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.

Service and Availability Are Priorities for Kravet Fabrics and Furnishings

View fullsize

From guaranteed in-stock fabrics to their innovative online Configurator for creating custom furnishings for your clients, Kravet has made service and availability their highest priority. Perhaps more important from an end-user’s point of view, quality and originality have not suffered in the least.

In fact, since the company’s founding in 1918, the business started by Samuel Kravet and his four sons has become the industry’s primary resource for fabrics and furnishings.

The business has never been the type to rest on its laurels or reputation, but rather, has always labored to remain at the forefront of the design and furnishings industries. As Kravet’s chief process and innovation officer Jesse Lazarus recently proclaimed, “It’s incredibly important to resist assuming you already know what your customers want and need.”

“Suppliers need to bring the threshold to the customer, rather than waiting for that customer to come to the supplier,” he explained. “[All] buyers are consumers in their own right, and their desire for service and availability is shaped by the environment where they do their own private shopping [whether digital or face-to-face]."

What is the Kravet Configurator?

In a time when personal interaction is at the very least frowned upon, and in some cases punishable by force of law, servicing the client demands new and innovative solutions. In some ways, our digital age makes this far easier than feared. In some, less so.

For those who are able to imagine and visualize original approaches to long-standing challenges, as well as new ones, the future can be incredibly bright. And, as many of us have come to expect, Kravet is again leading the way by developing resources and offering digital remedies to the obstacles we are all facing.

For example, imagine being able to fully visualize and customize the furnishings you hope to offer your home design clients. Will that new sofa and chair ensemble appeal to them in fabric A, or would they prefer fabric B? If only you had an image of the pieces in both!

With the Kravet Configurator, you do.

Now, with a 360-degree view of the products you're considering and using their custom Configurator, Kravet has made it much easier for interior designers to visualize their style choices on a variety of furniture frames. As you make choices to customize individual pieces, pricing is automatically updated for you in real-time.

If you're like most interior designers, your buying process begins with requesting samples, so Kravet focused on making that as simple as possible for you too. With a mobile-first strategy in place, Kravet has also simplified the process of reaching out to mobile users and a variety of platforms. This enables you to work seamlessly from your studio or on-site, from a client’s home or office.

Does that sound like a tool you could use in your design business?

NOTE on Availability: At this time, Kravet is continuing to develop and test the program, with an expected rollout coming in the New Year. (Finally, we all have something to look forward to as this crazy year comes to an end!)

For now, it is available on Kravet’s QuickShip program and the Kravet Tailor and Lee Jofa Workroom collection, which are partially up and running. Now would be a great time for you to begin familiarizing yourself with the Configurator so you are proficient in its use when you need it later.

Let Us Help You

As with so many innovative solutions, it can take a bit of time and practice to familiarize yourself and use the Configurator. But hey, that’s what we’re here for. We can answer virtually any question you may have about this virtual design tool (see what we did there?) and would love to guide you in the use of this amazing tool from our favorite luxury furnishings manufacturer.

Also, don’t forget, our founder Ted Fall, a man for whom service and availability have always been priorities, is available for business consulting support to interior designers and furnishing store owners. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Must-Have Kitchen Features for Your Design Projects

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

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

Kitchen Storage Solutions

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

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

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

All That, and the Kitchen Sink

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

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

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

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

Fulfilling the Island Fantasy

Here is where the Houzz article states the obvious:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Office Design Project Tips – Executive Chairs from Leathercraft Furniture

Not too long ago, we shared some thoughts on the growing work-from-home phenomenon. That post, titled Interior Design Tips – Home Office Design Projects Will Increase Due to Remote Work, outlined the timely response to this need from Kravet.

Now, responding to the growing focus on home office design and comfort, Leathercraft Furniture has put together a group of executive chairs to promote in your design or furnishings business. (For details on these and other pieces, contact your Leathercraft rep.)

Kent Executive Chair

A beautiful contemporary design, the Kent Executive Chair offers true comfort with an unequaled style. The low profile makes the piece unassuming – until you sit down! Then, the feel and fit become evident and you may never want to stand again! Fully adjustable for height and tilt, the chromed base and five castors keep the chair mobile while still feeling settled and stable.

As part of the Quick Ship Program from Leathercraft, the Kent Executive Chair is available with 10 business day production – for one of the quickest turnaround times on the industry.

