Online Marketing & The Value of Researching the Competition

Knowledge is a wonderful thing, yet real-world experience is even more valuable. It’s likely because of the importance placed on what’s known as ‘book learnin’ that so many experts take certain details of their niche for granted. That is, they expect their clients to know things they do not. Not only does this happen among interior designers, furnishing dealers, and manufacturers, it frequently happens among those they rely on to support them: for example, business coaches and online marketing experts.

One of the areas in which this commonly happens is market research. Many think they know what the term means yet find it difficult to explain or perform well. It’s a bit like the phrase, “I can’t describe it, but I know it when I see it.”

Well, that’s  really not good enough for the person who is supposed to be doing it – or for the person who needs it done – and done well.

First, we ask, what exactly is “market research”? According to the online dictionary Wiktionary, it is “The systematic collection and evaluation of data regarding customers' preferences for actual and potential products and services.”

That’s a nice, concise explanation as far as it goes but, it’s all about the wants and/or needs of potential customers or clients. Where it falls apart, at least for our purposes, is that it never mentions the competition. After all, none of us live or work in a vacuum free from competition. And, just as it’s critical to know what the market demands, it’s equally important to know how and if other businesses are meeting that demand.

What’s the Other Guy Doing?

Quite simply, if you don’t know what “the other guy or gal” is doing in your market, your chances of cutting into their customer base are low indeed. Further, the business coach or online marketing expert you may have hired will be inclined to believe you already know not only how important this is, but also that you either know it or know how to find out. (That is what we mean about experts taking things for granted, by the way.)

And now, we offer some guidance on how to perform market research on your competition:

What services are the busiest interior designers in your area offering? This one is pretty easy to answer. Jump online and check out the websites or social media profiles of the top designers or dealers in your area and look at their “Services Provided” or “Products” section. For designers, how do they describe their services and what are you seeing most often? For retailers, which lines are being offered in your market, and to what extent?

For both, are they a full-service provider or do they make more of a “one and done” type of impression? For the latter, it should be obvious you could fill in the gaps. (More on that a bit later.)

Which categories of design services are not being offered in your area? Again, researching the competition will enable you to build a list of the most frequently mentioned services or product lines being offered in your area. This list can then be compared to other possible services or product lines that are missing from your market.

That is the list you want to focus on – what we call the “List of What is Possible”. That is, the design services and/or product lines you believe can make an impression on potential clients who are currently unable to find them.

What home renovation or design challenges do customers have in your area? This is an area where the details matter. So many designers go for The Big Job and forget the importance – and number – of smaller and potentially more profitable projects. While it’s great to work on high-dollar, high-profile projects, it’s also a fact of life that many such jobs are quoted with lower margins and end up costing more than anticipated, reducing profits even further. (Landing those jobs is also an ego boost that a sharp designer shouldn’t need.)

Choosing to focus on a higher volume of higher-margin projects that can be completed more quickly is a fantastic path to building your business and your reputation. And, since interior design is a local business (as we keep saying), building your rep as a creative, reliable professional will be your key to long-term success. (PLUS – smaller projects often offer the potential for more repeat business; that is, instead of renovating an entire house, doing one room at a time over time.)

What Are You Doing?

Finding voids in your market is well and good but will have little value if you are unable or unwilling to fill them. Doing so will require that you rethink your business model to better fit those areas. You may even find that the most needed, and potentially most profitable, service categories are not your favorites. However, if your goal is to build your business rather than to tickle your own fancy, you may need to bite the bullet and offer them.

With these thoughts in mind, expand your research by asking yourself:

Which design services can I provide that are unique, superior, or at a more competitive price point? How can I help homeowners solve their unmet renovation or design challenges? Is there a need for a pro with a different pricing structure?

In what other categories could I perform design work? How many competitors in my potential other categories are in my service area? Is there a need for a pro who can take on small and mid-sized projects?

