Transforming Our Living Room with Custom Drapery

By Starr Simpson

Pictured: Liz Linen Drape Pleated in Burlywood Birch 1908-5

When we first moved into our home, it came with the standard white faux wood blinds that the builder installed. Can I tell you a secret? Well, it’s not really a secret because if you keep up with my designs, it’s evident that I hate standard blinds. To me, window treatments are an opportunity to introduce warmth, texture, and personality into a space. In an open-concept living and kitchen area like ours, the window treatments play a huge role in setting the tone as the windows span the whole length of the house and draw your eye across the room. They frame your views, control the light, and influence how you feel in the room every single day.

The First Draft

We first replaced those basic blinds with patterned dark gray curtains. The idea was that they would add visual weight and interest to the space. My go-to is to stick with neutral drapery somewhere between cream and taupe, so I wanted to go outside of my comfort zone and try something completely different. This was also a part of my broader design for the space to layer various textures, patterns, and coordinating hues to create a more dynamic space. It was okay for a while, but as I introduced more patterns and color through upholstered furniture, the more I craved a more toned-down window treatment. As the seasons changed, I also started to notice how much the darker tone absorbed light. The windows along the rear of the house are shaded, and the dark drapery wasn’t doing us any favors as far as lighting was concerned. The open space, which should have felt open and connected, began to feel too moody and enclosed. 

The Sweet Spot

Try something new, they say. Well, guess what? I did, and I ended up coming right back to my tried and true neutrals! For the final look, I decided on the Liz Linen collection by TWOPAGES, in the color Burlywood Birch. This fabric color gives contrast to our warm white walls while creating a calm, muted backdrop that allows for the colors and textures throughout the space to breathe. The natural tones complement our furnishings without competing with them for attention. Since we never close our curtains, I opted to keep the drapery unlined. This gives the drapery more movement and keeps the space feeling bright and airy. I don’t consider my style casual, so while I preferred the movement of the unlined drapery, I am also drawn to the structure and clean lines created by the tailored pleats. This combination of details adds polish to the drapery without feeling too stiff and stuffy.

Choosing the right window treatments is about how you want your home to feel. The right drapery can soften light, add height, and bring personality to even the most minimal spaces. Whether you love something tailored and structured or soft and flowing, thoughtful selections can completely transform how you experience your home every day.

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