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 Line from TD Fall – Lily Koo Luxury Furnishings

We’d like to share some very exciting news today about a new line from TD Fall! New for 2021, TD Fall has acquired the rights to represent the Lily Koo Furnishings line. From beds and headboards, myriad seating solutions, chaise lounges and ottomans, tables and desks, amazing mirror designs, accessories, and more, the line is fully integrated, imaginative, and compelling.

While relatively young by some standards in the furnishings industry, the Java-based furniture atelier was founded in 2010 yet has made a lasting impression in the luxury furnishings marketplace. Influenced by the classics and reimagined for today’s contemporary interiors, Lily Koo’s innovative designs showcase the renowned artistry of this stunning Indonesian island paradise.

Drawing on years of industry experience, Lily Koo is committed to ensuring consistent product quality and continuous innovation that is focused on long-term sustainability and growth. Strict quality control systems allow the highly skilled staff to monitor each piece through completion, ensuring consistent high-quality products that are built to last for generations to come.

Introducing Lily Koo Furnishings from TD Fall

Lily Koo's designs bring a classical feel to contemporary furnishings. Their accomplished in-house designers, engineers, and craftsmen are committed to creating high-quality products aligned with current trends that will match your client’s needs and aspirations.

Lily Koo furnishings begin with the Design Team which envisions and curates designs that are chosen for their compelling style, comfort, and function. Next, the Engineering Team translates that vision into physical form, focusing on intricate design details and durability. Finally, the highly skilled craftsmen at Lily Koo meticulously hand carve and apply stains, metal leaf, and lacquer finishes to accentuate the beauty of the wood and carving detail in each piece. Working together, they bring Lily Koo’s innovative designs to stunning life.

Lily Koo is and has been committed to creating attention-grabbing and imaginative luxury furnishings that will have your clients wide-eyed with admiration and eager to see them in their homes. Just that little bit different, yet traditional enough to appeal to a broad client base, the creativity expressed in the Lily Koo line of luxury furnishings may be exactly what your next client seeks.

Get in touch with TD Fall today to discover what’s possible with this stylish, trending luxury furnishings line.

Interior Design Trends 2021 – Comfy Durability (or is that Durable and Comfy?)

The age-old chicken/egg question persists, even when it comes to interior design trends for the new year. Whether you blame it on the pandemic itself, or the restrictions placed on businesses and the public, “livability” has replaced style in the hierarchy of needs for many homeowners. That is comfortable spaces that enhance the increased use of the home as a round-the-clock business and social environment.

Can it be said that trendy is no longer “in vogue”? Funny you should ask…

24/7 Livability is Trending: with Comfort First

According to an article at Vogue.com, and the designers they spoke with, it appears that comfort precedes durability. And yes, an increased focus on both seem to be shifting fashion and/or style toward the back burner.

“What does comfy look like, exactly?” they ask. “Think plushy, sink-into furniture,” they then answer themselves, “[with] chestnut woods, warm colors, overflowing bookshelves… Less mass-produced furniture and more reworking of passed-down family pieces or ones you already own. Fluffy towels, luxurious candles, objets d’art from local artisans rather than e-commerce giants.”

If you need more proof that top designers are already making the shift toward comfortable furnishings over trendy styles, the article does not hesitate to provide it:

• “Comfort, practicality, and making your home your sanctuary on every level,” says Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

• “Comfort in all forms is becoming more paramount,” says Timothy Corrigan.

• “Comfort over concept,” says Roman and Williams co-founder Robin Standefer.

• “The importance of comfort, wellness, and sustainability will continue to be a priority,” says Sheila Bridges.

“Essentially: ‘The trend is to embrace what lasts, what’s well made, and what makes you smile,’ says Standefer.”

This leads us to the next design trend for 2021.

Make It Last (and last, and last)

Living, working, exercising, and socializing (when and if possible) from a single location, not to mention doing it all from home, requires a new standard for furnishings. This is not to say that all sense of style should be abandoned, but increased use demands greater strength and resilience in everything from rugs and furniture to lighting and accessories.