What will set me apart from the local competition? What can I offer that is different, better, done more quickly, or at a better value? Which lines of furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings, rugs, mirrors, pillows, and lighting might have an impact on your market and, in our current jumbled world, which of them have shorter lead times and/or greater availability?

Use these questions to research your area and to evaluate your own business. Your market research must include all of these factors to see if there’s an unmet need you can fulfill to attract new and/or repeat clients and close more deals.

If you struggle with research for online marketing of your furniture or design business, consider working with a more experienced consultant. Ted is available for such business consulting to the trade. Just… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Furniture Delivery Delays – Why Are They Getting Longer Instead of Improving?

OK, before we get into the subject of furniture delivery delays, there is something that simply MUST be said. Covid-19 did not cause shipping delays – in ours or any industry. No virus in the history of the world can cause that. However, the reaction to it can, including lock-downs, stay-at-home orders, mask mandates, factory shutdowns, and the myriad of other restrictions that were placed on individuals and businesses.

Having said that, the question must be asked, where does that leave us?

Well, it too often leaves us with delays in delivering the furnishings we’ve been accustomed to getting much more quickly for our clients, and you for yours. Sometimes ridiculous delays, perhaps up to nine months! (Yes, we’re aware that is a sentence fragment but it was the best way to clarify and emphasize the point. Sorry, not sorry!)

So, where does that leave us? Looking for answers from some slightly unusual sources. Now, news sites may not be considered unusual sources for any number of subjects but, in this case, we’re thinking industry sources could be a bit too optimistic. Because of this, we trolled a few sites that would give us the skinny without self-interest as their motivation (hopefully).

Why Is This Happening?

Be advised that some of the reports we chose were published in late spring and early to mid-summer when all of the craziness began – or became recognized. And, some product categories have either not been heavily impacted or are beginning to recover nicely. Still, it cannot be denied or avoided when dealing with homeowners, there are still some serious problems leading to unprecedented lead times for fine furnishings.

As one of the stories from a local ABC affiliate in the Cleveland area explained, “Increased demand, plus truck driver shortages, shipping docks and ports being packed, supply chain logistics issues, and storms in Texas and the southeast impacting factories that make a chemical needed in sofas and mattresses – well, it’s all caused longer than ever lead times.”

Earlier this year, furnishing lead times began to grow from a few weeks to a couple of months. Soon though, four to six months became the norm for many furniture suppliers. Now, thanks to those shortages and the lack of skilled labor, combined with the trucking problems and backlogs at some of the largest harbors and piers, nine to ten-month lead times are not out of the question.

An interesting development we found at CNN was the impact on a source many have no idea is critical to the furnishings supply chain: the country of Vietnam. That’s right, our former enemy has become a major competitor to China as a supplier of clothing and shoes (Nike), as well as upholstered furniture.

According to the article, this summer was a tough time in the Southeast Asian country as they suffered from a dramatic rise in Covid cases. “With factories in Vietnam shutting down due to the outbreak, the front-end of the United States furniture supply chain is badly affected, said Mark Schumacher, CEO of Home Furnishings Association, an industry group representing more than 1,500 retailers.”

Unfortunately, the industry has not fully recovered from these delays, especially in areas that were already struggling thanks to the winter freeze and storms that affected foam deliveries so dramatically.

A Perfect Storm – When Demand is Greater Than Supply

As many have said, the situation has become a perfect storm of homebound people deciding to upgrade their furnishings while the suppliers are struggling to supply even the most basic items: upholstered chairs and sofas, mattresses, and dining room sets. Much like a traffic accident during rush hour, once the flow is halted, the backup (or, in this case, backlog) grows beyond the ability of those in the rear to make progress – or even to know why they’re stuck!

And so it was and, to a significant extent remains, in the furnishings industry.

It’s not ALL bad news though. For example, here at TD Fall, we’ve begun to see a nice uptick in availability from more than a few manufacturers. Fine rugs and wall coverings were only marginally affected, most commonly due to shipping issues rather than a lack of components or labor.

