You know, when I did this interview for USA Today and they shot pics of me in my bedroom, some of the comments on the article really brought home to me that at 36 I'm living what might be considered an alternative lifestyle by some. I live in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate, so my bedroom is also my office. And because it's just me - almost the same me from ten, even twenty years ago in many ways, it's still full of my stuff: Books, knick knacks, games, my teddy bear.

I don't live in a house. I don't have kids to give some of my cherished kid things to. I don't hold a man at night, so there's Teddy. For many excellent reasons and solid choices, that's my life.

Now, I have many dreams. I want to direct television, I want to get married, I want to drive a Lexus, and I'd like to pay off my student loan before I'm 50. And I'd really, really like to someday have a bedroom that's exactly and only that: A Bedroom.

With a bed. And maybe an armoire. A little nightstand or two.

No desk, No bookshelves, No television, No office.

Just a bedroom.

Come with me while I dream?

First installation:  Nice Sheets and Thick Curtains.

Currently I'm coveting Comfort Soft Cotton Sheet Set by Wamsutta, 100% Egyptian Cotton, 400 Thread Count (queen set is $89.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond). I find that a 400 thread count of 100% cotton is simply divine, and the single most important part of your bedroom. Good sheets really do make your bed the perfect retreat. I wish that good sheets came in a variety of darker colors, though.

As for curtains: Wow, would these Amanda Blackout Room Darkening Window Panels by Eclipse change my life. My window faces a freeway, so dark and quiet sounds dreamy. Prices vary based on the size of your window and how you want to hang them (from Bed, Bath & Beyond).

Now, I think the perfect bedroom would involve a less-is-more approach to wall decorations. While these aren't for everyone, I love Bilk Surface Graphics from Threadless. My new bedroom would immediately have to have one.  Let's Go Parasoling ($40) seems perfect for sweet dreams. (If you check out Bilk, be sure to click on the designs to see how the sticker sets work; it's pretty cool.)

And I would totally have to have a candle wall sconce from Illuminations. With my Bilk already up, I'd want to keep it clean and simple, so I'd go for these awesome 9-Tealight ($59.95) and 5-Tealight ($34.95) Sconces/Chandeliers - They can hang against a wall or from the ceiling! I like that they take tea lights, too. Once you've made the investment in the sconces, you can enjoy them with an inexpensive bag of tea lights ($4.99, Linens 'n Things), particularly since these sconces don't require tea lights in clear cups.

Have I mentioned that my perfect bedroom has a coat rack? Maybe that sounds weird, but I dream of my robe hanging by my bed where I can slip right into it the morning. Of course, it has to be a slim coat rack - I don't need my umbrella and winter coats by the bed! I *love* this Metal Coat Rack with Marble Accents ($79) from Coat Rack Shack. (Seriously, there is a website specializing in everything.) But I would probably pick their Coat Rack with Ornate Metal Work, Flat Black Finish ($88.69) because it would go better with my wrought iron sconces.

Now for some fun. Whatever shall I put on and in my nightstand?

Could I want a Chumby more??? I mean, I need an alarm clock if my iMac is living outside the bedroom (aka, my $1500 alarm clock). And every bedroom needs music. And pictures. And the weather report. Chumby has it all in one neat little package. Daily Tech News explains: There’s something about Chumby...

At its core, the Chumby is a tiny Linux-based computer stuffed into a soft, leather-like case that resembles a beanbag. It uses Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet, from which it downloads widgets that deliver specific bits of information to its 3.5-inch touchscreen.

Basically, it's my future lover. Who cares about shoes when there's tech to be had??? ($179.95 from Chumby with free shipping)

And *in* my nightstand? Well, I have fallen in love at first sight with Wink, a Silk and Suede Blindfold ($75) from JimmyJane.com.

More versatile than your favorite scarf, this suggestive accessory can ravel while you unravel. Made of over 3 yards of 100% hand dyed silk cut on the bias, it provides more than enough comfort and just enough yield. The fabric softens beautifully with use & time. We've been known to slide off the mask and wear it out on the town -- our little secret.

Each side of the supple suede mask is embroidered to help you get what you want. One side shows the universal symbol of snooze: the Z! Wear it nightly as a decadent sleep mask, or flip it over and flash your partner the come-hither heart.

Cute, delicious, and practical.

Finally, when I'm not using my blindfold, I like to read in bed, so I'll definitely need a bedside lamp. Oh, Pink Lily Table Lamp (Lamps Plus, $39.95), if loving you is wrong, I don't wanna be a right.

Sigh, total dream bedroom. Maybe someday I'll be there. And I'm bringing my teddy bear.

~

Contributing editor Liz Rizzo also blogs at Everyday Goddess.