Update: We had hoped to post on Thursday, but this week didn’t go as planned—sorry about the missed post. We appreciate your patience and will get back on schedule soon.
Update #2: We’d love your input: when we can’t produce a full-length post, would you prefer a short update like this one, or would you rather we skip posting that day entirely and simply leave a brief note? Would a small quick post—an organizing tip, a Reader Redesign, or a short design dilemma we’re debating—be helpful, or would you rather not see a shorter post? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Curtains can transform a room, defining scale, color and mood. And pillows—well, you can never have too many, if you ask the pillow-obsessed people in our house. This week one lucky reader will win $500 to spend at Martha & Ash, a family-run business that specializes in thoughtfully made fabric goods. They offer high-quality items like pillows, dog beds and custom drapes, including striped or two-toned options in more than 25 colorways.
Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter (it may take a moment to load). This giveaway is open worldwide!
Click to view the Rafflecopter widget
How you might use the prize
If you win, there are several ways to stretch $500 at a fabric-focused shop. Consider a pair of custom drapes to anchor a living room, or update a bedroom with new window treatments in a bold stripe or a sophisticated two-tone. Mix and match decorative pillows to tie in patterns and textures—layer smaller lumbar pillows in front of larger square ones for depth. Pet owners might treat their furry friends to a durable, well-made dog bed that complements living room or den decor.
Tips for choosing curtains
When selecting drapes, consider scale and proportion first. Floor-length panels typically make ceilings feel higher; measure from where you plan to hang the rod down to the floor and add a little extra if you prefer a puddled look. Lighter-weight fabrics let more light through for an airy feel, while heavier textiles provide privacy and sound dampening. For pattern placement, stripes can elongate a window and room, while two-tone panels offer a modern, tailored aesthetic.
How to coordinate pillows and drapery
Start with a primary color or pattern in the room and pull secondary colors from there. A common strategy is to pick one bold or patterned pillow, then complement it with solids and textured neutrals. Consider fabric mixing—linens, cottons and woven blends work well together when they share a similar color palette or undertone. For a cohesive look, echo an accent color from the drapes in a pair of throw pillows or in a rug.
Fabric care and longevity
High-quality fabric goods last when cared for properly. Spot-clean spills promptly, follow any label instructions for washing or dry cleaning, and rotate pillows periodically to even out wear. Sunlight can fade textiles over time—consider lining or backing for drapes in sun-drenched rooms, or use lighter-weight sheers layered under heavier panels to protect color while maintaining light control.
Why handmade and small businesses matter
Family-run makers often focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail and thoughtful material choices. Choosing quality-made items can mean better long-term value: seams that hold up, fabric choices that age well, and better finishing touches like reinforced corners on pillows or custom heading styles on curtains. A $500 gift can go a long way toward investing in one or two well-made pieces that elevate your space.
Enter using the Rafflecopter widget above. We’ll announce the winner after entries close—thanks for entering, and thanks as always for reading and sharing your feedback about our posting schedule and content. We look forward to hearing whether you prefer small updates or no post when we don’t have a full feature ready.