Martha Stewart doesn't have curtains in her home, but she has designed some for ours – and they're on sale now

Interior designer Alyssa Owens encountered a common design challenge in her client Stephanie Berger's Brooklyn rental bedroom: unevenly spaced windows where a king-sized bed was to be placed, coupled with the inability to make structural changes. Owens devised a creative solution involving extensive use of sheer curtains to camouflage the asymmetrical window placement and create a harmonious aesthetic. She opted for six sheer curtain panels behind the bed, sourcing them from Etsy vendor Cushions and More. The choice of lightweight chiffon fabric was deliberate, as it blurs the room's edges without obstructing natural light, unlike heavier materials such as linen or cotton. Owens describes the fabric as having a "luminous, almost liquid quality" that catches light and creates a hazy, cocooning effect around the wall-mounted artwork, effectively transforming the awkward windows into a cohesive design element. The Etsy seller offered a wide array of colors, heights, and customization options for width, which allowed Owens to achieve her desired look easily. For Berger's bedroom, she purchased three pairs (six panels total) to create a voluminous, enveloping feel. Two sets were in the color salmon, and one in Petal, each measuring 122 inches in height and 85 inches in width, featuring a pencil-pleat top with white hooks and a plain stitched hem. Owens strongly recommends ordering swatches beforehand, as the colors can appear differently in person. Beyond solving the window dilemma, the use of colorful curtains provided an additional benefit for a rental property: they introduce depth, texture, and color without requiring any alterations to the walls, a crucial consideration when painting is not permitted. Owens further leveraged the versatility of fabric in another part of Berger's apartment. In an office nook, she installed an ice-blue velvet curtain from the ceiling to demarcate the space from the dressing room, successfully creating the impression of a custom walk-in closet. This demonstrates the designer's strategic use of fabric as a powerful and adaptable design tool. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RentalDecor #CurtainStyling #EtsyFinds #BedroomDesign #SmallSpacesSolutions #ColorAndPaint #DesignTips

A British woman has shared an innovative and cost-effective method to achieve perfectly pleated curtains, utilizing empty toilet tissue rolls. Kelly Rowland from Bolton demonstrated how these common household items can be used to maintain evenly spaced folds in curtains, a technique that has garnered significant attention and praise from home decor enthusiasts on social media. The hack involves threading the cardboard tubes between the curtain eyelets or loops along the curtain rail, effectively creating a uniform separation that prevents the fabric from bunching unevenly. Kelly initially shared this idea on Facebook in July, and it has since resurfaced and gone viral across various cleaning and interior design groups. Her post included photographs illustrating the before-and-after effect, showcasing how the toilet rolls contribute to a neat and structured appearance for the curtains, both when they are open and when closed. This simple solution offers an alternative to more expensive curtain styling accessories or specialized curtain designs that inherently provide pleating. The technique gained further traction after being endorsed by popular social media cleaning personality Mrs. Hinch, who shared it with her extensive follower base. This endorsement significantly amplified the reach of Kelly's hack, leading to thousands of shares and numerous comments from users eager to try it themselves. Many expressed their enthusiasm, describing the idea as "genius" and a "bloody great idea," noting how it could transform the look of their own curtains without requiring complex tools or significant financial investment. However, not all reactions were entirely positive. A segment of social media users voiced skepticism, particularly concerning the practical implications of using toilet rolls to space curtains. These critics raised questions about the functionality of the curtains when opened, suggesting that the rolls might impede the ability to fully draw back the drapes. Some preferred the natural fall of curtains or found the idea of using toilet rolls to be an unconventional and potentially restrictive solution for window treatments. Despite some reservations, the overall response highlighted the widespread desire for simple, effective, and budget-friendly home improvement tips. Kelly Rowland's curtain hack offers a creative approach to enhance the aesthetic appeal of curtains, transforming a common household waste product into a functional tool for interior styling. The virality of this tip underscores the power of social media in sharing practical domestic solutions and fostering a community of houseproud individuals seeking innovative ways to organize and beautify their living spaces. #CurtainStyling #HomeDecor #DIYHomeHacks #InteriorDesignTips #BudgetDecor #HouseproudCommunity #SocialMediaTrend

Curtains serve a dual purpose in home decor: providing practical light control and adding significant aesthetic value to a room. Beyond their basic function of shielding intense sunlight, curtains introduce texture and a new visual layer, influencing the overall ambiance. The selection of curtains requires careful consideration of various styles, such as pleated or energy-efficient options, and a match between personal taste and lifestyle needs. For instance, a home receiving ample natural light might benefit from blackout curtains, while a country home could opt for decorative curtains that can be easily drawn back to maximize light. The online marketplace offers a diverse range of curtain retailers, from established brands to newer platforms specializing in custom-sized and fabric options. Reputable online stores like Pottery Barn, The Shade Store, and Hunter Douglas provide classic choices, while emerging brands allow for tailored solutions. The article highlights 15 top curtain brands, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Pepper Home, for example, is noted for its vibrant color and print selection, ideal for enlivening minimalist spaces, offering customizable sizes and cotton fabric in various hues. Barn and Willow provides extensive customization, allowing buyers to specify pleat type, lining, fabric, and color for both curtains and shades. For those seeking budget-friendly yet artistic options, Society6 collaborates with artists to offer uniquely patterned curtains made from woven polyester. Pottery Barn specializes in cozy, darkening solutions with its velvet twill blackout curtains, perfect for bedrooms or offices, available in several rich colors. Bole Road Textiles introduces a modernist touch with Ethiopian-inspired cotton curtains that add a pop of color without being overwhelming. Ballard Designs offers clean, preppy styles, including scalloped cotton curtains in various lengths. The Shade Store distinguishes between drapes and curtains, providing luxurious, heavy drapes for light blocking and sound dampening, with extensive customization in size, color, and fabric. Wovn Home offers custom Roman shades, presenting a polished alternative or complement to curtains, allowing for coordinated window treatments across a home. For a touch of luxury, Neiman Marcus features Home Silks Ambrosia Curtain Panels made of rustling silk, available in beige and green. West Elm provides versatile sheer European flax linen curtains in a wide palette, including a dramatic olive hue suitable for white-walled rooms. Etsy is presented as a valuable resource for budget-conscious buyers, offering custom linen cafe curtains and vintage options for unique aesthetics. Anthropologie, through its Amber Lewis collaboration, offers whimsical floral curtains that balance feminine charm with versatility. H&M; provides affordable linen-blend curtains with fun details like ruffled borders, suitable for those decorating on a budget. Parachute Home offers gauzy washed linen curtains, a modern and airy alternative to traditional sheers, in a chambray grey. Finally, Hunter Douglas offers designer collaborations, such as Marcie Bronkar's embroidered panels, inspired by 17th-century Venetian textiles, providing delicate texture and a custom feel to any room. #CurtainShopping #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #OnlineRetailers #CustomCurtains #FabricChoices #HomeFurnishings

