Curtains, Draperies, and the Great Debate

Let’s get one thing straight: in the window treatment world, we like to use the word draperies. It sounds fancy, elegant, and maybe even a little mysterious. But let’s be honest — most people call them curtains. And that’s fine… except when you come into a showroom and ask for “just some curtains” and I have to resist the urge to say, “Excuse me, these are draperies. Curtains are what you buy when you forget to pack shades for your dorm room.”

Curtains: The Sweatpants of the Window World

Curtains are like sweatpants, comfortable, easy, and fine for a Saturday morning when you’re binging a show. They get the job done. They cover the window. End of story.

Draperies: The Evening Gown Your Windows Deserve

Draperies, on the other hand, are couture for your windows. They’re tailored, lined, pleated, and designed to make your living room look like it belongs in a magazine spread. Draperies don’t just hang there — they perform. They whisper, “Yes, this homeowner has their life together,” even if your kitchen junk drawer says otherwise.

Why the Difference Matters (Even if You Don’t Care)

Here’s the truth: when you say “curtain,” you probably mean “drapery.” And that’s okay! My job isn’t to judge — it’s to make sure your windows are dressed to impress. (Think of me as your windows’ stylist. I’ll even make sure the hems don’t trip anyone.)

A Public Service Announcement

So, the next time you tell your friends you just got “new curtains,” go ahead and wink — because you’ll know the truth. They’re draperies. And your windows are now the best-dressed in the neighborhood.

Finding the Perfect Window Treatments: The 3 P's Approach

Personal, Practical,

Pretty

When it comes to enhancing your living space, window treatments play a pivotal role in creating the perfect ambiance. At Rebecca Munster Designs (RMD), we understand the importance of considering the 3 P's – Personal, Practical, and Pretty – to ensure that your window treatments not only meet your functional needs but also reflect your unique style.

1. Personal: Illuminate Your Space with Feelings

Every room has a unique personality, and your window treatments should complement and enhance that ambiance. Take a moment to consider your personal feelings about light. Do you prefer soft, diffused sunlight or are you drawn to bright, natural light flooding your space? Understanding your preferences will guide you towards treatments that not only regulate light but also resonate with your personal style.

For those cozy evenings or private moments, consider options like layered curtains or Roman shades that offer both privacy and a touch of elegance. Our custom workroom at RMD can tailor these treatments to match your unique taste and preferences.

2. Practical: Solutions Tailored for Your Home and Family

Window treatments are more than just decorative elements; they should also be practical solutions that cater to the needs of your home and family. Consider factors such as energy efficiency, maintenance, and the specific requirements of each room.

For instance, in high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets, durable and easy-to-clean options like blinds or shades might be ideal. Our experienced team at RMD can guide you through the practical aspects, ensuring that your window treatments not only look beautiful but also serve the specific functions required for each space.

3. Pretty: Elevate Your Design Aesthetic

Finally, let's talk about the aesthetic appeal. Your window treatments should seamlessly integrate with your overall design scheme, enhancing the beauty of your space. Whether you're going for a minimalist look or a more opulent style, there are numerous options available.

Consider custom-designed drapes in a fabric that complements your furniture or stylish plantation shutters that add a touch of sophistication to any room. At RMD, we take pride in our custom workroom, where skilled artisans bring your design vision to life, ensuring that your window treatments are not only practical but also a stunning focal point in your space.

In conclusion, finding the perfect window treatments involves a thoughtful consideration of the 3 P's – Personal feelings about light, Practical solutions needed for your home and family, and Pretty options that enhance your design aesthetic. At RMD, we are committed to helping you strike the perfect balance, creating window treatments that are both functional and visually captivating.

The Transformative Power of Draperies: Elevate Your Space with RMD

At Rebecca Munster Designs (RMD), we understand that every element of interior design plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance of a space. Among our array of services, draperies stand out as powerful tools for transforming any room. Let's delve into the enchanting world of draperies and discover how they can elevate your living or working space.

1. Unparalleled Elegance:

Draperies are synonymous with sophistication and elegance. Whether you opt for luxurious fabrics, intricate patterns, or timeless solids, our custom draperies add a touch of refinement to any room. The way draperies gracefully cascade from the rod creates a visual feast, turning your windows into works of art.

2. Versatile Style:

One of the most remarkable features of draperies is their versatility. From classic and traditional to modern and eclectic, our design experts at RMD can tailor draperies to suit any style or aesthetic preference. Draperies become a seamless extension of your design vision, enhancing the overall appeal of your space.

3. Light Control and Privacy:

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, draperies serve a practical purpose. They provide optimal light control, allowing you to adjust the amount of natural light entering your space. Moreover, draperies offer an unparalleled sense of privacy, creating a sanctuary within your home or office.

4. Energy Efficiency:

In addition to their aesthetic and functional benefits, draperies contribute to energy efficiency. During colder months, heavy draperies act as an insulating barrier, keeping warmth in and cold drafts out. In the summer, they can be drawn to block out the sun's heat, helping maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

5. Custom Craftsmanship at RMD:

At RMD, we take pride in our custom workroom, where skilled artisans meticulously craft draperies tailored to your exact specifications. Whether you desire unique patterns, specific lengths, or intricate detailing, our team ensures that your draperies are not just window coverings but expressions of your individual style.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Space with RMD's Draperies

In conclusion, the power of draperies extends far beyond mere window coverings. They are an essential element in creating a harmonious and visually stunning environment. Contact Rebecca Munster Designs today to explore the endless possibilities of custom draperies and let us bring a touch of elegance and functionality to your space.

