Decorizer

Is your thermostat set to 75, but you’re still curled up on the couch with a blanket? Before you blame your furnace—or brace yourself for another painful heating bill—take a closer look at your windows. Even in well-heated homes, cold air can quietly seep in, undoing all that expensive warmth.

If you’ve ever felt a sudden chill near the window or noticed certain rooms never quite warm up, you’re not imagining it. Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in winter. The good news? You don’t need new windows or a major renovation to fix it. A simple curtain upgrade—and how you hang it—can make a noticeable difference.

That’s where thermal curtains come in.

Why Thermal Curtains Make a Difference in Winter 

Standard curtains look nice, but they’re rarely designed to stop cold air. According to energy experts, windows can account for up to 30% of residential heat loss. Thermal curtains, also known as insulated curtains, are built with multiple layers that help block drafts and retain indoor heat. In colder months, this extra barrier can significantly improve how warm a room feels, especially in older homes or apartments with large windows.

Thermal curtains work by trapping warm air inside and preventing cold air from slipping through the gaps around the glass or the window frame. The result is a more stable indoor temperature and less strain on your heating system.

How You Hang Them Matters More Than You Think

Here’s where many people go wrong—simply hanging thermal curtain panels often leaves gaps at the sides, letting cold air sneak right back in. To really seal out the cold, try one of these easy installation tricks:

• Use a curved or French return curtain rod that wraps back toward the wall. This prevents air from flowing around the edges of the curtains.
• Add discreet Velcro dots or strips along the outer edges of the panels to attach them to the wall, creating a tighter seal.
• Let the curtains puddle slightly at the floor, which helps block drafts rising from below the window.

These small tweaks take a few minutes, cost very little, and can dramatically improve how effective thermal curtains actually are—turning them from décor into a true cold-weather solution.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

With energy costs remaining high across the US, homeowners are increasingly searching for energy-efficient winter solutions. Properly installed thermal curtains can reduce heat loss enough to ease the load on your heating system, which translates into lower monthly bills.

Many people notice the difference almost immediately, especially in bedrooms, living rooms, or any space with older or oversized windows.

Added Benefits Beyond Warmth

Thermal curtains don’t just block cold. They also provide:

• Improved insulation year-round (keeping heat out during summer)
• Noise reduction, especially useful in urban or storm-prone areas
• Light control, particularly with thermal blackout curtain options

For families sheltering indoors during severe winter weather, these benefits add comfort, privacy, and peace of mind.

Stylish Too: Thermal Curtains Can Look Good

For design-conscious homeowners, there’s often one hesitation: will thermal curtains make the room look heavy or dated? Fortunately, modern options have come a long way.

Today’s thermal curtains have mostly ditched stiff, plastic-looking backings. You can select from a range of luxurious fabrics like velvet, linen blends, and textured weaves. These materials don’t just insulate, but also add visual warmth and depth to a space. Layering thermal panels with sheers or choosing rich, tactile fabrics can elevate a room while quietly improving comfort.

In other words, you can now combine style and function.

A Small Upgrade That Pays Off 

As colder winters become more unpredictable, practical, affordable upgrades that don’t involve tools, wiring, or permanent changes are increasingly appealing. Thermal curtains check all those boxes, and with the right installation, they deliver on their promise.

If your home feels colder than it should, the solution might not be your heater at all. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sealing the window — beautifully.

You're reading This Easy Curtain Hack Can Save You Hundreds of Dollars on Heating, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Posted By : Maria

The Veined Apartment by Steisi Vogli is warm minimalism done right. Soft cream walls, clean lines, and that perfectly muted palette that instantly makes your shoulders drop. But the real star? The marble. It shows up in all the right places with bold veining and sculptural presence, adding just enough drama to keep the space from feeling flat.

It’s modern, but not cold. Minimal, but not empty. Every detail feels intentional, from the curved architecture to the warm wood tones and the smooth, hotel-like styling that makes the whole apartment feel like a retreat.