Martha Stewart, a prominent media personality, cookbook author, and owner of Martha Stewart Omnimedia, is widely recognized for her sophisticated interiors and meticulously maintained gardens. Despite her reputation for exquisite home aesthetics, Stewart has revealed a surprising design preference: she does not use curtains or drapes in her home. This disclosure came during a discussion about design trends she wishes to see phased out, where she stated that curtains are "not totally necessary." Instead of curtains or drapes, Stewart opts for shades on all her windows. Her primary motivation for this choice is practical: shades effectively protect her furniture, bed fabrics, and rugs from fading due to sun exposure. She explicitly mentions that while she has no objection to draperies, curtains, or elaborate window treatments, she personally does not incorporate them into her living spaces. This design philosophy is particularly noteworthy given that VERANDA, the publication covering this story, is a known advocate for diverse window treatments, often featuring boldly colored curtains, patterned drapes, and matchy-matchy styles to enhance room aesthetics. Stewart's stance initially prompted a reevaluation of interior design choices among the publication's team. However, Stewart clarified her preference, stating that she finds curtains beautiful but chooses not to live with them. Her main reason is a desire for an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Her country estate in Katonah, New York, spans over 150 acres and includes elaborate potager gardens, cutting gardens, shaded fern gardens, and a woodland area featuring hundreds of Japanese maple trees. With such expansive and picturesque surroundings, she prefers to keep her windows unadorned to fully appreciate the stunning vistas. Stewart's approach highlights a blend of practicality and an appreciation for natural beauty, prioritizing preservation of interior elements and seamless connection with her extensive outdoor landscapes over traditional decorative window coverings. #MarthaStewart #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #Shades #Gardens #CountryEstate #DesignPhilosophy

The article delves into the world of window treatments through the insights of luxury London-based interior designer Pandora Taylor, who shares her preferred sources for curtains, blinds, and other window dressings. It emphasizes the transformative power of window dressing in shaping an interior design scheme, whether through sheer café-style lace panels or opulent velvet curtains. The piece aims to demystify the process of selecting window treatments, offering expert guidance from Taylor's personal 'Little Black Book' of suppliers. Pandora Taylor highlights several key suppliers and their unique offerings. She frequently turns to Lewis & Wood for curtains, praising their soft linens, particularly the Oaksey Linen, for its depth of color and suitability for both traditional and contemporary settings. She notes that their larger-scale patterns work effectively with expansive windows, providing either a bold statement or a subtle backdrop. For custom-made and highly customizable options, Taylor recommends Thorp of London (formerly Bernard Thorp). This supplier offers a broad range of styles that can be tailored in terms of color and fabric, allowing for precise integration into diverse design projects. Taylor specifically mentions using their Stellar fabric for bedroom curtains in her Hampstead Penthouse project. When it comes to truly bespoke and unique window treatments, Nest Design is Taylor’s choice. This company specializes in patchwork designs, combining various fabrics to create one-of-a-kind pieces. These designs often draw inspiration from the architectural features of the property, such as arch motifs or existing tile work, providing a cohesive and personalized aesthetic. Taylor recounts her experience using Nest Design for large, distinctive Crittall windows in her Bermondsey Penthouse project, where ordinary window coverings would not suffice. For hardware, Taylor consistently uses Made by The Forge for curtain poles. She appreciates their handmade, wrought iron poles for their character, subtle texture, and smart appearance in both traditional and modern spaces, preferring their non-shiny finish. For café curtains, Mark Lewis Interior Design is her go-to for well-crafted, simple yet elegant poles. For the café curtains themselves, she suggests Linen & Letters for traditional linen and broderie anglaise options, and Soane’s Scrolling Fern in Linen Lawn for a more decorative, lightweight, and privacy-enhancing sheer, particularly suitable for bathrooms. Finally, the article mentions Guy Goodfellow Collection as a source for fabrics that Taylor frequently revisits. She highlights the Fez Weave for its excellent drape and subtle, multi-colored design, which aids in harmonizing various colors within a room. Another favorite is the Olive Sacking fabric, valued for its soft colorways, thick woven texture, and effectiveness as an accent fabric, often paired with Lewis & Wood's Oaksey Linen for borders. The article concludes by emphasizing that Taylor's selections cater to both timeless design preferences and current curtain trends, reminding readers that curtains can be utilized creatively beyond just windows to enhance different areas of the home. #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #Curtains #DesignersSourcebook #PandoraTaylor #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #BespokeDesign #FabricSelection

