Researching Interior Design Trends – Take a Peek Outside the Box

When it comes to researching interior design trends, we all have our favorite sources: Houzz, HGTV, Décor Aid, Business of Home, and Forbes.

Wait… Wut? Forbes? The business and finance publishers?

Yep. You see, we think a diverse view of design trends is helpful to the process. After all, being inflexible is not the same as being uncompromising, where thinking too narrowly can detract from a commitment to excellence in your designs.

And so, we offer an eye-opening peek at an alternative source for some of the most interesting of the dozen trends you can expect for 2020.

Forbes.com real estate, décor, and design contributor Amanda Lauren has learned that the overriding trend in design for the next decade will be focused on originality.

“I spoke with several experts, interior and furniture designers,” she writes, “who all emphasized that when it comes to design in the next decade, individuality will be extremely important. Those into crafting, DIY design, or commissioning custom pieces, will likely have lots of projects to take on in the New Year.”

Join the Non-trendy Design Trend

It must be said that tradition notwithstanding, the same old, same old does get really old. The designers Ms. Lauren checked with agree:

“Los Angeles based interior designer Delta Wright says overall anything ‘uber-unique’ will shine in the upcoming decade. ‘[We will see] highly crafted, unusual materials meticulously featured in furnishings and architecture’.”

(photo courtesy of Delta Wright Design)

As she goes on to emphasize, “But to be clear, this is not about having the most unique sofa or one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass bowl, so much as true authenticity. Christiana Coop, who is the co-founder of Hygge & West explains that uniqueness should reflect individuality. ‘People are designing their homes to reflect their personalities and creating spaces that tell their story’.”

Colors Are Back (And ain’t it about time?)

“Neutral [tones] will be replaced by warm colors, saturated hues, and jewel tones, according to Coop. ‘Tiles, cabinetry, and walls all serve as opportunities for more color,’ she says.”

(photo courtesy of High Fashion Home)

“Dolley Levan Frearson, who is the co-founder of High Fashion Home, predicts shades of pink (which are a more sophisticated evolution of the millennial pinks we’ve seen in recent years), will be strong in 2020. ‘I also see a lot of soft peachy corals and terra cotta; colors that feel soft yet grounded in earth tones. I also love golden yellow tones in lush fabrics like velvets to buttery, caramel leathers or leather-look,’ she says.”

Orange is the New Back and Black is the New White (for kitchens, anyway)

“If there is one way to describe the interior design trends we will see more of in 2020, it’s anything goes,” predicts Ms. Lauren.

(photo courtesy of Semi Handmade)

“While signature the looks of 2019 and the early ‘aughts like accent walls and all-white kitchens won’t be going away entirely, they will certainly evolve in the upcoming years.”

Inspiration from Above

“Wallpapered ceilings are another way contrast can be incorporated into a room.”

(photo courtesy of Hygge & West)

“There is no better surface for wallpaper [Coop explains] because it won’t get damaged and the large expanse of space makes for a truly dramatic feature of any room. We’ve been seeing wallpapered ceilings in powder rooms and expect to see more in bedrooms and living spaces in the coming year.”

Nature at Its Most Luxurious

“We’ll be seeing more natural materials with a luxurious spin like marble finishes in bathrooms and kitchens and also marble accents such as vases, bowls and candleholders [Coop says]. Linen will also be big, but in beautiful jewel tones, with finished edges that feel more polished than the raw edge boho take we’ve seen in the past.”

(photo courtesy of Jungalow)

“Along the same lines, Justina Blakeney, who is the designer and founder of The Jungalow, foresees old-world materials like plaster and lime wash making a resurgence. ‘We’ll continue to see people look for ways to connect with nature in their homes through houseplants, natural materials like cane, raffia, grasscloths, and raw/rustic woods’.”

While it’s the nature of trends to fade over time (and some not soon enough), it can also be inspiring for local designers to get a sense of what’s happening in the larger marketplace. We hope that such is the case for you.

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

Is It Possible to Install a Truly Sustainable Kitchen Countertop?

It goes without saying that we here at the TD Fall Blog believe the kitchen to be the most popular room in a home (though we’ve said so many times). It is also fairly obvious that we are somewhat skeptical of the trend (fad?) toward sustainability (since human beings tend toward trendy ideas until they get hit in the wallet). Having said these things, however, trends must be recognized and, if possible, capitalized upon. This includes things like sustainable kitchen countertop materials.

