Interior Design Trends

Manchaha Rugs – New from Jaipur, Introduced at Fall Market

One of the greatest things about attending High Point Market, regardless of the season or circumstances at large, is the introduction of new products. Whether from the competition or in our showroom, seeing new stuff is always exciting. At this year’s fall Market, we have been delighted to introduce a stunning line of handcrafted, artisanal floor coverings, Manchaha rugs from Jaipur.

Manchaha is a Hindi word popular in our weaving community. It means “Expression of my heart”. The line is a sustainable development initiative where weavers get to design their own rugs for the first time ever. It taps into the untamed fashion in rural India by nurturing their creative potential and transforms a community from exploitation to empowerment.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Creativity

With designs that are truly from the heart for these uncommonly talented yet previously ignored rural weavers, the intricacy of design and attention to detail on display left many who saw the line of Manchaha rugs for the first time speechless. Made with leftover batches of yarn, each rug is one of a kind. Handcrafted with impeccable attention to detail and made from the weaver’s design, each rug tells a unique story.

Handcrafted Artisanal Rugs from Jaipur

The Manchaha Rugs Collection from Jaipur is evocative, prompting a different emotional response in everyone who sees these marvelous rugs. Like works of art, each piece is handmade using leftover, handspun yarn batches. Besides being an impressive example of sustainable production, this results in rugs as unique in design as they are in color.

While the phrase “Expression of my heart” could not be more appropriate for us at TD Fall, the meaning of the word is far more dramatic... Stunning and Unique.

The intricacy of design, stunning craftsmanship, and availability are hallmarks of this new line of rugs from Jaipur.

Needless to say, while it can be exhausting, we love going to High Point, and this year’s Fall Market, with so many new home furnishing lines, was no exception.

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

Hot Home Design Trends – Tips for Interior Designers and Furnishing Dealers

What’s hot in home design trends this year? Home office designs. Flexible, dedicated spaces. Going green – the color, not the practice. And… Pillows! Wait, wut?

Yes, according to the folks at Houzz.com, the latest trends in home design and renovations show spikes in interest for everything from home theaters to reimagined kitchens and bathrooms, and from home gyms to accent pillows. Again with the pillows? WLP? (We Love Pillows)!

In an article from August, author Mitchell Parker explained how the online design and renovation site performed an analysis of searches among their audience between 2020 and 2021. Their goal was “to see how home design interests are changing” over the past year. And, while searches may not always translate to actions by consumers, we can certainly perceive trends for which we should be prepared.

(Oh, and, we’ll get to the pillow thing soon. We promise.)

Dedicate Yourself to Creating Dedicated Activity Spaces

Perhaps most interesting for interior designers and furniture dealers, interest in dedicated activity spaces showed a marked increase over the 12 months examined.

Thanks in large part to the pandemic, or the steps imposed by outside forces to “curb” it, the home has increasingly become the 24/7 center of activity for many families. As Parker explains, “The local gym, bar, theater, and office turned hyper-local as people made room to accommodate these activities at home. It’s a major shift in how people think about their homes and one that probably isn’t going away anytime soon.”

Clearly, the Houzz search data on dedicated activity spaces speak for itself:

home design trends.png

While the trend toward home offices is to be expected, there is far more going on in American homes than we might have anticipated. Seeing these numbers, the sharp interior designer will be ready for prospective clients who are part of these trends – or wish to be.

Green is The Color of The Moment

“Green is having a moment – and not just in one area of the home, but in several. Searches for green kitchen cabinets were up 829%.”

From decadent to delicious, the color green is as versatile as your imagination can, well, imagine it being. Long neglected in home décor and design, the color can provide a sense of warmth and comfort unequaled by other, more popular, hues.

