Design Trends and Marketing Priorities After the Pandemic

By now, you know how much we love to share interior design trends here. And yet, we also know that the world may seem a very different place in the wake of the health crisis we’ve dealt with this year. In fact, even marketing priorities have taken a back seat to simple survival for some. 

With that in mind, we’d like to mention a recent article at DesignersToday.com, some industry news about a survey which says “designers rely on resilience, creativity, partners to succeed during a pandemic”.

It comes as no surprise that, according to the survey performed by Steelyard, some “30% [of designers] said that between 50% and 100% of their business with clients was now conducted online.” Despite this shift to online interaction with clients, the survey also found that “virtual appointments with sales reps were ranked as the least-important tool on the list with an average rating of only six on the scale [of ten]”.

Challenges of Virtual Marketing

Needless to say, respondents to the survey were concerned about their ability to market design services in a virtual world. The perceived need to present clients and prospects with samples they can touch and feel rated high on their list of concerns. “Physical samples for finishes, fabrics, etc., will always be important to us regardless of how much we do online,” one designer wrote in the survey’s comments section.

Further, “Outside of virtual appointments, 54% of those surveyed report that they plan to do more product research and sourcing online even after restrictions are lifted. But the challenge of communicating feel, depth, arm height, and more outside of [a] showroom is still a concern and was brought up several times by survey respondents.”

Finally, product availability, safe and timely shipping, and transparency from suppliers were all important to respondents. That is, designers, hope to see a variety of shipping options that address the need for social distancing; so-called “white glove” delivery services that allow clients to feel safe.

What You Can Do

Innovative solutions for client interaction will be the norm for the foreseeable future. While being able to think outside the box will benefit you greatly, you don’t need to do it all yourself. In fact, a little research into what other designers are doing may be all you need to jump-start your business and get your own marketing priorities in order.

Give these ideas a try:

• What services are the busiest designers in your area offering? Check out the social media profiles and websites of some top design professionals and look at their “Services Provided” section. You're likely to see some developing trends that you can work to your own advantage.

• What services are you NOT commonly seeing? There are sure to be categories where services are needed; areas where you could fill the void. Develop services to meet these needs and work to promote them both short and long term.

• What services can you provide that are unique, superior, or at a more competitive price point? You may discover a need for a design pro who is willing to take on smaller projects (or medium or large projects), or with a different pricing structure.

• What home renovation or design challenges do customers have that are unique to your area? Develop plans and services that enable you to better help homeowners solve those challenges.

• Finally… Where have your competitors made changes in their design businesses as a response to the pandemic? Look for specific practices they’ve put in place, such as virtual meetings and other social distancing steps – especially in how they are handling client relationships. (But, don’t forget relationships with contractors and subs, as well.)

The answers to these questions about design trends and marketing priorities in your area will make it clear whether there’s an unmet need you can fulfill to attract clients safely.

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 changing trends and priorities.

To get in touch with Ted, or for more design trends, business tips, and marketing 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.

Trendy Design Trends That Keep Trending

Design trends come and go (be the definition of the word “trend”, of course), and yet some of them simply rotate from more popular to less – and then back. While we often look at trending colors, fabrics, wall coverings, and furnishings (and will again), perhaps the most exciting en vogue development right now is the news that Confidence in the Home Remodeling Market Returns, per Houzz.com.

According to the author and Houzz editorial staffer Erin Carlyle, “Firms in the residential remodeling industry have regained confidence in the market for the next three months, new data from [the Q3 Houzz Renovation Barometer] show, as nearly all business indicators have returned to pre-pandemic levels.”

This is good news indeed for those of us in the luxury furnishings and interior design business. This news is very encouraging, for, as the article goes on to explain: “Expectations for new business inquiries and committed projects have completely rebounded, following a sudden decline when the pandemic was declared,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz senior economist.

While there have been forced changes in the way firms are working with clients, with social distancing still required in most areas of the country, creative solutions are being found. For example, “Construction businesses implemented new safety guidelines, used video consultation tools, and sourced more products online. Architecture and design firms offered video consultations, provided remote collaboration tools, sourced more products online, and implemented safety guidelines at the office and on worksites.”

Below is a graph that shows just how optimistic firms are for the upcoming quarter: “A score higher than 50 indicates that more firms reported increases than decreases in their business expectations.”

