cafe curtains update – in the mind of a designer trying to make a decision

Home Decor

Cafe Curtains Update – In The Mind Of A Designer Trying To Make A Decision

Drescription

Over a year ago I threatened to put up cafe curtains in the kitchen. We have a lot of glass windows and in “the great long dark” (i.e. November to March) it just looks like black reflection and doesn’t feel very cozy. But then other priorities got in the way, spring came and I forgot again until this November. So January seemed like the perfect time to tackle it and this time I’d DIY it to save some dough (felt simple enough).

This is how our kitchen looks on days when it’s clean, without a lot of styling, so you can get a sense of how it feels. It’s always bright and sunny and during the day you don’t really think about cafe curtains until about 4:30 and then you want them badly. Also, ignore our dirty windows – we didn’t hire someone this winter, but will in the spring – they are FILTHY.

As a reminder, this is the rest of the living room (with some slight changes).

The Block Print

This is how it went down – I chose this block print linen, in a bright white with a green and gray pattern on it. I really liked how it looked and spent hours and hours making the panels. I have a tutorial coming soon (they are no-sew). They look pretty great in this shot.

But here’s the deal, when I started putting them up that night, they looked so bright and high contrast and just BUSY. Now this could be because the kitchen was also messy post-dinner, but I did NOT like the vibe (and Brian and the kids agreed). Just too much.

Nothing is wrong with these and again in the bright sun I think they are so happy! But it’s like all I could see after the sun went down, against the darkness outside. Sure, if it were a softer cream that might have helped, but during the day the bright white works so well with the bright kitchen.

So 7 panels in, I had an epiphany and decided to move the Boro fabric (the vintage indigo plaid) from the other windows in the living room and hang them here instead.

I LOVED THEM. Now the issue with these is that there is no way to get 10 panels that match so I had to make sure that the tones worked well together and that they were balanced. Additionally, the panels that we had weren’t exactly the right size so I turned them horizontally and they were a bit short (while others are a bit long TBH), but I think I can still make them work.

Pulled back I like them so much more in person (and in the photos, TBH but I’m not sure that opinion will reign supreme). In context to the whole room, shared with the living room, it looks so good. It pulls you over there, but it’s not busy (just blends in with the blue during the day and the “black” of the windows at night).

And when they are closed you see the pretty patchwork quilting of the Boro fabric, which I know is not everyone’s cup of tea (one commenter told me to stop “trying to make my ripped rags work” which honestly made me LOL that someone would DM me such a thing – hurt people hurt people!).

We used the Rejuvenation unlacquered brass tension rods so that we didn’t have to drill into the tile, and then they sell these pinch clip rings that were tricky to figure out, but once we did were so easy and I love how simple they look. Now don’t look too closely or you’ll see that some of the rods are at different heights and that’s because some of the Boro was just shorter than others, but it’s really hard to detect. Since I generally live in the “interesting is better than perfect” philosophy I don’t care. I’m into this. And before you say that you aren’t sure about this I’d love to style out the kitchen and shoot it with the context of the living room (soon!)

We did take one shot with more context and me in it :) I actually love the solid neutral curtains in the living room being simpler now, and it’s inspired me to finally paint the fireplace. The blue cafe curtains just draw you over to the kitchen in such a “me” way and create so much coziness. And you’ll have to trust me that the white was actually busier than the darker blue, which seems nuts! Stay tuned for more photos in the spring of our updated living room (with some surprise products in it :))

Your Suitcase Is Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat—Here's What to Do About It

