Spring High Point Market 2023 – Preview of Coming Attractions

As always, this year’s Spring High Point Market will offer much more than exhibitions of new products from manufacturers like Kravet and dealers like TD Fall & Co.

There will also be entertainment and educational opportunities galore. We feel comfortable in assuming you’ll be able to find the entertainment yourselves. With that in mind, we will preview a few of the more important educational opportunities for you.

Spring Market Classes and Events

Two of the more important educational offerings at Spring Market will be a presentation on last year’s CPSC Ruling with another by Jaipur Rugs, which we proudly represent.

• Get the Facts: The CPSC Ruling and What it Means for Retailers and Interior Designers

Regulatory and compliance issues can be complicated, and there is a lot to know regarding the CPSC ruling, the Study Act, and new ASTM guidelines. Join Bill Perdue, AHFA’s vice president of regulatory affairs, as he breaks down the new guidelines and how it affects retailers and interior designers. What are manufacturers doing to address the ruling? When does it go into effect? How will this impact my business? Get the answers to all these questions and more on April 21 at 10 a.m. in the Universal Furniture Learning Center. (RSVP Required) Speaker: Bill Perdue

Location: Educational Commerce Concourse, Universal Furniture International, Inc. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

• Jaipur Living – Rugs 101: Rugs, Design, Manufacturing, and Sales

Class is in session as Jaipur Living hosts IDCEC-certified CEU Rugs 101. Learn exactly how a rug is made–from the design process to material selection and yarn dyeing to construction. This course is the ideal entry into the world of rug weaving and will assist interior designers in gaining the rug knowledge necessary to help guide clients to the perfect rug selection. Attendees who complete Rugs 101 will receive one CEU credit. (RSVP Required) Speaker: Matt Peterson

Location: Market Square and Elm, Rugs 101 – CEU, Jaipur Living, Commerce & Design, Floor 4, 4B, 4N, 4P Shuttle Stop: 14 (Red/Green Line)

10am - 11am Friday, April 21

Spring Market Keynote Series

No Market would be complete without keynote presentations by industry experts. In quick succession on the 22nd, you may attend discussions on creating, growing, and sustaining an interior design business from well-known names in the trade. In today’s market environment, we consider these to be “Don’t Miss” events for virtually any young design house owner.

• Designing a Business You Love Keynote Event

In this casual conversation, moderated by Business of Home podcast host Dennis Scully, design stars Joanna Gaines, Amber Lewis, Jean Stoffer, Julia Marcum from Chris Loves Julia, and Carrier and Company's Mara Miller and Jesse Carrier will share their experiences in building design-oriented businesses with staying power. Sponsored by Loloi. Doors open at 1:30pm. Following the discussion, a mixer will be held in the Loloi showroom, IHFC D-320. (Sponsored by LOLOI)

Location: High Point Theatre (located in the Transportation Terminal)

2pm - 3pm Saturday, April 22

• Honoring Heritage While Building a Business for the Future Keynote Event

Third-generation owners Chad & Ashley Stark of STARK CARPET & founders of ASHLEY STARK HOME, discuss forging the future at a legacy brand while holding onto their heritage - plus growing & launching new businesses while staying hyper-focused on building world-class client experiences. (Doors open at 2:30pm.)

Location: High Point Theatre (located in the Transportation Terminal)

3pm - 4pm Sunday, April 23

Where to Find Us

Of course, we would love to see you next week. You’ll find TD Fall & Co at this year’s Spring High Point Market exhibiting our lines at our exhibit. Or, simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Furniture Stain Protection – Effective Resistant or Deadly Chemical?

Under the heading, “What are consumers being told that could affect your business?”, we offer these gems on the critical chemicals used in furniture stain protection from various sources found on the interweb.

First, we must ask what are these chemicals and how are they used. The answer is, they are called PFAS, and this blend of chemicals may be used in just about any capacity and will likely be found anywhere. What are they?

“Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) The per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.” (cdc.gov)

Sounds like magic, right?

What is an example of a PFAS? Well, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Services, they may be used in:

• Cleaning products.

• Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas, and tents.

• Grease-resistant paper.

• Nonstick cookware.

• Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup.

• Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.

