Aaron Sewart: Creative Director for SFERRA

I mentioned on Friday that I would share Aaron Stewart's top tips for sheet shopping, creating a dream-worthy bed and caring for your linens. If you want to learn more visit LoseCount.com or leave your questions in the comment section.

What are your top tips for caring for linens?
Only wash sheets with sheets. Don’t wash sheets with bath towels or washcloths. The abrasion from other items will shorten the life of your linens.

Also, don’t over dry your sheets. Many people have a tendency to put sheets in the dryer on extra dry. When sheets are hot to the touch you’re basically overcooking the fiber and you’re causing it to break down. Not only does it shorten the life of the linens, but it causes your sheets to pill. You should take the sheets out of the dryer when they are still a little bit damp.

What is the biggest mistake most people make when buying linens?
Relying solely on thread count, or thinking that the most expensive sheets on the market must be the best. Often times you will see '800 thread count' boldly printed across a set of sheets that cost $79.99. The $79.99 sheets may be as hard as a rock, but people believe that if they wash them three or four times they’ll soften.

After several washes they actually feel worse. This is because the finish has washed away. Some costly brands also add a finish to their linens, giving them a soft feel in the store, but it wears away too after washing.

SFERRA sheets are the perfect combination of the best Egyptian Cotton yarns, a time-tested weaving technique and an amazing bleach/dye house that uses our special formula. It gives our sheets that wonderful feel of luxury.

What are the essentials for creating a cozy and inviting bed?
I think the absolute essentials are a great set of sheets, a blanket, and a really soft down comforter.

As far as design, what new trends are you seeing?
One of the biggest things everyone is asking us for is gray. For the past decade it’s really been about beige. And everyone wanted beige, beige, and beige. Everyone was looking for taupe and tan and beige and cream, all mixed together. Now everyone is looking for beautiful shades of gray.