Founded in 2018, the curtain studio &Drape creates atmosphere with Danish custom-made curtains in private and professional spaces.
With a background in design and roots in an old curtain family, who has tailored curtains since 1960, &Drape represents a contemporary and curated aesthetic approach to made-to-measure curtains.
Run by the founders Julie Vendal & Nadia Al Zagir Balling, &Drape offers a carefully curated curtain collection. &Drape customize each curtain styling solution to the specific project, creating curtains that shape atmosphere, spark emotion and enhance the personal identity and spatial experience of a space.
&Drape’s curtain studio and showroom is located in the iconic historical Designhouse, Frederiksgade 1, overlooking the Marble Church in central Copenhagen. &Drape also offers curtain design consultation in the showroom, onsite and and online.
Interview setup by SVPR.
Hi Nadia, it’s a pleasure to sit down with you. First question, that I always ask. How does a regular day look like for you in Copenhagen?
Nadia: Thanks for having me 🙂 I often start my morning with a early morning swim in the ocean, we live close to the sea, and i swim all year round. A dip in the sea has become a sacred ritual for me, it is a form of meditative practice to explore the raw sea regardless of weather and wind and so good for the mind.
After that i deliver my son in school and go to our &Drape showroom and studio by the marble church to met with our amazing team or clients for curtain projects. Or when possible, I love starting my day working remote from one of the many beautiful, inspiring architectural spaces or museums in central copenhagen, such as the design museum or smk museum.
I always prioritize sit down dinner with my husband Anders and 7 year old son Thedoor. We live in an a remodelled functional house from 1968 in an old neighbourhood in Amager close to the water and only 20 minutes bike ride from Kongens Nytorv, central copenhagen. There is something very special about living so close to the sea and at the same time as there is only a short 20 minute bike ride into the busy city center. I enjoy this contrast in my daily life between our quiet, local residential neighborhood close to the water and our & drape showroom overlooking the Marble Church in busy central copenhagen.
I’m curious, growing up what kind of kid were you, what did you enjoy doing and how did you spend your time?
Nadia: I was a curious kid, always asking questions, a nose in a book, always day dreaming or playing and exploring in my fathers old garage with many old antique furnitures and old building materials etc. I was always redecorating mine and my sisters childhood room and creating homemade designs with my mum.
So when did you start showing an interest in design and decor?
Nadia: Already at a young age – my mother always took me along to vintage antique shops and flea markets, and i was so fascinated by those antique shops – it felt like a treasure hunt. Later on when studying fashion design i realised my passion was just as big for interior and design, and loved to work and explore in the intersection of fashion, interior, architecture and design.
My father is from Yemen and my mother is English, and I remember always being fascinated by the many details and textiles in my parent’s cultures and our relative’s homes, that we often visited in England (and once in Yemen when I was 6 years before the war). We used to spend every summer and Christmas in the UK staying with my mothers English family in their very different homes. But they would all have wall to wall carpets in many rooms, big heavy sofas, long textile curtains, fluffy pillows and bedspreads and even decorative textile toilets seat covers. I was so fascinated by all the textiles and always loved the cosy feeling. It was a textile heaven, and very different to the more clean, minimalistic Danish interior style my parents and friends in Denmark had with modern wood floors, simple sofas and metal blinds. I think my childhood trips to my family kickstarted my love for colours, contrasts and textiles.
All right, let’s talk about &Drape now, which you founded with Julie Vendal, in 2018. Can you tell me about how you two met?
Nadia: In october 2017 on Julies balcony a late indian summer day, Julie had just quit her job to seek new adventures and I had just had a baby. We were both reflecting on our dreams and life. We talked all day and evening about freedom, a desire for creating our own and strong common passion for working with beautiful atmospheres and design again – and that same day we decided the solution was to create &Drape made to measure curtains by ourselfes and we started this journey together. We created &Drape together without any funding, and Julie and Istarted &Drape together back in 2018.