An Open Window

There is an old saying, “when one door closes another door opens.”  Well, maybe it doesn’t have to be a door, maybe, just maybe it could be a window.  A window of hope.   

This business started very organically.  I had a skill set and once my friends and neighbors new about it they started requested my services.  After a very successful career in IT/Project Management it felt really good to do something creative, be my own boss, and reinvent my professional life.  It also felt really good to have more flexibility with my family.  All of that also came with sacrifice and with sacrifice comes good life lessons.  While I love this new profession and love what I get to do every day, I also have felt something was missing.  I get the privilege of creating beautiful things that improve your home, the largest investment and most intimate space, I still felt like I needed to find a way to give back and pay it forward.  The challenges (time and money) of a baby business made it hard for me to dig into that and figure out how and what to do.  As a goal for 2019 I wanted to figure out a way to give back but I wanted it to relate to my business and I was on a mission to figure that out! 

I believe in my first blog I may have mentioned that my growing up was a little dysfunctional.  There were hard times, eviction notices, living without power, my fathers substance abuse, just to give you a little glimpse.  In the grand scheme of things, I have turned out pretty well even with so many cards stacked against me.  In my 20’s whenever someone would come into my life and learn about my past they would always ask how I turned out so good.  I suppose that is a pretty good question, but I wasn’t sure the answer.  I was just doing what I do.  As I struggled with infertility in my 30’s I had the opportunity to have my strength exercised again and the answer to that question became clear.  I turned out okay because I had HOPE.  Hope is a powerful thing.  Hope comes from so many different sources but as I thought back on my life I realized that there were lots of things and sometimes they were just little things that helped to provide me with Hope.  The acknowledgement that someone cared and believed in me through various acts of kindness gave me hope.  Hope made me believe my life could be better, I could be better, things didn’t have to stay the same.  This is why giving back and paying it forward is so important to me.  If you feel stuck, you will never reach your full potential.  Life is full of twists and turns and the challenges never stop coming, even when you are more “normal” so having hope and knowing how to use hope is really important. 

As I thought about hope and I thought about my business an idea came together.  Windows, windows let light in, windows let fresh air in, windows provide a way out, windows are a great symbol of hope.  Is there anything better than opening the window shades and feeling the sun on your face?  What if, we started a program where a portion of our sales went into a special program that allowed us to do acts of kindness?  This just might work! 

So today, we are rolling out our new program An Open Window.  A portion of all of our sales will go into An Open Window and will be used to provide HOPE to someone else.  Perhaps we will buy a sofa for a family that cannot do it financially and doesn’t have anything to sit on, or maybe we will provide drapery for a special family faced with a difficult situation.   As the funds build we will identify new opportunities to spread hope and keep all of you posted with An Open Window projects.  Our first project is being funded by myself and our team and we will be sharing the details with each of you. 

What is even more exciting is that as each of you help us to build our dream with our business you also get to help make these acts of kindness happen.   Each of our clients will be An Open Window Hopemaker.  Making your home beautiful will contribute to helping someone else feel hopeful. It doesn’t get much better than that! 

So, when one door closes – we have An Open Window! 

In the beginning...

There isn’t a career test out there that pin points who should be a curtain maker, or upholsterer, or just maker of beautiful things.  So, where in the world did it start with me?  How did I get this idea to create?  Well, I think I was always creative and always interested in making my little corner of the world pretty. 

I grew up in a lot of dysfunction and my room was my happy place.  It wasn’t big, but it was mine and it had a small window that felt like it was in the clouds every spring when the Bartlett pear in our backyard bloomed.  I found myself asking for lamps, art work, bed spreads, and more for every birthday and Christmas.  I wanted anything that would help transform that space into something just perfect for me.  Red was my color of choice and boy did I know how to use a pop of color.

As I grew older I found myself working after school at a craft store.  I loved working in that store.  Every isle was full of things that were just a few steps away from becoming amazing.  I didn’t know then but I was learning to really appreciate “custom” items and the value behind having something that is just perfect for a space and unique to my home. 

During high school, we moved and my sister and I had to share rooms.  That meant my signature color would no longer work.  My sister and I picked out inexpensive comforter sets and while they were nice in the room, the room was missing something.  It was white and didn’t have a lot of character.  Our beds had drawers on the bottom so the bed skirts that came with the comforter set were not needed and my creative mind all of a sudden had a plan.  Those windows in that house had no molding and the metal mini blinds were not helping the situation.  I used my employee discount to purchase a couple of bottles of craft paint, a roll of masking tape, and some ribbon.  I taped off a border around the window and went to work with the paint creating a beautiful trim around the windows.  While that was drying I started reworking those bed skirts into pretty swags using the ribbon I purchased.  Once the swags were in place the room had character, color, and something special.  Somehow in this boring, dare I say cheap, rental I was able to add some style on a budget.  It was amazing how some paint and leftover fabric could transform a space.  I didn’t know then that this was the moment that I inherently learned the importance of dressing a window.

All these years later, after a long and healthy career in IT and project management my path has come back to making spaces beautiful.  It really happened very organically – some might call it destiny.