Interior Design News & Events

Design Events Coming Soon:

10/15-23/2016: National Design Week

National Design Week, hosted by Cooper-Hewitt, will again celebrate the important role that design plays in all aspects of daily life. Launched in 2006, National Design Week is held each year in conjunction with the National Design Awards, Cooper Hewitt's largest and most visible education initiative. During National Design Week, Cooper Hewitt's education department will host a series of free public programs based on the vision and work of the National Design Award honorees.

Activities include Fashion Design Teen Workshop with Opening Ceremony; Communication Design Workshop with Geoff McFetridge; Architecture Workshop with Safdie Architects; Curious Jane Fashion Design Workshop; Hargreaves Associates Landscape Architecture Workshop; Tellart Interaction Design Workshop; Studio O+A Interior Design Workshop; Storytelling with Luann Adams, and much more.

Scheduled Events Daily from 9 AM to 8 PM

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: 2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128

10/22-26/2016: Fall 2016 High Point Market

Showroom Hours: October 22-26, Saturday - Tuesday 8am - 7pm & Wednesday 8am - 5pm

High Point Market Authority: 164 South Main Street, Suite 700, High Point, NC 27260

November Design Events

11/2/2016: LAUNCH Summit Atlanta

Editor at Large is again sponsoring LAUNCH Summit Atlanta, a one-day intensive created specifically for interior designers. Learn from expert instructors about the most relevant business matters facing the design industry today, and take home essential insights and tools to further your own business.

Subjects include THE INS AND OUTS OF LICENSING; DEVELOPING AIRTIGHT CONTRACTS; LAYING THE FOUNDATION: CLIENT MANAGEMENT & CHARGING STRATEGIES; SELLING DESIGN: PITCHING CLIENTS AND CLOSING DEALS; CREATING A BRAND THAT'S AUTHENTIC TO YOU (AND YOUR CLIENTS).

Instructors include Kate Verner, Founder of Kate Verner + Associates; David Adler, Adler Law Group; Sean Low, Founder of The Business of Being Creative; James Burr, Co-Founder & CEO at YMEE; Alex Honeysett, Marketing and Brand Strategist;

REGISTRATION at 9 AM, November 2, 2016.

Atlanta Decorative Arts Center: 351 Peachtree Hills Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, Presentation Room, First Floor Atrium

Looking for interior design marketing tips? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Design Trends Fall 2016

