Wallpaper is Making a Comeback

From CBS to the Boston Globe, and from Houzz.com to FineHomeBuilding.com, wallpaper is in the news. Why? Because wallpaper is making a comeback!

For more than 20 years now, wallpaper has largely been a thing of the past. With memories of garish designs and patterns from the 60s and 70s wreaking havoc on youthful memories, by the time Baby Boomers became old enough to own their own homes, hanging paper on their walls was frowned upon. Walls of old homes were stripped bare, while new homes received a quick paint job – and that was it.

Wallcovering Trends 2016

Today though, wallpaper is back in style. Reimagined for a modern eye and used with restraint, the latest wallcoverings lend personality and style without being overwhelming. “We all love paint, but sometimes you just need a little bit more. Wallpaper can add dimension, it can add a sparkle, and it creates a really warm, layered feeling,” says Dee Elms of Boston firm Terrat Elms Interior Design.

Wall coverings have once again come into vogue. Leading trends include murals, coverings with an aged elegance or gentle worn look, and especially textured looks. Others are pushing the design envelope, adding all sorts of tactile dimensions. In fact, some cutting edge wall coverings are made of anything but paper.

Subtle organic details in this muted-tone print make for a soft look that won't overpower a room.

Here is an example of the many patterns that evoke an old architectural style without feeling dated.

Depth can be added through shading – no 3D printer required.

Wallpaper for the kids – and the folks, too!

Innovative styling for the kid’s room, which may encourage them to get creative!

A similar style works just as well for mom or dad.

The key to an up-to-date look using wallpaper is in the application. Encourage your clients to view it as an amazing piece of art or a gorgeous accessory. Plus, new formulations make wallpaper less permanent, relieving them of a “lifetime” commitment. Removable adhesive treatments are available in an ever-increasing range of wallpaper designs. How cool is that?

Looking for more wallpaper design tips? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Select and Use Color for Both Effect and Enjoyment

When you begin to analyze a client’s space, one of the first things that will often come to mind is color. Why was the existing color chosen, and what does it say about your client?

While a color change may be the simplest, most expedient step to take for reimagining a space, the fear of using color can stop some people in their tracks. They will worry about which color to choose; whether it should be light/dark/warm/cool; where to use it; how to use it; how it will look and feel; whether they’ll get tired of it; how it blends with other colors; where to start and stop; and on and on.

Of course, color is one of the areas where a professional designer can step in and help. The reason is twofold: First, a professional has been trained in color and how to use it. Second, a professional can serve as an objective eye in the project, asking and answering questions from an unbiased perspective.

Calming client fears of color

Based on the “psychology of colors,” there are several ways to approach color in decorating that will help to calm these fears:

• If your client would like a particular room to feel larger, light, and airy, you should select lighter colors, since light colors recede and give the feeling of expanding space.
• If your client would like a particular room to feel warm and cozy, less large, you should select deeper shades of color. For the warm feel, you will gravitate toward the warm tones of reds and yellows.
• If your client would like a particular room to feel relaxing, blues and neutral tones will be the direction you should suggest to them.
• If your client would like a special room to offer stimulation and contrast, you should propose a black-and-white combo: deeper shades of one color mixed with neutrals or lighter tints of the same color for a monochromatic effect.

It may be helpful to lead your client on a shopping expedition to your favorite paint store or the paint section of a home improvement store. Beyond the normal have tear sheets or brochures of current color trends and combinations, they usually have photos of those colors in room settings to help you visualize. All of this will assist in narrowing down your client’s color preferences.

Ask your clients to be open to colors that they may not have considered previously. Explain that there are over 16 million colors available to choose from and that they would do well not to limit themselves just because they have never used a particular color before.

Remember, what people are really afraid of is taking a risk or making a blunder; that fear can be so real to them that, sometimes, they never make a decision at all.

