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Tucked into the corner of a moody, layered bedroom by Heidi Caillier is a built-in you might not notice at first glance. But zoom in a little closer and you’ll spot the magic: softly gathered floral curtains, perfectly framed by the pale mauve cabinetry of a wardrobe. It’s a whisper of a design move, but, for me, it changes everything.
After spotting that image, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And once I’d seen it, I started seeing it everywhere. In a bathroom by Octavia Dickinson, the paneled base of the tub features peekaboo windows lined with gathered fabric—patterned, charming, and exactly what I’d want to look at while brushing my teeth. Salvesen Graham’s take is tucked into a sloped-ceiling nook, where gingham curtains fill blue-gray wardrobe doors and turn the built-ins into something closer to an upholstered wall. Then there’s the Lauren Weiss version: a pale blue scalloped cabinet cutout teasing cheerful block-printed fabric.
I’m not usually one to fall hard for a micro-trend, but this tiny design moment had the potential to solve a very real issue in my house—namely, my granny-core dining room built-in. It’s original to the home, which I love. It’s also filled with my actual grandmother’s Waterford crystal, which I love for its sentimental value, but don’t necessarily want on full display. A curtain behind the glass? The perfect solution.
So I bought the goods—small curtain rods, adhesive brackets, sewing tape, and a sweet set of cafe curtains I found online. They’re currently sitting in a neat little pile in my dining room, waiting for that elusive stretch of uninterrupted time (my toddler’s nap? a random Tuesday?) to make their debut.
And because I’m incapable of stopping at one good idea, I also picked out a pinstripe fabric for the hutch in our living room, where toys hide behind glass doors in chaotic little baskets. Think sharp LEGOs, runaway Barbie heels, puzzle pieces that haven’t seen their box in months. Even though I can’t see the mess inside, just glimpsing the baskets makes my right eye twitch. One day soon, that calm, striped curtain will be my visual sigh of relief.
It’s a small thing, but often that’s how the best design ideas start. And if you’re reading this while side-eyeing your own glass-front storage, take it from me: a little fabric might be just what you’re missing.