“I think green is trending for a few reasons,” color consultant Jennifer Ott says. “First off, after years of whites, grays, and cool blues being popular, it seems folks are moving more toward warmer hues. Green bridges warm and cool, so it’s a good transition between the two. It works well with white and gray but also tans and creams.”

design search trends.jpg

Not to be outdone, Kravet’s Lee Jofa line features the color as integral to their new Mindoro Collection.

Decorating for Comfort and Style at Multiple Levels

No longer exclusive to elites, home decorating has reached all levels of income and style.

“Renovations to kitchens and bathrooms command a lot of the home design conversation. But decorating seems to be experiencing a particular boom in interest. Searches for home accents increased a whopping 2,417%, while searches for decorative accents rose 799%.”

Still not convinced? “Searches increased significantly for velvet sofas (121%), gold wall mirrors (606%), and gold table lamps (1,166%). The search for champagne, likely in connection with champagne bronze finishes, increased 846%.”

interior design trends.png

Oh, hey… Did we happen to mention pillows? Why did we? Well… “Interest in accent pillows is taking off too. Searches on Houzz skyrocketed 5,050%.” That’s why!

Here are links to our in stock pillows from:

“Jennifer Wundrow Interior Design used a stylish mix of color and pattern in the accent pillows shown [above] to tie together various tones and patterns for a cohesive design.”

There’s plenty more to unpack from the article but, us being who we are, we have our own home design trends to share. Just click here to find out more and… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Strong Upward Movement in Decorating & Home Renovations for 2020 and 2021

We’ve been seeing some interesting trends in home renovations nationwide for the past couple of years. And, while interior design is a local phenomenon (as we never fail to mention whenever possible), the latest national metrics are encouraging for all of us in the industry.

It’s understandable if you resented the lockdowns and stay-at-home orders imposed on most of the country last year. However, they seem to have had a positive effect on the decorating and home renovation areas of the marketplace. In fact, according to the most recent Home Renovation Trends Study by Houzz.com, these areas are experiencing some nice growth.

  • Home Renovation Spend Rises: Home renovation spending has grown 15% in the last year to a median of $15,000. Higher-budget projects (with the top 10% of project spend) saw an increase from $85,000 or more in 2020, compared with $80,000 in the two years prior.”

We found it especially interesting that, “The gap between median renovation spend by Baby Boomers and Gen Xers narrowed in 2020. Baby Boomers ($15,000) spent the most on their renovations and Gen Xers ($14,000) are no longer a distant second. The top 10% of renovation projects among these generations were at least $90,000 and $85,000, respectively.”

home renovations up

Where Home Renovation Dollars are Being Spent

Kitchens and bathrooms remain the most popular spaces for renovation among all age groups. Yet, it should come as no surprise that the younger generations placed a heavier emphasis on home office renovation than did the older. This is surely a result of the work-from-home trend that we saw as a result of the pandemic and Millennials and Gen Xers acted on this.

home decorating projects up

According to the study, “Millennials (17%) and Gen Xers (16%) renovated their home offices more actively than older generations. At least 1 in 5 homeowners across all generations renovated their master bathrooms in 2020.” We see no reason this should change in 2021 and even in 2022.

Further, “Automation and security upgrades are top priorities for Millennials, compared with older generations. Exterior paint upgrades were more common than deck upgrades among homeowners, and especially among Baby Boomers (21%).”

Kitchen Renovations Remain a Priority

While all of these metrics are well and good, we continue to maintain that the kitchen is the most popular – and therefore the most important – room in nearly every home. And, when it comes to home renovation projects, the data prove this to be true; especially for large kitchens (i.e., more than 200 square feet).

  • Homeowners Invest In Large Kitchens: Kitchen projects are the most popular among renovating homeowners, and while median spending has been flat on these projects for the past three years, investment on major remodels of large kitchens jumped 14% to $40,000 in 2020 compared with $35,000 in 2019.”

