At Jen Talbot Design, we are constantly seeking new vendor sources. Not only does it provide a great opportunity to support one-of-a-kind businesses—we particularly love working with women-owned companies—but it also encourages us to expand our creative boundaries. 

The best design lives in the uneasy place at the edge of our comfort zone, and new sources encourage us to constantly change our perspective and explore new ideas—resulting in innovative designs we absolutely love. 

Finding new sources takes time and effort, but ultimately pays off. We have success establishing fruitful connections at convenings like HD Expo, High Point Market, exploring Instagram, and relying on our reps.

Fabric selections have the potential to make or break designs. Here are a few new fabric sources that we absolutely love:

• Erica Shamrock - Serving the hospitality and contract market, this woman-founded business provides commercial fabrics with an elevated look and feel at an affordable price point. 

• Casamance - A French editor of luxury fabric and wallcoverings, Casamance features interesting textures with a focus on creating timeless designs. 

• Opuzen - Based in California, Opuzen grew from a one-woman operation in 1984 to a leading supplier both nationally and internationally. They offer a mix of high-end textures, as well as evergreen basics and dynamic patterns. 

• Jennifer Shorto - A woman-owned company, Jennifer brings her global perspective to her designs, which include innovative patterns as well as classic essentials, with a unique spin on traditional English patterns and historic references. 

To stay current with Jen Talbot Design, sign up for updates and JTD news, and follow us on Instagram. 

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Something designers across the board talk a lot about is color depth. Whether that is in space, graphics, photography, fashion, etc. it is all very similar. In interiors, people often confuse color depth with having lots of colors. The more is not always merrier people! These monochromatic palettes have me falling in LOVE. Despite each room essentially being painted shades of the exact same color, it creates a sense of visual and architectural depth to a space in a way that just painting it all one color wont do. Take a look at these Inso images to see for your self!

I absolutely love the way these different paint colors highlight the architectural significance of this wall. Traditionally, people would choose a floral wallpaper to pop in these panels. I have never been a fan for the obvious choices though - be bold, be different.

This picture needs no introduction. What a great way to highlight the unique arch of the ceiling without drawing the attention up and away from the bathroom features.

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Alright peeps - here is a sensitive topic… Drapes. Some people think that they have a hard and fast rule for drapes and that is not always the case. LESS is not always more and MORE is not always more.. as a general guide line to hanging drapes there are a few mistakes people commonly make. We have curated our list of the Top 5 mistakes

Too Low

Hanging curtains too low from ceiling causes the room to compress. Instantly, the ceiling feels lower, and your space will feel small. Hanging them high to the ceiling tricks your eye into thinking the space is taller, making it feel open and airy.

Too Short

Cutting the drapes short to match the length of the window makes the whole room feel like its floating - in a very bad way. It feels unfinished, like you were on a budget and could only afford 1/2 the fabric you need. Even if you are on a budget, get a fabric in your price range, and do it right. Your space will prove to you its worth it.

Not Enough

Wimpy fabric will feel thin an cheap on a big window. Getting a drapery grade, heavier, and thicker fabric will pay off and make the room feel more luxurious. Even if you don’t want black out curtains, you just want something light and airy, make sure to buy enough extra fabric to gather on each end of the window. You pay for what you get in drapes people!

Too Much

Now don’t get me wrong, I am ALL for vintage. Design trends cycle through like your laundry.. One second its light and airy 80’s summer style, then the next its moody 90’s winter grunge. Drapes are not cheap Forever 21 T-shirts though… You buy them RIGHT once, and keep them forever. That being said, stay away from trendy patterns... No pattern what 70’s mod patterns come back in, don’t do it. Stick with something simple, modern, and clean. Versatility is key.

Arched Window

This is what I meant by no hard and fast rule. Arched windows are so tricky dependent on their size, location on the wall, and quantity. Don’t be discouraged though, there are more than one solution. The first option is to remove those ugly drapery knobs and hang a simple, modern, rod high to the ceiling as previously mentioned. Option 2 is to have custom roman shades made to fill the arch and drape below on the lower, rectangle portion of the window. I am not a fan of that option though as most arched windows have beautiful trim features you don’t want to cover up. Option 3 is no curtains at all. For some people, that may be a deal breaker, but I think it is important to decide when you need privacy and when you don’t.