Friday 29 November 2013

Give your Home Seasonal Style December 2013

There’s so much to organise and think about at this time of year! The tree, the decorations, the table the food, and those extra special touches that will make all the difference to your home.  Treat your home to a magical make-over this Christmas and celebrate your well-deserved holiday in style.  Rich coppers and bronzes create a warm cosy look in a living room, subtle sage greens and purples provide a scheme that is easy to live with in the hall, traditional gingham with splashes of shaker style add a country feel to a kitchen, while bold red and sparkling gold bring opulence and luxury to the dining room. 

Make your hall look fresh and inviting….


An inviting scheme in your hall will immediately make friends and family feel relaxed and welcome.  Sage greens, pretty heather hues and hints of silver provide a light and open backdrop that won’t upstage your festive decorations.  Be sure to include a few key pieces of furniture such as a handy storage bench that will cater for the extra coats, hats and shoes of your guests.  The familiar scent of the tree and the banister garland will get everyone in the Christmas spirit as soon as they step through the door.

Warm up your living room….


Metallic golds and bronzes are Christmassy colours that lend cosy, intimate feel to a living room – the perfect environment for enchanting gifts, chatting and relaxing. Use them against a neutral backdrop of cream walls and linen coloured sofas and chairs to create a sophisticated scheme.  Include piles of cushions and throws in rich fabrics, such as silk, velvet and chenille to add texture and warmth.  Adorn the tree with beautiful decorations in bronze, orange and gold tones and complete the look with stunning foliage on the mantelpiece.

Create a glamorous dining room....


Gather friends and family around the dining table and celebrate in style.  Rich red walls compliment dark wood furniture perfectly, and ivory chair covers and a cream mantelpiece lift the decorating scheme, preventing the richer colours from being overpowering.  Dress the table with plenty of glass, white china and candles to create a truly magical atmosphere

Fill your kitchen with seasonal colours….


The kitchen is the hub of the home, especially at this time of year, so make the most of with simple but gorgeous decorations with a homespun feel.  Use a mini tree filled with rich reds and pretty gingham ribbons as a focal point, then team buttermilk-coloured walls with cheery red and cream check curtains and warm wool to create a relaxed country style.  Add lots of natural touches such as fresh foliage and pine cones, to enhance the rustic look.

Monday 7 October 2013

Adding winter warmth - How to make your home warm and inviting this winter

Heat Your Home Up In Style This Winter With Honeysuckle Interiors

 

It is heartening to see first hand evidence of recovery from the recession.  The housing market is moving again and everyone is decorating and feeling more confident about making improvements to their home . Colder weather is just around the corner and as the nights draw in and the long days of summer come to and end, now is the time to get ready for winter.

Nothing makes us happier than spending time at home and when your home looks good, you feel good too. Whether you’re looking forward to snuggling up during the dark evenings to enjoy this season’s must-see films or curling up on a sofa to read the latest best-selling novels, make sure your home is where your heart is at.

It is obviously unrealistic to redecorate every season, but you can add warmth by adding new accessories. Why not add a few extra layers to your existing furnishings to warm them up a little.  Just as we pile on pullovers to keep ourselves warm, a few extra layers work wonders in creating a warm feel indoors too.  Add a woollen throw or a travel rug to an armchair or sofa and cushions of all shapes and sizes to add a feeling of cosiness.

Carpet is unbeatable for warmth and comfort in the winter.  If you currently have bare floorboards or a stone floor, then this is the time to invest in a rug to raise temperatures instantly.

Eliminating draught is the first step to a warm comfortable home and windows and doors are the chief culprits when it comes to letting in cold air.  If your budget won’t run to new double glazing make sure you have linings and interlinings in your curtains.  If you have radiators under the window, then team your existing curtains with a thick Roman blind to cut out draughts.

