Designer Fabrics, Wallcovering, and Trimmings Make a Space

It should probably go without saying that designer fabrics are critical to the success of a design project; not to mention the lasting enjoyment of the homeowner client. Truly, the right fabrics in the right locations can make all the difference in a space.

Whether we’re talking about upholstered furniture, wallcoverings, draperies, accent pillows, or furniture and wall trimmings, fabrics add color, texture, and depth to any space when used to the greatest advantage. Of course, there is also the fact that such fabrics last, with a life expectancy that will generally outlast most homeowner’s love for them; meaning they will return for another remodel before their designer fabrics have outlived their usefulness.

Lee Jofa Fabrics

Two and a half centuries of textile expertise have shaped this exclusive brand.  Lee Jofa can trace its history back to the early 19th century with the partnership of Johnson and Faulkner (shortened to Jofa fabric) importing fine decorative fabrics to the US including many famous designs that remain with the company today. With its acquisition in 1965 by Arthur H Lee & Sons, famous for groundbreaking weaving techniques, an alliance was formed producing fabrics considered some of the world’s most luxurious.

From dramatic to playful and from startling to welcoming, the look, feel, and quality of Lee Jofa designer fabrics can – and will – please any interior design client.

GP & J Baker Weaves & Embroideries

GP & J Baker, holder of the Royal Warrant since 1982, enjoys an international reputation for delivering magnificent fabrics, wallcoverings, and trimmings exceptional in quality and creative innovation. Founded by two enterprising brothers in 1884, current collections which range from stunning translations of designs from its renowned archive to sparkling signature prints, weaves, and embroideries, ensure that GP & J Baker offers a unique and stylish approach to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, fabrics determine to look and feel of a particular space even before paint color, furniture design, and floor coverings. As integral parts of the Kravet family of brands, Lee Jofa fabrics and GP&J Baker fabrics, wallcoverings, and trimmings, offer nearly limitless choices for sharp designers to please their clients.

TD Fall & Co represents both lines of fabrics while Ted offers consultation on everything from the choice of colors to textures to coordination with other aspects of a remodeling or design project. Simply… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

GP & J Baker Virtual Color Books – A New Designer Sales Tool from Kravet

Pick a color, any color (or a season) and Kravet offers a set of GP & J Baker virtual color books to help designers. (No, not a colorING book – a Color Book!)

Our goal is not to make light of the changes to our personal and professional lives that have been forced upon us by circumstance in the past year or so. Rather, we find it encouraging that so many of us, from single-owner design businesses to the largest manufacturers and suppliers have become so innovative in response.

It comes as no surprise that one of the largest, Kravet, continues to find ways to make life easier for those of us who may not be able to do business face-to-face. And, as the recognized leader in the industry, we have come to expect nothing less from them.

“How does this work?” you ask. Unlike the well-known Sample Books from Kravet, their new virtual color books present color-based images of curated fabrics and wallpapers. The real innovation here though is that, while the color books present swatch images, they also offer images of the fabrics and wallpapers in use. So, instead of forcing you to use only your imagination to visualize a presentation, the color books get you started with an image of covered furnishings and walls.

Kickstart Creativity with Virtual Color Books from Kravet

For designers and furnishing retailers who’re restricted from visiting a showroom, being able to download any of nearly 20 of these color books is a great way to help get your creative juices flowing. Being able to share them with clients and prospects virtually only adds to their appeal and practical application.

What a wonderful tool you're being given to renovate a client’s space and help you close a deal – virtually!

For example, this image from the GP & J Baker Teal color book shows creative yet practical uses for a stunning wall covering and one of their fabrics with an eye-catching print.

Not really feeling it with teal? Maybe 14 virtual pages of Red Plum fabrics and wallpapers will do the trick and inspire your imagination with different looks and feels for that special space in your client’s home.

