Window Fashions Blog

Interior Design Business Bio: Is Yours a Boost or a Bust?

2011-07-26T15:47:00.004-05:00

By Fred Berns

The people who need to know you, don’t.

Your prospects don’t. Your website visitors don’t. Even your clients don’t.

That’s because, if you’re like most window fashion professionals, your promotional bio is a bust.

Chances are your printed bio sheet and your website “About Us” section undersell you. As a result, those you seek to influence don’t know all that you do, have done, and can do.

This is not to say you’re unqualified, or lacking in window fashion talent and skill.
It is to say that you don’t adequately share that information on your website, and in your marketing materials.

Your personal bio is your most important on-line and print marketing piece.
Is yours boosting or blocking you?

The beginning tells a bundle. A sure sign your bio doesn’t work is if it starts by saying that you “launched your company seven years ago.”

Or that you’re a New York native. Or that you received your design degree in 1999. Or that you belong to an association.

Nor am I impressed when you tell me that you “search beyond typical design solutions.”
Or that you “believe that your home interior reflects your lifestyle.” Or that you feel that “good window treatments enhance the quality of life.”

Oh, pul – eease!

Skip the baloney, and give me benefits.

Tell me how you can enhance my home value or increase my workplace productivity, and how you can save me time, money and headaches.

And tell me how you differ from your competitors.

Like so many other interior designer professionals, Faten Alsarraf was her own best-kept secret.

That’s because Faten, who is based in Dubai, didn’t promote herself as well as she could. And should.

Her promotional bio — on her website and in her promotional materials — used to open as follows:
(Faten Alsaraff) “is known by many of her companions and industry partners as a hard-working motivator, a go-getter and an experienced interior designer and architect. She is…the founder and owners of Final Fix Interiors.

Faten completed her Bachelors in Architecture from Baghdad University in 1989, and later on completed her Masters in Interior Design in 1998.”

Talk about underselling yourself!

Here’s a professional with 22 years experience providing design services for the Sheikh of Dubai, the royal families in several Middle Eastern countries, and schools, offices, hotels, resorts, banks, cultural centers and other commercial facilities throughout the region.

Faten hired me to revise her bio, and here’s how it opens now:
“Faten Alsarraf, among the Middle East’s most prominent interior designers, heads one of the region’s most successful and versatile full service-design firms.

Faten, the only female designer and contractor who has worked with so many top government officials and private clients in the UAE, Iraq and elsewhere in the area, directs a company that has more suppliers and resources than any other Middle Eastern design firm.”

Now she has a bio that she can brag about.

Bio Boosters
What goes into a good bio?
The Superstar Selling System for Design Professionals recommends that you include your:
+ “Only” phrase (” ____ is the area’s only designer who…)
+ Awards and other honors
+ Design specialities
+ Experience
+ Accomplishments
+ Skills and capabilities
+ Other qualifications
+ Unique services and products
+ Publication history (where/how you’ve been published)
+ Client profile (who you serve and how)
+ Resources (vendors, contractors, etc.)
+ Affiliations
+ Educational background

Fred Berns is an award-winning interior design industry business trainer who writes bios and other promotional copy for window fashion and other design professionals, and coaches them on how to create their own. Contact him at Fred@FredBerns.com, or 303-589-3013, or visit: InteriorDesign Business.net.

Looking for screening cleverness? Fold in some origami...

2011-07-13T16:31:00.028-05:00

Here’s a fun article on a screening idea from 3rings.designerpages.com/A Product Blog for Architecture + Design

The Soft Glow of a Miura Ori Screen by Ruiwen Lim
Posted June 6th, 2011 by Sonja Hall

A Japanese astrophysicist, Koryo Miura, created the “Miura fold” to simulate large solar panel arrays for space satellites on behalf of the Japanese 1995 space flight unit. Using his enlightened, origami-like fold, a designer from Singapore by the name of Ruiwen Lim recently created an architectural screen that goes by the name Miura Ori.

The Simple Folds of Systematic Origami Within the Miura Ori Screen by Ruiwen Lim

The fold itself has been described as “an example of the practical importance of rigid origami, or treating hinges and rigid surfaces like the paper and creases in paper folding problems.” The folded Miura can be packed into an area the same size as one of its segments, with its thickness restricted only by the thickness of the material that is folded beneath it.

For Lim, his these project was intended to explore window shading devices. Given the context, naturally the Miura Ori screen is an alternative to the norm of thick shades or blinds. It comes with innate flexibility and the paper-turned-fabric design can be easily customized for a white glow across a small wall or window, or along the expanse of a very large area.

By hanging up the folds of a Miura Ori screen by Ruiwen Lim, the lights, shadows, and soft radiance emitting through its gentle creasing brings through the simplicity of traditional origami designs.
Via Minimalissimo.

About the Designer: Ruiwen Lim is a designer from Singapore who works as an Assistant Designer at John Erdos Home. Previously, he worked in the Residential Department of Knight Frank Singapore and developed his marketing and business management, but Lim’s specialty in the field is Industrial Design. The Miura Ori came to life using the skills Lim honed studying at the National University of Singapore and the Ecole Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne.

PHIFER’S NEW SHEERWEAVE® PERFORMANCE + PROVIDES THE ULTMATE IN SUN CONTROL PROTECTION

2011-06-22T21:03:00.002-05:00

SheerWeave Performance + takes the performance of a traditional Phifer SheerWeave fabric “plus” the highly reflective properties of metallization and combines them to achieve the ultimate in sun control protection.

The new, high-tech advancement of SheerWeave Performance + offers the maximum in SheerWeave benefits. These fabrics act as a shield at the window, reflecting solar heat from the building, reducing the amount of glare at the window and increasing the outward view through the shade yet still providing an increase in daytime privacy.

Performance + is available in SheerWeave Styles 2390, a 5 percent open basketweave fabric, and 2410, a 3 percent open basketweave fabric. The Performance + series is available in 63 and 96-inch widths and in10 neutral colors ideal for any commercial project.

SheerWeave Performance + fabrics are infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection. Microban antimicrobial protection works 24/7 for an added level of defense against microbes such as mold and mildew that can damage your shades. Added during the manufacturing process, Microban product protection works continuously for the lifetime of the shade to inhibit the growth of stain-causing bacteria, mold and mildew.

Performance + has received certification by GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Children and Schools. The GREENGUARD Certification program is an internationally-recognized product emissions certification and labeling program for manufacturers of low-emitting indoor materials.

For more information on Phifer’s new SheerWeave Performance + fabrics, call 205-345-2120 or e-mail inquiries through the Web site at www.phifer.com.

Young Designer of the Year Prize 2011 Awarded to Laura Laine and Heikki Salonen

2011-06-02T18:38:00.000-05:00

Design Forum Finland's Young Designer of the Year Prize of 2011 goes to illustrator Laura Laine and fashion designer Heikki Salonen, who will share the prize sum of €5,000 donated by Deko magazine and will participate in a joint exhibition which will be held at Design Forum Finland from 9 June to 18 September 2011. The Young Designer of the Year Prize was instituted in 2000 and is now being awarded for the tenth time.

The recipients of the Young Designer of the Year Prize will be announced at a press conference to be held at Design Forum Finland, Erottajankatu 7, Helsinki at 1 p.m. on Wednesday 8 June 2011. Welcome to the press conference and the opening of the prize exhibition at 6 p.m. on the same day at Design Forum Finland!

The prize jury unanimously chose Laura Laine (born 1983) and Heikki Salonen (born 1979) to receive the Young Designer of the Year Prize of 2011. Laura Laine has studied fashion design at the Aalto University School of Art and Design and currently works mainly as an advertisement and magazine illustrator for Finnish and international magazines and fashion chains, among other clients. Heikki Salonen graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2008 and has also studied at the School of Art and Design of the Aalto University. He has displayed his collections for example at London Fashion Week and has won prizes in the Diesel and Perfume Concept Design competitions, among other events. Salonen is also the head designer of Diesel's ladies' collection.