Color Trends: Brown is Back & Jewel Tones Sparkle!

Also from Houzz, we are able to take a deeper look into the home design trends that are trending currently. While this article offers 6 Home Design Trends on the Rise, we will combine a few of them – in an effort to save space and your time. (After all, you have to be ready for that bump in remodeling projects that’s on the way, right?)

“The trend that came up the most among designers and builders was the resurgence of shades of brown. ‘Brown seems to be making a comeback,’ says designer Raychel Wade.”

From terra-cotta wallpaper to rusty ochre fabrics to mushroom, the trend is for shades of brown that don’t overwhelm but, rather, accent a space.

“But there’s a lot of variation in the color of brown and its uses throughout a home. Taupes, beiges, sands – basically any earth tone seems to be gaining popularity. ‘I believe that there’s a trend back toward browns and beiges,’ designer Kelly Nelson says. ‘Lord knows people still love gray, but I think there’s been a shift toward grays with brown undertones – greiges if you will – that doesn’t feel sterile or industrial and which work well with both grays and browns. I, for one, am happy to welcome the browns back’.”

(Raychel Wade rusty ochre headboard)

“No one is saying white is going anywhere anytime soon, especially when it comes to kitchen cabinet color,” writes author Mitchell Parker. “But many design and building professionals report an uptick in requests from clients for something much darker, especially dark jewel tones.”

Rich and deep seems to be the trend here, with subtlety nowhere to be seen.

For example, “Burgundy on the upholstered chairs in this North Carolina living room by designer Brooke Cole punches up the space. ‘The design industry as a whole is moving away from neutrals and introducing more and more color,’ Cole says. ‘This room is a great example of living colorfully’.”

Then too, this deep, delicious blue on the lower cabinets contrasts wonderfully with the pure white tones of the upper. (Proving that white has not gone the way of the Dodo!)

The article goes on to explain the trends toward lighter woods, handmade tiles, and the increasing use of natural materials. Whether kitchens or bathrooms, many of these trends are focused on the most used spaces in today’s homes.

So, there we have some of the most trendy design trends that are trending currently. We hope you’ve enjoyed this quick tour of our industry and expectations for Q3 2020.

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.

We are taking all precautions to safely meet with you in person including disinfecting samples with a CDC approved Crypton Disinfectant, wearing a mask during presentations and limiting meeting times or if you prefer, we can meet virtually too. Let's beat Covid-19 together. Call, email, or text me for availability.

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.

Why You Should Want to Attract Luxury Clients for Interior Design Projects

Attracting design clients who are willing to spend in the upper five to six figure range doesn’t happen every day. (Attracting those who are able to is even more rare!) However, landing one or two of these design projects can make your year. In an abnormal year like the one we’re experiencing now, being able to attract luxury clients can save your business.

A recent article in the “For Pros” section at Houzz.com got us thinking about this subject. It also made us realize how working with clients who spend more than the average on a remodel could help so many designers recover more quickly from the economic turmoil that has been 2020 so far.

Value of Luxury Bathroom Remodel Projects

First, it makes sense to define some terms. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the national average for a bathroom remodel costs $10,500. In the Houzz article though, we discover an entirely different level of spending among the upper echelons in various markets. For example:

“At the top 5% of the market, homeowners remodeling bathrooms in Chicago spent $40,000 on their projects. Those at the top 0.5% of the Chicago market spent about 11 times that, at $450,000. In Los Angeles, homeowners at the top 5% spent $50,000, while those at the top 0.5% spent six times as much, or $300,000.”

If you could attract luxury clients who are willing to spend four to five times the national average for a bathroom remodel, we’re pretty sure it would go a long way toward recovering from the pandemic lockdowns.

Value of Luxury Kitchen Remodel Projects

As the most used and popular room in the majority of homes, shooting for the top end of the budget spectrum in kitchen remodels makes even more sense.

Once again, HomeAdvisor.com gives us a place to start, telling us that the national average for a kitchen remodel is about $25,000. The pros at Houzz however, want us to know that a luxury kitchen remodel will be worth considerably more to your design business. For example:

“For kitchens, homeowners remodeling in Houston spent $90,000 at the top 5% of the market and about four times that, or $370,000, at the top 0.5%. Houston had the highest top 0.5% spend level of any city. Homeowners in San Francisco spent $157,000 at the top 5% of the market and nearly twice that, $350,000, at the top 0.5%.”