Julie and Iare like ying and yang. Julie is very structured, excellent at creating new processes and cutting to the bone/focus and is a BIG and strong planner. I Nadia is very opposite and very curious, spontanious and always exploring and testing new ideas out. Even looking at us – we are opposites – I am dark curly haired – Julie completely white blond hair. Had you asked us 10 years ago “who of our friends we would start a company with, we would never of suggested with each other haha”. But we have discovered that our big differences, is our strengths and what makes us great partners in this amazing journey of creating &Drape. We compliment and know each other so well, its scary sometimes. We really love and respect others differences now, and share common life set values, and share the roles as co-founders and Nadia as Creative Director and Julie as CEO.
Can you walk me through the the process of starting &Drape, from initial idea, to sourcing materials and manufacturers, to final product?
Nadia: Working with textiles and curtains has been a natural result of mine and Julies journey throughout the years before and after we met.
Julie comes from an old curtain family, her grand parents have sewn curtains since 1960’s. Therefore Julie has been surrounded by the traditional curtain industry since she was a baby, and Julie therefore of course NEVER wanted to work with curtains like her grandparents and mother. But you know how the story ends haha.
Nadia: I have a background in design and fashion industry. Julie and I both worked with lifestyle and design brands in the advertising industry. And share a common strong passion of how an aesthetic and innovative approach can be merged with a traditional industry to create something completely new. Therefore &Drape was born out of our common strong passion to challenge the old ways and create a new modern take on the traditional curtain industry, by offering a contemporary and sharp curated aesthetic approach to made-to-measure curtains. We only wanted to work with curtain design products and textiles we love, and still have kept that promise to ourselves 6 years later.
It’s been 6 years since you founded the brand. Where do you see &Drape in another 6 years? What’s your future vision for the brand?
Nadia: We want to continue to develop our sharply curated &Drape curtain universe, so that we can make curtains for more dream projects and further out in the world. We are working on our dream of creating the next curtain design collaborations with inspiring, exciting upcoming and established artists and designers internationally. Ana Kras was clearly one of those on the dream list of design collabs with whom we launched “Frame Curtain” design collab. We love to further explore and work in the intersection between design, art and architecture. We are also working on finding the perfect location and partner for a pop up showroom in the UK (London) hopefully coming very soon as we are expanding to the UK after creating a few test projects there.
I know it’s still a young brand, but looking back, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while building &Drape?
Nadia: Balancing growing &Drape and family life with small children in the same years, lets say it has been 5 years with not so much sleep and many late working nights when the kids are sleeping. We created &Drape while I was on maternity leave from the advertising industry with my baby boy Theodor. And we developed &Drape while Julie had her first baby girl Alberte. So Growing the right team around us at the right time is essential for us – and we have a talented dream team at the moment, that we are so grateful for.
Staying on topic, what are some of your fondest memories and proudest moments?
Julie: Uh, it’s hard to single out just one, there are many that we are proud of and that along the journey have taken us to different levels. We pinch ourselves daily and are very grateful working with architects, interior designers and creatives, who we think are some of the most talented in the industry, and that they come to us for help to create atmosphere with tailor-made curtains in their incredibly beautiful and creative dream projects. Recently, we knew we had a bigger potential when inquiries started to come in from the USA, England, Japan, etc. The journey has only just begun – we have many big dreams also about abroad…
We are still amazed by how our small curtain design idea has managed to grow into the company and curtain brand &Drape is today, and this is visible and manifested every morning, when we see our amazing talented team in action on our projects in our showroom overlooking the beautiful marble church in Copenhagen city center. We live for those moments when a project is done and stunning, and the client is so happy of the big difference the curtains do for the atmosphere and space. Those moments make us so proud.
So far, what has been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Julie: Always remember and keep our focus on the core concept of creating a modern curated curtain design collection/brand and remember our original mission to challenge the traditional ways in the curtain industry in the proces.
Therefore an important lesson has been always listen to our intuition of what is right for us and &Drape. It is always right that feeling you have. Our intuition is so important and a creative guiding star for us since day one in creating, challenging and developing &Drape. And when facing challenges we always combine analysis, strategic thinking with our creativity and intuition.