Curtains serve as a crucial element in interior design, offering control over light, heat, sound, and privacy. The selection of curtains involves navigating numerous styles and features, from neutral tones that blend seamlessly to statement drapes that stand out. This guide, compiled by a shopping writer, aims to simplify the curtain selection process by reviewing nine top curtain options available from major homestores, based on specifications and customer feedback, as the writer has not personally tested their light-filtering capabilities. The review covers various types suitable for different needs and room settings. The Taylor Light Filtering Curtain, made from an acrylic and polyester blend, is highlighted for its ability to allow a warm glow while protecting against heat, noise, and maintaining privacy. Its fade-resistant lining makes it suitable for sunny areas, though it requires spot cleaning. For total darkness, the Lauren Printed Curtain Panel, made of jacquard, is recommended for its noise-filtering and energy-efficient properties. Its dainty floral design in deep blue and silver tones blends well with most palettes, fitting larger windows due to its 95-inch length. The Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain from West Elm, made of polyester, offers maximum light and heat control, along with noise reduction. It features a brushed fabric with a subtle sheen and offers dual hanging options, though hanging hardware is sold separately. For those prioritizing aesthetics and an airy feel, the Emery Sheer Curtain, a linen and cotton blend from Pottery Barn, is presented. While not offering much sun protection, it filters natural light to create an open ambiance and adds timeless elegance, suitable for transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces, but requires dry cleaning. The Lucca Curtain Panel, a polyester single-panel option from Wayfair, is suggested as an affordable alternative for larger windows, offering a width of 100 inches and being machine-washable. Its design can be pulled fully across or tied back for an elegant finish. The Embroidered Flemming from Anthropologie, a polyester and cotton blend, is noted for its statement jungle-themed design, featuring tigers in various colors. It comes in four lengths and is machine-washable, making it suitable for decorative purposes, though it is light-filtering rather than room-darkening. The Waller Blackout Curtain, a cotton sill-length option from Wayfair, is ideal for smaller rooms where floor-length curtains might overwhelm the space. It creates a cleaner look, comes with three hanging options, and is easy to clean. For classic design and optimal length, the Riviera Striped Curtain from Pottery Barn, a linen and cotton blend, is available in three lengths for a perfect 'puddle' effect. Its cross-woven design and stripes offer coastal chic, but it is light-filtering. Finally, the Dora Damask Curtains from Wayfair, made of polyester, are presented as a modern take on traditional window treatments, featuring grommet tops for easy hanging. These blackout panels regulate temperature, reduce noise, and are machine-washable. The article concludes by advising readers on where to find the best quality curtains, considering specialist stores versus top home retailers, and discussing the suitability of curtains versus blinds for different spaces. It also offers advice on curtain types for specific rooms, emphasizing blackout curtains for heat exclusion and room-darkening options for bedrooms, while suggesting sheer curtains for living rooms to enhance light and airiness. #CurtainSelection #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #BlackoutCurtains #LightFilteringCurtains #SheerCurtains #RoomDarkening #HomeFurnishings

Selecting the right curtains for a home can be a complex decision, involving considerations such as color, fabric, dimensions, and hardware. Curtains serve as a crucial finishing touch that can significantly alter a room's aesthetic and functionality. To simplify this process, interior designers, including experts from the ELLE DECOR A-List, have identified top online curtain stores. Rayman Boozer of Apartment 48 emphasizes that curtains can define a space's personality, encouraging homeowners to experiment with patterns or unexpected materials. Ghislaine Viñas, another designer, shares her preference for floral curtains in minimalist interiors and striped curtains in rooms with high ceilings to enhance their height. Beyond aesthetics, curtains are functional, providing privacy, blocking unwanted light—especially for improved sleep—and reducing exterior noise. Zoe Feldman, a designer, notes her fondness for wool window treatments for their elegant drape and warmth, as well as café curtains in kitchens for a charming, slightly British feel. Budgeting for window treatments is also a key factor. Garrett Hunter advises allocating at least $300 for a standard residential window and over $1,000 for specialty textiles. Custom-made options can be considerably more expensive, with Sarah Roberts Hale of Hendricks Churchill estimating around $5,000 for a pair of full-length curtains with a solid brass rod and rings. The article then presents a curated list of online stores, including Everhem, praised for its affordable, high-quality custom drapery and guided measuring process. Lulu and Georgia is highlighted for its comprehensive digital curtain guide, which details everything from rod heights to hardware types, and offers discounts for newsletter subscribers. The Shade Store is recommended for first-time customizers, providing showrooms, free professional measurements, and complimentary swatches, with Danielle Colding noting its wide fabric selection and custom fabric application option. West Elm offers stylish and well-crafted curtains with blackout and patterned options, alongside a rewards program for shoppers. Etsy provides a platform for unique, artisanal, or DIY curtain solutions, with designers like Garrett Hunter repurposing vintage materials. Pottery Barn is a one-stop shop for curtains and hardware, offering digital guides and free design services. Blinds.com specializes in custom draperies with 25 years of experience, digital access to products, and free shipping and samples. Home Depot offers affordable curtains with a 10-year warranty and optional installation services, carrying high-end brands and a Martha Stewart collection. Lowe's boasts an extensive drapes department, organized by color, pattern, or material, along with helpful guides and a lowest price guarantee. Anthropologie is recommended for bold, colorful designs that add vibrancy to rooms without excessive cost. Wayfair offers a vast selection for specific shades and pleating details, with annual sales. Amazon provides convenience and competitive pricing, though it emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements and reading reviews. Quince, known for cashmere, also has an underrated home section with impeccable curtains. Parachute Home, recognized for bedding, offers linen curtains with cotton lining, accompanied by measurement and installation guides. Hunter Douglas specializes in custom drapery and offers energy tax credits for certain shades. Lutron provides automated custom shades with smart home integration. IKEA offers classic, budget-friendly designs with thorough product guides and styling suggestions. RH, Restoration Hardware delivers luxurious, personalized drapes, with Tiffany Howell of Night Palm praising their quality materials and colorways. Smith & Noble offers custom, hand-finished drapes for any window size, noted by Delphine Krakoff for their quality despite higher costs. Finally, Crate & Barrel offers a diverse selection of modern silhouettes with clear shipping timelines, and John Meeks of Aman & Meeks appreciates their selection of sheers with unique embroideries and tonal trims that enhance personalization. #OnlineCurtainStores #WindowTreatments #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CustomCurtains #HomeFurnishings #ShoppingGuide #TextileDesign #SmartHome

