2023 Colors of the Year (Pt 2) – It’s a Pick ‘em

Continuing our look at the variety of Colors of the Year for 2023 (which we began last week), we’ll be taking a look at next year’s offerings from Sherwin-Williams, Butch Boy, Benjamin Moore, and Behr paint companies.

Again, instead of offering us shades of a single color, or even narrowly defined palettes as we’ve seen in the past, the major paint manufacturers are presenting us with more of a mix of categories: soft neutrals, warm pink shades, and rich, deep blue/greens. According to a recent article at the consumer-friendly design site Houzz.com, that is.

Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams

“If less intense pinks are more your jam, take a look at Redend Point [the 2023 Color of the Year from Sherwin-Williams]. It’s a medium-dark sand color, which makes it neutral, but it has a soft coral-pink undertone that gives it a twist. This is not your typical tan.

“The hint of warm pink allows the color to serve as a pleasing backdrop to hues that are more pink- or orange-forward, as seen here. But it’s still a neutral, and as such, it can work with a variety of other colors, especially those also on the warmer side of the color spectrum.”

Rustic Greige by Dutch Boy

“Along the lines of Redend Point, Rustic Greige [from Dutch Boy paints] is a sandy tan with a kiss of pink. These moodier neutrals seem to be gaining popularity in interiors, likely as a reaction to the long-popular bright whites and cool, silvery grays.

“I think this is a good choice for a neutral background wall color. You can then mix in touches of more vibrant colors or stick with a warm neutral palette and add variety with different shades of ivory, beige, tan, and brown.”

Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore

“Benjamin Moore [paint’s] selection also is a warm pink, but this one is super bold and vibrant.

“This extroverted hue works best in public areas of a home where an energetic vibe is desired. It’s a conversation-stimulating color for the dining room — good for those who love to entertain.”

Blank Canvas by Behr

“If you’re seeking a clean slate for 2023, you can’t go wrong with Behr [paint’s] choice of Blank Canvas. It’s pretty clear Behr is making a statement with this choice. And that statement is that most of us probably could use a fresh start.

“This go-anywhere off-white has a slightly warm cast, making it a versatile jumping-off color that can be paired with just about any other color. But because it has a touch of warmth, it also can be used as the dominant color in a room and not feel too cold or sterile.”

If these 2023 Colors of the Year fail to resonate with you, feel free to check in with us for our further impressions of these categories of colors that are trending for next year. Just click here to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

2023 Colors of the Year – Get Your Feels On!

As we wait with bated breath (and frustration) for Pantone to declare their trend-setting Color of the Year for 2023, it’s important to recall that many other manufacturers announce their own Colors of the Year.

Rather than the shades of a single color as we’ve seen in the past, the major paint companies are presenting us with more of a mix of categories: soft neutrals, warm pink shades, and rich, deep blue/greens. That is, according to a recent article at the consumer-friendly design site Houzz.com.

Vining Ivy from PPG and Glidden

“PPG and its Glidden paint brand have both selected Vining Ivy as their 2023 Color of the Year for paint. A handsome aqua-emerald, Vining Ivy can be used to create a snug bedroom retreat, as shown here, or put to work in the kitchen as an accent color, perhaps for an island base or pantry cabinets in a glossy sheen.”

The crew at Glidden wants us to stress that “This ‘bluish-greenish-something-in-betweenish’ color serves up versatile vibes, making it an on-trend addition to any room. No matter if you think it looks more blue or more green, either way, it’s a vibe.”

Everglade Deck by Valspar

“Rather than promoting one Color of the Year, Valspar has chosen to highlight 12 trending paint colors, as it did for 2022. One of its picks, Everglade Deck, is another saturated blue/green, a bit moodier than Vining Ivy. It has surprising warmth for such a cool color. Here it infuses a bathroom with dramatic, elegant color.”

The folks at Valspar believe this colorway is trending because, “As we turn away from faster-paced lifestyles, we continue to seek balance and calmness as a source of health and rejuvenation.”

Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards

“While greens and blues remain popular with homeowners, increasingly warmer colors are making headway. Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards is a cinnamon-rose hue that’s a fresh take on more neutral browns and burgundies. It’s somewhat vibrant but also has an earthy quality; this earthiness makes it a versatile [shade of] pink.”

It’s so nice to know that there are people out there who not only see but wish to enhance our quality of life. The people at Dunn-Edwards illustrate that commitment to a life well lived by stating, “Terra Rosa highlights living a life filled with joy and finding the beauty in everyday small pleasures. The grounding quiet comfort of Terra Rosa provides a touch of prettiness with the influence of pink, yet still can create drama with its deep value.”

Are you confused by the number of choices yet? We understand so we’ll pause here to let you absorb these new design trends. But, you might want to stay tuned for a further examination of the broadening spectrum of trending 2023 Colors of the Year in a future post.

If that doesn’t work, feel free to check in with us for our further impressions of these categories of colors that are trending for next year. Just click here to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Fast Furniture and Client Satisfaction – Oil and Water Don’t Mix

Phrases like “social distancing”, “contact tracing”, and “flattening the curve” have been popularized in our cultural lexicon thanks to a couple of years of the pandemic. The interior design industry is no different as the phrase “fast furniture” has been coined as a somewhat derogatory term for what used to be known as mass-produced furnishings.

From products by Ikea and/or Wayfair to higher quality ready-to-ship pieces from Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Ethan Allen, homeowners and designers have been filling homes across the country with readily available pieces. This is understandable in some sense since not everyone can wait two to ten months for their new, designer furniture to be delivered.

In the middle of the work-from-home crisis, office furniture led the way in this trend, but ongoing supply chain issues have perpetuated this need for many homeowners.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

According to an article from the New York Times, while design clients and DIY’ers have been largely satisfied with such solutions, many in the trade are worried that these easy-to-get products will have a short shelf life, resulting in clogged landfills over the next few years.

“The e-commerce furniture market alone was worth more than $27 billion in 2021, and [is] projected to reach more than $40 billion by 2030, according to a report from Next Move Strategy Consulting. Ikea is opening an average of [fifty] new locations per year; Amazon, the world’s largest retailer, now has two private-label furniture brands, the midcentury-modern Rivet, and the more farmhouse-chic Stone & Beam.”

While this is all well and good for the US economy, at least on a micro level, as sustainability expert and author Ashlee Piper is quoted as saying in the article, “It’s quite a big problem, both spatially and also because of the way a lot of fast furniture is made now, it’s not just wood and metal. The materials don’t biodegrade or break down … We’re creating this Leviathan problem at landfills with the furniture that we get rid of.”

To confuse the issue, even more, the article tosses us another positive aspect of fast furniture’s popularity: “For all of its flaws, fast furniture offers millions of homeowners the opportunity to live in a stylish home at an affordable price point. As young people contend with skyrocketing housing prices and economic anxiety, even those who would prefer to browse antique markets or shop for custom pieces simply don’t have the resources to do so.

The Sustainability Issue

Quick production schedules and fast turnaround times create issues with sustainability in the furniture industry. However, “Over the past decade, a number of sustainability-focused companies have entered the market in the hopes of presenting a solution,” the article explains.

Though “sustainability-focused companies [that] have entered the market” is a positive step, it begs the question of what established furnishing manufacturers may be doing.

For example, as the oldest manufacturer in the US as well as the industry leader, the Kravet family of brands has developed its Green Initiative, outlining a company-wide commitment to sustainable manufacturing solutions.

“The Kravet family of brands is dedicated to conducting business with a focus on providing a sustainable future. Our goal is to do our part in the worldwide effort to protect the planet with impactful initiatives. As a fifth-generation family business, we understand the importance of building a legacy built on reliability with a promise of a brighter tomorrow. These are the steps we are taking to secure that promise.”

And, of course, the creativity of design and quality of their products ensures a long shelf life in the homes and offices in which they are placed.

For alternatives to the fast furniture trend, and for more information on quality home-furnishing lines like Kravet and others we represent, simply… Contact TD Fall today.

