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

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.

Spring High Point Market 2021 – Modern History Furniture

Is it possible to create modern furniture designs that reflect a historical perspective? Well, as we were pleased to display at the recent Spring High Point Market, the stunning pieces from Modern History furniture enable us to answer with an emphatic “Yes!”.

As the company explains on their website, “Classic, timeless, well-styled, and quality is the foundation of exceptional design and the foundation for the furniture of Modern History. Built on the ongoing family tradition of Yorkshire House, Modern History is a fresh and exciting approach to Fine Furniture and High Design.”

Unfortunately, and as is true with so many product-based blog posts, we are barely able to suggest the variety and quality of the Modern History Furniture line. At best, we hope to whet your appetite and pique your interest for more!

Architectural Cocktail Table and Console

Handcrafted in oak veneers with a lacquer sealed, sandblasted weathered solid finish, this remarkable piece is guaranteed to be, well… remarked upon by family and guests alike.

Available in two sizes, the Architectural Cocktail Table provides a firm anchor to any living space. At the same time, the Architectural Console becomes a functional complement to its larger sibling.

(Table dimensions: 66”x55”x15”, 55”x43”x15”)

(Console dimensions: 66”x20”x32”)

An investment in furniture by Modern History affords not only quality and value, but furnishings backed by a second-generation family tradition of supplying furniture of the highest standards.

Bezier Desk

With home office solutions currently in such high demand, the Bezier Desk from Modern History makes an undeniable statement while reveling in its own beauty.

Crafted of solid oak, with an olive ash burl veneer, the work-from-home portion of your client list will be eager to see this piece in their home office.

(Dimensions: 66”x30”x30”)

Hand-crafted in small quantities, the quality of manufacture, finish, proportion, and attention to detail are reminiscent of generations past when anything less would not be tolerated. Solid brass hardware, dovetailed drawers, and hand-rubbed finishes are just a few of the many benefits of furniture by Modern History.

Maui Dining Table

Of course, nothing says welcome home from a day at the office, even an in-home office, quite like a delicious meal served up on a stunning dining table. Available in three widths, each with two self-storing 24” leaves, the ash veneer finished Maui Dining table will be a wonderful conversation starter, as well as a breathtaking platform for any meal.

(Dimensions: 76”/100”/124”x46”x30”)

Modern History offers more than simply a piece of furniture. They present a line of fine furniture that will define your client’s home environments for years to come, helping you create a sanctuary where they can escape from the stresses of everyday life.

More to Come from TD Fall at the Spring High Point Market 2021

Yes, we anticipate more to come from our booth at the Spring High Point Market soon. This will include more sneak peeks at some truly stunning fabrics, wallcoverings, furniture, and lighting solutions. Stay tuned for future posts.

If you have questions about other products or the availability of Modern History furniture, feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Lily Koo Bed Designs, Headboards, and Bed Bases

Now that we’ve shared the amazing line of executive desks and writing tables from Lily Koo, it’s time to consider taking a nap. After all, you’ll need to recover in style and comfort from all that hard work in your home office. With that in mind, we’d like to share some of the stunning yet restful bed designs from Lily Koo.

Now, while the limits of space and time preclude us from sharing everything they have to offer, we will share a few bed designs, along with peeks at a truly unique headboard design, and a bed base that does more than simply support a mattress set.

Lily Koo Bed Designs for 2021

The Bryce bed design by Lily Koo offers classic styling with a contemporary feel. The headboard and bed base design includes Mahogany Solids in their construction and is shown here in Lily Koo's truffle finish. Available in King size (W88.0 x D87.0 x H60.5 in) and Queen size (W72.0 x D87.0 x H60.5 in).

The Bryce Bed

A uniquely elegant, tufted design, the Jaimee bed design from Lily Koo offers both. The headboard and bed base design includes Mahogany Solids in their construction and is shown here in Lily Koo's truffle finish. Available in King size (W90.0 x D88.0 x H52 in) and Queen size (W74.0 x D88.0 x H52 in).

The Jaimee Bed

Even a subtle statement remains a statement, as evidenced by the Sierra bed design from Lily Koo. The headboard and bed base includes Mahogany Solids in their construction and is shown here in Lily Koo's Havana finish. Available in King size (W95.0 x D87.5 x H57 in) and Queen size (W79.0 x D88.0 x H52 in).