“With everyone spending more time at home, there is a renewed emphasis on rooms that not only look good but can live up to increased use. Durability will continue to be more important and we will see a rise in using outdoor materials inside the home: there are so many great outdoor fabric options that allow you to make a mess and not worry about the clean-up, without having to sacrifice beauty,” explained Timothy Corrigan of Timothy Corrigan Inc.

If form follows function, then need determines the purpose, which will also be a priority for the foreseeable future.

“Out for 2021. . . rooms with no purpose, rooms only used for high days and holidays, furniture that has no other function but to make a statement. In 2020 we learned our lives are for living and need to be lived out in the best way we possibly can. Needless excess is out, functionality and duality in the home is in,” according to Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design

And yet, the clever designer will not forget that previously loved trends, such as monochromatic colorways and bare surfaces can become oppressive when a homeowner feels trapped. As a result, once comfort and durability are taken care of, adding bits of color, pattern, and statement pieces can relieve those feelings.

Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you establish and reach realistic 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Quality Interior Design Requires Balance – As Does the Interior Designer

One of the most important principles of a quality interior design project is balance. And yet, we see too many interior designers who lack that same balance, personally and professionally. That is, struggling to overcome a poor work/life balance.

Yes… Yes… Yes… We know every business coach and/or life coach on the internet spews virtual reams of blog posts and pages about the subject of finding a balance between work and life. We also know it can be tiresome to see the same subject being touted incessantly. But please, hang with us for a moment and let us tell you how we see this subject. We think you will appreciate our take.

You see, for us, the question arises, how does a designer’s life balance affect design project balance?

Put differently, is it possible for an interior designer who is struggling to find equilibrium between their work and their life to create balance in their projects consistently? Unfortunately, we find ourselves forced to say, “No”; consistency of one’s work is bound to suffer from living an imbalanced life.

An Imbalanced Life Leads to Unbalanced Designs

The question of which comes first, imbalance in life or work mimics the chicken/egg question. Do problems at home lead to stress levels at work, or is it the many challenges faced at work that contributes to stress and unhappiness at home? Needless to say, the experts have multiple answers for you, and they should be heeded.

Our approach is more practical. We want to explore how an imbalance in life impacts your ability to create a balanced environment for your clients.

Imagine for a moment that you wear a pair of (non-metaphorical) “rose-colored glasses” all day. What will this do to the way you perceive everything around you? More importantly for an interior designer, how will these lenses impact your ability to choose colors for your clients? When everything you see is tinted red, can you make good choices for them?

Similarly, what would happen if you were forced to wear sanitary rubber gloves 24/7, 365? This would make it impossible to appreciate the textures or “touch” of the fabrics you're trying to choose for your clients.

We could go on with examples like these, but we think the point’s been made. Which begs the question: If your life is seen as a metaphorical balance beam, and if you keep falling off, how can you possibly expect to balance a home design?

Work/Life Balance Comes from Within You

Caring for your clients is admirable, not to mention a necessary trait for an interior designer. Yet, if you forget to care for yourself as well, your ability to follow through for them will be negatively impacted. When you focus too much on your work, you can lose touch with the people you love and become burned out. The fatigue and poor health that follows is almost inevitable.

According to an article at MayoClinic.org, finding that elusive balance between life and work begins with setting limits.

“If you don't set limits, work can leave you with no time for the relationships and activities you enjoy… As long as you're working, juggling the demands of career and personal life will probably be an ongoing challenge. But by setting limits and looking after yourself, you can achieve the work-life balance that's best for you.”

While time management is one of the keys to this, learning to say “No” when you need to is even more important. “When you quit accepting tasks [or unreasonable client requests] out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you'll have more time for activities that are meaningful to you.” (emphasis added)

In addition, you will need to figure out how to detach yourself from work and take some “Me time”. This should include anything from simply relaxing to enjoying time with family and friends. Yes, you may have to learn to delegate some tasks to others but, once you do, you’ll likely be amazed by the sense of freedom you experience.

Help to Balance Design Work and Designer Life

Finally, the folks at Mayo recommend finding professional help if you need it. This could certainly refer to a mental health professional, but help may also be found from working with a business consultant. After all, sharing and learning from someone who’s “been there and done that” will often offer more practical solutions that lead to immediate results.