In the beginning, your fellow peers didn’t exactly approve of you, but that quite quickly changed. Can you tell me about that?
Nadia: To be honest we loved shaking up the old traditional industry in the beginning. With a background in fashion design and Julie in an old curtain family, we had knowledge of the traditional curtain techniques and functional aspects of curtain design and production, which we respect. But combined with a different business and design outlook, we could also challenge these old dusty ways and that provoked many of the old traditional curtain industry players. We suddenly popped up with a different approach that people was curious about. To be honest we just asked a 100 ‘why this way questions’, broke the rules and did not compare ourselves to other curtain brands. We have always looked to architecture, design and fashion for inspiration and still do.
How does &Drape differentiate itself from other curtain brands? In what ways do your products or approach stand apart from traditional curtain designs in the market?
Nadia: We both wanted to challenge the old traditional curtain industry ways and create a new, modern and curated take on the traditional curtain industry, by offering a contemporary and sharply curated modern aesthetic approach to bespoke curtains.
In order to do so and To create new ways and differ &Drape from the traditional curtain industry, we From the very start, have always created and developed & Drape based on, that we are not in the curtain industry, we are in the design industry.
& Drape creates atmospheres, not curtain coverings. Many people see curtains as very functional objects, to solve ‘I have trouble sleeping’, too much sunlight in the room, etc.
But start thinking about curtains like mood creators in the room, as a part of the interior – in line with a chair, or a piece of design furniture that makes such a big difference in the room. Curtains can really finish off an interior decor beautifully, and spaces can feel so naked without curtains, we obviously think that ourselves, because we love the magic effect curtains have in a room. &Drape dares to say no and takes many deselections, dares to offer a very sharp curated curtain collection and select on the customer’s behalf. In opposition to the traditional curtain industry, which is very functional focused solely, often with technical men in front and they offer hundreds of textile options not curated at all.
At & Drape, we instead work with curtains from a design perspective, we curate them sharply and have created a &drape “aesthetics”, a style that people like. We don’t offer everything, we only have what we really love, and we only offer people that. We only offer what we love ourselves and have been looking for a long time for right textiles from all over the world. We’d rather wait for the completely right curtain textile, than take in something random. At &Drape we constantly push the boundaries for beautiful is curtains in a space. Examples of this is our silver Steel Mirror Curtain, deadstock italian lace curtains or curtain design collab with Ana Kras.
What are you hoping to convey through your designs?
Nadia: &Drape’s mission is to bring the poetry back into the room, and create a little touch of magic in the interior.
We are both very passionate about and fascinated by how colors, light and textiles can completely highlight and change the character, mood and expression of a room.”, and that is what we do with curtains. “We are known for making timeless, modern curtain designs with a small extra design detail in the form of e.g. a color flow or a sculptural form or graphic line. The mood, colors and shape play a big role in &Drape’s creative expression and design DNA.
In our curtain designs, we at &Drape always work with colors that have a bit of black/grey added to them to create a dusty atmosphere and color attitude. Even our most “colorful curtain stylings have an understated dusty undertone to create a modern timeless elegant expression. We want the curtains to play together with the architecture and interior design to enhance the experience of a room – rather than drowning out and taking over the room. People often mention we are known for this colour approach and creating a dreamy poetic atmosphere in a space.
How do you see curtains evolving in the future? Given your innovative approach, what trends or design elements do you think will shape the future of curtains in 2025 and beyond?
Nadia: KEY CURTAIN THEMES identified FOR 2025
- FLEXIBLE ZONING and ROOM-WITHIN-A-ROOM CONCEPTS: Create multifunctional spaces with curtains that serve as beautiful room dividers. Flexible, lightweight curtain dividers and curtain walls, allow for the creation of intimate zones within larger rooms, resulting in mood zones and rooms-within-rooms.
- PLAYFUL COLOUR FLOW: Introduce a dreamy and personal touch to interiors with long, lightweight curtains in changing colour flows. By blending 2-4 complementary colours, these curtains bring a playful expression and ever-shifting visual experience to any room.