While you may already know that putting your suitcase on your hotel bed is a no-no due to the potential to pick up bedbugs, there's another good reason to reconsider where you put your luggage. According to some recent research by Insure and Go, your suitcase may have picked up lots of other unwelcome travelers along the way, including dangerous bacteria and black mold. (Ew!) And that's definitely a problem for a lot of us, as 38% of people regularly put their suitcase on a bed or table to pack or unpack. What's Lurking on Your Suitcase? For the study, 10 hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases were swabbed at a London airport train station, using different swabs on different points of the suitcase. Their findings? The suitcase wheels contained nearly 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat, including E. coli and staphylococcus bacteria and black mold. "The testing confirmed that suitcase wheels are by far the dirtiest part of a traveler’s bag," says microbiologist Amy-May Pointer, who conducted the study. "The wheels of your suitcase are essentially rolling through a world of germs and carrying a whole ecosystem with them, and make constant contact with all kinds of surfaces—pavements, streets, airport bathroom floors, train station platforms, and rarely (if ever) get cleaned.” Also among the germiest spots? The base of your suitcase—which also carries significantly more bacteria than a public toilet seat—and the handles of airport luggage carts, which are rarely cleaned and touched by many people. In the study, soft-sided suitcases were more likely than hard-shelled suitcases to carry bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. This probably should come as no surprise—after all, when's the last time you wiped down your suitcase? Roller bags roll all over the ground, from your house through the streets and even the airport bathroom—and then they're jammed in next to other people's suitcases, too, whether they're in the overhead compartment or the checked luggage. How to Reduce the Germiness of Your Suitcases To help minimize the ick on your suitcases, Pointer recommends a few strategies you can use: Watch where you roll your bag You may want to lift your suitcase when you're in especially germy or wet locations—and Pointer recommends avoiding bringing them into airport bathrooms altogether to minimize E. coli and other common bathroom bacteria. Give your suitcase a proper clean When you've arrived at your destination—or at home—give your suitcase exterior a quick wipe-down with antibacterial wipes, a soapy cloth, or even a disinfectant spray, focusing your efforts on your wheels and the bottom of your suitcase. A regular deep clean of your suitcase will help you reduce the amount of dangerous microbes they carry. Use the luggage rack The hotel luggage rack is the perfect spot to keep your luggage and avoid contaminating other surfaces (especially your bed or table!). Wash your hands after you handle your suitcase Give your hands a good scrub down with soap and water—or even hand sanitizer—after you handle it to avoid spreading that bacteria elsewhere. (You don't want to add a little E. coli to your airport snack!) That'll help you avoid getting sick, which can be a real bummer when you're on vacation!

