Design Journey: Inspiration from our Adventures in Spain

You know what they say – inspiration strikes in the most unexpected places! While I’m usually found helping clients create their perfect spaces, I recently found myself gathering fresh design ideas from a rather unusual vantage point – the back of my husband Kevin’s motorcycle as we adventured through Spain! As a window treatment professional by day and motorcycle enthusiast’s wife by… well, also day, I couldn’t help but notice the stunning architectural details and design elements at every turn.

Nature’s Own Design School

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like watching the Spanish countryside unfold before you from the back of a bike. From the majestic Rock of Gibraltar rising above misty hills (complete with modern wind turbines – talk about old meets new!) to the silvery olive groves that seemed to go on forever, every vista was a master class in color and texture. You better believe I was mentally noting all these gorgeous natural palettes for future projects. Those Mediterranean blues off Málaga’s coast? Perfect inspiration for selecting the perfect sheer fabrics that capture that same breezy, coastal feeling.

Doors, Windows, and Details – Oh My!

Spain’s historic architecture offers endless inspiration in every detail. Picture this: ornate wrought-iron balconies, massive wooden doors that look like they belong in a fairy tale, and the most incredible Moorish archways you’ve ever seen.

As we navigated through Madrid’s historic streets, I was like a kid in a candy store, spotting design elements that would translate beautifully into finials and hardware choices back home.

Hotel Living: Where Luxury Meets Function

In Málaga’s boutique hotels, I discovered something that made my window treatment-loving heart skip a beat — inverted box pleats spaced an impressive 12-14 inches apart. Trust me, this isn’t your standard pleating! These gorgeous traversing panels, paired with floor-length blackout liners and dreamy linen sheers, were absolute perfection. And don’t even get me started on their Euro hem technique — it’s a detail I already love using for our clients, but seeing it executed in these historic settings gave me so many new ideas.

Bringing a Bit of España Home

While I may not be able to pack Spain’s stunning Plaza Mayor in my suitcase (believe me, I would if I could!), I brought home plenty of inspiration to share with our clients. From the ripple folds we spotted in Córdoba to those luxurious sheers in Málaga’s boutique hotels, each detail can be thoughtfully adapted to create something special in your home.

Every stop on our motorbike adventure — from Madrid to Granada — was filled with fresh ideas and innovative techniques. There’s nothing like exploring a new country to remind you that beautiful design truly is a universal language. At Designer Draperies, we bring a global perspective to your windows – translating the best of European sophistication into beautiful, functional treatments for your home.

Ready to explore how we can bring globally-inspired design to your window treatments? Schedule your complimentary consultation today and let’s create something extraordinary together.