Before and After: A Manhattan Bedroom

"Your bed should always be ready to

catch you as you fall into it."

Sunday mornings are for spending in bed (and then running off to brunch with friends). But until then, I can be found with The New York Times Online, my laptop, coffee and books. Rita Konig, a decorator based here in New York who has written about style for British Vogue, The Telegraph and Domino, agrees.

Her New York City apartment rental is very similar to my previous apartment- room for a queen-sized bed and not much else! Beds are obviously the center of bedrooms, but this bed is even more so, since it takes up most of the room. The bedroom above only measures 6.5 feet by 8 feet, which doesn't leave much room for the imagination.

The window makes a world of a difference when it comes to not feeling so claustrophobic, but she notes that the feminine wallpaper made an enormous difference, as well. She adds that when looking for a place to live, use the windows as a guide. If they are good, and the room is a good shape, you will always be able to make it lovely. Click the image above to enlarge.

Konig's tips and necessities for making your bedroom a dreamy haven:

1. European (square 27") pillows are a must for a complete look
2. Standard down pillows for sleeping, plus a few decorative ones
3. Mix textures and weights. It gives everything a longer life because if you can mix things in a slightly different way each week, you won’t tire of what you have so quickly. The main thing is to keep everything soft. Anything that spends too much time on the floor, like heavy bedspreads, or cushions, really belong on a chair or sofa
4. Most importantly, sheets. Your sheets and duvet cover should feel crisp and clean and gentle on the skin. Collect them over the years so you have your favourite styles and fabrics. Look at them as a collection. Once you have many sets, it's fun to mix and match to make the room truly your own (favourites include D. Porthault, Yves Delorme and Leontine)

All photography credit to The New York Times, The Moment