A Good Night's Sleep through Comfort & Protection

We have a saying here at Pioneer, "You can't put a price on a good night's sleep!"  The reality is that one-third of our time is spent sleeping so think how imperative is it that we actually sleep well.

If you're reading this, however, you probably know just how important it is and what peace of mind you can find here at Pioneer.

With that, there are comforts we don't offer for sale like mattresses but we can help get the most out of them by adding luxury accessories.  Some of these luxurious collections include mattress pads and mattress protectors by Scandia Home.

Mattress Pads & Protectors

Scandia Home's plush down mattress pad is likely the dictionary definition of comfort!
They are filled with 550 European Hypoallergenic White Goose Down feathers per cubic inch and add exceptional comfort to any mattress.

For those who aren't keen on down then the fleece Merino Wool Mattress Pad is a nice alternative.  This reversible pad allows you to choose to sleep with the fleece side up for added warmth or with the jersey side up for cool comfort.  It's just a nice little feature that allows you to change your comfort level through the changing seasons.

If your mattress requires substantial protection from pets or the elements then the Sateen Waterproof Mattress Pad is an excellent option because it will protect your investment and add ancillary comfort to ensure a good night's sleep.

Shop the three images below.

Scandia Down Mattress Pad

Merino Wool Reversible Mattress Pad

Sateen Waterproof Mattress

Yves Delorme Fall 2013 Collection

Losanges by Yves Delorme

Since inception in 1845, Yves Delorme has been a pioneer in the textile industry.  With each passing generation, they have adapted to lead the linens industry to new heights in quality, fashion, and design.  It comes as no surprises that the launch of the 2013 Fall collection has created another contemporary line of linens.  The familiar letters of Losanges immediately catch the eyes attention, but even more so its ornate design.  The pattern plays on the construction of geometric shapes in combination with the earth bound mineral coloration, to create an aesthetically pleasing rhythm  Cutting edge and profoundly architectural, Lonsanges will be a strikingly beautiful addition to your home.  Available in full luxury bedding linens and accessories, towels, and even a robe for the ladies, this collection is sure to be a big hit this Fall!  Make sure to come visit the Pioneer Linens store to secure your personal bit of the Yves Delorme history. 

Insider tip! 

Don't forget, we will do personalized monogramming for your luxury linens!  Please call Janice at 1.800.207.5463

NEW Losanges Luxury Bath Robe by Yves Delorme

Preparing for Cooler Climates this Fall & Understanding Which Blankets are Best

Sunday & Monday's Lows in NYC are Hi 40s (respectively) 

Choosing the Proper Blanket 

So, as fall begins to lower the evening temperatures, it’s time to look in the linen closet and pull out those comfy cozy blankets that were so delicately stored away or turn to Pioneer Linens for some new ones. 

With that, we would like to help you choose which blankets are best for you this season by providing some valuable insight to their functionality. 

Did you know that a blanket on its own does not provide warmth? A blanket is simply an insulation that allows you to retain body heat.

Blankets are woven from lots of different materials these days so snuggling under your covers is a very personal choice .

For centuries, cashmere has captivated the world as the softest, warmest, and most luxurious fiber in existence.

Wool is woven from the coat of a sheep. Different varieties of sheep produce different kinds of wool. The tighter the weave of the fiber, the warmer the blanket. A wool blanket helps absorb moisture in a damp environment to give warmth on a cold night.

Now days there are many variations of cotton blankets. Cotton blankets are usually for someone who want a material that can give them a little weight for a cover but also a fabric that breaths. The fibers of a cotton blanket allow for comfort in cool weather or the cool temperature of an air conditioned room.

One of the newest luxuries is the experience and comfort of white goose down in a lightweight blanket. The unique baffle box design eliminates shifting. Soft, breathable 100% combed cotton. Trimmed with a luxurious satin flange. Machine wash and fluff dry.

Most Common Sizes of Blankets

Twin-size blankets are usually around 66" x 90"

Queen or Full/Queen. Queens are usually 90" x 90".

King. Kings tend to be 111" x 90".

Throw. Generally, our throw-size blankets are 50" x 70", though some may vary.

Caring for your Blankets

To be sure that you are laundering your blankets correctly, refer to the tag and wash or dry clean as instructed. Use a mild soap and go lightly on the amount that you add to the washer, Less is usually better. To air on the safe side, we would recommend air fluffing until the blanket is dry. Heat destroys the fibers so your investment will last longer if the blanket is cool dried.

Retreat Throw by Peacock Alley

Savoy Cashmere Blanket by Sferra

Marbella by Peacock Alley

All Seasons Blanket & Throw by Peacock Alley

How to Care for your Luxury Bath Towels

Towels are the essence of the washroom. They harmoniously invite color and design, whilst serving as a functional necessity. There is no greater feeling than that of wrapping up in a warm and inviting towel, right after an invigorating shower. So how do we make sure that our luxurious towels maintain their vigor and utility for years? 