Also, most of our suppliers have had little to no problems shipping accessory items and complementary pieces. Because of this, and as we suggested in a previous post on strategies for coping with delivery delays, many interior designers and furnishing retailers are delivering orders piecemeal where possible. That is, for many clients, something is better than nothing and this can make handling extended lead times easier for all involved.

As we shared then, and continue to believe, “You must… Be open with clients. Never hide extended lead times or other availability issues. Always communicate in both directions: with clients and suppliers. Always share the results of your communication as needed – not just when it might benefit you in some way. (Getting the bad news out of the way upfront will nearly always benefit you in the long run.)” (Is it OK to quote ourselves? Oh well, we did so… )

What’s Next?

Normally, a significant spike in demand like the one we’ve seen in our industry would have all of us drooling at the potential for a big jump in sales or design projects. Instead, 2021 has caused more tears of frustration than feelings of joy at such possibilities.

There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, if our experience at the recent High Point Fall Market is any indication of where we’re headed, optimism should be your next choice. Frankly, we had one helluva showing and, based on what we heard from our clients, fully expect the increased interest to continue.

We’re also seeing lead times gradually shrinking and are delighted that we can deliver more quickly than many expected.

Of course, part of that is thanks to the long relationship we’ve built with the industry leader, Kravet. With so many brands in so many categories, and because they ARE the industry leader with the power to demand exceptional service from their suppliers, product has begun to flow again. Granted, there can be hitches in the giddy-up even for a powerhouse like them but, overall, their century of experience and business relationships has helped us help our clients take care of business where others may struggle.

That said, most of our other lines are improving as well.

So, if you're frustrated, take a bit of comfort in knowing you're not alone. Then, if you're ready to find ways to move past some of those frustrating furniture delivery delays and make your design clients happy… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Leathercraft Luxury Furnishings – Featured at Fall Market 2021

We were nearly overwhelmed by the response to the lineup of Leathercraft Luxury Furnishings we featured at the recent High Point Fall Market. In fact, Leathercraft was a high point at High Point!

We were also delighted, as well as deeply grateful, by the general response from buyers and designers to all of the products we displayed. While it has always been our mission to support each and every one of you with the best in luxury furnishings for the home and office, your reaction to our lines and efforts to be there for you has been encouraging and gratifying.

We thank you and appreciate all of you more than you can know.

Now, on to the good stuff!

For more than half a century now, Leathercraft has been designing and manufacturing the finest leather seating available. Headquartered in the highlands of Western North Carolina, an area with the greatest concentration of skilled craftspeople in the country, these talented, highly skilled, and committed artisans are the backbone of Leathercraft’s enduring quality.

Leathercraft at Market

Perhaps the most important reason we chose to represent Leathercraft is their commitment to excellence; not to mention the amazing people who manage the business, design their offerings and build the best leather upholstered furniture in the world.

Cynthia Sofa 1460 with Juarez Brindle Hair on Hide on the out arm and out Back with a wonderful new full-grain wax and oil pullup. Kodiak Frontier on the balance. The #9 Old Gold nail heads are a standard treatment as well.

And, when we say commitment to excellence, we’re talking about far more than the components of each piece. The craftsmanship that is consistently on display is second to none, and always has been.

Leathercraft Home Office Seating Solutions

The fallout and response to pandemic restrictions and work-from-home solutions have led to a renewed and newly intense focus on the home office for many. While Leathercraft has always manufactured a comfortable and compelling lineup of office furniture, interest at Market this year was far greater than in years past.

In an effort to whet your appetite just a bit, we share this image of the Harvard High Back Swivel Tilt executive chair in Getaway Lagoon with a dark walnut finish from Leathercraft. It was a huge hit at the just-completed Fall Market.

Leathercraft Recliners

Finally, no teaser would be complete without a peek at one of the most beautiful (and popular with buyers at Market) recliners we have ever had the pleasure of offering. (And in which more than one nap was taken that week!)