Here, with a bit of help from HGTV.com, we offer a quick look at what’s hot – and what’s not – as design trends for the fall 2016 season.As is nearly always the case, a focus on colors and textures lead the way for design trends in the second half of this year, with low-maintenance yet often dramatic choices in both being important.Compelling Kitchen DesignsFor example, this stunning kitchen design offers all of the above in a comfortable but compelling space."Clients want to have distinctive and beautiful spaces but don't necessarily want high-maintenance materials that they have to worry over constantly or be anxious about when guests visit. That has led to incorporating materials such as porcelain tile and slabs, as well as engineered quartz surfaces. I think the trend now is to create a livable luxury that is beautiful, inviting and resilient!" – Angelica Henry, Angelica Henry Design"I'm seeing more texture in cabinetry, as opposed to just white or wood. Here, we have two combinations of lacquer and a subtle stripe in the lower cabinets. This combination creates softness and movement and makes the kitchen feel less industrial.” – Ana Donohue, Ana Donohue Interiors"Don't go overboard, but mixing in a wood island countertop or butcher block outer cabinet adds an organic, warm feel to any space. Many times it's going to save you money versus a stone top." – Jordan Iverson, Iverson Signature HomesInnovation & Creativity in the Master BathWhile kitchens are often the focal point of a home, and therefore important to clients, more private spaces are also a great place to innovate and make an impression on the homeowner. With that in mind, master bathrooms and vanities are trending as targets for designers this fall."A trend we’re currently seeing when redesigning master bathrooms is a large steam shower instead of a shower or a bathtub. Like a bathtub, the steam shower provides a luxurious, spa-like retreat but takes up less square footage than a shower and a bathtub combined." – Cavin Costello, The Ranch MineIn a large master suite bath, "Large-format tiles are a must on floors and walls in a bathroom. The larger it is, the grander the statement." – Paula Ables, Paula Ables Interiors"We love art and its ever increasing influence on design, including textured art, photography and oversized graphics. This black-and-white print was actually the beginning point of this bathroom design." – Nancy Boland, Duet Design GroupLiving Spaces that Make a StatementWhile the focus of attention is often on smaller spaces, making them seem more elegant or grand, large living spaces may also demand your attention this season."Go for over scale dining room light fixtures. Lanterns, chandeliers – it doesn't matter. Groups of two or three, depending on the size, work best for full impact." – Nancy Boland, Duet Design Group"There are some ideas that might be perceived as trendy, but we think are here to stay. Lucite is an example of a classic material that has made a recent resurgence in design. It's incredibly durable and functional and fits effortlessly into most schemes. We often use Lucite cocktail tables and seating. However, there are endless opportunities when it comes to this versatile material." – Claire Paquin, Clean Design Partners"I'm noticing a shift from very simple details in a home to a growing appreciation for architectural details (more moldings, more traditional trim profiles, etc.) while still mixing in sleek, transitional furniture." – Lauren Coburn, Lauren Coburn LLCHave you seen any of these design trends in your market yet? Are you ready to incorporate them into your marketing strategy for the last quarter of 2016? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.Looking for more interior design marketing tips and design trends? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Design Trends for Baby Boomers

So-called “Baby Boomers” are the most talked about generation in the country. At approximately 77 million people, they're also the largest. Born between the years of 1946 and 1964, this post-World War II generation is now between the ages of 51 and 70.Being the largest segment of the US population, as Baby Boomers reach retirement age they also have a great deal of disposable income, and are using much of it to drive trends in the design industry.Further, this demographic is also driving the trend in life expectancy, living much longer than might have been expected at the time they were born. Needless to say, this group of folks have developed some very clear ideas about what their “Golden Years” should look like, including the spaces in which they choose to live.21^st Century Senior LivingA recent article at Redfin.com, titled The Top 10 Senior Housing Trends for 2016, presents a stark outline of the “shape” of senior living in the 21^st Century.

1. Technology – Changes in technology make it possible for seniors to adapt to many of the challenges that come with the aging process. From wearable devices that automatically alert caregivers or emergency assistance of a fall to large-screen phones, remotes and other important devices, seniors have more high-quality care options than ever before. There are even geo-fencing options available that can help keep individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia inside safe spaces.

2. Home Care – Aging in place has become increasingly attractive to many seniors. They want to be able to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Affordable in-home care and changes in technology have helped to make home care a more viable option for many individuals. A recent AARP study which estimates that early 90 percent of people over age 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible.

3. Senior Living Partnerships – Senior living providers are rapidly becoming major power players in the health care scene. Physicians, hospitals, insurers and other organizations within the United States health care system are coming together to create more comprehensive care that provides exactly what many seniors need. As the baby boomer generation hits their senior years, their increased numbers give senior providers increased impact.

4. Person-Centered Care – Everyone deserves to age with dignity and to be cared for as a whole person. Person-centered care isn’t a new trend, but it is one that is rapidly gaining ground. When aging individuals receive person-centered care from nursing homes, doctors, and other health care organizations, they are assured that they will be treated as an individual, rather than being treated based only on the capabilities that they no longer have.

5. Life Plan Community – Instead of “Continuing Care Retirement Communities,” many aging individuals prefer the image created by a “life plan community.” Life plan communities are dedicated to helping seniors make the most out of every moment, from living a full and active life to maintaining their health for as long as possible.

