Curtain Call

Reading about Michelle Adam's large, cold high-rise windows in the August issue of Lonny got me thinking about my own apartment. I live in a very similar space - 10ft windows that, I'm embarrassed to admit, have vertical blinds (gasp!). The first thing I asked before I signed the lease on my place was if I was allowed to take them down, the answer was no. I've done my best to avoid closing the blinds in my living room but even with them open, that big pile of plastic shoved in the corner drives me nuts! So I've been thinking about how to disguise this unfortunate feature in the most cost effective, renter friendly way. The large windows need to be softened up a bit so I plan to hang 2 fake curtain panels on either side of the room. Note the word fake, the panels will not open (I'd need 20+ yards of fabric to cover the entire wall) but will hide vertical blinds.

The curtains will act as the jewelry in my living room ensemble, they'll add a dose of gorgeous color, texture and dimension.  Renters take note, colored curtains look great against white walls! I'm having a moment with canary yellow but I also love the look of tailored linen with trim. Above are some of my favorite looks...let me know which one you like best!
 
(images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5)

Gorgeous Green Curtains

Why don't you...bring the outdoors in by flanking your windows with green curtains?
Make it bright emerald, or go with a deep, muted, mossy-green—either way, you’ll end up with a refreshing statement that reflects one of the world’s most abundant colors.  Designer Kay Douglass used green linen curtains in the absolutely sublime dining room pictured above.  The burst of green against the gun powder walls makes the room feel fresh and alive—it's green design in the most literal sense!  Below are some of my favorite rooms that use graceful green curtains...which shade do you prefer? 

Ruthie Sommers lined kelly-green silk panels with white ruffled trim for a feminine touch

Refreshing emerald-green Brunschwig & Fils silk curtains with greek key trim hang in this cozy dining room designed by Miles Redd. The Amber and gold finishes react really well with the green curtains.

The green curtains in Alexis and Trevor Traina's dining room, designed by Ann Getty, pop against the crisp white wall.

Claudia Wasserstein's very colorful New York penthouse featured in the September issue of Vogue

Lime green curtains in Fawn Galli's Brooklyn living room photographed by Francis Dzikowski

(Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)