Hey there! I’m Tanya
Welcome to life Dans le Lakehouse
("in the lakehouse")

My style is a mix of vintage finds and coastal vibes.

Stay awhile, and I'll show you how to make your home and life more beautiful!

Here you'll find hundreds of modern DIY home decor projects, unique craft tutorials, and home renovations for every budget.

Plus learn from my adventures raising chickens, gardening, and living more sustainably on the shores of Lake Superior.

See my work featured in print and online by Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Elle Decor, Country Living and more!

 

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COZY UP WITH MILDLY BEDDING

The trend seems to be to organize and de-clutter at the start of a new year, but I do things a little differently: it’s the coldest part of winter here, so this is when I like to really hunker down and cozy up inside.  Basically, I take inspiration from the black bears that I share the lakeside land with and I hibernate.  This is when I treat myself to evenings curled up by the fireplace, pots and pots of piping hot tea – and, this year, new bedding!  I partnered with Mildly to share two of their beautiful designs and provide a review on the quality and comfort – as well as some styling tips.  (Spoiler: I’m seriously impressed!)

Mildly sent me two duvet covet sets for review.  The first design I chose is called “Selma,” and I chose it because the pattern, which is an original, hand painted design digitally printed onto Mildly’s textiles, is so beautiful.  I knew the color palette would work in my space, and that the abstract design, while a bolder touch, wouldn’t compete with my patterned wallpaper.  As an added bonus, when sunlight hits the design, it looks like it was sewn with metallic thread – it really appears to glimmer:

My new duvet cover and shams are made from soft, long staple 100% Egyptian cotton.  The cotton is so smooth and silky!  I laundered and tossed all of the bedding from Mildly into the dryer – and it definitely washes and wears well, with minimal wrinkling (although all cotton wrinkles and I never iron bedding).

The pattern is exactly what is pictured online, with a dreamy design of undulating waves and a lakehouse-approved color palette featuring inky greys and splashes of aqua.  Plus that shimmering “gold,” which I have had to touch numerous times to confirm that it is not, in fact, sewn with metallic thread, is so pretty.  I envisioned this pattern creating the feeling of frothing, churning waves, beneath a seagull filled sky – I really leaned into a coastal look with this choice!

Beyond the beautiful design, I really appreciate the quality.  The zippered closure is a nice touch and it’s inset from the bottom of the duvet cover so it’s completely hidden.  This is one thing I’m really picky about with duvet covers: I don’t like an enclosure on the bottom seam, because then it can droop or be seen.  Inset is my preference, because it is totally hidden and the bottom of the duvet cover can lie/drape nicely.  There are also ties in all four corners of the duvet cover, to keep your duvet nice and secure – this is another little detail I appreciate, because it keeps the duvet from bunching up at one end.

The matching shams are really thoughtfully designed as well: I love that there isn’t a flange on the bottom, because that creates a much neater look when it’s sitting on a made bed.  Plus the flange is sewn with an unusual wave stitch, which is a luxurious little touch.

There’s also a flap sewn into the sham to nicely secure your pillow – I just love little touches like this, they just make bedding feel all the more special.

The packaging is really nicely done, so Mildly bedding would make a lovely gift to send to someone else (for upcoming Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or Mother’s Day), directly from the company:

The second duvet cover set, Able, is one Mildly suggested and, I have to admit, it looks even better in my space than the one I chose!  It also has fabulous Amazon reviews, and I can see why: the soft, watercolor design is so delicate and versatile.  For fun, I tried this duvet cover at my Mom’s place and her style is similar but different, and it worked just as well in her space as it does mine.  She has teak bedroom furniture and a more neutral palette, leaning towards more indigo blues and warm neutrals.  We discovered that any space with warm toned woods will really shine with this pattern, thanks to the caramel colored and creamy neutral leaves.  As you can see, it looks nice in my more colorful bedroom, but it would also add a subtle touch of color to an all white or beige space.  If you like to switch up your decor seasonally, my Mom and I both agree that this works beautifully for spring, summer, or even fall themed decor.

Just like with the other duvet set, with this pattern you get all of the same quality details and the unique, digitally printed design – which will not fade with repeated laundering.

I’m genuinely very impressed with the quality and designs of my new Mildly bedding – especially for the affordable price point.  These sets (duvet cover with matching pair of shams) are currently $95-115 CAD for a King size – with free shipping worldwide.  And the selection is amazing: I had a difficult time choosing a pattern because there were so many I loved, including Forest, Autumn, Pirri, Nero, and Collega.  The best part is that so many of the designs prominently feature my beloved color palette of cool teals and aqua – so if you love the same color palette, you will find many beautiful designs to choose from.  But there are also many gorgeous solid options, if that’s your preference!  Mildly launches 300+ designs every year, so you’re certain to find something to suit your style and decor.

I hope you found this review helpful – I was pleasantly surprised by the simple but pretty packaging, and I think the quality is fabulous!  Mildly also manufacturers sheets, silk pillows, and more.  Check out the website for more pieces to help you cozy up through this long, cold winter.  Or send a good night’s sleep to your loved ones this winter.