Whenever Juli and John of Kitka Design in Toronto make a design pronouncement or a product endorsement, we take note. Their favorite purchase? A bed from Swedish company Carpe Diem. Here's what Juli and John say:
"Never. Slept. Better. We are shocked at how different this bed is from all previous experiences. We love its simplicity (no need to buy a frame and headboard) and the fact that Carpe Diem uses only natural materials (it has the Swan Eco-Label Certification). The pine used in the base is from sustainable forests in the northernmost part of Sweden, and the tongue-and-groove corner construction means no glue or nails are used.
"We love that Carpe Diem beds are customizable; you can pick from five fabric choices (we picked light gray) and 11 types of legs (we picked birch). We went for the basic Koster model but upgraded the top mattress to the Exclusive, which has a cotton-filled summer side and a wool-filled winter side. Finally, we love that it has a 25-year warranty."
For dealer information, go to Carpe Diem.
Above: The beech legs on John and Juli's bed are 9 inches high (the legs are available in different heights).
Above: The beds are completely handcrafted by one artisan, from start to finish.
Above: Carpe Diem bed coverings are available in five different shades—beige, light gray, dark gray, dark brown, and black.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on September 17, 2010.