Our founder, Ted Fall, has managed to balance the demands of work and life admirably, even during the ongoing pandemic. We have all appreciated this quality in him. We are also confident he can be the business consultant you need to help balance your life and work so you can continue to offer quality interior design that reflects that balance.

Ted has the experience and knowledge to help. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

New from Kravet – Don’t Forget the Furnishings Hardware!

A recent Google search for “luxury furnishings” was both eye-opening and disappointing. We were stunned to discover that the largest search engine in the world is unable to distinguish between the category of furnishings versus furniture. Of the 12 links that came up on page one of the search results, only one mentioned furnishings along with furniture. (The half-dozen question/answer boxes were also about furniture.) And none of them mentioned furnishings hardware.

Many would say we’re being pedantic and complaining about semantics, but this is not true. It’s not the least bit trivial to hope that every search engine you might use would offer a much better selection to a search query for furnishings. From our perspective, and yours, the furnishings industry provides far more to the consumer than furniture. And, as an industry, the narrowly focused search results, in this case, may be our fault.

Most consumers have no idea that the luxury furnishings industry offers a wide variety of products under that umbrella. While high-quality furniture may take up much of the space under that shelter, we all know there is much more. From handwoven rugs to a stunning array of wallcoverings. From fabrics, lighting, tile, and flooring to something as “trivial” as the hardware on cabinets, dressers, and armoires to name a few, investing in luxury furnishings means far more than merely “buying a new couch”!

Hardware That Looks Like Jewelry for Your Furniture

In a recent blog post from the luxury furnishings giant Kravet, we are introduced to Lee Addison Lesley and Katherine Weeks Mulford. In the ten years since founding their jewelry business, Addison Weeks, “the duo saw a need for versatile, high-quality fashion jewelry and eventually, furniture hardware.”

Addison Weeks Hardware offers a stunning lineup that could easily be seen as “jewelry for your furniture”, to quote the article.

Needless to say, the whole concept is exciting now that Kravet has partnered with the company.

“Our jewelry customers love to decorate their homes. They are always looking to perfect the finer details, so we were not surprised when we were asked to design hardware. Customers around the country loved our fresh take on this product category and the quality that we carry on from our jewelry making.

We continue to be inspired to see how our customers use our hardware in their various projects. We allow them to customize the products by offering multiple finishes and gemstone combinations.” (emphasis added)

Furnishing Knobs and Handles That Speak to You

While knobs and handles are often overlooked by consumers, and not a few designers and retailers, doing so can lead to disappointment with their choices in the long run. This can happen with any furnishing item where a small mistake or oversight can, when seen every day by the client, lead to lasting irritation.

This is not the case when Addison Weeks Hardware adorns a traditionally minor or “unimportant” piece.

Rather, the stunning hardware they create often makes a statement of its own, enhancing cabinets, drawers, and so much more.

“We grew up in Richmond, VA and Charlotte NC – so we have always been inspired by southern life which focuses on taking pride in your home and making your home beautiful for your family and friends to live and entertain in. We are always listening to our customers and what they want – while we have a bit of southern flair in our designs we have pieces that cater to transitional, traditional mid-century, and others.

“We are absolutely thrilled at this opportunity to partner with Kravet. For us, Kravet stands for innovation, high-design, quality, and craftsmanship and those values are at the core of our business too.”

To learn more about the beautiful Addison Weeks Furnishings Hardware line from Kravet, get in touch with us today.

Mature, Objective Design-Centric Business Advice from Ted Fall

Doing business in the real world, especially the highly competitive world of interior design requires a mature, objective approach. There is no place for emotional, irrational thinking. This is exactly the type of design-centric business advice Ted has to offer designers and home furnishing sellers. (No salt here!)

Beyond this, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you establish and reach realistic 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Design-Centric Business Advice Should Often be Taken with a Grain of Salt

We regularly follow and often appreciate the information and design-centric business advice shared at the “voice of authority” website BusinessOfHome.com. However, we were stunned by an “advice” piece from November last year. Not only were we stunned by the question asked by a designer, but we also found the answer to be both overthought and overwrought.