The article highlights the growing popularity of color-drenching in interior design, a trend characterized by monochromatic rooms where walls, trim, and even ceilings are painted in the same hue. This design approach creates a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic, with Houzz's 2025 summer trends report indicating a 325 percent increase in searches for such rooms compared to the previous year. A key element in achieving this unified look is coordinating curtains, which blend seamlessly with the room's overall color scheme. Interior designer Nicole Colin of Coco Design & Build Co. has found a cost-effective solution for this trend in velvet drapes available on Amazon. She has purchased these curtains in almost every color, particularly favoring the sage option due to its close resemblance to Farrow & Ball’s Card Room Green paint, which facilitates the creation of a harmonious space. These Amazon curtains are praised for their impressive quality relative to their price point, typically retailing around $50 per two-panel pack. They come in 23 shades, six lengths up to 120 inches, and offer three hanging styles: rod pocket, back tab, and pinch pleat, with Colin preferring the latter for a more formal appearance. The manufacturer, Miulee, states that the fabric blocks 80 percent of sunlight, although they are not explicitly marketed as blackout curtains. Colin also provides a practical tip for elevating the look of these affordable curtains: adding stiff pleat tape to the top of the rod pockets. This involves measuring and cutting the tape to the panel's width, pinning it to the back top edge, and then sewing it securely with a straight stitch. This simple modification allows the curtains to be hung with drapery hooks or rings, creating elegant, even pleats that contribute to a higher-end feel and improved drape. The article further suggests other harmonious color combinations, such as pairing Dusty Rose drapes with Benjamin Moore’s Genuine Pink paint, Stone Blue with Little Greene’s Etruria, and Mustard Yellow with Portola’s Ceremony, to inspire readers in their own color-drenching projects. In essence, the article presents an accessible and budget-friendly method for incorporating a sophisticated design trend into home interiors. It emphasizes the versatility and value of specific Amazon velvet curtains, endorsed by a professional designer, and offers practical advice for their installation and coordination with paint colors to achieve a refined, monochromatic aesthetic. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #AmazonFinds #VelvetCurtains #DesignerTips #BudgetDecor #MonochromaticRooms #DIYDecor

The year 2025 emphasizes the creation of characterful rooms, with textiles, texture, and color playing a significant role in personalizing living spaces. Curtains, often overlooked in discussions about soft furnishings, are highlighted as an underrated method to achieve this. Drew and Jonathan Scott, widely recognized as The Property Brothers, aim to shift this perception with their celebrity home decor collection, launched in partnership with Kohl's in 2019. This collection features a variety of curtains designed to suit different rooms and aesthetic preferences. The Scott Living range includes options from blackout to sheer curtains, all offered at competitive prices. The materials used are noted for their high quality, contributing subtle texture while maintaining a neutral color palette and overall feel, ensuring adaptability to diverse interior design schemes. Jonathan Scott expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that it allows families to furnish their homes with their exclusive line of furniture, bedding, bath, and home decor items. Drew Scott further elaborated that Scott Living integrates modern, stylish home design with the essential functionality and value that families require. The article showcases several specific curtain designs from the Scott Living collection available at Kohl's. The Wallis Sheer Window Curtain, priced from $44.99, is described as an ideal neutral option with a slubby material that imparts a Mediterranean warmth. The Verge Geometric Window Curtain, starting from $47.99, incorporates a polka dot pattern, identified as a popular trend for 2025. These semi-sheer curtains allow light to filter through, offering an understated way to introduce pattern. The Tulin Watercolor Print Curtain, available from $55.99, is presented as a beautiful gray and white option suitable for adding a patterned touch to a living room, particularly complementing a white sofa. For those seeking a more distinctive style, the Scott Living Atlantic Ombre Open Weave Sheer, also from $55.99, features an open weave with an alternating light and dark ombre pattern, suggesting a chic and playful element for rooms with brightly colored furniture. The Scott Living Rafaela Woven Pattern Curtain, a 100% blackout chenille option starting at $99.99, is recommended for bedrooms to effectively block light while maintaining an airy and stylish ambiance. Lastly, the Scott Living Renato Semi-sheer Curtains, a linen blend available from $77.99, are highlighted for their breezy quality, making them suitable for a coastal chic room design and delivering significant visual impact through their simplicity. When styling modern curtains, the article advises balancing design with functionality. For instance, more opaque curtains are suggested for bedrooms to maximize light blockage, while sheer curtains are recommended for living rooms where less light control is needed. The choice between solid and patterned curtains should consider existing patterns and colors within the room. Curtains are also presented as an excellent means to participate in the 'pattern drenching' trend, allowing for the comprehensive application of vibrant and bold patterns throughout a home. The Scott Living collection is positioned as an accessible starting point for various styles. The article concludes by emphasizing that curtains, despite sometimes being an afterthought, become an obvious choice for enhancing a space due to their ease of installation, simplicity, and affordability. #CelebrityHomeDecor #CurtainDesigns #HomeTextiles #InteriorDesignTrends #ScottLiving #KohlSCollection #WindowTreatments #AffordableDecor #PatternDrenching

Ree Drummond, known for her various home decor projects across The Lodge, Boarding House, and Sister House, continuously introduces new design elements to The Pioneer Woman collection at Walmart. Her latest offerings include a range of curtains and valances designed to provide an instant refresh to any living space. The collection features both shorter three-piece tiers and valance sets, which are specifically sized to fit standard windows and rods. These smaller sets have garnered positive feedback for their ease of installation, with one customer noting that setting them up takes only minutes, making them an ideal choice for updating areas like kitchens or breakfast nooks without extensive modifications. For larger rooms such as living rooms or bedrooms, the collection also includes longer 84-inch two-piece panel sets. Reviewers have praised these panels for their ability to add a touch of country charm, describing them as lightweight, durable, and conveniently machine washable on a gentle cycle. The affordability of these window treatments is highlighted as a significant advantage, with sets starting at under $15. This pricing strategy allows customers to easily incorporate a pop of color and style into their homes without a substantial financial commitment. The article encourages readers to explore the variety of farmhouse florals and plaid patterns available in the collection to find designs that best suit their aesthetic preferences, emphasizing the simplicity of installation by merely sliding them over existing window frames and rods for an immediate decorative update. The overall sentiment surrounding these products is positive, reflecting a blend of functionality, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness that aligns with the brand's established reputation for accessible home decor. #HomeDecor #PioneerWomanCollection #WalmartHome #CurtainsAndValances #WindowTreatments #CountryCharm #AffordableDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeRefresh

Curtains, while essential for window treatments, offer versatile applications in interior design, extending beyond their primary function to zone, soften, conceal, divide, and reveal spaces within a home. This exploration delves into various projects from the ELLE Decoration archives, showcasing innovative uses of draped textiles, from opulent velvet drapes to ethereal sheer fabrics, to inspire new approaches to home aesthetics. In a Parisian apartment, daring ombre sheer curtains by artist Justin Morin transform a 'fumoir' into a stylish nook, complemented by a re-upholstered 'Bellini Camaleonda' sofa. This demonstrates how artful curtain choices can elevate a room's elegance and define specific areas within an open-plan layout. Similarly, in a Melbourne home, Studio Doherty utilized a blue sheer curtain made from Kvadrat's 'Rocket' fabric to separate a conversation pit from an adjacent study. This strategic placement highlights the curtain's ability to create intimate zones without fully enclosing a space, maintaining an open feel while providing a sense of division. Designer Lee Broom's New York apartment features a bespoke pleated Dedar muslin curtain on a curved rail, ingeniously separating the living room from the kitchen. This curved design not only provides functional separation but also introduces a sculptural element, enhancing the room's contemporary aesthetic and mirroring architectural forms visible from the windows. In a Sonoma, California residence, luxurious deep-green mohair curtains by Pierre Frey, in 'Mousse' provide a serene and enveloping atmosphere in the living space. This illustrates how the texture and color of curtains can significantly contribute to the overall mood and tactile experience of a room, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Claude Cartier's Lyon home showcases curtains as artistic installations, with Métaphores Paris velvet drapes and a silk installation by Justin Morin defining the living room. This approach emphasizes curtains not merely as functional items but as integral components of a home's artistic and design narrative. A London home by designer Sam Buckley features a continuous sheer curtain across windows and walls, employing Peter Saville for Kvadrat's 'Technicolour Flux' fabric. This design creates a soft, cocooning effect, providing a pastel backdrop that unifies the space and enhances its tranquil character. In a Reggio Emilia loft, homeowner Alessandra Guidetti masterfully uses sound-absorbing curtains to zone an open-plan living area, allowing for flexible layout adjustments as needed. This highlights the practical utility of curtains in adapting living spaces to varying requirements, offering both privacy and spatial fluidity. Johanna Rosén's Copenhagen home uses curtains of varying weights to both zone and decorate. Heavy pink velvet separates the bedroom, while a pale blue sheer curtain by Arne Aksel covers the living room window and conceals the front door, offering privacy and a sense of retreat from the outside world. Finally, the home and office of design studio Masquespacio in Valencia employ curtains extensively to soften and divide large industrial spaces, and to diffuse light. A custom yellow curtain from Vescom, separating a courtyard from the hallway, exemplifies how curtains can create a soft ambiance and manage natural light effectively. These diverse examples collectively demonstrate that curtains are far more than simple window dressings. They are powerful design tools capable of transforming spatial perception, enhancing privacy, controlling light, and adding significant aesthetic value to any interior, functioning as flexible architectural elements that adapt to the evolving needs and styles of a home. #CurtainDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileArt #SpaceZoning #ArchitecturalTextiles #ModernInteriors #DecorativeCurtains

Christene Barberich, writer and creator of *A Tiny Apt.*, chronicles her journey of transforming a former 1960s doctor's office building in upstate New York into a cozy and inviting weekend home. This installment, titled "Chapter 3: From Eerie Exam Room to Country-Chic Bedroom," focuses on the rapid and budget-friendly makeover of one of the building's four exam rooms into a primary bedroom. The overarching challenge was to counteract the clinical ambiance of the former medical facility and infuse warmth and comfort into the space without embarking on extensive and costly renovations. Initially, the exam rooms presented a stark and unappealing environment, characterized by flat gray linoleum floors, thick industrial blinds, and dropped foam ceilings. Barberich highlights the unsettling feeling of sleeping in a space that still retained a clinical identity. The strategy for transformation began with addressing the most impactful and manageable elements. Her husband initiated the process by removing corporate carpeting throughout the house and painting the plywood subfloors a crisp white. This cost-effective step significantly brightened the space and made it feel more like a home. The same white paint was applied to the linoleum floors in the exam rooms as a temporary solution, accepting that some wear and tear would occur due to the material's non-absorbent nature. The industrial blinds were removed, and in their bedroom, an existing sink, which made the space feel too much like a hostel, was taken out to create more functional living area. Barberich emphasizes her belief in the transformative power and versatility of textiles and paint as quick and affordable ways to alter a room's aesthetic and mood. For window treatments in the bedroom, she ingeniously repurposed two identical scraps of vintage Schumacher fabric. These were mounted using double-sided adhesive and plastic utility hooks, eliminating the need for hardware or hemming. This creative solution served as a stylish and functional alternative to traditional curtains. She experimented with various rugs from her textile collection, from sisal to Moroccan patterns, eventually settling on a high-pile 3x5-foot rug from Archive New York. The dense texture of this rug added a touch of luxury and warmth, making it a comforting first touch in the morning. A central decorative element and source of vibrancy in the bedroom is a hot pink vintage Mexican blanket by Fred Leighton. Barberich had owned this rare piece for nearly 15 years, awaiting the perfect setting. Its vibrant color instantly brightens the small room and contributes to a cocoon-like, inviting atmosphere. She encourages readers to experiment with patterns and textiles, such as printed pillowcases, rugs, and blankets, to solve design problems and inject personality into a space. For her, these elements act as building blocks that connect and enliven a room. A practical decision was to retain the slender shelf under the window, a remnant from the room's previous life as an exam room. This shelf now serves as a display area for thrifted pottery, books, and small plants, maximizing utility in a space with limited floor area. This series of thoughtful and resourceful interventions aims to create a pretty and comfortable weekend retreat, making the interim period before major renovations more enjoyable and livable. #BedroomMakeover #DIYDecor #TextileDesign #BudgetDecor #VintageFinds #HomeRenovation #UpstateNewYork #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions

