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

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

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

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

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

Kickstart Creativity with Virtual Color Books from Kravet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donghia Furnishings Relaunch by Kravet, May 2021

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.

Century-Old Kravet Explores Own Heritage with Kravet Couture & Modern Tailor

Based on the title of this blog post, you might think we’re explaining an altered business model from the industry leader in luxury home furnishings. After all, touting a line from Kravet named the Modern Tailor Collection could raise an eyebrow or two. However, such is not the case.

Instead, for those unaware of the company’s ongoing exploration of their heritage, Kravet Couture presents you with a collection of elegant fabrics and complementary wallcoverings. For them, this is a way for them to pay homage to their founder, Samuel Kravet, who emigrated to the US and began working as a tailor more than a century ago.

Considering the source, it should come as no surprise that, above all, “Samuel Kravet’s skilled artistry is mirrored in the exquisite details highlighted in this elegant collection.”

Coordinating Styles and Textures are Featured

So much more than an overly simplified mix 'n match approach to coordination, “The juxtaposition of scale and pattern across the whole collection offers a wide range of coordinating styles. Soft textures are blended with sharper edges and sculptural geometric  patterns; the beauty lies in how the collection sits together, much like how one would put together an outfit.”

With a name like Modern Tailor, this collection has been created as a tribute to runway fashion and trendy design.

“Finely stitched embroideries, pleated fabrics, patch-worked wools, cozy cable chenille, and mélange knits are reinvented into luxurious fabrics and wallcoverings relevant to layered decorating of today.”

Throughout the collection, Kravet continues the theme of a professionally designed and hand-tailored presentation. This is the type of twist on haute couture that will make design clients feel as though their home has become the center of high fashion.

The spotlight on style is forever brightened by, “The tailoring techniques Samuel Kravet fell in love with one century ago [which] are rendered relevant today, and are further brought into the present with updated modern construction and contemporary color stories.”

Bespoke tailoring techniques abound in the collection. “Dresscode features an updated houndstooth pattern, New Suit features a modern patched large stripe, and Proxmire is an exploded weave meant to mimic your favorite cable-knit sweater.”

From the most finely tailored fabrics which can be artfully layered with wallcoverings that add depth and texture to any space, the Modern Tailor Collection from Kravet Couture will challenge even the best designer to match its creative spark.

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about the Modern Tailor Collection from Kravet.

Luxury Furnishing Lead Times (Can we say current lead times suck?!?)

What’s the number one factor you consider when choosing a luxury furnishing supplier right now? While it used to unquestionably be quality, feel, and/or looks, the emphasis has shifted to availability for many, if not most, designers and retailers. In other words, luxury furnishing lead times have become a singular priority for a majority today.

As explained in a January article at BusinessOfHome.com: “It’s no secret that lead times are stretching ever longer as COVID drags on – and that many clients are getting impatient. The delays have cut across categories, from bespoke upholstery to tile and kitchen appliances; even many of the quick-ship retailers [and wholesalers] can no longer deliver on tight timelines.

“Shutdowns of the manufacturing floor with the onset of COVID instigated an initial round of delays, which were compounded by a slow return to production as companies navigated new safety protocols. More than one year later, many major manufacturers still aren’t staffed at full pre-pandemic capacity, which makes it much harder to catch up on the backlog.

“And every time an employee tests positive for COVID, many more workers with whom they came into contact are sent home to quarantine, which only exacerbates the delays. Add soaring freight costs and a scarcity of raw materials (plus a shortage of containers to ship them in) and it quickly becomes clear that this is a mess with no easy answers or antidotes.”

It goes without saying that lead times have always been an issue in the luxury furnishings industry. Whether products were produced on the other side of the globe or were made by hand in an artisanal house locally, delays of weeks became the norm. Today though, lead times for all types of furniture, not just for the category of luxury furnishings, have exploded into months.

Where to Go for Reasonable Delivery Lead Times

What does all of this mean for you and your interior design or furnishings business?

