In the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, a place that buzzes with creative energy and neighborhood warmth, a new space has opened its doors: The Neighbor, part coffee shop, part event venue, all community. Housed in a lovingly preserved 1930s building, The Neighbor is already becoming a gathering place for concerts, conversations, and caffeine. But behind the cozy ambiance and historic charm lies an essential layer of design that ties it all together: custom curtains and fabrics by C Winn Designs.

This wasn’t just a matter of style, it was a meeting of artistry and acoustics. With exposed brick walls, tall ceilings, and the kind of industrial bones that tell a story, The Neighbor had great character, but also an echo that wasn’t quite as inviting as the rest of the space. Enter Chrissie Winn and her team at C Winn Designs, who worked alongside Audrey Johnson, Co-Founder and Interior Designer at ROSI Designs, to create textiles that could both warm the atmosphere and elevate the guest experience.

“Working with Chrissie is always a delight,” says Johnson. “The quality blows me away every time, and the process is always smooth from start to finish. We knew she’d deliver exactly what the space needed.”

The vision for The Neighbor was clear: elevated yet approachable. Nestled in an old train depot, the space naturally carries an industrial-historic feel, but with modern-glam touches that make it feel special without being pretentious. “With local events like concerts and weddings happening in the space and the architectural bones being made of brick and wood ceilings, it was important to bring soft and luxurious curtains in to balance the acoustics and soften the other industrial architectural materials,” Johnson explains.

“There were a lot of exposed pipes and conduit when we first saw the space. Although a lot of it was removed or painted, you can still see some elements of the space's “rugged beauty”. We chose to use drapery rods with French returns to reflect those existing elements, but in a slightly refined way,” Winn shares of how the architectural elements informed her designs. 

The curtains became more than just décor. Luxurious, full-length panels not only enhanced the sound quality for concerts and events, but also created an intimate, almost residential vibe. “They make you want to sit and stay awhile,” says Johnson. “And at the same time, their height and fullness bring a dramatic wow-factor.”

Guests have noticed. Since opening, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone’s amazed by how grand the curtains are,” Johnson says. “They’re one of those details that people remember.”

For both ROSI Designs and C Winn Designs, collaborating with local businesses is more than a practical choice; it’s a philosophy. “Collaboration lets everyone work in their strengths,” Johnson says. “Every local business has a story and a craft to share, and it’s fun to see those come together to create something truly special.”

Winn agrees, noting how essential it was to have open communication throughout the process. “The designer [Johnson] and I were able to discuss possible design challenges and opportunities with the contractor and client to avoid any unwanted surprises upon installation. Like this project, we strive to have open communication with our clients so that our collaborations are successful every time.”

In The Neighbor’s case, that story now includes custom textiles that don’t just decorate the room, they shape the way it feels, sounds, and welcomes its community. So next time you’re sipping a cappuccino under the glow of the café lights, take a moment to appreciate what’s behind the seams.

Ready to make your business's vision a reality? Contact C Winn Designs today to set up your free project consultation!