Now the bad news. The magic chemical combinations ubiquitous to so many manufacturing processes and which we pedal as stain protection for our precious fabrics may not be very healthy.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health:

“A recent review from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines a host of health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.” (Harvard.edu)

Unfortunately, the really bad news is yet to come…

Are PFAS Stain Treatments Effective?

This then is the ultimate question when we consider the possible risks of using these chemicals: Do they work?

In an April 4th article at FurnitureToday.com, serious questions are raised about the effectiveness of these stain-fighting chemicals.

“A new peer-reviewed study published today in the AATCC Journal of Research, calls into question the stain-fighting effectiveness of fabrics treated with PFAS. Scientists conducting the study tested fabrics with PFAS and found that they had limited to no effectiveness versus non-treated fabric, particularly under real-world conditions.

“It was surprising that these harmful but supposedly indispensable chemicals had no practical benefit,” said lead author Jonas LaPier, a PhD candidate in civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University. “It makes you wonder what other uses of PFAS are also unnecessary and could be easily eliminated from products without a noticeable change in performance.

“Using droplets of coffee and oil-based salad dressing, the researchers tested six PFAS-finished and three non-PFAS-finished fabrics used for indoor commercial furniture. For water-based coffee stains, none of the PFAS-finished fabrics performed better than the unfinished fabrics. The stains were minimal and easily removed from finished and unfinished fabrics alike. Only fabric type (polyester vs. cotton/nylon, patterned vs. non-patterned, light vs. dark) affected coffee stain performance.”

For us, this new information raises the ethical question of promoting a stain protection system that may not be effective – and which may be dangerous to use in the first place. The article continued:

“Exposures to PFAS from furniture occur during the manufacture, use, and disposal of finished fabrics, generating health risks for workers, consumers, and communities living near production sites as well as environmental harm, according to the study. Various states have or will be implementing laws banning certain PFAS from products sold in those states.”

There are certainly organic alternatives to stain treatments that contain PFAS and other chemicals. But, this also begs the question of their effectiveness at protecting the beautiful designer fabrics, carpeting, rugs, and furniture you offer your clients.

Ted remains available to answer questions about the furniture stain protection used by the lines we represent and other issues important to interior designers and luxury furnishing dealers. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Green and Greener Paints, The 2022 Color of the Year Ain’t So Simple After All (Oops!)

Wait, wut? Well, we did mention that many paint brands have chosen various shades of green as their 2022 Color of the Year, unlike Pantone Very Peri which we happily featured in a previous post.

So, if you're struggling to imagine using a very periwinkle hue as the foundation for an upcoming interior design project, the industry has created options for you. (Whew, no ‘splaining why you chose it to a client – if you feared such a bold color might be.)

Then again, it’s doesn’t seem impossible to imagine using shades of both green and one of the four color palettes designed to complement the dynamic purple/blue hues of Very Peri from Pantone. After all, creativity is the hallmark of a sharp designer and, when a client shares their confusion about the conflicting opinions on colors of the year, your ingenuity and resourcefulness will ensure you have answers ready for them.

Why Is Green Suddenly So Trendy?

Both the question and answer are available in an article at Houzz.com. As San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer Jennifer Ott explains:

“I’ve been asked by many homeowners why green is suddenly so hot in and on homes, and I think it’s for a variety of reasons. For one thing, after so many years of pure white and cool shades of gray and blue dominating interiors, I think folks are looking for warmer hues. Green can go warm or cool, but it’s especially good at taking the chill out of a room when paired with white or cool colors. (Or periwinkle?)

“It also partners well with wood tones and natural fibers (Or periwinkle?), and it brings with it an outdoor vibe, which everyone seems to be craving these days.

“Finally, green (Or periwinkle color palettes?), represents rebirth and growth. It’s a nurturing color that signifies hope for the future.”

Wow, that’s an awful lot of responsibility to place on a paint color, don’t you think? And yet, it is true that the color green has been used to generate a sense of renewal along with feelings of being home for decades. This blends smoothly with the “holistic and harmonious blend of nature-infused shades” you can find in the Pantone color palette they named Wellspring.

Paint Makers’ Color of the Year for 2022

Moving on, let's take a look at a few of the variously shaded greens these paint manufacturers have declared their 2022 Color of the Year.