6. Memory Care – More and more memory care units are embracing the theory behind reminiscence therapy and extending it. They’re stimulating all the senses, not just sight and sound, but even smell and touch, and creating communities that are reminiscent of the world in which seniors grew up. This helps give many seniors a firmer foundation for retrieving long-term memories of the past.

7. Senior Co-Housing – Senior co-housing offers all the convenience of a single-family dwelling while simultaneously reducing costs and providing a sense of companionship. They have shared responsibilities and access to communal caregivers to assist with daily tasks.

8. Going Green – Many assisted living facilities are embracing the green movement. The goal isn’t just to entice earth-conscious baby boomers. Going green also helps cut heating and cooling costs, improve water conservation efforts, and meet Energy Star standards across many of the devices used in the facility.

9. Location – One of the most critical changes to senior housing trends is the changes made to appropriate locations. Many facilities are considering the area’s appeal to younger seniors. Many senior living communities are learning that the smart thing is no longer to build next to a mall or urban center with lots of shopping. Instead, they’re looking for new opportunities for engaging, senior-friendly activities for those early retirement years.

10. Independent Living, Not Assisted Living – More facilities now are being designed to appeal to the under-80 crowd. Baby boomers know that they can expect to live comfortably on their own, experiencing reasonable health, for a long time. The senior housing market is gradually adapting to that need by providing independent living facilities that celebrate independence.

What have you done to make your way into the growing marketplace of Baby Boomers? Are you focusing on retirement age individuals and couples? How can you approach this dynamic demographic to boost your design business?Looking for help to be more successful in your marketplace? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Marketing Tips - Why you should be using email marketing

There is only one reason to employ a particular marketing strategy – because it works – and email marketing works!While it’s unlikely you’ll see an immediate increase in appointments or contracts, the long-term benefits of an effective email marketing campaign can’t be denied. Yes, it requires planning and execution, and you need to develop a message – BUT – when done properly, email marketing may become the most effective strategy you use to promote your business and close sales. For proof, the email marketing company AWeber Communications offers a yearly examination of the effectiveness of the practice, a few of which I’d like to share with you:

• Return on Investment (ROI) for email marketing averages about $40 per every $1 invested.
• Some 77% of consumers prefer permission-based email promotions, while only 6% prefer social media promotions.
• A large majority of marketing companies’ worldwide plan to increase their investment in email marketing – because it works for them.

Obviously, these companies would not use email marketing if it cost them money without providing a return. This also means that you don’t have to research the effectiveness of using email as part of your marketing strategy. That work has been done for you. All you need to do is figure out your target market, build a list, and begin structure your message. You know, the easy stuff!Why email marketing worksWhy does email marketing work? Without oversimplifying the answer, there are a variety of reasons, including:It allows you to target your message:

• It is driven by data
• It promotes direct sales and calls-to-action
• It builds relationships, loyalty, and trust between you and your target audience
• It can be used to support sales through other channels

Still not convinced? Why don’t you try this? Take a moment to remember what you did when you first turned on your computer this morning. (After that first cup of coffee, of course.) If you’re like me, the first thing you did was check your email account. Once you saw where your priorities were going to lie for the day, it was then time to clear out the Junk folder, right?Now, was there anything there that caught your eye, anything that made you think “Wait a minute, I want to open that email”? Not likely; because the emails that interested you this morning, and every morning, were in your Inbox, where only emails from trusted sources are allowed to come through.THAT is why email marketing works – because you TRUST the person or business that sends it to you.Looking for more interior design marketing tips? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

How Do Successful Designers Stay That Way?

