Donghia Furniture Collection 2021 – Kravet Did it Right (Again!)

You know how the sayings go, right? “Haters gonna hate” and “Lovers gonna love”. And, now we’d like to add, “Donghia gonna Donghia!” (Or, maybe it’s better said, “Kravet gonna Donghia!”) Either way, what matters is that the Donghia Furniture Collection relaunch from Kravet is in full swing and we feel the need to share!

As we mentioned in our post back in early May, Kravet was planning their relaunch of the iconic Donghia furnishings line. Well, it’s been a couple of months since the new lineups hit the market and we couldn’t be more excited by what we’ve seen.

And, while the introduction of more than 450 fabrics is nothing to sneeze at, we are hugely impressed by the craze-mazing line of furniture they’ve designed. From sofas to sectionals and chairs to occasionals, we can only describe the lineup as timeless yet contemporary.

Soon to be Iconic Donghia Furniture

Feeling dramatic? Donghia is bringing its iconic furniture collection to the interior design industry and the furniture line definitely displays just such a flair for the dramatic. They’ve made more than 40 coveted frames available with the same quality and craftsmanship guaranteed.

With some 420 decorative fabrics, luxury textures, and an array of velvets available, covering those frames in style becomes a given.

An Occasional Statement Has Been Made

Did we say, “flair for the dramatic”? It’s truly impossible to imagine a more dramatic statement being made than the one that will exist in your client’s homes when you bring them this occasional table.

Donghia’s Origami collection bears both the name and look of the traditional Japanese art of folding paper into objects. The Origami look of these tables is achieved through a complex artisanal process of cutting, folding, and welding a substantial metal foil into the final shape of a cocktail and side table.

Its true wonder is the reflective finish on the faceted inside, that creates an illusion of a kaleidoscope-like endless space enclosed into sharp geometrical boundaries. 

Simply explain to them that, when the conversation lags at their next cocktail party, this amazing design will infuse their guests with plenty to talk about. And remind them that, once their guests have left, they’ll undoubtedly share their impressions with other friends and family over succeeding days.

Donghia Sectionals

With the return to prominence of sectionals for home furnishings, comfort and creativity are finding a renewed level of cooperation. Eager to address this segment of the market, Donghia sectionals do more than merely impress. They inspire.

Not to put too fine a point on it but, Riverside Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is a soft, flowing transition from the grid of the city streets to the Hudson River. Much like its namesake, Donghia’s Riverside sectional ebbs and flows through the room, a curved sectional sofa designed for today’s lifestyle.

Think of it as a finely crafted, floating sculpture capable of defining the home space with its endless possible compositions. Like Angelo Donghia used to do with his pieces in his New York apartment, the Riverside sections can be easily swapped, moved, turned, and even make tête-à-tête sofas.

If your clients are asking you for a unique look without sacrificing comfort, it would be hard to find a more appropriate way to anchor a space than the Riverside sectional from Donghia.

More to Come from Donghia

Like Kravet, we promise more to come from the Donghia Collection soon, including peeks at some truly stunning fabrics, wallcoverings, and lighting solutions. Stay tuned for future posts.

If you have questions about other products or the availability of the collection, feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about this iconic line, as well as what more you can expect from the Donghia furniture collection by Kravet.

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.

From Canvas to Cloth – Introducing the Lantz Collective Designs from Kravet

Inspired by the art of Barry Lantz, and in conjunction with his daughter Amanda, Kravet has recently partnered with the Lantz Collective to offer a “casually elegant” offering of both fabrics and original artwork.

Moving from the studio to the design showroom, and clearly inspired by Barry’s own personal artwork, Canvas to Cloth is an on-trend collection of prints and complementary solid wovens.

Not only that, but each pattern is named after an important woman in his life. “The naming of the patterns came easily,” says Barry, “there are and have been many special, influential women in my life and each pattern truly expresses my feeling for each of the women I chose to recognize.”

From Art Studio to Design Showroom

For Barry, art and design are closely tied. “Both are influenced by color, scale, form, and geometry,” he says. Barry’s first love is art, but he seamlessly made the transition into designing stunning fabric collections and interiors. “The end result of good art and design is how one feels after experiencing it,” he says. Barry used his artistry background to create Canvas to Cloth which features an array of fabrics in breezy, cool, and artistically brushed colors.

