New and pretty ways to use and hang your curtains

I saw this picture the other day and it made me think that there are probably a lot of other cool uses for curtains and drapes other than just hanging them in your windows.  Have you ever used drapes in a non-traditional way?

We have a heat pump in our bedroom, and I was thinking a treatment like the one above might be a nice way to hide it without impairing it's ability to function

via Pinterest via DecorPad

No budget for that glamorous 4 poster or canopy bed?  Try installing drapery rods on the ceiling above your bed.

via Indulgy

Curtain rod above the door.  Never would have thought of that!

via Pinterest

via pinterest

This is a great idea for corner windows. Instead of pulling them away from each other, tucking them together in the corner.

via bhg

The two curtains really help make the alcove feel like it's own separate room

via Pinerest via BHG

How to welcome Spring into your home a little early this year!

Spring cannot get here soon enough!  Yesterday here in Maryland was a tease, with sunny skies and almost 50 degrees.  Today?  In the 30’s with wet, sloppy snow.  All the weather flip-flopping is not good for one’s mood or health!

So, I ‘ve decided to come up with a game plan to bring Spring to me, in my own home.  Next week I am going to start implementing touches of warmth, sunshine, and new growth through small changes in décor.  And, if you have the budget – you can go big – through furnishings, etc.

In my own personal experience, the change that makes a biggest impact on my space are the window treatments.  This may simply be because I tend to look toward light sources, which are often windows.  You may be more drawn to looking at the floor, foreground, or anything with in your eye level.  Next time you walk into a room, notice where your eyes go first.  Once you pinpoint that point of focus, start by making updates in that area for the most bang for your buck.  Then, if you want, spread out!

Simply swapping out heavy dark drapes, which may be appropriate for winter, with airy, white window treatments will lighten up the entire room and allow more light to enter the room.

Window treatments need not cost a leg and an arm,  treatments like roller blinds are not only affordable but are also being offered in chic and modern designs by manufacturers like Web-Blinds.

If your focus tends to be on the floor, than consider adding a colorful rug, or a rug in a lighter weave, or one with a beautiful pattern.

Get in on the chevron insurgence, but keep it unique with this pear-hued rug.

So many beautiful rugs - so little time!

If new window treatments or a carpet is not in the budget right now.  You'd be surprised at the amount of life that a grouping of new throw pillows can breathe into a room!

All these pretty rugs and pillows are available at Joss & Main (You have to create a login to shop, but it's free and fast) .

Do you have any plans to lighten and brighten your space before Spring or when Spring arrives?

This post in partnership with Web-Blinds.com

Wonderful Friday - Weekend Inspiration

Read that book

Enjoy the light

take in the view

enjoy every minute of the longest days

Enjoy the weekend!


1. High Gloss, 2. Lonny, 3. Sweet Home Style, 4. Smitten, 5. Architectural Digest

A surprisingly chic and modern way to dress your windows

When I think roller blinds, the words chic and modern don't usually pop into my head. I have been searching fruitlessly though for an affordable roman shade for our bedroom window, but finding something simple, crisp, and tailored, within our budget - seems to be impossible. Now, after, seeing these blinds - I'm considering a roller blind. My mom has some in her bathroom, which she really likes. Does anyone have experience with them?

Deciding which window treatments to feature in the home is far from an easy task. Essentially, this choice can determine the overall ambiance of a room. One way to incorporate a great deal of personality and character into the home is to opt for patterned roller blinds.   Typical designs tend to be centered around flowers and patterns, however the variety is huge.

I absolutely love this artistic flower pattern...

Patterns range from traditional damasks to more modern approaches - dots, painterly effects, and stripes.   It also seems that no matter what your color scheme, it's likely you'll find something to complement your palette.

They even make them in eco-friendly and kid-safe versions too.

If you still can't find something you like, it is possible to design your own. DIY kits for roller blinds can be purchased from most hardware and craft stores.

