Fall Market 2019 – High Point Market Style Report: Winter/Spring 2020

In a previous post, we shared some highlights from our booth at fall market 2019. While this may have been a bit self-indulgent, it was also fun and, we hope, illuminating to share some of the latest trends from the lines we represent.

However, in an effort to broaden the view of the latest design trends (so to speak), we thought it would be helpful to remind you that the High Point Market 2020 Winter/Spring Style Report has been released.

After all, we share posts on design trends regularly ourselves so, it seems to make sense to occasionally examine what others find interesting. What better way than a report that puts it all in one place for you? (They offer a link to download the report in pdf format.)

From the report: “Texture and statement case good pieces were the talk of the town. Caning on everything from chairs to beds – reinterpreted in ways that made it easy to use in designs outside of a coastal aesthetic – was prevalent in most of the major showrooms. Pieces with fluid and organic forms were spotted for their unique high style, and large-scaled hardware adorned case goods that stopped us in our tracks.

“Bold color and large-scale patterns made a big splash on upholstery. Leopard was trending in both large and mini scales, as well as every color imaginable. Big bold florals are also making a comeback. The Style Spotters all seem to agree that color is again on the uptrend.”

A Focus on Texture Makes a Splash

From fabrics to finishes and upholstery to treatments, the trend for next year is toward textures that add depth and a sense of luxury to even the smallest pieces. This focus on the feel of a space makes even lighting an important and impactful component of the use of texture.

Unexpected Textures

“Interesting materials used to create unexpected textures was another trend we spotted during Fall High Point Market. Bernhardt hit it out of the park with the introduction of their new outdoor furniture collection. The Wailea Chair was a favorite – the braided frame looked like it could be quite solid from a distance but was soft and luxurious to the touch.” – Courtney McLeod

Artistic Textures

“The Fresco Countryside 2 art-piece at Wendover Art Group, by Lilian August was also a show-stopper. The image was soft and beautiful with layers of patina, cracks, and interesting brush techniques. Here again, the piece drew you in.” – Laura Thurman

Lighting that Enhances & Illuminates Textures

“There was no shortage of fierce illumination at Market. It was by far my most spotted category, and what made me feel the most inspired. The hand blown glass Chinois Pendant Light by Niche at Mill Collective was to die for. It was a perfect representation of global and cultural expression, translated into modern and practical application. The pendant shape is inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns. Color and form played a huge role in all the lighting... [with] special attention to the blending of materials and finishes.” – Laura Thurman

Touchy-Feely Textures Give us the Feels!

“So many items invited you to move closer and touch them. Be it the slick, smooth surface of the Miranda Kerr Nightstand at Universal Furniture, or the organically shaped Cliff Console Table at Noir, the manipulation of materials and texture piqued my curiosity.

“My favorite, however, were the deliciously soft pillows and quilts by Aloka for Signature Pillows. This was their first Market, and their product did not disappoint. Their items are made from layers and layers of vintage Indian saris that have been over-dyed and block-printed. Because of the material’s life cycle, and Aloka’s unique process, these saris are incredibly soft and durable. Plus, they tell an honest and soulful story.” – Laura Thurman

Of course, this year’s style report from fall market 2019 has a great deal more to offer than a focus on texture and we plan to share more of their 2020 design trend insights in future posts… Stay tuned!

Looking for more new home furnishing collections, news about fall market, the latest interior design trends, marketing tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Software – Should You & Which is Best for You?

If you're not familiar with the website TopTenReviews.com, you might want to take a look. They post reviews for products of every description: from electronics to health and beauty, and from hobbies to home and garden. Among the digital products they examine, they also have a page of reviews on interior design software, which is what concerns us.

From Best Overall to Best Value, Best for Mac, and Best for Small Projects, they rank the software as “the best programs for designing interiors, ranked by their ease-of-use, the size of their object libraries and their import/export features.”

Not only does the site offer reviews of individual design software programs, they also present their finding in a table that makes it easy for you to consider their features and benefits relative to the others (as shown in the partial screen shot below).

We should probably throw in a cautionary warning here that the name of the software may not be indicative of how effective the program is as an interior design tool. In a world where so many try to be all things to all people, that may be a simple marketing choice on the part of the manufacturer.

Instead, read the reviews and take a test drive of the software (where possible), before making a purchasing decision.

Having said all of that, let’s look at a few interior design software programs and the parameters for ranking them.