Everything is soft and grounded, but still has presence. The low, deep sofa keeps the room calm and inviting; the textured rug adds warmth underfoot so it never feels too “showroom”.

Then you get that contrast moment. The sculptural black coffee table and sleek shelving bring in depth, and the clean-lined media setup keeps things modern without stealing attention.

It’s minimal, but not empty. Just the right pieces, in the right proportions, letting the space breathe while still feeling finished.

In the Veined Apartment’s kitchen, the cabinetry stays clean and quiet in a soft warm tone, letting the lines do all the work. Nothing is loud. Nothing is trying to be trendy. It’s the kind of kitchen that instantly looks expensive because it’s so calm and precise.

Then you get those deeper accents that give it weight. The black counters sharpen everything up, and the matte black hood adds a sculptural edge. Even the long and horizontal window feels intentional, like the kitchen is framed instead of just built.

And the dining moment ties it all together. That dark marble table brings in the “veined” signature, while the soft chairs and warm pendant keep it feeling relaxed.

The leather bed brings in that warm, grounded tone that makes the whole room feel richer instantly. Then everything around it stays soft and quiet. Clean walls, creamy bedding, and those long curtains that make the space feel taller and more serene.

But the real standout is the marble partition. It’s bold, sculptural, and so intentional. It separates the sleep zone without closing anything off, and it gives the room that “designed” feeling you usually only see in high-end hotels.

Posted By Anzah

A creative home is less about being artistic and more about how a space makes you feel when you live inside it. The interior won’t chase trends; it will collect meaning, where there’s room for play, change, and imperfect beauty. But the question is…

What makes a creative home?

We’ve got your answer summed in four standout finds that bring meaning & personality to your space without spending a fortune

Ceramic Vase Set

Shop on Amazon

Soft shapes & calm tones.

This ceramic vase set is one of those styling staples that sit perfectly everywhere.

• Cluster them on a console.
• Spread across open shelves.
• Fill each piece with dried stems, fresh blooms, or sculptural branches.

A decor statement that’s toned down because of its neutral colors, but eye-catching because of its varied silhouettes.

Gold Wall Sculpture

Shop on Amazon

Working around one of those in-between walls that’s too bare to ignore but too subtle for predictable decor? The gold wall sculpture solves it all quietly, with balance and restraint. Whether an entryway or an empty nook, it will add a sense of movement without overwhelming the space. You get that “designed on purpose” feel with very little effort.

Wood Salt and Pepper Shaker

Shop on Amazon

Creative life homes pay attention to the details most people overlook. These wood salt and pepper shakers do exactly that. Sculptural, tactile, and warm, they turn a basic tabletop essential into something worth displaying. Leave them out on open shelving or keep them front and center on the dining table for a natural, handmade feel.

Umbra Gallery Wall Set for a Creative Life Home

Shop on Amazon

Structure that’s still flexible.

Gallery walls don’t need to be complicated, and this lovely set proves it. You can display photos, prints, or sketches in a way that feels curated but not rigid. The adjustable rails let you swap artwork without re-drilling holes, so you can easily refresh the home with changing seasons

Posted By Anzah

The idea of a playroom is changing, and honestly, it was overdue. The old version was simple: bright primary colors, plastic bins, loud toy clutter, and a space that adults tolerated rather than enjoyed. But families today live differently. Homes are more open-plan, routines are shared, and spaces are expected to work harder than ever.

That’s why the grown-up playroom is becoming one of the smartest and most stylish rooms in modern family homes. It’s not a kids-only zone, it’s a multi-generational space designed for play, lounging, learning, hosting, and everyday life. Think: soft neutral palettes, comfortable seating, built-in storage, and a layout that welcomes toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents equally. A grown-up playroom doesn’t mean less fun. It means better design, where toys can exist without taking over, and where the space still feels like part of a beautiful home. Here are 18 practical and design-forward ways to create a playroom that works for every age.

