A fabric with a pretty pattern is a great way to dress up a window with an uninspiring view. Use plain fabric for two-thirds of the length, with the panelled pattern on the lower third.

Create visual separation between the two with a ribbon braid, finishing off with a trim below. An eyelet heading on a pole means the fabric won't fold up, so the pattern can be seen clearly.

Keep the curtains to sill height so they hang properly, draw easily and don't block heat from the radiator.

Stylist's tips

Choose a plain fabric in a paler contrasting colour and trim the join to make the print stand out.

A length of pretty beaded trim in a complementary colour makes a pair of sill-length curtains feel more glamorous.



A wide Tempo heading pleat makes curtains fall in soft, regular waves, so they will always look just right.

Team it with a sleek, modern suspension rail that the curtains glide below – that way nothing will distract the eye from the even perfection of the waves.

Let the curtains sit flush with the floor so they'll look neat open or closed.

Stylist's tips

A cut-velvet pattern adds a luxurious edge to this otherwise pared-down window treatment.

Tempo heading tape creates perfectly even waves, uninterrupted by gathering fabric or curtain rings.



A curtain with a leading edge is a real show stopper. A contrasting fabric from the back of the curtain is continued to the front, and simple holdbacks allow even more of it to be on show when the curtains are open.

Use a simple pencil pleat and an unfussy pole to keep all the attention on the curtains themselves.

You can enhance the effect of this stunning treatment by choosing a pole that's slightly wider than the window, which tricks the eye into thinking that the window is bigger than it really is and allows you to hold the curtains back without blocking light.

Stylist's tips

A satin-finish fabric for the leading edge gives it even more attention-grabbing shimmer.

If you're using a busy print on the curtains, stick to a pole and holdbacks that are as simple and streamlined as possible.



For a contemporary take on a traditional curtain finish, use a small pelmet that picks up one of the colours in the curtains.

It gives a sophisticated finish to a bay window and means you can use plain curtain track around the bay as it will be concealed by the pelmet.

Team it with a curtain in a pinch pleat heading that creates regular gathers for an equally understated effect. A pair of holdbacks that match the pelmet is all that's needed when you want to draw the curtains back and let in maximum light.

Stylist's tips

For a hotel-chic window treatment like this, choose striped satin for a tailored look and give the pelmet a touch of decorative detail with a fringe trim.

Use plain track in a bay so the curtains will run smoothly, but hide it away behind a stylish modern pelmet.



A clever double pole design means you can hang both a sheer and a curtain around the bay window, but draw them independently.

Brackets normally get in the way of curtain rings being pulled around a bay, but this design uses passing rings that allow the curtains to be drawn all the way round.

A standard heading tape left ungathered on both curtains creates a soft, informal effect. Keep the sheers sill-length for a neat finish and go for floor-length curtains to create real impact in a bay.

Stylist's tips

Team a bold, modern, floral curtain fabric with a floral patterned voile for a modern take on a curtain and sheer.

A double bay pole with passing rings is the neatest option if you want a curtain plus sheer.




A pair of curtains hung centrally, plus a curtain to each side of the bay, makes an opulent alternative to a single pair of curtains.

A flat-faced pole in a wood-effect and metal finish is a feature in itself – use a suspension-rail system so that the fabric gathers neatly below the pole and doesn't hide it.

Position a holdback for each curtain two-thirds of the way up the window, so the curtains can be draped across the top part of the window when drawn open.

Allow plenty of length on the curtains so they pool on the floor to complete the lavish look.

Stylist's tips

Repeating the colour of the curtain pole in the fabric's trim pulls the whole look together.

Hang curtains from a suspension-rail system if you want to show off a stylish bay pole as well as the curtains.




Roll-up blinds are a fuss-free way to dress a bay. Go for a bold pattern that can be seen in all its detail and choose a complementary plain fabric for the back of the blinds so your window looks good from outside, too.