First, the question: “I’ve never been the type to talk politics with my clients… until this election cycle, that is, when their lawn signs were unavoidable… [Now] one of my biggest jobs is about to be for a client with beliefs (and social media comments) I’ve discovered I simply can’t abide…”

“They also recently returned the signed contract with no qualms about making a deposit – always a good sign! – but I’m increasingly leaning toward walking away rather than seething quietly about what I know to be their personal views. Am I crazy to say, ‘never mind’ to a huge opportunity?” – [signed] Politically Incompatible

Herein lies our dilemma. Instead of simply saying “Yes! Don’t be stupid. Absolutely yes!” respected designer business coach Sean Low decided to pen more than 700 words in response to this completely irrational declaration and question!

Here’s a Grain of Salt That is Uncommonly Large

There is a time-honored saying in the world of sales and marketing that goes something like this… “The last reason you should promote a product is that you like it. The only reason to do so is that it has value to your client.”

Of course, the opposite is also true, that the last reason you should not promote a product is that you don’t like it. The same must be said for clients and potential clients. While liking them might make the job more enjoyable, not liking them is the absolute last reason for not working with them.

Yet, despite the obvious truth of these points, and instead of stopping with the only necessary comment, “To be sure, your question is not really a business question.,” he chose to continue.

“Your part is to do the work so that you can have your voice. Use the fruits of your voice however you choose, but do not give up your voice. The work is the work, and unless you think it a way to garner a market for those who share your beliefs above all others, let it stay there. If you choose this path, appreciate that you are marketing your creative business first and foremost, not taking a political stand.”

Some “Business” Questions Are Too Ridiculous to be Answered Seriously

Rather than treating such an irrational and unreasonable request for advice with the disdain it deserved, he actually went even further:

“The slippery slope is where you are casting your side-eye. That choice is yours, of course, but I would caution being pedantic. We are all an amalgamation of good and evil and – short of abject hate – their bedfellows throughout life. What someone believes is for them, and your judgment of their unworthiness comes at a price. It is why I keep my business focus on the quality of the patronage, not the patron, and push as far as I can not to judge beyond the ability to create great work. Yes, there is a line for all of us – I would simply suggest that, in this instance, you push further than you might otherwise be comfortable doing.” (emphasis added)

In short, the question of whether an interior designer should set aside their political beliefs for a highly profitable project working with likable clients should never arise. There is simply no reason to refuse such a contract. Even contemplating such an irrational idea can be said to be immature and self-indulgent.

After all, a job like this will not be promoting a conflicting viewpoint, which makes the question moot.

In short, the only question that truly matters to a sharp designer is how a job will benefit their business. Personal beliefs that may, or may not, conflict have no place in a business setting. In fact, being able to ignore differing points of view display a degree of maturity about doing business that “Politically Incompatible” does not, and may never, possess. (Much to the detriment of their business.)

Mature, Objective Design-Centric Business Advice from Ted Fall

Doing business in the real world, especially the highly competitive world of interior design requires a mature, objective approach. There is no place for emotional, irrational thinking. This is exactly the type of design-centric business advice Ted has to offer designers and home furnishing sellers. (No salt here!)

Beyond this, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you establish and reach realistic 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Agile Entrepreneurs Are Most Likely to Prosper Post-Pandemic

We understand if you're feeling a bit tired of pandemic-related blog posts. It seems like every recognized “expert” (and those who proclaim themselves to be), are spewing an endless stream of the stuff. And yet… And yet, the subject may be the most popular Google search being made today (see image for 3.1 billion search results). The upshot of all of this unsolicited advice is that being nimble will be a requirement for post-pandemic business success. Or, as the title above suggests: agile entrepreneurs and small business owners are the most likely to prosper moving forward.

The reason for this is clear for those who are also agile thinkers. The average person who’s spent the past 6-10 months working from home more than they ever imagined possible is reconsidering the spaces in which they live.

