Recently, I've noticed in both the shelter mags and my trade mags the deliberate use of curtains instead of drapes when referring to window treatments. So, I did a little research. I actually think the incomparable Miles Redd is behind this switch and others have quickly joined suit. I remember reading this interview in the Post (do I need to clarify that... The Washington Post) with Nick Olsen. Notice who Nick works for.
I just needed to ask. I emailed Miles Redd, and asked what's wrong with drapes? This was the response. First of all, how awesome that someone bothered to respond and within hours too. I read in an interview that he returns client's calls very quickly. Hmmm, great decorator and business man. He says, "drapes smacks of trying to hard. Curtains sound like what they are". He also added that he prefers sofa (despises couch) and likes good old fashioned decorator to designer. Love it. Now, I need to ask if it is cocktail table or coffee table?
I would be remiss if I didn't show some of his work. I think he is one of the most talented decorators out there and the guy is young (well, young is relative).
The green leather upholstered doors has me holding my breath (with nail head no less)!
Look at the faux ivory wall treatment and horn trim. Not even human!
Umm does this even need an explanation?
Miles, in his home. Those zebra upholstered doors send me over the moon!
I haven't met Miles but I have a feeling he isn't a diva designer. That's a post for another day. I won't "out" the divas (and trust, I've met a few) but I will tell you the who the awesome ones are. So, I guess I'm sold on curtains. Who's with me?
Yay! I got it right, it is curtains! Also, I never say couch, it's always a sofa. I also say cocktail table and never coffee table. I guess I fall short on the designer/decorator thing - I always say designer. Friends look at me funny when I say "sofa" instead of "couch". LOL
Posted by: Stephanie @ A Fine House | October 06, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Do people really say "couch"? I say cocktail table too. I'm dying to know what Miles uses. I use decorator and designer.
Posted by: Kristin | October 06, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Very interesting! I had noticed that the word "drapes" had fallen out of favor recently, too, but had no idea he had influenced the shift. I love that you took the time to ask him--and he took the time to reply!
I'm surprised that he goes for "decorator" over "designer." It's usually the other way around! It sounds like he prefers things to be as unpretentious as possible. Love that.
Posted by: Julia @ Hooked on Houses | October 06, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Great post! He is fabulous. Yes, the Divas ~ we'll see them soon. I think you would faint if you actually saw the zebra doors in person. :)
Posted by: Paula Grace | October 06, 2009 at 01:36 PM
You know I would totally faint, if I saw those zebra doors in person.
Posted by: Kristin | October 06, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Me again ~
I was given the Blog Award, Kreativ Blogger, and had to choose 7 other blogs worthy of the award. You're one of my choices!
Here are the Rules for this award:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated
That's it! Have a great day!
Paula Grace
Posted by: Paula Grace | October 06, 2009 at 02:50 PM
I call them panels. But never drapes. too many connotations of grandmothers and aunts with bad taste.
Posted by: AbbeyK | October 06, 2009 at 05:53 PM
I was just wondering coffee table or cocktail table to myself today. :)
I use drapes & curtains, sofa & couch, designer & decorator. Sounds like I need to get with the program! Of course, I'm just a DIY'er who relies heavily on a glue gun, so it probably doesn't matter much. ha!
Posted by: living with lindsay | October 07, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Is it possible that "drapes" is appropriate if they actually drape?
Posted by: Why S? | October 08, 2009 at 02:45 AM
I'm with "draperies" a drape is something you drape over something!
Posted by: Kristen Foster | October 08, 2009 at 07:52 PM
I'm so glad you posted this! I was thinking about this very same question in my search for curtains this week. I asked myself, what the heck is the difference? Are drapes considered high end?
I grew up with the words "curtains" "coffee table and "couch" (even though I prefer the word sofa).
Posted by: Jo Ann DiGiacinto | October 09, 2009 at 09:07 AM
I sew custom "draperies" for a living and I prefer anything over "window treatment". It sounds like something you have done at a dr.s office ! Technically (if you want to get technical) curtains aren't lined and draperies are. ;)
Posted by: Tammy@InStitches | October 09, 2009 at 12:40 PM
I wholeheartedly agree with Tammy...there is a vast difference between draperies and curtains. I can't stand the thought of referring to all of them as curtains.
Draperies are lined, and often interlined, and are luxurious.
Curtains are thin, unlined, blow-in-the-breeze-type things. When I hear the word "curtains", I immediately think of cafe curtains or some other silly window treatment like that.
Curtains have their place, but I'm a draperies girl. And no trendy interior decorator will change my mind on that one. :) (Oh, and it's always "draperies" for me. "Drapes" bring to mind something old, stuffy, and outdated.)
Posted by: Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating | October 14, 2009 at 09:30 PM
It sounds like he prefers things to be as unpretentious as possible. Love that.
Posted by: perde dekorasyon | October 24, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Times change but my design instructors in the 1980's said. :"Drapes are used in photography, draperies hang at the window and from bed canopies" and "a couch is for reclining and usually has no arms" (as in the psychatrists couch) "a sofa is a raised divan and meant for one or more poeople to sit". Really late on the thread I know but to this day "drapes" drives me crazy!
Posted by: kerry | December 21, 2009 at 03:18 PM
The focal point of your room has been established and also the furniture is in place, but it needs something more. That “something” is most likely going to arrive within the form of home decor accessories. A room can never be complete without the proper amount of accessories and additions to pull the look of a room with each other.
Posted by: Theater Seating | May 20, 2010 at 04:33 AM
I agree with curtains.
Posted by: Air Jordan shoes | July 23, 2010 at 09:05 PM
prefers things to be as unpretentious as possible. Love that.
Posted by: panjur | August 17, 2011 at 04:53 AM