2022 color of the year Sherwin Williams

Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams – Whether used as an accent or employed as a statement color Evergreen Fog, Sherwin-Williams’ 2022 color of the year, is a soft and neutral green color. They accurately describe it as “a versatile and calming hue, a chameleon color of gorgeous green-meets-gray, with just a bit of blue. It's a simple but sophisticated wash of beautiful, organic color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade.”

Beyond gorgeous, Evergreen Fog SW 9130 from Sherwin-Williams is a deep, rich, comforting shade of green that seems versatile enough to use from the living room to the bedroom in any home.

2022 color of the year Dutch boy

Cypress Garden by Dutch Boy – Bold without being overwhelming, Dutch Boy’s choice for 2022 Color of the Year is more of a pure shade, presented with minimal gray or brown undertones. Also offered in an array of color palettes, Cypress Garden 424-4DB is an extremely versatile hue that is “Understated, clean and familiar, these neutral hues help to quiet our minds and bring comfort to decluttered spaces.”

We see Cypress Garden as a clean and honest expression of the base color, making it a bit less neutral yet easily paired with a variety of other colors in the blue, yellow, brown, and gray families. (Oooooh, do we see hints of periwinkle in this image?)

2022 color of the year Glidden

Guacamole by Glidden – Yes, this shade is as tasty as it gets. (There, we got that expression out of the way!) As Ms. Ott describes it, “Guacamole PPG 1121.5 is a crisp vegetal green with yellow undertones. Cleaner and greener than the avocado green that was so ubiquitous in the 1960s and ’70s (You remember good ole “Avocado”, right?) … It’s one of the more vibrant greens of the batch and works well as a kitchen or bathroom accent color.”

Cool Green Leather Furniture

We thought it would be fun to tease you just a bit by featuring a cool shade of green leather from Leathercraft.

leathercraft good green leather

The above image is a distressed leather finish named Wyoming Good Green in pure Aniline from the QS Leather line from Leathercraft. It’s a remarkably comfortable hide that is available on chairs, ottomans, sofas, and sectionals to match your choice of green paint.

Whether you're an interior designer or furnishing store owner, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you adapt to changing times and to employ the latest green 2022 Color of the Year, to enhance your client’s home or office environment. Feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Furnishings Labor Shortage – What’s Going On?

It seems everywhere you go online or on TV, the news about the supply chain is grim and getting grimmer. (Is “grimmer” a word? Autocorrect seems to think so!) Yet, all of the stories seem the same – shipping has slowed, there’s a container shortage, and the ports of entry on the West Coast are overloaded. Then too, we hear, it’s difficult if not impossible to find workers and the shortage of skilled workers has led to a furnishings labor shortage that may last indefinitely.

Oy, what’s going on?

According to many experts, and despite news sources, the real issue is not so much a transportation bottleneck as it is a labor shortage in virtually every industry. Yes, shipping containers are in short supply and leasing them is more expensive than ever. Cargos ships from the Far East are filled to bursting and must wait to offload outside their usual ports before docking. Then, offloading them is taking days or weeks rather than hours because stevedores are also in short supply.

According to an opinion piece from Jerry Epperson, Founder/Managing Director of Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd. at FurnitureToday.com, the ongoing labor shortage in the US is not limited to the furnishings industry but has become a universal problem. (This is true for not only skilled but unskilled factory workers.)

He wrote, “In September the consumer media seemed uninterested, while in October, they woke to the severity of the problems and offered daily coverage. A few recent articles were encouraging with container shipping costs trending down slowly, fewer Asian factory closings dictated by the COVID-19, and major efforts at the larger ports to improve congestion and get things moving.

“The problem everyone faces is labor. I just read a long thesis about the labor issue by the New York Times that found that American families are so well off financially that fewer need to work. Yes, the stock market and home prices are up handsomely, and Uncle Sam has been generous recently with pandemic-related giveaways, but it still doesn’t feel right for 4.3 million [workers] to walk off their jobs in August.”

The Skilled Labor Shortage is Very Real

In a piece from March at BusinessWire.com, we learn that “While millions of Americans affected by pandemic job loss are still looking for work, the number of skilled trade jobs in the U.S. is far outpacing the supply of qualified workers to fill them. A new analysis by the skilled trades division of staffing leader PeopleReady finds that the most in-demand skilled trade jobs are remaining unfilled the longest, roughly a month on average, due to the shortage of qualified workers.” (emphasis added)

Further, “The skilled trades are in dire need of workers right now, with a particularly high demand for apprentice-level and skilled labor positions. These are steady, well-paying jobs that hold a bright future, even in an unpredictable economic climate,” said Jill Quinn, executive leader of PeopleReady Skilled Trades. “For the millions of Americans who are struggling in their job hunt right now, our message is simple: Consider a career in the skilled trades.”