If you’re looking for inspiration, Honeysuckle Interiors stylish Home and Gift Boutique showcases affordable on trend designer furniture, gifts and gorgeous home accessories not found on the high street.   You’ll be amazed by the extensive collection which offers something to suit all budgets.  Whether it’s new curtains, a piece of furniture, a gift for a friend or a treat for yourself you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find in store. A beautiful combination of design-led affordable pieces and products ensures every visit will be a new and exciting experience.

Walk into Honeysuckle Interiors in Oakley and experience a warm and friendly welcome this winter. Our show room boasts one of the largest fabric collections outside of London and there’s always a friendly face to guide you through your choices. What ever your requirements from just supply or a complete room makeover we’re happy to help. To find out more contact the Design Team on 01256 780831 or www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk

Take advantage of our extended late night shopping every Thursday until 8pm throughout November up to Christmas

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Celebrate in style with Honeysuckle Interiors

Home & Gift Boutique August Special Promotion - 20% OFF

 

The Honeysuckle Interiors success story continues as they celebrate 25 years in business with an August Promotion at their beautiful Home & Gift Boutique.  

Honeysuckle are busy planning for the Autumn so to make way to stock the new seasons home and gift accessories will be having a special summer promotion.  During August everything in the Boutique will have a 20% discount.  So if you’re looking for that perfect gift or a treat for your self why not pop along and pick up a bargain.

If you want to add a touch individuality and style to your home, then a visit to Honeysuckle Interiors in the tranquil setting of Oakley is a must for that unique shopping experience.  In addition to their long established curtain and interior design business, Honeysuckles stylish Home and Gift Boutique showcases affordable on trend designer furniture, gifts and gorgeous home accessories not found on the high street.  You’ll be amazed by the extensive collection which offers something to suit all budgets.


Thursday 18 April 2013

Come and Sew with the Honeysuckle Sewing Bees

Free Workshops for Beginners


Sewing Taster Days – with the Honeysuckle Sewing Bees!


If the new series on the BBC The Great British Sewing Bee has inspired you to get sewing but you need to know how.  Then why not join us on one of our free “learn how to Sew Taster days” starting on Monday 20th May.

We’re really buzzing at Honeysuckle Interiors!  We are great supporters of The Great British Sewing Bee and believe it’s really important to get the nation sewing again.   We’re offering a series of free workshops running with morning and afternoon sessions. If the session inspires you then we will be offering further workshop days to develop your skills.  By attending one of our free taster day workshops you will receive a voucher to redeem against any of our workshops valid for a year – plus a complimentary gift from our home and gift boutique.

If you have never used a sewing machine or hand stitched anything in your life but would love to learn the basics then let us inspire you.

All levels and ages welcome

We can offer up to 4 places per session –  places will be offered on a first come first serve basis

Dates:  Mon 20th May, Mon 3rd June, Mon 24th Jun, Mon 8th July

Times:  Morning sessions - 9.30 -  12.30

Afternoon sessions - 1.30 - 4.30

Venue – Honeysuckle Interiors Workroom Rectory Rd Oakley RG237LJ

Contact us on 01256 780831

e: honeysuckleint@aol.com

Why not find out more about these great and inspiring workshops on our website - www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk

Friday 5 April 2013

Come and Sew with the Honeysuckle Sewing Bees

Forty years ago there was nothing unusual about us making our own clothes and then for a while it seemed like we’d lost our passion for this very traditional skill. The introduction of the BBC’s latest series the Great British Sewing Bee is about to change all of that . The design team at Honeysuckle Interiors are great supporters of the new series and of the quiet sewing revolution that is happening.

This year Honeysuckle Interiors see its 25th anniversary of a business that was set up based on an enthusiasm for sewing.  Owner Marina Wooldridge recalls:-

“I have always had a passion for sewing and wanted my own business.  As well as making all my own clothes, I naturally made curtains for my first home.  As a result in the very early days I made curtains for friends and family and realised here was the business opportunity I’d always dreamed of”

Since setting up, the business has steadily grown and evolved but still at the heart is the
love and passion for fabrics and sewing. Honeysuckle Interiors have run furnishing workshops for nearly 20 years and if the Great British Sewing Bee has inspired you then why not enroll on one of their workshops to learn to have a go at making your own home furnishings.  They welcome novices to the most experienced equipment and materials are provided.  For full details go to their website and look under the Workshops link.