Ambassador's Drapery Pinner Improves Workroom Operations and Onsite Installations

2011-05-24T18:54:00.009-05:00

Los Angeles-based Ambassador Industries introduces its Pinmaster II Pingun, an advanced drapery pinner, patented and made in America. This pinner has a pistol-like design with a handle and trigger, which accommodates an effortless ejection of the pins without the wrist and hand fatigue so common with other pinners. Loading and operating this pinner is simple and easy, and greatly improves and speeds up pinning operation. Both the pinner and its uniquely designed pins are sold at prices well below competing brands. Click HERE to watch the full demo.

For drapery professionals accustomed to the Jet Pinner, it is available as well, including the heavy-duty and regular-duty pins, all at competitive prices.

In addition, Ambassador carries:

* "C" shaped heavy duty (1-inch) track and components for cut-to-measure drapery rods.

* Oval (9/16-inch) track and components.

* A commercial hardware system for hotel draperies, with aluminum track and B.B. carriers identical to the popular Architrac system.

* Cubicle track and components.

* Graber drapery hardware.

* Workroom and Installation supplies.

For additional information contact Ambassador at 800-334-9668 (CA), 800-334-9667(U.S.) or 213-383-1171 (fax 213-383-3003) or e-mail ambassador2754@msn.com.

R+T Middle East 2011 Postponed

2011-05-24T18:32:00.001-05:00

Due to the current unsettled political situation in the region between the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean, Deutsche Messe Dubai and Messe Stuttgart decided to postpone indefinitely the Middle Eastern platform for doors/gates and sun protection, R+T Middle East, which was due to take place between 12-14 September 2011.

The event celebrated a successful premiere last year in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The organizers stated that a situation of great political instability in the Middle Eastern region has now arisen due to the political coups of recent months in several countries in the Arab world and persisting unrest in others. This would make a successful R + T in Dubai in September 2011 impossible for all participants, they added. A survey conducted among important exhibitors of the parent trade fair R+T Stuttgart and R+T Asia in Shanghai also confirmed this. Indeed the companies still see large market potential in the countries in the Middle East.

Color Specialists Announced at Exciting Windows! Regional Meeting at IWCE

2011-05-11T19:42:00.000-05:00

Exciting Windows! members came together for a regional meeting at the International Window Coverings Expo in Las Vegas last week where the first group of graduates received their certification as Exciting Colors! specialists.

"Through a collaborative program with PPG Pittsburgh/Porter Paints and their new “Voice of Color” strategy, members of our network of independent window treatment professionals in the United States and Canada have been trained to help consumers select paint colors for their home, " cited Kathy Cragg, VP of member services. "This service, allows Exciting Colors! specialists to suggest draperies, decorative shadings, shutters or blinds and then coordinate paint colors to ensure that the new window fashions, furniture and flooring all work in perfect harmony for years to come," continued Cragg. "Valued at $250, this paint color service is provided at no cost to our members' customers."

Exciting Windows! members who received certification have been trained through online and classroom study with special collateral material supplied by PPG and facilitated by Fawn Chang, the company's national color and design consultant, and color specialist Sarah Youngblood of Exciting Windows!

“Research tells us this program will bring sought after ‘added value’ to homeowners,” cited Cragg, "and will generate at-home appointments and sales for our members and offer a service that is not available from any national competitor.

By providing beautiful window fashions and a color coordinated room, our customers feel great and their rooms go from boring to ‘exciting’ - leading to more repeat and referral appointments as well.”

For more information about Exciting Windows! and its Exciting Colors! certification program, visit www.excitingwindows.com or call 301-907-8884.

Exciting Windows! certified color specialists. From left: Rose Mendoza, Sarah Youngblood, Kim Lyon, Jane Shea, Charles Marshall, Scott Hay, Donna Horner, Jacquie Peterson, Barbette Jones and Kriss Hook. At far left is Fawn Chang of PPG Paints and far right, Kathy Cragg, VP Exciting Windows!

How to Survive 40 Years as a Boutique Manufacturer of Fabric Window Coverings

2011-04-21T19:02:00.002-05:00

Castec says the only way to survive for as long as they have is to make it possible for the small independent retailer of window coverings to be able to successfully compete against big box retailers, and of course, other independents. "Service and quality, especially quality, are the answer. It's as simple as that, they say."

Castec's definition of service, though, is a little different. They know that the independent retailer or designer often has to differentiate himself by doing something unusual, "something the big box guys don't want to do," such as motorization, arch top treatments, very large shades, and other complicated customer demands. These kinds of requirements involve a lot of communication with the customer, a lot of highly personalized service, sometimes even training. Whatever it takes, Castec's mission is to "take care of the customer" at all cost. Castec assigns a personal account manager to every customer, and if you want to change your account manager for any reason, all you have to do is ask and they do it, no questions asked.

As to quality, they are hard to beat. They have 40 years of experience in being aware of what matters the most about their products to the end user. All of their products are manufactured in their North Hollywood, California factory by a workforce with decades of experience. Most of Castec's staff have been in the industry for over 25 years, and most of that time has been with Castec. Their staff is highly trained in all their products and systems, and they are intensely devoted to their core principles of "taking care of the customer" and manufacturing to a quality level beyond their customers' expectations, which is saying something, because their customers are pretty demanding.

Castec is most often recognized for its fabric roman shades, but they also offer beautifully made custom draperies, top treatments and pillows. They have several fabric programs that feature hundreds of highly fashionable fabrics, all coordinated by color, pattern and texture, but if you can't find what you like, Castec has been providing COM workroom services for 40 years. They will work with any fabric, even those classified as challenging or difficult, with no extra charges for difficult fabrics.

They fabricate their own unique line of woven wood shades in their Natural Woven Shades™ program. Castec's designers have traveled the world to source natural materials crafted from grasses, reeds, and bamboos for this very unusual program. Some of the materials are Castec's own designs and are exclusive to them. And, their Natural Woven Shades are made with the soft window covering methods they have developed over 40 years, which produces a very different, very high quality shade.

Castec also manufactures a wide array of solar shading products under their brand name Solar Solutions™. This program was developed to address a wide range of problems caused by the sun. The window covering challenges in this area are numerous, including extra-large windows, angled and curved glass found in solariums and greenhouses, and treatments requiring sophisticated motorization. They can deal with just about any problem an architect can create.

Visit www.castec.com for more details.

Hunter Douglas Featured in Builder Magazine

2011-04-12T18:05:00.001-05:00

The show home has clearly evolved with the times, with small footprints, net-zero energy consumption and classic American good looks. That’s what Hunter Douglas helped offer readers of Builder magazine. Hunter Douglas provided items such as Silhouette window shadings and PowerRise 2.0 Platinum Technology for the showcase home, the KB Home GreenHouse, an Idea Home created with Martha Stewart.

The home, seen here, featured the soft, sheer look of Silhouette® window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane™, with easy, convenient PowerRise® 2.0 Platinum Technology™ was selected by the design team for the serene master bedroom of the KB Home GreenHouse™.

2011 WCMA Product Award Winners Announced

2011-04-07T18:13:00.004-05:00

The 2011 WCMA Product Awards, the window coverings industry’s annual competition that calls out the year’s best products and merchandising programs, were announced today. Winning products were selected for their technical innovations and enhancements, style concepts and overall designs.

A panel of design community experts reviewed manufacturers’ submissions across an array of categories including cellular shades; drapery hardware; “green” products; horizontal blinds; motorization; Roman, roller, and pleated shades; shadings and sheers; shutters; specialty applications; vertical and panel tracks; and miscellaneous products. Breakout merchandising programs were also awarded prizes for their accomplishments.

Vignette® Traversed™ with Vertiglide™ Modern Draperies from Hunter Douglas (seen here) was selected by the judges as the 2011 WCMA Product of the Year. The winning entry presents Hunter Douglas’s Vignette® shade in a vertical application that is described by the company as a room solution for expansive windows and doors.