The reason(s) for the scarcity of high-quality and artisanal workers are two-fold (at least). While it is true that “The skilled trades labor shortage, predominantly driven by a mass exit of baby boomers retiring from the sector, can be an opportunity for people looking for work, especially those who have little to no experience in the skilled trades and need job training.” (emphasis added)

It also appears to be true that “Although the skills shortage in manufacturing has been a pervasive issue for the past several years, our research shows us that far more manufacturers today (54%) than a year ago (38%) are having a particularly hard timing finding candidates with the right skills to fill critical job openings. At the same time, 54% of manufacturers say that negative industry perceptions are impacting their ability to recruit Millennial and Gen Z talent, which is equally challenging.” (emphasis added)

It’s a Nuts and Bolts Issue (Literally)

As an interesting side note, the supply chain problems for luxury furnishings extends beyond the foam shortage and shipping issues we’ve mentioned before.

In an unusual source for industry-related news, Slate.com, we’re told, “Additional fallout from the February storms [which is the original cause of the ongoing foam shortage] has left other factories playing catch-up in churning out domestic supplies of nuts, bolts, fabrics, drawer rails, and brackets for holding together chairs and shelves. This tends to affect more expensive products.” (emphasis added)

And, “Lumber is the other crucial raw material for furniture that’s become much pricier and more difficult to come by … [and] a lopsided supply-and-demand dynamic has been playing out in the sector. There’s been a run on wood not only due to the demand for furniture, but also because of a boom in home building and renovations. At the same time, sawmills pared back operations after the Great Recession and now don’t have the capacity to ramp up production, even if the timber they want to cut is in plentiful supply.” (emphasis added)

Unfortunately, it seems few solutions for any of these problems are being offered by “experts” in the media. However, despite that lack of advice on how to fix things, good news can be found, as evidenced by an article at WoodWorkingNetwork.com:

This included increases in orders as well as decreases in order backlogs. We also saw increases in furniture production and, despite the soft labor market nationwide, employment numbers in October were also on the rise.

“The furniture manufacturing industry experienced strong sales and orders in October and was ranked as the third-highest growth sector in the rankings compiled by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) in its latest report on manufacturing activity.”

Patience and Optimism are Needed

Based on what we’re seeing currently, not everything is negative so patient optimism seems to be the order of the day. And, though the furnishings labor shortage remains a moderately short and serious long-term problem, we may be seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

Ted remains available for business consulting to the trade and may have the answers you need to cope with our current market. Call us today for the latest on lead times from the Kravet Family of Brands

Online Marketing & The Value of Researching the Competition

Knowledge is a wonderful thing, yet real-world experience is even more valuable. It’s likely because of the importance placed on what’s known as ‘book learnin’ that so many experts take certain details of their niche for granted. That is, they expect their clients to know things they do not. Not only does this happen among interior designers, furnishing dealers, and manufacturers, it frequently happens among those they rely on to support them: for example, business coaches and online marketing experts.

One of the areas in which this commonly happens is market research. Many think they know what the term means yet find it difficult to explain or perform well. It’s a bit like the phrase, “I can’t describe it, but I know it when I see it.”

Well, that’s  really not good enough for the person who is supposed to be doing it – or for the person who needs it done – and done well.

First, we ask, what exactly is “market research”? According to the online dictionary Wiktionary, it is “The systematic collection and evaluation of data regarding customers' preferences for actual and potential products and services.”

That’s a nice, concise explanation as far as it goes but, it’s all about the wants and/or needs of potential customers or clients. Where it falls apart, at least for our purposes, is that it never mentions the competition. After all, none of us live or work in a vacuum free from competition. And, just as it’s critical to know what the market demands, it’s equally important to know how and if other businesses are meeting that demand.

What’s the Other Guy Doing?

Quite simply, if you don’t know what “the other guy or gal” is doing in your market, your chances of cutting into their customer base are low indeed. Further, the business coach or online marketing expert you may have hired will be inclined to believe you already know not only how important this is, but also that you either know it or know how to find out. (That is what we mean about experts taking things for granted, by the way.)