One of Barry’s favorite patterns in the collection, and arguably the pattern that anchors the collection, is Goldie, which is named after his beloved grandmother. When asked about his grandmother who encouraged his artistic abilities, Barry says, “for me, Goldie is the most important and unique pattern of all.” This is an ikat pattern interpreted into a kaleidoscopic design and reflects much of Barry’s art style.

Another standout pattern in this collection is Manders, named after his daughter and partner, Amanda. Barry credits Amanda as his inspiration and his reason to succeed. “Without Amanda’s design influence, the collection would not be what it has become,” says Barry. 

Sherlee, Tracy, and Leesa are the remaining prints and are also reminiscent of Barry’s iconic artwork. Offering clean and bright hues, Canvas to Cloth has the ability to create an effervescent ambiance we all crave in an interior. 

Also available through CuratedKravet are a selection of 21 original framed Barry Lantz art pieces. Barry, who has adored art since he was a child, has hand-signed the back of each piece of art.  The artwork selection consists of framed giclee canvas prints in a wide range of color palettes.

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about Lantz Collective designs from Kravet.

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.

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 Line from TD Fall – Lily Koo Luxury Furnishings

We’d like to share some very exciting news today about a new line from TD Fall! New for 2021, TD Fall has acquired the rights to represent the Lily Koo Furnishings line. From beds and headboards, myriad seating solutions, chaise lounges and ottomans, tables and desks, amazing mirror designs, accessories, and more, the line is fully integrated, imaginative, and compelling.

While relatively young by some standards in the furnishings industry, the Java-based furniture atelier was founded in 2010 yet has made a lasting impression in the luxury furnishings marketplace. Influenced by the classics and reimagined for today’s contemporary interiors, Lily Koo’s innovative designs showcase the renowned artistry of this stunning Indonesian island paradise.

Drawing on years of industry experience, Lily Koo is committed to ensuring consistent product quality and continuous innovation that is focused on long-term sustainability and growth. Strict quality control systems allow the highly skilled staff to monitor each piece through completion, ensuring consistent high-quality products that are built to last for generations to come.

Introducing Lily Koo Furnishings from TD Fall

Lily Koo's designs bring a classical feel to contemporary furnishings. Their accomplished in-house designers, engineers, and craftsmen are committed to creating high-quality products aligned with current trends that will match your client’s needs and aspirations.

Lily Koo furnishings begin with the Design Team which envisions and curates designs that are chosen for their compelling style, comfort, and function. Next, the Engineering Team translates that vision into physical form, focusing on intricate design details and durability. Finally, the highly skilled craftsmen at Lily Koo meticulously hand carve and apply stains, metal leaf, and lacquer finishes to accentuate the beauty of the wood and carving detail in each piece. Working together, they bring Lily Koo’s innovative designs to stunning life.

Lily Koo is and has been committed to creating attention-grabbing and imaginative luxury furnishings that will have your clients wide-eyed with admiration and eager to see them in their homes. Just that little bit different, yet traditional enough to appeal to a broad client base, the creativity expressed in the Lily Koo line of luxury furnishings may be exactly what your next client seeks.

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover what’s possible with this stylish, trending luxury furnishings line.

Quality Interior Design Requires Balance – As Does the Interior Designer

One of the most important principles of a quality interior design project is balance. And yet, we see too many interior designers who lack that same balance, personally and professionally. That is, struggling to overcome a poor work/life balance.

Yes… Yes… Yes… We know every business coach and/or life coach on the internet spews virtual reams of blog posts and pages about the subject of finding a balance between work and life. We also know it can be tiresome to see the same subject being touted incessantly. But please, hang with us for a moment and let us tell you how we see this subject. We think you will appreciate our take.

You see, for us, the question arises, how does a designer’s life balance affect design project balance?

Put differently, is it possible for an interior designer who is struggling to find equilibrium between their work and their life to create balance in their projects consistently? Unfortunately, we find ourselves forced to say, “No”; consistency of one’s work is bound to suffer from living an imbalanced life.

An Imbalanced Life Leads to Unbalanced Designs

The question of which comes first, imbalance in life or work mimics the chicken/egg question. Do problems at home lead to stress levels at work, or is it the many challenges faced at work that contributes to stress and unhappiness at home? Needless to say, the experts have multiple answers for you, and they should be heeded.

Our approach is more practical. We want to explore how an imbalance in life impacts your ability to create a balanced environment for your clients.

Imagine for a moment that you wear a pair of (non-metaphorical) “rose-colored glasses” all day. What will this do to the way you perceive everything around you? More importantly for an interior designer, how will these lenses impact your ability to choose colors for your clients? When everything you see is tinted red, can you make good choices for them?