30 CUTE Pull-On Shorts For Our Most Comfortable Spring/Summer Yet

The time of year is upon us when we tend to start thinking about shorts. We get to free our bottom limbs and run free! But we must not forget that traditional jean shorts are not the only option. Actually, let’s just get rid of zippers and buttons entirely! That’s right folks, I’m talking about cute, fashionable, comfortable pull-on shorts. In the words of Kim Cattrall, “I don’t want to be in a situation for even an hour where I’m not enjoying myself”. While she wasn’t necessarily talking about zippered/buttoned shorts, it could easily be included in the meaning. Pull-on shorts are inherently the most comfortable and least restricting type of shorts. The team has been singing their praises for years. But for some reason, we’ve only ever done posts dedicated to the more athletic versions. Well, that stops today because we are on the hunt and thought you might be too. Let’s start. These were the shorts that inspired this post. Marlee was the one to actually suggest this post idea because she had just started her pull-on short search. Naturally, we all agreed it was a great idea because we love a pull-on short and these ones were total winners. They are a little more expensive, but are sustainably made (from Reformation), and are so classic that they will never so out of style. For a similar stripe with a little more going on detail-wise, how fun are these?! I love the frayed hem, the paperbag waist, and how the stripes also have a little design within them. These would be great to throw on around town or perfect next to a body of water. Perfect for at home or on vacation. They also come in a solid patterned cream version (you’ll get what I mean when you look at them). Damson Madder is a very cool London-based, sustainable brand that my cool friend told me about last year. Needless to say, I was happy to see that Anthro did a collab with them! They are known for their fits and these shorts are so freaking cute. Definitely in the world of the boxer shorts trend but a little more refined. But if you love the red stripe look but want more of a nautical feel, these J. Crew ones are awesome. Vibrant but classic. FYI, these shorts are the most expensive on the list but also…look at them. These heavenly beauts are SO fun and since they’re from Farm Rio, I know without a doubt super high quality. The details are so special! It is a part of a set (here’s the top) but these could easily be worn with so many other tops. A loose white button-up would be effortless. These definitely give “vacation” but I say let home feel like a vacation too when you pop these cuties on. Another fun option! I love the color (but they also come in sand with a plus size option), that statement tie at the top, and the stitching. Plus, the length is so nice. No chance of those cheeks saying hello:) They are just a little more tailored and special than your average pull-on short. Sorry for the blurry photo but it was the best I could do. Anyway, how great is that green! These are also in that boxer short trend category which I am very tempted to try. They just look so damn comfy but also cute. I know it’s not for everyone but at the price I might give it a whirl. Plus, so great for poolside, right? (But can we also talk about the cuffs of the top??) I’m going to be honest, I didn’t know about the viral “denim” sweatpants Em was wearing in this post until I looked it up after she talked about them. They sound INCREDIBLE. So when I saw they had a shorts version, I HAD to include them. Duh. They come in three different washes (one lighter and one darker than the one pictured above), and if they are nearly as comfortable as everyone says the pants are, these are a homerun. But if you want a pull-on short that isn’t printed to look like a jean but is still comfy here are two great options under $50. The ones on the left do not have any stretch (aside from the elastic band) but will give you a cool relaxed look. Love that wash color. Then those cuties on the right have that sweet ruffled hem. They are also lower rise so keep that in mind whether that’s your preference or not. A Madewell soft, denim boxer short? Sign me up! Easy, soft to the touch, cute, and made with their “summer-friendly cotton-blend Airy Denim”. That means they are perfect for the warmer weather. I also know Caitlin and Arlyn have been big fans of Madewell’s pull-on shorts in the past. Why yes, you can be this chic for $25;) I mean get outta here, right? These tonal stripes and that sleek waistband are so good. Just enough color without it looking too bold. You could wear these to the office or on vacation, easily. They also have a bunch of other colors and pattern options if you are interested:) More “boxers” but that pocket is so cute! I just couldn’t resist. Also from Madewell, also super light and also extremely comfortable. These two feel less boxer-like to me because of the cuts (absolutely love how the sides are shorter) and the drawstring detail. The dark navy ones also come in a bright green and the light blue ones have a matching button-up top. These are great swim coverups too! And if you love a drawstring but not a print, these Reformation shorts are beautiful. So simple but so versatile. They come in three other neutral colors and these would be a breeze to dress up or down. For some additional solids, I adore the pockets on the Madewell cuties on the left. They come in 5 other color and pattern options but the style is what really makes them look less like a pull-on and more like a “normal short”. They’ll never know how comfortable you are! Then for a steal at $22, these Old Navy ones are the perfect throw-on-and-go pair that also come in seven other colors:) Aside from the sweet gingham print (it also comes in a butter yellow) I really love the texture of these shorts. They are made to look super relaxed and boy do they. Also, that price? SO GOOD. More Stripes but with really fun details! The contrast pattern trim on the pockets and the cuffed bottoms on the left shorts make me want to add to cart immediately. Then if you like a little metallic moment in your pull-on shorts there is a silver thread in the shorts on the right you’ll love. Fun but neutral:) Stripes aren’t the only pattern we love. These floral cuties are so fun! They come in seven other colors in petite, standard and plus sizes. The options are endless and CUTE. Would you believe these are Abercrombie? I know we’ve been raving about their evolution for a minute but it’s still so exciting! These mid-rise (yes!)summertime linen shorts are playful, chic, and highly rated. If shells aren’t your style they have seven other options to choose from. The florals continue on:) Not really sure why the shorts on the left are being called a skort because in every photo they really look like shorts but I wouldn’t be mad about either way. Love the high waist, the flowy bottom, and that subtle but playful print. I think if I had to choose a floral short it would be these ones on the right:) I can’t get enough of that pattern and for whatever reason they almost feel slightly sporty? I just think they are so freaking fun. These are the same AE ones from the beginning of these post but I really loved these colors and pattern:) Ok, onto the next! A flared “skirty” short? CUTE! I’m a big olive green fan (as you’ll see) and the cut/seams of these are so good. For the shorts on the right, I know they are way sportier than all the other ones but I couldn’t help myself and had to include. LOVE the patterned drawstring, such a fun addition to make something simple a little extra special. And those pockets are cool too! These last two options will likely be a little style-specific but I love them so much. These ones how overly relaxed and kinda baggy these are. They are mid-rise, mid-length, and cut up on the sides so have have a little more of a sexy shape. I want a pair bad! Oh and there are two different denim wash options. Those pockets are so sick. It’s almost like the coolest construction belt you’ve ever seen. I couldn’t decide which was I like more so I put in both. These are also on my fashion wish list! That’s it from me. If you’ve been needing some shorts I truly hope this was helpful. No need to not be the most comfortable (but cute) at any given moment, right? Love you, mean it.