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

Pantone Releases Hot Colors for Spring 2017

Pantone, the self-proclaimed authority on Fashion Color, have released their Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 Color Reports. Based on what was showcased at the latest New York Fashion Week in September, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman said, "One of the things that we saw this year, was a renewed sense of imagination in which color was appearing in context that was different than the traditional.”

Spring 2017 Pantone Color Report

From colors that are bright and vivid to those that convey a sense of earthiness, the top 10 colors for spring 2017 are reminiscent of the hues that surround us in nature.

According to Architectural Digest, the seasonal Pantone Color Report is seen as a glimpse into upcoming styles for the year.

Surprisingly earthy and warm for the spring season, the list ranges from veggie-inspired Kale to Greenery; warm, muted hues Hazelnut and Pale Dogwood; soft blues Island Paradise and Niagara; and the more poppy Pink Yarrow, Flame, Lapis Blue, and Primrose Yellow.

Yet, when compared to their fall list, one can see how these colors evolved for 2017.

Fall 2016 Pantone Color Report

Of course, nothing exists in a vacuum, which makes it important to examine how this list of colors was developed for spring 2017.

Along with anchoring earth tones, exuberant pops of vibrant colors also appear throughout the collections. Transcending gender, these unexpectedly vivacious colors in our Fall 2016 palette act as playful but structured departures from your more typical fall shades.

While the top 10 for Fall 2016 were heavy on the blues as well as reddish-brown shades, there were six colors that are brand-new to the Pantone universe of colors. When this palette of colors is considered relative to the list for next spring, it’s fairly easy to see how many of the top 10 colors evolved.

The similarities between the spring and fall reports don't end there. There are a lot of nature references, like in seasons past; this time around, the earthy vibes come courtesy of vibrant earth tones like Dusty Cedar and Lush Meadow.

As they do every year and season, the Pantone Color Institute surveys the designers at New York Fashion Week about their color choices, then develops the bi-annual color report for those of us in the fashion and home design industries to employ as a tool for the work we do.

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

Interior Design Marketing Tips on Sustainable Housing

While sustainable homes do tend to be somewhat minimalist, this is not always the case. In fact, it’s actually possible to add some luxury to homes that present a low carbon footprint to the world, keeping them “green” and eco-friendly.

A high performance, energy efficient home may include features like geothermal heating, wind power and solar panels, but these are not the defining features of green living. They come in second, and some you can even do without. A green home starts with being well designed, well insulated, and well positioned to rely as much as possible on passive heating and cooling.

As an interior designer, it is your job to enhance as many of these features as possible, to maximize their usefulness for minimizing the home’s footprint and increasing its sustainability for your clients.

For example, an efficient and resilient home is one that uses minimal energy to heat, light and run appliances. The biggest factor is heating, so reducing heat requirements is the best way to reduce our personal emission of greenhouse gases.

A house with 60% of its windows facing south (passive solar) may have its heating requirements reduced by as much as 25% for virtually no cost. It is important that it be properly designed to avoid overheating though, or you will negate any heat savings with air conditioning in the summer.

Place Windows and Stone Exteriors for Southern Exposure

A solar-exposure study was performed before situating this single-story dwelling: In winter, the sun warms heat-retaining exposed stone and concrete portions of the home; in summer, when the exposure angle changes, a deep overhanging roof acts as a shield. (ArchitecturalDigest.com)

Solar Panels and Windows for Increased Efficiency

The addition of solar panels will also go a long way toward boosting efficiency and reducing the need for electricity that is produced with fossil fuels. Thanks to incredible efficiency and ample solar panels, ZEB Pilot House is said to generate almost three times the amount of electricity it requires. (NewAtlas.com)

Yes, Size Matters

A smaller house is a more efficient house. A smaller house means less land to excavate, less materials to manufacture and ship, less space to heat, less space to cool, less taxes to pay, less to clean. And they are always cheaper to buy or build.