1. Start with a Calm, Neutral Base

A grown-up playroom begins with what you don’t see first: the backdrop. Instead of colorful walls that visually shout “kids live here,” choose a calm base like warm white, soft beige, greige, or muted taupe. Neutral walls make the room feel larger, cleaner, and more connected to the rest of the home, especially if your playroom is part of an open layout. The best part? A neutral base lets you bring in color through toys, books, and artwork without the room ever feeling chaotic. It also makes it easier to evolve the space as your children grow. What works for building blocks today can still work for board games and homework later.

2. Create Zones for Different Ages

The most successful multi-generational spaces work because they don’t force everyone to do the same thing. Create zones that naturally support different ages and activities. For example, a soft rug area for toddlers, a table corner for puzzles or crafts, and a comfy lounge zone for teens or adults. Even in small rooms, zoning can be done with furniture placement, lighting, or a change in rug texture. When the playroom supports multiple rhythms at once, it becomes more usable throughout the day. It’s less “kids corner” and more “family room with playful purpose.

3. Create a Cozy Reading Corner

A reading corner adds softness to a playroom and gives the room a calmer personality. It’s also one of the most multi-generational features you can add, toddlers can flip board books, older kids can unwind, and adults can join in without feeling out of place. Use a soft chair, a floor cushion, or a built-in bench with pillows. Add a small lamp for warmth and a low bookshelf for easy access. This corner encourages quiet time and balances louder play. The best playrooms aren’t just about activity, they’re about comfort and rhythm too.

4. Experiment With Alternative Seating

A grown-up playroom works best when seating feels flexible, casual, and welcoming for every age. Alternative seating,like floor cushions, poufs, oversized beanbags, or even a soft daybed,creates a space that adapts to how families actually use the room. Kids naturally gravitate toward floor-level comfort, while adults appreciate having extra spots to sit during playtime or movie nights. Choose options in textured, neutral fabrics so they feel elevated rather than messy. When seating is varied, the room feels less like a “kids zone” and more like a multi-generational lounge.

5. Playful Color, Done the Grown-Up Way

Kid-friendly colors don’t have to mean loud primary tones. In a multi-generational playroom, color works best when it’s softened, think dusty blue, muted sage, warm terracotta, or buttery yellow instead of neon shades. This approach keeps the room cheerful and child-friendly while still matching the rest of the home. You can introduce color through rugs, cushions, artwork, or a single accent wall rather than painting everything bright. The result feels balanced: fun for kids, calming for parents, and stylish enough that adults don’t feel like they’re spending time in a nursery.

6. A Snack Nook for Real-Life Living

A snack nook is one of the most practical upgrades you can add to a grown-up playroom. It reduces constant trips to the kitchen and keeps little hands busy in a controlled way. A small cabinet, a mini fridge, or a dedicated shelf with water bottles and easy snacks can make the space more self-sufficient,especially for families with multiple kids. Add a small tray, wipe-clean surfaces, and a waste bin nearby so cleanup stays simple. It’s a small “real life” feature that makes the whole room more enjoyable for both kids and adults.

7. Floating Shelves for Display and Storage

Floating shelves are a smart way to add storage while keeping the playroom looking polished. They’re perfect for displaying storybooks, framed prints, and a few beautiful toys,without the heaviness of large furniture. In multi-generational spaces, shelving helps you style the room like a living area while still keeping essentials within reach. Keep frequently used items lower and decorative items higher for safety and balance. When the shelves are curated rather than overfilled, the playroom feels intentional, calmer, and more grown-up, even when it’s actively being used.

8. Maximize Natural Light

Natural light is one of the biggest reasons a playroom feels welcoming. Bright, airy light makes the room feel healthier, more spacious, and more connected to the rest of the home,especially important for multi-generational spaces where adults want comfort too. Use sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds instead of heavy drapes, and keep window areas clear so daylight can spread naturally. Mirrors can also help bounce light around, especially in smaller rooms. The more daylight you bring in, the easier it becomes to keep the room feeling fresh and calm,even with toys around.