Could These Be The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Comfortable Rompers?? 7 Women Give Their Honest Reviews

As a “romper” expert, I have had a lot over the years and liked many for different reasons. But once I bought my first Pistola, it quickly became the one I reached for. It’s flattering, while being roomy. Cute while having big pockets for a phone, etc. For us, our job being relatively physical, so having an easy-to-move-in “outfit” that is cool in the summer, always comfortable, and cute (for camera) is a Venn diagram miracle. I find myself telling any stranger who flatters me in it that it’s the best comfortable romper on the market, so I figured I’d see if my team agrees. So today you’ll see their new summer line on a few bodies (yes, I reached out and they sent them to me and my team with no obligation to say anything at all, let alone something positive). Here is what we think: Emily Size: Small (I’m between 4-6 (so I guess a 5, lol) Height: 5’4″ with a short-ish torso True to Size?: I love how it fits and wouldn’t want smaller or bigger, but admittedly I want it to not be tight AT ALL. No body-con rompers for me, thank you. Size down if you are in between, like me. Official Review: MASSIVE fan. They have some structure while being lightweight (some other brands that are canvas are great, but too hot for most months). The cotton is thin enough to be cool, but thick enough not to be cheap poplin that doesn’t keep its shape. It gives more “utilitarian,” which I also want (and is the whole point). The huge pockets are fantastic for work or just for weekend cleaning, so I can keep my phone/podcast on my person as I run around the house. The red one – I’ve worn the red one almost every day since I got it – oh, and it washes great, too. I don’t need to steam it, and they don’t wrinkle up in an annoying way. I have the denim version that drapes/falls really well, too. The green one – This one is new to me and I really like it for a dressier version (great for summer office) but l’ll likely wear it less since it does cinch at the waist (I might have sensory issues, guys!). But it’s really flattering and cute for a slightly dressier/less utilitarian vibe. Jess Size: Small Height: 5’4″ True to Size?: I think so but only if you like a looser fit, otherwise consider sizing down. Official Review: Needless to say, I was so so excited to get a Pistola romper. Em has been wearing them for a while now, and every time I think how cute they are. When I first put it on, I immediately felt the quality and loved all the details. But after staring at myself for a minute, I was afraid it might be slightly too big. I even panic messaged Caitlin, who was the one in contact with Pistola, that I might need to swap. I then adjusted the waist to cinch it in, and I was so much happier! As you can see, I went vintage shopping (with Caitlin) and felt great the whole day…although we both forgot to get any good front shots of me in it in the wild, lol. I will mention two things that I think are worth considering. I think the top is a little roomy, in general. Great for maybe tall, longer-torsoed, or bustier people (plus, I do think it’s also just the look). However, with the adjustable waist, it fixes that problem for us shorties. But if you like a more fitted look, I would size down (maybe even 2 sizes). Also, there are snaps AND buttons going down the front! Which is great because you are secure. I just wouldn’t wait too long to go to the bathroom because it’s a 2-step “undoing” process:) Overall, I really love it and will absolutely be wearing it all summer. Recommend! Arlyn Size: Extra-Large Height: 5’3″ True to Size?: Totally. I followed the measurements on the online sizing guide, which led me to an XL, which is typically what I am with pieces like this. (For reference, I waver between a large and XL in tops because I’m very busty, and wear XL bottoms or anywhere between a 14 or 16, depending on the brand.) Official Review: I have a complicated relationship with rompers in general. I always love them on other people, but because I’m petite, on the rounder side, and, again, chesty, it’s very hard for me to ever get a comfortable fit. Either the crotch is too low and rubs in weird places, the shorts ride up, the top is too small for dem boobies, or it has way too much fabric everywhere for the size I need. BUT, I have to say, I did think this was a good fit. However, as Jess mentioned, my goodness, you’re caged up in this thing! There’s an internal layer of snaps and a top layer of buttons. Secure? Yes. Overkill? Perhaps. The fabric is thick and sturdy, so it’ll likely wash really well and last a long time, but it does feel a bit stiff at first, FYI. I may need to break it in a bit to feel more comfortable, but it sure is cute. Caitlin Size: Large Height: 5’8″ True to Size?: True to their size chart? Yes. True to my understanding of my size? No! I