Curtains are a key design element that can enhance various home aesthetics, yet they are often overlooked or considered an afterthought due to perceived high costs. This guide identifies 15 online retailers offering a diverse range of curtains, from affordable options to high-end designs, catering to different styles and functional needs. The article emphasizes the practical benefits of curtains, such as reducing sun glare, improving insulation to lower heating bills, and enhancing privacy. The featured retailers include Wayfair, known for its extensive selection of thousands of highly-rated curtains in various styles and colors, making it a comprehensive option for any home décor. Anthropologie is highlighted for its eclectic and bohemian-chic curtains, ideal for those seeking a retro aesthetic and willing to invest a bit more. Society6 is presented as a platform for creatively designed blackout curtains, offering unique artistic patterns for a vibrant touch. Home Depot, a prominent home improvement retailer, is recognized for its affordable and practical curtain options, including many suitable for various tastes and budgets. Pottery Barn offers an array of elegant curtain fabrics, from flax linen to velvet twill and sheer lace, along with effective noise-reducing options for a minimalist design. Bed Bath & Beyond provides a user-friendly shopping experience with separate categories for kitchen, bath, door, and standard panel curtains, alongside scarves and valances. Urban Outfitters caters to a younger demographic with its Gen Z-friendly, retro-style home goods, including unique beaded curtains that evoke a shabby-chic 70s look. Etsy stands out for its vast, customizable selection, allowing shoppers to find unique curtain designs by narrowing their search with specific colors, patterns, or trends. West Elm is recommended for those seeking elegant curtains, with options spanning solid colors and diverse patterns in materials like plush velvet and Belgian flax. QVC offers a selection of big-name brands and affordable room-darkening curtains, which are beneficial for privacy and insulation. Crate & Barrel features a euro-chic collection of curtains with bright whites and geometric patterns. Overstock allows users to filter by light filtration, offering blackout, room-darkening, and semi-sheer options, often at discounted prices. Walmart provides budget-friendly curtains, particularly for dorms, off-campus apartments, and children's rooms, including blackout curtains for nurseries. Kohl's offers a wide array of cost-effective department store brands, providing both sheer and light-filtering options, as well as blackout and room-darkening curtains for energy efficiency and privacy. Finally, Joss & Main is noted for its extensive color variations within each curtain style, enabling customers to find the exact design and shade to match their interior. This guide serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to purchase curtains online, highlighting the distinct offerings and benefits of each retailer. #HomeDecoration #CurtainShopping #InteriorDesign #OnlineRetailers #HomeImprovement #WindowTreatments #BlackoutCurtains #ThermalCurtains

Danish textile designer Margrethe Odgaard has collaborated with Kvadrat, a Danish textile company, to create a new collection of satin-woven curtains. Unveiled at the Stockholm Furniture Fair, the collection features three distinct styles: Diorama, Panorama, and Suite. Each design explores the interplay of color and space, drawing inspiration from classical architectural and interior design elements. The Diorama curtain offers a delicate pinstripe effect, contributing to a subtle visual texture. Panorama is characterized by a unique central split where the direction of the weave shifts, creating a nuanced visual break. The Suite design showcases bold vertical stripes with contrasting shades, providing a more assertive aesthetic. All three curtain styles are available in a rich palette of 32 colors, offering a wide range of choices for various interior schemes. A notable feature across the collection is the "polarised mirror" effect, where one half of the curtain is woven with a subtle shimmer, while the other half employs a matt finish, adding depth and a dynamic interplay of light and texture. Odgaard’s design process for this collection was deeply influenced by traditional interior architecture, particularly the historical technique of wainscoting. Wainscoting, a form of wooden paneling typically used on the lower portion of walls, served as a foundational concept. She aimed to modernize these historical traditions by incorporating horizontal lines into her textile designs. Odgaard's research into historical interior design practices revealed how different cultures and periods manipulated perceptions of space through architectural divisions. For instance, she noted the baroque period's practice of dividing walls one-third of the way up from the floor with profiled timber, contrasting with French modernism's approach of extending the ceiling one-third down the wall. These historical insights informed her understanding of how dividing lines can alter the perceived scale and atmosphere of a room. The designer highlighted that the placement of a dividing line significantly impacts the perception of space. A low dividing line can create an impression of expansiveness and overview, while a higher dividing line can evoke a sense of security and enclosure, akin to being in a 'pocket.' This understanding of spatial perception is subtly integrated into the curtain designs, influencing their visual structure and the emotional response they might elicit within an interior setting. The color theory applied to these curtains is based on Odgaard’s "Northchromatic" concept. This concept is structured around a binary system of opposing pairs, such as warm and cold, or light and dark, which are then translated into a diverse spectrum of shades on a color wheel. The Northchromatic concept is designed to reflect the unique light and color characteristics of the Northern hemisphere. When applied in interiors, this color approach can influence the overall atmosphere of a room, ranging from vibrant and stimulating to serene and calming, or deep and dramatic, depending on the specific shades and combinations used. In addition to the curtain launch, Kvadrat also hosted a color workshop with Odgaard at its Stockholm flagship showroom, designed by Bouroullec Studio. During the fair, a collaborative exhibition between Kvadrat, Really, and Vitra was also presented, showcasing pieces from the Vitra collection made from Solid Textile Board by Really. This initiative aimed to foster discussions on circular design and the potential of sustainable materials to redefine resource consumption. #MargretheOdgaard #Textiles #Curtains #Kvadrat #HomewareDesign #Materials #StockholmDesignWeek #StockholmFurnitureFair #InteriorDesign

