The result is something that feels soft but distributes weight very evenly. So if you just push down on it with your hands, it compresses easily. But then you lay down and discover a surprising amount of support.

To me, it feels like a cross between a relatively firm coil mattress and memory foam. In other words, it’s very comfortable.

The new bedroom is fresh, clean and modern. It’s simple and relatively neutral (just the way I like it) but not sterile or empty.

There’s a fair amount of meaningful decor (i.e., not just random stuff from World Market or IKEA), like the handmade vase from Basin & Range, the little wooden elephant and our large photo collage.

There are also a couple splashes of color throughout the room. Just like with clothing, color is really effective in small, intentional doses, especially against a neutral backdrop.

Speaking of neutral backdrop, we decided on a wood and metal bed frame that would match the biggest piece of furniture in the room – our dresser – and the little shelf in the corner.

We already had the deep green Roman style shades, so we went with neutral bedding – a mix of solid white and grey stripes.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with darker, richer colors or even bold patterns. Just be aware that if your bedding is very loud and eye-catching, it’s going to be the center of attention in the room.

Since this room is relatively small, we decided to let the bed blend in (rather than stand out).

The decor is a mix of trinkets and gifts that we’ve collected over the years, mostly from friends and family.

It’s the stuff that never got left behind, given away or put in storage – the meaningful stuff.

For example, I got this little wooden elephant at a tiny little village in Cambodia during a three week Southeast Asia trip. I removed the tusks when I packed it away before moving out west, and I never actually found them.