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Issue 66 - Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Issue 66

Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Kitchens and bathrooms are, arguably, the most consequential rooms in the home — and almost always the first to be considered. Whether approached through renovation or new build, their design has the power to recalibrate how a home is lived in and experienced. For this issue, our guest editor, Mardi Doherty, principal of Studio Doherty, explores what it truly means to transform these pivotal spaces — and why thoughtful design in kitchens and bathrooms delivers dividends far beyond the purely functional. Her insights both as an architect and as her own client give an open and honest account of the thinking behind creating a home.

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Turn windows into design features with curtains and blinds
LivingHabitusliving Editor

Turn windows into design features with curtains and blinds

See how your windows can do more than just let in light.


You might have a few rooms where the windows don’t add much to how the room looks or functions. Even if the space already works well, you can strengthen the design by giving the windows a clearer purpose.

To do this, treat curtains and window blinds as design elements rather than basic coverings. Instead of choosing them last, use fabric, height, colour, and coverage to shape daylight, improve privacy, and support the room’s layout. 

Here’s how you can turn your windows into design features that add value to your home.

Let window styling change the feel of your room

Sometimes a room feels balanced in every way except around the windows. If the area looks flat or doesn’t draw your attention in a helpful way, adjusting the window styling can change the rhythm of the room.

You can raise the curtain track to align with features like the top of a doorway or built-in cabinetry, which helps the room look more put-together. This also makes the wall appear taller without adding extra furniture or décor.

Layer coverings to match how you use the room

You may have noticed the light feeling right in the morning, but it’s too strong or uneven later in the day. That’s a sign that your coverings are only doing half the job. If you want a space that seamlessly shifts from a functional home office by day to a cosy retreat by night, your window setup needs to be dynamic.

The key is to stop choosing between curtains and blinds and start combining them. With blinds, you can adjust the light while you work so the room stays bright without the harsh glare. For the evening, drawing the curtains softens the room and helps it feel more relaxed after a busy day.

Keep the room bright without harsh light

Ever notice how a bright room can sometimes feel stark instead of welcoming? The goal isn’t just to block light, but to soften it. This is where sheer curtains can help. 

These curtains act like a diffuser for the sun, scattering harsh rays into a gentle, even glow that fills the room without the glare. You maintain your view and a sense of openness, but the light itself becomes more usable and comfortable throughout the day.

Start planning your next window update

It’s clear that with a bit of intention, your windows can do so much more than just let in light. They can set a mood, define a space, and truly work for your lifestyle. It’s all about seeing them as a key part of your home’s design.

If you want to see how different window coverings come together, Spotlight has a wide range to browse. It can help you form a clearer direction for your next update and shape these ideas into something that works for your home.


About the Author

Habitusliving Editor

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Issue 66 - Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Issue 66

Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Kitchens and bathrooms are, arguably, the most consequential rooms in the home — and almost always the first to be considered. Whether approached through renovation or new build, their design has the power to recalibrate how a home is lived in and experienced. For this issue, our guest editor, Mardi Doherty, principal of Studio Doherty, explores what it truly means to transform these pivotal spaces — and why thoughtful design in kitchens and bathrooms delivers dividends far beyond the purely functional. Her insights both as an architect and as her own client give an open and honest account of the thinking behind creating a home.

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