The Design Team love fabric and are happy to sell by the metre for any sewing project – even dressmaking.  One of their latest creations was to wear to London Design week at Chelsea Harbour where they each made their own outfits from the new Sanderson Options collection.  Don’t forget to go to their special offer and downloads website place where you’ll find Aprils offer to bring a friend for half price on one of their workshops.

Friday 8 March 2013

Following my Dream….

Marina Wooldridge Profile – Honeysuckle Interiors

Led by Marina Wooldridge, Honeysuckle Interiors has grown from a cottage industry to a highly successful business supplying quality hand made furnishings and interior design services.

Based in their attractive showroom in Rectory Road Oakley Marina recalls:-

Following my Dream….

“I have always had a passion for sewing and wanted my own business.  As well as making all my own clothes, I naturally made curtains for my first home.  As a result in the very early days I made curtains for friends and family and realised here was the business opportunity I’d always dreamed of.  I always had the vision that one day the business would be more than just a furnishings company and wanted to be able to provide a complete interior design service.

When I look back I was so young just 22 I had nothing to set up a business except me, a sewing machine and lots of determination. People would bring their fabric to me I would make curtains on the lounge floor and fit them myself.  I borrowed £500 from a family friend (as no bank would support the venture) and I had to pay it back in loose covers and curtains.

Setting up back then was really hard and even harder as the last recession took a foothold.  I would supplement my income by temping come home sew all evening and work weekends.  But I loved it! I got to live my dream recession or not I had to make a living and make the business work.

I worked from home for two years plus juggle home and life with having my first baby, I knew the key to growing the business and keeping my sanity would be to have premises and get more help.  In 1992 Honeysuckle Interiors moved into its first premises on Park Farm in Oakley which offered great value for money and much needed space to grow.  “When we opened up I thought we may get one or two people through a week if we were lucky.  But people got to hear about us and started to visit daily. We started to supply fabrics, wallpapers plus a make-up service and that’s when the business started to flourish”.

Seven years later Honeysuckle moved into its current premises in Rectory Road Oakley.  “It was another dream come true set in the heart of the village the old post office had a fine reputation set by its previous owners and was well established. I would often go there in the early days to buy stamps and a cake to keep morale up and think  one day if this could only be mine how perfect that would be.”

Having been in business for over 25 years the business has seen many changes and has steadily grown.  A passion for homes and everything inside them is what Honeysuckle is all about – but most importantly it’s the people they work for and with, understanding their needs and being able to deliver great customer service.

The company has brought style, innovation and quality furnishings to hundreds of homes throughout the south from one bed maisonettes to sprawling mansions.  What ever people’s aspirations or budget the design team are happy to help.

Marinas work has featured in acclaimed National magazines such as Period Homes, Home Style and Period House and at the Ideal Homes Exhibition in London.  She also runs soft furnishing courses and workshops from the premises in Oakley.

Latterly she has had acclaimed fame with her own “House Doctor” radio programme on Kestrel FM. Marina has regular monthly Home Style articles featured in Hampshire Life where many of Honeysuckles clients homes have featured.  Her column also appears in the Basingstoke Gazette and many other local publications including the Hampshire Voice.

“I’m very proud of Honeysuckle Interiors – it’s my love and my passion – and people know and feel that when they come into my shop.  When I look back I am so proud to have developed and grown a solid business that is so highly respected.  You’re only ever as successful as the people that work for you.  I owe a great deal of the company’s success to my brilliant team of loyal staff. It’s partly thanks to them that we have a solid base of satisfied customers who refer us and come back time and time again. My husband family and friends have always supported me and so much of my drive comes from them. Not many people can actually say they enjoy what they do for a living.  I can honestly say even after all these years of being in business I have a love and a passion for what I do I have been truly blessed.  I want to keep on evolving Honeysuckle and continue to work in partnership with my customer’s suppliers and staff and keep enjoying what I do.”