Design Industry Trends – Shifting Priorities and Practices (Part 2)

As promised last week, we’re continuing to explore shifting industry trends based on an article at BusinessOfHome.com. In it, author Caroline Bourque shares insight into the results of a survey of some 900 interior design firm owners relative to shifting design industry trends, priorities, and practices.

It should go without saying (yet here we go saying it anyway) that the past few years have been some of the most challenging in the history of the design trade. From what some believed to be the end of the design business to a relative boom, challenging times persist. Whether you find yourself dealing with twitchy clients or coping with ongoing supply-chain issues, the survey reveals a few other hills to climb moving forward. (We know where you can get some great hiking boots!)

Increasing Labor Costs Forcing Design Rates Upward

“As [interior design] firms increase compensation, squeezing a business’s net profit and margins, they’ve also been forced to raise their rates – a decision that’s being met with some client pushback.”

This “pushback” from clients appears to be a direct result of those aforementioned escalations in interior design fees and “long timelines in the wake of [ongoing] supply chain issues and material shortages.”

The response from many designers has been an exploration of set fees. “While the report reveals that 80 percent of designers still charge hourly fees or hourly plus markup, [other] firms are beginning to trend toward fixed fees, which are used solely or in addition to hourly rates by 40 percent of respondents [to the survey].”

This then creates a new problem for a significant number of designers: undervaluing their services and setting their fixed fees too low. “Nearly two-thirds of all firms charge $200 [per hour] or less, with most charging $150 [per hour] or less. Meanwhile, the majority of smaller, newer firms charge less than $150 per hour.”

Administrative Challengers are Increasing

“Changing billing practices was one of the top strategies to address current business challenges,” for a majority of respondents. Further, “maintaining contact with current and former clients; increasing networking with local building and real estate professionals, contractors and service providers; and improving social media presence” were also problematic.

“Along with a detailed look at information like average gross sales, salaries, and benefits, the report also includes observations and insights about this period of new industry highs and lows.”

If you have questions about these design industry trends and how they are affecting your business, Ted remains available for business consulting to the trade. Simply… Contact TD Fall today.

Design Industry Trends – Shifting Priorities and Practices

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll explore a few important industry issues based on an article at BusinessOfHome.com. In it, author Caroline Bourque shares insight into the results of a survey of some 900 interior design firm owners relative to shifting design industry trends, priorities, and practices.

It should go without saying (yet here we go saying it anyway) that the past few years have been some of the most challenging in the history of the design trade. From what some believed to be the end of the design business to a relative boom in business, challenging times persist. Whether you find yourself dealing with twitchy clients or coping with ongoing supply-chain issues, the survey reveals a few other hills to climb moving forward. (Gee, thanks!)

Labor Challenges Persist

As this snapshot of the design businesses reveals, Top of the Pops so to speak appears to be hiring. “The survey found that roughly a third of firms increased staff size in the past year, with slightly more planning to do so in the coming year. Meanwhile, nearly half of all firms attempted to hire staff during the past year, even if they weren’t successful with design assistants and interior designers as the most in-demand new roles.”

The major challenge in the current labor market seems to be the increased expectations of the candidates, “with priorities that include health benefits, flexibility, engaging leadership, and much higher compensation.”

“Candidates today have higher expectations of new positions. In some cases, the survey found entry-level candidates with one to three years of experience requesting salaries in the mid- or higher-level range, up to $50,000 rather than the former entry-level standard of $30,000.”

“In turn, designers seeking new hires reported a lack of candidates that were available: qualified, affordable, and a good cultural fit for the firm … which, coupled with many designers leaving established firms to start their own businesses during the pandemic, puts the onus on firm leaders to adjust their own practices to attract and retain new talent.”

For smaller firms whose owners often struggle mightily to compete in the marketplace, both a lack of candidates and demands for greater compensation will require them to focus on culture and values. This will likely include honesty, customer service as a value, a focus on creativity, and making the workplace fun.

Design Fees, Margins, and Profitability

Stay tuned for more insight on design fees, margins, and profitability we’ve gleaned from the article and survey soon. For now, we believe you have plenty to think about from what we’ve shared above.

If you have questions about these design industry trends and how they are affecting your business, Ted remains available for business consulting to the trade. Simply… Contact TD Fall today.

