Modern Bohemian Textiles-My Love Affair with Linen
There's a deep, deep love in my loins that I feel l need to tell everyone about, since you asked. And yes her name is Poppy, she's 7 months old and the cutest f-ing thing on the planet, but next to her, is linen. Organic linen, in every way, shape and form, pattern, color, on any surface, has transfixed my soul. I love the look and feel of it, its light airiness but at the same time it's weighted warmth. Linen for me is luxury at its core and above all, the earthy softness and effortless sophistication I need in my day to day.
This is an all encompassing obsession I'll have you know. I want to not only dress myself in it day in and day out, via linen jumpsuits, dresses, pants and button ups, I also want linen curtains to blow in my face while I drink my morning coffee, to cradle my hiney as I work, eat and relax. I long for our perfectly wrinkled linen bedding every night after a long day and wake in it truly satisfied every morning. Oh yeah, its a real problem. I’m addicted and there's no cure or group meeting that can help me. This obsession is here to stay forever, oooor until the weather drops below 60 in LA and then my cashmere and alpaca wool obsession sets in.
For all of you in the same boat, here are a few of my most favorite styled linen looks and pieces that I have either recommended to clients and really loved or have tried myself and will totally vouch for.
The Donato collection from Cisco Home, specifically the Chair and a Half, is a total crowd pleaser. Its got that slouchiness that I'm really into right now. The floppy pillows make it really approachable, the extra width is great for snuggles and the crisp linen gives it a level of refinery. All of Cisco's upholstered pieces are customizable and they have a huge selection of organically dyed Belgian linens that are soo yummy you'll be sure to find the right fit for your home's story.
Linen occasional chairs across the board are some of my most favorites. Versatile, neutral and comfortable. If there's a linen chair in the room, I'm stealing it for the remainder of the evening. Sorry, definitely not sorry.
RH's Modena Track Arm sofa is kinda everything to everyone. It can be styled really stark, straight laced and modern, or layered up for a more eclectic look. It acts as the perfect base for whatever feeling you want to build around it, which is kind of a top priority when it comes to choosing a sofa, to me anyways. I love its clean lines, sharp angles, low profile, minimal wooden leg, slight armrest and the longer single cushion (just remember to rotate your TV watching posish or you'll create a permanent ass print). Its polished without being stuffy and their Belgian linen collection is durable soft and luxurious.
Here are a few other styles that make my heart flutter. I mean seriously, you can't go wrong with a white linen sofa, no dogs allowed!
Let's talk beds, shall we. Something about a linen headboard just really makes me sleepy ; ) I think it's the perfect backdrop for some killer high end bedding and a huge pile of pillows. Pom Pom at Home, one of my favs for bedding, makes this really beautiful frayed edge linen slipcover headboard. Tack unfinished seams up with slouchy furniture, cane furniture and beni ourain rugs as trends that I can't get enough of right now. So effortlessly cool, like someone literally sat in front of their sewing machine and said "I don't give enough f*cks to make these seams clean so this is how we're gonna finish it and you're gonna like it." Sassy, love that!
Linen bedding is the only bedding for me. Listen, people will argue that high thread count Egyptian cottons, sateens, cashmere cotton blends and silk blends are where its at, and all do respect, they are nothing to turn your nose up at, but for me, I'm a linen girl for life! It has a weight and a built in thermostat that I have yet to experience sleeping in any other sheets. It settles and shakes itself into perfect placement with minimal effort which for a girl that hates to make the bed, is music to my ears. Parachute Home has beautiful linens which I recommend to everyone. Their linen is dyed and washed in small batches, which relaxes the fibers, making the fabric softer and softer after each wash at home. I also have personal experience with the brand, and I like to support local business women, but any 100% linen will do.
Couldn't possibly finish this post without talking a little fashun my people! I'm telling you, I have a visceral, guttural reaction to linen, especially when it comes to my clothing. I don't even need to pull stuff off the rack for a first glance approval, if I run my hands down the line with my eyes closed and sense that sweet texture, it's coming to the dressing room. The General Store and Midland Shop both have impeccable collections of linen wares right now but linen is a total cali boho girl must have so you can be sure you'll stumble upon some cute stuff in your travels and explorations.