To give those luxury towels extra life it's important to know how to care for your them.  Take our professional advice on how to properly care for your towels. 

Caring for your Towels

1. Immediately after being purchased, take towels home and wash/dry them before use. This allows for any particles (i.e. dust, oily, dirt) on the towel to be removed and allows for maximum absorbency. 
2. Keep your towels sanitary by washing them only with other towels. Combining towels with clothes can cause any dirt or oil that may have been on your clothes,to transfer over to the towels. 
3. Stay away from fabric softener! Though it may make your towel both smell amazing and feel softer then ever, it clogs the cotton in the terry cloth loops (the little loops that are what make towels so absorbent). If used consistently, the waxy buildup can cause the fibers to deteriorate, shortening the life of your luxury goods.
4. After washing, make sure to shake out the towels before loading them into the dryer. This will fluff the loops in the towel, ultimately leading to a fluffier and more absorbent towel experience. 
5. When taking out of the dryer, be certain that towels are 100% dry. Any residual moisture can lead to mildew after being stored in a dark linen closet. 
6. Avoid ironing bath towels. I know I know, the crisp feeling is delightful, but ironing towels reduced the absorbency by damaging the fibers. If you must iron, try and limit it to the decorative ensembles. 

Abyss & Habidecor - 50% Off Chess Towel Set

Etoile by Yves Delorme comes in 19 colors

Color Inspirations for 2013 Fall Fashion

Labor Day came and went and I’ve noticed Starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes #psl are back which means Fall is right around the corner. It seems as though, much like Christmas, retailers introduce items earlier & earlier each year.  Well, we’re embracing it!  It’s time to renovate our homes and wardrobes to usher in the new season despite the fact that we’re hardly feeling the transition, weather-wise, here in (always) sunny Palm Beach!

Fortunately for us South Florida residents, where color is almost always in, this year’s fall color palette brings us plenty of it. Pantone’s Fall 2013 top ten colors feature fun but not so subtle: Koi, Vivacious, Emerald & deeper hues such as Acai, Turbulence, and Carafe. These colors are well designed, not only to create a dynamic wardrobe, but also to envelope the home with a fashion that’s equally energized. 

Some key tips to remember when decorating this Fall. Brass is in! In combination with the fact that browns are now considered chic, brass has hit the market this fall as an accessory to draft a vintage feel into the home. In order to keep this comfy home feeling alive, less saturated reds and oranges are exercising their strengths by bringing in an ambient vibe into spaces. Likewise, if you are more conservative then try layering complimentary hues of ivory and white neutrals to keep the space more basic & brighter. 

Designer Spotlight: Matouk sale at Pioneer Linens

Matouk bath and table linens are on sale at Pioneer Linens for 15% off through August 21.

Matouk offers a wide range of designs to appeal to individual tastes and is well known for its classically accented linens -- including its signature hemstitching, satin stitching, chain stitching and banded borders. Every product combines painstaking craftsmanship and the most luxurious fabrics to create a look that is quintessentially Matouk.

The company was created in 1929 by John Matouk, who had the goal of making the world’s most beautiful, highest-quality linens available to American consumers. Over the company's 80-plus year history, the Matouk name has become synonymous with its founder's uncompromising values: insistence on the highest quality and a passion for luxury.

Matouk sold exquisite fabrics and cloths to the finest stores and elite families. Mrs. Edsel Ford replenished her linen closets by buying $75,000 of Matouk table linens -- an investment of $1.2 million in today’s terms. When linen became scarce during World War II, he pioneered a special blended fabric of mohair, rayon and cotton that became Matouk's first signature tablecloth.

John Matouk's son, George Sr., took over the company, and during his 36 years at the helm, he broadened the Matouk brand to include top of the bed ensembles, easy care tablecloths, luxury bath products, and custom sizing, embroideries, and monogramming. In 2002, he handed over the reins of Matouk to his son, George Jr., who represents the third-generation of the family-run company.

Today, Matouk remains committed to designing and manufacturing the world’s best-made and best-loved table, bed, and bath linens for its passionate and discerning clientele around the world. It sources the finest materials from around the world and uses both old world techniques and state of the art tools. The company has implemented “green tactics” including a solar energy system that produces 35% of the electricity required to power the Matouk factory located in Massachusetts.

Recently, Matouk created an exclusive collection, Lulu DK for Matouk, in collaboration with designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski. The designs combine Lulu’s unique artistic perspective with Matouk’s expert approach to fabric creation and superior craftsmanship.

Here are some of our favorite items from Matouk and Lulu DK for Matouk, including bath and table linens on sale at Pioneer Linens for 15% off through August 21.

Mirasol Table Linens
Mirasol is an exquisite collection of formal table linen and cocktail napkins. The contrasting applique arch border on crisp white, 100% linen give these a traditional yet stylish look.