While it may be “Kewl!” to work with the newest or trendiest line, a small house that creates unique designs, there are times when you are far better off working with the Big Boys (or Girls) instead. Stated simply, the larger brands and manufacturers have the infrastructure to cope more effectively with world-changing events.

For example, Kravet is known as the industry leader for a variety of reasons, most of which have little to do with them being more than a century old and being the Biggest of the Big Boys.

Beyond those, they truly have their house in order and possess the logistical know-how and experience to provide you with outstanding service while others struggle (and frequently fail) to deliver products in a timely fashion.

Right now, Kravet is only running a few weeks behind their 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 a sheer genius when it comes to quicker than average lead times.

Get in Touch with TD Fall Today

In short, if you're searching for reasonable luxury furnishing lead times, TD Fall and the Kravet family of brands we represent just may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

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.

The Well-Tailored Addition of Donghia Furnishings from Kravet

Iconic designs with an Italian flare from a purely American company. Is such a thing even possible? Well, when the industry leader to-the-trade gets involved, of course it is! And so, for those yet to know, we are happy to announce that as of last summer the Donghia line of fine furnishings has become the latest member of the Kravet family of brands.

The acquisition included the Donghia brand name, the company’s intellectual and digital property, its designs, archives, and all current inventory. Never a design house willing to rest on its laurels, as evidenced by the addition of heritage textiles brands like Lee Jofa, GP&J Baker, and Brunschwig & Fils over some 25 years, bringing Donghia into the Kravet family was something of a “no-brainer”.

As president of Kravet Inc. Cary Kravet said in a statement, “The Donghia brand is distinctive and enduring. It stands for the inherent beauty in clean lines and the appreciation for impeccable quality in materials and construction. The Donghia aesthetic and brand market position are fully complementary to our current brands and aesthetic positioning. The look and attitude are wholly additive for us.”

Why Donghia Furnishings? Why Not!

The Donghia tag line, “Live a well-tailored life” is merely a hint at the innovation and quality to be found in the fabrics, furnishings, and wallcoverings from Donghia. Founded by Italian American interior designer Angelo Donghia in 1968, iconic Donghia collections have consistently reflected a dynamic and innovative approach to design. In a stunning fusion between handcrafted workmanship, modern looks, and trendy designs, the collection includes textiles, furniture, wallcoverings, case pieces, accessories, and upholstery.

According to Kravet, the hurdles to bringing a reimagined Donghia line to market are less about logistics and more about the brand and product development. “Believe it or not, [the integration] is the easy part. The hard part is the softer side – understanding what the brand is and where it should go. That takes a lot of thought, communication, research, and understanding.”

As a result, the relaunch will take time. Kravet says that the company’s first Donghia collection will likely focus on the brand’s most iconic patterns and pieces; a release that can be folded into existing showrooms while a more robust revamp is developed. (BOH.com)

Over the years, Donghia produced fabric, wallcovering, floor covering, furniture, lighting, and accessories; all product lines Kravet ultimately plans to develop and relaunch. The company also acquired Donghia’s archive, including some of its late founder’s sketches and original furniture prototypes. These will all be folded into Kravet’s deep archive at its headquarters in Bethpage, New York, and which will inform the work of the product development team.

Our Continued Commitment to the Luxury Furnishings Industry

Kravet remains committed to supporting and expanding the luxury furnishings and design industries, just as we do at TD Fall:

“We’ve been in this business for over a hundred years, and we really believe in this industry,” says Kravet. “There’s no real short-term advantage in this [acquisition] – it’s a long-term strategy. This is part of our belief in the strength of this industry.”

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover more about this traditional yet innovative line.

New from Kravet – Introducing Grand Bazaar by Brunschwig & Fils

Grand Bazaar by Brunschwig & Fils is an exciting line of furniture, new from Kravet, that includes new fabrics flavored with influences from Turkey, India, and Thailand.

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!

The colors and patterns in this collection transport you to exotic locales and traditions of the Grand Bazaar markets with blue and white hues, paired with pops of pomegranate and balanced with sophisticated jewel tones. In the spirit of the patrons shopping the enchanting market, Brunschwig & Fils scoured its archives to conjure up a Middle Eastern spirit and design elements associated with the Ottoman region.