The Sierra Bed

Headboards and Bed Bases

You can find more amazing Lily Koo headboards here, but we’d like to give you a peek to pique your interest.

The Elena headboard by Lily Koo captures the imagination at the very first glance. Designed to be mounted to the wall, this stunning piece is built with Mahogany Solids and is shown here in the company’s Havana finish. The Elena headboard is available in King size (W79.0 x D3.5 x H63.0 in) and Queen size dimensions (W71.0 x D3.5 x H63.0 in).

The Elena Headboard

You can also find the collection of Lily Koo bed bases here. Want a sneak peek?

Bed bases do not have to be perceived as merely boring accessories to a mattress set or headboard. Instead, they can add style ways that many believe impossible. The Brenda bed base from Lily Koo designs is just such a piece. Made of Mahogany Solids with a dove grey finish, this base can support either a King size (W82.0 x D86.0 x H12.5 in) or Queen size (W66.0 x D86.0 x H12.5 in) sleeping ensemble.

If you have questions about the availability, quality, or pricing of these Lily Koo beds, headboards, and bed bases, please… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Donghia Furnishings Relaunch by Kravet, May 2021

It’s he-ere! That’s right. The Donghia furnishings relaunch by Kravet will take place this month (May 2021).

As we shared in our February 23rd blog post, industry leader Kravet has acquired the iconic Donghia line of luxury furnishings, making it the latest among their family of brands.

And now, the time has come for the highly anticipated relaunch this month: “Donghia will introduce 450 fabrics, all but 30 of which are pulled from the company’s existing style library. Complementing this selection are more than 50 wallcoverings, including metallic grasscloths, a signature of the line.” (BusinessOfHome.com)

Bringing some 16 years of experience with the eponymous line, most recently as executive vice president of showrooms, Doug Garfinkle has been named Donghia’s creative director. “I really feel that I understand the Donghia brand,” Garfinkle exclaimed. “I would say it’s what most closely aligns with my personal aesthetic, so it feels like an exciting and natural fit in that regard.”

The Donghia Brand Returns in May

Under Garfinkle’s guidance, great strides have been made to return this well-loved brand to the fine furnishings marketplace. “We’ve been working with a huge team to bring the line back to market,” he said, “which we’ll do in May. It’s a multifaceted launch because we have furniture, lighting, accessories, wallcoverings, and textiles, all of which will be live on a new website for Donghia and in 15 Kravet showrooms in the U.S., London, and Paris.”

Perhaps most importantly, Garfinkle explained, “We inherited all the Donghia SKUs and did a complete analysis of the history of sales. Like a recipe, we added where we thought there was a need.”

As for distribution, “Beyond the [immediate] plans in May, we’re expanding our domestic and international ambitions. Domestically, there will be more representation through our showrooms, hopefully expanding to all of our showrooms eventually, which will be a larger distribution than the Donghia brand has ever had. We’ll also target select agent showrooms as well in areas where there aren’t existing Kravet showrooms.”

Further, he said, “We’re hearing from clients that there are certain styles they’re passionate about and would love to see come back. Our collective goal is to restore Donghia to this iconic lifestyle brand that it was, and can be again, and then to continue that legacy.”

For those unfamiliar with Alberto Donghia and his legacy, this YouTube documentary offers insight into a designer who created glamorous interiors and furnishings for prominent figures and celebrities in the 70s and 80, before his unfortunate death at 50.

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about this iconic line, as well as the Donghia furnishings relaunch by Kravet.

Lily Koo Desks and Writing Tables – Available Through TD Fall & Company

In a recent post, we were proud to announce (and still are) that TD Fall has acquired the rights to represent the Lily Koo Furnishings line. As we said then, though relatively young by some standards, the line has made a lasting impression on the furnishings industry with stunning designs that are inspired by the classics while being reimagined for contemporary interiors.

Now, having made the introduction to the line, we would like to offer a series of posts designed to familiarize you with the line. This will be the first in the series and, because we think it particularly relevant to the current situation, we will begin with their selection of desks and tables.