A recent article at Houzz.com offers guidance in this category, with 5 Sustainable Kitchen Countertop Materials to Consider. Though largely intended for consumers, author Barbara Milner offers insight into the world of manufacturing countertops with “sustainability and health in mind”.

We’ve chosen to feature two of the more unique types of sustainable countertop manufacturers, with another that we find intriguing.

Sustainable Countertop Manufacturers

A brand that was not mentioned in the article is Caesarstone. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the company manufactures premium quartz surfaces, which are used in both residential and commercial projects as countertops, vanities, wall cladding, floors, and other interior surfaces.

“Caesarstone combines beauty with outstanding performance, enabling you to bring your design imagination to life.”

Coastal Grey Sustainable Kitchen Countertop by Caesarstone

As they say at their website, “We are consistently trying to improve. Just meeting current industry standards isn’t enough – we’re always trying to exceed them and push our industry to adopt more sustainable practices and better eco-efficiency.”

Perhaps one of the most innovative options in the sustainable countertop category is Richlite paper-based countertops. The product is made from 65% FSC-certified recycled paper and 35% resin, and can withstand heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is fire resistant and durable in high-traffic areas.

Richlite will show scratches and patina over time, much like stainless, wood or copper countertops. However, the scratches can be sanded and the material can be resealed to restore its smooth finish.

Richlite Sustainable Paper Countertops

From their website: “A cost-effective, long-lasting and earth-friendly alternative to natural or manufactured stone, Richlite countertops bring a warm and natural touch to any interior environment.”

IceStone Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops

Another interesting line of countertops comes from a Brooklyn-based company named IceStone. Manufactured from recycled glass, as well as nontoxic pigments and Portland cement, IceStone offers a terrazzo look and feel. It works well for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desks and fireplace surrounds.

From their website: “IceStone began in 2003 with a simple concept; transform waste glass into something beautiful. Every IceStone slab is made in our 55,000-square-foot repurposed facility in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York that dates back to the early 1900’s.”

Whether you believe sustainable design is a passing fad or a solid, lasting trend, being aware of alternatives makes sense to a sharp designer. Being “in the know” about sustainable kitchen countertop products and designs will keep you ahead of your competition.

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

Interior Design Trends – Stylish Sustainable Design Solutions That Work

In a previous post we asked the question, Is sustainability a sustainable design choice? While we expressed some skepticism at the time, sustainable solutions remain a huge interior design trend. So, how can you approach this particular niche in your own market?

In a recent article at BusinessOfHome.com, editor at large Robyn Smith presents 19 brands that turn trash into treasure as proof that sustainable design is not only possible but, with a bit of creativity, can also be stylish.

As she enthusiastically assures us, “Upcycling isn’t just for Pinterest crafters anymore. We found 19 home brands that transform previously used materials – think tires, engine coils, fishing nets, and chalkboards – to construct new, beautiful objects for the home.”

Sustainable Home Furnishings

Is it really possible to create quality home furnishings from recycled trash?

Lovesac – Claiming to be builders of “The World’s Most Adaptable Couch™”, this modular Sactional sofa has upholstery that is made from recycled plastic bottles and cushions that are filled with shredded scrap foam from the sofa industry.

Ethnicraft – Specializing in “creating authentic, contemporary and timeless furniture from solid wood”, this piece offers shapes that adorn the Graphic sideboard’s doors that are composed of leftover wood scrap from the company’s factory, which would otherwise be too small for furniture.

Groundwork Home – Repurposed surfaces are standard fare for the Philadelphia-based custom furniture manufacturer, which counts old paving stones, school chalkboards, marble shower stall dividers, and factory machine bases among the materials it upcycles for its hand-crafted, hand-finished furniture.

Meso Goods – This “ethically crafted” furnishings brand uses organic Guatemalan wool sourced in Quetzaltenango for its area rugs, wall hangings, and furniture; it also recycles post-consumer bottles into glassware.

Slash Objects – The line integrates the use of an industrial material made of post-consumer recycled rubber to create innovative objects and furniture. Here, recycled tire rubber and salvaged marble from across the U.S. are combined to create the Coexist standing mirror.

For a sharp interior designer, home furnishings from companies like these present an opportunity to integrate sustainable home furnishings into your projects for clients who are truly committed to finding sustainable interior design solutions.

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

Interior Design Trends – Is sustainability a sustainable design choice?