Similarly, what would happen if you were forced to wear sanitary rubber gloves 24/7, 365? This would make it impossible to appreciate the textures or “touch” of the fabrics you're trying to choose for your clients.

We could go on with examples like these, but we think the point’s been made. Which begs the question: If your life is seen as a metaphorical balance beam, and if you keep falling off, how can you possibly expect to balance a home design?

Work/Life Balance Comes from Within You

Caring for your clients is admirable, not to mention a necessary trait for an interior designer. Yet, if you forget to care for yourself as well, your ability to follow through for them will be negatively impacted. When you focus too much on your work, you can lose touch with the people you love and become burned out. The fatigue and poor health that follows is almost inevitable.

According to an article at MayoClinic.org, finding that elusive balance between life and work begins with setting limits.

“If you don't set limits, work can leave you with no time for the relationships and activities you enjoy… As long as you're working, juggling the demands of career and personal life will probably be an ongoing challenge. But by setting limits and looking after yourself, you can achieve the work-life balance that's best for you.”

While time management is one of the keys to this, learning to say “No” when you need to is even more important. “When you quit accepting tasks [or unreasonable client requests] out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you'll have more time for activities that are meaningful to you.” (emphasis added)

In addition, you will need to figure out how to detach yourself from work and take some “Me time”. This should include anything from simply relaxing to enjoying time with family and friends. Yes, you may have to learn to delegate some tasks to others but, once you do, you’ll likely be amazed by the sense of freedom you experience.

Help to Balance Design Work and Designer Life

Finally, the folks at Mayo recommend finding professional help if you need it. This could certainly refer to a mental health professional, but help may also be found from working with a business consultant. After all, sharing and learning from someone who’s “been there and done that” will often offer more practical solutions that lead to immediate results.

Our founder, Ted Fall, has managed to balance the demands of work and life admirably, even during the ongoing pandemic. We have all appreciated this quality in him. We are also confident he can be the business consultant you need to help balance your life and work so you can continue to offer quality interior design that reflects that balance.

Ted has the experience and knowledge to help. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Designer Tips for Coping with Oops Moments (Or… How to deal with WTH problems)

“Uh Oh!” “Oops!” “Now what?” For an interior designer, nothing causes more sleepless nights and graying hair than hearing – or saying – these words while in the middle of a remodeling project. While the responsibility for fixing mistakes rests with you, there is help to be found when you're coping with oops moments of your own.

As described in a recent article on the Houzz Pro website, “So many details, processes and people need to align during a renovation that things are bound to be a little bumpy. There are tense moments, unhappy clients, measuring mistakes, delayed shipments, and sudden discoveries behind walls and under floors that inevitably end with ‘Uh-oh’ escaping from someone’s lips.”

“But quick thinking, confidence in one’s experience, and just good old-fashioned gut instinct can help turn these trials and tribulations into positive outcomes and learning experiences.”

Coping with Product Problems – “That’s not what I ordered!”

Color, texture, size, and fit are the most common mistakes when ordering furnishings. Quoting the article again, “Someone mistakenly orders the wrong product or material, or the supplier ships the wrong one. Someone miscalculates a measurement. Or something gets installed the wrong way.” (Yeah, as we all know, blaming that familiar “Someone” can be a real relief.)

The advice for coping that’s shared in the article is fine, as far as it goes: stay calm, double check orders and deliveries for accuracy, and roll with the punches (so to speak). Though good advice, these things are pretty much self-evident.

More important is the vital pre-project step of preparing your client, and yourself, for the possibility of something going wrong. As explained in a previous post, peace of mind will be yours if you expect the unexpected, and prepare your clients for the same early on, just in case.

Coping with Remodeling Surprises – “How did that get there – and why?”

Surprises are the last thing a designer wants to find in the middle of a remodel. Unfortunately, “All the planning in the world won’t always prepare you for what might await behind walls and below floors. Especially with older homes, those on the renovation team often hold a collected breath when they’re opening up a structure. Problems with broken plumbing or damaged structures can catapult a client’s budget into the stratosphere and put the renovation in jeopardy.”

First, remember that early conversation with your clients about the possibility of unexpected problems? Since issues like these could be a game-changer for the project, include this in that talk. In other words, if some demolition is going to be needed, surprises like wood rot, bad plumbing, or worn electric wiring could add significantly to costs. They need to be ready for this possibility (as do you).