Lily Koo Executive Desks

The Bruno executive desk is an eye-catching yet functional piece made from mahogany solids and veneers. The image below shows this piece in truffle and Parisian silver finish. (W94.5 x D47.5 x H30.0 inches)

Innovative yet practical, the Douglas executive desk makes an undeniable statement in any office, whether at home or at work. Made from Lily Koo’s signature mahogany solids and veneers, the image shows this piece in a truffle and black monochrome finish. (W91.0 x D31.5 x H30.0 inches)

If versatility is the goal, the Houston executive desk offers that and more. Available with fully enclosed or open storage versions, this piece presents as a professional, functional desk whether used in a home office or a workspace. Available in hand-crafted mahogany solids and veneers, the image shows this piece in a truffle and black monochrome finish. (W102.5 x D34.0 x H31.0 inches)

The Patrick executive desk by Lily Koo more than functionality, much more. It’s also a stunning conversation piece yet is unquestionably practical and will easily become the focus of any workspace. Handcrafted mahogany solids and veneers make this unique design a generational piece of furniture. The image below shows the piece in a stunning Havana and black monochrome finish. (W94.5 x D47.5 x H30.0 inches)

*PLUS (and it’s obviously a big one since we used ALL CAPS + bold): Not only are they willing, the folks at Lily Koo are happy to customize the published dimensions to suit your client's needs. (And yours, of course!)

Writing Tables by Lily Koo

While the executive desks shown above can't help but make a dramatic impression in any office, the current popularity and necessity of working in a home office can demand a bit less mass. These writing tables from Lily Koo fill that need beautifully.

On the petite side of functional, the Carlita writing table speaks to the needs of the most dedicated home office worker without overwhelming the space in which it resides. Handcrafted of rich mahogany solids and veneers, this dainty piece is shown Lily Koo's Havana and Tiffany silver finish. (W53.5 x D26.0 x H30.0 inches)

When a home office demands that little bit of something extra, yet the homeowner requires a more delicate feel and look, the Lexington writing table offers all these things and more. Undeniably lovely this Havana finished piece is crafted from mahogany solids and veneers with a maple insert accenting the design. (W54.5 x D30.0 x H31.0 inches)

Whether your client needs you to reimagine their home office or their office at work, this assortment of desks and writing tables from Lily Koo furnishings offers you the opportunity to help them realize a work environment that is tastefully furnished yet functional, practical, and productive. And stay tuned for more in this series of blog posts about the Lily Koo line of luxury furnishings now available from TD Fall & Company.

If you have questions about the availability, quality, or pricing of these Lily Koo desks and writing tables, please… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Century-Old Kravet Explores Own Heritage with Kravet Couture & Modern Tailor

Based on the title of this blog post, you might think we’re explaining an altered business model from the industry leader in luxury home furnishings. After all, touting a line from Kravet named the Modern Tailor Collection could raise an eyebrow or two. However, such is not the case.

Instead, for those unaware of the company’s ongoing exploration of their heritage, Kravet Couture presents you with a collection of elegant fabrics and complementary wallcoverings. For them, this is a way for them to pay homage to their founder, Samuel Kravet, who emigrated to the US and began working as a tailor more than a century ago.

Considering the source, it should come as no surprise that, above all, “Samuel Kravet’s skilled artistry is mirrored in the exquisite details highlighted in this elegant collection.”

Coordinating Styles and Textures are Featured

So much more than an overly simplified mix 'n match approach to coordination, “The juxtaposition of scale and pattern across the whole collection offers a wide range of coordinating styles. Soft textures are blended with sharper edges and sculptural geometric  patterns; the beauty lies in how the collection sits together, much like how one would put together an outfit.”

With a name like Modern Tailor, this collection has been created as a tribute to runway fashion and trendy design.

“Finely stitched embroideries, pleated fabrics, patch-worked wools, cozy cable chenille, and mélange knits are reinvented into luxurious fabrics and wallcoverings relevant to layered decorating of today.”

Throughout the collection, Kravet continues the theme of a professionally designed and hand-tailored presentation. This is the type of twist on haute couture that will make design clients feel as though their home has become the center of high fashion.

The spotlight on style is forever brightened by, “The tailoring techniques Samuel Kravet fell in love with one century ago [which] are rendered relevant today, and are further brought into the present with updated modern construction and contemporary color stories.”

Bespoke tailoring techniques abound in the collection. “Dresscode features an updated houndstooth pattern, New Suit features a modern patched large stripe, and Proxmire is an exploded weave meant to mimic your favorite cable-knit sweater.”

From the most finely tailored fabrics which can be artfully layered with wallcoverings that add depth and texture to any space, the Modern Tailor Collection from Kravet Couture will challenge even the best designer to match its creative spark.

