Or did they never leave?
I’ve been revisiting the work of some “old masters” of interior decorating lately, including and especially David Hicks. He is indeed a master of many things — accessorizing and displaying collections among them — but I’ve been particularly enchanted by his canopy beds. Or, more accurately, “tester beds,” in which fabric is attached directly to the ceiling and hangs down in drapery fashion.
I grew up thinking “canopy bed” = this:
But the green and white bed above is so structured and elegant — a far cry from Holly Hobby and rainbows. Look at this charming bedroom Mr. Hicks did for his son:
The key is a single pattern — maybe two — and a limited color palette. The sheer volume of fabric and repetition of pattern are enough. Here are some other show-stoppers.
And Alessandra Branca is queen of the modified canopy:
What say you, Gentle Readers? Yay or nay? And if Yay, where would YOU do a canopy bed?
Annie Elliott is an expert in curated interiors, brilliant color palettes, and telling people what to do in the nicest way possible. Be sure and take a look at our “One Room, Four Seasons” photo spread in the April 27 Washington Post Magazine!
