers are finally beginning to realize that there is a market for high quality American made goods- even if they cost a little more than the imports.

So that’s about it for now. We’re hard at work adding the newest styles to our website. We look forward to serving you in 2013.

Well, it’s that time of year again.

Ah yes, the holidays-  when we’re all filled with love, joy, peace and patience… Or, maybe not so much.

Holiday shopping , holiday decorating, and holiday cooking can all lead to a big holiday headache. And let’s be honest here, women bear the the heaviest burden. Who is Santa Claus? In most families it’s Mom. She works and plans, shops and wraps. In honor of the soon-to-be-stressed-out Christmas shoppers out there, we’ve got a quick and easy gift idea that will work for most folks on your list.

Are you ready for this? It’s the throw. (The what?) The throw. Also known as the afghan or snuggle blanket. It’s that essential item you need for relaxing on the sofa when it’s chilly outside. And it’s an easy gift solution for young and old, friends and co-workers, teachers and coaches. What makes the throw such a great gift?

1. One size fits all. No stress here.
2.  Easy to wrap. Gift bag!!
3. Wide range of prices- inexpensive to luxury
4. Tons of styles to suit the recipient

So, just stock up on the throws, gift bags and Advil and you’re all set for Christmas! What could be less hard?

Of course we’ve got a few picks for you in the throw department-

1. Tea Cabin Quilted Throw- This is an antique style log cabin quilted design. It’s a little pricey, but there’s a lot of workmanship in this mini quilt. FYI most of our Patchwork Quilts are also available as throws. They also make great wallhangings!

2. Woven Throws- these are light-weight cotton throws that are budget friendly. Available in lots of colors and styles.

3. Granny Squares Throw- So cute and vintage looking! This crochet throw looks like something Grandma made.

Summer doesn’t officially start until June 20th, but you wouldn’t know it down South.

It’s been hotter than a goat in a pepper patch for about a month now.  So, we thought we’d share a few simple ways to update your bedroom for the even warmer months ahead. With the big Memorial Day weekend coming up, you might even catch some of this stuff on sale!

Lighten up. This one is easy. It just seems instinctive to migrate to lighter colors in the summer. A simple white or cream bed covering is a classic look that can be paired with most anything. Some tend to shy away from light colored bedding due to the dirt factor. With kids and pets hopping around on the bed, white bedding seems like an accident waiting to happen.  If this is your concern, try a darker neutral instead. A cool khaki color can be very summery and casual when paired with blue or red accents. Or, try a monochromatic color scheme which is soothing and restful when the mercury rises. Our favorite? The new Abigail Quilt, shown above. Pure cotton luxury on a hot summer’s day.

Invest in good sheets. During the summer you’re more likely to fold back the covers and sleep under a lightweight bed sheet. You’ll want a nice set of cotton sheets to maximize your comfort. For a decorative touch, try a set with a little something special- embroidery or ruffles are so pretty on a summer bed. And if you can catch them on sale, why not stock up on an extra set? That way you won’t have to wait for your favorite sheets to wash before making the bed! Our pick would be the sweetly ruffled Bliss Cottage Sheets which are 20% off right now.

Try a bedspread or a quilt.  This time of year is great for experimenting with new types of bedding. If you normally use a comforter, try something a bit lighter. Traditional bedspreads and quilts are really making a comeback. They provide just enough warmth and unlike most comforters, they are frequently available in 100% cotton styles. Our recommendation? The American Tradition Bedspread or the new Hudson Patchwork Quilt.

Accessorize the bedroom. A few new accessories can really give your bedroom a summery feel. Try a lovely floral wreath over the bed, maybe with some sconces and candles for a romantic glow. Prop up a starfish or sand dollar on a book case. Add a pitcher full of sunflowers or daisies to the bedside table. Window treatments should be light and airy. Try lace or linen for subtle country style. The new Matilda Linen Voile Curtain panels would be just perfect…

Now enjoy! Scatter a few family vacation photos in pretty frames and your summer cottage will be complete. Sit back, grab some iced tea and curl up with a good book. It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy!