“WCMA proudly acknowledges all of the competing companies. Their engineering and design teams again have raised the bar for technical achievement making for tough calls by our panel of judges,” said Ralph Vasami, executive director of WCMA. Entries singled out for the 2011 WCMA Product Awards include: Comfortex Window Fashions, Homerun Holdings Corporation, Hunter Douglas, Hunter Douglas Contract, Lutron Electronics Co., Masterpiece Shutters, MechoSystems Inc., Norman Window Fashions, Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc., RollEase, Somfy Systems, Inc., and Springs Window Fashions.

All of the 2011 WCMA Product Awards winners will be honored during a reception held in conjunction with the Vision 11 (International Window Coverings Expo) in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 27, 2011. Photographs of all the product and merchandising submissions will be prominently displayed during VISION11, the premier industry trade show, to be held April 26-28, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

WINDOW COVERING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

2011 PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARDS WINNERS

PRODUCT AWARDS

Cellular Shades
Best Technical Innovation
SlumberShade™ Honeycomb Shades
Comfortex Window Fashions

Best Style Concept
PERSONA™ Honeycomb Shades
Comfortex Window Fashions

Best Enhancements
Enhancements to Duette® and Applause® Honeycomb Shades
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Drapery Hardware
Best New Technical Innovation
Luminette® Privacy Sheers & Modern Draperies: Manhattan™ Decorative Hardware
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best New Style Concept
Decorative Crystal Finials: Bohemia Collection & KBlair Finials
Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc.

Best New Style Concept
Honorable Mention
Tuscany Traversing
Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc.

Green Products — Sustainability
Best New Style Concept
Duette® Architella® Batiste Bamboo Fabric with IllumiCell™
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Most Innovative Overall Concept
GreenScreen® Revive roller shade fabric
Hunter Douglas Contract

Honorable Mention – Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Wood Green Product Sustainability Story
Springs Window Fashions

Green Products — Health and Environmental Safety
Best Overall Concept
Enhancements to Vignette® Modern Roman Shades
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Green Products — Energy Efficiency
Best New Technical Innovation
WireFree™ Solar Pack
Somfy Systems, Inc.

Best New Style Concept
Duette® Architella® Batiste Fabrics with IllumiCell™
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Most Innovative Overall Concept
Vignette® Tiered™ Architella® Modern Roman Shades
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Horizontal Blinds
Best New Technical Innovation
Normandy Premium Wood Blinds
Norman Window Fashions

Best New Technical Innovation
Honorable Mention
Aluminum Horizontal Inverted Slat
Springs Window Fashions

Best New Style Concept
Natural Elements™, A Collection of Modern Precious Metals® Blinds
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Miscellaneous
Best New Style Enhancements
2011 Enhancements to The Alustra® Collection
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Overall Concept
Luminette® Modern Draperies Ribbon™ Panel Design
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Motorization
Best New Technical Innovation
Telis 6 Chronis RTS
Somfy Systems, Inc.

Best New Technical Innovation
Honorable Mention
WhisperTrac™ 1000
MechoSystems Inc.

Most Innovative Overall Concept
Venetian Blinds with Intelligent Tilt Alignment
Lutron Electronics Co.

Roman, Roller, and Pleated Shades
Best New Technical Innovation (tie)
AcoustiVeil™
MechoSystems Inc.

Best New Technical Innovation (tie)
SmartPull
Springs Window Fashions

Best New Technical Innovation
Honorable Mention
Universal 5" Fascia
RollEase

Best New Technical Innovation
Honorable Mention
Qmotion Shades
Homerun Holdings Corporation

Best New Style Concept
RB 500 roller shade operating system
Hunter Douglas Contract

Best New Style Concept
Honorable Mention
Major League Baseball/Collegiate Collection Roller Shades
Comfortex Window Fashions

Best Overall Concept
Roller SlumberShades™
Comfortex Window Fashions

Shadings and Sheers
Best Overall Concept
2011 Silhouette® window shadings Collection
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Shutters
Best New Enhancement
UltraGrain™ -- The New Finish for NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best New Style Concept
Masterpiece Shutters™
Masterpiece Shutters

Specialty Applications
Best New Technical Innovation
Tuscany Traversing with Bent or Curved Applications
Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc.

Best New Style Concept
Vignette® Traversed™ with Vertiglide™ Modern Draperies
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Most Innovative Overall Concept
Vignette® Traversed™ with Vertiglide™ Modern Draperies
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Wood Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds
Best Technical Innovation
Normandy Premium Wood Blinds
Norman Window Fashions

Judges’ Award
Reserved for a submission selected by the panel that exhibits measurable benefit or standout aesthetic appeal to end users
Luminette® Privacy Sheers & Modern Draperies: Manhattan Decorative Hardware
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

2011 WCMA PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Vignette® Traversed™ with Vertiglide™ Modern Draperies
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Merchandising Awards
Best Marketing Technology (tie)
Hunter Douglas Alliance Dealer Websites
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Marketing Technology (tie)
PERSONAShades.com
Comfortex Window Fashions

Best Sampling Program (tie)
2011 Luminette® Privacy Sheers & Modern Draperies Sample Book
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Sampling Program (tie)
Shade Systems Showcase and Little Black Book
MechoSystems Inc.

Best Point of Sale Display
Audio Display in "Move" Designer Roller Shades Update Kit
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Point of Sale Display Honorable Mention
Hunter Douglas Media Player for Showcase and Retail Display Systems
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Trade Advertising Campaign
2010 Hunter Douglas Promotional Programs
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Consumer Advertising Campaign
The Art of Window Dressing™ Brand Positioning Integrated Marketing Campaign
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Trade Education
Hunter Douglas Webcasts
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Best Trade Education
Honorable Mention
HD Meeting for Alliance Dealers
Hunter Douglas, Inc.

Hunter Douglas and the Extended Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

2011-03-31T17:26:00.001-05:00

On Dec. 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, which re-extended federal tax credits on select energy-efficient products for 2011. Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas, which created the popular honeycomb shade category more than 25 years ago, are among those products. They are the first and only window shades without add-on insulation systems to qualify for the credit and can more than double energy-efficiency of a window.

Federal tax credits for energy-efficient products are now available for 10 percent of the cost of most Duette Architella shades, up to a maximum of $500 in total, when purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011, provided the expense meets the tax guidelines. With this extended tax credit opportunity, aligned Hunter Douglas dealers are in a unique position to offer their customers an extremely compelling three-way savings on Duette Architella honeycomb shades this trimester:

-- Up to $500 U.S. Federal Tax Credit opportunity.

-- $25 per unit savings with the Every Smart Style promotion rebate offer in effect through 4/29/11.

-- Energy savings at the window resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. Based on calculations verified by the Rocky Mountain Institute, Duette Architella shades, when properly installed, can save up to $60 per average-sized window. (Estimates will vary by region.)

“Award-winning Duette Architella honeycomb shades are already a best-seller and the fastest-growing innovation in the popular cellular shade category thanks to their superior energy efficiency, proprietary design and striking good looks,” said Jim Mathews, Hunter Douglas Senior Vice President of Marketing. “Duette Architella shades have seen even stronger sales since the product originally qualified for the federal tax credit in October 2009, and this continues the powerful incentive for consumers to buy and for dealers to build incremental sales volume this winter and early spring and throughout 2011.”

All energy-efficient products that qualify must be for existing homes, not new home construction. Homeowners should be advised to check the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement available at hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit for a list of qualifying Architella products and restrictions and also to consult their tax advisor to determine whether they are eligible for the federal tax credit. They will need to keep a copy of their receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for their records.

Sunbrella Fabrics Expands Mayfield Awning Collection

2011-03-18T07:27:00.002-05:00

Tri Vantage has expanded its Mayfield Awning Collection with 14 new stripes carefully engineered to coordinate with upholstery fabrics from their expansive Sunbrella High Point Collection. Now comprised of 30 SKUs, the collection offers awning fabrics in appealing earth tones with a variety of striped styles ideal for both fixed and retractable awning structures.

