A Bed-and-Bath Refresh For the New Year

Goodbye threadbare towels and scratchy sheets

Happy New Year, friends!

I get more questions about bedding and towels than almost anything else in the home. So, as we kick off a fresh year, I thought I’d share my recent bed-and-bath refresh, some sustainable favorites, and a few tips for creating your own minimalist capsule of bed-and-bath essentials.

As you may have noticed, I’m highly selective about brand collaborations, typically accepting only one or two per year. I reserve these opportunities for brands that align fully with my mission and values, featuring products I’ve personally tested and genuinely love.

For my refresh, I chose Coyuchi—a locally-based brand I’ve long admired for its commitment to organic materials and ethical production. Their bedding and bath essentials are free of chemicals and synthetics, made with 100% certified organic fibers that support soil health and sustainable farming practices. Every box checked!

They even have a take-back renewal program that promotes circularity—yes, you can score gorgeous, organic bedding for a fraction of the retail price. Full transparency: while I was invited to choose a handful of gifted products for this feature, I’ve been slowly investing in Coyuchi for years. Basically, I’m obsessed.

Let’s dive in.

Surprise, I like neutrals! All photography by Vivian Johnson

Step One: Define Your Criteria

Here’s the thing—investing in the basics you use every day isn’t just a luxury; it’s an easy way to elevate your daily life. Soft, breathable linens and absorbent towels, free from harsh chemicals and synthetics, can make a surprisingly big difference—and honestly, we all deserve that little extra comfort.

Start by considering what matters most to you in bedding and bath essentials. Is it the color, texture, fabric feel, sustainability, or craftsmanship? What are your absolute must-haves for the items you rely on every day? Getting clear on your priorities is the first step to upgrading your basics in a way that feels intentional and truly personal.

Our shared bathroom. One day I will replace the jacuzzi tub from the 80’s.

Step Two: Rethink Volume

How many sheets are too many sheets? During my research for Organized Living I toured the homes of organizing experts worldwide and was stunned to learn that several of my colleagues only owned one single set of sheets. They just washed them weekly, then put them right back on the bed - no extra sets to store, no piles of laundry to wrangle - can you imagine?

Inspired, I downsized our linens to one set of bedding per bed, and one towel per family member (plus a spare or two for guests). It felt radical at first, but now it feels like the ultimate time saver. This shift has also streamlined our laundry routine (more on this in an upcoming post).

Consider your own bed-and-bath baseline:

• How many sheets and towels do you actually need?

• What’s the sweet spot for practicality in your home

Step Three: Curate Your Capsule

Once you’ve pared things down, it’s time to upgrade thoughtfully. Assess what you already have, make note of gaps, and aim for items that balance comfort, style, sustainability, and durability.

Neutral bedding! Fun wallpaper! Photography by Vivian Johnson

Here’s What’s in My Minimalist Bed-and-Bath Capsule

These are the only pieces we own for our family of four. I genuinely love and use every single one of them—and I plan to keep using them for years to come.

• 4x Temescal Organic Towels: The search is officially over. I’ve found the holy grail of towels—plush, absorbent, and free of chemicals. Fin!

• Unisex Waffle Robe: Lightweight yet cozy—like a mini spa moment. Helps me forget I share a single tiny bathroom with three people.

• Shower Curtain and Pebbled Bath Mat: Practical upgrades that make our tiny space feel fresh and inviting. Plus the kids stained our last set with red and purple oil-based paint from “messy day” at their camp. I feel better now.

• 1x Relaxed French Linen Sheet Set: Soft, breathable, and perfectly rumpled in the best way. The chambray is my dream color - neutral but warm.

• 1x Relaxed French Linen Duvet Cover: Ditto.

• 2x Undyed Rippled Organic Shams: Outlet finds that still look brand new after years of use. Everyone loves these.

• 2x Organic Percale Sheet Set: Crisp and cool—ideal for the teenagers now and perfect for future guest rooms when they leave (sob!).

• 3x Down Essential Bundles: High-quality down lasts for up to ten years with proper care. This airy set is designed for hot sleepers (that’s me!).

Temescal towels in Seal - does this count as a pop of color?

Step Four: Say Goodbye to the Excess (responsibly)

Ready to part with the extras you no longer need or use? No matter how stained or threadbare your linens are, they never need to go in the trash. Here’s how to offload responsibly:

• Donate to local animal shelters: Towels and sheets are always in demand.

• Repurpose: Turn old towels into cleaning rags or DIY projects.

• Recycle: Search “textile recycling near me” for local drop-offs.

If your bed and bath essentials could use a refresh, this is your sign. Start small, focus on quality, and build a collection that feels right for you. Here’s to a cozy, intentional start to the year!

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• A mini house tour and interview on small space living in Living Small by

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• My essay on how to catch and curb your complaining habit was published by Katie Couric Media. Read it here.

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