Stay calm and keep them focused on the beautiful results while reminding them you mentioned things like this might come up. This will go a long way to getting over the almost inevitable hurdles of previously unknown structural problems.

Coping with Tough Choices – “Uh oh! Who’s gonna’ tell them about this?”

As outlined above, and as the saying by Robert Burns goes, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. So, who tells the client you’ve found mice behind their walls? (Just kidding.) The point is, there will be times when things “go awry” that are simply no one’s fault. Sometimes, stuff happens.

“Nobody wants to be the one to delay a project, create more work, or increase costs. But sometimes you’ve got to make the hard decision so your client will be happy in the long run. Your client might view a mistake now as one that’s not worth fixing, but it’s important to emphasize that even a minor frustration with material, color, or product could compound over the years into something that’s a constant daily frustration.”

A sharp interior designer knows that even the smallest problem can become a major, nagging issue when lived with every day. That designer will step up and either make the choice to alter the plan or will honestly expose the issue and argue for resolving it immediately before it can become a long-term problem.

As “The Boss” the responsibility for making the tough choices rests with you alone. As does the obligation for conducting those potentially difficult conversations. Preparing your clients for the possibility of unforeseen problems will be helpful, as will taking steps like sharing daily updates, sticking with proven subs, and working with suppliers you know you can trust. In fact, we explain the importance of these things in our post on working smarter, not harder.

As always, Ted is available for individual business consulting support, with additional tips for coping with oops moments, and ways to work smarter, not harder in the face of uncertainty. Whether you're an interior designer or furnishing store owner, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you adapt and reach your 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Goal Setting for Business in 2021 Is a Must! (Wait, wut? You're kidding me here.)

After the year we’ve just been through, there are plenty of people out there who think goal setting for business in 2021 is little more than a joke. And for them, it ain’t funny.

OK, sure; we can understand that sort of thinking. But, we can’t accept or endorse it. That’s just not how we think or operate at TD Fall. In fact, early on in this health crisis, Ted decided we would stay open for business and continue to service our clients while setting up a safe and workable environment.

While we can’t say we’ve grown and prospered during this remarkably challenging year, Ted’s goals were modest and, for the most part, we’ve met them. Of course, like it is for you, the new challenge we’re facing is: How to plan for 2021?

• What will the New Year look like for our clients, suppliers, and us?

• What will a successful year look like next year?

• How can any business plan for an uncertain future?

Answering these questions and more will determine the direction and sustainability of your business next year, and perhaps, for years to come.

Is Setting Business Goals for 2021 a Waste of Time?

To paraphrase an inciteful article at Entrepreneur.com, we all know what we can’t do. We know what we aren’t being allowed to do to keep our businesses up and running. That leaves all of us needing to focus on what we can do to keep our businesses viable.

The most important Can-do Item on your To-do List should be embracing the empowering concept of developing a strategic direction for your business. Doing this will “provide purpose for your business and help you set realistic goals to accomplish in the coming year.”

As the author of the article, Entrepreneur Leadership Network VIP John Boitnott goes on to explain:

“The can-do strategy will start with a list of what is possible. Here are some possible examples:

·         You can transition to doing business online.

·         Research new markets for potential expansion and diversification.

·         Still engage with customers personally to deepen your relationship.

·         Create a different yet still exceptional experience for your customers.

·         Revisit your marketing strategy.

Once you define what you can do — even if it requires an adjustment in the business environment — you can then build quantitative goals and a set of tactics for achieving them.”

How to Get Going with Goal Setting

Let’s say you're trying to make a comeback and reopen your furnishings store. Or, perhaps you’ve been struggling to meet your client’s interior design needs, despite the restrictions imposed on businesses. Where do you go from here?

The best advice we could find about goal setting for business in the New Year begins with start the work early (like in September or October). Well, since that idea is out the proverbial window, we need something more helpful yet motivating.

With a hearty “Thank you” to the folks at BizJournals.com, we agree that the following list of goal setting steps is more than merely important heading into 2021: they’re critical.

Embrace reality – As the overused saying goes, “It is what it is”, and if you deny the reality of where you are right now, you may not recover, much less prosper in 2021.

“Based on unprecedented times and an uncertain economy, it is difficult to predict the future, so organizations should embrace reality and develop a plan based on existing conditions. To help determine the current state of affairs, business leaders should conduct a thorough analysis of the company to help devise a long-term plan for 2021.