While the news for designers is good nationwide, as we recently shared in our recent post on market trends, it is not the case that every interior designer or design firm is thriving. So, if the economy is on the uptick, along with housing sales, how is it that some designers continue to be successful while others are barely getting by?After all, according to reports from a variety of professional associations, the interior design industry is experiencing one of its best years since the recession. Even the American Institute of Architects just announced its Architectural Billings Index has remained in positive territory for the past five months, and it expects to see momentum continue in the months ahead. Several recent surveys show demand for remodeling and renovation, especially kitchen and bathroom design, spiked last year and has been robust this year as well.Now, no one enjoys sharing bad news but, it must be said that, if there are designers out there with more work than they can handle while others are struggling, we can’t simply blame it on the “economy” or some nebulous “market forces”. Indeed, something else is going on; something that certain designers have twigged to, yet others have ignored.Interior Design Clients Are Looking for MoreAs we’ve mentioned many times in the past, design clients have become far more savvy over the past decade. They’ve begun to “know what they want” in ways that we hadn’t seen in decades’ past. Among the things they seek from their designers today, creativity, sustainability, and technology lead the way – not to mention improved customer service combined with a sense of real caring for their needs and wants.In our experience, successful designers stay that way by creating a positive experience for their clients, developing spaces not merely for show, but that evoke a sense of home.To do this, successful designers possess certain characteristics that are timeless and effective in any economy:

• They regularly update and upgrade their skills and knowledge base
• They constantly seek, or create, opportunities for themselves
• They are always developing and expanding their client base
• They employ a marketing plan and budget, and work at it year-round
• They find innovative ways to promote themselves and their firms
• They adjust their schedules to maintain a steady flow of projects in the pipeline, regardless of how busy they may be
• They stay active in professional associations, attend markets, network with other designers
• They work hard to keep up with trends and developments in the design industry

Successful designers stay ahead of the marketplace, instead of letting it determine their level of success. If you're struggling in your design business, it may be time to leave your comfort zone and take a chance at improving your chances for success, by trying a few of the things listed above.Looking for help to be more successful in your marketplace? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Tips – Yes, Sustainability is a Thing

As mentioned in a previous post, Know Your Marketplace - Millennials Influencing Interior Design Trends, the influence of millennials is growing, in many ways shifting the focus and goals of the interior design industry. Of the many ways in which this demographic is influencing our market, sustainability may be the most important – and enduring – as it become ever more important to other age groups and market influencers.As explained by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), sustainable design encompasses more than simply “thinking green”. Sustainable design goes beyond being just efficient, attractive, on time and on budget. It is a design that cares about how such goals are achieved, about its effect on people and on the environment. An environmentally responsible professional makes a commitment to constantly try to find ways to diminish design's impact on the world around us. It is also a smart way of doing business: sustainable design is the fastest growing segment of our industry.Green Design PracticesRather, sustainable design reflects an all-inclusive approach to a designer’s professional responsibilities, by employing:

• Integrated building design developed by collaborative multi-disciplinary teams
• Indoor environments that support occupant well-being and productivity
• Resource and energy efficiency
• Social equity at local and global levels
• Protection of the natural environment
• Positive economic impact of optimized operational and maintenance practices, and life-cycle cost assessments

Whether the ultimate design goal is decoration, renovation or architectural detailing, all interior designers must stay abreast of current trends in the field.In the design industry, today’s fastest-growing segment is the incorporation of sustainable, or “green”, interior design. From the use of rain water collection to supplement waste water needs, to using sustainable materials such as bamboo, innovation is high when it comes to designing a sustainable space.ASID offers a series of reports on sustainable design practices, materials, and products. To learn more, click on the links below:

• The Sustainable Suite (PDF download)
• Interior Design and Global Impact Series (PDF downloads)
• Part 1 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (453 KB)
• Part 2 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (481 KB)
• Part 3 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (342 KB)

Have you begun to see this trend? Is sustainability a thing in your marketplace? How have you responded?