Not to burst anyone’s bubble here but, in the world of interior design trends, many things come and go – and often disappear before many realize they’ve been and gone. Thus, we have the question: Is sustainability a sustainable design choice?While it can certainly be argued that less is more, the trend toward what has become known as “sustainable solutions” may be unsustainable; a passing fad that could create more problems than it solves.Sustainability is the process of people maintaining change in a balanced environment. It is the idea that the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations. (GlobalFootprints.org)And yet, this begs the question of exactly what both “balance” and “harmony” mean, relative to “human needs and aspirations”.It must be said that, to some extent, the idea of sustainable interior design may have its foundation in the “woke” generation of PC millennials; as well as others who enjoy displaying their “consciousness” as a virtue, rather than as a real commitment.Is Sustainable Interior Design Really a Thing?Having said that, as a sharp interior designer, it makes sense to be aware of the impulse in your clients, millennials, and others, toward sustainable interior design.From sustainable architecture to sustainable interior design and even landscaping, homeowners are increasingly looking to create a living environment that is energy efficient, requires few resources, and which has minimal impact on the environment.Also known as “green design”, and according to AllArtSchools.com, sustainable interior design tends to focus on:

• Maximize the efficient use of space – Efficiently used interior spaces can keep the size of a building and, therefore, the use of construction materials and other resources to a minimum. Micro-housing developments, or “apodments,” serve as one solution in cities with quickly growing populations. They typically are 300-square feet or less and feature built-in amenities such as a refrigerator and microwave. Some developments are LEED-certified.
• Use energy-wise construction and design materials – Interior designers can work with windows and doors that maximize energy efficiency, wood flooring that comes from rapidly renewable sources like bamboo, water-saving toilets, and other environmentally responsible materials.
• Use materials produced in a socially responsible manner – Use furniture and products from sources that promote safe manufacturing processes and socially just business practices. When possible, use local sources.
• Reduce waste by using reclaimed or recycled materials – Fortunately, antique and vintage décor is an option for interior designers. Furniture and decorative items can be repurposed, refinished or otherwise refurbished to give them new life. For the truly environmentally conscious, tiles, carpeting, fabrics, even sinks and counters, can be made from recycled materials.
• Plan for energy-efficient lighting – Clever interior design can incorporate windows and skylights to maximize the use of daylight and minimize artificial light. When artificial lighting is needed, LEDs, halogen bulbs, and compact fluorescent light bulbs save energy and last longer.
• Use non-toxic and non-polluting products – An increasing variety of safe and chemical-free products are available, from organic, hypoallergenic paint to fibers and woods that haven’t been treated with pesticides.

It must be noted that the phrase “socially responsible” is usually subjective and can easily lead to disagreements based on personal opinions. Try to avoid challenging such expressions of “wokeness” when possible, to keep the business relationship intact.The key here for an intelligent interior designer is to be willing to genuinely pursue sustainable design solutions while not being mislead by clients and potential clients who are merely virtue signaling their desire, without a genuine commitment to sustainable interior design. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a non-sustainable business relationship that could become quite costly, and which could pollute your reputation.Looking for more tips on interior design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Designer Marketing Tips – Who is Your Ideal Client (and what do they want from you)?

Like any business, there are certain things you need to do to market yourself as an interior designer. One of the most important designer marketing tips we can offer is that you must create an ideal client profile – a not-so-imaginary sketch of the type of client you would most like to work with.It should go without saying that, as a designer, you must identify your audience if you hope to give them what they want. Having said that, many business owners do not invest the time needed to do this. Instead, they hope and pray their products or services will somehow find an audience on their own. This is unrealistic and almost certain to result in disappointing leads and sales results.There is only one way to reach an audience that is open to your message: you need to know exactly who they are and what they want from you. Creating an ideal client profile will enable you to attract, connect with, and convert potential clients into paying clients – and fans of your work.Of course, this is going to take some research but, it should pay off in the long run. Keep in mind, your goal is to figure out who would benefit the most from your design services. This means you need to know what they like and dislike, how they spend their time, and what their other interests are. This will allow you to find them more easily, make deeper connections, and serve their needs better.Who Are You Working For – Creating Your Client ProfileHere is a list of questions to ask yourself about the audience you want to focus on:

