Inquiry into the prevalence of curtain-covered spaces.
Hitting the Ra Ra Room in Phoenix, Arizona feels like a treasure hunt, with patrons discovering a hidden art deco haven bathed in opulence. The club's heavy red door opens to reveal cascading glass chandeliers, a champagne-hued ceiling, and plush leopard-print banquettes — all complemented by lustrous draperies that add an extra layer of glamour.
Design directors like Siobhan Barry from Gensler agree, stating these drapes turn up the space's fantasy factor. Today, drapes are shaking things up in interiors, ditching their outdated image and making a comeback as statement-makers. They cover entire walls and unify spaces, adding an air of mystery and playfulness, especially in private social clubs and creative hubs.
One standout example is the bar at People's in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, which exudes a sartorial vibe reminiscent of Babe Paley's famous tented room at the St. Regis Hotel. The drapery gives the space an ethereal, romantic feel while helping to manage sound, hinting at the competitive reality of today's business scene.
But what about the surge in curtain interest? Interior trends today are being shaped by fashion, maximalism, comfort, privacy, performance, and exclusivity, factors people are craving in their spaces right now.
Drapes aren't a new discovery, but their contemporary context is ever-evolving. From Napoleon I's battlefield tents to Adolf Loos's armour-like perimeter of white drapes in his bedroom, curtains have captivated designers throughout history.
Psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin explains that our brain is drawn to curving lines, which we associate with comfort and relaxation. In this turbulent world, draped fabric helps revitalize us, providing an emotional escape.
Artist and designer Monica Curiel uses plaster and spackle to create her takes on soft, draped fabric, exploring both sensuality and nostalgia. She references her mother's home and grandmother's home, tapping into a sense of care, innocence, and curiosity.
Curtains can also manipulate perception and mediate private and public spaces, like Loos's sheer curtains shielding home interiors from prying eyes. Their versatility, acoustic benefits, and theatrical appeal have made them a must-have element in today's design trends.
As we become the protagonists of our own scenes on social media, our interiors transform into picturesque backdrops. These drapery-soaked spaces are ready to frame the real-life moments captured through the lenses of our smartphones. After all, as the trend points out, we are the photos we take of ourselves, living in a space designed for public consumption.
- The resurgence of drapes in interior design aligns with the current lifestyle focus on maximalism, comfort, and privacy, making them a popular choice for private social clubs and creative hubs to add an element of mystery and playfulness.
- With their versatility in manipulating perception, acoustic benefits, and theatrical appeal, drapes have become a crucial element in today's design trends, transforming living spaces into captivating backdrops for the aesthetic experiences shared on social media platforms.