Curtains are more than just functional window coverings; they are essential design elements that add texture, comfort, and vertical appeal to any room, creating the illusion of higher ceilings. This guide presents the 11 best places to buy curtains in 2025, based on extensive in-home testing of 17 different blackout curtains from various brands and retailers. Pottery Barn is highly recommended for its wide range of fabrics, custom options, and free swatches, though its prices reflect its high quality. Their Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain, tested for over a year, proved durable and versatile in styling. Pottery Barn’s detailed filter tool simplifies the selection process by material, length, hanging style, and washability, making it ideal for those with larger windows needing custom solutions. The brand offers 30-day returns (excluding custom items) and in-store pickup. Amazon offers a vast selection with easy returns, but quality can be inconsistent, and browsing can be time-consuming. The Nicetown Thermal Insulated Grommet Curtains are praised for their full drape and texture, with easy installation due to large grommets. AmazonBasics also provides affordable blackout options. For hardware, the Umbra Twilight Single Curtain Rod Set, which sits flush against the wall, is a favorite for ensuring maximum light blockage. Amazon Prime members benefit from fast delivery. Wayfair, with over 50,000 options, can be overwhelming but its detailed filter tool helps narrow searches by size, color, light filtration, and room location. The Gracie Oaks Olivia Signature Velvet Curtains are noted for their quality, feel, and noise-muffling capabilities, similar to IKEA’s Majgull Blackout Curtain. Wayfair also offers the Adjustable Curtain Rod as a hardware option. The retailer features frequent sales, good customer service, and a 30-day return policy. IKEA is a great option for affordable yet quality curtains, offering hundreds of choices and a strong selection of blackout curtains like the Majgull Blackout Curtain, which blocks 95% of light and reduces outside noise. While color options are limited, the durability is a key feature. IKEA also offers natural fiber rugs at affordable prices. They provide a generous 365-day return policy for new items and flat-rate delivery. Target provides a wide selection of on-trend styles at reasonable prices. The Bella Sheer Hidden Tab Top Curtain Panels offer a breezy aesthetic, while the Threshold Blackout Woven Stripe Border Curtain ensures maximum darkness without compromising style. Target’s website allows filtering by pattern, material, and heading style, offering free shipping on orders over $35 and a 90-day return policy. Quince caters to specific interior design styles with a neutral selection and multiple lengths. Their European Linen Blackout Curtain effectively blocks light. Quince also offers striped linen-cotton curtains and wool rugs. They have a 365-day return policy and perks for referrals and specific professions. Walmart stands out for its affordable options, numerous shopper reviews, and stylish picks. The Better Homes & Gardens Solid Woven Textured Grommet Blackout Curtain Panel, tested for six months, proved soft and effective. Walmart offers a 90-day return policy and benefits for Walmart+ members. CB2 offers luxurious fabrics, multiple lengths, and free shipping, albeit at a higher price point. Their Seda Smoked Yellow Dupioni Silk Curtain showcases their chic, contemporary style. CB2 has a 30-day return policy and provides perks for credit cardholders and email sign-ups. Anthropologie features quirky, eclectic styles with interesting details and unique hardware. They offer over 100 patterned curtains in various textures, ideal for making a statement. The Embroidered Mannette Curtain is a notable unique design. Anthropologie has a 60-day return policy for a full refund. Annie Selke provides high-quality, eye-catching patterns and fair-labor production, though with a limited selection. Their linen, cotton, and polyester panels cater to diverse design styles. The retailer offers a sale section for discounted items and a 30-day return policy. West Elm offers modern and contemporary styles in various prints and neutral colors. The Worn Velvet Curtain, with its dual hanging system, mimics vintage velvet. West Elm allows filtering by material, width, color, and light allowance, with a 30-day return policy. When choosing curtains, consider selection size, price range, and shipping times. Larger selections from retailers like Amazon and Wayfair offer more choices but can be overwhelming, while specialized stores like Pottery Barn and CB2 provide curated selections. Budget-friendly options are abundant at IKEA, Target, Amazon, and Wayfair. It is important to factor in shipping times, especially for custom orders, and to check return policies. Ultimately, the best time to replace curtains is when visible damage occurs or when a seasonal or stylistic change is desired. #HomeDecor #CurtainShopping #WindowTreatments #BlackoutCurtains #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #RetailerReviews #TextileDurability #DecoratingTips

Joon Loloi, a new home decor brand, has officially launched online, introducing over 300 products that span various categories from foundational furniture to decorative accents. The brand aims to offer a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, catering to diverse decorating needs and budgets. Joon Loloi is an offshoot of Loloi Rugs, a well-known manufacturer recognized for its collaborations with celebrity designers such as Joanna Gaines and Amber Lewis. Leveraging the established manufacturing relationships of its parent company, Joon Loloi expands its offerings beyond rugs and pillows to include a comprehensive range of home solutions. The brand features an in-house design team, complemented by collaborations with local American artists like Tyler Guinn, Karen Covey, and Aileen Fitzgerald for unique artwork pieces. The product line showcases a contemporary yet classic appeal, drawing comparisons to brands like CB2 and West Elm. Materials used reflect a mix of trendy and traditional elements, including rich-colored leathers, bouclé, burl and ash woods, alongside linen, marble, aged brass, and reclaimed French oak. Price points for Joon Loloi products are positioned to offer luxury detailing at accessible costs. For instance, sofas are priced between just under $2,000 and approximately $5,000, while smaller items such as pillow cases and accessories begin at $29. This pricing strategy aims to make sophisticated home decor attainable for a broader audience. While rugs and pillows are prominent offerings, consistent with the parent company's expertise, the brand also highlights its seating collection. Notable pieces include the curved-back Camden Settee, praised for its personality and suitability for smaller spaces, and the Cassius Swing Chair, which is described as a modern art piece designed to age gracefully. Additionally, Joon Loloi provides beds for both adults and children. The brand began accepting orders on its launch day, and emphasizes reasonable lead times for both standard and made-to-order items, even for larger furniture pieces. Joon Loloi also announced plans for its first collaboration to be unveiled in January, indicating an ongoing expansion of its product range and design partnerships. This initial collection signifies the brand’s entry into the broader home decor market, offering a comprehensive array of stylish and affordable options. #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #AffordableLuxury #InteriorDesign #LoloiRugs #ProductLaunch #DecoratingIdeas #OnlineShopping