Shipping Lead Times – The Light at the End of the Tunnel

With shipping lead times of eight to nine months as recently as this spring, supply chain issues put unprecedented pressure on manufacturers of luxury furnishings. And, since bad news rolls downhill, these delays placed even higher pressure on interior designers and higher-end furniture retailers.

“The delays have been so bad for so long,” as explained in an article at the Business of Home website, “that designers have gotten used to a new way of working: Order the big pieces first, assume a yearlong wait for [them] and fill in the rest as you go. Oh, and definitely double-check your shipping costs.”

Lead Times Trending Downward for Many

So, is there good news, you may ask. Based on an “informal survey” by BoH, manufacturers are beginning to catch up on their back orders while retailers are quoting shorter lead times to their customers. Rather than months, lead times are being quoted in weeks. In fact, some of these dealers and manufacturers are quoting as few as three to five weeks for delivery, though most are in the 10 to 12 week range.

While we may not have fully recovered quite yet (some plants in China have closed due to excessive heat), “at the very least, no one’s turnaround times are getting longer, suggesting that the worst is over and the crisis has bottomed out.”

Further, demand has moderated since early this year, relieving the pressure on foam manufacturers and those with labor shortages. Lower demand in some categories has allowed suppliers to catch up on orders and improve their production and distribution.

Ironic, much?

Psychology Matters

While it may seem counter intuitive, after a couple of years consumers seem to have adapted (and even accepted) extended delivery times. This change in mindset from instant gratification to lowered expectations means that “Long lead times are not a deal breaker anymore.”

In other words, the definition of “reasonable” has been altered by the unprecedented circumstance of the past few years. This enables dealers and designers to return relying on the adage, “Under promise and over deliver”.

Granted, we’re not quite out of the woods yet but, for the first time in a couple of years (at least), the trend in definitely positive.

We’re also happy to let you know that a number of our suppliers have been conforming to this trend with shipping lead times improving for them, as well. If you’d  like to know more, Contact TD Fall today.

Furnishing Lead Times at the Beginning of 2022

We have some good news and some bad news about furnishing lead times at the beginning of 2022. Let's start with the good news, shall we? It’s not too surprising that it comes from the industry leader, Kravet:

“Say goodbye to long lead times. With our dedication to getting you what you need when you need it, Kravet is always offering innovative solutions to your time-sensitive needs.”

• An astounding 90% of Kravet fabrics are in stock and ready to ship within 24 hours.

• Kravet Furniture is offering their QuickShip frames, paired with 150+ fabrics, produced in 10-12 weeks. This is less than half the current industry lead times.

• They offer same-day shipping for in-stock memos plus FREE FedEx 2nd day air shipping (which we can drop-ship directly to your clients).

Need something even quicker? Contact TD Fall & Co today and we will get you what you need!

Bad News About Furnishing Lead Times

According to an article at the global freight booking platform Freightos.com, the somewhat optimistic predictions for the new year have been slow to be realized.

“With ongoing pandemic-related delays and closures, non-stop demand for ocean freight from Asia to the US, and a lack of capacity, ocean rates are still very elevated and transit times volatile. Transpacific ocean rates have been more stable at the start of the year. Despite this stabilizing trend, rates remain 8-9 [times] higher than the pre-pandemic norm.

“Continued disrupted schedules and port congestion, combined with omicron slowdowns and Lunar New Year, mean that importers have yet to see any significant improvement in shipping conditions in 2022.”

Trucking Delays and Shipping Cost Increases

“With high demand from consumers, importers are rushing to replenish inventory, causing capacity in trucking to tighten and driving rates up. Now many observers warn that quarantine rules for returning truckers could cause significant delays even if goods manufactured over the holiday are ready to ship.

“Overwhelmed trucking, warehouse, and rail logistics are also contributing to the port delays, and to the overall slog in end-to-end logistics.

“Freightos.com marketplace data shows that in September, China-US ocean shipments took an average of 80 days to arrive at their final destination, 85% longer than in September 2019.” (emphasis added)

What You Can Do

Despite potential delays and high freight shipping costs, there are a few steps importers can take right now. Here are a few ideas to help you navigate the current freight market:

• Compare at least a few quotes and modes to make sure you are getting the best cost and most efficient service possible.

