WINDOWFASHIONSTHE LEADING INDUSTRY PUBLICATION

OCTOBER 2008

DESIGNING WITH

ROMAN SHADES

HOLIDAYDECORATING

IDEAS

BEAUTIFULBEDROOMS

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61WINDOW FASHIONSTHE LEADING INDUSTRY PUBLICATION

The fi nal product reveals a dining room elegant enough for entertaining during the holidays and special occasions, yet relaxing enough for a casual family meal. Designer: Maren Hane-beck, Draped In Luxury LLC, Andover, Minn. Workroom: Ruth Zahler’s Custom Creations, St. Michael, Minn. Installer: Blind Install & Repair, Minneapolis. Fabric: RM Coco. Trim: Fabricut. Hardware: Paris Texas. (photo by Maren Hanebeck)

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60 October 2008 www.window-fashions.com

BEFORE AND AFTER

By Jennifer Jacob

PURSUING A PASSIONDesigner’s Hobby Paves Way for Window Fashions Career

er passion was there all along … but only after spending almost 25 years at a desk job did Maren Hanebeck realize her true calling. “I have always loved designing and decorating homes as a hobby,” says Hanebeck, “but by the mid-

1990s, I realized that I was bored with my desk job and felt very little creativity. I thought, ‘Why can’t I do what I love?’ ”

Asking that simple question prompted Hanebeck to pursue her goal of becoming an interior designer. In 2001, she began working as a home decorating specialist at Jo-Ann Etc., focusing her expertise on her true passion—window fashions. Then in 2002, while still working full time, she enrolled as an interior design student at Century Col-lege in White Bear Lake, Minn., graduating with honors by 2005.

Later in 2002, Hanebeck founded Maren’s Windows by Design. Five years later, she realigned her company, changing the name to Draped In Luxury. “Draped in Luxury illustrates the complete realization of my dream to create a personalized, custom win-dow design fi rm that caters to high-end homes,” she elaborates. Since opening her business, Hanebeck has been recognized internationally in SewWhat? magazine, has designed window fashions for a Parade of Homes luxury model and is a member of the Window Fashions Certifi ed Professionals Program (WFCP) and Business Network International (BMI).

“My mother has al-ways been my mentor and has inspired me time and again with her creative and artis-tic talents,” says Hane-beck. “She never had a career as a designer, but was always ahead of her time with her unique ideas and cre-ations. So, following in my mother’s footsteps, I have not only displayed my design talents in my own home, but also for friends and family.”

With countless window fashion designs now un-der her belt, Hanebeck was happy to share one of her favorites with Window Fashions.

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62 October 2008 www.window-fashions.com

Tell us a little about this project. Is there a story behind the design?“This is such a magnifi cent room with a gorgeous lake view. My goal was to enhance the view, using the architectural detailing, the open beamed ceiling and the amazing windows as the cornerstones of my design. The way the ceiling follows the forma-tion of the roofl ine provided more inspiration for this project. In essence, I wanted to enhance the view in a way that would provide an elegant, yet relaxing, dining experi-ence.”

How did you determine the window fashion style?“I wanted to enhance the view without creating a stuffy or overly ornate atmosphere. I began with gorgeous goblet silk panels, gracefully pulled back with stunning tassel holdbacks. The contrast banding and buttons added a touch of shimmery elegance to the formal atmosphere of the space. Beautiful European-style hardware was se-lected to accentuate the grandiose space and bring our eye up to the architectural detailing of the windows and ceiling. Notice, too, the unique selection of the oversized endcap, which adds to the style and ambiance in this beautiful room.”

How did you coordinate the materials that were used and why? “Red silk panels complement ideally with the natural colors of the lake and surround-ing areas outside, and with the beautiful decor inside. The panels, along with some of the fi nishing touches—such as the oversized hardware—add to the atmosphere of style and sophistication … Perfect for a room with a large window and gorgeous view as the main focal points.”

Any challenges along the way?“A small hiccup in our project arose when the fi nish we ordered on the brackets turned out to be a different color than the rod. As it turned out, the different fi nishes brought a more unique and custom look to the room.”

What was the client’s reaction to the fi nished treatment?“She absolutely loved them, saying, ‘They’re just beautiful!’ ” What suggestions do you have for other designers who are working on a similar project?“Listen very carefully to your client. If the focal point of the room is a great view, take every opportunity you can to enhance it. Every room should make a statement. Al-ways go for the WOW factor!”

Anything else?“I absolutely LOVE being a window fashions designer! I’m so fortunate to be able to share my passion and practice my creativity every day with so many people.” WF

Jennifer Jacob is assistant editor of Window Fashions. Reach her at jennifer@gracemcnamarainc.com.

LEARN MORE

Draped In Luxurydrapedinluxury.com

Before: While the homeowner’s impeccable taste is apparent in this “before” photo, the addition of window fashions creates an entirely new dining experience. (photo by Maren Hanebeck)

European-style hardware from Paris Texas Hardware was selected to accentuate the grandiose space and the architectural details of the windows and ceiling. The oversized endcap adds to the style and ambi-ance. (photo by Maren Hanebeck)

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