• Where does your ideal client hang out?
  • Are they at offline locations? Does your ideal client hang out at Starbuck’s, chatting with like-minded coffee lovers? Do they hang out at certain clubs or social functions? Do they travel to various business or design conferences?
  • Do they prefer online locations? Is there a “favorite” blog your audience prefers? What about online forums where they swap ideas or critiques of design projects they’ve seen or been a part of? Whose Facebook page is most popular with your potential clients? What other social networks do they love? Whose webinars are they unable to resist?
• What does your ideal client watch, listen to, read? Those you hope to attract as clients may already be part of an audience for someone or something so, it makes sense to find out who or what they love to watch, listen to, and read. Like most of us, they’ll be happy to share the things they enjoy or learn from. Be open and absorb all they have to say – without judgment.
• Who are their mentors and other influencers? You're going to find some trends among your potential clients; subjects, designers, and other influencers who will show up regularly in their comments and shares. Who stands out among your audience and why? Once you identify the Big Names in your niche, you’ll be better able to provide insight and value that meets or exceeds what they are offering to your hoped-for audience.
• What are their other interests? Beyond simple stats (like age, gender, location, ethnic background, education level, and career), your ideal clients will also have interests outside your niche. What else are they passionate about and how do they fulfill that passion? A fully developed client profile has much more value than a simplistic one, enabling you to better serve their needs as their designer of choice.
• What professional enrichment, trainings or events do they attend? Real fans (of anything) tend to invest their time, energy, and resources in more than their own design projects. Many of them will travel to see and meet their favorites in person. Others may invest in training to learn more about the subjects that matter to them. Attendance at speeches and seminars by well-known interior designers or trainers is an indicator that your future audience will be committed to the interior designer who speaks to their needs. Make that designer be YOU!

Remember, you are not a member of the audience you are looking for and it doesn’t matter what you think of the things they enjoy doing, or how they spend their spare time. This is all about them!By narrowly defining your ideal client profile, by putting together more information about them rather than less, you are much more likely to identify the perfect fan for your design services.Looking for more tips on interior design success, new home design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Trends – Expect Steady Growth in Q2 This Year

According to a recent article at Houzz.com, there is good news about interior design trends and the demand for designers for the current quarter. The news is a result of the “Houzz Renovation Barometer, [which] is based on a quarterly online survey sent to a national panel of U.S. businesses with a profile on Houzz. The Barometer includes three components: expected business activity, recent activity, and backlogs (or wait times).”With short-term expectations strong for construction firms, architects, and designers, optimism for steady demand in all three industries is high. “The Q2 2019 Houzz Renovation Barometer tracks residential renovation market expectations; project wait times and recent business activity.”What the Houzz Renovation Survey Tells YouThe following is a snapshot of the interior design trends you can expect to see in the immediate future, based on the survey:

• Firms expect positive business activity – Like construction firms, architects and interior designers expect renovation business activity to rise during the second three months of 2019 from a year ago. Their score of 70 for the Expected Business Activity Indicator shows that there are more firms that anticipate increases than those that anticipate decreases. This score is up a dramatic 16 points from the same period a year ago, and up 5 points from the first three months of 2019.
• Wait times have decreased nationally – The Backlog Indicator for architectural and design firms stayed at an average of 4.7 weeks nationally for the second three months of the year, a drop of 1.4 weeks from the same time period in 2018. Compared with the first quarter of 2019, wait times are flat for the second three months of 2019. Architects currently have shorter wait times to take on a new midsize project (4.4 weeks) compared with interior designers (5.2 weeks).
• Recent business activity is up year over year – An increase in new-project inquires and new projects in January through March lifted the Recent Business Activity Indicator for this sector for the first quarter of 2019 to 63, up 16 points compared with the first quarter of 2018. However, relative to the prior three months, this score is down 2 points.

In short, there should be opportunities for growth in your design business in the immediate future. Following this, you should work hard to expand those opportunities, and this trend, by asking for referrals and recommendations from satisfied clients after each interior design project you complete.To learn more about interior design trends, design marketing tips, and our lines of luxury furnishings, Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Success – Organizing Cluttered Spaces for Your Clients

