At Boura & White, we take pride in crafting furniture that not only enhances a space but also tells a story. Our collaboration with Alexandra Tolstoy on the Gretel Bed is a perfect reflection of this philosophy—a blend of timeless British craftsmanship and deeply personal design choices that make a house feel like a home.

The Gretel Bed In The City

The collaboration began in Alexandra Tolstoy’s London home, where she was updating her daughter’s bedroom. Inspired by Alexandra’s love for classic British interiors and the charm of timeless design, we worked together to create a bed that balanced elegance and comfort.

Alexandra was struggling to find the perfect bed—one that could function as a daybed for her growing daughter, who was now spending more time in her room during the day. The solution was the Gretel Bed, featuring a unique cupola-inspired design, drawing influence from the whimsical illustrations of Kay Nielsen and Ivan Bilibin. This enclosed, cosy design promoted a sense of magic and joy, blending seamlessly with the treasured objects and furniture already in the space.

Opting for a striking red stripe fabric, Plain Stripe Ruby by Flora Soames, Alexandra infused the space with warmth and character, making it a room full of personality and charm. The Gretel Bed became the centrepiece —beautifully upholstered by one of our expert seamstresses, ensuring every stitch and detail was carefully considered. This bed was more than just a piece of furniture; it was an heirloom in the making, designed to stand the test of time as her daughter grew.

"I felt comfortable having worked with Abi and Katie before, that they understood exactly what I needed and would be able to create the perfect bed. I have a very happy daughter who loves it." – Alexandra Tolstoy

The Gretel bed In The Country

As Alexandra’s children grew, so did their need for individual spaces, which led to the transformation of her outdoor office in the English countryside into a bedroom for her son. This next phase of our collaboration saw the Gretel Bed reimagined in a way that reflected Alexandra’s love for the English countryside but also in a way that would complement the collections from her travels.

Alexandra’s deep-rooted love for the colour red continued to influence her choices, but this time, she selected a fabric that felt more grown-up while still maintaining a sense of nostalgia. Inspired by childhood memories of strawberry picking, she chose Strawberry Leaf by Sibyl Colefax—a delicate yet rich pattern that perfectly complemented the rustic charm of her countryside cottage.

"What I've loved about working with Boura & White is that you can choose literally any fabric you like, and that it's made in Britain." – Alexandra Tolstoy

A Room That Tells a Story

The new bedroom was thoughtfully designed to reflect Alexandra’s signature blend of English heritage and global influences. The red hues in the Strawberry Leaf fabric paired beautifully with her antique Uzbek patchwork, the warm tones of Sibyl Colefax’s Hambledon paint, and a striking Moldavian rug—each piece contributing to a layered and well-traveled aesthetic.

Despite the room’s small size, Alexandra embraced the idea that a larger piece of furniture can actually make a space feel bigger. The Gretel Bed, with its beautifully upholstered headboard and elegant structure, became the perfect anchor for the room, proving that scale should never be a limitation in interior design. 

A Design That Grows With You

Beyond its beauty, Alexandra values the longevity of the Gretel Bed. Though designed for her 15-year-old son, she knows its timeless craftsmanship and thoughtful fabric selection mean it will grow with him, eliminating the need for future replacements.
Each Boura & White piece is handcrafted in the UK and upholstered by a single seamstress, ensuring the highest level of care and attention to detail—something Alexandra deeply appreciates.

"The bed and all Boura & White pieces are upholstered by a singular seamstress, making each piece incredible and having a really lovely story behind it." – Alexandra Tolstoy

A Timeless Collaboration

The Gretel Bed collaboration showcases what makes Boura & White special: bespoke craftsmanship, meaningful design, and a commitment to creating furniture that lasts a lifetime. Whether in the heart of London or nestled in the English countryside, our pieces are designed to seamlessly fit into any home while carrying a story of their own.
Explore more of our handcrafted pieces on our Collections page.