“Home furnishing design trends are a big influence when it comes to developing awning patterns,” said Gina Wicker, design and creative director for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, makers of Sunbrella fabrics. “Thanks to the common color palette shared with our furniture fabrics, the new fabrics will enable our customers to provide homeowners with a cohesive look for their outdoor spaces.”

The Mayfield Collection is offered exclusively through Tri Vantage, a division of Glen Raven, Inc. and the nation’s largest distributor of fabrics, hardware, accessories and cordage for the awning, marine and furniture industries.

Leading the Mayfield Collection is the stripe Moreland. Based on the popular solid awning fabric, Silica, Moreland is a textured stripe in alternating colors with a triple pinstripe detail. Moreland is available in four color combinations – Clay, a nutmeg hue, Taupe, a popular neutral, Chestnut, a rich brown and Nugget, a warm gold.

The Mayfield Awning Collection fabrics are integrated into the Sunbrella Awning Fabric Stock Book for 2011/2012, making it easier for consumers to view all fabrics that might suit their color preferences.

Follow Sunbrella on Facebook at or on Twitter.

Glen Raven Retains Outdoor Living Specialist

2011-03-12T11:26:00.000-06:00

As part of its continuing focus on promoting the outdoor room concept with consumers, Glen Raven has retained the services of a nationally recognized outdoor living specialist, Marcia Blake. Blake will work with the Glen Raven marketing and sales teams to further develop a Sunbrella® fabric kiosk program and Solair™ awning program at specialty retail.

The Sunbrella kiosk program from Glen Raven provides consumers with information on Sunbrella fabric design options and access to cut yardage. The new Solair® retractable awning program includes in-store awning displays and assistance with retractable awning installation. Both programs will help to transform decks and patios into outdoor rooms.

“Marcia is helping us combine the knowledge and experience of specialty retailers with her own design expertise and aesthetic for outdoor spaces,” said Suzie Roberts, vice president and business manager for decorative fabrics for Glen Raven. “By promoting the outdoor room, we believe we can create growth opportunities for our retail specialty partners.”

Blake, president and creative director of Outdoor Interiors®, will work with specialty retailers to gain a better understanding of current best practices. At the same time, she will offer her assistance as a consultant and design authority focused on outdoor lifestyles.

“Specialty retail is the ideal venue for marketing the outdoor room to consumers,” Blake said. “The goal we share with patio stores is making this concept come to life through merchandising, visual displays and integration with the sales process. Our success will result in a more enjoyable shopping experience for consumers and opportunities for retailers to offer not just one or two products, but an entire lifestyle.”

Blake’s company, Outdoor Interiors®, is a full-service design firm specializing in creating outdoor environments, including her own collection, Outdoor Couture®. Through her company’s website www.outdoorinteriors.com, Blake is the author of a blog, “retail-ol-ogy,” which also appears on www.sunbrella.com and offers merchandising and visual display recommendations. She is also a regular contributor to national consumer and trade magazines in the home segment and a sought-after speaker.

“Marcia’s design and merchandising talent, along with her love of the outdoors, will help elevate the specialty retail segment as a lifestyle destination,” said Hal Hunnicutt, vice president of marketing for Glen Raven.

EcoSmart Shades Looks to the Next Generation in New Manufacturing Facility

2011-03-07T19:16:00.001-06:00

Growth is in the works as Gordon’s Window Decor, the family business that manufactures EcoSmart Insulating and EcoSmart Roller shades transitions to the next generation.

“I think our growth is due to the fact that we manufacture very high quality insulating window shades that save substantial amounts of energy- an important component in our country’s efforts to cut our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Gordon Clements, founder and president of Gordon’s Window Décor.

And grow they have. With distribution of EcoSmart Shades now well established across the United States and in Ireland, as well as sales volumes developing in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, Gordon’s has been hiring and just bought a larger factory/showroom in Williston, Vt. They moved during a blinding snowstorm Feb. 26, 2011, and are now up and running in the new facility. That is a lot of change for any company, especially combined with serious succession planning. It has truly been a busy year for Gordon’s.

“It is all really exciting,” said Kelly Conklin, Clements’ daughter and successor. “Buying the new building was a huge step, as it will double our production space. But we were bursting at the seams in our old building and with our growth we need more space.” The succession planning is equally as exciting. “We’ve been working with the Vermont Family Business Initiative to help with the planning,” Conklin said.

It is well known that transitioning a business from the first generation to the second generation is no easy feat. But Clements and Conklin have been working diligently to avoid common pitfalls of succession, and with resources like the Vermont Family Business Initiative it looks they will be supplying EcoSmart Shades across the United States and globally for years to come.

“My first child, Silas, was born in August,” Conklin said, “and if all goes well I hope that he’ll be the third generation to run Gordon’s Window Décor.”

Comfortex Insulating Shade System Certified for 2011 Energy Tax Credits

2011-03-02T20:08:00.003-06:00

Comfortex Window Fashions has announced that its ComforTrack Plus Energy Saving Sidetrack Insulation System is certified for federal tax credits in 2011. Homeowners of existing homes can earn a tax credit up to $500 by installing the ComforTrack Plus Energy Saving Sidetrack Insulation System during the 2011 calendar year.

The system features several insulating honeycomb fabrics with an integrated sidetrack system that seals off the gaps between the shades and the windows to create a solid insulating barrier to drafts.

The Tax Relief, Unemployment Reinsurance Authorization and Jobs Creation Act of 2010 made some changes to the previous energy efficient improvements tax credits. Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code homeowners can now receive a 10 percent credit on the costs of qualified energy efficiency improvements. This tax credit applies to improvements made to a primary residence from Jan. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2011. Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements, and are listed on www.energystar.gov.

Consumers who purchase Comfortex ComforTrack Energy Saving Sidetrack Insulation System from Comfortex dealers for are “placed into service” (made ready and available for use) within existing homes from Jan. 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2011 are eligible for 10-percent tax credit, up to $500. For additional information about tax credit eligibility, consumers should visit www.irs.gov.

Hunter Douglas Internet Customer Management Program Connects Dealers with Customers

2011-03-02T20:04:00.001-06:00

The award-winning Internet Customer Management (iCM™) program is a web-based business tool that helps Hunter Douglas Alliance dealers manage their customers’ experience more professionally—from the first contact through installation and beyond to the next sale. Now iCM lets dealers mail customized communications to any customer!

Hunter Douglas connected to iCM helps dealers keep in closer contact with customers and prospects, making a favorable impression and providing a more satisfying shopping experience. It includes key follow-up tools:

-- Promotional e-mails for Hunter Douglas corporate promotions

-- The Customer Experience Opinion survey dealers can send out to get honest feedback

-- A variety of postcards to send out during every step of the buying process

-- Integration with Constant Contact to upload iCM contact lists at the click of a button, and e-mail a Decorating Ideas -- eNewsletter for added follow-up with prospects and customers.

Dealers can mail a postcard at many occasions in the customer relationship – for example, to touch base before an order, to send a thank you after an order; to thank someone for a referral, or as a follow up about future projects the customer mentioned. The Customer Experience Opinion survey can be customized and mailed or e-mailed to customers.

“We’re very pleased with the customer postcards,” says Nancy Weeks owner and President of M.C. Weeks, Inc. Window Fashions, an exclusive Hunter Douglas Gallery® Dealer in Collegeville, Pa. “Our follow-up with customers has become more professional and more consistent, and because the process is automated, we’ve saved time and work. It’s also saving us money because we no longer print and inventory thank you cards and various coupons.”

“These new iCM capabilities are making it much easier to do what we should have been doing all along,” notes Angela Sisk, President of Barrington Draperies & Shutters, a Showcase Priority Dealer® in Barrington, Ill. “I’m very excited about sending customer surveys after we install a job. It’s almost automatic and that means it gets done. I want our designers to get positive feedback about what they do. It’s also important that we learn about any negatives, so we can pinpoint what we aren’t doing right and work to do better.”