And now, we offer some guidance on how to perform market research on your competition:

What services are the busiest interior designers in your area offering? This one is pretty easy to answer. Jump online and check out the websites or social media profiles of the top designers or dealers in your area and look at their “Services Provided” or “Products” section. For designers, how do they describe their services and what are you seeing most often? For retailers, which lines are being offered in your market, and to what extent?

For both, are they a full-service provider or do they make more of a “one and done” type of impression? For the latter, it should be obvious you could fill in the gaps. (More on that a bit later.)

Which categories of design services are not being offered in your area? Again, researching the competition will enable you to build a list of the most frequently mentioned services or product lines being offered in your area. This list can then be compared to other possible services or product lines that are missing from your market.

That is the list you want to focus on – what we call the “List of What is Possible”. That is, the design services and/or product lines you believe can make an impression on potential clients who are currently unable to find them.

What home renovation or design challenges do customers have in your area? This is an area where the details matter. So many designers go for The Big Job and forget the importance – and number – of smaller and potentially more profitable projects. While it’s great to work on high-dollar, high-profile projects, it’s also a fact of life that many such jobs are quoted with lower margins and end up costing more than anticipated, reducing profits even further. (Landing those jobs is also an ego boost that a sharp designer shouldn’t need.)

Choosing to focus on a higher volume of higher-margin projects that can be completed more quickly is a fantastic path to building your business and your reputation. And, since interior design is a local business (as we keep saying), building your rep as a creative, reliable professional will be your key to long-term success. (PLUS – smaller projects often offer the potential for more repeat business; that is, instead of renovating an entire house, doing one room at a time over time.)

What Are You Doing?

Finding voids in your market is well and good but will have little value if you are unable or unwilling to fill them. Doing so will require that you rethink your business model to better fit those areas. You may even find that the most needed, and potentially most profitable, service categories are not your favorites. However, if your goal is to build your business rather than to tickle your own fancy, you may need to bite the bullet and offer them.

With these thoughts in mind, expand your research by asking yourself:

Which design services can I provide that are unique, superior, or at a more competitive price point? How can I help homeowners solve their unmet renovation or design challenges? Is there a need for a pro with a different pricing structure?

In what other categories could I perform design work? How many competitors in my potential other categories are in my service area? Is there a need for a pro who can take on small and mid-sized projects?

What will set me apart from the local competition? What can I offer that is different, better, done more quickly, or at a better value? Which lines of furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings, rugs, mirrors, pillows, and lighting might have an impact on your market and, in our current jumbled world, which of them have shorter lead times and/or greater availability?

Use these questions to research your area and to evaluate your own business. Your market research must include all of these factors to see if there’s an unmet need you can fulfill to attract new and/or repeat clients and close more deals.

If you struggle with research for online marketing of your furniture or design business, consider working with a more experienced consultant. Ted is available for such business consulting to the trade. Just… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

The Modern Collection – New Designs from Kravet Furniture

While The Modern Collection has been around for some time now, the folks at Kravet Furniture do not rest on previous laurels. Instead, Kravet Furniture has introduced the latest collection of contemporary frames inspired by modern, European forms. Crafted by master artisans using only the finest of materials, these sculptural frames and stand-out styles make a statement in any interior.

This assortment includes swivel chairs that add an element of personality and sectional sofas designed with curves, unique shapes, and organic forms.

Pictured above is the Claes sofa, a stunning piece with surprisingly broad appeal. Available in a myriad of fabrics, Kravet offers the Claes sofa with a selection of 16 maple and 11 paint finishes for the base. Overall dimensions are 100W x 40D x 30H, with a 22” x 22” matching throw pillow included.

Designed to Make a Statement

Not only are custom options available that can make each piece unique to any space, these organic shapes never fail to make a statement yet comfort remains intrinsic to their design.

As companion pieces to the Claes sofa, the Franz (above) and Barnett (below) Swivel Chairs are perfect compliments to the sofa as a central piece.

Both chairs are available in the same fabrics and maple finishes as the sofa and are handcrafted to the same overall dimensions: 35W x 33D x 33H.

Comfort and Style to Please Any Eye

While the pieces on display may be new designs, they continue to display both comfort and style – traditional hallmarks of all Kravet Furniture lines, fabrics, wallcoverings, and more.

