A Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Custom Bed

Designer, stylist, and former Architectural Digest and Elle Decor editor, Parker Bowie Larson approached the Barrett Bergmann Home Custom Bedding Program with the same curatorial eye she brings to her interiors. Inspired by elegant fashion houses, timeless prints, and layered textures, the result was a versatile tailored bedding set that felt distinctly her. She gave BBH an inside look at how she used our easy-to-use program to bring her vision to life.

Banner Image

“The templates made it incredibly easy to customize the bed exactly how I envisioned it without starting from scratch. You still have complete creative control, but the process is incredibly intuitive.” - Parker Bowie Larson

STEP 1

Duvet Cover

As the bedding set’s foundational piece, Parker wanted this element to make a statement. From over 400 fabric options, she selected an offwhite textured geometric textile, pairing it with a contrasting border of a smaller black and white pattern. On her template she posed the question, “is it possible to use a different fabric on the back?” and the answer was yes! By selecting a soft, peach toned chenille for the other side, Parker was able to design a reversible spread that allowed for greater flexibility.

How it Works: Parker assigned her primary selection to Fabric A and contrasting selection to Fabric B. To make her custom request, she simply wrote it into the reverse side field, providing the fabric number for easy visual reference.

STEP 2

Euros

A nod to her love of chinoiserie, Parker chose two different Asian inspired patterns to anchor the pillow display with a reversible Euro. The contrast piping was another special request BBH was happy to accommodate.  

How it Works: Parker designated her selections for the front and back sides as the template prompts, and then used the notes section to request the contrast piping detail

STEP 3

Shams

Introducing the same small pattern geometric she applied to the Duvet border, Parker paired it with a textured irregular stripe on the shams. These monochrome fabrics provide a visual break between the large scale pattern of the Duvet and complexity of the prints on the Euros and Bolster. Here again she inquired, “can the border fabric be applied to the back?” and again, yes! Proving that even with the guidance of our templates, she was not constrained by them.

How it Works: Parker selected complimentary fabrics for the primary and contrasting placements, electing to apply the contrasting placement to the reverse side. The template already offered the option of mitered band construction with the option to apply the primary or contrasting fabric to the back.

STEP 4

Bolster

Parker playfully paired three different fabrics to create the elegant Bolster, introducing a traditional style toile paired with a Chanel inspired tweed and contrast piping. This finishing touch makes the whole ensemble feel layered and highly considered.

How it Works: The bolster template clearly identifies the body, ends, and welt, allowing the designer to specify each element individually. She requested the welt in the same contrast fabric as the Duvet reverse side and Euro trim, tying the whole look together.

“There were so many fabrics to choose from and the templates helped me visualize the design. I started by choosing a bright white tactile fabric for the duvet that I accented with a menswear inspired black and white trim around the border. I wanted the bed to have as many different looks as possible, so I chose different fabrics for the fronts and backs of the pillows and duvet, ranging from scenic toiles to a light velvet.”

Each step of the way, Parker was able to work within the framework of the template while introducing unexpected elements with ease. From the curated selection of performance fabrics and various template styles, to the expert guidance and craftsmanship, Parker was able to turn her vision into a one-of-a-kind reality. No independently sourcing fabric, calculating yardage, developing specifications, coordinating multiple workrooms, and explaining every construction detail required.

Discover How Barrett Bergmann Home’s Custom Bedding Program makes specifying bespoke bedding easier – and more profitable – than ever before. Mix pattern, texture, color, and detailing with the straightforward, yet flexible templates. Then BBH handles the next steps, from confirming fabric availability and yardage, production, quality inspection, and shipment, all with dedicated expert support. It’s 8-10 weeks to your custom bedding set, get started today.

Ready to begin your next custom bedding project?

Explore the program or contact our team to get started.

Why Designers Love This Program

Whether your aesthetic leans timeless and tailored, quietly layered, or boldly expressive, the Barrett Bergmann Home Custom Bedding Program gives you the tools to create one-of-a-kind bedding that reflects your vision. With over 775 designer-approved fabrics to choose from, expertly developed templates, and a simplified ordering process, creating bespoke bedding has never been more accessible.