The cost to use the online iCM program is less than that for most generic customer management programs available, and offers more features and support, plus it’s customized for the window fashions industry.

Comfortex Launches Officially Licensed Collegiate Products

2011-02-23T21:23:00.001-06:00

Comfortex Window Fashions recently introduced the Collegiate Collection of officially licensed logos of the nation’s leading colleges and universities. This collection is in addition to the recently introduced Major League Baseball Collection, featuring all 30 Major League Baseball teams. The roller shades, available in custom-made sizes, are produced exclusively by Comfortex utilizing official school colors and logos.

“Comfortex is pleased to offer the Collegiate Collection featuring the official logos of schools such as the U.S. Military Academy, Kansas University, Villanova University, the University of Maryland, Stanford University, the University of Connecticut, University of Kentucky and dozens more,” said John C. Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President of Comfortex. “The response from our dealers and the schools themselves has been tremendous. These shades are perfect way for students and alumni to express their school spirit in their dens, bedrooms, and family rooms. The shades are also designed for school facilities such as alumni halls, dormitories and campus centers.”

Comfortex will offer the Collegiate Collection through a network of authorized Comfortex Dealers throughout the United States. Comfortex will soon be expanding the roller shade collection with other licensed products that target other key market segments.

More information about these products may be found on the company web site at www.comfortex.com.

Insolroll, Leviton Ally to Deliver Complete Solar Shading Solutions

2011-02-20T13:54:00.001-06:00

Insolroll Window Shading Systems has allied with Leviton Manufacturing to develop complete solutions for the integration of Commercial Lighting Controls and Solar Shading Window Treatments. The Leviton/Insolroll Solar Shading System’s unified architecture uniquely incorporates Insolroll’s advanced fabrication of solar shading products and Leviton’s extended suite of lighting control solutions. Integration of Insolroll’s motorized window treatments with Leviton’s EnOcean-enabled LevNet RF controls and Leviton’s GreenMAX 0-10 volt system is seamless providing optimal energy savings and user comfort.

When the office is occupied the occupancy sensor is configured for either manual-on or auto-on for luminaire control. The window shade could be triggered to move to a default position or is positioned by the occupant for the desired level of comfort and glare control. When the office is vacant the occupancy sensor detects that the room is vacant so it switches the Luminaire off and during summer lowers the window shade to prevent heat gain. During the winter the window shade could be raised to allow heat gain.

“Leviton and Insolroll will provide solutions that the industry simply can’t find anywhere else like hybrid solutions featuring EnOcean technology that require no maintenance, no batteries and no hassle. The partnership gives building and commercial developers the choice of reliable and sustainable maintenance-free solutions,” said Ian Hendler, Director of Business Development for Leviton. “The alliance of technologies is a new evolution in sustainable control and solar energy management, making it simple and cost effective to employ convenient hybrid solutions.”

From simple installations to virtually maintenance-free operations, the innovative solutions created by the alliance will present customized energy harvesting solutions that will help building operators and owners efficiently manage natural and artificial lighting for maximum energy savings, workforce comfort and convenience. Use of automated shading systems can decrease a building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint by lessening its dependence on HVAC and artificial lighting systems. The solutions will also minimize glare and heat for building occupants, creating a comfortable environment.

“Aligning our advanced shading technologies to Leviton’s lighting management controls let’s us provide affordable, revolutionary shading options to a wide variety of commercial facilities,” said

Earl Cornelius, National Sales Manager for Insolroll. “We are excited for our role in blending natural and interior lighting and advanced materials with the technologies provided by the alliance to create self-sustaining products.”

Wear Red and Fight Heart Disease

2011-02-01T14:33:00.002-06:00

Are you prepared to Make It Your Mission to fight heart disease in women?

National Wear Red Day® is only three days away! What better time to acknowledge the energy, passion and power we have to band together and wipe out heart disease? Go Red celebrity spokesperson Cheryl Hines will be sharing her story at the Go Red CONNECT event in New York and is making it her mission to fight heart disease because of her family history. "I'm taking action now to build a more heart-healthy lifestyle for me and my daughter.”

Friday, Feb. 4, is National Wear Red Day. It's the day to wear your favorite red clothes or accessory – a red blouse, a red dress pin, a fabulous red handbag – put on red lipstick, or sport a red tie and red socks. Go red in your own fashion to show your support for women and the fight against heart disease. Protecting your health and supporting others. Now that's great style that touches all of our hearts.

Facebook fans: Give a Go Red gift to your friends by clicking HERE ["share Go Red"]. Show your friends you are making it your mission to fight heart disease in women.

Elli Popp at Maison et Objet

2011-01-20T08:02:00.002-06:00

One of the must-see booths at this year’s Maison et Objet in Paris is that of Elli Popp, Designs by Katja Behre. New designs include “Victoria’s Medley” (seen here), Behre’s new repeat design collection comprised of three different wallpapers that can be merged either to create a continuing flux of wallpapers or alternatively used on their own. The three designs—“Wings and Pistols,” “Bouquet and Butterflies,” and “Skeletons in the Closet”—are a playful and sassy collage of Victorian memorabilia and design with hidden elements.

“Nuthatch and Blackcap” is one of the five Special Edition repeat designs launched in collaboration with Indie musician and artist Edwyn Collins. The series is also accompanied by a set of fine bone china ware. Another series called “A Bash or Do” features a small selection of original 1890s silver print photographs with their original water coloration. Combined with images of stunning insects and burlesque ladies, the wallpaper continues this season’s collection of Victorian imagery and tongue-in-cheek elements, including nudes and insects.

See more at ellipopp.com.

Graham & Brown's Elixir Collection

2011-01-11T15:54:00.002-06:00

Graham & Brown’s newest collection of designer wallpaper “Elixir” encapsulates modern elegance with beautiful hand-drawn floral and geometric patterns using a blend of metallic, gloss and matte finishes to add a timeless finish. As a global leader in wall decor, Graham & Brown is recognized as a powerful creative source stretching the way people think of pattern and color.

Elixir complements Graham & Brown’s new paint collection, which gives decorators an opportunity to mix and match colors and patterns. Elixir features seven different designs: Countess, Mirage, Dauphin, Duchessa, Soprano, Desire and Imperial, which are each available in multiple colorways.

· Countess: Beautifully depicted design with shimmering highlights, this romantic flourishing rose trail epitomizes vintage-glamour.

· Mirage: A shimmering whimsical landscape of beckoning trees that gives walls a muted ethereal feel.

· Dauphin: A regally inspired vintage floral bouquet design, the perfect design for a graceful feminine space.

· Duchessa: An elegant floral trail contrasts matte florals and metallic highlights with contemporary colors for a stylish sophisticated look.

· Soprano: A striking geometric design reminiscent of an Aztec-drawn feather. Metallic overprint complements subtle and striking color combinations for understated glamour or high-drama modernism.

· Desire: A popular large-scale damask design reworked in four stylish shades for the winter season

· Imperial: A classic two-bar stripe design with metallic overlay, works both vertically and horizontally for a chic contemporary finish.

See www.grahambrown.com for more.

Comfortex SlumberShade Named Official Shade of National Sleep Foundation

2011-01-06T10:25:00.003-06:00

Comfortex Window Fashions has announced the introduction of the Comfortex Cellular SlumberShade, what the company calls "the ultimate blackout cellular shade." The SlumberShade provides both outstanding room darkening and energy saving benefits through the use of the patented “energy saving blackout sidetracks," which can be easily installed and removed for window cleaning.

Comfortex also is announcing a partnership with the National Sleep Foundation. Based on the product’s ability block sunlight which hinders sleep, the SlumberShade has been endorsed by the National Sleep Foundation as the "Official Window Shade of the National Sleep Foundation."