“Spend on kitchen remodels remained stable at $12,000 in 2020. That said, homeowners with kitchens larger than 200 square feet spent 14% more on major kitchen remodels, where all of the cabinets and appliances were replaced.” (emphasis added)

kitchen renovations priority

While bathrooms remain the second most popular spend for home renovations, the dollars spent tend to be far less than for a kitchen remodel of virtually any size.

design projects increase

Finally, two of the more delicious and delightful metrics revealed by the study include: cash remains the leading form of payment for home renovations at 83%. And, the demand for interior designers, construction professionals, and other home renovation specialists is up across the board. So, while DIY remains popular, renovation and design professionals have much to look forward to across all age groups.

While optimistic, these metrics are of necessity based on data collected nationally. If you have yet to see such upward trends in your local market, Ted may be able to help. He is available for business coaching and consulting to designers and furnishing dealers. With more than 25 years of experience in the luxury furnishings and interior design industries, he can help with branding, client acquisition, and general marketing solutions to help you grow your business. Feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Living Room Design – Seating Arrangements and Style from Leathercraft

What is the purpose of a living room? Is it a showplace or a true living space? The answers to these questions will vary from one design client to another (and another, and another, and…), but the one thing they will have in common is – seating arrangements. That is, whether showplace or living space, comfort and style will be needed in any living room design.

One of our most popular lines at this year’s Spring High Point Market was Leathercraft furniture. Of course, the line always presents well but this year we experienced an even more positive response to the product line than in recent markets.

“Why is that?” you ask. Well, because Leathercraft furniture embodies comfort and style, of course!

Robinson Sofa from Leathercraft (with Asha accent chair)

As the centerpiece of any living room, the sofa sets the stage while other pieces complement it. The Robinson sofa from Leathercraft grabs the eye while inviting one to take a seat and stay for a while. With myriad wood and leather finishes available (literally hundreds of leathers), using the Robinson to set the stage for surrounding pieces will make any designer’s life easier.

robinson1.jpeg

And don’t forget the handcrafted detailing, powder coat finishing of framing and internal mechanisms, along with more than 40 nail head choices to fit any look – and ensure the Robinson is unique for your clients.

Asha Accent Chair from Leathercraft

Of course, not every guest who visits your client’s home will fit on a single sofa (and some may not wish to). The Asha chair shown in an attention-grabbing finish alongside the Robinson sofa above offers a wonderful opportunity for you to add stylish comfort to your living room design.

Part of the Project Hope Foundation Collection for autism research, the Asha chair is a socially conscious yet stunning accent to any living room, with comfort as a given. With nearly 30 wood finishes and dozens of leather finish choices, you’ll have no worries about color, texture, or quality when you choose these pieces as accents for your client’s living spaces.

asha1.jpeg

Phantom Recliner from Leathercraft

Then again, for a space that will be used for living rather than showing, the Phantom recliner from Leathercraft establishes comfort as the priority, without sacrificing style. (And don’t we all want THAT!)

Shown here with maple legs and Overtime Splash Pad leather, the Phantom recliner is just one of the featured pieces in Leathercraft’s “Quick Ship” program.

phantom1.jpeg

Windsor Ottoman from Leathercraft

With all of that said, and shown, if something truly unique is what you and your clients are looking for, the Windsor Ottoman from Leathercraft surely fits the bill. Shown here in Gator Coach leather with a Dark Roast finish, this prop is available with either a plinth or leg base.

As just one of some 100 ottomans and benches to choose from as accent and comfort pieces, the Windsor Ottoman is merely the beginning of what this 50-year-old leather furniture manufacturer can offer.

windsor1.jpeg

It's unfortunate that the demands of time and lack of space so severely limits what we can share in a blog post. What we can tell you though, is that simple numbers of finishes or designs barely begin to describe the variety of combinations a clever interior designer or furnishings retailer can put together for their clients.

Leathercraft Alexandra Chair with Kravet Fabric

alexandra1.jpeg

For help putting together a comfortable and stylish living room design with Leathercraft furniture (which can be produced with, say, Kravet fabrics if you wish!), Get in touch with TD Fall today.

