At the heart of every bedroom lies the bed, the undeniable focal point that entices us to indulge in its warm welcoming embrace. Kelsey McGregor, owner and Lead Designer of Kelsey Leigh Design Co., walks us through her failproof tips for creating a professional-looking bedscape.

Design & Photography by Kelsey Leigh Design Co.

There's nothing like cuddling into a beautifully made bed at the end of a long day. And while a comfy mattress and plush pillows are a good start, it's the finishing touches to elevate your sleeping space. 

We met up with Kelsey McGregor, who shared layer by layer how to style your bed like a pro. Come along as we explore the key elements of bed-making and provide expert tips and tricks for creating a flawless bedscape.

Learning the Layers

Duvet Details 

The number one thing you want to get right when styling your bed is your duvet cover. Duvets are a great way to add an extra layer of comfort, coziness, and warmth to your bed, making them the perfect bedding accessory for those chilly nights or lazy mornings. 

A properly fitting duvet cover is essential for achieving a polished and stylish look for your bedding. Kelsey stresses that the duvet cover should fit snugly over the duvet insert without any excess fabric or bunching for a smooth and streamlined appearance. She also suggests a duvet cover that provides ties in the inside corners so the duvet stays flat.

For a full and fluffy appearance, roll the duvet back on itself to create an added layer of height while creating a luxurious look that's sure to impress. 

Pillow Placement

No bed is complete without a variety of pillows and shams and proper pillow placement is key to achieving a comfortable and stylish bed. Start with your sleeping pillows - these should be placed against the headboard or wall, with the pillowcases facing out.

Add your decorative pillows in front, starting with the largest and working your way down to the smallest. Start with a back layer of large square pillow, then add medium-sized pillows, followed by a single small pillow in the front.

Get inspired with these suggested pillow combinations:

Combo 1

Combo 2

Combo 3

Final Finishes 

Once the bed is made, it's time to add the finishing touches. Kelsey suggests a bed scarf or throw blanket to be draped across the foot of the bed for added warmth and coziness. 

Furthermore, this introduces visual interest and depth, allowing you to play with colors, patterns, and textures to further enhance the overall design of your bed.

It’s all in the details.

Having a beautifully made bed sets the tone for the entire bedroom. Incorporating these designer tips and tricks ensures a luxurious and inviting environment that promotes relaxation and indulgence for a restful night's sleep.

You’ll also want to ensure you have the perfect sheets, blankets, and inserts for perfectly coordinated comfort and style. 

We loved hearing Kelsey’s advice on styling beautiful bedscapes. Kelsey McGregor, owner of Kelsey Leigh Design Co., provides stunning and inspirational designed spaces combining modern and vintage styles. Want to learn more about Kelsey and her design process? Our trade designer Q&A dives deeper into her experiences in the industry, in addition to a few things about her marriage to a homebuilder, what inspires her, and the challenges and rewards she’s faced in her career.