Creating a cozy haven in your new home starts with the master bedroom and bath. These are rooms that, with the gifts you receive from your bridal registry and some of your own imaginative engineering, can offer the two of you a luxurious respite from the day's hectic pace as well as a place to hide away for more than just a good night's rest. These days, the bedroom has become a place to truly live in and enjoy - to catch up on correspondences with old friends, watch classic black-and-white movies on video or snuggle in a warm goose down comforter on a snowy night with a really good book. This corner of our world should reflect both your sense of style and your personality.

 

Whether your bedroom is large and spacious with plush carpeting or small and homey with hardwood floors, it is your special haven to share with your mate. The charm and atmosphere of your room is enhanced by the linens you have carefully selected for yourselves. As you prepare to register, consider the colors and textures you desire most. Do you prefer vibrant colors or do you lean toward more subtle, gentler hues? What about patterns? Or do you appreciate the versatility of solids. When choosing sheets and other bedding, be sure to look for quality. The thread count of sheets will tell you how many threads are woven into each square inch. A sheet with a high thread count will provide a soothing, luxurious feel. In addition, high thread count sheets are stronger and more durable than sheets with low counts.

 

Quality sheets are also determined by their fiber compositions. The most popular choice now is 100% cotton, which is practical in any climate and becomes softer with frequent use. The best of these are sheets made from Egyptian cotton, which has much longer and finer strands, resulting in a stronger and silkier fabric. Flannel sheets are best suited for winter months. It is important to get high quality cotton flannels, as cheaper, thinner flannel will “pill” and break down.

For the bath, all-cotton towels are unquestionably the softest and most absorbent. Again, Egyptian cotton is superior. Choose between looped terry towels that are thick and thirsty or sheared terry towels that are velvety to the touch. Select colors that carry out the scheme you've set for the bedroom. You will have several choices to make regarding patterns and colors.

 

With a little planning and creativity, you can make choices today that will bring comfort and pleasure for years to come.

You will want to have at least three sets of bedroom linens for your master suite - one for the bed, one for closet storage and one that will probably be relegated to the laundry.

Select two additional sets of sheets for each guest bedroom

An assortment of decorative pillows
Window treatments