“Indeed, [the restrictive response to] the pandemic has changed many things, especially how we think about and use our homes. It was a year during which we all leaned on our homes a little bit more, willing it to bend and conform more to work, school, exercise, safety, and rejuvenation.” (Houzz Pro)

This shift in priorities should, perhaps, have been expected as many homebound parents and children found themselves spending more time together than ever before. Whether by government fiat or by choice for safety reasons, a large number of homeowners are reconsidering their design choices made in years past.

After all, feeling “stuck” is not an uncommon phenomenon today. Though usually in reference to their careers or work-life balance, the restrictions on movement and personal interaction placed on virtually all of us have bound them to an environment that was not meant for 24/7 habitation.

Changing Demographics in Design Markets

Further, in one of our recent posts, we shared our belief that “… beyond a change in priorities, you should also expect to see a shift in values; the very principles and standards by which individuals choose to live and do business. Literally, for many, they are responding to a shifting world view that has altered their perception of the nature of life. There is probably nothing that can shift priorities as dramatically for them, and you will need to be empathetic toward their needs at all times and in ways you may not have imagined, pre-pandemic.”

Many, if not most, business owners consider market demographics to be based on simple statistics: things like age, gender, wealth, and location. However, for the agile entrepreneur, the mindset must also be considered.

For example, how has your client base shifted their priorities? Has their home become more or less important to them in response to being “locked down” for months? Are they looking for more comfort or more practicality in their home’s design?

These are just a few of the questions you must not only ask yourself, you must also discover the answers if you hope to prosper in a post-pandemic world.

It goes without saying that we at TD Fall will do all we can to help. And, in fact, Ted is always available to work with you on an individual basis, consulting on how your business can best respond to the shifting needs of your design and furnishings clients.

With more than 25 years' experience in the luxury furnishings and interior design industries, he has pretty much seen it all. So, if you're ready to work with a professional consultant who can help you become one of those agile entrepreneurs our changing world demands, feel free to… Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Designer Tips for Coping with Oops Moments (Or… How to deal with WTH problems)

“Uh Oh!” “Oops!” “Now what?” For an interior designer, nothing causes more sleepless nights and graying hair than hearing – or saying – these words while in the middle of a remodeling project. While the responsibility for fixing mistakes rests with you, there is help to be found when you're coping with oops moments of your own.

As described in a recent article on the Houzz Pro website, “So many details, processes and people need to align during a renovation that things are bound to be a little bumpy. There are tense moments, unhappy clients, measuring mistakes, delayed shipments, and sudden discoveries behind walls and under floors that inevitably end with ‘Uh-oh’ escaping from someone’s lips.”

“But quick thinking, confidence in one’s experience, and just good old-fashioned gut instinct can help turn these trials and tribulations into positive outcomes and learning experiences.”

Coping with Product Problems – “That’s not what I ordered!”

Color, texture, size, and fit are the most common mistakes when ordering furnishings. Quoting the article again, “Someone mistakenly orders the wrong product or material, or the supplier ships the wrong one. Someone miscalculates a measurement. Or something gets installed the wrong way.” (Yeah, as we all know, blaming that familiar “Someone” can be a real relief.)

The advice for coping that’s shared in the article is fine, as far as it goes: stay calm, double check orders and deliveries for accuracy, and roll with the punches (so to speak). Though good advice, these things are pretty much self-evident.

More important is the vital pre-project step of preparing your client, and yourself, for the possibility of something going wrong. As explained in a previous post, peace of mind will be yours if you expect the unexpected, and prepare your clients for the same early on, just in case.

Coping with Remodeling Surprises – “How did that get there – and why?”

Surprises are the last thing a designer wants to find in the middle of a remodel. Unfortunately, “All the planning in the world won’t always prepare you for what might await behind walls and below floors. Especially with older homes, those on the renovation team often hold a collected breath when they’re opening up a structure. Problems with broken plumbing or damaged structures can catapult a client’s budget into the stratosphere and put the renovation in jeopardy.”

First, remember that early conversation with your clients about the possibility of unexpected problems? Since issues like these could be a game-changer for the project, include this in that talk. In other words, if some demolition is going to be needed, surprises like wood rot, bad plumbing, or worn electric wiring could add significantly to costs. They need to be ready for this possibility (as do you).