Then again, we did promise you a glimpse of the fabrics and wallcoverings that are most appropriate for seasons. The Mulberry Home color book from Kravet is focused on the Autumn collection of fabrics and wallcoverings available in stock right now. This is just a sample of the 11-page virtual color book you can download.

Due to the limits of space and time for a blog post, we’re unable to show every page of every virtual color Kravet has made available. But, we do want to share the assortment of colors and themes they’ve put together.

With so many palettes available (and don’t forget Teal!), it would be difficult to not use these downloadable virtual color books in your design or sales process.

And please keep in mind that these color books are not designed to merely show what you might do for your clients. The fabrics and wallcoverings shown are in stock and available for your projects right now!

Get in touch with TD Fall today to learn more about how you can use these innovative virtual color books from Kravet to help you create appealing presentations for your clients – and close more sales.

Must-Have Kitchen Features for Your Design Projects

As an interior designer, do you believe there are some features your clients “must-have” in certain spaces? (People being people, we’re sure not everyone does.) According to a recent article at Houzz.com, there are six must-have kitchen features you should focus on in the design of the most-used room on the home.

In an effort to save some space, and your time, we will share three of these must-have features. Whether you wish to see more of them, we leave to you.

Kitchen Storage Solutions

“[Cabinetry] makes up the bulk of what is seen in every kitchen, so your choice of cabinet color and style is a major, consequential decision [in your design]. But the components inside your cabinets are equally important, if not more.”

“Your storage solutions determine how functional [the] kitchen is. [However], at the peak of cooking a large meal, [they will] care less about the look of [their] cabinets and more about the ease of grabbing the right tools, spices, pots, and other supplies.”

Of course, all of this means that, while the look of the kitchen cabinets is hugely important, functionality is a definite must-have. The New York kitchen by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs shown on the right and the hidden cutting board by Yancy Interiors + Home on the left, are good examples of how well designed kitchen cabinetry can work for you – and for your client.

All That, and the Kitchen Sink

By paying particular attention to the most-used features of the most-used room in their house, you show the homeowner that you place a priority on their needs. (Not just how cool your design looks.)

According to the article, “the kitchen sink is one area that always sees a lot of action. So it makes sense to put a little more effort into designing the sink area and choosing components.”

“These days, many sink manufacturers offer designs called workstations, which feature add-ons such as cutting boards, strainers and prep bowls... The Galley Workstation shown here is a popular hardworking sink that includes several inserts for prepping and cleaning.”

Must-have features on top of must-have components make this kitchen sink a wonderful must-have choice. (Too many must-haves here?)

Fulfilling the Island Fantasy

Here is where the Houzz article states the obvious:

“Perhaps no design feature in recent memory has changed kitchen design more than the island. Indeed, it’s hard to deny the benefit of a kitchen island. It adds extra countertop surface and storage and creates a spot for conversation, homework, and meals. It can be a location for a cooktop, a dishwasher, or a prep sink, and it often provides that crucial touchpoint that completes an efficient work triangle.”

While it cannot be denied that homeowners love a design that includes an island, this must-have kitchen feature is also an undeniable favorite among interior designers; adding flexibility and great functionality to the space.

“A large kitchen island is a fantastic gathering place in any open-plan kitchen and gives the homeowner a flexible space to use for dining, entertaining, or cooking.”

This Boston kitchen by SV Design is a great example of that functionality.

Beyond these three must-have kitchen features, lighting, and appliances, including range vent hoods, are critical to the success of the kitchen design you offer your clients. 

 Looking for more tips on sustainable design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

“Perhaps no design feature in recent memory has changed kitchen design more than the island. Indeed, it’s hard to deny the benefit of a kitchen island. It adds extra countertop surface and storage and creates a spot for conversation, homework, and meals. It can be a location for a cooktop, a dishwasher, or a prep sink, and it often provides that crucial touchpoint that completes an efficient work triangle.”

While it cannot be denied that homeowners love a design that includes an island, this must-have kitchen feature is also an undeniable favorite among interior designers; adding flexibility and great functionality to the space.