*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Roller Blinds Direct

Preparing you home for winter: touches of coziness and luxury

I want to wish everyone here in the states a happy Thanksgiving - cherish time spent with family, friends, and loved-ones.
- xoxo, Ashley

With the weather turning for the worse and the temperatures plummeting, we all seek little comforts to keep us going. Whether it’s indulging in some spontaneous shopping or giving in to that chocolate craving, there’s still nothing better than coming home to a warm and cosy home. So, here are some design tips on how to make the cosiest living room.

via Scandinavian Chic

Now that the days are shorter, it's usually dark by the time most of us get home from work. Set one of the lights near your entry or foyer on an automatic timer to turn on a few minutes before you usually get home. Having a light on when you enter will add a welcoming, comforting feeling.

The lighting can make or break the cosiness. Keep the lighting soft by using a collection of small table lights, and floor lamps. Also, track lighting can not only highlight your favourite features but add to the mood, which you can control best with dimmer switches. A main factor of the room’s atmosphere is its colour scheme. Focus on warm colours. You can have a combination of soft and warm colours, or liven it up with a deep red or bright yellow.

Lamplight is far cozier than overhead lights

via Alice in Designland

via TradHome

via Apartment Therapy

A reading nook with throws and pillows is a perfect way to spend a comfy day inside and out of the cold
Home Sweet Home

via House to Home

Accessories play an equally important role for setting the cosy scene, so get lots of them and make sure they’re soft and touchable pieces. You can use stylish accent pillows to pile up, and drape throw blankets over the sofa and furniture. Keep these in tone with your chosen warm colours, and be sure that you really love their style and texture. Then you won’t be able to resist their comfort.

via Elle Decor?

I'd cozy up with this little guy any day.
via Pottery Barn

More and highly recommended accessories are accent pieces, like candles, mirrors, and wall art. The wall art can underline and combine the overall theme of the living room, while candles lit in front of mirrors provide a soft yet dramatic glow to the room. However, for this to work when you need the comfort, which could be any time of the day, you’ll want to stop natural light or the glare from street lamps from spoiling it all. The best window coverings for the job are Venetian blinds, since they are available in many different colours, styles, designs and materials, and can be matched with the existing decor. And when you’re ready to let the world back in, you just adjust your Venetian blind.

These are just some design tips to get you in the mood of the cosy living room experience. Aromatherapy products, relaxing music, and area rugs are some more of the endless options for the cosy design. The main point is to make sure you love the design and are comfortable with the colours and features chosen. Enjoy designing and Happy Winter.

disclosure: this post is sponsored by Hillarys.co.uk

Help! I need to pick out a color for curtains in my new living room!

So, I moved into my apartment about a month ago - and there is still SO MUCH work to do. Coming up on the list is to make new curtain panels for the patio doors in my living room. My inclination is to go with white and airy - because that is probably my favorite look. However, I also feel like maybe I should explore some other possibilities.

Since I know many of you are super creative and have a great eye - I'm hoping I'll get some fab. suggestions! Also, I'm not adverse to pattern if you have any ideas pattern-wise!

Can't wait to hear what you guys come up with!

Photoshopped "white" curtains...

the two above are taken at night with lamps on.

White in daylight

I've also been liking very light limes and yellows lately...

A light lemony-lime?

daylight lemony-lime


This one below is sort of "meh.." I tend to shy away from darks...but I thought I'd just throw this out there for the heck of it.

Gorgeous curtains and a very generous discount for you!

I don't know much about window treatments - but I have witnessed how they can completely make a room - adding that finishing touch to what was otherwise a room "missing" something. I was lucky enough to get to try out a gorgeous set of curtains by DKNY Home, courtesy of the awesome folks at Curtainworks. The images depicting the curtains were spot on to how the curtains look in person. I love the effect of all the flowers falling to the bottom of the panel.

Now you can get any curtains of your choosing from Curtainworks with this 25% off coupon code - CWB5. If you need a better reason then just a seasonal makeover, hanging heavier drapes during the winter can help keep the cold out and save money on your heating bills! The coupon code expires on 1/31/2011.

These are the curtains I chose. I normally don't lean toward red, but thought I'd take a chance.

This room is just a temporary home until I move in February.



A close up of the embroidered flowers above the printed flowers.

I also have a DKNYHOME.com 25% off coupon code for you, DKHB3, expires 1/31/2011


Enjoy!

disclosure: These curtains were received as a sample