- TWO-PART CURTAINS: Make a bold statement with two-part curtains that offer a striking graphic detail, adding a subtle yet powerful visual impact, perfect for those looking to infuse their spaces with a modern, graphic edge.
- SHINY SURFACES – SILVER MIRROR & METALLIC NET: Break away from the matte textures of natural materials with metallic and reflective curtains. These high-gloss, sculptural pieces create a futuristic vibe, adding a touch of luxury and intrigue to any setting.
- SCULPTURAL WAVY CURTAIN RAILS: Elevate curtain installation to an art form with organically shaped, wavy curtain rails. These sculptural elements soften the rigidity of straight lines and square corners, adding fluidity and an organic elegance to any room.
- WALL-TO-WALL CURTAINS: Curtains used from wall to wall as textile curtain walls, hung on a long, discreet ceiling track that extends past the window so the curtains also cover the walls. This creates a beautiful, soft sculptural atmosphere in the room, visually making the space appear larger and more cohesive. The curtains add warmth and sophistication, enveloping the room in a soft, inviting ambiance.
- LACE & ZEBRA PATTERNS: Embrace bold textures and patterns with &Drape’s lace and zebra curtains. Drawing inspiration from classic designs, these curtains introduce
a playful yet timeless touch to interiors, offering a unique contrast to minimalistic decor.
Beyond 2025:
Now more than ever in these uncertain times, our home is where we seek and find peace, relax and recharge and express our personality and values. We are seeing a big sustainable shift towards “less, but better” and “living more with less” together with more dreamy, personal and authentic interiors. We are seeking to awaken a certain feeling, atmosphere and express personality in our homes – curtains and textiles can help do that.
What role do you think curtains play in interior design today, beyond their functional use? How do you approach the idea of curtains as “essential design expressions”?
Nadia: &Drape’s mission is to bring the poetry back into the room, and create a little touch of magic in the interior. “Curtains are a form of visual poetry. They can create the most magical, dreamy atmosphere, when you play with light, actually letting it into the rooms, instead of shutting it out. The colour of the curtains and texture of the textile can tone the colour of a space, change the atmosphere and completely change the feeling of the room and spatial experience. The curtain colour changes magically throurhout the changing seasons, daylight, sun or rain.
How do you balance innovation with timelessness? Curtains are often a long-term investment in a home—how do you ensure your designs stay relevant over time?
Nadia: We work with what we call “timeless modern” aesthetic approach. Curtains are a big investment, and therefore important for us you also like your curtains in 5-8 years. That’s why we work with a layer of dust that we sprinkle over our curtain colours, so that the curtains appear timeless and elegant in the room, and even the most colored curtain tones, eg the fresh green and frozen mint. They also have a layer of dust added to the in colour. The curtains should not be the center of attention, but must play beautifully alongside the furniture and art, complementing the interior deco beautifully, and create a red thread through the rooms. It is th small subtil extra detail, that makes a big difference.
Can you walk us through your design process? How do you approach designing a curtain collection with the goal of “elevating the mundane to the extraordinary”?
Nadia: We always seek to add that little extra touch and curtain design detail, that makes a big difference in a space and the interior. We call it sprinkling that little extra touch and poetic magic over the curtain styling.
In &drape we take outset in our creative universe and the customer’s personality/brand DNA. We we work styling-based and act as a curtain styling consultants/advisers, and always put us into who is the customer, what is the specific space and architecture, and based on that, and our & drape aesthetics, we make the best solution tailored to the customer’s personality, brand DNA, space, decor, architecture, needs and interior dreams. We customize each curtain styling solution to the specific project, creating curtains that shape atmosphere, spark emotion and enhance the personal identity and spatial experience of a space.
Where do you draw inspiration for new curtain styles? Are there any particular themes, movements, or materials that inspire your 2025 curtain themes?
Nadia: We are inspired and drawn to many of the contrasts we meet in everyday life. It can be in contrasts between materials, the lines of architecture, the movement of the sea, the nature and the changing light throughout the day and the seasons, the imperfect in the beautiful, the small detail that makes a big difference, old cultural patterns in new times etc.. It’s about a contrast and surprise in the balance, mixing the old with something new, so it teases the eye and creates an exciting, sensual experience.
