Styling for McG – the Versatile Bed
When Chelsea approached me a few weeks ago about styling a bed set for their upcoming family marathon sessions, she had a few requests: a vintage headboard – possibly incorporating an antique door, and bedding that would be versatile enough to use with her boudoir clients. It needed to be soft looking – neutral and light, without blending together too much. She also requested a new headboard, something that would be sturdy enough to stand alone, as the bed would be mostly placed in the middle of an open field.
The Linens
I feel like I hit the jackpot with this comforter – it’s a soft ivory duvet from Urban Outfitters, and I think it was really the seminal piece in this design. The ruffled edges add just enough femininity for boudoir, without being overtly “girly” in family sessions. I had purchased the Cynthia Rowley euro shams a few months ago at Homegoods for my own bedroom, but the color was just a little more ivory than I’d been wanting. I kept them, knowing they’d be good for something, and boy am I glad I did. I love the patterned stitching and the way it contributes another layer of texture to the bedding. The sheets were a $12 Target clearance find – they’re herringbone=printed flannel, and I think they’ll hold up nicely as this set will be used again and again. And finally, the dust ruffle. Oh, the dust ruffle – what a pain. I’d originally purchased a tailored ivory bedskirt, plain and simple, to cover up the metal bed frame. When we set it all up on the day of the test-shoot, it just looked… bad. Terrible actually. It tugged in all the wrong places, the corner flaps were too wide to cover the corners, and the fabric was just sheer enough to reveal the underparts of the frame. Chelsea and I stood back and looked at it, and just laughed – so, so bad. We quickly yanked it from the mattresses, and I made a last-minute run to grab a new one. I’m actually quote pleased with the quickie substitute I found at the Target around the corner from the McG studio – it was a little pricey, but the fabric is super thick, and I think the muted pattern adds a little more substance to the base of the bed.
The Headboard
When Chelsea mentioned using a vintage door as the basis for the headboard design, I was confident I knew just where to source such a piece. Old Home Supply in Fort Worth was bound to have something we could use, but I couldn’t help feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of making a headboard, even with a substantial base to start from. I did some digging around on Pinterest, and found THIS photo:
A few clicks later, and I found a link to the designer, Vintage Headboards – and as it happens, they’re located in Frisco, TX! I emailed Robert, and he had the perfect headboard in his inventory. I’m super happy with the way it turned out, and even more glad I didn’t have to tackle that monster of a project by myself
So, I guess you probably want to see pictures right? Here is the set for the “Family Bed” – I’ll have boudoir photos to show off in a few weeks!
Sweet, right? If you’re interested in being a part of session like this, you’re in luck – the McGowans are offering two days of mini sessions featuring this bed set on April 6th & 7th, and I hear there are a few spots left! Email [email protected] to sign up!
Next up, the thought process on the McGowan’s new studio space, on this same property. It’s my first interiors project, and I’m super smitten with the space
