Trending ideas for curtains and blinds in 2020

Draw the curtains in style with the latest design trends for fabric window dressings.

When it comes to choosing fabric window dressings for your room, there’s a lot to think about. Not only do you need to make a choice on the fabric, colour and pattern, but also the style and what it has to offer functionality-wise, as well as how it will be installed in your space.  Each has its benefits, and some potential drawbacks, but you can be certain some styles are more en vogue right now than others. So, we’ve picked some of the most on-trend ideas for fabric curtains and blinds for every room in your house to inspire your choices.

Double up

Getting the balance right between privacy and allowing natural light into your home is one important thing to think about when choosing soft-furnished window dressings. A blackout curtain is important in a bedroom, for example, to ensure you can sleep through light summer mornings, however, every time you close the curtains, you don’t want to be plunged into pitch darkness.

Layering a blackout textile and an opaque textile has become the go-to solution – whether it’s a curtain and a voile or clever double layer blinds.

Hidden tracks

For a less cluttered look, more and more of us are opting for discreet, tracked curtains. Not only do these offer a sleeker option to a traditional curtain pole, it means that curtains can be hung directly from the ceiling, helping to make rooms feel taller and adding a dramatic statement.

Tab top curtains

As we try to transform our homes into peaceful, relaxing spaces, we’re moving away from fussier styles such as pencil and pinch pleat curtains. Look for styles with soft, natural undulations for a more casual feel.

To stick with the softer feel you’re looking to create, choose curtains with tab tops, which means there’s no curtain rings or other hardware involved, while still giving you lots of control over how the curtains sit on the pole.

Abstract geometrics

Geometric patterns are a popular choice for curtains and blinds, especially in homes with a contemporary style. For an up-to-date take on the trend, look for fabrics with more unusual shapes, colours and patterns than standard triangles or hexagons, for example. These will help ensure the space feels sophisticated and stylish for 2020.

Plant-inspired patterns

‘Biophilic design’ is a buzzword for 2020 – it basically means creating a home that’s more connected with nature. As well as filling our homes with plants, nature-inspired prints are a big trend, especially where they can help link the interior of your home with the outside – windows therefore make the perfect spot for a plant print pattern!

Scaled up prints

In the same way that wall murals have become a big wallpaper trend (literally), look out for oversized fabric prints for curtains too. We love the idea of using a border print on curtains or a blind for a more interesting way to bring pattern to your home, such as this cactus patterned voile.

Inspired by any of these curtain and blind trends?

Contact Sue Hamilton on 082 950 3142 or sue@cainteriors.co.za

Ways to make your home look eligant on a budget

Having a high-end looking home can be difficult, especially if you have a tight decorating budget. Fortunately, there are ways – even on a budget – that you can get the high-end look you dream of.Interior designers have shared a few secrets over the years that have given homeowners some insight on how they can make their home look elegant without breaking the bank. From adding pillows and a fresh coat of paint to window treatments and hardwood floors, these are simple solutions you need to know about.

Here, you will discover some of the simplest and least expensive ways to make your home look elegant. Take the time to keep reading – you just might be surprised at these simple tricks to fooling your guests into thinking you live a high-end life.

Crown Molding – Details Matter

It’s all in the details. When it comes to decorating your home to look high-end and custom-made, details are key.  In this instance, the detail is crown molding.

Crown molding has a way of making a room look complete or finished; it brings the ceiling and the walls together, giving them an elegant appearance. Without this finishing touch, rooms tend to look cheap or unfinished.

Fortunately, crown molding is relatively inexpensive (especially the plastic, paintable versions), making it affordable on almost any budget. There are many widths to choose from, but if you want a greater impact, chose the widest trim that your budget will allow.  For the ultimate in glamour, try adding all types on molding to your home, i.e. crown, high baseboard, ceiling beams, columns, ceiling medallions, chair rails etc…

Paint – Color Matters

Paint color is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions to make when decorating a room, especially when the remaining décor will be based off the color palette. However, if elegance is what you are after, there are certain colors that add instant glamour to your home.

Choose one of these two color options—bold and dramatic OR soft, understated hues. These hues allow you to add instant elegance to your home. It simply depends on your color personality in terms of which option you choose.

Painting interior doors black is another great idea. It automatically creates an expensive feeling, without causing much damage to your wallet. If you choose this option, however, be sure to add some black accessories to the space to tie the overall design together.

Pillows – Comfort & Elegance

Pillows throughout your home serve two purposes. One, if they are chosen correctly, they can really punch-up the elegance factor. Two, they provide your guests with a little extra comfort on the couch, and offer a cozy, layered feeling to your rooms.

The comfort aspect speaks for itself, that is, if you choose pillows that are large enough to rest on, and soft. Speaking of size, you want to avoid the standard 12 to 18 inches for a throw pillow. Instead, choose something larger, such as a 22-inch pillow cover stuffed with 24-inch inserts.

Large, overstuffed pillows create a very plush, elegant appearance—and don’t skimp on the pillow inserts, down-filled is the only way to go.