The Clyfford sofa pictured above is another of the eye-catching seating solutions that are new to the Modern Collection this year. Shown in a Railroaded, non-directional fabric recommended by Kravet, it too makes a statement as the centerpiece of a living room, perhaps with either the Barnett or Franz swivel chairs as compliments. (Or both!)

Finish choices for the Clyfford sofa match the other pieces we’ve shared and the overall dimensions of 118W x 62D x 30H are a touch larger than the Claes.

It goes without saying that the latest additions to this collection are not limited to the pieces we’ve shown you.

For example, pictured above are three more swivel chairs, featuring the Judd to the left along with the Franz in different Kravet fabrics.

For information on pricing, availability, or other information about what’s new in the Kravet Modern Collection do not hesitate to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Living Room Design – Seating Arrangements and Style from Leathercraft

What is the purpose of a living room? Is it a showplace or a true living space? The answers to these questions will vary from one design client to another (and another, and another, and…), but the one thing they will have in common is – seating arrangements. That is, whether showplace or living space, comfort and style will be needed in any living room design.

One of our most popular lines at this year’s Spring High Point Market was Leathercraft furniture. Of course, the line always presents well but this year we experienced an even more positive response to the product line than in recent markets.

“Why is that?” you ask. Well, because Leathercraft furniture embodies comfort and style, of course!

Robinson Sofa from Leathercraft (with Asha accent chair)

As the centerpiece of any living room, the sofa sets the stage while other pieces complement it. The Robinson sofa from Leathercraft grabs the eye while inviting one to take a seat and stay for a while. With myriad wood and leather finishes available (literally hundreds of leathers), using the Robinson to set the stage for surrounding pieces will make any designer’s life easier.

And don’t forget the handcrafted detailing, powder coat finishing of framing and internal mechanisms, along with more than 40 nail head choices to fit any look – and ensure the Robinson is unique for your clients.

Asha Accent Chair from Leathercraft

Of course, not every guest who visits your client’s home will fit on a single sofa (and some may not wish to). The Asha chair shown in an attention-grabbing finish alongside the Robinson sofa above offers a wonderful opportunity for you to add stylish comfort to your living room design.

Part of the Project Hope Foundation Collection for autism research, the Asha chair is a socially conscious yet stunning accent to any living room, with comfort as a given. With nearly 30 wood finishes and dozens of leather finish choices, you’ll have no worries about color, texture, or quality when you choose these pieces as accents for your client’s living spaces.

Phantom Recliner from Leathercraft

Then again, for a space that will be used for living rather than showing, the Phantom recliner from Leathercraft establishes comfort as the priority, without sacrificing style. (And don’t we all want THAT!)

Shown here with maple legs and Overtime Splash Pad leather, the Phantom recliner is just one of the featured pieces in Leathercraft’s “Quick Ship” program.

Windsor Ottoman from Leathercraft

With all of that said, and shown, if something truly unique is what you and your clients are looking for, the Windsor Ottoman from Leathercraft surely fits the bill. Shown here in Gator Coach leather with a Dark Roast finish, this prop is available with either a plinth or leg base.

As just one of some 100 ottomans and benches to choose from as accent and comfort pieces, the Windsor Ottoman is merely the beginning of what this 50-year-old leather furniture manufacturer can offer.

It's unfortunate that the demands of time and lack of space so severely limits what we can share in a blog post. What we can tell you though, is that simple numbers of finishes or designs barely begin to describe the variety of combinations a clever interior designer or furnishings retailer can put together for their clients.

Leathercraft Alexandra Chair with Kravet Fabric

For help putting together a comfortable and stylish living room design with Leathercraft furniture (which can be produced with, say, Kravet fabrics if you wish!), Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Still No Cushion from the Foam Shortage Or Shipping Problems

See what we did there? Not to put too fine a point on it, and jokes aside, the combined impacts of the foam shortage and worldwide shipping problems have put a bit of a damper on the recent surge in the home design industry. Worse yet, the experts are not exactly optimistic about when (or if) things will return to normal.

So, what the heck is going on right now? We will try to explain.

Where Did the Foam Supply Go?