One well-known technique used by many organizations is a SWOT analysis, which is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a business. The findings from a SWOT analysis can potentially identify areas that need additional funding in 2021 and others that might have to be changed or eliminated to maximize resources and success.”

Set conservative projections – You’re also going to need to set modest goals for next year. After all, there is only one thing you can count on for 2021: uncertainty.

“Currently, many economic forecasts indicate a modest growth rate in 2021. That said, businesses should set optimistic projections; however, with many unknowns lurking, they should be prepared with a modest, more conservative, plan.

Erring on the side of caution when setting business objectives is wise, while also including stretch goals to motivate and encourage employees. For example, companies that identified new opportunities as a result of changing business operations should be able to capitalize and expand upon those areas, leading to increased productivity and profitability.”

Incorporate adaptability – Though counter-intuitive, uncertainty and change can indeed provide opportunities for those who can quickly adapt and shift direction in a crisis. That’s a quality we should all develop moving forward. Agility will be a huge plus in 2021!

“Every crisis provides leaders with a chance to examine how it was handled and what to incorporate in the future. Agile leadership has been the key to survival and recovery for many organizations during the pandemic.

Companies that could quickly pivot their operations experienced a lesser impact than others. Therefore, it is imperative for companies to factor adaptability into their 2021 plans. Flexible goals, processes, and strategies can help stabilize a business if the economic crisis worsens before it improves.”

Take care of your people – You can’t do it all yourself. Your team supports you and your goals, so you simply must make them a priority next year. Design and implement policies that protect the health and safety of everyone in your company, then be generous, forgiving, and supportive of them and their needs.

“A core element of every business plan should be a people strategy. Now more than ever, employers should prioritize taking care of their people; from physical and mental health to quality of life and work-life balance.

In addition, maintaining a strong [company-focused] culture is always paramount, but it is especially crucial with many employees working in a remote environment. There is a wide range of employee-related perks and options that can be incorporated into the 2021 plan, including an employee wellness program.”

Embrace these ideas and programs and reinforce their value to your team – and yourself.

Plan for unusual scenarios – Yes, it seems impossible to visualize and plan for the unexpected. That’s where being agile and imaginative will save you. If you can learn to expect the unexpected and embrace the challenge they present, you’ll discover your Super-Power – the ability to remain calm, functional, and effective in the face of crises.

“While most business plans include typical financially related ‘what if’ scenarios, leaders should consider expanding it to include unusual ones. Based on the dramatic real-world events of late, scenario planning that addresses specific situations that may arise in the next 12 to 18 months might include: the widespread resurgence of COVID-19; additional tools and equipment for remote workers; employees affected by school closures; decrease in demand; [and more]. A long-term strategy that includes various scenarios will help businesses better navigate the hurdles if or when they occur.”

Agility, adaptability, and grace under pressure will be the most important leadership characteristics you can have for 2021. As you work to rebuild or restyle your business, those qualities will enable you to discover a strength and determination to succeed you didn’t know you had within. So, go ahead, impose your will on the world. Stand tall in the face of doubt and insecurity. Step into your power and discard uncertainty, having faith in your ability to succeed where others struggle.

As you persevere and strive to meet the goals you’ve set for your business in the New Year, keep in mind the wise words of revered football coach Vince Lombardi…

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge,
but rather, a lack of will.”

If you will it… You will have it.

And remember, Ted is available for individual business consulting support, with goal setting for business tips, and ways to work smarter, not harder in the face of uncertainty. Whether you're an interior designer or furnishing store owner, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you adapt and reach your 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Designer Business Building Tip – How to Work Smarter, Not Harder

A recent article from the folks at Houzz for Pros caught our eye as particularly relevant in this time of increasing challenges and transition for entrepreneurs and small business owners. While we hate the phrase, it’s obviously true that we all either are or will be facing a “new normal” in the luxury furnishings and design industries. With these things in mind, we recommend taking a look at the said article, 5 Ways Pros Work Smarter, Not Harder.

 As author Bryan Anthony confidently declares in the sub-heading, “Design and remodeling pros offer tips for working more efficiently, delegating tasks, and relieving stress.”

Cope with Stress by Working Smarter

Among these insights the most valuable tips appear to be:

Know When to Delegate Client Work to Other Pros – Designer Barbara Milner of South Hill Interiors in Toronto says that when working with clients, delegating work can be a great strategy for working smarter, as long as you choose the right moments.

