I had always thought hanging curtain panels would be a daunting task, that is, until I actually took the time do so and figured out they were much easier than I ever imagined. Not only do they transform a room instantly, but they're a rather inexpensive way to spruce up the designated area without going over your budget. Here is a quick guide on how to choose your look, measure for the amount of curtains needed, and hanging your curtain panels.
Step 1.
Choose your style. Narrow down your search by deciding upon the color, pattern, and fabric before heading to the store to avoid being overwhelmed with the infinite amount of choices. For modern spaces you may want to choose bolder colors or patterns, while traditional spaces may call for subdue hues and fabrics like burlap or satin.
Step 2.
Determine the function of your curtains. Will your curtains be for decorative purposes only, or will they be functional curtains in order to keep things like sun light out and enforce privacy? Knowing the function of your curtains will help you determine the amount of panels you will need in the following steps.
Step 3.
Measure window and determine width of rod. Now that you've decided on style and function, the next step is to measure your window in order to calculate the amount of panels you'll need. Measure the width of your window and add 2 to 4 inches to each side to determine the length of your rod.
Step 4.
Calculating the amount of panels needed (width). For functional curtains, calculate 2 to 3 times the width of your window and use that number to determine the amount of panels needed. For decorative curtains, determine amount of panels based on desired fullness.
Step 5.
Calculating the length of each panel (height). Depending on your liking, place the rod anywhere from 2 to 4 inches above your window frame and measure the length from rod to floor. The higher the rod is placed, the more height will be added to your room. Standard curtains fall roughly
1/2 to 1 inch off the ground for dust purposes. Anything shorter will have look out of sorts (think high-water jeans). For a dramatic look, you can allow the curtains to "pool" by adding 6" to 10" to the length.
Quick tips:
-Rods should extend outward 2 to 4 inches on each side of the window and upward 2 to 4 (or as high 8"+) above the top of window frame
-Measure the width of the window and calculate it by 1 to 3 times to determine amount of panels needed, depending on function and desired fullness
- Standard panel curtain length stops roughly an inch above the ground; pooled curtains extend 6" to 10"
1. Alita Mirror 2. Turning Pendant by West Elm 3. Tree Ring holder by CB2 4. Asanto Natural pillow by Crate & Barrel 5. parchment prints 6. Reed Zinc Chair by CB2
1. Quirky accents: C.Wonder horse & buggy plate 2. Classic elements: Arteriors bar cart 3. Blending contemporary + natural elements: Crate & Barrel tatum table lamp 4. Bold and abstract prints: Ocean Ikat IV by Chariklia Zarris 5. Patterned pieces: West Elm dhurrie ottoman 6. Over-sized accessories: Crate & Barrel starburst mirror
While I love the simple jute rug in my living room for many reasons (the main being how sturdy it has held up), I do have grandiose dreams of replacing it with one that makes more of a statement like these chevron, lattice, and stripe patterned rugs. Here are a few photos of patterned rugs I'm tucking away in my inspiration folders:
1. Domino 2. Shabby Chic Interiors by Rachel Ashwell 3. BAZAAR Style 4. In VOGUE 5. Influence by Mary Kate Olsen 6. Interior Portraits by Victoria Hagan
1. IKEA maskros pendant 2. Williams-Sonoma floral block pillow 3. Pottery Barn lattice chair 4. West Elm mirror side table
I didn't become a fan of flea markets until after I moved to Los Angeles. Between the Melrose Trading Post, Rose Bowl Flea Market, and a few others held around the city, it's hard not to see the charm and opportunity flea markets present. While browsing the outdoor aisles, I can't help but notice that everything for sale seems to be only a short DIY step away from becoming a better version of what it once was, which in turns fills my mind with this grandiose vision of me spending afternoons refurbishing said items and putting them somewhere in my home with the satisfaction of knowing I saved money and recycled. But alas, my dream stops there, as more times than not I walk away empty handed for fear of ending up with a house filled with odds + ends that don't make any sense. However, after seeing this home, which is mostly filled with flea market finds, I'm certain I need to step up my game and make a purchase (or two) the next time I'm there.
1. Pottery Barn classic stripe duvet 2. Coyuchi striped wool blanket 3. Coyuchi willow weave blanket 4. West Elm stripe sheet set 5. West Elm monogrammed stripe duvet 6. GAIAM cable knit throw 7. Coyuchi two tone stripe duvet 8. West Elm printed sheet sets
One piece of furniture that seems to get a lot of DIY publicity, if you will, is that of the headboard. From home makeover shows to decor magazines and design blogs, creating a unique headboard seems to be all the craze. Whether it's made from leftover wood scraps, recycled doors, or even an array of letter decor pieces, DIY headboards are simple to make and, depending on your desired overall look, can literally costs cents from start to finish. Here are some of my favorite DIY headboard ideas:
1. ALDO flats 2. lampshade 3. scarf 4. Minted business cards 5. Target blue & white bowl 6. Pottery Barn pillow 7. MZ Wallace makeup pouch via stylecaster 8. tray 9. West Elm sofa 
Quick tips:
[Numbered Glass Votives, Reindeer Clips, Cookie Cutter Set, Tea Light Snowflake]