Beyond the problems created by the pandemic last year, severe weather early this year pretty much knocked out the foam chemical producers in the Gulf Coast region. And yet, while the weather has improved vastly since then, both chemical and foam production continues to lag. (HomeNewsNow.com)

“The answer, it appears, has less to do with what the industry might call “normal” supply of foam and chemicals for foam than with the relentless surge in demand for product that has yet to abate. Think of it this way, says Steve Rusing, executive vice president and president of U.S. sales for Tempur Sealy International: If the chemical suppliers are running at 100% capacity … industry demand continues to run at 120% or 130% of that capacity. The chemical suppliers simply have not been able to catch up.”

In an industry that rarely maintains a cushion of inventory in case of emergencies, this very well might have been expected. The good news is – you’ll have to wait for better news to be optimistic about the immediate future:

“Industry analyst Jerry Epperson said he doesn’t know of anybody who was expecting industry foam shortages to be over any earlier than June. And from what he’s read and from the executives he’s talked to in the bedding and upholstery manufacturing segment, all are saying it will be September at the earliest and probably year-end ‘Before we get back to the levels they were (supplying) before those storms hit in February’.”

Worldwide Shipping Crisis Update

Yeah, the experts are calling it a worldwide crisis, not just a “situation” or lead time “problem”. And, the most cringe-worthy part of this is – they don’t expect relief until next year (at best!).

According to a recent article at BusinessOfHome.com, “The flip side of the boom in the home and design industry over the past year and a half is the global shipping crisis. Demand has never been higher, and wait times never longer … Experts are now saying that it will be at least the first quarter of 2022 before shipping lead times will stabilize.”

Beyond the supply problems shared above, there appear to be three major reasons for the ongoing problems: increased demand, congestion at ports, and a serious shortage of shipping containers.

“Says journalist Rachel Premack, who has reported extensively on the crisis for Business Insider, ‘We’re continuing to see a remarkable increase in demand, coupled with a shortage of shipping containers and massive congestion at ports,’ she explains. ‘The reason we’re seeing 2022 as the point when this calms down a bit is that people are expecting that demand will continually decrease as society goes back to normal. Once that happens, ports can work through the existing backlog of containers’.”

At the moment, patience truly is a virtue, for suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and designers around the globe. Oh, and yes, for your clients, too. So, be as upfront and honest as possible and share more information rather than less. Despite the ongoing foam shortage and delays in shipping, your bottom line will thank you for it.

We Can Deliver

At the moment, Kravet is only running a few weeks behind its normal production. In fact, their QuickShip frames, which normally would ship in two weeks, are shipping in 15 working days. All other frames, which normally ship in eight weeks, are currently shipping in 10-12. There are some caveats and disruptions but the customer is always kept informed!

Of course, the fact that all Kravet SMART frames and fabrics, which are the foundation of the QuickShip program, are guaranteed produced right here, in the USA, is sheer genius when it comes to lead times that are quicker than the competition.

Also, Ted remains available to work with you on an individual basis, consulting on how your business can best respond to the shifting demands of the marketplace, and the needs of your design and furnishings clients. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

What Do You Love About Running Your Business? (And why aren’t you doing more of it?)

There are usually two reasons entrepreneurs start a business: necessity or love. (No, not THAT kind of love.) If you truly love running your business, it’s unlikely you got started out of the basic need to earn a living or because you simply hated your old job.

But, no matter the reason you went to work for yourself, there will always be things you dislike (hate?) about being “The Boss”. The question then becomes, “Why are you doing them instead of the things you enjoy?”

Maybe this quotation from world-famous, serial entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson will help us make it clearer:

“I believe that drudgery and clock-watching are a terrible betrayal of that universal, inborn entrepreneurial spirit.”

Admin tasks, payroll, bills, and so many other things can interfere with doing what you love about being a designer, designing! Or, if you're a furnishings dealer, selling! So, why do you let all that stuff take up 40%-60% of your time, energy, and focus?

If You Don’t, Who Will?

If You Don’t, Who Will?

The almost ubiquitous answer from busy entrepreneurs is, “Well, somebody has to do it!” Right… But the solution is in your answer: SOMEBODY. And, that somebody does not always have to be you!

Back in June, we shared some thoughts on Outsourcing Admin Tasks. Since a few of you have yet to turn over all of that work to a virtual support team, we thought we’d remind you of a few salient points.

1.      As a small business owner, your time is your most precious commodity. It’s an asset even more valuable than your expertise as a designer or furniture dealer.