9. Floating Furniture for an Airy Layout

Floating your furniture simply means pulling it slightly away from the walls to create better flow. It’s a designer trick that makes a room feel more spacious and intentional,perfect for a grown-up playroom that needs to handle movement, play, and lounging. A sofa placed a few inches off the wall, a rug anchoring the seating zone, and a chair angled into the space can completely change how the room feels. This layout encourages conversation and keeps the playroom from feeling like a storage box. It also makes it easier to create separate zones for different ages.

10. Mix Different Patterns

Mixing patterns can make a playroom feel layered, cozy, and full of personality, but the trick is control. Instead of using lots of loud prints at once, stick to a consistent color palette and layer patterns through different textures: a striped rug, a subtle geometric cushion, and a playful but muted throw. This keeps the room visually interesting without becoming overstimulating. Pattern adds warmth and helps hide wear and stains, which is practical in family spaces. Done thoughtfully, pattern mixing makes the room feel designed, not cluttered, fun enough for kids, tasteful enough for adults.

11. Party-Ready Playroom Planning

A grown-up playroom becomes even more valuable when it can double as a space for family gatherings and celebrations. Party-friendly design doesn’t mean turning it into an event room, it simply means choosing flexible furniture, creating open floor space, and having easy cleanup options. Think stackable stools, a large rug that anchors the room, and lighting that feels warm in the evenings. A hidden storage system helps you tidy toys quickly when guests arrive, and a snack or drink station keeps hosting simple. When the playroom is party-ready, it naturally becomes a true family hub.

12. Storage That Works Harder

Smart storage solutions are what separate a beautiful playroom from a stressful one. Multi-generational spaces need storage that can handle toys, books, games, crafts, and sometimes even tech accessories, without constantly spilling into the rest of the home. Closed cabinetry keeps the room visually calm, while baskets and bins make daily cleanup quick. Consider storage benches, ottomans with hidden compartments, or modular shelves that can change with your child’s age. The goal is a space that stays functional for years, not one that needs redesigning every time your family routine changes.

13. Vertical Spaces for Growing Families

Using vertical space is one of the easiest ways to keep a playroom organised without eating up valuable floor area. Tall shelving, wall-mounted cabinets, and floating shelves allow you to store more while keeping the room open for play and movement. This is especially helpful for multi-generational spaces, where you want enough room for kids to spread out but also space for adults to walk, sit, and relax comfortably. Store everyday toys on lower shelves and display books or décor higher up. Vertical storage keeps the room practical, polished, and easy to maintain.

14. Be Playful

A grown-up playroom can still be fun, it just needs playfulness that feels intentional rather than chaotic. You can add a chalkboard wall, a small climbing corner, playful artwork, or colorful cushions without covering the entire room in bright plastic. The trick is choosing a calm base and letting a few fun elements shine. This way, the room stays exciting for kids but still comfortable and stylish for adults. When the space feels playful and welcoming to everyone, it becomes a true family zone, not just a room kids use alone.

15. Use Soft, Warm Lighting

Lighting makes a massive difference in whether a playroom feels chaotic or calm. Bright overhead lighting can feel harsh and overly functional, like a classroom. For a grown-up playroom, layer your lighting. Start with a warm ceiling light, then add a floor lamp, table lamp, or wall sconces. Soft lighting helps the room feel cozy and intentional, especially in the evenings. It’s a simple upgrade that instantly makes the space feel more like a living room and less like a storage room for toys.

16. Open Concept Layouts

Open concept layouts work beautifully for grown-up playrooms because they make the space feel connected to the rest of the home rather than isolated. When the playroom flows into a living area, dining space, or kitchen, it becomes easier for adults to supervise while still relaxing or multitasking. The key is using smart zoning, like rugs, furniture placement, and lighting, to define the playroom area without closing it off. Open layouts also help the space feel larger and brighter, which makes it more welcoming for all ages. 