“A large kitchen island is a fantastic gathering place in any open-plan kitchen and gives the homeowner a flexible space to use for dining, entertaining, or cooking.”

This Boston kitchen by SV Design is a great example of that functionality.

Beyond these three must-have kitchen features, lighting, and appliances, including range vent hoods, are critical to the success of the kitchen design you offer your clients. 

 Looking for more tips on sustainable design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

New Brunschwig & Fils Patterns and Colors from Les Touches

At the Kravet blog, we have recently been introduced to some exciting new Brunschwig & Fils patterns and colors from their iconic line, Les Touches.Les Touches is one of the most recognizable patterns in Brunschwig & Fils extensive catalog. The classic design has spanned decades and taken on many forms over the years, but one thing has always remained true: it is perennially loved by interior designers.This stylized animal pattern was originally developed from a post-World War II folio of photographs. The delicate pattern looks hand-painted on the surface, offering a softer take on the striking design. With its latest offering, Brunschwig & Fils is introducing nine new colorways, bringing the total color offering up to 18. This beautiful and original assortment lends itself to many different interior aesthetics. The new colors and patterns include a range of neutrals with pops of tangerine, berry, and peridot.Brunschwig & Fils’ Expands Offering with New Colorways from Les TouchesDesigner Danielle Rollins, who famously also creates clothing out of Brunschwig fabric, says Les Touches can stand on its own in any room. “I love Les Touches because it is the classic bright happy go anywhere print. It can make a dominant statement on its own or it can bridge other patterns perfectly,” says Rollins.For other designers, it’s about Brunschwig & Fils’ strong heritage within the design industry. “I love the legacy of Brunschwig fabrics – so many of my favorite patterns are decades-old, yet still feel very current,” says Marisa Friedman.Les Touches is also admired for its versatility. The linear pattern, depending on its color, is suitable in a traditional and modern setting alike. “Les Touches is such a classic pattern, yet it lends itself to almost any style. In this case, I wanted to emphasize the playful nature of the pattern in a sunny, casual master bedroom,” says Liz Grina.This versatility also allows the pattern to make its own statement in a room, or coordinate with more bold motifs. “It can play off any lead fabric and the movement works with almost any other scaled fabric,” says Emily Gonzalez. “Les Touches is so great because I can mix it in as a geometric print or a floral when needed and it is always relevant in any space and in any style.”Over the years, the Brunschwig & Fils design studio has reinvented this iconic pattern – as a print, an embroidery, a wallpaper and more. Throughout this rich history, Les Touches remains a tried and true, time-honored Brunschwig & Fils classic.If you would like to discover more of what’s new from Brunschwig & Fils home furnishing designs, Contact TD Fall today.

Interior Design Trends – New Collection from Lee Jofa & Kravet

In her fourth collection with Groundworks at Lee Jofa, Kelly Wearstler addresses the latest interior design trends by presenting dynamic and illusionistic elements in a new collection of fabrics, leathers, wallcoverings, and trimmings.Geometric patterns stand out and seamlessly blend in this collection with the use of bold and subdued color. COVET piques interest with its angular nature and seemingly time-worn texture. The hard angles of a faceted gemstone are softened by the washed look of this linen-cotton blend digital print.POST VELVET is another example of this range, featuring an overscale, graphic wood print that highlights an organic yet graphic element within the bold and neutral color stories.Exceptional quality is at the forefront of so many patterns in this collection. PASTICHE features a maze-like embroidery that offers a soft structure to its textural ground.CHANNELS, one of Kelly’s most adored patterns, is back with more versatile colorways, including darker shades, pushing the abstract and graphic boundaries of this bold pattern. It’s also offered as a stunning wallcovering.New Lee Jofa Wallcoverings from KravetYet, RAPTURE PAPER is also available on silk and paper, offering a dynamic option for a more elevated and luxurious statement.We ’re not done yet though: RARITY PAPER coordinates with its fabric counterpart, offered in a wide range of color from soft warm neutrals to blush, jade and bold blues.Finally, one of this collection’s most exciting introductions is the new fashionable tassel fringe trimming. FELIX FRINGE is inspired by chunky constructions on textural grounds and successfully makes this vintage aesthetic feel contemporary.This new collection from Kelly Wearstler offers an unexpected visual dialogue, enhanced by a graphic structure in patterns and nature using two and three-dimensional art, in an ever-evolving but always current color palette. Geometric and dynamic patterns stand out and seamlessly blend in this collection with the use of bold and subdued color.Looking for more new interior design trends, marketing tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Tips – Helping Clients Focus on High-Value Improvements