If success in real estate is all about location, location, location – then interior design success is all about space, space, space; not just how you decide to fill a space but also how you choose to organize it for your clients. From kitchens to bathrooms (as well as master suites and kids’ rooms), finding ways to bring order out of chaos is an important part of the designer’s job.As the trend toward finding ways to de-clutter continues to gain traction, in our homes and our lives, a sharp interior designer will present clients with ways to bring order to their homes. Offering stylish solutions to a cluttered environment should put your clients firmly in your corner, for both future design projects and referrals to family and friends.Below, we offer an enticing selection of innovative choices made by a variety of designers whose design choices included stretching their organizational skills.Floating Shelves Adds Organization to a Busy BathroomWhen designing a bathroom for a busy family of five, designer Wanda Ely used a wide trough-style sink that lets all three children brush their teeth at once and she added clever storage solutions. The floating, rustic maple shelves had holes routed out of them to fit various glass and metal inserts that help hold and organize their belongings.(Bath design images and descriptions courtesy of HGTV.com)An Open Kitchen Design for Less ClutterIf your client is looking for a clean, contemporary look, consider using open shelving in the kitchen. While doing this may seem counterintuitive, because of its constant visibility, open shelving will encourage them keep their kitchen items tidy and organized.(Kitchen design images and descriptions courtesy of HGTV.com)Custom Solutions for Tight SpacesFor the bathroom of a longtime customer-turned-friend, designer Katie Gagnon created a unique storage unit, between a pair of pedestal sinks, for the space. The storage cabinet was custom made while the door is a vintage salvaged piece.Using Glass for Openness and OrganizationIf your clients are hesitant to accept a completely open shelving design for the kitchen, consider using glass-door shelving to keep shelves under control and free of dust.Find Subtle Ways to Hide Storage SolutionsThis bathroom's storage area features a pink and green color scheme that coordinates with the entire space. The delicate curtains create a whimsical feel while hiding the built-in storage area. Image courtesy of ClosetMaid.Rethinking Kitchen Storage SpaceWith countertop space at a premium in so many kitchens, offer your clients the chance to rethink their storage solutions. Using deep drawers or pull-out shelving in cabinets will reduce clutter and free up plenty of counter space. Arranging them vertically, as pictured here, allows you to quickly select the right tool for the job. Labels can also help with organizing kitchen storage, though they may not be necessary. (HGTV.com)Looking for more tips on interior design success, new home design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Home Design Trends – Inspirational & Stylish Bathroom Designs

While the kitchen remains the most popular room in most homes, stylish bathrooms can add a great deal of resale value. Of course, since they are also important spaces for any homeowner, a sharp interior designer will be conscious of these home design trends and will place emphasis on ensuring these very private spaces are comfortable and attractive.With help from the folks at HGTV.com, we are happy to present a selection of stylish bathrooms as potential inspirational design ideas for your use in an upcoming bathroom remodel.Bohemian LuxuryFrom compartmentalized and dated to open and bright with modern twists, this California bathroom gives a nod to the home's mid-century origins. Modern elements like the freestanding tub and vessel sinks mix with eclectic and bohemian touches, including leather cabinet pulls, patterned concrete tile, and a traditional carpet.A Calming AtmosphereA light blue vanity and brass pulls are a pretty surprise against this bathroom's black-and-white, mosaic tile floor. A cactus adds a fun (yet spiky) companion up top.Making a SplashThis modern cottage master bathroom features a mosaic glass tile patterned wall, soaking tub, brass fixtures, and clear glass shower enclosure.Small, Yet Mighty ImpressiveFrom the mesmerizing floor tile to the slanted ceiling, this bathroom is nothing but first-rate design inspiration. One of designer Emily Henderson's tactics for decorating this small bathroom was to match metals, from towel bars to faucets, for a more cohesive appearance.They May Never Want to LeaveA large, arched window lets plenty of natural light into this neutral, remodeled space, creating a warm feel throughout this magnificent master bathroom.Rustic ChicDesigners pulled the dark khaki color from the tile and used it to add warmth to the shiplap backsplash. This feature wall adds a splash of color and creates a balance between the busy pattern of the tile floor and the glamour of the copper fixtures.Making a Bold StatementThe floor's geometric pattern acts as a red carpet, leading the eye down this chic bathroom to the dazzling shower at the far end, covered in blue subway tiles.Leaving Nothing to ChanceDesigned by Montana Creative and Heidi Tate with Tate Interiors, this home was inspired by the waterfront with expansive windows out to the lake and accordion doors to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience. Modern finishes round out the house to create a unique lake house.While each of the above bathroom designs can be used as inspiration, they are merely a glimpse of the 99 images available from HGTV.com. if you find yourself struggling to imagine the perfect bath design for a client, feel free to take a look for yourself. You’re bound to find something that will help.Looking for more new home design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.