Behind the Brand – Sway Curtains

By Jade Johansson • 5 years ago

Jan
2020

When it comes to creating refined interiors, it’s the finer details that define a space. Of course architectural features and quality finishes lay the foundation, but it’s the layering of texture, movement, and softness that turns a house into a polished and deeply personal home. Nowhere is this more evident than in the renewed appreciation for custom window treatments, which are an essential element in luxury interiors.

One woman leading that shift is Diana Taylor, the creative force behind boutique window furnishings studio, Sway. With a background in actuarial science and an analytical mind trained for precision, her journey into interiors wasn’t conventional – but it’s exactly that contrast which has made her approach so distinctive.

What began as a personal renovation project quickly uncovered a gap in the market – a lack of quality custom curtains to satisfy her discerning taste and budget. “There was either mass produced, off the shelf options or extremely high-end, designer solutions with heavy markups – but very little in between,” she explains.

Rather than compromise, she set out to create a studio that would marry quality craftsmanship with curation. Today, Sway offers made-to-measure curtains, blinds, and automated systems tailored specifically for luxury interiors, where precision isn’t optional, and aesthetics are paramount.

With over 1,000 custom installations across Australia, Sway’s portfolio ranges from inner city penthouses to expansive coastal builds. Each project begins not with fabric samples, but with a conversation. “We always start with mood. How should the space feel – soft, grounded, bold, airy? That drives the form and finish before we even talk materials.”

Once the vision is clear, sourcing begins. A combination of premium Australian textiles and fine European imports forms the backbone of Sway’s offering, selected for their weight, drape, and durability. Installations are meticulously planned and executed – whether it’s a gentle ripple fold gliding across 5 metre glazing, or motorised blinds hidden within millimetre perfect ceiling recesses.

While the business is now flourishing from two Sydney showrooms, the early days were far more grassroots. “I used to do consults with fabric rolls in the car and samples under my arm,” she laughs. “But even then, I knew that homeowners – especially those investing in a custom build were looking for something better.”

It’s that quiet confidence and commitment to excellence that now sees Sway collaborating with some of the country’s most respected builders, designers, and architects. And while she’s no longer working with equations and spreadsheets, she’s quick to credit her past career for her present success. “Precision is the common thread. It’s the difference between something being beautiful and something being unforgettable.”

Contact Sway today to discuss your project.