My future plans will involve working more closely with schools running more workshops and courses to pass our valuable skills on to the next generation. I want to help motivate and inspire our youngsters to follow their dreams and fulfil their potential.

www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk

2013 sees Sanderson launch their greatly anticipated ‘Designer Options’

2013 sees Sanderson launch their greatly anticipated ‘Designer Options’, the 11th Options collection. This series of collections has been going for 31 years with the first ‘Options’ collection launched in 1982. There are a total of eleven prints and twelve wallpapers in the collection including ‘Dandelion Clocks’ from the previous ‘Options 10’ collection and ‘Fifi’, which was previously printed as a wallpaper in the ‘50’s’ collection. The style of ‘Designer Options’ is varied to give the customer a wide choice within one book. Contemporary designs, classic Indienne trails and fresh florals are all included.

THE DESIGNS

 

Varese is painted using an unusual technique which lets the paint bleed creating a blurred, unfocused effect.  Abstract flower motifs have been coloured in contemporary combinations including rich berry tones, indigos and charcoal. It is digitally printed on cotton satin in four colourways, suitable for curtains and upholstery. Varese wallpaper is printed in four matching colours and Kantu, a small gingko leaf wallpaper has been designed to complement Varese in eight colourways.


 
Jubilee Square was originally painted in the 1950’s the recent interest in retro design brought this design out of the archive. It is a whimsical street scene using images of the designers long-time family home and dolls house with park benches, trees, lampposts and dogs. It is printed on brushed cotton in three colourways and is suitable for upholstery and curtains. The coordinating Jubilee Square wallpaper shows a similar design coloured in a monotone palette.




Maple has areas of flat colour are juxtaposed with bold abstract leaf shapes and etched marks to create a contemporary and graphic image. It is printed on slub cotton in four colourways, suitable for upholstery & curtains. The coordinating Maple wallpaper is printed in three colourways. Dandelion Clocks, also designed for the ‘Options 10’ collection is included as a fabric and wallpaper in the three best selling colourways.


 
Sussex Downs is inspired by the countryside around the designers home, a subject she often draws on. The line illustrations are spontaneously sketched, depicting trees, hedgerows and scattered dwellings. It is available on unbleached linen union in two colours and fine cotton voile in one colourway. Sussex Downs wallpaper shows similar imagery and is available in three complementary colours.



Spring Flowers, has been painted in a loose watercolour style with subtle tonal effects that are reproduced in the print. It shows a mix of spring flowers including hyacinths and anemones. It is printed on linen/viscose in four colourways and is complemented by Spring Trellis wallpaper, painted in a similar technique.
Ranee, is adapted from an Indian embroidery and is painted to imitate a delicate chain stitch. It shows a classic trail with stylised birds and is printed in three colourways on slub cotton. The coordinating Ranee wallpaper comes in three colours to match the fabric and a classic neutral colour.

Fantasy Garden is a contemporary interpretation of a tree of life printed on slub cotton in three colourways. The Swedish influence of the design is reflected in the coordinating Fantasy Garden wallpaper. Seaford Stripe wallpaper complements many of the designs in the collection and is printed in five colourways.






Morning View depicts an interior view with fruit and flowers in the foreground and a seascape seen though a window. Morning View has been digitally printed in 2 colourways to capture the variations of texture and tone in the designers artwork. The semi-plain wallpaper, Reflections echoes the paint effects used in the print and is available in five colourways.




 
Apples & Pears and was inspired by the fruit motifs in Morning View. It is a simple arrangement of halved fruits in two colourways and printed on cotton.

Fifi is an original ‘50s’ Sanderson wallpaper, which was re-discovered in 2012. Fifi is a whimsical design, which shows fashionable ladies in ‘new look’ dresses. It is printed on cotton in two colourways and has a coordinating Fifi wallpaper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEAUTIFUL BALLOONS

 

Is a charming collection of whimsical embroideries for the young at heart with elegant embroidered trails, complemented by multicoloured satin stripes.