A recent series of articles at Houzz.com offers some interesting insights into where homeowners might be willing to spend a bit more on remodeling and decorating their homes. Although the site is definitely geared toward helping end-users make better choices, the expert advice they share can also be a great source of interior design tips and trends for anyone in the industry.For example, in an article titled 7 Home Purchases Worth the Splurge, designer Erika Wood offers her advice on where homeowners should be willing to invest a bit more money if they hope to avoid “buyer’s remorse” by compromising on quality versus value (or price).While many homeowners will focus on things that add value to their home, hoping to increase the resale price, Ms. Wood is focused on making the home comfortable for the current occupants of the home. Although both are important to an interior designer, it may be true that focusing on comfort will make your design project more acceptable to your clients. With this in mind, she offers seven “guilt-free” purchases for the savvy homeowner – making these areas of emphasis for the equally sharp interior designer, as well.

• Quality Window Coverings – To the uninitiated, it can seem like their options are endless when it comes to window coverings. Yet, as any designer knows, window placement, frame construction, and other external factors help narrow your client’s choices. Your expert advice will be critical for the client who is confused about which option is best for their home. There's generally no way around custom window treatments when there are unusually tall windows or odd placements. A conservative choice will tend to be a good investment in their home when it's time to sell. (Image from HouseBeautiful.com)
• Upholstered Furniture – While many homeowners will think, “It’s just a sofa”, you know that purchasing a quality sofa or other piece of upholstered furniture that stands up to the demands of your client’s lifestyle is always a good idea. Remind them that quality construction and cotton blends that have a high percentage of polyester provide optimal stain resistance and long-term wear.
• Granite Countertops – Yes, granite remains the first choice in countertops: “When a homeowner contacted Houzz for advice on kitchen upgrades, fellow contributor Rebekah Zaveloff responded with helpful advice. In regard to replacing the homeowner's old laminate countertops with classic honed granite counters, Zaveloff advised, ‘Black and white never goes out of style. If you want a classic black and white kitchen, go ahead and change out those countertops’."
• Room-sized Rugs – As we all know, it can take “forever” to find the perfect rug and, when you do, it usually isn't cheap. It’s always helpful to remember that your client may not have the knowledge to make a good decision and that you are the expert here. Take the time to explain that the cost of a rug will vary depending on the age, weaving technique, fiber content, and dye method. Also, hand-loomed rugs wear well and have added character and charm while minor repairs do not affect the value of the rug as long as they have been done well. (Image from MyRugStore.co.uk)
• Original Artwork – “A one-of-a-kind piece by its nature has special value. In addition to adding beauty and interest to the home, fine art gains extrinsic value as time passes.”
• Comfortable Mattresses – Quality sleep is essential for health and well-being – for the entire family. While the client is the true expert here, knowing what is comfortable to them, your guidance may make all the difference in whether they buy a quality product. If you have a relationship with a local sleep shop, all the better, as you can help them find a reputable dealer who will put their needs ahead of anything else.
• Linens and Towels – As Ms. Woods explains, “[You should] consider anything that touches your bare skin an investment in comfort.” Your client’s bed linens and towels should have a high thread count because they are softer, more durable, and will last longer than cheaper choices.

