Guest post by local interior designer Cheryl Luckett, owner of Dwell by Cheryl interiors.
Design Dilemma: “Curtains or no curtains? Does it depend? I can never decide.” – Heather
Cheryl’s Advice: Great question, Heather! As a pretty traditional Southern designer, I usually say “curtains for sure,” but the real answer is “it depends.” Drapery adds a softness to a space that’s difficult to achieve any other way. In rooms where a cozy vibe is desired, it’s almost always a must.
Many homeowners today shy away from draperies because they recall when the trend centered around lavish and expensive designs featuring tons of fabric, and ornate and often girly details. Well, long gone are those days, and today’s drapes are much more streamlined.
Curtains provide an opportunity to add color and visual interest in substantial amounts. Take away the draperies in any of the above spaces, and the result is an entirely different space.
While I often create custom drapery for my clients, many retailers offer a plethora of budget-friendly yet stylish options. What I love now is that many also offer a variety of lengths. Draperies should at least kiss the floor, so be sure to measure to ensure the proper length. Also, don’t be afraid to hang them higher than the window frames. This can often create the illusion of height in rooms with low or average height ceilings.
Now, while I’m on Team Curtains, I do feel as if there are some cases where they may not be needed. For me, this always centers around the view.
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Photo by Carlton Edwards – More modern home office ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful view, you may be able to forgo the drapery altogether. Beautiful views also typically feature large windows that invite you to capitalize on the view. This is a great indication of whether you should go for drapes or not. I hope this helps!
Stay tuned for more advice as part of the weekly “Tell Dwell Tuesdays” series! And join us for a free “Spruce Up for Spring” decorating class taught by Cheryl on Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m. at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus (5301 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, N.C. 28208). Bring your girlfriends for a girls’ night out, or your spouse to learn new ideas to transform your shared home.
Cheryl will offer advice on what’s trending and how to find the good stuff, including identifying furniture with “good bones.” She’ll share her tips for shopping thrift stores such as Goodwill – including the best times/frequency/locations to shop – and more. A signature “mocktail” and hors d’oeuvres will be provided, plus giveaways including a coupon to our retail stores. Space is limited, so RSVP now on Eventbrite here.
Photos courtesy of Cam Richards Photography.
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