Fabulous Furnishings with Peregian Curtains and Blinds
It’s rare that anything is sewn by hand in Australia these days – but in one busy workshop on the Sunshine Coast, the machines are humming as the team keeps the art of hand-crafting window coverings and soft furnishings alive, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.
When Melanie Moore was trained in the art of hand-sewing curtains, blinds and soft furnishings in England at the tender age of 15 she never imagined that she’d be helping keep the craft alive on the other side of the world 35 years later. As Owner and Creative Director at Peregian Curtains and Blinds, Melanie brings unique expertise to all things curtains, blinds and soft furnishings – training and leading a highly skilled team of machinists, upholsterers and fitters in their very own workshop where everything is made using traditional methods by people rather than automated machines.
At risk of losing this dying art, Melanie is advocating for the Queensland Government to reinstate the Cert III in Soft Furnishings Skills so this craft can continue to be taught and recognised.
“So much of creating stylish and effective window furnishings comes down to the choice of fabric, and I’m extremely discerning when it comes to the brands, we stock in order to ensure lasting quality,” Melanie said. “We’ve got everything from premium European fabrics to more budget-friendly options, and even these are carefully selected as we want to provide affordability without compromising on style or quality.”
Peregian Curtains and Blinds’ stunning showroom in Coolum Beach is a testament to Melanie’s incredible design eye. It is a place where customers can view samples and selections from sheer curtains, linens, block-out curtains, plantation shutters, Roman blinds, upholstery and more. The showroom has an impressive choice of fabric collections from leading companies around the world in a range of materials and budgets to suit all needs.
Melanie has completed fitouts for many of the local cafés, bars and hotels that we know and love. She helps them to select durable materials that will complement the design and the environment, and can work with interior designers and architects to plan and create custom-made furnishings that elevate the surroundings. Melanie can also work from plans for residential builds to estimate window furnishings so people can factor this into their budget.
“I think the true foundation of our successful business lies in our incredible teamwork. We currently have a team of seven who work together so well, they are all supportive of each other and put so much care into their craft,” she says.
The business is a true family affair with Melanie’s husband Steve often helping out alongside their daughter Cerys and their other three daughters who also work in the business. The youngest, Tegan, is learning the craft; Jordan runs the social media and website; while Ashleigh, specialises in CAD drawings with an eye for design.
“We work really well together, and often involve Ashleigh on projects that require her expertise, particularly for bigger jobs,” Melanie explained.
Community is an important part of the brand’s philosophy, and anything they can’t make in their workshop will be sourced from local suppliers, connecting people in the local industry and helping other family-run businesses to thrive. Peregian Curtains and Blinds values sustainability with no single-use plastic being used in the business.
“With many companies wrapping their fabric and finished curtains in plastic, we avoid this unnecessary waste by transporting our products in huge fabric bags that we reuse again and again,” Melanie said.
Melanie’s favourite part of her work is the consultations with her clients, where she visits them on-site to help bring their vision to life – or even help them discover what that vision might be.
“Sometimes clients come in with a clear idea, sometimes with a collection of images, and other times with no direction at all,” Melanie says. “In those moments, I guide them, and we work together to choose the best design and products, personalised for their unique space.
“I love advising on the aesthetic elements, but I also focus on asking the right questions to ensure that their window furnishings are practical for the home’s orientation, climate, and lifestyle.
“Some environments will be exposed to intense western sun or may have more natural filtered light, and I will always advise on the best solutions. Whether it’s blockout blinds or products with UV resistance, we aim to balance heat and light while prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency.”
Curtains, blinds and shutters have the power to completely transform the look and feel of a room. Window furnishings evoke emotion, turning a house into a cosy home; they change the look, the perceived size, the way the light filters through a space and the overall energy of a room. Melanie loves nothing more than helping customers create a beautiful, liveable space that sparks joy.
“To see it all come together at the end is what really drives me,” she said. “I love witnessing customers being so happy and overcome with emotion when they see how their new furnishings have completely transformed their space.”