Window Treatments – A Must-Have Accessory

It’s simple—a home without window treatmentswill look unfinished and cheap. Fortunately, window treatments are one of the most budget-friendly ways to add some elegance to your home, as well as much-needed privacy.

When selecting window treatments you want to make smart choices. For instance, choosing unlined flimsy materials look terribly cheap, even if they are the least expensive option. It is recommended that you avoid see-through materials. This does not mean that you can’t buy off-the-rack curtains. A lot of chain stores offer lined draperies that appear elegant and expensive —even though the price is right.When it comes to window treatments stick with elegant materials such as natural silk, linen and cotton (polyester or man-made fabrics usually look cheap). If draperies are not for you, then try woven bamboo shades or wood blinds. Just be sure to dress your windows—they ensure your home looks elegant and well-designed.

Interior trends forecast for 2020

In each season we look to give the decoration of our home certain details that will transform it, as well as the seasons, so decorators and designers around the world, show us the trends in decoration that they are imposing in order to beautify our living spaces.

And as it is now close to the end of 2019, now we can already know what are the new trends in decoration for 2020. Ready to meet them?

1. Division of environments with natural materials

Unlike in previous years in which open spaces with communicated environments were sought, in 2020 we will see designs that opt otherwise. The tendency will be to look for divisions that grant greater privacy and intimacy to each environment, so that they are more welcoming.

2. More intimate and welcoming environments

Although we can not deny that open spaces give the feeling of having a larger house, we must also recognize that there are times when that open communication can diminish comfort, such as having kitchen smells in the room or having a lot of noise when you need more peace of mind.

3. Gray

The gray color is still a trend because being a neutral color covers a wide range of combinations and styles that in the next year will be bolder when combined with vibrant colors. It can be applied to paint interior walls and furniture decoration. Also in carpets and textiles.

4. Pink

The pink color has already been present for several seasons in interior decoration and we will continue to see it next year.

5. How to decorate the walls of the house in 2020

Regarding trends to paint or decorate the walls or interior walls of your home in 2020 are the following:

The wallpaper is one of the pawns to decorate the walls of the home and in 2020 will be designs of artistic touch, simulating a canvas with a beautiful work of art.

Curtains or blinds?

Aside from personal taste, it can be hard to determine if curtains, blinds or both are the way to go, and what has the scope to really boost the individual areas of your home. We take a step into each room to give you an idea on what works and what doesn’t.

LOUNGE & LIVING AREA

Curtains have always tended to be the more relaxed and “homey” option, making a space very decorative with a vast range of options to reflect any style and preference. With the increasing flexibility of blinds however, they are now both considered fantastic choices that are versatile with look, function, and control over light, privacy and energy saving properties.

KITCHEN

Choosing a window dressing that not only looks great, but stands up the arduous demands of the kitchen is essential. Blinds are a better option for this space as they are easier to clean if they get splashed from cooking, can be pulled out of harms way and are easy to use. Venetian blinds are the most popular for the kitchen with their versatility and maintenance free options.

BEDROOM

Curtains are best suited for lounge and bedrooms but nowadays, the use of blinds is becoming just as popular.

For bedrooms that are smaller, you can add depth and height by mounting timber or Roman Blinds a few inches below the ceiling to “cheat” a window up. This creates the effect that the ceiling is taller, the room feels brighter and windows look huge so when in doubt, go wide and high. This is also a perfect option for living areas and lounge rooms that also need the illusion that the space is actually bigger than what it is.

BATHROOM

Like the kitchen, curtains are very rarely used in this space but for those that want the best of both worlds without the expense of paying for both curtains and blinds, roman blinds make for a great alternative. Look wise, they give you the luxurious drapes renowned to curtains, combined with the mechanisms of blinds. For a space where the fabric of curtains doesn’t work but you want its style, roman blinds give no limitations with their finishes available in both classic timber planks and a selection of fabrics.

10 of the best decorating tips of all time

Some things, simply put, are never finished. In the hopes of helping you decorate savvily for all the rest of your live long days, we went ahead and rounded up the greatest design tips and tricks in our arsenal.

1. Mount curtains high above your windows
The closer to the ceiling, the grander the room will feel.

2. Hang art pieces right at eye level
Aka 57 inches off the ground.

3. Station pretty baskets around the house
Three cheers for strategically placed clutter catchalls.

4. Style decorative objects in odd numbered groupings. 
Use the “rule of three,” people.

5. Layer your light sources
Task, ambient and accent: Layers = warmth.

6. Always, always make your bed
Nothing says “I don’t care about my home” quite like a duvet cover crumpled on the floor.

7. Use rugs to separate zones
Voilà: Insta-dining room in your open-concept kitchen.

8. Think of produce as decor
Fruits and veggies in a bowl make a gorgeous centerpiece in a pinch.

9. Make big statements in tiny rooms
Powder/laundry rooms + brazen wallpapers are always a good idea.

10. Fresh flowers, always
And fresh water too (no murky green business, thanks).