Pantone Color of the Year 2024: Peach Fuzz

Yeah, no! We are not referring to the fine hair many women grow on their faces, known as Vellus hair. (And no, removing by shaving or other means will NOT make it grow back thicker or darker.) Rather, we are somewhat entranced by the latest Pantone Color of the Year, labeled Peach Fuzz (13-1023).

According to the influential color consultancy, “Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.” Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute™

Everything’s Peachy with Pantone 2024

While these descriptions may seem a bit of a reach for a mere color, the company is not pulling its punches and refuses to settle for less. “In home design, Peach Fuzz creates a welcoming ambiance … and can promote feelings of warmth whether it is used on a painted wall or as an accent within a pattern.” (HomeAccentsToday.com)

“A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange … Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” expounded Ms. Eiseman.

“Drawing comfort from Pantone Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.”

Whether you believe a gentle, cozy, and warm color like Peach Fuzz (13-1023) can achieve all of these things through the use of paint, wallpaper, furniture fabrics, rugs, and such, is a valid question. Yet, we do know this: each year the Pantone Color of the Year tends to shape “product development and consumer decisions in fashion, industrial and interior design, product packaging and other industry areas” every year. (npr.org)

There is little reason to doubt that next year will be no exception.

As always, Ted remains available for business consulting to the trade, whether you have questions about the various colors of the year for 2024 or basic business practices. Simply… Contact TD Fall today.

Artificial Intelligence – Will it Hurt or Help the Furnishings Industry?

Artificial Intelligence… The very words can frighten us after seeing or reading countless movies and books where the friendly helper becomes a deadly foe. And now, we see it making an impact in the home furnishings industry – an impact that will affect all of us eventually (if it hasn’t gotten to you already).

So, what is AI? “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is machine-displayed intelligence that simulates human behavior or thinking and can be trained to solve specific problems.” (SimpliLearn.com)

Further, AI is already impacting all of our lives on a daily basis.

• As per Gartner, 37% of organizations have implemented AI in some form. The percentage of enterprises employing AI grew 270% over the past four years.

• According to Servion Global Solutions, by 2025, 95% of customer interactions will be powered by AI.

• A recent 2020 report from Statista reveals that the global AI software market is expected to grow approximately 54% year-on-year.

Technology is Changing How We do Business

OK, so why should we worry about using Artificial Intelligence for interior design or in retail furnishings? Well, according to Ashley Furniture CEO Todd Wanek, “By the end of this decade, there will be two types of companies. One, that’s in business using A.I., and the second one that’s out of business. I think it’s going to be that impactful.” (FurnitureToday.com)

Admittedly, that is a pretty bold claim. Then again, it’s not like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop is NOT being used to help interior designers reimagine a homeowner’s space. Or, to help a furnishings dealer show a client exactly how a new piece of furniture will look when placed in their home.

Apps like these are the very definition of Artificial Intelligence and they’ve been available for quite a few years.

“Home furnishings retailers are deploying [AI] with virtual reality technology to show how home furnishings will look within a room. They’re adding chatbots to their online customer service applications. They’re using it with business forecasting and data analysis, as well as to write copy for press releases or product descriptions on their websites.”

AI Will Boost Productivity

Clearly, AI can make our lives easier – when used effectively. The fear of AI comes from imagining what the logical implications of employing such a powerful technology might be moving forward.

Could AI be developed in a way that it could design custom furniture on its own? Could it take over for interior designers and reimagine a client’s space without the designers’ input? Just how far will we go?

Mr. Wanek explains, “There’s a tool called Midjourney right now that we’re using. We’re using it for creative service. Our design team is using it to help design product[s]. It’s unbelievable what it can do in five minutes, which would have taken hours before. In our product knowledge team, what would have taken them three weeks, they got done in three days just through ChatGPT.”

Additionally, he shared, “We’ve deployed it already in some cases, like in transportation and accounts payable. We’ve also deployed it in human resources. It goes through resumes and helps identify whether the person applying is capable of working for our company.”