These numbers are stunning when you consider they range from about four times the national average to fourteen times what the average homeowner spends on a kitchen remodel.

Know What Luxury Clients Are Looking For

Finally, the author wants us to know that a big-budget alone does not define a luxury design project or remodel.

“In addition to spending a lot on their projects, luxury clients tend to have higher expectations for the work as well as the experience they get during the process. [Contributing designer Wendy] Glaister explained that luxury clients:

• Expect a project that is completely customized

• Want projects tailored to their specific needs and aesthetic

• Expect an enhanced client experience

‘Luxury doesn’t mean movie star,’ Glaister said. ‘Luxury means custom. A lot of us are in the luxury market more than we might think’,” author Erin Carlyle explains.

The concept of “custom” also implies excellent value. This ties in remarkably well with the recent post we shared about making value the purpose of your business. (And no, we did not coordinate with the editors at Houzz! LOL)

Now that your mouth is watering at the idea of landing a few luxury clients who will spend far more than your average, we must ask you to wait for our next post. In it, we will offer some tips on how to land projects like these, instead of why you should want to attract luxury clients.

To get in touch with Ted, who has been in the luxury furnishings and design industry for more than 25 years, for consulting that will help you attract more big spenders get in touch with TD Fall today.

Kitchen Designs are the Number One Design Trend for 2020

If you read this blog even occasionally (though we hope you read and memorize every word, every week), you know that we believe the kitchen is the most important room in virtually any home. While we certainly do grasp our own redundancy in stating it again – we would now like to offer proof of the importance of kitchen design.

(Yes, we’re NOT the only ones!)

We found a recent article at Houzz.com to be particularly interesting. With the title, 34 Trends That Will Define Home Design in 2020, we fully expected the trends to be evenly distributed among popular home spaces. Imagine our surprise then when we discovered that, of the 34 trends – 22 were all about kitchen design! (YES!)

Of course, we were not really surprised by the value placed on kitchen design by the folks at Houzz. After all, the greatest portion of their target audience is homeowners so it makes perfect sense. Second place may surprise you somewhat, however, because they put quite a bit of focus on bathrooms and very little on living rooms.

(If you still doubt the validity of our argument for the importance of kitchens to families, check out the articles here, here, and here.)

Kitchen Design Trends 2020

While space limitations make it impossible for us to share all 22 of the trends that are listed in the Houzz piece, there are a few that seem particularly interesting. Quick clue – look for the Pantone Color of the Year to be a huge influencer.

Three-tone Kitchen Designs

Two-tone kitchen cabinets — meaning the upper cabinets are one color and the lower cabinets another color, or the perimeter cabinets are one color and the island is a different color — dominated kitchens in the past couple of years. So it’s only natural that designers are building on the trend rather than doing away with it.

In a three-tone kitchen, one more color or material is introduced to create an asymmetry in the palette that helps define zones or functions and keeps the eye moving.

Refaced Kitchen Cabinets

Keeping the cabinet boxes while replacing the drawer and door fronts is an affordable way to dramatically update a kitchen, and it’s an option that homeowners will increasingly turn to.

Here, Kitchen Magic, which specializes in cabinet refacing, enhanced mid-tone oak cabinets to create a refreshing kitchen with the same layout as the former kitchen.

Blue Kitchen Cabinets are Trending

Speaking of blue cabinets, interior designer and color expert Jennifer Ott predicts that the color will catch on even more in 2020. “Both black and navy continue to be popular, and I anticipate seeing them used in even larger doses in 2020, such as for all of the kitchen cabinets rather than just the base cabinets or island,” she says.

“To balance out these dramatic darks, I’m seeing equally liberal use of neutral to warm whites, such as wool and bone white. These are whites that have just the slightest touch of warmth to them, which keeps them clean and crisp-looking.”

If you hope to be ready for the hot trend toward kitchen design this year, we strongly suggest you take a look at the Houzz article today.

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

What’s New From Kravet: Is French Blue the Hot New Hue for You?