Interior Design Software Reviews

First, the ranking parameters used by the reviewers:

• Ease of use and learning curve

• Object library and object import functions

• Cost estimator and material sheets

• Available for both PC and Mac

• Sample plans available

• Cost and support

Understandably, learning how to use the software is one of the most important features for the reviewers, as was ease of use when designing a space. Design flexibility and the size of their object library are also important features since they are huge time savers. Ultimately, execution is critical; the way in which the software performs the featured functions as well as doing so intuitively.

Best Overall Rank: Virtual Architect Ultimate ($99.99)

“The primary reason our reviewers chose Virtual Architect Ultimate as their top pick is it’s extraordinarily easy to learn to use, even if you’ve never used design software before. Its exhaustive array of design tools allow you to drag and drop objects where you want them, import photos and floor plans, and add furniture, plants, appliances, electronics and more.

“[The] object library contains more than 7,500 items – the largest library of any interior design program we reviewed. In case you can’t find what you’re looking for in Virtual Architect Ultimate’s library, you have a couple options. It is compatible with the SketchUp database, which houses literally thousands more objects, including furniture, lighting, appliances and more. You can also design custom objects yourself. The software has designer tools for things like cabinets, fireplaces, windows and stairs. All in all, it’s one of the most versatile interior design programs we’ve ever reviewed.

“In addition, the application has other useful tools, including a cost estimator and a materials list. Together, these two features give you a good idea of what it will take to bring your design from the digital world into the physical world. You can also export your finished designs in DXF and DWG formats, which are used by architects and contractors.”

Best Value Rank: TurboFloorPlan Home & Landscape Deluxe ($49.99)

For those who don’t need every top-of-the-line feature… “It’s about $50 less than our top choice and includes many of the same design tools. It has essentials like moldings, window coverings and a preprogrammed object library (4,700+ items) as well as custom designers. They’re not as intuitive or comprehensive as those in other programs we reviewed but still more than enough to meet the needs of most users.

“However, you can’t import floor plans made with other professional design programs, trace floor plans, generate material lists, or export your plans in DXF or DWG file formats. Still, while these tools are very useful, they’re not essential to designing a home.

“This software is a bit harder to learn to use than the best programs. In our ease of use tests, TurboFloorPlan Home & Landscape Deluxe earned a B grade. It’s by no means impossible for a novice to master, but you should expect a slight learning curve before you can use it to its fullest potential. If you have any problems using the application’s tools, you can always check out its video tutorials.”

Best for Small Design Projects Rank: Virtual Architect Instant Makeover 2.0 ($24.99)

Virtual Architect Instant Makeover 2.0 is “a unique interior design program. It lets you design directly on a photo of a room but is limited if you plan to reconstruct your living space.

“It has essential tools, such as window and door designers, and you can import existing floor plans and images into the software. In addition, it has nine sample plans you can use as jumping off points and a cost estimator that can give you an idea of how much it will cost to realize your plans in the real world. However, it’s missing advanced tools such as an object library and third-party object library compatibility. Also, you can’t export your plans as DWX or DWG files, the formats used by professional interior designers.”

While we would never presume to endorse or promote any of these interior design software programs as the “best” for you to use in your business, we do hope that the information shared from an outside source is helpful. Then too, more research and asking friends and associates in the industry for their opinions will go a very long way toward helping you decide on the best software program for you.

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

Elements of Interior Design – Function or Aesthetics, Chicken or Egg

It should be hoped that we can all agree there are 7 elements of interior design, including: space, line, forms, light, color, texture and pattern. We can also hope that keeping these elements balanced is the key to creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional interior, for home or office.

Yet, despite agreements about the elements of interior design, the purpose of interior design is too often ignored. After all, a good designer hopes that their clients are not merely trying to impress the neighbors, but rather, that they are hoping to improve their quality of life.

With that in mind, the purpose of interior design is to ensure that a living space or office will fulfill its purpose; that is, to ensure a home is livable and that an office is a good place to work.

While these points may seem obvious to many, problems arise when the two most important components of interior design are given unequal weight and focus: function and aesthetics.

The War Between Function vs. Beauty

The balance between aesthetics and function is a challenging one, as both of these components have similar importance in the design process. When this balance becomes tipped in favor of aesthetics, qualities such as comfort and ergonomics may be compromised. Then again, when the balance tips in favor of function over aesthetics, comfort and livability become dominant, with little regard for beauty and style.

