Finding Sanctuary in Vienna

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Aimee Wedlake opened Valerianne, a new high-end linen shop in Vienna, because she couldn't find anything here that duplicated the spirit of her mom's bed and bath boutique in an adobe cottage in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Wedlake's concept was to stock a "library" of resources and show a room full of sumptuous beds where she could break down the art of bedmaking for clients. She couldn't locate anything in adobe, but she did find an airy second floor at 111 Church St. NW, near a cluster of stylish shops selling antiques and home accessories in downtown Vienna.

"Now more than ever, people are looking to make their bedroom a sanctuary," says Wedlake, who opened the store in May. Indulgence will cost you: $375 to $1,100 for Egyptian cotton queen-size sheet sets. Wedlake's beds are layered with Italian tapestry blankets, jacquard linen comforters, hand-knit alpaca throws, beaded cushions and chunky tweed pillows.

Despite the luxury quotient, the shop has a serene, non-intimidating vibe and displays trays piled with fun treats for less than $25: kitchen soap in beautiful bottles, orange cinnamon wax tablets from Italy to freshen closets, linen guest towels embroidered with starfish and pocket mirrors covered in silk charmeuse prints.

Jura Koncius