Now here’s a real blast from the past- the bedspread!

For those under 40 here’s a quick history lesson. The comforter has not always existed. Back in the olden days, this is what everyone had on their beds. The whole “comforter” thing started in the 70′s and it virtually brought an end to the popularity of the bedspread. As a result, they all but disappeared from retail stores. The only place you could find a real bedspread was in a cheap motel room, and you know how appealing cheap motel beds can be… Well, good news for all you old fashioned folks- nice bedspreads are back and actually surging in popularity. Here’s a quick run down of the pros and cons of bedspreads-

Pros- Bedspreads are easy to manage. Making the bed could not be easier. Just pull, fold and tuck and you’re done. You don’t need pillow shams or bedskirts.

Bedspreads are lightweight. This is especially nice for warmer climates and ladies of a “certain age”.

Bedspreads are easy to store. Since they are not big and fluffy, they can easily be folded and kept in the linen closet when not in use.

Bedspreads bring vintage charm. A simple bedspread looks fabulous on an antique bed. Just add a few vintage pillows, maybe an old quilt folded at the bottom- perfect!

Bedspreads are easy to launder. Well, at least they are easier to launder than a comforter. They can usually be thrown into the washer- but it will require a big one! Comforters often need dry cleaning which can be a pain.

Bedspreads have a graceful look. Traditional bedspreads have rounded corners at the foot of the bed. This gives a lovely drape that you just don’t see with a comforter or quilt.

Cons- Choosing a bedspread to fit your bed can be tricky. Since bedspreads generally are not used with bedskirts, it’s important to choose a spread that will hit at the floor or just short of it. This can be tricky due to the depth of your mattress. The old carpenter’s rule holds true here- measure twice, cut once. Or in this case, measure twice, order once.

Bedspreads are not fluffy. This could be a pro or a con actually. Just something to consider if you are switching from a comforter to a bedspread. Some people have a hard time giving up the nice cozy feel of a comforter.

Bedspreads are not reversible. Unlike most comforters, only one side of a bedspread is decorative. The backing is generally a plain white cotton or polyester fabric. Some styles, like the one pictured above, are woven so they do not have a separate backing, but the reverse side does not have the same decorative pattern as the front.

Well, these are the basic things to consider regarding bedspreads. If you would like to see a few cool styles, check out our Old Fashioned Bedspread department at Retro Barn County Linens. We have several American made classic styles to offer. Choose from classic matelasse patterns, the nubby textured American Tradition spread, or the new Shabby Chenille styles that will soon be available in lots of colors. Bedspreads are a classic that will never go out of style!

Very Berry Tablecloth

We all love to find a true vintage piece while antiquing at our favorite shop, but there are times when a fabulous fake comes in handy. This is especially true when entertaining. While it may be temping to decorate your buffet table around Grandma’s adorable vintage 1942 tablecloth, wisdom will generally prevail. Sure, it would look perfect at Suzy’s bridal shower luncheon- but who wants to sacrifice this cherished heirloom for one fleeting moment of decorating bliss? Because, sure as the world- someone will spill their punch and it’ll be ruined… So keep the real treasures to yourself and stock up on a handful of colorful reproductions. You’ll find lots of luscious 30′s and 40′s reproduction tablecloths at http://www.retrobarn.com/retrostyle.html. They come in fruity, floral, western, and retro Americana patterns. So you can have your party, set a super cute vintage style table, and not have a panic attack when someone makes that inevitable little (or big) mess. Unlike that great antique store find,  these handy little repros are oh so affordable!