Unique in its styling, Leathercraft’s Dixie recliner sacrifices nothing in terms of craftsmanship, function, and comfort. Here, the Dixie 1357 Recliner is shown in Rockies A Real Nut leather with Colorado Brown finish on the legs and #9 dark pewter nail heads.

Many Leathercraft Furnishings are Available Now

As declared on the Leathercraft website: “Our goal is to produce upholstered furniture to the highest standards possible utilizing the best materials and employing true-tested manufacturing techniques. In doing so, we want to simplify the ordering process while providing you the opportunity to specify the product that fulfills your requirements.”

So, have we piqued your interest with this brief glimpse of a few of the most popular Leathercraft Luxury Furnishings from Fall High Point Market? For questions about other Leathercraft products, availability, and pricing please, do not hesitate to… 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:

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.”

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%.”

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:

• Kravet Décor

• Jaipur Living

“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.”

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.

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)

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.

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.

When Instant Gratification Isn’t Possible - Who Pays for Design Project Delays?

Instant gratification can be a good thing – as long as you're the one being satisfied. For an interior designer though, trying to ensure your client’s remodeling project is completed quickly and smoothly has likely become far more challenging recently. With upholstery foam shortages and shipping problems worldwide, design project deadlines that seemed reasonable in the past may no longer be possible.

But who bears the brunt of these design project delays, you or your clients? Beyond simple scheduling problems to iron out, who absorbs increases in costs that extended lead times can cause? Finally, how do you even explain these problems to your clients in ways they can accept?

First, you can take some comfort in the fact that you are not alone – absolutely not alone. And, as explained in an article at BusinessOfHome.com that answers some of these questions, there are more than enough reasons that were out of your control to allow you to remain guilt-free.

“You [never] could have predicted that a cargo ship would get stuck in the Suez Canal for more than a week and hugely interrupt international shipping, nor could you have known that a deep freeze in Texas would virtually destroy foam production for months. And the once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic? Guessing you could not have foreseen that one either.”

Always, Always Be Professional

Next, it’s your responsibility to be the adult in the room. As Sean Low writes, “While these are extraordinary times, they are not without precedent. Price shocks and delays happen all the time, just not as suddenly and pervasively as now … do the hard work of having frank conversations. The fair solution is the right solution, even if some feathers are ruffled along the way.”

Neither you nor your client will benefit from temper tantrums and name-calling. A professional consultation that follows an open and honest initial interview and project contract will go a very long way toward smoothing the waters – for both of you.

Further, you have no ethical or professional justification for taking advantage of the situation. That is, when the costs of materials and labor increase, your client should bear the brunt. However, you are not entitled to make more money because of it. You and your work have value, of course, but that value does not change simply because the cost of kitchen cabinets has risen.

“If you have synced the cost of production with your percentage on purchases, you will now have to do the work to explain that the percentage was always a shorthand to get to what it takes to have the design come to life in their house once it is out of your head. If that work has not changed, then neither should your price, even if the cost of materials and labor have risen considerably.”

In other words, you have no right to charge your client more for the same amount and type of work. (Beyond being unprofessional, doing that would be unethical in the extreme!)

Don’t Eat Project Cost Increases

Time delays cost everyone and the cost must be borne equally. If your cash flow is tied to the timing of certain project goals, or “you earn a percentage on items purchased or charge a flat fee, there is very little you can do to increase revenue in the event of a delay. And do not kid yourself if you charge hourly, the delays will likely not result in enough work to compensate you for the loss of other work. (While you might get more money relative to those charging flat fees or percentages, you will definitely not get enough money.)”

All of this is to say that, while price increases for furnishings can be explained and justified (if not necessarily accepted painlessly), you cannot afford to bear the increased costs from time delays on your own. Fair is fair, after all. And, when the fault lies elsewhere, say with Mother Nature, they do not become your responsibility by default.

As Mr. Low explains, “My position is that time delays ought to be borne by both you and your client almost equally, perhaps through an additional monthly fee to recognize that the project is extending and you need to have the resources necessary to finish the job to the level you both agreed upon when you first started.”