For the 2025 curtain themes we loved playing with what we call ‘CONTRAST POETRY’. A play with contrasts and the interaction of sculptural shapes and forms – an installation study of how sculptural textiles, hand-sculpted objects and contrasting textures together shape atmospheres, awaken the senses and elevate the experience of a space, creating visual poetry that can create the most magical atmosphere in a space.
What materials or techniques are you experimenting with to push the boundaries of curtain design? Can you share any insights into how technology, sustainability, or craftsmanship play a role in your innovation?
Nadia: At &Drape we are constantly pushing the boundaries for working with beautiful made-to-measure curtains in a space. Examples of this is experimenting with alternative tech textiles such as our silver Steel Mirror Curtains, working with sustainable through recycled based textiles or deadstock italian textile for our lace curtains and looking into how we can create new curtain styling ideas through studying the old traditional historic craftsmanship behind drapes.
How do you tailor your curtains to different spaces or personal preferences? Do you offer customization to help customers match the unique mood and atmosphere they want to create?
Nadia: In &drape we take outset in our creative universe and the customer’s personality/brand DNA. We we work styling-based and act as a curtain styling consultants/advisers, and always put us into who is the customer, what is the specific space and architecture, and based on that, and our & drape aesthetics, we make the best solution tailored to the customer’s personality, brand DNA, space, decor, architecture, needs and interior dreams. We customize each curtain styling solution to the specific project, creating curtains that shape atmosphere, spark emotion and enhance the personal identity and spatial experience of a space.
What does &Drape mean when you describe your curtains as adding ‘poetry to every room’? Could you elaborate on how you define the emotional or aesthetic impact your curtains can create?
Nadia: &Drape’s mission is to bring the poetry back into the room, and create a little touch of magic in the interior. “Curtains are a form of visual poetry. They can create the most magical, dreamy atmosphere, when you play with light, actually letting it into the rooms, instead of shutting it out. The colour of the curtains and texture of the textile can tone the colour of a space, change the atmosphere and completely change the feeling of the room. The curtain colour changes magically throurhgout the changing seasons, daylight, sun or rain.”.
Now to something totally different… How would you describe a perfect day?
Nadia: My dream day would be starting with a an early morning sunrise swim in the ocean. we live close to the sea, and i swim all year round. And then a nice long, sloooow breakfast with my son and husband and reading a book in the sunshine. Followed by exploring some my favorite galleries and museums in Copenhagen, and finishing the day of with a big and impulsive long table dinner with friends and orange wine, laughter and dance into the night.
In a parallel universe who would you be? and what would you be doing?
Nadia: In my next life i will be an architect working with contrasting lines and materials.
Would you consider yourself a nostalgic person?
Nadia: Yes and no. I keep my good memories close to heart and always with me, but don’t dvelve in the past – i love the now and also dreaming about the times ahead.
Can you tell me a story about a time when a connection with someone had a big impact on you?
Nadia: From very young age I was always fascinated by my Uncle Steve who is an architect in the UK and his use of amazing solid quality materials such as wood, steel and glas and combined with simple lines. He was always good at involving us young children in his projects and that left a big interest in architecture and design.
What qualities do you find most important in the people you choose to spend time with?
Nadia: An open, curious mind and being a good and kind person – i choose everything from friends to partners in &Drape based on this.
Alright Nadia. I always ask these two questions at the end of an interview. The first is. What’s your favorite movie(s) and why?
Nadia: I don’t watch many movies, but a childhood favorite is the original Beauty and The Beast, because it has always encapsuled what i truly believe in and my mantra to my son that “anything is possible if you treat others nice, keep and open, welcoming and curious mind, dream big and work for it”.
The second is. What song(s) are you currently listening to the most right now?
Old school 90’s funky rnb and then i always listen to various water and rain sounds when relaxing and creating in &Drape – love how it calms and opens my mind.