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about the Modern Tailor Collection from Kravet.

Luxury Furnishing Lead Times (Can we say current lead times suck?!?)

What’s the number one factor you consider when choosing a luxury furnishing supplier right now? While it used to unquestionably be quality, feel, and/or looks, the emphasis has shifted to availability for many, if not most, designers and retailers. In other words, luxury furnishing lead times have become a singular priority for a majority today.

As explained in a January article at BusinessOfHome.com: “It’s no secret that lead times are stretching ever longer as COVID drags on – and that many clients are getting impatient. The delays have cut across categories, from bespoke upholstery to tile and kitchen appliances; even many of the quick-ship retailers [and wholesalers] can no longer deliver on tight timelines.

“Shutdowns of the manufacturing floor with the onset of COVID instigated an initial round of delays, which were compounded by a slow return to production as companies navigated new safety protocols. More than one year later, many major manufacturers still aren’t staffed at full pre-pandemic capacity, which makes it much harder to catch up on the backlog.

“And every time an employee tests positive for COVID, many more workers with whom they came into contact are sent home to quarantine, which only exacerbates the delays. Add soaring freight costs and a scarcity of raw materials (plus a shortage of containers to ship them in) and it quickly becomes clear that this is a mess with no easy answers or antidotes.”

It goes without saying that lead times have always been an issue in the luxury furnishings industry. Whether products were produced on the other side of the globe or were made by hand in an artisanal house locally, delays of weeks became the norm. Today though, lead times for all types of furniture, not just for the category of luxury furnishings, have exploded into months.

Where to Go for Reasonable Delivery Lead Times

What does all of this mean for you and your interior design or furnishings business?

While it may be “Kewl!” to work with the newest or trendiest line, a small house that creates unique designs, there are times when you are far better off working with the Big Boys (or Girls) instead. Stated simply, the larger brands and manufacturers have the infrastructure to cope more effectively with world-changing events.

For example, Kravet is known as the industry leader for a variety of reasons, most of which have little to do with them being more than a century old and being the Biggest of the Big Boys.

Beyond those, they truly have their house in order and possess the logistical know-how and experience to provide you with outstanding service while others struggle (and frequently fail) to deliver products in a timely fashion.

Right now, Kravet is only running a few weeks behind their 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 a sheer genius when it comes to quicker than average lead times.

Get in Touch with TD Fall Today

In short, if you're searching for reasonable luxury furnishing lead times, TD Fall and the Kravet family of brands we represent just may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

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.

The Well-Tailored Addition of Donghia Furnishings from Kravet

Iconic designs with an Italian flare from a purely American company. Is such a thing even possible? Well, when the industry leader to-the-trade gets involved, of course it is! And so, for those yet to know, we are happy to announce that as of last summer the Donghia line of fine furnishings has become the latest member of the Kravet family of brands.

The acquisition included the Donghia brand name, the company’s intellectual and digital property, its designs, archives, and all current inventory. Never a design house willing to rest on its laurels, as evidenced by the addition of heritage textiles brands like Lee Jofa, GP&J Baker, and Brunschwig & Fils over some 25 years, bringing Donghia into the Kravet family was something of a “no-brainer”.

As president of Kravet Inc. Cary Kravet said in a statement, “The Donghia brand is distinctive and enduring. It stands for the inherent beauty in clean lines and the appreciation for impeccable quality in materials and construction. The Donghia aesthetic and brand market position are fully complementary to our current brands and aesthetic positioning. The look and attitude are wholly additive for us.”

Why Donghia Furnishings? Why Not!

The Donghia tag line, “Live a well-tailored life” is merely a hint at the innovation and quality to be found in the fabrics, furnishings, and wallcoverings from Donghia. Founded by Italian American interior designer Angelo Donghia in 1968, iconic Donghia collections have consistently reflected a dynamic and innovative approach to design. In a stunning fusion between handcrafted workmanship, modern looks, and trendy designs, the collection includes textiles, furniture, wallcoverings, case pieces, accessories, and upholstery.

According to Kravet, the hurdles to bringing a reimagined Donghia line to market are less about logistics and more about the brand and product development. “Believe it or not, [the integration] is the easy part. The hard part is the softer side – understanding what the brand is and where it should go. That takes a lot of thought, communication, research, and understanding.”