Even though it may seem that the last two items on the list may not be in your wheelhouse as a designer, offering guidance on making your client’s home as comfortable as possible is definitely has value as an area of focus.Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Tips: Use of Color in a Space

Are you aware that 60% of the color in a space comes from the walls and floors? Add the ceiling and you have 80% of the color in every room! That makes the room furnishings nothing but accessories – and the accessories are – nothing but trim to the accessories!While it can be argued, and often is, that the details are what make the room, you can never afford to take the Big Stuff for granted, such as…Wall ColorTypically, the color or colors used on the walls will set the stage for a room. Commonly, these colors are somewhat muted and softer tones, though not necessarily light or pale.  They will become the “anchor colors” for the room and the size of the room will dictate the depth of the color.

• If you are using darker colors, you can lighten the look with an area rug, window treatment or art for the walls.
• The natural light coming through windows will always play a role in your color selection and must be carefully considered.
• Alternating wall colors can create a wonderful effect in a room, opening a small space or limiting a larger, undefined area, perhaps.
• As an alternative to painted walls, consider wallcoverings. There are some gorgeous patterns and textures that add a dimension to the room’s ambiance that you cannot achieve any other way. And, wallcoverings last longer than paint. Plus, today’s wallpaper ain’t your grandma’s wallpaper! If hung properly, it can easily be removed and, with the updated colors and patterns available, can truly add the “wow factor” to any room.

Flooring Condition and/or ColorsTake a good, hard look at the current condition of the floors in your targeted room and ask yourself these questions:

• Even the highest quality hardwood floors become worn. Are they in need of refinishing or will a good buff and polish bring back the luster? Or, are they damaged beyond repair and need to be replaced? What will look best within the color scheme of the room, light or dark wood floors?
• If there is carpeting, what is the condition? If it is close to 10 years old or more, it’s likely time to replace it. Carpet is a textile and as such, it was never designed to wear and last as long as hardwood flooring. Plus, if there has been an active family in the home, 10 years or more is a good benchmark for replacement.

Ceilings Can Add Accent or Drama to a RoomHey, come on, we all know ceilings are white, right? Well, not always. In fact, bold patterns and colors on ceilings have become a fairly strong trend recently. Here are a few options to consider, rather than the standard white ceiling:

• If you’re working with a tray ceiling or an unusually high ceiling, other colors are often used to accent or create warmth. You may even see some black ceilings where the room is so large that a cozier effect is created by giving the illusion of a lower ceiling.
• Check out restaurants or hotels for inspiration. You might be surprised at what you never noticed before.
• And then there is the use of wallcoverings on the ceiling: a great effect.

Bold designs to floor and ceilings can create an atmosphere of luxury and solitude – or great drama.Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

New Interior Design Trend: Mixing Wallpaper Designs

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (of all places) offers insight into an interesting new trend being followed by interior designers: mixing wallpaper designs within the same space.Say what?That’s right. With the recent versatility of wallpaper from the manufacturers, including much less permanent adhesives that used to wreak havoc on drywall, adding and removing patterns and textures is far simpler than in the past.Now that a room can be stripped and re-papered within a few hours, innovative designers have gotten over their fear and are making inroads into new uses for old-style wallcoverings.“‘The new, vast selection of papers is energizing designers,’ said industry veteran Dennis Shah, president of Studio Printworks in Hoboken, N.J. His company creates handmade papers via centuries-old processes such as block and screen printing, but he has also invested in digital printers, which can produce giant seamless panels, scale designs up and down to fit any wall and achieve effects not possible with analog methods, such as subtle watercolor-esque gradations and razor-sharp photorealism. With this flexibility, ‘designers are excited, unusual ideas are coming to fruition and rules are being broken,’ said Mr. Shah.”

Contrasting Walls and Ceiling

For example, this combination of contrasting papers on the walls and ceiling of a sitting room. Whether you choose to “flex” with patterns or colors, today's choices come in almost endless varieties.

Brave or Bravado? You Decide!