• Buffer your freight budget and transit time for changes. Costs due to unforeseen delays or limited capacity can arise, so be prepared.

• Explore warehousing options to mitigate the effects of lowered demand and business restrictions in the US.

• Pay attention to the profitability of your goods and consider if a pivot could be worthwhile. Additionally, remember to factor in freight costs when assessing profitability.

Here at TD Fall, we’re doing all we can to keep our ear to the ground (or ocean, as the case may be) where furnishing lead times and shipping delays are concerned.

And, as always, Ted is available with more than 25 years of experience and industry contacts he can put at your disposal with his business consulting services. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Home Design Trends for 2022 – Colors, Shapes, and Textures

As we mentioned last week, predicting home design trends is a tricky business when taken beyond local markets. And yet, as we also mentioned there can be broad-based trends that may influence what an interior designer can offer their clients when focused more narrowly. A few of these are the trending colors, shapes, and textures of home furnishings.

For example, the color green will likely be popular this year simply because so many paint manufacturers have declared it their color of the year. Also, as predicted by the folks at Houzz.com, research tells them that curvy furniture and velvet textures should be popular among homeowners in 2022.

More than one of the brands among Kravet’s family of brands are reflecting this, including curvy shapes from Donghia furniture and lovely fabric offerings in a variety of green shades from Grand Bazaar by Brunschwig & Fils.

Trending Furnishings from Kravet

Donghia is returning to the marketplace with the introduction of over 450 fabrics, its first launch within the Kravet family of brands. This expansive product offering includes 420 decorative fabrics, luxury textures, and an array of velvets. Complementing this selection are more than 50 wallcoverings, including metallic grasscloths, a signature of the Donghia lifestyle.

Brunschwig & Fils takes you on a journey through Turkey with its newest collection, Grand Bazaar, inspired by the alluring charm of Turkish culture. Established by the Sultan of the Byzantine Empire over 500 years ago, the Grand Bazaar was and is known as a trading place for jewels and textiles — a melting pot of the old and new. The beguiling history, architecture, and atmosphere of the market inspired this exclusive collection of gorgeous prints and coordinating wallcoverings. Let’s take a deeper look at this stunning new collection!

Katibi and Montguyon, Brunschwig & Fils archive favorites, have been updated to suit today’s interiors. Katibi was inspired by an 18th century Indian Palampore and features a beautiful tree of life pattern. Montguyon is another revival design, first introduced in 1961, featuring antique French needlework reinterpreted in a broken warp print effect.

These are just a few examples of how the industry leader, Kravet, can help you respond to the national home design trends that may influence your market locally.

As always, Ted is available to help you use your expertise, combined with his knowledge of the industry, to develop home design trends specific to your market that will benefit your business. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Home Design Trends for 2022 – What are the experts saying?

Is there a “best source” for predicting home design trends? If so, which is it? Do we listen to paint companies for color trends? What about furniture? Are manufacturers or dealers the best source for the shapes, styles, and fabrics homeowners are buying? Then there are floor coverings, wallcoverings, lighting, and window treatments. Who can you trust for expert advice when imagining and designing fresh spaces for your clients?

Perhaps more importantly, should you seek information about national, regional, or local trends in home design? Does it, or should it, even matter to you and your clients what designers are doing on the East or West Coasts?

In short, what are the experts saying about home design trends for 2022? And, does it matter for your design or furnishings business?

Most Expert Predictions Are Wrong

From politics and policy to the economy and stock market, and from technological to health predictions and, as all of us know – the weather – predictions of the future made by so-called “experts” are more often wrong than right. By a lot:

“Another scientist analyzed the accuracy of technology-trend predictions. About eighty percent of them were wrong, regardless of whether those predictions were made by experts or not.” (SmithsonianMag.com)

Further, “When they’re wrong, they’re rarely held accountable, and they rarely admit it, either. They insist that they were just off on timing, or blindsided by an improbable event, or almost right, or wrong for the right reasons. They have the same repertoire of self-justifications that everyone has, and are no more inclined than anyone else to revise their beliefs about the way the world works, or ought to work, just because they made a mistake.”