Cascade Lodge Bedding

Just in case you haven’t noticed- rustic and western decor is very hot right now. A few years ago, you had to take a trip to the mountains to find any sort of rustic themed merchandise but these days antlers and cowboys are everywhere! What’s up with the trend? Well who knows, but here are a few things we hear frequently from customers-

1. Rustic/Western decor is the only style my husband and I can agree on.  It comes as no surprise that rugged styles appeal to men, but we’ve spoken with lots and lots of ladies who love them as well. There’s something cozy and romantic about rustic style that appeals even to the shabby chic set.

2. Rustic/Western decor fits our lifestyle.  Sturdy fabrics and darker colors work well for families with small children- and grandchildren! The distressed look is very popular with parents of toddlers.

3. We can’t afford a cabin vacation home right now, so we are decorating our suburban home like a cabin. And why not? Create a cozy retreat right where you are. Grannie always said, “Bloom where you’re planted.”

4. Old fashioned western style reminds me of a simpler time. In our crazy modern world so many of us find comfort in the simple things of yesterday. Remember Gunsmoke? We sure could use someone like Marshall Dillon today…

If you’re into the rugged look, check out our Western & Rustic Comforters. We’ve got lots of styles, and they’re packaged as sets to make decorating easy. We’ll be adding a few new styles this month.

Hello everyone. Quite frankly, this is not my favorite time of year. It’s downright cold in January. And it’s so dreary when all the Christmas decorations come down. Next thing you know, the post holiday bills start arriving in the mailbox. Even the grocery store becomes a downer- the same isles that featured yummy gingerbread making kits and pumpkin pie ingredients are seemingly transformed overnight- they now feature those huge plastic storage boxes and diet food. The party is now officially over…

Well okay, so life goes on. We have a few ideas to share about staying warm and saving money during the long days and nights of winter 2012- not fun or festive but certainly practical and timely.

1. Insulated Curtains- Here’s a really neat invention.  These are regular curtains with a thick layer of thermal foam backing that does not show from the front.  Adding an extra layer of heavy fabric to the back of a standard curtain will help to block out drafts and heat transfer from windows. At Retro Barn we carry insulated tab top curtains in lots of solid colors and two especially cute patterns. One is a plaid and the other is a floral fabric because you can never have too many flowers. We use these curtains in our home and they really do help with the drafts in our living room.

2. Get Down. Literally. Nothing beats a down comforter in the winter. It will allow you to turn down the heat during the night and lower your utility costs. A good down comforter will last many seasons if laundered properly at the local dry cleaner. If you love the old-fashioned look of a quilt but need the warmth of down, try the Kaleidoscope Patchwork Duvet Cover. It’s a scrappy patchwork duvet that is quite substantial on it’s own. Stuff it with a down comforter and you’ll be toasty even in Alaska.

3. Install a programmable thermostat. These things are handy as a shirt pocket.  It’s a thermostat that allows you to program the room temperature you want at specific times of the day. Many of these devices can be set up to seven days in advance. Just set the thermostat to heat up a few minutes before your alarm clock goes off in the morning and you’ll never wake up to a cold house again! This allows you to turn the heater down (or possibly even off) during the night when you’re sleeping under that fluffy down comforter with patchwork duvet. You’ll never know you’re being thrifty because you’ll be asleep.  And warm. How cool is that?

4. Insulate windows using foil backed styrofoam sheets. Foil backed styrofoam sheets are available from home improvement stores in 4 ft x 8 ft panels. They can easily be cut to size using a utility knife and then wedged into the rough opening of a window. If you wedge the sheet tightly into the window you’ll be amazed at how much warmer your room will be. If you have a room with lots of windows (like we do) this will actually make a measurable difference on your utility bill. This is an admittedly radical solution to drafty windows because it does render the window useless for the winter season. It will provide total privacy- not even a speck of light will pass through the insulating panel- so this solution is not for every window, but it works great for rooms that are used seasonally. The ugly styrofoam panels can easily be disguised with curtains.

That’s all we have for now. We’re working on a super easy no sew draft dodger project and we’ll share that with you soon. Nothing chases the winter blues away faster than a super easy no sew project!!