Welcome to the Interior Digest!

Hello to all the new subscribers and welcome back to those that received last months instalment, I’m so glad you’re here. I really hope you find it insightful and I’d love to hear any feedback you have. If you enjoyed it, please do share with anyone you think might like it too.

This month I wanted to delve a bit deeper into the world of window treatments; it’s such a tricky decision to make and an expensive one. There’s no one size fits all but hopefully my guide below will be helpful in steering you towards the right thing for your space.

Excitingly, I’ve just launched a new series on both TikTok and Instagram where I share 30 tips in 30 days so wish me luck and stay tuned for the rest.

As usual I’ve done a small edit of the homeware I’m loving this month which features a lot of summer pieces (as my attempt at manifestation).

So, let’s get into it…

How to Choose Window Treatments?

How to choose Window Treatments?

Window treatments or curtains/blinds/etc are a huge investment and quite tricky to get right. In order for them to look really beautiful and intentional it’s not as simple as just whacking up some curtains that roughly fit and hoping for the best. There are a few key considerations that I’ve outlined below in a series of questions to ask yourself. However, the general gist is if you need to maximise light through a window, don’t smother it in loads of fabric. The only golden rule to follow is NO short curtains. If you find yourself leaning towards them for any reason, get a blind!

Questions to ask:

1- First you need to ask yourself what kind of window you have, this will narrow down your options. If you have a very unusual shape or significant access restrictions you’ll need to look at specific types and try to be a bit clever. For example, if you have an arched window you’ll likely want to get the curtain pole up high and show off the shape rather than cover it up with a blind or pelmet. You might have a very small window with limited space around it, here you’ll want to maximise light and avoid curtains that cover up the sides of the window as much as possible. Always try to mount your curtains or blind up a high as possible to allow as much light through the glass as you can.

2- What purpose does the room serve? The approach to window treatments can be quite different in a large living space to a small kids bedroom. Not only does budget come into it, you will potentially use different fabrics and lining methods in bedrooms vs living spaces.

3- Which rooms are the priority for budget/spend? Allocate the larger budget towards the rooms you’ll use most and go for curtains where you can, for smaller budgets aim for a lovely blind.

4- What kind of style do you actually like? There’s no point going for something super contemporary and lightweight if your style is more traditional, it’ll feel disjointed. The same can be said in reverse, swags probably won’t look right in a new build flat.

5- Do you like trim? This is a really easy and fairly budget friendly approach to adding in additional details. You can get trim for a few pounds a meter with some suppliers and the impact is huge, so consider whether you like these details and want to include them.

As with many Interiors related conundrums one could go on for ages with questions and solutions for different spaces but the long and short of it is go with what you like that also suits your budget and the window/doors in question. Don’t be led by trends and PLEASE no short curtains.

@oliviacaplandesign

Replying to @Holly McAlister Here are some window dressing alternatives for when you bave a tricky window that does not involve short curt... See more

Olivia’s Highlights for June

If you think someone would enjoy Interior Digest, I’d love it if you would share this with them by forwarding this email so they can subscribe.

30 Tips in 30 Days

The first video went live today on TikTok and Instagram so stay tuned for the rest and even better go and like the videos- thanks!

@oliviacaplandesign

30 Interior Design tips in 30 days! Starting off strong with a very important tip, do not rush when you’re renovating! Rushing will lead t... See more

Thanks so much for reading, see you in July.

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