almost grabbed an XL here – it’s my go-to size when ordering from any new brand – and am so glad I checked the chart before adding to cart. (I technically could have fit into a medium!) I have a super long torso and normally need to size up, so I was pleasantly surprised by how comfy and roomy the large fits me. Official Review: I LOVE THIS ROMPER. (I love it so much that when it was delivered at my house, I took to Slack and proclaimed “just got my romper and I LOVE IT,” followed by “taking all my restraint not to throw it in the link up this week lol.”) I love that it’s loose and breezy around the legs, a little more formal up top, and that I can tie it as tight or as loose as I’d like. It’s a total blank canvas – easy to dress up, easy to dress down – and it’s one of those rare pieces of clothing that you could wear both to the grocery store and to like, any conservative church on your summer European vacation travels. The fabric is weighty and luxe – I’m just blown away by the quality. Pistola, I see you!!! You have a new fan :) (PS. I was shocked to read the other gals’ commentary on the buttons. This one just hag regular ol’ buttons. I can pee without issue!) Mallory Size: Small Height: 5’7″ True to Size?: Yes! Official Review: This is a solid piece – the quality is great and the fabric is thick. The fit definitely works for a longer torso because the crotch is a bit lower. It also has double-layered buttons so skin doesn’t peek through when you sit down, which I think is a really smart design (but know it will take you a bit to take off during bathroom trips). I also really love the white version of this romper, which I was initially nervous about getting (and ultimately went with the black) because I thought it might be see-through. But now that I know how thick and high quality the material is on the black one, I think the white would be SUPER cute and easy to style too:) Gretchen Size: Large, fits me perfectly Height: 5’9″ True to Size?: I am normally a size L/XL and debated about ordering a size up, but I am super glad I didn’t. While I’d say this romper is true to size, make sure to check your measurements with theirs. Mine lined up best with a size large. But when I first tried the romper on, I was a bit worried it was maybe too loose, wondering if I could’ve maybe squeezed into a medium. I wasn’t totally swimming in it, but I’d wanted it to feel just a tad more fitted in places. HOWEVER, mine now fits perfectly after a wash. The group shot with Marlee, Em, and me was taken pre-wash, and my selfie is the romper straight out of a cycle. I don’t feel like it necessarily shrank per se, but just that it tightened up in all the places I wanted it to, while still feeling plenty comfortable and roomy. Added bonus–these are a breeze to wash! Official Review: I’m absolutely in love with this romper and heading back to buy it in another color–I’m serious. I love just how unbelievably easy, cute, and comfortable it is. Like, it’s so simple to throw on and run around in–a full outfit in one–but more than that, I just look so dang cute and put together wearing it (that, yes, it makes me want to toot my own horn!). I love what the zip front does style-wise, but it also makes it very quick to slip in and out of (for bathroom breaks, etc). The waist tie situation is great to cinch you in, and the material is casual, breathable, and hangs so nicely. I also like that you can roll and snap the sleeves up or leave them down. I’m partial to the latter. This piece is very much “ME” and I know I’ll be reaching for it all summer long–heck, I’m wearing it as I type this. I’ll be watching Pistola closely to see if they release it in more colors! Marlee Size: Small Height: 5’8″ True to Size?: Yes! Official Review: I am not typically a romper girl, but I was pleasantly surprised about this one – I feel like my biggest issue with rompers is typically the fact that they “ride up” if you know what I mean… but this one, I did not have to worry about! The length of the shorts was great and was roomy enough in the leg that I didn’t feel constricted, and long enough that I didn’t feel “exposed” (but not too long that it’s an awkward length). The shorts part also has a little cuff with a button holding it in place, so if you wanted them to be longer, there’s some flexibility there. I really like the buttons on the side – it fits true to size in the waist and was perfectly roomy, but if you wanted it to be a little more snatched, you have the option to take it in a little bit. I love the look of the pockets and the utilitarian vibe, but the highlight for me was how soft the fabric was. It’s so cute with sneakers for a casual look, but I think the way I’ll wear this the most is dressed up with some tall boots and a cute purse:) I think it’s fair to say that we all very much approve of these very cute rompers. So if you are in the market, we recommend Pistola hard:)