It is incumbent on the designer that the 7 elements of interior design are used to balance the function and aesthetics of any space on which they work. In fact, doing so is the very definition of what it takes to be a professional interior designer (as far as we’re concerned).

• Function – A simple yet accurate definition of function is: Capable of serving a purpose well.

For example, “A poorly designed house may be reasonably large but it may not provide the occupants with the space the needed. On the other hand, a small apartment may be transformed into a home with adequate space for virtually all the functions required by its occupants. This may be achieved with the use of some of the latest design principles and elements such as a special staircase or loft.

“Similarly, in an office, good interior design brings together all the features needed for effective function, productivity and comfort. Thus, everything works in unison from the lighting to furniture and equipment. This means that the office will become a place where people desire to be instead of where they have to be.” (HomeyImprovements.com)

• Aesthetics – This is the area of interior design that focuses on beauty and taste. (What most think of as “the fun stuff”.)

“Interior designers can create aesthetic appeal in virtually all parts of a home or office. Beginning with a suitable design theme, an interior designer will provide the color, paint, ambiance, textures, balance, and symmetry to provide a stunning appearance. [Through the use of the 7 elements.]

“This aesthetic quality will match the purpose and function of each room or space. Hence, the appearance of the living room will enhance relaxation, the bedroom design will enhance rest and good sleep, while the home office area will enhance creative thinking and productivity.” (HomeyImprovements.com)

It’s unfortunate that a focus on aesthetics seems to have overwhelmed function to a great extent lately. This has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by this article at Medium.com:

“Camera-friendly aesthetics may be compromising the ‘comfort factor’ in many designs, however, it is not to say that aesthetics do not still have a fundamental importance. Aesthetic aspects like the appearance, texture, and finish of an object provide important information about its function and understanding of its quality and how it has been made.

“Therefore, aesthetic features cannot only be leveraged to allow an object to look appealing, but also to explain what it is and what you can do with it. Therefore a balance of the two is required for a successful product. The classic design principle ‘form follows function’ suggests that form and function should be balanced, [while] communicating the main function correctly.”

In other words, one does not have to sacrifice comfort for beauty; operation for appearance; or tranquility for taste. In fact, for the best interior designers, the elements of interior design are used only to enhance both function and aesthetics in every project.

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

What’s the Point of Studying Interior Design Trends?

After reading a few articles about the latest interior design trends, articles which tend to conflict we admit, one might wonder what is the point? If trends change so regularly, do they even matter?

To take this a step farther, there are “current” trends that are so out of date that one wonders if the designer understands the meaning of the word. It’s far too easy to take a space beyond kitsch to campy, tacky, and corny and, despite what “everyone else” be doing, a sharp designer will avoid such trendy traps.

As explained in an article at Forbes.com (admittedly not our usual source for design trends), author Amanda Lauren writes: “Just because a look is heavily featured on social media or HGTV, doesn't mean it's a good choice for everyone from an aesthetic or even a practicality standpoint.”

(You might wan to check out this article to see some of the “least favorite” trends among designers today.)

Why Design Trends Matter

At the most fundamental level, interior design is about making a space livable. Moving well beyond the old, simplistic design business model of offering good taste and “sensitivity”, contemporary designers focus on the process:

“… a process that provides [clients] with a set of aesthetically pleasing but efficient solutions for a better use of the space in question. The goal of interior design is to improve the user experience by better managing the space available in the intervened environment.” (EssentialHome.eu)

 In other words, the most important design trends are not simply about colors, weaves, and textures; or whether wallpaper has become more popular than paint or whether hardwood floors are better than tile. It’s not about impressing the neighbors or family members.

Ultimately, the only “trend” that should matter to an interior designer is how you can transform the lives of people who live within, or enjoy a particular space, and improve their quality of life through professional design, beautiful decoration, and quality home furnishings.

Looking for more interior design trends, design business tips, marketing tips, new products, and furnishing ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Designer Tip – Kitchen Remodels Add the Most Value to a Home

In a previous post titled Master Bath & Kitchen Add Value to Homes, we shared the idea that a master bath remodel was a good way to help your clients make their home more appealing to potential buyers, with five important areas to consider. Of course, this is not to suggest that the kitchen is just, if not more, important to the value of a home. So, for today’s designer tip, we offer a few ideas on how you can help your clients boost the appeal of their home by making changes to their kitchen.