More from High Point Market – Showing Off by Showing Kravet Furniture and Fabrics

What do you suppose is the most attractive part of going to High Point Market for us? Showcasing new lines, perhaps? Writing tons of orders and watching the money roll in, maybe? Actually, what we really love about our trips to Market is showing off our own design chops, greatly helped this spring by showing Kravet Furniture and Fabrics.

We’ve always been proud of the relationship we have with Kravet. For a couple of decades now, they’ve been our Go-To solution for many designers and furnishing dealers. With so many high-quality brands under the Kravet umbrella, recently expanded with the Donghia furniture collection relaunch, our greatest challenge is often having “too many choices” to offer!

Still, as the recognized industry leader, Kravet never fails to create and innovate whenever possible.

Of course, sharing everything they have to offer is impossible in a simple blog post but we’re more than happy to share a few teasers, with images from our showroom at High Point last month.

Stylish Living Room Design Solutions

showing Kravet furniture.jpg

The centerpiece of any home tends to be the living room. Whether formal or casual in design, the vast selection of furnishings from Kravet makes stylish living is possible on virtually any client’s budget.

The Euro Modern Collection from Kravet is a contemporary offering inspired by the Bauhaus movement, a true mixture of Arts and Crafts with Modernism. One of the fundamental tenets of modern design is to emphasize both form and function while incorporating art into everyday living.

Crafted by master artisans using only the finest of materials, these sculptural frames and stand-out styles make a statement in any interior. In keeping with their Levels of Luxury, Kravet Design custom possibilities are endless.

Stunning Fabrics for Any Space

When it comes to fabrics for covering furniture, some clients focus on look while others focus on feel. As their interior designers or furniture supplier, it’s your job to let them know the importance of both – and more.

The stunning fabric and wallcoverings shown here are out of the Linherr Hollingsworth 2 collection. Her look is modern Boheme:

“Linherr Hollingsworth, LLC is a luxury brand/Interior design firm specializing in high-end residential interiors and custom products. After her successful fashion career, Hollingsworth dove into home interiors. She finds customization just a part of the design process and never shies away from its challenges. Her signature touches include: use of expansive patterns, accents of burnished warm metals, and a belief that luxurious, sexy rooms should be lived in.”

Tasteful Solutions to Create Restful Sleep

showing Kravet fabrics.jpg

As the saying goes, “We spend a third of our lives in bed”, with eight of every 24 hours devoted to sleep (in a perfect world, anyway.) With the ICreate collection from Kravet, you can literally design your client’s sleep spaces.

In one of the most unique approaches to custom furniture programs for interior designers, the choice is always yours.

Make every piece your own with ICreate Beds. Select your bed silhouette, headboard treatment, platform trim, base, and finish with a multitude of serene styles and luxurious options to choose from.

As Kravet likes to say, with ICreate Beds, “The choice of... Silhouette, Headboard, Platform Trim, Bed Base, and Finish is yours!”

The same is true with ICreate Chests.

“Make every piece your own with ICreate Chests. Select your silhouette, base, face, finish and embellish with hardware options, including styles from popular brand Addison Weeks.”

Ted remains available to work with you on a case-by-case basis with business consulting that is targeted to needs and to help you reach your furnishings dealer or design business goals. With more than 25 years of experience in the luxury furnishings and interior design industries, he has pretty much seen it all.

OK, that’s enough showing off by showing Kravet furniture and fabrics. So, if you have questions about other products or the availability of Kravet luxury furnishing products or brands, feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Spring High Point Market 2021 – Modern History Furniture

Is it possible to create modern furniture designs that reflect a historical perspective? Well, as we were pleased to display at the recent Spring High Point Market, the stunning pieces from Modern History furniture enable us to answer with an emphatic “Yes!”.