7 Flowers You Should Plant Right Now for Blooms That Will Last Until December (or Longer)

We all know that it's pretty hard to maintain a flourishing garden and yard in the hot summer months. But of course, some outliers do bloom amongst the sunshine and continue to grow throughout the fall and winter months. Read on to see which plants you should grow now that will last until December. Pansies Pansies are a beautiful flower that you can typically plant in the late summer or early fall. They tend to like partial sun and partial shade, and don't appreciate too much warmth. This is why they are the perfect flower to plant if you want to have a yard full of blooms in the winter. These beauties flourish in 40°F to 60°F temperatures and will add a ton of pops of color to your garden. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Dahlias Dahlias are another kind of flower that should last until December. These pretty blooms originate from Mexico and South America, but still last throughout the fall months. As long as the temperature doesn't drop below 35°F, they will still be looking strong. Aster Asters are tough and able to withstand a lot of different climates and temperatures. They come in a variety of gorgeous colors like vivid blues and pastel pinks. The beauty of growing asters in the late summer is that they will likely last until the late months of fall. Keep in mind that they need well-drained soil to continue to flourish; they don't agree with soil that is too wet. Flowering Kale Flowering kale may seem like an unconventional plant to decorate your home in the winter, but its bright purple and pink tones will make passing neighbors stop and stare at your yard. Flowering kale easily tolerates frost and lower temperatures and should be blooming as the temperatures drop further in the late fall. Black-Eyed Susans Black-eyed Susans are the color of sunshine which is ironic because they love the cold temperatures. These golden beauties will even thrive in temperatures as low as -30°F and will transform your wintertime garden into a summertime oasis. Even after they wither away, they will continue to return year after year, making this one of the easiest flowers to deal with. Coneflowers Coneflowers come in a rainbow of different colors like pink, purple, white, yellow, and red. This tiny but mighty flower will bloom well into the fall and cooler months and love well-drained soil, too. Coneflowers are also beloved by bees, butterflies, and more pollinators. Catmint Catmint is a lovely purple-colored plant that resembles lavender and smells just as good. This plant is extremely tough and the blooms don't need much maintenance in the wintertime. They usually perform very well in pots even in the colder months and will evolve from a bright purple color in the summer and fall, into a lovely light purple and gray tone over the winter.