Whether we like it or not, new technologies – including Artificial Intelligence – are having and will continue to have a meaningful impact on our industry. To quote our hero and mentor:

“I have an idea that AI needs to be humanized for designers. It's already having an impact on our industry and the early adopters will own the largest market share.” (Ted Fall)

We’ll be examining this issue in future posts about how and whether Artificial Intelligence will hurt or help the furnishings industry.

For now, Ted remains available for his impressions of issues like these and for business consulting to the trade. All you have to do is… Contact TD Fall today.

Spring Furniture Market Lines – Kewl Stuff We Saw & Showed

There is nothing quite like spending nearly a week at High-Point Market, whether spring or fall and taking in the stunning offerings in furniture lines, floor coverings, fabrics, wallcoverings, and accessories from the largest to the smallest manufacturer. At Market, finding beauty is a given while creativity and innovation are always a surprise… an almost mind-bending variety of unique creations whether new, old, or an innovative blend of the two.

Here, we offer just a peek at some of the beautiful offerings we either showed or discovered.

Curated Kravet

The tagline for Curated Kravet reads, Design. Click. Delivered®… And, as always, the more than a century-old industry leader lives up to that declaration.

From pillows to lampshades and from accent tables to framed prints and pillows, high-end accessories, and eye-catching décor add style to any space. By using Curated Kravet, you will be able to use subtle alterations in fabrics, finishes, and lighting that will make your client’s space elegant and unique.

Leathercraft Furniture

“I’m into leathuh.” (Thanks, Woody Allen)

What impresses us so much about the Leathercraft Furniture line is not just the incredible craftsmanship; or the high-quality leather they employ; or the handcrafted frames they build; no – we just love the way the line keeps growing. From beautiful fabrics to gorgeous accents and from the perfect trim to beautiful hardware, the designers at Leathercraft keep the line fresh and scrumptious.

And now, their NOW Program promises “30-day Shipping on Select Frames and Leathers”.

Jaipur Living

For 45 years now, the rugs, pillows, and accessories from Jaipur Living have been, and still are, hand-knotted, hand-tufted, hand-woven, power-loomed, and always, always beautiful.

Founded on the principles of dignity and fairness, Jaipur focuses on employing “untouchables” and subverting centuries-old practices and prejudices that had shunned the poor, women, and artists.

In fact, “The Jaipur System removes the middleman by employing a network of 40,000 artisans in more than 700 villages in India, ensuring quality and consistency.”

Kravet Furniture

Lee Jofa… Brunschwig & Fils… GP&J Baker… Donghia… Collection after collection, Kravet offers interior designers and furnishing dealers countless choices in high-quality, designer home furnishings. These choices include the best in designer furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings, rugs and carpeting, pillows, lighting, and innumerable accessories.

In short, there is no need or desire that the “Industry Leader to the Trade” in luxury home furnishings cannot satisfy, in fashion and style.

Well, we did mention fashion and style from Kravet, right? So, yeah, we doubled up on their images. (Someone got a problem with that?)

For more information on any of the lines we’ve shared here, or for answers to questions about quality, innovations, or turnaround times, simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

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.

Jaipur Living – Meet the Urban Curator Trend

Design trends come and go (which is kind of the definition of a trend, right?), but when they’re hot, you need to be able to respond to meet the needs of your design clients. The latest “trend du jour” is known as Urban Creator, according to our friends at Jaipur Living.

As they explain, there are “3 Steps To Mastering The Trend: Urban Curator Traditional foundations mix with modern styling in this of-the-moment design trend.”

Step 1: Layered Interiors

“Layering textures, patterns, and colors creates a look that’s organic yet polished. ‘I love developing a design around a piece that a client may already own,’ says Sam Cram of eponymous firm Sam Cram Design. ‘Maybe it’s an antique chest, a vintage light fixture, or a favorite Persian rug. Urban curator means timelessly fusing old and new while bringing pieces from different styles to elevate the look’.”