The article details a personal experience with Everhem, a direct-to-consumer brand specializing in custom window treatments, focusing on the process of ordering and installing drapes for a home renovation project. The author, facing the challenge of non-standard sized windows in a newly converted bedroom, sought a cost-effective yet aesthetically pleasing solution for window coverings, as custom drapery can often be expensive and complex. The author highlights the initial challenges encountered, including the need for heavy-duty curtains and hardware due to the room's five windows and their irregular dimensions. The search for suitable options led to Everhem, a company founded in 2018 by interior designer Haley Weidenbaum and her husband, Adam. Everhem aims to simplify the custom window treatment process, addressing a common "pain point" identified by Weidenbaum in her design work. The brand has gained some recognition through partnerships with influencers. The Everhem experience began with selecting the type of window treatment. The author chose full-sized drapes over cafe curtains, Roman shades, or woven wood shades, prioritizing ease of use and ambiance in the window-dominant room. Given the specific requirements of the project, a complimentary consultation with an Everhem consultant was arranged. During this consultation, the room's space and the author's vision were discussed, supported by pre-sent photos. Swatches of desired fabrics were also provided to assess colors and textures in person. Everhem's fabric options are primarily neutral, which the author noted, as her initial idea of bright curtains would have overwhelmed the room. The author opted for a wraparound curtain look on two windowed walls, aiming to create the illusion of a continuous stretch of fabric and rod when closed. Sage, a light green blackout curtain option, was chosen for maximum privacy and to complement the outdoor greenery. Concerns about the typical feel and smell of blackout curtains were alleviated by the quality of Everhem's cotton and linen swatches. The tailored pleat style was selected, and sheers were foregone to avoid excessive fabric. For hardware, a curved, matte black 1-inch rod was chosen. The overall cost was estimated to be several thousand dollars, considered reasonable for custom work. Following the consultation, a detailed email confirmed measurements and fabric choices, with a six to eight-week shipping timeframe. The drapes and hardware arrived in two separate boxes exactly six weeks after ordering. The installation, performed the night before guests arrived, presented minor challenges. While Everhem provides online written and video tutorials, the author found some instructions less applicable or lacking detail, particularly regarding the corner bracket installation. Despite this, the author aimed for a full DIY experience, acknowledging that most consumers with simpler window configurations might not face similar issues. The company also suggests hiring a Taskrabbit for assistance if needed. The installation was a two-person job, with the author's partner assisting. Quibbles arose regarding the absence of a specific drill bit and unsuitable screws for their walls. A crooked wall led to a slight visual imperfection in the levelness of the installed rods. Additionally, fitting the rods into the center bracket required effort, and the author made a mistake by putting curtain rings on backward, requiring reinstallation. Despite these minor installation hurdles, the drapes fit perfectly. The author expressed surprise at the professional appearance of the window treatments, given it was a DIY installation, and received positive feedback from a guest. The article concludes by highlighting the product's effectiveness and the overall satisfaction with the custom solution provided by Everhem. #EverhemReview #CustomCurtains #WindowTreatments #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeDecor #BlackoutDrapes #ShoppingGuide #InfluencerFavorite

Sandra Lee, widely recognized today as a cookbook author and television personality known for her convenience-oriented cooking, began her entrepreneurial journey in an entirely different industry: home decor. Before making her mark in culinary arts, Lee founded a business called Kurtain Kraft in her mid-20s, shortly after dropping out of the University of Wisconsin. This venture focused on creating curtain panels and valances using simple materials like wire coat hangers and fabric sheets. Despite the seemingly modest nature of the product, Lee's ambition and belief in her idea were significant. She invested $50,000, a substantial sum, to produce infomercials for Kurtain Kraft. This investment proved to be a strategic move, as the company generated an impressive $6 million in just nine months through its marketing efforts, including these infomercial videos. Her success was further amplified by an appearance on the popular home shopping network QVC, where she showcased her decor products. This experience not only provided a significant platform for Kurtain Kraft but also gave Lee her first taste of being in front of the camera, an experience that would prove invaluable for her subsequent career in television. The transition from curtains to cuisine occurred in the late 1990s when Lee's design-savvy caught the attention of the Food Network. Initially, Lee was interested in a show that would focus on hostess tips and tricks, such as creating elaborate tablescapes and beautifully presented spreads. The Food Network agreed to incorporate her design-heavy ideas, provided she also included cooking segments. This collaboration led to the creation of "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee" in 2003, mere years after the success of Kurtain Kraft. Lee went on to host several other cooking shows and has authored numerous cookbooks. Her culinary approach is distinct from many of her peers on the Food Network, as she champions the use of pre-made ingredients, like canned frosting, to expedite meal preparation rather than insisting on entirely scratch-made components. Even as her popularity endured, the unique nature of Lee's cooking style found renewed relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports from Eater highlighted how her recipes, which frequently incorporate pantry staples and pre-made fare, offered a practical solution to the widespread cooking fatigue experienced by many during lockdown. Her emphasis on convenience resonated with a new audience looking for accessible and less time-consuming ways to prepare meals. #SandraLee #CurtainBusiness #HomeDecor #Entrepreneurship #KurtainKraft #FoodNetwork #SemiHomemadeCooking #CulinaryCareer #TelevisionPersonality