Now that we are officially into winter, the bedroom is the perfect place for our evening hibernation mode.

WARNING:  If you follow these steps beware that getting out of bed is going to be so much more difficult.

Use a Serene Color Palette

Although vibrant, high-intensity hues can do wonders for your productivity, they aren’t the best for areas of rest. Instead, turn to soothing color palettes discovered in nature – think stone greys, ocean blues, and subtle sage greens. We’re also huge fans of going all white in the bedroom for a refreshing sense of peace.

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Layer your Textures

Even if your space is mostly neutral, you can add character – and coziness – thanks to natural textures.  Velvet and faux fur pillows, a wool throw, grasscloth wallpaper, and linen will all do the trick.#AKDProTip: To get those pillows extra fluffy, use inserts that are one size larger than your pillowcase.

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Have a Lighting Plan

It’s important to focus less on one individual light and more on the development of a lighting plan. Everything from drapery that controls the flow of natural light to bedside lamps for reading should be taken into consideration. You can even implement controls that allow your lighting to adjust according to the time of day, slowly preparing your body for that much-needed rest to come.

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Consider Carpeting

Stepping onto a cold hardwood floor is no way to wake up in the winter.  Have you ever stayed in a luxury hotel that did not have wall to wall carpet?  I didn’t think so.  Besides the fact that it can be amazingly chic when done right, it also prevents warm air from escaping and absorbs sound so you can get your beauty rest.

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Keep it Cozy

For kids and adults alike, there’s no such thing as too many layers when it comes to bedding, especially in the winter! Frigid weather calls for doubling down on all things cozy and we suggest layering blankets, duvets, coverlets, quilts – whatever it takes to keep those toes nice and toasty.

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Add an Upholstered Headboard

A fully upholstered headboard adds a certain warmth, luxuriousness, and softness to a bedroom.  It allows you to cuddle up to read a book, watch TV comfortably or ensures comfort against your noggin in the middle of the night.

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AKD’s Holiday Gift List

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As most Decembers go, they are an incredibly crazy time of running around, finishing up projects for year-end and preparing for the holidays. Unfortunately, this season has left me with little time to get you a full list of my favorite products for this holiday season so instead, I am just going to concentrate on my #1 favorite product for each person in your life.

If I am not quite hitting the mark for your list, please take a look at my Amazon Storefront for tons of ideas. You will not be disappointed:  https://www.amazon.com/shop/amykartheiserdesign

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Favorite Gift for Dads, Brothers,Husbands or yourself:

Peter Millar Suffolk Quilted Coat

   This coat is my husband’s favorite purchase and I think it will be yours as well. It is windproof and water-resistant, incredibly chic and has tons of secret compartments on the inside of the coat.  Did I mention there is an attached bottle opener in one of them?  If this doesn’t win you best gift of the year award, I don’t know what will.  I will mention it does come a little roomy, so you might want to size down one size.    

Buy it here

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Favorite Gift for Moms, Sisters,Daughters or Yourself:

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer

 Listen up everyone, this is my favorite product of 2019 hands down.  I cannot for the life of me blow dry my own hair and have it look decent.  It just does not happen.  This tool makes my hair look like I just stepped out of a salon or better yet, if I did step out of salon (which I prefer) this keeps my blowout looking fabulous day after day after day after day.  There must be someone in your life who needs this.   

Buy it here

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Favorite Gift for Tween Daughters,

Nieces, Granddaughters, etc:

Mighty Violet Stationary

 I am not putting boys on this gift unless you have a son who is the opposite of mine.  My daughter likes to write notes home from camp, notes to her friends, thank you notes, etc.  She likes writing so I love to get her stationary with her initial on it because she thinks it’s cute and I do too.  Mighty Violet offers custom and creative note cards, wedding invitations, and even holiday cards.  The envelopes are as cute as the cards and that is so up my alley.   

Buy it here

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Favorite Gift for Tween Sons, Nephews, Grandsons, etc: 

Vans Old Skool Sneaker

 So maybe he won’t think it is the coolest gift, but it will make you feel cool when your son steps out in these sneakers.  My son hates dress shoes so these Vans have become our compromise at holidays and special outings with a pair of khakis and a button-down.  They definitely put a smile on my face and he is not complaining about being uncomfortable.  I call that a win-win.  

Buy it here

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Favorite Hostess Gift, or for Yourself (wink wink):

Secura Electric Wine Opener

  I am amazed at the amount of people who enjoy wine, yet cannot open a bottle of wine.  This electric wine bottle opener takes the complication out of it.  It is rechargeable so it is the gift that keeps on giving.    

Buy it here

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AKD Book Club: December Picks

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The Dutch HouseBy Ann Patchett

I was introduced to Ann Patchett about 20 years ago when she came out with Bel Canto and I have been a big fan of her writing since then.  As with Commonwealth, she really does an excellent job writing of the complexities of extended families and interweaving the past with the present in The Dutch House.  You will be so impressed with the brother and sister relationship she has created in this story that it will make you dream of your own children having as special a relationship as they do.

Buy it here

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The Giver of StarsBy Jojo Moyes

My first and only book by Jojo Moyes was Me Before You.  I loved that book but I never picked up another of her novels because I was afraid they were all going to have the same romantic formula.  When I heard that this book was a historical fiction based upon the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky from the 1930’s, I knew I had to give it a try and I was so glad I did.  You will love this read, and will perhaps, educate yourself on a piece of history that maybe you did not know existed either.

Buy it here