First, let’s look at the cost versus return on investment (ROI) of remodeling a kitchen. According to various sources, the ROI for a kitchen remodel will most likely be in the range of 60% to 80% of the cost. Yet, depending on location and the marketplace, some remodels may return 100% or more.

For the sharp interior designer, though, there is more to the appeal of a kitchen remodeling project than boosting value for the homeowner. Since we’re talking about the essential room in most homes, making the kitchen more appealing to the current owners is a significant feature for investing in a remodeling project, with added value as a side issue and bonus.

In other words, don’t merely focus on ROI. Instead, make it clear to your client that a new and improved kitchen will add to their own lives in ways they may not have considered: comfort, efficiency, and even increased intimacy.

Best Ways to Add Value to a Kitchen

It should go without saying that remodeling a kitchen present numerous opportunities for improving such an important space. From appliances to cabinetry and countertops to flooring, and even the simpler things like paint pulls, and knobs, there are dozens of improvements to be made to any kitchen – from the most basic to the most advanced.

So, where should you, as a designer, focus your attention when working on a kitchen remodeling project?

Kitchen island – Virtually every expert opinion we can find suggests that, if space is available, adding a kitchen island is one of the most significant improvements you can suggest. Even a mobile workstation adds flexibility for food prep and cooking, as well as helping the kids with homework.

Brighter is better – Whether natural or artificial, kitchen lighting is an essential element in a remodel. After all, the cook needs to be able to see what they’re making for dinner, and the family rarely needs mood lighting at the dinner table (although using dimmers for special occasions make sense).

Cabinet upgrades – Regardless of room size, it seems space is nearly always an issue for the homeowner. New kitchen cabinets can usually resolve the problem, adding additional storage where needed but, cosmetics can also be an issue. If budgets are tight, a new finish or paint job, along with new hardware, may be the best solution.

Kitchen appliances – The sheer number of appliances in a kitchen may make this category of improvements the most important. From finish to function and from convenience to cost, the features of every appliance should be considered – yet, it’s the benefits to the homeowner and the family that should be the deciding factors.

Kitchen as gathering place – While it may be true that most of your design clients gather in the dining room for meals, it’s unlikely. Instead, most families who consistently eat meals together will do so in the kitchen. They will also use this area for family gatherings, so; you should make sure that the dining area closest to the kitchen is comfortable in virtually all circumstances.

What is your best designer tip for kitchen remodels that add value to your client’s home? Share your thoughts below.

Are you looking for more interior design tips, design trends, marketing tips, new products, and furnishing ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Trends – Color Palettes are the Latest Design Trend

Ah, color. When it comes to interior design trends, color may be the most difficult to grasp. Whether you accept the “color of the year” from the many sources available or research color trends from among other designers, it’s never easy to decide a direction for your clients.

On the other hand, there are so many “experts” out there these days; it’s just as hard to ignore the advice they have to offer. After all, manufacturers invest millions in such market trends, which begs the question of whether a local designer should ignore them.

Well, yes… and no.

At a fundamental level, all interior design is local, and national trends mean very little. So, while designers in New York and Los Angeles may influence the decisions made by manufacturers, they will often have no impact on your market. Yet, being “in the know” about design trends will reinforce your reputation and help to boost your brand.

That being said, there is a recent color trend that can help a sharp designer (like you) display knowledge of the marketplace as well as influence your client’s decision on color choices: using a color palette.

Monochrome Colors Seem to be “Out”

As you know, we respect the diversity of information from Houzz.com because they appeal to both consumers and design professionals, giving a more varied perspective on trends, especially. According to a recent article, editors at the latest Maison & Objet trade fair in Paris said they “saw a much subtler use of color, with multiple harmonizing or contrasting hues playing off one another.”

“Trendy and novel colors like burnt orange, olive green, and blood-red were well-represented [at the fair] however, what we really noticed… were the many color palettes. There were very few monochrome booths; many featured subtle color mixes based on analogous harmonies of three to five hues, combining primary and secondary colors, or triadic color contrasts.”

In other words, what was being shared was a series of “harmonious and contrasting combinations” of colors within a space that made a statement on its own.

For example:

Warm Harmonies of Blood Red, Orange, and Mustard

Harmonies of warm and invigorating colors – burgundy, wine red, blood red, burnt orange, mustard, and golden brown – create a look that’s sunny, energetic, and perfect for revitalizing interiors. These are the novel hues for this year.