“Delegation is a wonderful thing and it can save you lots of time, but it really all comes down to the client and their needs,” Milner says. “Over the years I have established a network of showroom representatives and professional contractors that I trust to work with my clients without me having to be there.” Empowering clients in a direct relationship with other trusted pros saves Milner time she can then spend on the design work she does best, rather than accompanying the client to meetings with other pros. But her ability to delegate really depends on a client’s comfort level.

Share Daily Updates [with all team members and subs] – Kitchen and bath remodeler Jared Lewis of Lewis Design-Build-Remodel in Scotts Valley, California, says keeping everyone up to date and on the same page is one of the best ways to work smarter, not harder. Therefore, he shares a daily job log for every project.

“I send a daily job log to the contractors, subcontractors, and the clients,” Lewis says. “It reviews what was done the day before and what’s expected to be done for the day. Letting everyone involved know the current status of a project can relieve a lot of stress and miscommunication.”

Schedule Stress Relief – To be your best, you have to feel your best, and the remodeling and design professionals interviewed for this article all highlighted the importance of relieving stress in a consistent and scheduled manner.

“I recently purchased a new turntable to go along with my large collection of records collected over the years,” Milner says. “I listen to music every night as a way to unwind and reflect upon my day. There’s something about the tactile nature of taking a record out of its sleeve and putting it on the turntable that melts away my stress.”

For Lewis, a weekly golf game helps keep him and his business running smoothly. “If I don’t get a round of golf in every week, it’s going to show up in my work. I will be more tense and agitated. That’s not good for me, my employees, or my clients,” he says.

Bula says exercise helps get her through her workweek with lower stress. “Yoga is my go-to exercise,” she says. “I try to get in a few sessions every week. That and a nightly glass of wine usually does the trick.”

Two More Work Smarter Tips for Designers

Now, despite nearly a quarter-century in the industry, we would never claim to have all the answers and business building tips interior designers are habitually searching for, and with good reason. Yet, because of our experience and history, we believe the “pros” in the article missed a couple of high-value tips.

We offer two of the most valuable working smarter below:

Hang on to your most dependable subs – Finding dependable sub-contractors may be the greatest challenge faced by interior designers, especially if they are practicing social distancing (and plan to do so indefinitely). If you have developed relationships with a few subs who mesh with your needs, do not let them get away. Further, you can’t afford to let their pricing get in the way of working with them. Yes, some sub-contractors can get a little greedy with their rates once they believe they’ve gotten their hooks into you. But then, many designers work the same way; bumping up their rates for repeat clients is pretty much standard practice in the industry.

The best way to handle subs who seems to be pricing their services too high is to perform a cost/benefit analysis. If you can’t absorb the increase, you can try to pass it along to your client when you bid on their project. As a last resort in a case like this – or it could be the first resort for some – take some time to recall how difficult, time-consuming, and energy-draining it was to find the perfect sub-contractor in the first place.

If you're not ready to endure that kind of torture again, whether it be missing deadlines, misunderstanding the parameters of their projects, or a myriad of other things that can go wrong, then it’s time to “Stick with the one that brung ya’,” and find any and every way to keep them on your team.

Line up, and stick with, the right supplier(s) – There is a great deal more to working with suppliers than simply being able to choose from among a great lineup of furnishings. You surely know the drill by now, we’re sure. (And don’t call me Shirley). You search and search until you find yourself a wonderful line of luxury furnishings, fabrics, rugs, and wallcoverings from supplier X, only to discover they keep virtually nothing in stock and have lead times that make it virtually impossible for you to work with them.

For a sharp designer who’s looking to work smarter, not harder, you will discover that customer service, expertise, diversity of designs, and product quality is easily as important as selection and turnaround times – which, by the way, are becoming much shorter than ever before.

These are the qualities we believe in at TD Fall Luxury Furnishings. These are also the qualities that have helped us decide to work with Kravet, the leader in the industry. And, when we say, “the leader”, we aren’t just talking about innovative designs. This century-old company has no intention of showing its age, employing cutting edge technology and a commitment to serving their customers, unlike any furnishings manufacturer we’ve found. To learn more about our business philosophy, and how it meshes so well with Kravet’s, contact TD Fall today.

Have you figured out a few new tricks to work more efficiently and with fewer headaches or lost sleep, ways to work smarter, not harder? Share them below and help out other designers who read this blog.

Ted remains available for individual business consulting support, and more ways to work smarter, not harder, to interior designers and furnishing store owners. Get in touch with TD Fall today.