While there is no way for us, or him, to suggest solutions that fit every situation, he does offer some nice insight and advice in the article. Again, you can read it at the BofH Business Advice column.

If you're looking for a more hands-on approach to coping with design project delays and keeping your clients satisfied (if not exactly instantly gratified), Ted is available for business consulting to the industry. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Still No Cushion from the Foam Shortage Or Shipping Problems

See what we did there? Not to put too fine a point on it, and jokes aside, the combined impacts of the foam shortage and worldwide shipping problems have put a bit of a damper on the recent surge in the home design industry. Worse yet, the experts are not exactly optimistic about when (or if) things will return to normal.

So, what the heck is going on right now? We will try to explain.

Where Did the Foam Supply Go?

Beyond the problems created by the pandemic last year, severe weather early this year pretty much knocked out the foam chemical producers in the Gulf Coast region. And yet, while the weather has improved vastly since then, both chemical and foam production continues to lag. (HomeNewsNow.com)

“The answer, it appears, has less to do with what the industry might call “normal” supply of foam and chemicals for foam than with the relentless surge in demand for product that has yet to abate. Think of it this way, says Steve Rusing, executive vice president and president of U.S. sales for Tempur Sealy International: If the chemical suppliers are running at 100% capacity … industry demand continues to run at 120% or 130% of that capacity. The chemical suppliers simply have not been able to catch up.”

In an industry that rarely maintains a cushion of inventory in case of emergencies, this very well might have been expected. The good news is – you’ll have to wait for better news to be optimistic about the immediate future:

“Industry analyst Jerry Epperson said he doesn’t know of anybody who was expecting industry foam shortages to be over any earlier than June. And from what he’s read and from the executives he’s talked to in the bedding and upholstery manufacturing segment, all are saying it will be September at the earliest and probably year-end ‘Before we get back to the levels they were (supplying) before those storms hit in February’.”

Worldwide Shipping Crisis Update

Yeah, the experts are calling it a worldwide crisis, not just a “situation” or lead time “problem”. And, the most cringe-worthy part of this is – they don’t expect relief until next year (at best!).

According to a recent article at BusinessOfHome.com, “The flip side of the boom in the home and design industry over the past year and a half is the global shipping crisis. Demand has never been higher, and wait times never longer … Experts are now saying that it will be at least the first quarter of 2022 before shipping lead times will stabilize.”

Beyond the supply problems shared above, there appear to be three major reasons for the ongoing problems: increased demand, congestion at ports, and a serious shortage of shipping containers.

“Says journalist Rachel Premack, who has reported extensively on the crisis for Business Insider, ‘We’re continuing to see a remarkable increase in demand, coupled with a shortage of shipping containers and massive congestion at ports,’ she explains. ‘The reason we’re seeing 2022 as the point when this calms down a bit is that people are expecting that demand will continually decrease as society goes back to normal. Once that happens, ports can work through the existing backlog of containers’.”

At the moment, patience truly is a virtue, for suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and designers around the globe. Oh, and yes, for your clients, too. So, be as upfront and honest as possible and share more information rather than less. Despite the ongoing foam shortage and delays in shipping, your bottom line will thank you for it.

We Can Deliver

At the moment, Kravet is only running a few weeks behind its normal production. In fact, their QuickShip frames, which normally would ship in two weeks, are shipping in 15 working days. All other frames, which normally ship in eight weeks, are currently shipping in 10-12. There are some caveats and disruptions but the customer is always kept informed!

Of course, the fact that all Kravet SMART frames and fabrics, which are the foundation of the QuickShip program, are guaranteed produced right here, in the USA, is sheer genius when it comes to lead times that are quicker than the competition.

Also, Ted remains available to work with you on an individual basis, consulting on how your business can best respond to the shifting demands of the marketplace, and the needs of your design and furnishings clients. 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

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

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

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 Furnishings Relaunch by Kravet, May 2021

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.