"We are very excited about the potential of this product and our partnership with the National Sleep Foundation," stated John C. Fitzgerald, Executive Vice-President of Comfortex. "This product addresses a real need by consumers seeking a better sleep, and also saves them energy."

Simplicity is Key in Today's Window Fashions.

2010-12-16T09:24:00.002-06:00

Simplicity has a long tradition in America, and it’s back today, not just in sleek urban lofts but in homes across the America. It’s not minimalism necessarily; it doesn’t celebrate the absence of pieces. Simplicity is pleasing, pared-down, stress-free and creates a refuge from the 24/7 world. It’s convenient and easy, not as complicated as people’s to-do lists or schedules.

“Unique materials, distinctive details, custom combinations and an appreciation of honest, straightforward craft is what is celebrated today,” says Kim Kiner, Vice President of Product Design for leading window covering manufacturer Hunter Douglas. “Streamlined simplicity that emphasizes the usefulness and purpose of a design is the new aesthetic.”

It was in this spirit that the Hunter Douglas premium trend-responsive Alustra® Collection was developed. This exclusive collection of proven, time-tested products includes Alustra Woven Textures® shades seen here. Available in Roman and roller shade styles, Alustra Woven Textures is created using distinctive weaves and fibers such as soft chenilles, raffias, real papers and luminescent threads that beautifully filter natural light.

Find out more at Hunter Douglas’ website.

What's New for the New Year?

2010-12-14T15:02:00.001-06:00

It’s time for New Year’s resolutions, and we’re eager to know what you have planned for your business in 2011! Take the survey and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win two books by VISION11 Las Vegas keynote speaker Kathryn Ireland: “Classic Country” and her newly released “Creating a Home”. Go to surveymonkey.com/s/XCL7RCG.

Designer Wallpaper Giant Launches First Ever Interior Paint Collection

2010-12-10T16:08:00.002-06:00

For the first time in its 64-year history, Graham & Brown recently expanded its wall decoration portfolio to include an interior paint collection called “The Colours That Made Britain Great,” inspired by British icons and popular culture. After years of beige rage, the trend-led palette reflects the vibrant fusion of British life and attributes its names to colorful historical figures, classic institutions and saucy double entendres. Colors include “Beside the Seaside,” “Nice Cup of Tea,” “Rules The Waves” and even a “Nice Pear.”

The range of 30 high-quality flat-matte-finish colors is available in a spectrum of confident shades, including tangy citruses, warming crimsons, cool blues and soft putty grays. Colors can be easily mixed and matched for an impactful look. Complement a splash of “Bitter Shandy” with “Glastonbury Field” for a casual retro look; or mix “Double Decker Bus” with “Black Cab” for a striking modern interior. Shown here: the Jewel in the Crown & Beside the Seaside room set.

The Graham & Brown British Colours palette has been designed to complement its extensive range of designer wallpaper and wall art and is perfect for linking rooms together. The complementary shades also make tricky color matching a thing of the past.

The low-odor, non-drip emulsion is made in Great Britain from a water-based formulation with minimal levels of VOC, making it both kinder on the planet and easy to apply. Graham & Brown is also offering paint samples, or testers, to give customers a glimpse of the new line. For more information, visit www.grahambrown.com.

The Chicago Market: Living and Giving Announces Special Events for Retailers

2010-12-07T15:33:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Market: Living and Giving® will offer a mix of special late-night shopping, networking opportunities and educational programming and seminars that are not to be missed. Event highlights include seminars and book-signings from interior designers Frank Fontana and Mick De Giulio, extended late-night shopping on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 and a social media panel moderated by Meredith Schwartz of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine.

The Chicago Market will offer a jam-packed buying experience with a variety of events and amenities. Visit www.ShopChicagoMarkets.com/events for more information and to RSVP for all excitement. For more information on The Chicago Market: Living and Giving, visit www.shopchicagomarket.com or call 800.677.6278 (MART).

Eclipse Shutters Featured in The ABC Kids Expo GREENGUARD Nursery

2010-12-02T08:01:00.003-06:00

Eclipse Shutters was one of the featured products in the ABC Kids Expo GREENGUARD Nursery in 2009, and they were featured a second time in 2010. Held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., the main focus of the show is on products from newborn through teen, predominantly in the areas of furniture, bedding, room decor, baby gear, toys and related accessories. The GREENGUARD nursery at The ABC Show helps to create awareness that good indoor air quality is critical to providing healthy environments for children.

With children spending on average 85 percent of their time indoors and indoor air typically 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, one of the most important steps for protecting children is to make sure the air they breathe indoors is clean and free of hazardous pollutants.

Eclipse Shutters are GREENGUARD Certified for children and schools. This certification is for products intended for use in schools, daycares or other environments where children spend significant periods of time. The GREENGUARD Children and Schools Certification Program offers stricter certification criteria. It is referenced by both The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building Rating System. Products certified to this standard are also suitable for use in environments where children play or reside.

Another safety feature of Eclipse Shutters is their cordless design. Children and pets will stay safe because there are no dangling cords to worry about.

For more about Eclipse Shutters, please visit www.eclipseshutters.com.

WFCP Specialist Judy Soccio in Victorian Homes Magazine

2010-11-11T14:02:00.003-06:00

Judy Soccio, a window treatment specialist at SoccioRodriguez Design in Monongahela, Pa., recently penned an article on Victorian window treatments that will appear in the December issue of Victorian Homes magazine. Judy, who is a WFCP Specialist and a member of the WFCP advisory board, writes about the Victorian era, which encompassed many different decorating styles, and window treatments of the time that provided a wealth of energy-saving techniques that are easily adaptable to today's windows. Judy's attractive and low-tech tips helps readers use layering to keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Victorian Homes magazine is available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and local newsstands.

PH Renderings Offers Window Treatment Renderings to Trade Professionals

2010-11-10T18:18:00.002-06:00

PH Renderings, operated by Patricia Hewins under a license agreement from Evan Marsh Designs, offers the service of providing window treatment renderings to trade professionals. Using the DreamDraper® design software, she prepares beautiful renderings, complete with colors and fabrics, on a photo of the client’s room so the designer can show their client how the treatment will look in place.

Designers submit their photos and design sketches to PH Renderings and receive finished renderings within 3 business days. Examples of Patricia’s work have been featured on the DreamDraper website (http://www.dreamdraper.com/) and on other DreamDraper promotional materials.

Sun Glow Window Covering Products of Canada Ltd. Products Awarded at IIDEX/NeoCon 2010

2010-10-22T11:30:00.001-05:00

Sun Glow Window Covering Products of Canada Ltd. Products Awarded at IIDEX/NeoCon 2010

Sun Glow entered two new products into the IIDEX/NeoCon Innovative Product Awards and came away with exciting results. Sun Glow's newest innovation, MAX™, was entered in to the general Innovative Product category where it was compared against the latest developments in a wide array of product driven industries. MAX™ is a new roller-shade cassette that features an advanced Floating Suspension System that prevents tube deflection and reduces roll up diameter on large shades. With MAX™ roller shades can reach staggering dimensions up to 40 feet wide and 30 feet tall within a relatively small cassette. It also features hem bar cord guides to combat strong winds for exterior applications and is compatible with a number of automation options.

Also submitted was Pure Screen® into the more specific Textiles category. Pure Screen® is a sun-control fabric that actually cleans the air. A special coating on the fabric enables it to accumulate harmful gases and bad odors on its surface and convert them in a catalytic process into harmless substances such as water (H20) and carbon dioxide (CO2). One square meter of Pure Screen® can convert as much as 49mg of formaldehyde within the first 48 hours of exposure, and the catalytic reactions are permanent because the effective substance is not used up.

Both of these products earned awards. MAX™ received the Gold Innovative Product award and Pure Screen® received the Silver Textiles award. For more information on these products, visit www.mysunglow.com.