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. 

KARABALI, named after a Sultan’s private garden, is an extraordinary design depicting exotic florals and foliage extracted from traditional Indian textiles. This dramatic pattern was printed in Thailand and is destined to make a grand statement in any interior.

Take in all the exotic traditions, culture, and colors this region has to offer with Brunschwig & Fils’ latest collection, Grand Bazaar.

We remain open for business and ready to support you in any way we can. We will continue to share the design trends, like lines that are new from Kravet, that we believe will benefit you most as either an interior designer or furnishings retailer. Click here to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Must-Have Kitchen Features for Your Design Projects

As an interior designer, do you believe there are some features your clients “must-have” in certain spaces? (People being people, we’re sure not everyone does.) According to a recent article at Houzz.com, there are six must-have kitchen features you should focus on in the design of the most-used room on the home.

In an effort to save some space, and your time, we will share three of these must-have features. Whether you wish to see more of them, we leave to you.

Kitchen Storage Solutions

“[Cabinetry] makes up the bulk of what is seen in every kitchen, so your choice of cabinet color and style is a major, consequential decision [in your design]. But the components inside your cabinets are equally important, if not more.”

“Your storage solutions determine how functional [the] kitchen is. [However], at the peak of cooking a large meal, [they will] care less about the look of [their] cabinets and more about the ease of grabbing the right tools, spices, pots, and other supplies.”

Of course, all of this means that, while the look of the kitchen cabinets is hugely important, functionality is a definite must-have. The New York kitchen by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs shown on the right and the hidden cutting board by Yancy Interiors + Home on the left, are good examples of how well designed kitchen cabinetry can work for you – and for your client.

All That, and the Kitchen Sink

By paying particular attention to the most-used features of the most-used room in their house, you show the homeowner that you place a priority on their needs. (Not just how cool your design looks.)

According to the article, “the kitchen sink is one area that always sees a lot of action. So it makes sense to put a little more effort into designing the sink area and choosing components.”

“These days, many sink manufacturers offer designs called workstations, which feature add-ons such as cutting boards, strainers and prep bowls... The Galley Workstation shown here is a popular hardworking sink that includes several inserts for prepping and cleaning.”

Must-have features on top of must-have components make this kitchen sink a wonderful must-have choice. (Too many must-haves here?)

Fulfilling the Island Fantasy

Here is where the Houzz article states the obvious:

“Perhaps no design feature in recent memory has changed kitchen design more than the island. Indeed, it’s hard to deny the benefit of a kitchen island. It adds extra countertop surface and storage and creates a spot for conversation, homework, and meals. It can be a location for a cooktop, a dishwasher, or a prep sink, and it often provides that crucial touchpoint that completes an efficient work triangle.”

While it cannot be denied that homeowners love a design that includes an island, this must-have kitchen feature is also an undeniable favorite among interior designers; adding flexibility and great functionality to the space.

“A large kitchen island is a fantastic gathering place in any open-plan kitchen and gives the homeowner a flexible space to use for dining, entertaining, or cooking.”

This Boston kitchen by SV Design is a great example of that functionality.

Beyond these three must-have kitchen features, lighting, and appliances, including range vent hoods, are critical to the success of the kitchen design you offer your clients. 

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

“Perhaps no design feature in recent memory has changed kitchen design more than the island. Indeed, it’s hard to deny the benefit of a kitchen island. It adds extra countertop surface and storage and creates a spot for conversation, homework, and meals. It can be a location for a cooktop, a dishwasher, or a prep sink, and it often provides that crucial touchpoint that completes an efficient work triangle.”

While it cannot be denied that homeowners love a design that includes an island, this must-have kitchen feature is also an undeniable favorite among interior designers; adding flexibility and great functionality to the space.

“A large kitchen island is a fantastic gathering place in any open-plan kitchen and gives the homeowner a flexible space to use for dining, entertaining, or cooking.”