Bold or Subtle Interior Designs - Often, the subtle will draw the eye better than the bold

Every neighborhood has one it seems, the garish purple (or pink) house that all of the neighbors complain about, and that the HOA seems powerless to resolve. Yet, while bold design choices need not overwhelm or offend, the question must be asked: Which is the right choice for your client, bold or subtle?Additionally, one might ask, how bold? Or how subtle? And of course, who decides?Clients often look to make a statement when they ask you to help them reimagine a space I their home. It’s the nature of that declaration, combined with the personalities involved, that will determine just how audacious or delicate a pronouncement your client will wish to see you offer them.While none of the examples below are particularly outrageous, the differences are certainly clear, and telling. The key to success will often be to present your client with degrees of differences that address their inclinations and vision. That way, if you happen to move beyond their comfort level, you will be able to easily pull back.Which kitchen speaks to them most clearly?Though the only difference between these two kitchens is the palette used on the walls, they have clearly different feels to them. When you consider other possibilities such as alternate flooring, lighting, and appliances for example, the opportunities for making a bold or subtle statement become much more obvious. (ParadeOfHomes.org)Which feel fits?What would you change in these family rooms?While the layouts are identical, opportunities abound for personalizing these similar spaces, based on the desires and personalities of your clients. You could easily shift the feel of the first with different flooring, while a splash of color would transform the second. Then again, perhaps each of these homeowners made deliberate choices that reflect their lifestyles to perfection.What would you ask to learn more about their bold or subtle choices?Personal choices like these are extremely individualized and, as we all know, homeowners can be very protective of them. Yet, if they’ve asked for your help, they are seeking alternatives and must be coaxed gently toward the direction you think best, based on the vision of the space they’ve presented. Keep in mind though that moving too far in either direction, whether bold or subtle, may cause problems in the long term.No matter how bold you believe they wish to be, it may be best to offer relatively subtle choices at first, until they tell you to “Go for it!”

Colors and Accents – When Just a Splash is Enough

White remains the most popular color for rooms in most homes, mainly because they are versatile and “feel” clean (even when they’re not!). White rooms might create a modern sophisticated feeling of serenity, or make a fun artistic impact on the energy of a space when you add a splash of color.If your goal is to avoid overwhelming a space with too much color, the use of colorful accents may be exactly what you, and your client, are looking for.The examples below may begin with a pure white canvas but, with the judicious and intriguing use of colorful textiles and accessories, these clean and simple styles are accented to create gorgeous central focal points within the spaces.Pencil in some colorWhether a home office, child’s playroom or an artist’s studio, the way these colored pencils are used to add color to this space is far more than just creative – it is inspired!Clever accents for a white bedroomAdding color to this white bedroom, along with enhanced spacial definition and character, could not be simpler, with the addition of a colorful Mexican weave blanket. (HomeDesigning.com)Off-targeted, focused accentsOff-center yet still a clear focal point, this splash of yellow at the window in this room helps to balance the other colorful accent pieces in the room.Good morning rainbows in the kitchenIt’s hard to argue with the colorful kaleidoscope that have been added to enhance this otherwise simple kitchen space.While many clients will ask you to add color to their spaces, and their lives, many will also fear overshooting the mark. This is when a splash of colors and accents is just enough to keep them happy.

Know Your Marketplace - Millennials Influencing Interior Design Trends

As we mentioned before, in this post Staffing for Retail Furnishings & Furniture Stores, millennials are driving much of what is happening in the staffing of businesses in the 21^st Century. However, these 18 to 34 year olds are beginning to have a strong influence in home design, as well as the design of workplace environments.While it’s always important to understand your client base, the rapidly evolving marketplace in which we live and work today can make this difficult. Technology and concern for the planet are both influencing how home owners and business owners view the spaces in which they choose to live and work.How to Appeal to MillennialsFor example:According to REALTORMag, an online resource for Real Estate Professionals, “Millennials don’t view their homes as a status symbol or long-term investment but as an important purchase for living now and enjoying life. But they also know that as they age, their tastes and style of doing everything may also evolve.”This type of thinking creates a radical change in the dynamics of your target audience; with a smaller, urban feeling combined with functionality, simplicity, and efficiency, blended to a green and healthy space, being of paramount importance to this quickly emerging demographic. Knowing what millennials want, and when they want it, will keep you at the forefront of your market.