WFCP Announces Follow-Up Webinar

2010-10-16T11:20:00.002-05:00

Along with CHF Academy, WCAA and industry pros we will host a webinar Oct. 28, 2010, at 11 a.m. EST/ 10 a.m. CST/ 8 a.m. PST times which will take the form of a panel discussion regarding the details involved in administering, implementing and complying with the new standards. Some of the industry's best and brightest will be offering sage advice: Rory McNeil of Tech Styles; Laurie Medford of Rowley Company; Will Lynch, CEO Safe-T-Shade; and Steve Landis of Merrill Landis will all be there.

Title:		ANSI Corded Window Covering Products Followup Webinar

Date:		Thursday, October 28, 2010

Time:		10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/580710259

Comfortex Launches Anna Cote Roller Shade Program

2010-10-08T10:39:00.001-05:00

Comfortex Window Fashions, a leading innovative manufacturer and fabricator of custom window treatment products for global distribution, has launched an Anna Cote collection of designs for PERSONA Roller and Roman Shades.

Anna Cote, a self-taught graphic artist, resides in Rhode Island where she translates photography of nature into illustrations that are made available on a variety of products through retail stores globally. Anna Cote has been featured in television programs such as Martha Stewart Show and magazines such as Country Living.

“The application of these botanical images to shades is a truly beautiful thing,” says Corina Santoro, Sr. Product Manager. “Because the shades are all custom printed on demand, the images are scaled in proportion to the window size, something never before available.”

The Anna Cote collection features eight botanical images that can be re-colored from the PERSONA palette of 858 colors. To view the patterns, visit www.PERSONAShades.com.

PERSONA Roller and Roman Shades program offers custom designed roller and roman shades based on a customer’s unique combination of thousands of colors, textures, patterns and design options.

Somfy's New Home Motion Center

2010-10-01T09:14:00.003-05:00

Somfy's New Home Motion Center in Dayton, NJ, is nearing completion! This state of the art showroom is an interactive area featuring window coverings, rolling shutters and awnings powered by Somfy motors.

The showroom is broken out into different areas to help you understand where you can incorporate motorization in today's homes and commercial buildings. Along with showcasing the many different treatments which can be motorized, it also highlights the numerous compatible control options that are available including home automation systems.

A visit to the Dayton Home Motion Center should be worth the trip. If anything, visitors will be able to experience first-hand the lifestyle benefits that motorization provides. To schedule a tour or to receive more information, email ipmarketing@somfy.com or call 877-43SOMFY.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association Celebrates Kitchen & Bath Month by Giving Back

2010-09-29T15:45:00.003-05:00

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), which is co-locating its Kitchen & Bath Industry Show with Vision11:IWCE in Las Vegas April 25-26, 2011, celebrates Kitchen & Bath Month in October. During that month, NKBA will help consumers enhance the value of their homes with the free downloadable NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. In addition to introducing the new planners at NKBA.org/Planners, the NKBA and its members are donating products to the Storehouse of World Vision, official non-profit partner of Kitchen & Bath Month.

For consumers looking to update their homes, the NKBA is offering new kitchen and bath planners beginning in October to support remodeling projects. The planners enlist the expertise of NKBA professionals to guide homeowners through every step of kitchen and bath remodels by clarifying the process, explaining required decisions and offering in-depth industry knowledge.

"During Kitchen & Bath Month, the NKBA and its members will continue to aid consumers by offering our free NKBA Kitchen and Bath Planners for those interested in increasing the value of their homes with kitchen and bath remodels," stated Don Sciolaro, chief executive officer of the NKBA. "In addition, we are honored to continue our longstanding relationship with World Vision by challenging our members to provide products such as appliances, fixtures, lighting and surfacing materials for future installation in facilities assisting those less fortunate."

The Storehouse of World Vision aims to address the needs of Americans suffering from disaster, personal crisis or economic hardship by providing families with supplies such as clothing, personal care items and building materials. In celebration of Kitchen & Bath Month, the NKBA has set a goal to collect 1,000 or more donations in the month of October from its nearly 40,000 kitchen and bath industry members for donation to World Vision's Storehouse. As the United States faces one of the worst economic times in history, these contributions will allow World Vision partner agencies to construct or enhance community centers, shelters and other facilities that support hundreds of thousands of children and families in need nationwide.

"In these challenging economic times, the need to build and remodel support facilities is essential, and a significant part of improving the facilities involves the need for kitchen and bath product donations," said Efrain Perez, corporate relations director of the Storehouse of World Vision. "With the help of the NKBA and the donated products from members, we will be able to help our partner agencies update many of those facilities and further support those in need. We are grateful for our partnership with the NKBA, which allows us to continue our mission of fighting poverty and injustice."

Established by the NKBA in 1982 and celebrated annually, Kitchen & Bath Month is a time to raise awareness of the importance of kitchen and bath professionals and to honor their achievements. During October, NKBA members throughout the country are committed to providing homeowners with guidance and assistance in adding value and livability to their homes. In addition to providing the free Kitchen and Bath Planners, consumers visiting NKBA.org/Planners will be able to easily access a list of NKBA professionals within their area. There is additional information about Kitchen & Bath Month at NKBA.org/KBMonth.

The Storehouse of World Vision product donation program offers companies a fast, efficient and responsible business solution to donate excess inventory or produced-to-give products to assist those in need. For nearly a decade, the NKBA and World Vision have worked together to provide to those less fortunate. In the past 10 years, the NKBA and its members have donated nearly $50 million in products to the Storehouse of World Vision program benefiting American children and families in need.

Brunschwig & Fils Launches New Fabric Line

2010-09-29T12:45:00.002-05:00

Olivier Peardon, president and CEO of the luxury fabric and design house Brunschwig & Fils announced the exclusive international distribution of “Les Princesses,” the first fabrics to be introduced by Thatchers’ Fine Timeless Fabric.

“Thatchers’ Fine Timeless Fabric is driven by the same unwavering dedication to excellent quality, fine workmanship and original classic design as is Brunschwig,” Peardon said. “Their whimsical collection, ‘Les Princesses’ presents a burst of excitement! We look forward to a long relationship with this new design find.”

Becky Smith is the owner and president of Thatchers’ Fine Timeless Fabric, based in St. Louis, Mo. She has created an exquisite line of superior cotton-glazed chintz fabric with creative and whimsical designs rendered in vivid color combinations. Hand-printed in France at one of the finest textile mills in the world, these designs were developed by the original Lilly Pulitzer artists. Each hand-drawn motif is imaginative – mermaids, florals, calligraphy and classic medallions – and has intricacies that include shading effects. which give the fabric depth and dimension.

“We feel honored to be introducing our first collection with this illustrious company,” Smith said.

Smith entered the design world with the desire to recreate her favorite chair, one that had been passed down from her great-great-grandmother, Babou Warfield. Warfield also passed her love of antiques, fabrics and interior design to Smith. In 2007, while researching the perfect fabric for her high-quality bespoke chair, Smith met Martha dePoo, Suzie Zuzek dePoo and Leigh Martin Hooten, three of the designers who created many of Lilly Pulitzer’s original clothing designs from the 1960s through 1980s.

Smith shared with these artists her ideas for an exceptionally high-quality cotton chintz fabric with the preppy pink and green color combinations reminiscent of Slim Aarons’ jet-set era. They collaborated on patterns that became the first collection for Thatchers’ Fine Timeless Fabric, “Les Princesses.” After literally searching the world for the best producers of cotton-glazed chintz fabric, Smith identified a mill in southern France that made fabrics for her great-great-grandmother and is still producing for the most discerning high-end clients and companies of the world.

“Les Princesses” by Thatchers’ Fine Timeless Fabric is available at 12 Brunschwig & Fils showrooms in 2010 and in all showrooms in 2011.

New safety rule for cords on window blinds criticized

2010-09-16T13:17:00.004-05:00

According to USA Today, a new industry standard published by published by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) on window blind cords does not address all strangulation risks to children and ignores input from consumer advocates, safety groups say.

