A Nod to Martha: Five Lessons for Creating Spaces that Feel Like Home
“Martha is undoubtedly a trailblazer. I personally looked to her when I was newly married, having moved to the country, establishing a home with a large garden to tend and learning how to entertain at home. This Netflix release is an insight into her tenacity—little did I know what she had endured with men in power who were not comfortable with her success. Bravo, Martha. You have paved the way for so many women to follow in your footsteps.”
— Georgie Leckey, Founder and Director of Heatherly Design
Martha Stewart’s philosophy on home has shaped the way many of us approach interior styling. Throughout her books, magazines, and media, Martha has often discussed the value of creating spaces that are not only beautiful but functional and restorative. As we look at her approach to bedrooms specifically, it’s clear she believes these spaces should be a retreat—places that bring calm, warmth, and a sense of identity. Inspired by Martha’s timeless insights, here are five lessons to bring a bit of her magic into your own home and bedroom.

1. Invest in Timeless Pieces That Can Be Cherished for Generations
Selecting materials and styles that are classic ensures your furniture transcends trends and becomes a lasting part of your home. By choosing high-quality pieces with enduring appeal, you create spaces that feel both relevant today and meaningful for years to come. At Heatherly, we value designs that combine functionality and beauty, such as our Maxwell readymade bed in vegan leather. Available in timeless shades like stone and tan, its elegant curves and durable finish make it a perfect example of a piece that’s both stylish and practical.
2. Embrace Your Personal Style and Make It Your Own
One of Martha’s most enduring lessons is to infuse personal style into every room. Her own bedrooms—often featured in her magazines and books—are serene yet layered with personality, combining antiques with contemporary finds, cherished keepsakes, and subtle color palettes. We share this belief that the bedroom should be a true reflection of one’s personality. Whether it’s through patterned fabrics on our Empire bedhead with contrasting piping or custom color options, our designs offer countless ways to make your bedroom truly yours, much like Martha’s signature blend of personal and classic style.
3. Bring Nature Indoors for a Calming Atmosphere
There’s something instantly soothing about bringing a bit of the outdoors inside. Whether it’s a bunch of fresh flowers on the bedside table, a leafy green plant in the corner, or soft botanical prints, nature has a way of making a room feel more serene. Martha Stewart, with her love of gardening, is a master at weaving the outdoors into her interiors, and it’s a philosophy we share at Heatherly Design.
Take our Giselle bedhead, for example—its floral fabric brings the beauty of a blooming garden right into your bedroom. Did you know floral fabrics have been a favorite in homes for centuries? They became all the rage in the 16th century with chintz, a printed cotton fabric that’s still loved today. It’s proof that classic styles, like florals, never really go out of fashion. Adding a touch of nature, whether through fabrics or fresh greenery, is such an easy way to create a space that feels calm, welcoming, and a little bit like a retreat.
4. Pay Attention to the Little Details
It’s the small things that make a bedroom feel extra special. Martha Stewart is all about those thoughtful details—perfectly layered bedding, the right mix of textures, or a beautiful trim on a cushion. It’s these finishing touches that take a room from nice to completely swoon-worthy.
At Heatherly, we’re big believers in the power of details too. Our Luella bedhead, for example, has those subtle curved corners and piped edges that add a tailored, polished feel. It’s the kind of design that feels effortless but makes all the difference when pulling a room together. So, don’t underestimate the impact of those little extras—whether it’s a soft throw, a textured rug, or just the right bedside lamp, they’re what make a bedroom truly yours.