With Classic Blue as the Pantone Color of the Year for 2020 (see this post), it should come as no surprise that the team at Kravet have been searching for, and have found, innovative variations of the trending hue. Case in point would be French Blue, the not new hue from Roxy Te of Society Social is leading the charge with what’s new from Kravet.

The creative director and founder of the popular furniture company, Roxy tells House Beautiful her new hue is a “fresh, classic color that works with every style.” So it’s only suitable that Roxy Te chose to breathe new life into the iconic Brunschwig & Fils’ pattern Les Touches. Roxy’s custom French Blue colorway of Les Touches is sold at her flagship store in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she developed exclusively with the team at Kravet Inc.

As she explains, “We felt a true French blue was missing in the market, specifically in the print category and turned to a brand [and] designer favorite, Brunschwig & Fils’ Les Touches to collaborate on a signature colorway. [The line] has been a part of our custom upholstery offerings for a few years now and is always a top seller for us, specifically the standard blue! We knew our customers and designer following would respond positively to a custom colorway so we worked closely with Brunschwig & Fils‘ design team to hand-select two blues that would ultimately make up the signature spot.”

“We believe our reinterpretation of Les Touches in our signature French Blue will garner the same excitement that the millennial pink movement gained in popularity among modern decorators. French Blue not only caters to the traditionalist, but also to Grandmillennials who are putting a fresh spin on traditional decorating.”

“As a modern brand that went digital before going physical, we understood the importance of having a physical place where our customers could not only touch and feel our designs but also experience a physical expression of our brand in real life. We opened our first ever flagship store, Society Social Charlotte, in November of 2019, which features our original furniture designs, a curated collection of gifts, and a beautiful display of our custom Signature Les Touches French Blue.”

If you are looking for more about what’s new from Kravet, the color of the year, interior design trends and marketing tips, and design product ideas, get in touch with TD Fall today.

Researching Interior Design Trends – Take a Peek Outside the Box

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the Non-trendy Design Trend

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

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

(photo courtesy of Delta Wright Design)

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

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

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

(photo courtesy of High Fashion Home)

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

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

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

(photo courtesy of Semi Handmade)

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

Inspiration from Above

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

(photo courtesy of Hygge & West)

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

Nature at Its Most Luxurious

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

(photo courtesy of Jungalow)

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

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

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

Kravet Responds Bigly to the Pantone Color of the Year 2020

As an interior designer or furnishing supplier, you surely recognize the effect of design trends each new year. Right now, you may be curious to know: What’s the Pantone the year for 2020, and how is Kravet responding to it?

As described at the Kravet website, “A thoughtful color with a calming ambiance, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a timeless and enduring blue hue elegant in its simplicity. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience. In design, versatility is often fundamental… [and] Classic Blue acts as an anchor color for any interior setting as it’s highly adaptable and easily embraced. Looking to cool down the tone of a room, or perhaps add a deep accent color to an otherwise neutral space? Classic Blue can shift the ambiance in many directions.”

Typical of the world’s largest manufacturer of luxury home furnishings, Kravet has gone all in with Classic Blue. From fabrics to wallpaper and from furniture to accent pieces, anyone who wants to “get the blues” will be able to do so.

Reliable and Calming, Yet Classic and Timeless

“With its calming nature, Classic Blue is reassuring and easily relatable, while also providing a stable and dependable foundation for color mixing. Offering a sense of optimism, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue sets the tone in an interior, serving as a clear canvas from which to build upon.”

“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “It is that kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on. Classic Blue encourages us to expand our thinking and challenges us to think more deeply.”

“As technology continues to race ahead of the human ability to process it all, Pantone says it is easy to understand why we gravitate to colors that are honest and offers the promise of protection. Non-aggressive and easily relatable, the trusted Classic Blue lends itself to relaxed interaction. Associated with the return of another day, this universal favorite is comfortably embraced.”

As is typical of the leading influencer in luxury home furnishings, Kravet has taken the latest iteration of the color of the year to new heights and breadths, making it available in a variety of hues across their family of brands.

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

Is It Possible to Install a Truly Sustainable Kitchen Countertop?

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

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

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

Sustainable Countertop Manufacturers

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

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

Coastal Grey Sustainable Kitchen Countertop by Caesarstone

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

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

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

Richlite Sustainable Paper Countertops

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

IceStone Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops

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

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

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

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