Jaipur woven rugs and fabrics offer the perfect foundation for layering spaces in traditional looks without sacrificing modern styling.

Step 2: Curate Each Space Individually

“Old with new, traditional with modern, smooth with textured—it’s all about the mix. ‘It’s elevated yet approachable—a comfortable lived-in vibe that feels welcoming and warm, not stark,’ says Urbanology Designs‘ Ginger Curtis of the urban curator trend. ‘Think old meets new, and incorporate items that feel lived in or vintage to complement and create a relaxed modern aesthetic’.”

“Then comes the curation. Pay attention to silhouettes, textures, colors, and the like, the styling duo recommends, to achieve the professionally polished yet effortlessly tossed together aesthetic. ‘Keep your eyes out for something odd, adding something unexpected creates a visual tension that is important to the look’, says Lori Paranjape, founder of Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors.”

Step 3: Finesse the Look and Feel

“With collected, layered decor comes the need for a sharp edit. Read: Choose your focal point, and choose it wisely. ‘I love mixing old with new,’ says Bonnie Ryan of Ryan Haus Interiors + Design. ‘The juxtaposition of a traditional or vintage piece next to something bold and modern is so stunning and it makes both pieces more interesting.’ In the end, she recommends, ‘bring in something bold and modern next to something organic and older’ for ultimate eye-catching appeal.”

“ ‘When it comes to mixing styles like modern, traditional, and vintage,’ House of Hipsters‘ Kayla Herbes concludes, ‘you’re really just mixing pieces that speak to you. Somehow, some way, when you decorate with pieces you love, it just works. There are no vital ingredients or rules except sticking to a color palette.”

Jaipur Wovens from TD Fall

Having worked closely with Jaipur for decades, we u understand how their hand-woven rugs and fabrics can be used to build a foundation for any space, as well as for accents and flow, as explained in the Jaipur Living article.

For more on Jaipur rugs and other products… Contact TD Fall today.

Manchaha Rugs – New from Jaipur, Introduced at Fall Market

One of the greatest things about attending High Point Market, regardless of the season or circumstances at large, is the introduction of new products. Whether from the competition or in our showroom, seeing new stuff is always exciting. At this year’s fall Market, we have been delighted to introduce a stunning line of handcrafted, artisanal floor coverings, Manchaha rugs from Jaipur.

Manchaha is a Hindi word popular in our weaving community. It means “Expression of my heart”. The line is a sustainable development initiative where weavers get to design their own rugs for the first time ever. It taps into the untamed fashion in rural India by nurturing their creative potential and transforms a community from exploitation to empowerment.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Creativity

With designs that are truly from the heart for these uncommonly talented yet previously ignored rural weavers, the intricacy of design and attention to detail on display left many who saw the line of Manchaha rugs for the first time speechless. Made with leftover batches of yarn, each rug is one of a kind. Handcrafted with impeccable attention to detail and made from the weaver’s design, each rug tells a unique story.

Handcrafted Artisanal Rugs from Jaipur

The Manchaha Rugs Collection from Jaipur is evocative, prompting a different emotional response in everyone who sees these marvelous rugs. Like works of art, each piece is handmade using leftover, handspun yarn batches. Besides being an impressive example of sustainable production, this results in rugs as unique in design as they are in color.

While the phrase “Expression of my heart” could not be more appropriate for us at TD Fall, the meaning of the word is far more dramatic... Stunning and Unique.

The intricacy of design, stunning craftsmanship, and availability are hallmarks of this new line of rugs from Jaipur.

Needless to say, while it can be exhausting, we love going to High Point, and this year’s Fall Market, with so many new home furnishing lines, was no exception.

Looking for more new home furnishing collections, news about High Point Fall Market, the latest interior design trends, marketing tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.