1. Fast information gathering – Whether looking for a house or what material to use for a kitchen countertop, this niche doesn’t immediately dial up a pro. They first look for ideas for what’s chic online from resources such as Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy, and retailers’ websites. This means that you must do the same!
2. Urban and smaller – Besides choosing to live in dense downtowns, cost is another factor for diminished square footage. They tend to be financially conservative for a host of reasons, making your job that much tougher as budgets will tend to be somewhat limited and restricted.
3. Fewer embellishments – Millennials are not generally looking for all the traditional details and fancy materials that can increase a home’s price. Keep your designs simple and on point and only embellish if and when they ask you to do so.
4. Open, multifunctional interiors - The interior layouts that attract millennials come in all sorts of variations, but the key is fewer partitions and walls since this group likes to socialize and live casually. Keep the space as open as possible, while maximizing functionality.
5. Low maintenance – Millennials are NOT lazy but, since work long hours and have many interests, they do prefer materials that require minimal time and care, such as faux wood or porcelain tiled floors that mimic wood or vent less fireplaces.
6. Technologically efficient, green, and healthy - High on millennials’ wish list is being able to use all their “toys”. Tablets, phones, audio systems, programmable LED lighting, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems rank high on their list of priorities for both entertainment and communication. Interiors with lots of outlets and flexible placement of charging stations are also appealing. Renewable and reclaimable materials such as bamboo and glass rank high on their list of values.
7. Value-minded – While they may splurge on a favorite furnishing or appliance—maybe an imported coffee machine that grinds and brews their favorite beans—they’re also highly value-conscious. A big reason is that they know trends keep changing, especially when it comes to the “latest” technology.

With something like 80 to 90 million people becoming home owners, it’s important that you focus on this demographic as you market and offer your interior design services.

Hot Design Trends for Spring 2016

Once you’ve reimagined the space in a client’s bathroom or kitchen, replacing bathtubs and faucets or appliances and dinettes, what do you have left to work on for them? According to the Houzz.com home design website, your best move to follow is to focus on the two Vs: vanities and views.Farmhouse-style vanity solutions that workBringing style to the vanity area of a client’s master suite may not be at the top of your list of priorities when you contemplate redesigning the bath area, but it should be; not least because it will be a focus of attention for the “Lady of the house”. It also emphasizes your creativity and attention to detail, which will boost the value of your design suggestions for your clients. (See our recent post on Value-based Selling.) No longer an afterthought, this space has become a focal point of the bathroom, with functional elegance as a centerpiece of which the homeowner can be proud.While tucked into its own well-defined area, this vanity has actually opened the space considerably, with a design that extends all the way to the ceiling, where LED strip lighting illuminates a cove overhead.Kitchens that focus on exterior viewsFar more than a mere space for cooking meals, kitchens have long been a gathering place for families, and will continue to be for decades to come. The reasons for this can vary greatly from family to family, but the fact is that kitchens are often seen as the centerpiece of the home, from which all other spaces radiate.Yet, staring at appliances during a family meal or discussion leaves little on which to focus, which brings us to kitchens with a view. In some cases, a truly awesome view…It makes little sense to limit the view of the coast at Big Sur to a single room, when such a breathtaking site is available to those in the kitchen as well.Why would you restrict such a panoramic view by making it available only to those in the living room? Instead, bring the open lifestyle your clients must have been seeking when they chose this location right into their new kitchen.If you are willing to “think outside the box”, just a bit, your clients will be able to enjoy the view outside the house from every room within it. After all, if your clients were willing to make the investment in a home with such a view, it behooves you to make it available to them from every possible location.These are just a copule of the design trends were beginning to see for the spring of 2016. What have you begun to see in your market?