As the company explains on their website, “Classic, timeless, well-styled, and quality is the foundation of exceptional design and the foundation for the furniture of Modern History. Built on the ongoing family tradition of Yorkshire House, Modern History is a fresh and exciting approach to Fine Furniture and High Design.”

Unfortunately, and as is true with so many product-based blog posts, we are barely able to suggest the variety and quality of the Modern History Furniture line. At best, we hope to whet your appetite and pique your interest for more!

Architectural Cocktail Table and Console

Handcrafted in oak veneers with a lacquer sealed, sandblasted weathered solid finish, this remarkable piece is guaranteed to be, well… remarked upon by family and guests alike.

Available in two sizes, the Architectural Cocktail Table provides a firm anchor to any living space. At the same time, the Architectural Console becomes a functional complement to its larger sibling.

(Table dimensions: 66”x55”x15”, 55”x43”x15”)

(Console dimensions: 66”x20”x32”)

An investment in furniture by Modern History affords not only quality and value, but furnishings backed by a second-generation family tradition of supplying furniture of the highest standards.

Bezier Desk

With home office solutions currently in such high demand, the Bezier Desk from Modern History makes an undeniable statement while reveling in its own beauty.

Crafted of solid oak, with an olive ash burl veneer, the work-from-home portion of your client list will be eager to see this piece in their home office.

(Dimensions: 66”x30”x30”)

Hand-crafted in small quantities, the quality of manufacture, finish, proportion, and attention to detail are reminiscent of generations past when anything less would not be tolerated. Solid brass hardware, dovetailed drawers, and hand-rubbed finishes are just a few of the many benefits of furniture by Modern History.

Maui Dining Table

modern history Maui dining table.jpg

Of course, nothing says welcome home from a day at the office, even an in-home office, quite like a delicious meal served up on a stunning dining table. Available in three widths, each with two self-storing 24” leaves, the ash veneer finished Maui Dining table will be a wonderful conversation starter, as well as a breathtaking platform for any meal.

(Dimensions: 76”/100”/124”x46”x30”)

Modern History offers more than simply a piece of furniture. They present a line of fine furniture that will define your client’s home environments for years to come, helping you create a sanctuary where they can escape from the stresses of everyday life.

More to Come from TD Fall at the Spring High Point Market 2021

Yes, we anticipate more to come from our booth at the Spring High Point Market soon. This will include more sneak peeks at some truly stunning fabrics, wallcoverings, furniture, and lighting solutions. Stay tuned for future posts.

If you have questions about other products or the availability of Modern History furniture, feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Spring High Point Market 2021 – It’s a Bad News, (Mostly) Good News Kind of Thing

So, Spring High Point Market just happened. We were there. Were you?

While market has yet to return to the norms of the past, our most recent trip was certainly more robust than last October. Also, business continues to be strong on both the retail and design sides of the furnishing industry.

Beyond lower attendance levels than we’ve seen in years past, the biggest issue facing TD Fall & Company vendors continues to be the foam shortage for upholstery. Then too, they continue to deal with delays in shipping and extended lead times due to a lack of shipping containers and truck drivers, as well as inflationary pressures causing price increases and surcharges.

OK, that’s the bad news. The good news is… lack of creativity is NOT a symptom of the worldwide health crisis or pandemic!

Jaipur Living Impresses Everyone

spring high point market.jpg

According to Ted, who is our resident expert, after all, his impression from this year’s spring High Point Market was that Jaipur Living had the strongest showing of new products with some great higher-end offerings. They also introduced their incredibly creative line of “vegan” cowhide rugs made from felted wool!

Known for everything from stunning rugs to pillows, poofs, and throws, this four decades old, Georgia-based company takes creativity in floor coverings to unprecedented levels.

If you're hoping to show a flair for the dramatic, Jaipur has you (well, your client’s floors) covered. From subtle to bold, these handcrafted rugs bring designs and textures that enable any statement you might wish to make.