Beautiful Balloons is a stunning design of hot air balloons floating across the sky adorned with lively, colourful patterns. It is embroidered on cotton twill in four colourways.

Carousel is a smaller scale design of colourful beads hanging in vertical stripes. It is embroidered in six colourways on cotton twill to complement Beautiful Balloons.




Asami is a charming embroidery of cherry boughs and blossom. The yarns used to embroider the blossom motifs have been cut to create delicate pompoms. It is embroidered on linen union in six colourways.







Ranee Embroidery is a delicate Indienne pattern displaying a stylised trail of blossoms and leaves. It has been embroidered using a technique that imitates the chain stitch used on traditional hand stitched Indian cloths.  It is available in three colourways on cotton twill.

Candy Stripe is a multi-coloured asymmetric stripe and Asami Stripe is a classic, symmetrical stripe.  Both are woven in a smart satin quality to complement the embroideries.

SANDERSON TRIMMINGS VOLUMES 1 & 2

 

Sanderson launch their first Trimmings collection including seven versatile trimming styles including simple picot braids, bobble fringes, ruffles and beads. Almost one hundred trimmings are presented in 17 colour sets including linen, duck egg, charcoal and plum, all designed to complement Sanderson’s collections of weaves and prints. The comprehensive choice of trimmings will enhance and embellish upholstery, curtains, cushions and other soft furnishings.

The range is comprised of: Picot Braid, Wide braid, Bobble Fringe, Drop Bead Fringe, Pleated Ruffle, Flanged Cord and Beaded Braid.

The Need for Tweed - Getting the Country Look - Johnstons of Elgin


Nothing blends style and function like this multi-colored woolen cloth. It’s been used for centuries for its durability, warmth and function and adds a touch of class whether you’re wearing it or furnishing with it.

Traditionally used for upper class country-clothing like shooting jackets, tweed became popular among the Edwardian middle classes who associated it with the leisurely pursuits of the elite. Tweeds certainly have stood the test of time and are as desirable and durable now as they have ever been for clothing and use in interior design schemes.  Tweed is a favourite because the flecks of colour in the weave lend it a wonderful depth. This gives us a wide variety of colour choices to pair it with so makes it perfect for the use in the home.

Nobody knows more about this glorious fabric than Johnstons Of Elgin who’s furnishing fabrics we proudly stock at Honeysuckle Interiors.  Johnstons of Elgin has been manufacturing the finest woolens and cashmere products since 1797 from its mills in Hawick and Elgin. When you see an authentic Johnstons of Elgin product, you can be sure it has been made in Scotland to a standard and quality that is world class. Their history is one of quality resilience and outstanding provenance.  It is one of the last remaining vertical mills in the UK and manufactures under the Made in Scotland label.  Skilled craftsmen and women are still producing a luxury product that is exquisite relevant contemporary and enduring. Johnston’s selects the finest luxury fabrics which are processed through approximately 30 different manufacturing stages before reaching the finished product.  The drape and the handle of this fabric is wonderful and has to be felt not looked at to appreciate its fine quality. It’s not surprising to know that a company with such a respected history has just been awarded The Royal Warrant of Appointment to The Prince of Wales with effect from the 1st January 2013

Tweed is much more than a piece of cloth. It speaks of standards to live up to.
Visit our showroom for country style inspiration and find out how to use woolen tweeds in your home.

March 2013 sees Clark and Clark launch thier new Collections


 View this post on our website with an image gallery

Wild Garden

Taking inspirations from the British countryside, this collection comprises of 6 hand drawn patterns, each created in a charming, organic style.

Foxglove and Cowslip are chic embroidered linens and Woodland is a contemporary, block printed linen union fabric.

Botanica is a complex embroidery and applique quality and is accompanied by Wild Fern, a stylish jacquard and Lawn Stripe.

There are three semi- plain textured patterns that complete the range, each suitable for upholstery.