Combine with an attractive pole around the bay and narrow dress curtains at either side. These provide a soft framing effect for the window, but can't be drawn closed.

Snap-together rivets attach the curtain fabric to the pole for a neat, modern finish that doesn't require heading tape.

Stylist's tips

Choose the same fabric for the dress curtains and the back of the blinds, as this will be on show when you roll them up during the day.

The busy city slicker on the go will love the no-fuss features of modern kitchens. Known for their sleek lines and metallic finishes, modern kitchens are designed to be clean, simple and functional, yet still highly stylish.

The Italian bedroom design is usually very warm, romantic and sophisticated. To create this special atmosphere, choose an antique head board made of oak or mahogany for your bed. You can also hang around your windows rich tapestry drapes and expose silver candle sticks or a copper pot full of perfumed rosemary on the bedside tables.

In Design Star 3, for their second challenge, the eight remaining designers tackled four identical living rooms in a historic Nashville mansion. With 26 hours and a $5,000 budget, they had to make their space stand out.

By limiting the color palette to grays, blacks and whites with a powerful hint of red, Matt and Michael demonstrate that making fewer and bigger statements is a smart way to dramatically transform a space in a limited amount of time.


The white mantel creates a severe contrast to the black walls, making the beautiful, pre-existing architectural details of the room very prominent.




An unexpected color pairing with the traditional furniture chosen or mixing in less traditional furniture with this classic paint color would have given the room much-needed visual interest.


By minimizing contrast, between their wall and trim paint colors and keeping their furnishings light and airy, Mikey V. and Stephanie put a modern spin on a very staid and classic space.




Tracee and Jennifer attempt to include a variety of furnishings in their space, but come up short because they can not find a way to pull all of the elements together with a central color, fabric, wood tone or idea.

See how open shelves add storage and style to your kitchen.

 Eschewing upper cabinets for shelves or simply leaving walls bare is a farmhouse tradition. Handmade stoneware displayed on the shelves coordinates with the colorful checkerboard-tile backsplash, and baskets add a layer of texture.


Sleek metal shelves match the contemporary design of this kitchen, which also boasts a stainless-steel apron-front sink and stainless-steel appliances.


Walnut shelves stacked with sculptural supplies stretch to the ceiling in this kitchen. The dramatic effect is achieved by stacking objects so they occupy the space instead of simply filling it. A tall bookcase with adjustable shelves can serve this pantry function in any kitchen. Be sure the shelves and shelf supports are sturdy enough to bear the weight of dishes and food supplies.


Take advantage of a small nook by adding a few shelves. The extra storage space will be more useful and will look more finished than an empty wall.


This shelving unit, a modern take on a plate rack, plays off the grid design of the cabinets and windows. With a unit like this, it's best to display a set of dishes, cups, and saucers that share a common design idea or pattern. A random collection of cups and mugs would create a less refined effect.


This open corner unit is deep enough to hold a small microwave and roomy enough to handle a cookbook collection. Custom-built to fill the corner adjacent to a window seat, the shelving keeps supplies within view and gives the kitchen a custom look.

Country Bedroom Style: A Cozy and Welcoming Trend Country bedroom style has a timeless appeal that can be adapted to almost any home.

Here a few points about country bedroom style are given: 

Country style bedroom has become one of the popular styles of the today market due to its casual and modest appeal.
The country bedroom furniture style offers a blend of rustic and romantic flavor with graceful curves.
The furniture used for country style gives you an everlasting pleasure including detailing, molding, and the artful use of woods in each frame, nightstand, armoire and dresser.
For a breathtaking look, you can use plain sheer curtains or print or checked drapes.
If you really want to compliment your country style, then try pieces with pine stain or a painted finish.
Plain overhead lighting with bedside table lamps looks interesting in country style bedroom.
You can try paint with wallpaper borders on the walls for a unique country style.

 If you are a fan of country cottages, you are going to love this. Drool at these carefully crafted country inspired bedrooms with rustic flowing details and old cottage charm.