Stay calm and keep them focused on the beautiful results while reminding them you mentioned things like this might come up. This will go a long way to getting over the almost inevitable hurdles of previously unknown structural problems.

Coping with Tough Choices – “Uh oh! Who’s gonna’ tell them about this?”

As outlined above, and as the saying by Robert Burns goes, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. So, who tells the client you’ve found mice behind their walls? (Just kidding.) The point is, there will be times when things “go awry” that are simply no one’s fault. Sometimes, stuff happens.

“Nobody wants to be the one to delay a project, create more work, or increase costs. But sometimes you’ve got to make the hard decision so your client will be happy in the long run. Your client might view a mistake now as one that’s not worth fixing, but it’s important to emphasize that even a minor frustration with material, color, or product could compound over the years into something that’s a constant daily frustration.”

A sharp interior designer knows that even the smallest problem can become a major, nagging issue when lived with every day. That designer will step up and either make the choice to alter the plan or will honestly expose the issue and argue for resolving it immediately before it can become a long-term problem.

As “The Boss” the responsibility for making the tough choices rests with you alone. As does the obligation for conducting those potentially difficult conversations. Preparing your clients for the possibility of unforeseen problems will be helpful, as will taking steps like sharing daily updates, sticking with proven subs, and working with suppliers you know you can trust. In fact, we explain the importance of these things in our post on working smarter, not harder.

As always, Ted is available for individual business consulting support, with additional tips for coping with oops moments, and ways to work smarter, not harder in the face of uncertainty. Whether you're an interior designer or furnishing store owner, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you adapt and reach your 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Trends and The Pantone Color of the Year for 2021

This year, instead of taking our usual tour of the many opinions and variations of the color of the year for next year, we would like to keep it simple and stick with one, and the most important: The Pantone Colors of the Year for 2021.

There’s a reason for this that you may already have guessed if you’ve read our recent post on goal setting for business in 2021. In that post, we suggest that you try to keep things simple, with modest goals for your design or furnishings business next year. The idea being that, following the turmoil of this uber crazy year, staying calm and lowering expectations in case of crisis would be not only helpful to your business but also less stressful for you.

This type of thinking blends perfectly with what the color experts at Pantone have come up with for us in the New Year. In a somewhat remarkable shift for them, we’re being presented with not one but two colors for 2021.

Unprecedented Times Call for Extraordinary Color Choices

As you may have noticed in the opening paragraph, the newest entry into the traditional annual unveiling by the color matching experts has been made plural. That is, the decision to go with a pair of colors in an extraordinary move to match the unprecedented time in which we find ourselves.

As explained on their website, the choice of these paired colors exudes, “A message of happiness supported by fortitude, the combination of Ultimate Gray + Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.”

Indeed, whether your design clients are seeking a hopeful space that is warm and welcoming, or strong and supportive, or perhaps a unique blend of both, you can make that happen. Because these colors offer the chance to bring together what some might think of as conflicting elements, the opportunity to make novel and uncommonly complimentary design choices is unique and exciting.

“[As] two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together to support one another… Ultimate Gray + Illuminating best expresses the mood for Pantone Color of the Year 2021. Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of Ultimate Gray + Illuminating, is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.”

Take a Spiritual Approach to Complimentary Colorways

It should come as no surprise that a need for spirituality is on the rise this year. As an increasing number of Americans express the need to be more “spiritual but not religious” (according to Pew Research), these complementary colorways can be used to enhance that sense. In other words, this unusual pairing can be used to increase the senses of peace, wholeness, and balance among the physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of our lives that many seek in the pursuit of healthy spirituality.

“As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity, and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. [While] Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements that are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness, and resilience.”

While choosing these colors for your client’s spaces may not be the only answer to their need for newfound peace, the calming influence combined with the strength of purpose can be promoted in subtle but influential ways.

Whether you're an interior designer or furnishing store owner, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you adapt to unprecedented times and to employ the latest Pantone Colors of the Year to enhance your client’s home or office environment. Get in touch with TD Fall today.