Said to be the first certified Passive House in New York City, Tighthouse represents an impressive energy-efficient renovation of an existing row house that's over a hundred years old. (NewAtlas.com)

Sustainable Luxury

San Francisco's Fougeron Architecture recently designed and built a particularly beautiful luxury house that's guaranteed to make the neighbors see green. Located on California's Big Sur coastline, the Fall House sports a copper facade that will weather and patina over time, as it comes into contact with the sea air. The copper is also designed to offer a degree of fire-protection. (NewAtlas.com)

From Millennials to Baby Boomers, sustainable housing is becoming more important than ever before. Learning the principles and practices involved can only be a bonus to a cutting edge interior designer.

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

New Collections from Kravet for Fall 2016

Founded by Samuel Kravet and his four sons nearly 100 years ago (1918), Kravet, Inc. is an industry leader in the home furnishings and design trades. Now in its fifth generation as a family owned and operated business, they have also become one of the largest distributors of fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpeting, and accessories in the world.

Simply stated… Where Kravet goes, the industry follows. Here, we offer a glimpse of new collections for Fall 2016 from Kravet.

Ralph Lauren Home Fall 2016 Collection

Perhaps the most universally recognized name in the fashion industry, Ralph Lauren offers iconic designs for a discriminating clientele. Similarly, the Ralph Lauren Home is recognized as the first fashion designer to present an all-encompassing collection for the home, offering a distinctive vision and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship that enriches the places we live.

Hoxton - Translating the eclectic sensibility of East London’s artist lofts, Hoxton showcases a diverse mix of painterly florals, wool plaids and ticking stripes in a fresh palette of warm grey, cream, and sepia for a vintage-inspired collection grounded in a modern, bohemian spirit.

Camel Book - Evoking the refinement of the iconic camelhair polo coat, a diverse mix of wool, cotton and linen celebrate the versatility of this classic neutral. From a rustic sophistication to a feminine elegance, camel adds a heritage touch to any home.

Modern Chalet - A highlight of the Fall 2015 womenswear collection was a modern look at winter white. Texture and form become the focus in this Zen-like study of luxurious cream on cream. Touches of stone and taupe firmly ground the collection.

Barbara Barry Fall 2016 Collection

Elegance, Barbara Barry’s new programmed rug collection for Kravet Carpet, is simply that. Three of her most popular Kravet Carpet designs – La Vie En Rose, Line Dance and Renku – balance tonal and textural elements for a subtly refined appeal. Each pattern is offered in three soft, natural colorways reminiscent of Barry’s signature simple yet sophisticated style.

La Vie En Rose - Colorways: Cypress, Moonglow & Oyster, 100% Wool

Line Dance - Colorways: Buff, Hazel & Tea Leaf, Wool & Viscose

Renku - Colorways: Cashew, Ink Brush & Spruce, 100% Wool

Hand Tufted in India, Available in 6x9, 8x10, 9x12, 10x14, custom size

Gastón y Daniela Fall 2016 Collection

Offered in the U.S. through Kravet, Gastón y Daniela is one of the most important fabric houses in the Spanish high-end textile industry. The collection includes an array of opulent textures, colors, and styles that combine to create cohesive sophisticated interiors.

Tierras - Inspired by different periods and places in the Spanish history, each motif in Gaston y Daniela’s Tierras collection is based on a blend of influences, though all of them have been designed to capture the geometric pattern and distinctive color scheme typical of Spanish tiles. The new collection features re-workings of historical elements taken from the decorative arts as well as inspiration from the 1960s pop art aesthetic.

For more on what’s new from Kravet this season, get in touch with TD Fall today.

5 + 3 Interior Design Marketing Tips (OK, that’s 8!)

A recent article at FurnitureToday.com captured our attention and imagination, both for the value of the information offered and its brevity. In the article, designer Paula Grace Halewski was interviewed, sharing her insights into how designers can grow their business and build client relationships.

5 Interior Design Marketing Tips

As mentioned above, and unlike so many articles that offer “5 Tips for Growth” or “7 Tips for Business Success” or “101 Ways to Make More Money”, Ms. Halewski does not try to teach you how to restructure and rebrand your design business in 300 words or less. Instead, she offers a quick, intelligent outline of five simple steps you can take to enhance your design business – immediately.