Cool Combinations of Khaki, Yellow-Green, Linden Green and Almond Green

Harmonies of warm and invigorating colors – burgundy, wine red, blood red, burnt orange, mustard and golden brown – create a look that’s sunny, energetic and perfect for revitalizing interiors. These are clearly the novel hues for this year.

Cool Combinations of Khaki, Yellow-Green, Linden Green and Almond Green

Among the cool spectrum, it’s impossible to ignore this combination of shades of green. Fir green, the big color of 2019, still appears here and there, while the new green on the block is tinged with yellow and tends toward being a warmer khaki-olive.

Sweet Harmonies of Beige, Taupe, Greige, Honey and Fawn

These colors are timeless classics rather than novelties. However, there’s no better way to spice them up than to combine shades of these colors. Taupe (and onward through the spectrum to brown) has made a big comeback, and there are also mustard yellow, fawn and sienna. These reassuring palettes inspire cuddling up under a blanket.

Delicate Contrast With Blue, Orange and Pink

Among blues, we’re seeing peacock blue, Klein blue and denim step into the limelight. We’ve seen a lot of blue in the past few years, but now blues as a whole seem to be in decline.

Earthy Shades Carry On

Matte, dull and earthy colors remain trendy, manifesting an affirmation of the desire for nature.

The key to this latest interior design trend it seems to us, is to not let any single color overwhelm the space and to think in terms of shades instead of allowing one color to dominate.

Looking for more interior design trends, design business tips, marketing tips, new products, and furnishing ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Tips – Master Bath & Kitchen Add Value to Homes

While the kitchen is the most popular room in the house, it’s just one of two rooms that make a huge difference to the value of a home. According to the real estate website Trulia.com, “The rooms buyers most closely inspect (and judge) in a house are the kitchen and master bath. These are the interior spaces where the most value can be added during a sale, so they need to look their best.”

“A well-appointed kitchen will dramatically increase the value of your home, so it’s worth spicing up yours to grab buyer attention. The same holds true for the bathrooms, especially the master bath. A sparkling master bath with clean lines will charm open-house-goers with modern upgrades like dual vanities and soaking tubs.”

Since we’ve addressed kitchen design in other posts, today we will focus on master bath design tips. According to the design pros at Houzz.com, there are 8 Golden Rules of Bathroom Design that are key to creating a terrific bathroom, no matter its size or style.

We’ve chosen to share what we believe are the top five ideas from among those they offer.

Include Plenty of Storage in Master Bath Design

The clutter of too many toiletries, no matter how attractive, can undo your good work in creating a calm space. Rather than fight the inevitable, accept the reality and embrace great bathroom storage.

The key is to think through what you need to store and then design appropriately. Some things are best kept in a drawer, some in a mirrored cabinet and others in a cabinet. Consider how the storage solutions will work as part of the whole room.

Focus on the Details

Even bathrooms with the most expensive fixtures can end up looking disjointed if the details aren’t carefully considered.

One example would be a glass shower screen that comes too close to the side of a vanity. This might look fine from one angle, but what do you see of the vanity through the glass? Will dirt get between them and be difficult to remove?

Another pet peeve is tile that stops halfway up a wall, leaving a horizontal ridge that will collect dust. Either tile the whole wall or set the face of the tile flush with the wall above by adding an extra layer of plasterboard above the tile before the skim coat of plaster.

Make Sure the Master Bath Design is Functional

Fundamentally, a bathroom must work. That means it should feel natural to use and be easy to clean, and all essentials must be accessible, well-functioning and suitably lit. Whatever design you adopt, never let style get in the way of function. That said, you shouldn’t have to compromise.

This bathroom accommodates users of varying heights. Installing sinks and mirrors to suit everyone in the household is both smart and cute. The designers also factored in the sloping ceiling when they put the shower head and adult sink under the highest part and the toilet under the lower part.

Let In Natural Light

Bathrooms often get the space left over after bedrooms take the best spots and windows. But spare a thought for those relaxed and contemplative times spent in the bathroom.

Daylight can be the most wonderful magnifier of space and is particularly important in small bathrooms, such as this one by Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins. The most intense daylight comes from above, so installing skylights is often a great way to flood a room with light while saving the walls for fixtures and furniture.

Size Matters in Master Bath Design

A bathroom is often designed to fit into the smallest space possible, and then people still want a tub, separate shower, twin sinks and a toilet. Give your space a break!

Go for a separate tub and shower only if there’s genuinely enough room; otherwise, combine the two. Remember that the user needs enough room to stand, dry off, and turn around.