“Despite the constant demand for “expert predictions and analysis,” research shows these predictions are typically no more accurate than randomly generated guesses.” (Medium.com)

So, if expert predictions in virtually every field are wrong four out of five times, how can you know what will be popular in home design until after the fact?

Trust Yourself

All of this information is not designed to say that all experts are always wrong. Home design trends do exist and the sharp designer or dealer pays attention to them. However, translating opinion into intention may not mean you should take a specific action. Why? Because experts carry their own biases (including you):

“Being deeply knowledgeable on one subject narrows one’s focus and increases confidence, but it also blurs dissenting views until they are no longer visible, thereby transforming data collection into bias confirmation and morphing self-deception into self-assurance.” (SmithsonianMag.com)

Ultimately, you must trust yourself to offer your clients choices that will make it possible to live and/or work in the spaces that feel right to them. Your training and experience should be used to analyze what the experts are telling you, just as listening to your clients should guide you.

With all of this in mind, we will be presenting you with a selection of home design trends in the next couple of posts in this series. So, stay tuned for more ideas that should be taken with a grain of salt (or skepticism).

Until then, Ted is available to help you use your expertise, combined with his knowledge of the industry, to develop home design trends specific to your market that will benefit your business. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Home Office Interior Design Tips from Kravet

In a recent Kravet blog post, Interior Design Ideas For a Home Office That Boost Productivity, the industry leader addresses what we have all found to be true. More and more people are working from home and are looking to improve that space. Key to this is their claim that “designating a room in the house as a home office is beneficial to separate work from the rest of your home.” (emphasis added)

It’s hard to argue with that insight though it must also be made clear that, using dining room tables as a desk or being in the way of playing children is no longer acceptable. So, this post is for both designers who are looking for tips to aid them in creating the perfect home office for their clients and for those of you who are also working from home. (What’s that? You use your kitchen table, not the dining room? Meh! Same difference!)

OK, back to the Kravet post:

“If you are working from home [or have clients who are], and are looking to boost the productivity associated with your home office there are several design ideas you can implement to achieve these results. These design ideas range from taking advantage of lighting and color to developing an organization system that removes clutter and stimulates your creative brain. These ideas and more are discussed in further detail below.”

Home Office Productivity Tips

Home Office Lighting – “Lighting [may be] the most important aspect of a home office in terms of improving productivity. Most individuals will find themselves more productive working under natural light or lighting with a soft blue tone. However, you may find another form of lighting that boosts your productivity. If so, you should take full advantage of this discovery and implement it into your home office.”

Be advised that, “Homeowners who do not have a home office space equipped with large windows that allow natural light to flood into the space may want to install various light fixtures into the office. Floor lamps … are well suited to provide lighting to a home office … [As are] table lamps or wall sconces.”

Home Office Colors and Patterns – “Once you enter your home office you should feel inspired and creative. The best way to enhance these feelings is through the use of patterns and color. A fresh coat of paint or decorative wall coverings are a great way to increase the productivity of your home office.”

“The best part about getting creative with your office’s patterns and colors is that you can seemingly decorate it in any way you see fit. You can choose between solid colors, geometric patterns, and even floral or animal skin wall coverings.”

Optimize Home Office Space – “One of the most effective ways you can improve the productivity of your home office is to develop an organization system. This system can involve going paperless, purchasing a new desk, or simply developing areas for outgoing and incoming papers, mail, and other literature. A paperless office normally will take full advantage of wall-mounted whiteboards and electronic technology such as tablets and laptops.”

Home Office Interior Design Tips from TD Fall

Good lighting, attractive colors and textures, along with improved organization should all be the focus of a solid home office design. Not to mention comfort, of course. Just make sure you don’t overdo it and make it too easy for your work-from-home clients to grab a nap instead of working! (Yikes! That will definitely reduce productivity!)

Whether you're an interior designer or furnishing store owner, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you adapt to changing times and to implement these home office interior design tips from Kravet. Feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.