An Artisanal Response to Human Nature

On the more human side, their Human/Nature line of rugs, a hand-knotted, global design by Kevin O’Brien, will elevate any personal space.

“The beauty of human interconnectivity and the patterned expression of lines etched across our landscape come together to form the Human/Nature collection. These hand-knotted rugs by Kevin O'Brien showcase a simultaneously inviting and global vibe that has the ability to anchor any modern space. The Ancient Pathways design features a detailed geometric motif in light neutral and grounding tones of slate gray, charcoal, and warm beige.”

Well known for his distinctive textiles, Kevin O'Brien Studios has been creating distinctive designs for 25 years.

This collaboration with Jaipur Living explores how rug-making techniques can transform their designs.

From the look to the hand – or would that be the foot(?) – the artisanal impression made by this line of hand-knotted, 100% wool rugs will have your clients eager to experience them in their homes.

Available in four sizes, including 6 by 9 feet, 8 by 10 feet, 9 by 12 feet, and 10 by 14 feet.

The Revival of a Dying Art

new Jaipur Living rugs.jpg

As shared at the Jaipur Living website, their philosophy is very personal, creativity-inspiring, and life-affirming.

“Industrialization has impacted the ancient art of rug weaving. Once thriving, it now faces extinction. We believe sustainable communities are the key to the survival of rug weaving. Through doorstep entrepreneurship and fair wages, the Jaipur System has ensured consistent income and a sustainable livelihood for the communities involved. The results have been wonderful – today, the number of artisans is on the rise.”

“Jaipur Living's purpose is to create beautiful lives for our customers, consumers, their families and friends, the artisans who create our products, and our employees. We are committed to the craftsmanship and artfulness of handmade rugs, and to keeping the age-old art alive.”

“The Jaipur System removes the middleman by employing a network of 40,000 artisans in more than 700 villages in India, ensuring quality and consistency. We connect with our artisan partners through a common thread of love and compassion. They’re provided a livable and reliable wage, along with opportunities for personal growth and development.”

Design is a passion for Jaipur Living and it spills out in artful colors, patterns, and textures. Adding depth to any space, nothing says “textured finish” quite like these beautiful designs.

More to Come from TD Fall at the Spring High Point Market 2021

There will definitely be more to come from our booth at the Spring High Point Market soon. This will include peeks at some truly stunning fabrics, wallcoverings, furniture, and lighting solutions. Stay tuned for future posts.

If you have questions about other products or the availability of Jaipur Living products, feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

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

Donghia furniture collection.jpg

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

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

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

Soon to be Iconic Donghia Furniture

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

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

Donghia accent table collection.jpg

An Occasional Statement Has Been Made

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

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

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

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

Donghia Sectionals

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

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

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

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

More to Come from Donghia

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

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

GP & J Baker Virtual Color Books – A New Designer Sales Tool from Kravet

Pick a color, any color (or a season) and Kravet offers a set of GP & J Baker virtual color books to help designers. (No, not a colorING book – a Color Book!)

Our goal is not to make light of the changes to our personal and professional lives that have been forced upon us by circumstance in the past year or so. Rather, we find it encouraging that so many of us, from single-owner design businesses to the largest manufacturers and suppliers have become so innovative in response.

It comes as no surprise that one of the largest, Kravet, continues to find ways to make life easier for those of us who may not be able to do business face-to-face. And, as the recognized leader in the industry, we have come to expect nothing less from them.

“How does this work?” you ask. Unlike the well-known Sample Books from Kravet, their new virtual color books present color-based images of curated fabrics and wallpapers. The real innovation here though is that, while the color books present swatch images, they also offer images of the fabrics and wallpapers in use. So, instead of forcing you to use only your imagination to visualize a presentation, the color books get you started with an image of covered furnishings and walls.

Kickstart Creativity with Virtual Color Books from Kravet

For designers and furnishing retailers who’re restricted from visiting a showroom, being able to download any of nearly 20 of these color books is a great way to help get your creative juices flowing. Being able to share them with clients and prospects virtually only adds to their appeal and practical application.