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

Interior Design Trends – Kravet Quick-Ship Furniture Program

Always innovative and a step ahead of interior design trends, as well as being eager to meet the needs of designers and their clients, Kravet has introduced a “QuickShip” program, based on the Smart Furniture frames and Smart Performance fabrics.

Yes, it seems our constantly connected, instant gratification culture has finally made its way into the design industry. In answer to this need, Kravet furniture has created a process for “quality furniture without the wait”. New this year, TD Fall & Company are pleased to be participating in the Kravet Furniture QuickShip program, featuring a selection of Kravet SMART frames and fabrics – all produced in the good ole USA in just two weeks.

While not exactly overnight delivery, such a quick turnaround time for high-end furniture is unprecedented in the luxury end of the home furnishings industry.

The new furniture program includes sofas, sectionals, sleepers, chairs, and dining chairs; all available with more than 100 fabric options in varying textures that boast durability, cleanability, functionality and, most importantly, quality and style.

This exclusive furniture program from Kravet includes everything you need to design a space. And, it’s easy to use. Simply select your frame, pair your fabric, choose your base and finish, and you are on your way to receiving the personalized piece of furniture you need to make your clients happy. And this can all be done and the order submitted directly on Kravet.com.

Fabrics included in this program feature durable performance qualities that maintain a soft hand, while base and finish options allow you to create the perfect silhouette for any interior. Choose from the wide variety of Performance upholstery fabrics from Kravet’s Smart Crypton and Armour collections.

Looking for more interior design trends, new fabric collections, the latest in home furnishings, marketing tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Your Interior Design Portfolio – When Your Client Says “No Photos”

Transparency is critical to the success of your design business website; imagery that displays your talents and highlights who you are. Just as important is your interior design portfolio, with photos you can share with prospective clients in face-to-face meetings – not to mention Pinterest and Instagram.

Then too, the massive popularity of video makes sharing recordings of your design projects on YouTube or Vimeo (or both) a powerful online marketing tool, as well.

But, what can you do if you run into a client who is so concerned about their privacy that they refuse to allow you to share imagery or videos of the work you’ve done for them?

While certainly not the norm, working with clients who refuse to have their space photographed happens often enough that you should be ready well in advance, just in case.

And, of course, even if you’ve never run into such a client, you can almost be certain that the design project you most want to photograph will be the one you can’t. So, here are some tips you can use to make sure your portfolio contains your favorite projects.

Ensuring Your Design Portfolio is Complete

With help from the pros at ArchitecturalDigest.com, we offer some tips on What to Do When Your Clients Don't Want Their Space Photographed:

Your first resort…

• Include photography in all of your design contracts – The best way to work around a no-photography situation is to avoid it completely. According to a lawyer who works closely with designers, you should include a clause about photographing a space, both before and after the project, in your standard contract. Work closely with your attorney to hammer out the details to ensure you’re getting the rights you need to complete your portfolio.

• Negotiate image sharing – Even if you have a clause about photography in your contract, the client may strike it out before signing. That’s the time to negotiate. If your original wording didn’t mention anonymity, it’s a great place to start. Offer your client complete privacy, ensuring that no identifying details about the home or its owners will be shared with publications, on your website, or on social channels. Work on finding a middle ground with your client that still allows you to add photographs of your project to your portfolio.

• Ask to share details of the design only – Say that your client is standing his or her ground during negotiations. The next tactic to try is to give in, just a tiny bit. Instead of trying to convince your client over the course of the project, a better solution may be to focus on the details. Especially when your work is detail oriented and customized for the client, detail photos go a long way. While cropped photos may not work for publication, they can be used in your portfolio.

Your last resort…

• Work with their real estate broker – If you’ve lost out on negotiations and the client simply won’t budge, it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. If the client decides to sell the home, there’s a very good chance the space will be photographed to attract prospective buyers. In some instances, you can negotiate a deal with the broker to retroactively add those images to your design portfolio.

Interior designers and architects usually need to get their client’s approval to share images of their projects. That’s not always the easiest thing to do, especially if the project is a private residence.

While hearing a resounding “No pictures” from your clients may not happen often, being ready for the possibility will ensure you’re able to present a complete interior design portfolio online and in meetings with prospects.

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

Interior Design Trends – Stylish Sustainable Design Solutions That Work

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

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

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

Sustainable Home Furnishings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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