Mirasol Table Linens

Beachcomber Beach Towel

With a variety of big blue printed shells on plush 100% Egyptian cotton terry, the Beachcomber Beach Towel by Lulu DK for Matouk is perfect for your next trip to the seashore. These towels can be mixed and matched with the collection's Parasol, Regatta and Rope designs to create a fun, unique look for a pool, cabana or yacht. 

Beachcomber Beach Towel

Milagro Towels
This incredibly soft designer bath towel comes in a rainbow of colors choices to meet all your decor needs. 100% Egyptian cotton with the finest Italian finishing means ultimate thickness and absorbency, and the complete edged binding of the Milagro towel adds durability.

Milagro Towels

Marlowe Bath Collection

Add a sophisticated, modern look to your bathroom with Marlowe Bath towels, woven with a luxurious 650 gram weight, long staple cotton and adorned with a handsome double-tape detailing. For those who like a seamless look from the bedroom to the bath, Marlowe bed linens are also available.

Marlowe Bath Collection

Lowell Bed Linens
This clean, crisp, contemporary look is a favorite of both George Matouk Sr. and George Matouk Jr. Lowell was created more than 10 years ago with the goal of inventing a signature classic design. It is named after the elegant and discreet hotel in New York City. White Egyptian cotton percale sheeting is set off by a 1 inch sateen tape available in 24 different colors and may be monogrammed.

Lowell Bed Linens

Olivia Lace Bed Linens

The Olivia collection from Matouk brings a more updated, modern look to traditional Swiss embroidered bedding. The delicate detailing of exquisite Swiss-made lace inset on 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sateen will set your bedroom apart and give it an air of sophistication. Available in white and ivory.

Olivia Lace Bed Linens

Check out more items from Matouk. And don't forget that Pioneer Linens' August White Sale is also going on through the end of August.

Designer Spotlight: Brahms Mount blankets are heirloom quality

Brahms Mount is renowned for its heirloom-quality blankets and throws which are made in Maine, U.S.A.

The company was founded in 1983 by Claudia Brahms and Noel Mount with the vision of American artisans weaving the finest natural fibers, like North Carolina cotton, into luxurious, high-end top-of-bed linens of superior quality and signature design.

Brahms Mount products are woven on antique shuttle looms, handled by seasoned artisans more than fifty times, and evoke richness and resilience reminiscent of hand-woven textiles. Brahms Mount owner David Kaufman says blankets made on these type of looms are more durable than those made using modern looms. They produce woven edges that cannot unravel or be aesthetically obtained on modern equipment. Brahms Mount hand folds the edges on all sides and securely sews them in place -- a seemingly small detail that speaks volumes regarding the quality of design and construction that goes into each Brahms Mount piece. Each blanket is pre-washed and therefore pre-shrunk. Washing brings yarn and fabric to life. It makes it dimensionally stable so it does NOT shrink with future washes.

For thirty years and counting, customers have been enchanted by the beauty and comfort of Brahms Mount fabrics. Wrap yourself in a Brahms Mount blanket or throw, and you'll see why. They are familiar and comfortable -- conforming to your body and encouraging a deep and restful sleep. Their elegant design, expert craftsmanship, durability and soft hand give them a timeless appeal.

Brahms Mount’s linen and cotton blankets are among the most comfortable and beautifully constructed that you can own. Brahms Mount Baby Blankets offer a large crib size, hardy weaves and classic colors that will outlast the nursery and give your child years of textural security and comfort. And for fans of American made products, Brahms Mount claims to be the only remaining textile mill in the U.S. weaving bedding made of linen.

Here are some of our favorite items from Brahms Mount that are on sale during Pioneer Linens' August White Sale:

Starry Nights Blanket

This incredibly soft, cotton blanket is especially beautiful in a well-lit room where light reflects off the diamond-shape pattern. Because of the unique flat weave, the blanket has the texture of a luxurious hand embroidered needlework piece. It comes in white or natural. Ensure the same quality you would for yourself for a little one with a Starry Nights Baby Blanket in blue, pink or white.

White Starry Nights Blanket

Linen Day Blanket
The Linen Day Blanket, by Brahms Mount, is ideal for warmer climates or summer months and comes in three inviting colors to add a splash of paradise to any room. This 100% linen blanket is ultra-lightweight and soft. Plus, linen balances body temperature, and the more you wash it the softer it becomes.

Linen Day Blanket

Herringbone Throw
Brahms Mounts' classic and cozy Herringbone Throws are a favorite of magazine editors, and you may have noticed them on the pages of House Beautiful and O, The Oprah Magazine. They add the perfect punch of color to any room, and their hand-knotted and twisted fringe is a unique visual detail.

Herringbone Throw

Check out more items from Brahms Mount. Pioneer Linens' August White Sale is a great time to buy a new blanket or throw for yourself or as a touching gift.