Kent Executive Chair Dimensions: Outside: H 34.5″ W 26.5″ D 28.5″, Inside: H 15.5″ W 19.5″ D 19.5″, Arm Height: 23″, Seat Height: 19″. Shown in Trinity/Cloudy Sky

Hutton Executive Chair

A more traditional design, thanks to the nail trim and Antique Brass 'O' caster base, Hutton Executive Chair offers a truly executive experience. With a higher profile, the statement made is one of control as well as comfort. Supportive and stylish, the piece leaves nothing to the imagination. Rather, it’s all right there, a home office seating solution that will last for decades.  

As part of the Quick Ship Program from Leathercraft, the Hutton Executive Chair can be finished from over 160 leather and fabric choices, and is available with 10 business day production – for one of the quickest turnaround times on the industry.

Hutton Executive Chair Dimensions: Outside: H 41.5″ W 26″ D 32″, Inside: H 22.5″ W 19″ D 20″, Arm Height: 24-27″, Seat Height: 19.5-22.5″. Shown with Optional Nail Trim application - #610 Lt. Pewter & Optional Chrome 'O' Caster.

Richmond Low Back Tilt Swivel Chair

Not quite as traditional and with a decidedly modern feel, Richmond Low Back Tilt Swivel Chair makes a statement all its own; unique in presentation the feel remains exquisite. From the wonderfully padded and beautifully finished cherry wood arms to the welt trim and poly fiber fabric, the chair offers classic comfort and powerful “curb” appeal.

As part of the Quick Ship Program from Leathercraft, the Richmond Low Back Tilt Swivel Chair is available with 10 business day production – for one of the quickest turnaround times on the industry.

Richmond Low Back Tilt Swivel Chair Dimensions: Outside: H 39-42″ W 26″ D 29″, Inside: H 21″ W 20″ D 20″, Arm Height: 26-29″, Seat Height: 20-23″. Shown with exposed cherry wood, welt trim, and 'N' casters.

Leathercraft Home Office Executive Chair Collection

While not included in the Quick Ship Program, Leathercraft continues to offer a stunning array of stylish and comfortable executive chairs – for office or home office. Currently available in their Special Program, these include, but are not limited to, these classic Leathercraft designs.

Leathercraft continues to be one of the most dependable, creative upholstered furniture manufacturers we represent. We are extremely proud to be a trusted partner with this company; a group of people who are dedicated to employing the highest possible standards and the best materials available. (For details on these and other pieces, contact your Leathercraft rep.)

And please, remember, we absolutely ARE Leathercraft Representatives! LOL!

More Exciting News from Leathercraft

Leathercraft COM Program: Now, you also can send your own fabric or leather to them, and any piece can be produced in two weeks from the receipt of that cover.

Ted continues to offer business consulting support to interior designers and furnishing store owners. With more than 25 years' experience in the luxury furnishings industry and through all sorts of economic crises and natural disasters, he should be able to help you cope with all the craziness.

To get in touch with Ted, or for more design business tips, trends, and marketing ideas… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Home Office Furnishings from Kravet & Lee Jofa

As Bob Dylan sang so many years ago, The Times They are a Changing. (Oy, was it really more than 50 years ago?) Of course, the young songwriter was focused on a completely different set of challenges at the time, with little idea of what might befall us today. That is, social distancing and business restrictions that have forced us to think about home office furnishings in a whole new light.

If the look you're going for is minimalist or maximalist (is maximalist even a word?), Kravet offers a broad range of furnishings for the home office. And, with working from home becoming the norm for many, you can expect a bump in home office remodeling projects.

Having offered you some valuable tips for how you can work more effectively in a new, remote environment in a previous post, we thought it might be helpful to share some cool furnishing ideas you can offer to your clients.

Work from Home Office Solutions

Nothing says “home office” quite like the work surface one chooses. While a bulky wood desk can make one type of statement, a sleek and stylish design can have a great deal of appeal of its own. Here, we offer a few different looks from Kravet and Lee Jofa to consider.

Workhorse Desk by Lee Jofa

From Bunny Williams Home, we feature the Workhorse Desk by Lee Jofa simply because it offers so much style with functionality.

The handcrafted hardwood draftsman desk has actually been around since the mid-1700s in one form or another. The newly contemporary cantilevered design, brushed steel legs and divided pencil drawer may find their inspiration in the previous century, this piece has a decidedly 21st Century vibe. The Workhorse measures 60”W x 35”D x 35”H, with the work surface a comfortable 29 inches from the floor.