What a wonderful tool you're being given to renovate a client’s space and help you close a deal – virtually!

For example, this image from the GP & J Baker Teal color book shows creative yet practical uses for a stunning wall covering and one of their fabrics with an eye-catching print.

Not really feeling it with teal? Maybe 14 virtual pages of Red Plum fabrics and wallpapers will do the trick and inspire your imagination with different looks and feels for that special space in your client’s home.

download Kravet color books.png

Then again, we did promise you a glimpse of the fabrics and wallcoverings that are most appropriate for seasons. The Mulberry Home color book from Kravet is focused on the Autumn collection of fabrics and wallcoverings available in stock right now. This is just a sample of the 11-page virtual color book you can download.

GP & J Baker virtual color books.png

Due to the limits of space and time for a blog post, we’re unable to show every page of every virtual color Kravet has made available. But, we do want to share the assortment of colors and themes they’ve put together.

color books choices.png

With so many palettes available (and don’t forget Teal!), it would be difficult to not use these downloadable virtual color books in your design or sales process.

And please keep in mind that these color books are not designed to merely show what you might do for your clients. The fabrics and wallcoverings shown are in stock and available for your projects right now!

Get in touch with TD Fall today to learn more about how you can use these innovative virtual color books from Kravet to help you create appealing presentations for your clients – and close more sales.

Donghia Furnishings Relaunch by Kravet, May 2021

Donghia Furnishings relaunch.jpg

It’s he-ere! That’s right. The Donghia furnishings relaunch by Kravet will take place this month (May 2021).

As we shared in our February 23rd blog post, industry leader Kravet has acquired the iconic Donghia line of luxury furnishings, making it the latest among their family of brands.

And now, the time has come for the highly anticipated relaunch this month: “Donghia will introduce 450 fabrics, all but 30 of which are pulled from the company’s existing style library. Complementing this selection are more than 50 wallcoverings, including metallic grasscloths, a signature of the line.” (BusinessOfHome.com)

Bringing some 16 years of experience with the eponymous line, most recently as executive vice president of showrooms, Doug Garfinkle has been named Donghia’s creative director. “I really feel that I understand the Donghia brand,” Garfinkle exclaimed. “I would say it’s what most closely aligns with my personal aesthetic, so it feels like an exciting and natural fit in that regard.”

The Donghia Brand Returns in May

Under Garfinkle’s guidance, great strides have been made to return this well-loved brand to the fine furnishings marketplace. “We’ve been working with a huge team to bring the line back to market,” he said, “which we’ll do in May. It’s a multifaceted launch because we have furniture, lighting, accessories, wallcoverings, and textiles, all of which will be live on a new website for Donghia and in 15 Kravet showrooms in the U.S., London, and Paris.”

Perhaps most importantly, Garfinkle explained, “We inherited all the Donghia SKUs and did a complete analysis of the history of sales. Like a recipe, we added where we thought there was a need.”

As for distribution, “Beyond the [immediate] plans in May, we’re expanding our domestic and international ambitions. Domestically, there will be more representation through our showrooms, hopefully expanding to all of our showrooms eventually, which will be a larger distribution than the Donghia brand has ever had. We’ll also target select agent showrooms as well in areas where there aren’t existing Kravet showrooms.”

Further, he said, “We’re hearing from clients that there are certain styles they’re passionate about and would love to see come back. Our collective goal is to restore Donghia to this iconic lifestyle brand that it was, and can be again, and then to continue that legacy.”

For those unfamiliar with Alberto Donghia and his legacy, this YouTube documentary offers insight into a designer who created glamorous interiors and furnishings for prominent figures and celebrities in the 70s and 80, before his unfortunate death at 50.

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about this iconic line, as well as the Donghia furnishings relaunch by Kravet.