2.      And yet, your time is also your greatest restraint; the ultimate factor that limits your ability to put your energy, talents, and creativity to their most effective use in the service of your clients.

3.      By delegating mundane business tasks to a virtual team or other sub, you free up more of your time and energy to service existing clients and acquiring new ones. This is what generates revenue, after all – and this is where your focus must be!

We don’t want to belabor the point, but running your business does not have to include more of doing the drudgery you hate than the creativity you love. In fact, if you hated your old job enough to take the leap and start your own business, it makes no sense at all to struggle with tasks you can’t stand.

Looking for Help?

If you're having trouble deciding which parts of your business you should outsource, and which to spend more time on, Ted is available for business consulting and coaching. His more than two-and-a-half decades of experience in the industry, along with running his own business, make him a wonderful foil for your ideas, limitations, and challenges.

Just… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

More from High Point Market – Showing Off by Showing Kravet Furniture and Fabrics

What do you suppose is the most attractive part of going to High Point Market for us? Showcasing new lines, perhaps? Writing tons of orders and watching the money roll in, maybe? Actually, what we really love about our trips to Market is showing off our own design chops, greatly helped this spring by showing Kravet Furniture and Fabrics.

We’ve always been proud of the relationship we have with Kravet. For a couple of decades now, they’ve been our Go-To solution for many designers and furnishing dealers. With so many high-quality brands under the Kravet umbrella, recently expanded with the Donghia furniture collection relaunch, our greatest challenge is often having “too many choices” to offer!

Still, as the recognized industry leader, Kravet never fails to create and innovate whenever possible.

Of course, sharing everything they have to offer is impossible in a simple blog post but we’re more than happy to share a few teasers, with images from our showroom at High Point last month.

Stylish Living Room Design Solutions

The centerpiece of any home tends to be the living room. Whether formal or casual in design, the vast selection of furnishings from Kravet makes stylish living is possible on virtually any client’s budget.

The Euro Modern Collection from Kravet is a contemporary offering inspired by the Bauhaus movement, a true mixture of Arts and Crafts with Modernism. One of the fundamental tenets of modern design is to emphasize both form and function while incorporating art into everyday living.

Crafted by master artisans using only the finest of materials, these sculptural frames and stand-out styles make a statement in any interior. In keeping with their Levels of Luxury, Kravet Design custom possibilities are endless.

Stunning Fabrics for Any Space

When it comes to fabrics for covering furniture, some clients focus on look while others focus on feel. As their interior designers or furniture supplier, it’s your job to let them know the importance of both – and more.

The stunning fabric and wallcoverings shown here are out of the Linherr Hollingsworth 2 collection. Her look is modern Boheme:

“Linherr Hollingsworth, LLC is a luxury brand/Interior design firm specializing in high-end residential interiors and custom products. After her successful fashion career, Hollingsworth dove into home interiors. She finds customization just a part of the design process and never shies away from its challenges. Her signature touches include: use of expansive patterns, accents of burnished warm metals, and a belief that luxurious, sexy rooms should be lived in.”

Tasteful Solutions to Create Restful Sleep

As the saying goes, “We spend a third of our lives in bed”, with eight of every 24 hours devoted to sleep (in a perfect world, anyway.) With the ICreate collection from Kravet, you can literally design your client’s sleep spaces.

In one of the most unique approaches to custom furniture programs for interior designers, the choice is always yours.

Make every piece your own with ICreate Beds. Select your bed silhouette, headboard treatment, platform trim, base, and finish with a multitude of serene styles and luxurious options to choose from.

As Kravet likes to say, with ICreate Beds, “The choice of... Silhouette, Headboard, Platform Trim, Bed Base, and Finish is yours!”

The same is true with ICreate Chests.

“Make every piece your own with ICreate Chests. Select your silhouette, base, face, finish and embellish with hardware options, including styles from popular brand Addison Weeks.”

Ted remains available to work with you on a case-by-case basis with business consulting that is targeted to needs and to help you reach your furnishings dealer or design business goals. With more than 25 years of experience in the luxury furnishings and interior design industries, he has pretty much seen it all.

OK, that’s enough showing off by showing Kravet furniture and fabrics. So, if you have questions about other products or the availability of Kravet luxury furnishing products or brands, feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.