Courtney Desk by Lee Jofa

For those seeking a more traditional home office feel but still want to make a statement, the Courtney Desk by Lee Jofa offers a 19th Century feel – without overdoing it. Think of it as a minimalist interpretation of a traditional design, as the folks at Bunny Williams Home describe it. Using a somewhat shallow profile to keep the work close, the Courtney measures 60”W x 28”D x 30”H.

Griffin Desk by Lee Jofa

Simple yet elegant, and absolutely loaded with style, the Griffin Writing Desk, from Robert Brown for Lee Jofa, offers clean lines and a substantial presence, without overwhelming the space in which it rests (and works). Available in dark walnut, pecan, chalk, stone, and truffle, this beauty measures 70”W x 36”D x 30”H.

Home Office Seating Solutions

Of course, it takes more than a desk to make a home office. Again, Kravet has something for everyone when it comes to seating solutions for those forced or choose to work from home.

Gainsborough Leather Chair by Lee Jofa

Available in a smooth or tufted leather finish, the Gainsborough Leather Chair by Lee Jofa offers classic comfort for the home office. The chair is available in two sizes and a variety of colors and wood finishes, as well as with or without the swivel base.

Tufted Directors Swivel Chair & Tufted Wing Chair by Lee Jofa

Choice is the watchword here, with two beautiful options for seating solutions from Holland & Co., through the Lee Jofa line from Kravet. The Tufted Directors Swivel Chair is available in a full range of traditional leather colors and custom sizes. The Tufted Wing Chair measures 31”W x 32”D x 47”H and is likewise available in traditional leather colors. 

Home Office Lighting Solutions

As always, putting the right light on the subject is as important to a comfortable home office as are the desk and chairs. A bright designer knows this of course, and is willing to put a spotlight on their client’s lighting choices. (See what we did there? LOL)

Holmes Desk Lamp & Karlene Table Lamp from Curated Kravet

From Curated Kravet, the Holmes Desk Lamp and Karlene Table Lamp provide you with an opportunity to present a traditional lighting solution, or something more contemporary. While both are beautiful in their own right, the statements they make are quite different. While both are made of sturdy, elegant brass, the finishes differ in both look and feel, with the Karlene about 1.5 inches taller (27.5”) than the Holmes (26”).

As home office furnishings solutions go, these desks, chairs, and lamps offer far more than mere functionality. Rather, they present a sharp interior designer with multiple opportunities to enable clients to create a remote working environment in which they can be not only productive, but comfortable and “at home”.

We remain open for business and ready to support you in any way we can. We will continue to share the design trends, like ICreate from Kravet, that we believe will benefit you most as either an interior designer or furnishings retailer. Click here to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

ICreate Custom Furnishings Program from Kravet

The ICreate Custom Furnishings Program from Kravet enables increased creativity for all interior designers, and their clients.

As an interior designer, your job is to be as creative as possible, within the constraints of your client’s budget, needs, and space. Yet, you’re often restricted by other factors – such as the features and specifications of the furnishings available. In other words, while a manufacturer may offer a variety of designs and styles of a chest of drawers, you are usually required to take them as is, with few (or no) options beyond color or hardware.

Wouldn’t you love it if you could pick and choose from a wider variety of features, such as: faces, bases, finishes, and hardware (including placement)?

With the ICreate program from Kravet, you can. And, you can customize each piece using 360-degree visualization and augmented-reality technology to help you realize your vision. With ICreate, you are able to “choose [your] desired finish, fabric, size, and other features, all while generating virtual renderings that will show [you] how the customized furniture will look in the spaces [you] are ultimately designing.” (ElleDecor.com)

A Custom Design Tool Offers Greater Creativity & Choice

Gone are the restrictions caused by the need to control inventory and reduce production costs and lead times. Gone are the narrowly focused presentations that restrain the innovative use of space. Gone is the possibility that the customized look and feel you promised your clients might be duplicated in another’s home (or office).

“This program offers a designer the creativity and freedom to do what they do best—design!” says Sara Kravet, the vice president of furniture at the company.

Instead, you can choose different top, trim, and base treatments for ottoman customization, in addition to optional decorative elements like tufting, inset trays, or carved legs as your vision to satisfy the needs of your clients dictate.