 

Wild Garden Wallcoverings

Designed to complement our fabric collection of the same name, these patterns have been given a fresh twist with the use of modern colour. Surface printed foliage designs are teamed with embossed, plain grass cloths and a wonderful trompe l'oeil named Peeling Planks. Colours range from soft shades of Pearl, Parchment and Mineral through to bold hues of Aqua, Citrus and Spice.

Lombok

 

A stunning collection of contemporary, Balinese inspired, multi-purpose printed fabrics.
These ikat styled patterns are printed on a soft linen look cotton ground and are available in six exotic shades, which include Sunset, Spice and Sorbet.

To compliment, there is a lustrous plain satin named Java in a range of eighteen colours.

New England

A coordinated collection of classic cotton stripes and plains in a wide variety of modern colours. This heavy duty quality is both soft and durable, making it ideal for drapery, blinds, upholstery and other uses.
Astrid

Comprising of five coordinated patterns, Astrid is a Scandinavian styled range of florals, stripes and geometrics. The collection is printed on 100% cotton panama and suitable for both drapery and upholstery. Sophisticated colour ways include muted

Thursday 14 February 2013

Helping you to live Happily Ever After

Let us help you to start building your new home together — room by room.
 
Whether you’re newly weds looking for those luxury items to adorn your new home or you’ re looking at ways to combine households Honeysuckle Interiors will have something for you to treasure forever.

If you’re looking for something special for the bride and groom, whether it’s new curtains, a piece of furniture, a gift for a friend or a treat for yourself, you’re sure to find something to tempt you. A passion for homes and everything that’s in them is what Honeysuckle Interiors is all about.

Our showroom showcases an eclectic mix of wonderful gift ideas & home accessories that are individually chosen based on either their unique style, or sheer beauty not found on the high street.

A beautiful combination of design-led pieces and products ensures that every visit you pay us will be a new & exciting experience!

Set in the tranquil heart of Oakley with ample free parking a warm and friendly welcome awaits. Showroom open Tuesday to Saturday 10’til 4pm and other times by appointment.

Follow us on Facebook

www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk

Monday 28 January 2013

Spring & Summer Trends 2013 – from Marina Wooldridge Honeysuckle Interiors


During the cold dark and dreary months of January and February I think we love to look forward to the spring and all the New Year brings.  Now is the perfect time to plan interior projects a time to refresh and make over. What ever your style, the new season promises us some great inspiration to help transform our homes.

2013 sees a portfolio of progressive concepts and innovative design stories in fabric and wallpaper designs. The transition into spring and summer will be marked with fresh colour schemes heralding the start of a bright new season.

The latest collections hold something for everyone whether its chic embroideries or contemporary weaves, new children’s collections or vintage prints. We’ll see a return to elegant tailoring with references to industrial heritage, folklore and even fossils. Smart wall coverings which will team a mix of lustrous textures including bold flocks iridescent metallics and curiously crumpled effects across a broad spectrum of on-trend and co-ordinating colour ways.

Great examples of this are found in the new Quartz and Town & Country collections from Zoffany.  Complimented with their range of 128 beautiful paint colours there’s everything you need to refresh or renew and bring your home right up to date.

Also taking the themes on board is Prestigious Textiles who are known for offering the latest look at affordable prices.

If knowing where to start baffles you or you need help bringing your ideas to life this is where Honeysuckle Interiors excel.  For all the latest collections plus lots of inspiration and helpful professional advice visit their lovely showroom with its new home & gift boutique. For more details plus special offer downloads go to www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk for more information. 

Showroom open Tues-Sat 10am til 4.pm and other times by appointment.
6 Rectory Road Oakley tel 01256 780831





Wednesday 9 January 2013

Why Choose Hand Finished Curtains?