As a result, the relaunch will take time. Kravet says that the company’s first Donghia collection will likely focus on the brand’s most iconic patterns and pieces; a release that can be folded into existing showrooms while a more robust revamp is developed. (BOH.com)

Over the years, Donghia produced fabric, wallcovering, floor covering, furniture, lighting, and accessories; all product lines Kravet ultimately plans to develop and relaunch. The company also acquired Donghia’s archive, including some of its late founder’s sketches and original furniture prototypes. These will all be folded into Kravet’s deep archive at its headquarters in Bethpage, New York, and which will inform the work of the product development team.

Our Continued Commitment to the Luxury Furnishings Industry

Kravet remains committed to supporting and expanding the luxury furnishings and design industries, just as we do at TD Fall:

“We’ve been in this business for over a hundred years, and we really believe in this industry,” says Kravet. “There’s no real short-term advantage in this [acquisition] – it’s a long-term strategy. This is part of our belief in the strength of this industry.”

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about this traditional yet innovative line.

New from Kravet – Don’t Forget the Furnishings Hardware!

A recent Google search for “luxury furnishings” was both eye-opening and disappointing. We were stunned to discover that the largest search engine in the world is unable to distinguish between the category of furnishings versus furniture. Of the 12 links that came up on page one of the search results, only one mentioned furnishings along with furniture. (The half-dozen question/answer boxes were also about furniture.) And none of them mentioned furnishings hardware.

Many would say we’re being pedantic and complaining about semantics, but this is not true. It’s not the least bit trivial to hope that every search engine you might use would offer a much better selection to a search query for furnishings. From our perspective, and yours, the furnishings industry provides far more to the consumer than furniture. And, as an industry, the narrowly focused search results, in this case, may be our fault.

Most consumers have no idea that the luxury furnishings industry offers a wide variety of products under that umbrella. While high-quality furniture may take up much of the space under that shelter, we all know there is much more. From handwoven rugs to a stunning array of wallcoverings. From fabrics, lighting, tile, and flooring to something as “trivial” as the hardware on cabinets, dressers, and armoires to name a few, investing in luxury furnishings means far more than merely “buying a new couch”!

Hardware That Looks Like Jewelry for Your Furniture

In a recent blog post from the luxury furnishings giant Kravet, we are introduced to Lee Addison Lesley and Katherine Weeks Mulford. In the ten years since founding their jewelry business, Addison Weeks, “the duo saw a need for versatile, high-quality fashion jewelry and eventually, furniture hardware.”

Addison Weeks Hardware offers a stunning lineup that could easily be seen as “jewelry for your furniture”, to quote the article.

Needless to say, the whole concept is exciting now that Kravet has partnered with the company.

“Our jewelry customers love to decorate their homes. They are always looking to perfect the finer details, so we were not surprised when we were asked to design hardware. Customers around the country loved our fresh take on this product category and the quality that we carry on from our jewelry making.

We continue to be inspired to see how our customers use our hardware in their various projects. We allow them to customize the products by offering multiple finishes and gemstone combinations.” (emphasis added)

Furnishing Knobs and Handles That Speak to You

While knobs and handles are often overlooked by consumers, and not a few designers and retailers, doing so can lead to disappointment with their choices in the long run. This can happen with any furnishing item where a small mistake or oversight can, when seen every day by the client, lead to lasting irritation.

This is not the case when Addison Weeks Hardware adorns a traditionally minor or “unimportant” piece.

Rather, the stunning hardware they create often makes a statement of its own, enhancing cabinets, drawers, and so much more.

“We grew up in Richmond, VA and Charlotte NC – so we have always been inspired by southern life which focuses on taking pride in your home and making your home beautiful for your family and friends to live and entertain in. We are always listening to our customers and what they want – while we have a bit of southern flair in our designs we have pieces that cater to transitional, traditional mid-century, and others.

“We are absolutely thrilled at this opportunity to partner with Kravet. For us, Kravet stands for innovation, high-design, quality, and craftsmanship and those values are at the core of our business too.”

To learn more about the beautiful Addison Weeks Furnishings Hardware line from Kravet, get in touch with us today.

Mature, Objective Design-Centric Business Advice from Ted Fall

Doing business in the real world, especially the highly competitive world of interior design requires a mature, objective approach. There is no place for emotional, irrational thinking. This is exactly the type of design-centric business advice Ted has to offer designers and home furnishing sellers. (No salt here!)

Beyond this, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you establish and reach realistic 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.