Design Within Reach Debuts Modern Bedding for Modern Living

Evolving from a simple place of rest, today's bed serves as a base-- both day and night -- for reading, working, playing and relaxing.To accommodate these activities, DWR Director of Product DevelopmentKaren John and textile expert and designer Laura Guido-Clark took alayered approach to create a modern bedding system. The assortment'sthree layers -- Foundation, Insulation and Utility -- are designedwith comfort, individuality and function in mind, and are free ofretro-inspired patterns or fussy decoration. (See below for in-depthproduct descriptions.)

"We've invited the bed back into the home. By designing for howpeople use their beds, we've opened up the bedroom from atraditionally formal and private place to an enhanced living spacethat can be enjoyed day and night," says Ms. John.

"The bed is not just a part of the bedroom, but is a room untoitself. Life happens there," continues Ms. Guido-Clark. "Whether it'sa late night movie, working from home, or relaxing with the pets, thebed is one of the most important spaces in the home. Despite all this,the dressing of the bed hasn't been re-examined."

DWR invited Ms. Guido-Clark to collaborate on the research, designand development of its modern bedding concept. In addition to thenewly-discovered use of the bed, the pair noted that while the modernhome has evolved, the bedroom, and specifically bedding, had beenoverlooked. Together, they created a bedding system based on principalvalues of modern design: function, utility, and how those principalstranslate to form and comfort.

"This is quintessential modern thinking," says Rob Forbes, Founderof Design Within Reach. "Combining form and function, Karen and Lauracreated a solution so logical and thoughtful, it's possible tooverlook that it's all about the way the bed feels in its many uses."

Ms. Guido-Clark was the ideal partner. With more than twenty yearsof consulting and design experience, she specializes in color, textiledesign, materials and finishes for companies such as InterfaceFLOR,Mattel, Samsung and Steelcase.

The launch of DWR bedding is an example of how the company isapproaching its recently-announced product development efforts. Ratherthan bringing the design process in-house, DWR chooses to collaboratewith partners such as Laura Guido-Clark and manufacturers such asPendleton Woolen Mills and Bute Fabrics to pair global design talentand manufacturing capabilities to deliver solutions for modern living.

A Look at the Modern Bed

Design Within Reach began pursuing the ideal modern bedding systemmore than three years ago. The first element was the introduction ofminimal, functional platform beds. The platform frames were selectedfor their slatted support systems that improve airflow around the bedand enhance sleeping pleasure. Next, the ergonomic Italian memory-foamSonno Prima and Versa Mattresses were introduced, offering the finestrest available. Now, with the debut of a bedding assortment, DWRcompletes a system reflecting modern needs and modernist values.

Foundation - Designed as the softest and most intimate layer, the100% Egyptian cotton percale 500-thread count sheeting elements arewoven in Italy. Distinct cushioned border details are integrated foradded comfort at the "touch points" when you sleep. Available in fivesoothing, nature-based colors (white, slate, eggshell, taupe andterra), the Foundation layer includes sheet sets, duvet covers andadditional pillow cases.

Insulation - A variety of bedcover solutions designed to meetindividual comfort, tactility and temperature needs. Layers forindividual comfort, temperature needs and visual style. Insulationprovides opportunities for personalization through color, texture, andvarying densities.

-- Utility Blanket in Terra/Eggshell and Slate/Taupe. The softest padding for soft landings. These reversible and versatile quilts were inspired from authentic, multi-purpose movers' blankets. 100% cotton percale; cotton twill binding; polyester fill.

-- Striped Heirloom Blanket designed to last for generations. This classic stripe paired down to a simple, graphic form in Sienna Stripe and Moss Stripe. Woven exclusively for DWR by Pendleton Woolen Mills. 100% virgin Merino lambswool.

-- Geometric Matelasse in Stone and Flax. Creating pattern through texture, this lightweight coverlet is extremely soft in 100% cotton. As a complement for the utility layer or for use on its own.

-- Tanguis Cotton Blanket in Cream/Multi; Sienna/Multi; Moss/Multi. By Rosemary Hallgarten exclusively for DWR. 100% Cotton.

-- Alpaca Throw in Pearl, Dove, Grass. By Rosemary Hallgarten. 90% alpaca; 10% nylon.

Utility - Purposeful products designed to address how the bed isused during the day, while protecting the more intimate sleep layers.Classic, natural materials used for performance without compromisingcolor or texture.

-- Quilted Tweed Bed Mat creates a new surface for all the ways the bed is used during the day. Let the kids play or the dogs on the bed. Can be used single or in pairs, placed on the edge of the bed or rolled up when not being used. In Charcoal and Sienna. 100% wool tweed; 100% cotton canvas backing.

-- Bedside Saddle provides convenient space for important bedside items for relaxing or working in bed, including eyeglasses, a water bottle or the remote control. Saddle tucks under the mattress and hangs flat against the bed to create reachable storage. Available in Heathered Cream; Heathered Moss; Heathered Sienna; Heathered Charcoal in 90% wool; 10% polyamide.

-- Large Support Bolster spans the full width of the bed for a functional alternative to excessive decorative pillows and offers natural support for reading, working or relaxing. Available in Heathered Cream; Heathered Moss; Heathered Sienna; Heathered Charcoal in 90% wool; 10% polyamide. Foam insert.

-- Small Tweed Bolster offers flexible support to meet personalized needs (leg, neck or back support), or as an extra prop while working. Available in Charcoal and Sienna in 100% wool tweed. Foam insert.

-- Pillow Envelope is a pocket for sleeping pillows, keeping them clean and fresh for nighttime use. In Heathered Cream; Heathered Moss; Heathered Sienna; Heathered Charcoal in 90% wool; 10% polyamide.

Editors: Print-ready images are available for media use bycontacting Design Within Reach at pr@dwr.com.

About Design Within Reach, Inc. (NASDAQ: DWRI)

Design Within Reach, Inc., founded in 1998 and headquartered inSan Francisco, is an integrated, multi-channel provider of distinctivemodern design furnishings and accessories. Using a single common "instock and ready to ship" inventory, the company markets and sells itsproducts to both residential and commercial customers nationwidethrough www.dwr.com, the DWR catalog, Studios, and direct sales force.