This Boston kitchen by SV Design is a great example of that functionality.

Beyond these three must-have kitchen features, lighting, and appliances, including range vent hoods, are critical to the success of the kitchen design you offer your clients. 

 Looking for more tips on sustainable design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? 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.

Interior Design Tips – Yes, Sustainability is a Thing

As mentioned in a previous post, Know Your Marketplace - Millennials Influencing Interior Design Trends, the influence of millennials is growing, in many ways shifting the focus and goals of the interior design industry. Of the many ways in which this demographic is influencing our market, sustainability may be the most important – and enduring – as it become ever more important to other age groups and market influencers.As explained by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), sustainable design encompasses more than simply “thinking green”. Sustainable design goes beyond being just efficient, attractive, on time and on budget. It is a design that cares about how such goals are achieved, about its effect on people and on the environment. An environmentally responsible professional makes a commitment to constantly try to find ways to diminish design's impact on the world around us. It is also a smart way of doing business: sustainable design is the fastest growing segment of our industry.Green Design PracticesRather, sustainable design reflects an all-inclusive approach to a designer’s professional responsibilities, by employing:

• Integrated building design developed by collaborative multi-disciplinary teams
• Indoor environments that support occupant well-being and productivity
• Resource and energy efficiency
• Social equity at local and global levels
• Protection of the natural environment
• Positive economic impact of optimized operational and maintenance practices, and life-cycle cost assessments

Whether the ultimate design goal is decoration, renovation or architectural detailing, all interior designers must stay abreast of current trends in the field.In the design industry, today’s fastest-growing segment is the incorporation of sustainable, or “green”, interior design. From the use of rain water collection to supplement waste water needs, to using sustainable materials such as bamboo, innovation is high when it comes to designing a sustainable space.ASID offers a series of reports on sustainable design practices, materials, and products. To learn more, click on the links below:

• The Sustainable Suite (PDF download)
• Interior Design and Global Impact Series (PDF downloads)
• Part 1 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (453 KB)
• Part 2 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (481 KB)
• Part 3 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (342 KB)

Have you begun to see this trend? Is sustainability a thing in your marketplace? How have you responded?

Bold or Subtle Interior Designs - Often, the subtle will draw the eye better than the bold

Every neighborhood has one it seems, the garish purple (or pink) house that all of the neighbors complain about, and that the HOA seems powerless to resolve. Yet, while bold design choices need not overwhelm or offend, the question must be asked: Which is the right choice for your client, bold or subtle?Additionally, one might ask, how bold? Or how subtle? And of course, who decides?Clients often look to make a statement when they ask you to help them reimagine a space I their home. It’s the nature of that declaration, combined with the personalities involved, that will determine just how audacious or delicate a pronouncement your client will wish to see you offer them.While none of the examples below are particularly outrageous, the differences are certainly clear, and telling. The key to success will often be to present your client with degrees of differences that address their inclinations and vision. That way, if you happen to move beyond their comfort level, you will be able to easily pull back.Which kitchen speaks to them most clearly?Though the only difference between these two kitchens is the palette used on the walls, they have clearly different feels to them. When you consider other possibilities such as alternate flooring, lighting, and appliances for example, the opportunities for making a bold or subtle statement become much more obvious. (ParadeOfHomes.org)Which feel fits?What would you change in these family rooms?While the layouts are identical, opportunities abound for personalizing these similar spaces, based on the desires and personalities of your clients. You could easily shift the feel of the first with different flooring, while a splash of color would transform the second. Then again, perhaps each of these homeowners made deliberate choices that reflect their lifestyles to perfection.What would you ask to learn more about their bold or subtle choices?Personal choices like these are extremely individualized and, as we all know, homeowners can be very protective of them. Yet, if they’ve asked for your help, they are seeking alternatives and must be coaxed gently toward the direction you think best, based on the vision of the space they’ve presented. Keep in mind though that moving too far in either direction, whether bold or subtle, may cause problems in the long term.No matter how bold you believe they wish to be, it may be best to offer relatively subtle choices at first, until they tell you to “Go for it!”