“These tool sets take the guesswork out of custom furniture and allow the designer to enhance their client presentation,” says Jesse Lazarus, Kravet’s chief innovation officer.

Originally scheduled to launch during the Spring 2020 High Point Market, which was canceled due to the pandemic, the tool will offer customization options for chests, tables, ottomans, benches, beds, and upholstery. There will also be additional special features at designers’ disposal within each selected furniture category, such as nail head trim for a headboard or tufting for an ottoman. Once a given design is complete, the designer will receive a price quote on the spot.

Always ready to take the lead in innovation and design, Kravet’s ICreate Custom Furnishings Program is using the latest visualization technology to help you reach the next level of creativity and service to your clients.

We remain open for business and ready to support you in any way we can. We will continue to share the design trends, like ICreate from Kravet, that we believe will benefit you most as either an interior designer or furnishings retailer. Click here to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Pre-Pandemic Design Trends Continue to Flourish (In spite of it all!)

In case you haven’t noticed, things are changing in the interior design and luxury furnishings industries; just as they are in the rest of the world. While we’ve all experienced lockdowns, social distancing, and virtual meetings and encounters, pre-pandemic design trends have only grown stronger.

Speculation on why (perhaps folks had more time to figure stuff out better?) doesn’t really matter, though. No, what matters is that you know what the latest trends are and that you take advantage of when and where possible.

If you recall, the beginning of the year was an optimistic time. While the stunning Classic Blue was named the Pantone Color of the Year and, as we mentioned, Kravet was “all in” too, making it available in a variety of hues across their family of products. Beyond these, we recognized the potential viability of sustainable materials and offered some hot kitchen design trends we expected to see this year.

But then… Boom! We all got virused and most business ground to a halt. (Downer, much?)

Interior Design Trends from Kravet

And yet, it’s great to realize that not everyone was intimidated or went stagnant. As usual, Kravet is leading the way by jumping in with both feet and making it easier than ever for you to create the looks and feel your design clients are searching for.

From fabrics to furniture and from wallcoverings to trimmings, the recognized Leader is leading the way out of the valley of doom into which many of us feel like we’ve descended.

Modern Luxe Izu Collection from Kravet Fabrics

Have we already used the word “stunning”? Can it be used too often? Not when you see this line of couture fabrics! As described in their catalog:

“The [Modern Luxe Izu] collection of exclusively designed fabrics showcases the beauty of ancient Japanese art and time-honored traditional dyeing techniques. Drawing inspiration from art, culture, landscapes, and nature, Modern Luxe Izu is a dynamic assemblage of bold color, dramatic pattern, and sophisticated textures and qualities. Each of these beautiful fabrics captures the essence of decorative design with a refined balance between luxurious construction and natural elements.”

The line offers dramatic patterns coupled with sophisticated texture and quality, as well as striking colors that pay homage to time-honored Japanese Shibori dying techniques.

Click here to see more of the Modern Luxe Izu Collection from Kravet. 

Mabley Handler Luxury Furniture from Kravet

The Mabley Handler Kravet Furniture collection offers 35 designs that celebrate the fresh, relaxing, and beach-chic style that the acclaimed husband and wife interior design team are best known for. Comprised of upholstery, case goods, and occasional furniture, the collection captures the essence of stylish living through laidback luxury.

With almost endless customization options, each piece in the Mabley Handler collection has the opportunity to become uniquely beautiful with tailored designs that span from the coast to the city. Designers can choose from seven specially-crafted quarter sawn and cerused oak finishes in a variety of tones from pale shell to deep midnight, providing a range of natural and organic looks. The collection’s grasscloth wallpaper, available in either a matte or light sheen finish, can be used to outfit bar tables, mirrors, cabinets, and drawers in a variety of hues to complete the layered look.

Thom Filicia Fabrics & Furniture from Kravet

Thom Filicia’s new collection for Kravet takes a fresh approach to interior design, creating fabrics and furniture for how we live today. The collection has a relaxed, yet refined point of view, inspired by a sense of light and optimism. Filicia’s collection includes silhouettes that are both timeless and classic, exuding a sense of modern sophistication while feeling effortlessly livable.

The fabric collection, ALTITUDE, features printed linens, geometric velvets, and stylish embroideries, all in keeping with Filicia’s signature aesthetic. A blend of classic forms with unique textures, patterns, and colors create Filicia’s distinct perspective: chic design that’s both accessible and exceptional.