17. Make the Kitchen a True Family Hub

In multi-generational homes, the kitchen is rarely quiet. It’s where meals happen, conversations start, and routines overlap. The best family kitchens are designed for movement and teamwork, more than one person should be able to cook or prep without bumping into each other. Add an island with seating for kids and adults, or create a small breakfast corner where grandparents can sit comfortably. Use pull-out drawers and clear pantry organization so everyone can find what they need. A kitchen designed for shared use feels calmer, more social, and easier to live in every day.

18. Create a Flexible Dining Setup

Dining spaces in multi-generational homes need to handle everything, from quiet breakfasts to big family meals. Flexibility is everything. A dining table with extendable leaves, stackable chairs, or a bench option allows the space to shift naturally. Consider mixing formal and casual seating: chairs on one side, a bench on the other. This adds warmth and makes room for more people without crowding. Also, lighting matters, a warm pendant light instantly makes dining feel more inviting. When dining is flexible, hosting becomes easy and everyday meals feel more relaxed.

Wrap-Up

Designing for multi-generational living is really about creating a home that feels comfortable for everyone, kids, teens, parents, and grandparents,without sacrificing style. From grown-up playrooms and flexible living rooms to practical kitchens, calm bedrooms, and easy-to-navigate layouts, the goal is always the same: spaces that support real family life while staying beautiful and functional. Thoughtful zoning, smart storage, durable materials, and warm lighting make a home feel more balanced, relaxed, and welcoming at every stage. For readers of Home Designing, these ideas show how intentional interiors can bring generations together in a way that feels effortless, modern, and truly livable.

Posted By Tahira

If you’ve ever wished your home could feel modern and full of history at the same time, you’re going to love this one. The Modern Heirloom Apartment (a design by Simple Interiors) is exactly that kind of space. It’s clean and curated, but still feels layered. Like every piece was chosen with intention, not just to look pretty, but to belong.

Right away, you notice the mood. There’s that rich burgundy moment, then the warmth comes in through the wood tones, soft upholstery, plus all those quiet, sculptural curves, and just when it could’ve felt too minimal, the brass details bring a subtle glow to elevate the interior- a perfect mix of old-soul character and fresh design.

Let’s take a deeper look inside.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where the Modern Heirloom Apartment really shows off its architecture. Everything feels truly intentional.

Curved and sculptural, the island becomes the star, rounding the layout to transform this utilitarian zone into a natural gathering point. The oak cabinetry keeps everything calm- full-height, seamless, and super tailored. No visual clutter. Just warm wood and clean lines doing the work.

And the best detail? That arched wood frame around the backsplash zone, a striking element that gives the kitchen wall an architectural feature (not just a place for cabinets).

Minimal, yes. But it still feels designed.

Bedroom

A private little world.

Walking in, the whole room feels calm on purpose… soft light, warm oak floors, and that quiet mix of modern lines with old-soul details.

The bed stays grounded with textured upholstery and rich bedding tones. Then there’s the wall behind it… and wow. The mural turns the headboard wall into a full scene, adding hand-drawn softness + depth, all without extra decor.

Small details finish it off: a slim brass reading sconce, the sculptural side table, and the arched built-in shelving.

Bathroom

A bathroom that feels like a suite, not a side room.

The ceiling is the first flex, that warm ochre tone, framed with dark trim. Totally graphic and soft.

Everything underneath stays crisp. Large wall panels keep the lines clean, and the brass fixtures add warmth. The floating vanity is another smart move that adds to the open, airy feel. For that “heirloom” richness, the designer has used warm wood grain. Even the drawer pulls feel like jewelry

Next to it, the freestanding tub sits like a sculpture. Minimal shape, maximum impact. And that little brass martini table? Perfect. Candle, book, drink… done!

Posted By Anzah