The Case for Drapes
I’ve always believed that the most beautiful spaces are the ones that actually support the way you live. Functional design isn’t about rules or perfection, it’s about ease. It's the feeling you get when your space quietly works in the background of your life.
My own home is still very much in progress. We have been renovating it for about six months and while I wish we could say we’re almost there, realistically I think we have at least another six months of measuring and re-measuring, putting up more paint samples and waiting until the right pieces go on sale. Because as much as I’ve fantasized about snapping my fingers and having the entire house done (Chip and Joanna have really done a number on my expectations), the reality of budgeting and 24-hour days keeps me humble.
So for now, we’re focusing on the spaces we use the most: our bedroom and our office. These are the rooms that hold the rhythm of our daily life - morning routines, work days, late-night reading, and the occasional much-needed nap. Prioritizing these rooms isn’t just a strategy; it’s a way of making the process feel livable, even when the rest of the house is in flux.
One small shift I can promise will make a surprisingly big difference? Drapery. I know - window treatments aren’t usually the first thing that come to mind when thinking of functional upgrades, but they completely changed how our space feels. Not only do they add a layer of privacy but they bring in so much warmth and softness. Even before a room is fully furnished, drapes make it feel finished.
While custom window treatments will forever live rent-free in my dreams, we’re taking a more practical approach and buying one set at a time and focusing on the rooms where it matters most (hello neighbors directly across from our bedroom window). It’s a small investment with a big return, and like so much of design, it’s about finding beauty in the slow build.
Designing a functional home doesn’t mean giving up on elegance - it just means being thoughtful. When you create a space that works for you, rather than just impresses others, you end up with something far more lasting: a home that feels good to live in.