With the year we’re having so far, it might be natural to assume that everyone has reverted to some kind of holding pattern, waiting to see what happens next. That is simply not the way Kravet has chosen to approach the challenges placed before them. Nor have we, at TD Fall.

We remain open for business and will continue to share the design trends we believe will benefit you most as either an interior designer or furnishings retailer. Click here to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

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

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

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

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

Trendy Design Trends That Are Trending in 2018

We just can’t help ourselves. Perhaps too often we spend hours every week perusing a variety of online sources for interior design trends, and predictions of new trends, for the upcoming seasons. While doing so can be illuminating, it can also be a bit more than frustrating – it sometimes seems that those who write about the design business are more interested in forcing a new trend into the marketplace than in simply reporting what is actually taking place.Having said that, we are beginning to notice at least slight agreement in a few areas for this year: Hallelujah!Have ceilings been so boring for so long that we’ve all agreed to finally take action and do something about them? Perhaps – perhaps not. What we do know is that more than one column on design trends have made the claim that making a bold statement with ceilings will be big in 2018.Bold Ceiling Designs are HotElledecor.comLAtimes.comWhile we’ve already predicted that purple will be popular this season, thanks to Pantone choosing it as the Color of the Year, plenty of scribes are predicting that shades of blue will continue to hold their own on the palettes used in home design. Not to be left out, other warmer colors will also remain in the up-to-date designer’s arsenal of color choices.Which Color Dominates the Design Market This Year?Hgtv.comHousebeautiful.comKitchens always feature heavily in any discussion of interior design trends, as they should. Whether speculating about how space will be allocated in the most popular room in most homes, which types of appliances should be used, or the types of cabinets, flooring, and backsplash will work best to enhance the space – a good interior designer must always pay attention kitchens.Kitchens Are Central to Any Home      Hgtv.comLAtimes.comFreshome.comThe sharp designer understands that they need to make sure the kitchen is as important to their design plan as it is to the homeowner. Never take kitchen designs for granted.Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Furniture Labels Can Lie – Even When They’re Not Supposed To

Protecting your design clients from poor quality products should be a priority for any interior designer. Whether we’re talking about cheap paint that will not last, inexpensive rugs that unravel, or furniture that does not meet acceptable standards, since you're the expert they’ve hired to improve their space, it’s up to you to ensure that quality matches the price.A recent article in the Washington Post, though largely intended for consumers, brings to light an array of problems with furniture labeling, along with tips on how to avoid being taken by mislabeled furnishings.Since the FTC rescinded its specific guidelines for the household furniture industry in 2002, there are four areas that are most often mislabeled:

1. Misrepresented wood – The old FTC guideline said manufacturers should not use wood names on their labels unless the piece was made of “solid wood of the type named.” In other words, calling a piece of furniture “oak” because it was coated in oak-colored stain or clad in oak veneer was against the rules.
2. Misrepresented leather – “Bonded leather” is the scourge of the upholstered furniture industry. Bonded leather consists of a thin plastic front, a fabric middle and ground up leather particles on the back. It’s been the subject of consumer lawsuits and industry hand-wringing for years but, it’s still out there.
3. Misrepresented fabric – Real linen is made from fibers found in the flax plant. It’s prized because it’s natural, durable and breathable, so it stays cool in the summer. Unfortunately, other fabrics are often passed off as linen.
4. Misrepresented foam – There’s been a backlash against polyurethane foam because it’s a petroleum product. Enter “soy foam.” It’s a feel-good label that eco-conscious consumers seem to like. Yet, most cushions labeled “soy foam” are hybrids and are almost certainly made from far less soy foam than they are polyurethane foam.

Again, while this article was obviously intended for consumers, as an interior designer it’s important to stay on top of any trends in home furnishings that can help – or harm – your business. After all, placing inferior products in the home of one of your clients could have lasting implications for your reputation and the future of your business.“Remember, furniture sellers used to have to put all the details of a piece’s construction on the sales tag. Today it’s important to check any additional information on brochures or websites to get the full story. Furniture made of solid wood stained to look like another wood is not a bad thing, as long as it’s disclosed. Veneers are not inherently bad, either, as long as you’re aware and don’t count on refinishing them someday.”So, stay on top of what’s happening in your market and be aware of any suppliers who may be cutting corners – corners you can’t afford to cut and still keep your design clients happy.Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.