Ana Cvetkovic is the principal of Philadelphia-based interior design and home staging firm Rowhome Design.
In her interior design work, Ana specializes in coming up with creative design solutions for Philly's historic–and often compact–rowhomes (aka townhouses). She believes interior design is a problem-solving art, which is why her approach begins with understanding how clients need their spaces to work for them. Making homes look as beautiful as they are functional is the icing on the cake. You shouldn't wait until you're in your "forever home" to love your space, which is why Rowhome Design offers renter-friendly interior design services that make a big impact. Ana’s designs are greatly influenced by her multicultural upbringing spanning Belgrade, Philadelphia, and London. You can see her eclectic taste throughout the Rowhome Showhome, which is Ana's home and design playground.
As a certified home stager, Ana reimagines spaces so buyers can pictures themselves living their best lives there. Having bought two homes in Philadelphia and toured countless others, Ana knows firsthand how important it is to create a first impression that evokes an emotional connection in buyers. With a decade of experience running her own marketing business, Ana’s keen understanding of target audiences helps her to tailor each stage to attract the right buyer. From highlighting the standout features of a home—such as a breathtaking rooftop deck or a luxurious primary suite—Ana ensures that every property stands out in a crowded market. Ana is a proud member of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA).
We researched the best places to buy curtains based on selection, price, return policies, and customization. We also asked interior designers for tips on fabric, length, and style.
According to Cvetkovic, curtains that are the wrong height or width can make an expensive window treatment look cheap, a room look too dark, and ceilings look lower than they are. To avoid this, you’ll have to do some measuring. “Curtains should be long enough that they can be mounted just below the ceiling and skim the floor,” Cvetkovic says. “By hanging curtains near the ceiling rather than just above the window, you’ll draw the eyes up and give the illusion of taller ceilings. When curtains are too short, they look ‘off.’”
Width is just as important. While Cvetkovic notes that curtains should be at least the width of the window they’re in front of, “you can add drama and flair by buying curtains that are at least two times wider than your windows. When they’re closed, the folds of wider curtains will add an elegant texture to your space.”
..
“Sheer materials like cotton, mesh, lace, and chiffon let the most light in, so they’re perfect for a space in which you want privacy, but don’t want to block light, like a living room,” says Cvetkovic. Cotton curtains are also easy to find, sustainable, and can be a budget-friendly option, though they may require some steaming.
For a more elegant or luxurious look, velvet curtains are the way to go. “Velvet curtains add warmth, drama, and texture to a space,” explains Cvetkovic. “This room-darkening material is just shy of blocking out all of the light in a room, making it a more stylish alternative to conventional blackout curtains.” They're also thick so they're great for creating a formal atmosphere.
Budget-friendly options include cotton and polyester, which has come a long way from the shiny, ultra-processed-looking material of old. Now, polyester is sleek, easy to customize, and requires little care while coming in sumptuous-looking finishes. It's also durable and low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy households. According to Cvetkovic, polyester curtains tend to be the most affordable and wrinkle-resistant.
REAL SIMPLE
'If you want to achieve a traditional look with your gallery wall, you should use matching frames,' says Ana Cvetkovic, principal of Philadelphia-based interior design and home staging firm Rowhome Design.
She continues, 'However, if you want a more dynamic, interesting gallery wall, it's best to mix up your frames. To ensure the gallery wall looks cohesive, rather than chaotic, stick to 2-3 frame colors. For my living room, I used black, white, and gold frames.'
Alternatively, Ana suggests looking towards the art itself for framing inspiration, as it can determine a pleasing color scheme.
'Another way to create a cohesive gallery wall when using different frames and help direct the eye is to look for art with unifying elements,' she explains. 'For example, you could choose pieces with similar colors or shapes. Pink, blue, and green are repeated throughout my gallery wall.'
HOMES & GARDENS
But don’t count out the dining room just yet. If you love your dining room set or are looking for a home that features room for an elegant table and chairs, things might just be taking a turn.
“Real estate and interior design trends swing like a pendulum, so it’s only a matter of time before dining rooms become in vogue again,” says Rowhome Design’s Cvetkovic.
She adds that with living expenses on the rise, people have less disposable income to spend on dining out.
“Soon enough, we’ll see people romanticizing formal dining rooms as spaces where they can create restaurantlike experiences at home,” she predicts. “And, for that, people will start seeking dining rooms again.”
REALTOR.COM, NEW YORK POST