By Marina Wooldridge

I feel so privileged to have been able to do what I love as a living for the last 25 years.  I have a passion for sewing and have been lucky enough to work with people who make the most amazing curtains. I am often asked what makes Honeysuckles curtains so different from the rest?  To which I answer that it’s all about the hand finishing and the quality of the fabrics, all the work you don’t see. Surely a pair of curtains is just a pair of curtains? Why bother going to the expense I hear you ask but when comparing I would invite you to come and see and feel the difference in ours for yourself.

As with many things in life you get what you pay for.  Quality made to measure curtains are not cheap nor should they be. Good trades people take pride in their work and take care to do it professionally. We curtain makers are no exception. It always takes more time and effort to do a professional job and justifies why hand made curtains are more expensive than ready mades.  A good pair of well made curtains is an investment. Consider how often you change them? Too many people regard curtains as just window coverings. Remember that they cover a large expanse of wall and up to a quarter of a room and will make or break the overall design scheme.

Professional curtains are always hand finished and will last longer and look better than poorly made ones or those entirely made by machine.  Compare a drawer made with glued dove tail joints and one that is held together just with nails. They will both serve their purpose but naturally the dovetailed one will last longer and be more aesthetically pleasing.  Making dove tailed joints takes longer to produce and requires more skill. Likewise with curtains, for a professional job stitching needs to be done correctly and with the correct type of materials. It is the internal work that is not seen that is important as it will ultimately show in the way they drape and how long they last. Lining needs to be held in place not just at each side but also at other points within the body of the curtain so that the fabrics are held together and are not just flapping about independently. Corners should be properly mitered and weighted and seams should also be weighted in the hems.

Hand finished curtains have vertical seams that are machine stitched but everything else is done by hand (side and bottom hems). Headings are made with buckram (a type of stiffening) which is also gathered up and sewn by hand. This gives sharp pleats below which flow in structured waves known as fullness. The alternative is the taped heading which is stitched on by machine and then gathered up by pulling on cords. Taped headings will not give the neat, sharp pleats and structure like those that are hand pleated. The finish is less precise and has a more relaxed look. When using a taped heading it is more common to use tie backs to improve the drape.

Another type of heading is the eyelet. Curtains with metal rings can be threaded onto a pole to create a modern, minimalist look. For the best finish, longevity and drape the metal eyelets should be punched into the heading with a special machine. There are tapes that can be purchased that try to achieve the same effect but these are very much for DIY-ers and do not give nearly as professional a finish.

There are many linings on the market today in different price bands. The cheaper linings will tend to have a low thread count (threads per square inch) and be treated with a chemical like a starch that makes it stiffer and feel, initially, to have good 'body'. This quickly breaks down under sunlight and weakens the fabric and its ability to protect. More expensive linings are not treated in this way and not only feel more substantial but will protect your curtain fabric from damage by the sun and dirt. The best lining is called cotton 'sateen' or 'solprufe' and it comes in various qualities. The better the quality, the higher the protection, and the longer they'll last. If you need blackout curtains there are many different qualities of blackout linings. They all do the job of keeping out the light but some are softer than others or have a more 'cottony' feel. The softer ones are more expensive but they will help your curtains drape better. Some flowing fabrics like silk or velvet will be stiffened if combined with blackout lining and so lose their softness. The degree to which this occurs is dictated by the handle of the lining.

Interlining can also be added between the lining and main fabric. Interlining is a traditional way of adding insulation to fabrics particularly silks and finer cottons. The addition of interlining gives a padded luxurious look according to the weight used. The use of interlining is almost wholly hand sewn and provides a fantastic finish and drape. 

To achieve the best results the right fabric must also be chosen along with the right heading and make up. However a pair of well made curtains needs to be dressed, hung and fitted professionally making sure that the appropriate type of rail or track is used to maximise the effect. 

Good curtains should always be well made. Curtains that are made and fitted professionally are not only practical but add a signature of quality.  I’m proud that at Honeysuckle Interiors we only use the best quality products on the market and have over 25 years of experience in our trade. We take a pride and care in our craft and look forward to sharing and passing the skill on to the next generation.

Join us on one of our “ How To” workshops see our website or call for details.