While the word “busy” might be a bit tame for this collection of wallcoverings, it certainly cannot be said that the choices made were not bold. And yet, despite the stunning array of patterns, the oriental theme somehow brings it all together to make a cohesive statement.

Mix n’ Match Colorways

Far subtle is the use of two colorways to add a bit of life to this simple yet elegant living room. The similarity of the patterns, though presented in differing hues, hold the design together beautifully. Whatever you may think of some of the choices shown above, the good news is that wallcovering is making a comeback. This, along with the flexibility of mixing wallpaper designs, gives interior designers an addition to their palettes that had been missing for a couple of decades.Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Nautical Home Design Trends for 2017

Even as shades of blue and vintage furniture become ever more dominant interior design trends, so too are nautical themes renewing their presence in homes across the country. From nautical decor to accents in the colors of sky, sea, and sand we’re seeing a freshening of the mood that can be created by living at, or near, a seaside resort.

Whether you and your client are eager to go “All-in” with a seafaring theme, or would rather hint at a maritime feel, a stunning array of furniture, wallcoverings, accents, and wall hangings are available to help you navigate your client’s needs.

The Seafaring Spirit is Alive and Well

Open and airy, breezy and comfy; those are the feelings that homeowners seek when they ask you for a nautical design theme. Here, a “sea of blues” wash over the inhabitants of this home in Martha’s Vineyard. From CountryLiving.com.

Not to be outdone, even the landlocked have access to a beach themed décor, with cushioned furniture in soothing white, cool blue, and relaxed gray-beige tones. From House-Interior.net.

If Living at the Beach is Impossible, Bring the Beach Home

A meal by the shore is still possible, even when dining in. From HouseBeautiful.com.

This beach-style bedroom will take you there, regardless of location. From Houzz.com.

Nautical Accents Make a Subtle Statement

Sometimes, the simplest accents are the best. Nautica throws from House-Interior.net.

Steamer trunks are a beautiful nautical accent that will not overwhelm a space. From HouseBeautiful.com.

Simple yet Elegant Nautical Furniture is Available

The Cape Porpoise Poster Bed in Crème Brulee finish from Somerset Bay furniture brings home the feel of Nantucket, regardless of where home is located. From SomersetBayHome.com.

Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Farmhouse Design Ideas

From retro design to “modern,” there is a strong trend toward farmhouse design ideas in homes across the country. The reasons for this trend are as varied as the personalities involved: from those seeking a more “homey” feeling that brings back memories of times gone by, to those who find the look “kitschy” and cool.

Whatever your client’s reasons may be, being able to offer a farmhouse feeling to them may make the difference in closing a sale for your design services.

From the exterior to the interior, the farmhouse feel of a home can make a powerful statement of what the owner values. Even location makes a statement. In other words, your client does not have to live in the country to enjoy the farmhouse look in their home. This home is an adaptation of a traditional farmhouse in their open, rural settings, place within the denser urban context of a small town.(RobertBaumann.com)

Urban Farmhouse Design Ideas

Of course, if your client does choose to live in the country, the look and feel of living in a farmhouse does not preclude the installation and use of modern amenities and contemporary design ideas. In fact, innovation may be the most important area of the design challenge you accept when your client is looking to live in a modern farmhouse. (DesignNW.com)

Modern Farmhouse Design IdeasIt’s hard to argue with the results of this farmhouse kitchen look. The slate gray paint, alder cabinets, and stressed oak make this kitchen look as if it had been renovated in stages, while the open shelving offers a practical, at-your-fingertips feel. (Houzz.com)Beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen is also PracticalFor a truly innovative farmhouse design, taking them out to the woodshed at first makes one’s head spin (a bit). However, “the project is conceptually inspired by the vernacular woodshed, a familiar and iconic element in the Vermont landscape.” And, while the look may be the very definition of rustic, there is no doubt that comfort and modern amenities were at the forefront of this design. (BirdseyeVT.com)Dual Woodshed Home DesignLooking for interior design trends and tips? Get in touch with TD Fall today.