Bedrooms
Sustainability & Style Go Hand-In-Hand In This Designer’s Bedroom
Updated on October 10, 2022
Designer Sarah Walker of The Curated House knows the importance of making healthy choices for the home. Her sensitivity to toxic chemicals “paved an organic path to becoming an expert in wellness for the home,” says the designer, who suffers from Lyme disease.
When it came to her own space (which she shares with her husband and two kids), creating a healthy home was key to her recovery. The bedroom was the last room in Sarah’s house to get her designer touch, so its transformation into the sleep sanctuary she had always dreamed of was a long time coming. “The heart of the space wasn’t centered around our health and well-being,” admits Sarah. “I had no idea how much more deeply I’d sleep and how significantly my pain would improve once I finally had a healthy, inspiring retreat.”
Scroll down to learn how Sarah’s gave her bedroom a sustainable makeover in just three months!
To give the bedroom a cocooning feel, Sarah covered the walls in Coal Black by Fusion Mineral Paint, which uses natural pigments harvested from the earth, rather than synthetic pigments. “I wanted a space that was beautifully moody and sexy, as well as being designed for our wellness,” she says.
An organic hospital beds mattress and non-toxic bedframe ensure a restful night’s sleep, while graphic throw pillows, including a bolster pillow covered in Kelly Wearstler’s famous Graffito fabric, compliments the moody paint perfectly.
Using solid poplar-applied mouldings from Metrie, Sarah added architectural interest to the wall behind the bed. “It’s honestly one of my favorite ways to create a more thoughtful, layered finish to a space,” says Sarah. “Bare drywall is a rarity in my work!”
“It’s unconventional, but our nightstands also serve as dresser drawers, and that efficiency works really well for me,” she says. “I would choose to do it again, even in a larger space.” Layers of artwork, patinated catchalls and other special pieces create a striking vignette.
Crisp white bedding from White Terry Home is made from Global Organic Textile Standard-certified organic cotton, while a wool blanket and rug are sustainable choices because the fibre is recyclable, biodegradable and long-lasting. “In order for a product to be truly beautiful, it must be healthy for the planet, healthy for the people making it and healthy for the people living with it,” says Sarah.
For a touch of beach style, this delicate fixture keeps things light and airy. Flecks of gold amp up the luxe factor.
Sarah’s bedroom makeover inspired her to create a virtual eight-week masterclass to help others design a sleep sanctuary that’s as healthy as it is stylish. “I believe my course will go a long way to empowering homeowners to make the healthiest, most beautiful choices they can in their own homes,” she says. Plus, Sarah created a Detox Guide if you wan to learn more about creating a healthy home.
Reid Lambshead
Sarah Walker, The Curated House