1. Develop a relationship with retailers – Many designers don't have direct accounts with manufacturers so that the retailer can be an asset, an extension of the designer's team.
2. Be a teacher – DIY consumers will need assistance, and the designer is always in the role of teacher when it comes to interior design. Having the specific knowledge and resources DIY consumers don’t have places us in an invaluable consultant/teacher role.
3. Tune into individuality – I'm seeing more consumers valuing individuality or their unique expression of who they are. Custom designed and/or niche pieces are in higher demand in my practice.
4. Help consumers feel at home – I’m finding consumers wanting to root themselves in their home and communities. To create the ultimate haven, consumers will seek things that make them feel protected and safe. This means technology, yes, but also furnishings that make them feel grounded.
5. Build your brand – If a particular designer's brand appeals to consumers, then that designer and her brand are assets to a furniture company. That's how licensing agreements are born.

3 Interior Design Marketing Tips

Now, having complemented the article for being brief and to the point, we would like to add a few things to this list:

1. Develop Support Partnerships – not just with local retailers but with other service providers as well, including plumbing contractors, carpenters, finishers, upholsterers, and others. By creating and building relationships with these providers, you’ll begin to build a team that can support you over the long term, building your reputation as a designer who gets the work done – on time and on budget – which will only enhance your brand.
2. Market to Millennials – through a focus on lifestyle, including what is most valued by this increasingly important demographic: sustainability, technology, openness, connections and collaboration, freedom and fun. Not only are millennials the fastest growing age group in the US, but they are also already the largest, as well. You ignore them at your peril. (For more on this critical demographic, check out this blog post: Marketing to Millennials [INFOGRAPHIC].
3. Boost Your Online Identity – overcoming the inherently impersonal nature of the internet is a challenge for all of us today. Online shopping has reached a critical mass – and continues to grow. As a result, your design business website may well be your greatest asset. It goes without saying that, for a designer, your sit must be beautiful, but it must also be informative, compelling, quick to load on any device – and mobile-friendly!

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

Design Trends Fall 2016

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

Marketing to Millennials [INFOGRAPHIC]

We’ve approached this topic in previous posts, that of marketing home furnishings and design services to millennials but, with additional research available on an almost weekly basis, it’s a topic we may be able to explore for quite some time.“Why would we want to?” you may ask.That’s easy… Now larger than the “Baby Boomer” generation, millennials have become the fastest-growing, most diverse consumer demographic in the US – quickly on their way to becoming the largest market for home furnishings and interior design services in the marketplace.For proof, take a look at this infographic on millennials as a market force, borrowed from MicroDInc.com:If you're not impressed with these numbers, perhaps some impressions from another study of millennials will impress the importance of this demographic on your marketing efforts.Millennials in the Marketing SpotlightMillennials are migrating to areas where job opportunities are concentrated. Embracing a diverse urban lifestyle, they are also directly affecting the revitalization of long-dormant urban areas in Detroit, downtown Los Angeles, Brooklyn, downtown Houston, and Uptown Dallas, as well as the rapid urbanization of smaller and less dense metropolitan areas like Austin and Nashville.As a result of this trend toward urban living, millennials are creating challenges and opportunities for owners and occupiers of commercial real estate, including investors, landlords, and tenants, as well as the home furnishing and design markets in these areas.Known as “urban-burbs”, both urban and suburban communities are being reshaped by this dynamic demographic as they seek to transform their communities, with walkable amenities, efficient and accessible transit, high connectivity, city-center conveniences, and sustainable lifestyle choices, combined with lower-rise density living and improved affordability.For the home furnishing and design industries, understanding and marketing to the wants and needs of millennials will be ever more critical in the future, as this demographic continues to grow – in both sheer numbers and buying power.Looking for more interior design marketing tips? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Design Trends for Baby Boomers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Do Successful Designers Stay That Way?

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

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

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