Cords on blinds continue to kill an average of one child a month, despite a 16-year federal push to make them safer. The voluntary standard just published the WCMA prohibits accessible inner cords on Roman shades but still allows long draw cords. Inner cords weave between the slats of horizontal blinds or attach to the back of Roman shades. Roman shades weren't covered by voluntary rules for vertical and horizontal blinds enacted in the 1990s.

Read the USA Today story here.

June Furniture Orders on the Rise

2010-09-15T13:52:00.003-05:00

The furniture industry is still catching up from a bad 2009, according to Home Furnishings Business magazine, with June furniture orders rising 9 percent over June '09. June furniture shipments rose 13 percent, compared with the same month last year. Year-to-date, shipments are now up 7 percent (up from 6 percent last month) compared with the first half of last year.

While orders and shipments rose in June over the prior year, June 2009 orders had fallen 16 percent from June 2008; shipments were down 19 percent from June '08. Year-to-date, new orders remained 10 percent higher than the first half of 2009, when orders for the first half of 2009 were 20 percent below the first half of 2008. This puts orders for the first half of 2010 12.5 percent below the first half of 2008.

Year-to-date, shipments are now up 7 percent (up from 6 percent last month) compared with the first half of last year. Last year's first 6 months were off 20 percent from the first half of 2008. Backlogs were up 35 percent over June 2009, down from a 40 percent increase reported last month. Backlogs were 5 percent lower than May 2010, which was part of the reason for the 13 percent increase in shipments. Inventories increased 5 percent over May and were 2 percent higher than June 2009. In June 2009, inventories were 20 percent lower than June 2008 so it appears that inventories remain under control, even considering the increases in business.

Re-purposing In Pink

2010-09-14T10:16:00.004-05:00

In New Orleans, there is always a good story: REpurposingNOLA intern/apprentice Lori Bassett "MacGyvered" her way into handbag design from a Masters in Architecture to help create the Original Phifer Bag from leftover Phifertex materials found at REpurposingNOLA's main local production facility, C. Bel Awnings. The Phifer was so cute, they pulled out a leftover remnant in dusty pink. And the Pink Phifer bag was born!

As a nod to REpurposingNOLA's no. 1 seamstress Ms. Delores, herself a breast cancer survivor, the entire dusty-pink roll was used to create the Pink Phifer. Some things are just meant to be. The goal was to both raise awareness for breast cancer and make a $5,000 financial contribution to the New Orleans Susan G. Komen Foundation. The limited-edition Pink Phifer bag (only 50 will be made) is available exclusively online at www.repurposingnola-piece-by-peace.com for $145, of which $100 will be donated.

The fabric: Phifer . Additional materials: vinyl wallboard (straps), rope trim, fabric swatches, and a little bit of common sense. Wipe clean with damp cloth.

New Standard for Polymer-Coated Fabric Wallcovering

2010-09-13T09:15:00.002-05:00

The Wallcoverings Association (WA) recently announced the release of W-101, WA Quality Standard for Polymer Coated Fabric Wallcovering. This standard is designed to ensure a consistent performance and quality for all polymer coated fabric wallcoverings in a wide variety of settings.

W-101 replaces a previous industry standard, CFFA-W-101D, maintained by the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA). This older CFFA standard was limited to commercial wallcoverings. The WA standard applies to a broader range of polymer coatings, including vinyl alternatives. The Technical Committee of the WA, whose members have extensive experience in the performance and use of wallcovering products, drove the update of this standard.

“We are excited to be the stewards of this important standard,” said Jerry Mason, WA Director. “With the recent increase in use and variety of polymer coatings in wallcoverings, the CFFA agreed that the WA is in the best position to maintain and uphold the standard, while supporting those companies and products that meet its requirements.”

The new WA standard covers such attributes as weight, physical strength, tear properties, flammability, UV fade resistance, stain resistance, and scrubbability. W-101 will be incorporated into the upcoming WA sustainability standard for wallcoverings, NSF 342.

Manufacturers of polymer-coated fabric wallcoverings interested in becoming certified in the W-101 standard can contact the WA headquarters. Dealers and customers interested in finding manufacturers and products that meet the W-101 standard are encouraged to include a requirement of compliance.

For further information on W-101 and other Wallcoverings standards, contact WA Headquarters at 312.321.5166, or visit www.wallcoverings.org.

Take the Vision magazine Color Survey!

2010-08-27T13:01:00.003-05:00

It's almost time for our popular Color issue and we want to know what your current color mood is! Take our quick color survey below and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a Sherwin Williams Professional Color File.

Just a note on the image I used here. This is one of my favorite color charts I've come across recently. Stephen Von Worley at Weathersealed created this, tracking the proliferation of Crayola Crayon colors between 1903 and 2010. The collection has grown to 120 colors from the original 8, and Worley has determined that the number of colors actually doubles every 28 years.

The Next Gen of Clean from Vertilux

2010-08-26T17:46:00.000-05:00

Introducing Sanitized, a new generation of hygiene for your fabrics. Few fabrics in the window-covering industry use Sanitized® products. Vertilux now offers this excellent purifying treatment for the Vertilux technical fabric collection, made in Europe by Vertisol Internacional.

Sanitized® helps to protect window treatments and other household textiles against dust mites, unpleasant odors, bacteria, mildew and mold. This leaves them “more than clean.” It is tested for skin and health safety, which makes it safe for everyone, including asthmatic and allergic individuals, and the environment too.

In order to improve well-being, for more than 70 years Sanitized AG has conducted research to ensure reliability, quality and safety in its products. The company meets strict international guidelines and standards, and thus hold certificates such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Responsible Care, Bluesign and Allergy UK, among others.

Sanitized® hygiene functions are also environmentally safe because they don’t allow bacteria to grow, and they prevent unpleasant odors from forming. Textiles stay cleaner for longer, requiring less maintenance. Consequently, this saves time, energy and water.

Emily Pettit Wins Slipcover Design Contest

2010-08-23T11:21:00.002-05:00

The 1st place winner of the Slipcover Design Contest at the June 23-25 Slipcover Summit in Nashville was Emily Pettit of Emily Jane Creations of Roebuck, S.C. The Slipcover Design entry from Emily Jane Creations was among 16 professional entries from across the United States and Canada. Members from the Slipcover Network voted online and at the Summit, with a total of 109 votes being cast. Emily’s award-winning design will be featured in the Slipcover Network’s “Annual Slipcover Calendar 2011.”

Emily Pettit is the owner of Emily Jane Creations, a custom window-treatment and home soft-furnishing business that has been in business for five years and serves the Greenville-Spartanburg area as well as Western North Carolina.

The Slipcover Design Contest is sponsored by Slipcover Network, www.slipcovernetwork.com.

International Window Coverings Expo: VISION 2011 Moves to Las Vegas!

2010-08-19T11:29:00.000-05:00

In a strategic move to strengthen and re-position the window-covering industry's annual conference and trade show, show producers announce an opportunity to re-locate the show from Tampa to Las Vegas. International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE): VISION 2011 will be held April 26-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Educational seminars and the conference will begin April 25 and exhibits will be open April 26-28.

"This is a super opportunity for our industry to obtain a Las Vegas venue,” said Grace McNamara, producer of IWCE: VISION 2011. “Las Vegas presents an international opportunity as well as proximity to the West Coast market, which is a first for IWCE."

Bringing the show to a fresh new environment will infuse energy and excitement to both exhibitors and attendees. As an added bonus, VISION 2011 will be held at the same time as the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, which draws a huge audience of home-remodeling professionals. This co-location gives window coverings added exposure to a related group of interior design professionals. This is a win-win for all participating parties.

“We're excited about the new venue in Las Vegas,” said William O’Connor, president of B&W Window Fashions. “The timing and placement could not be more encouraging. We're confident that we'll be introducing ourselves to many, many more attendees. Plus it's been quite awhile since we've been west of the Mississippi, where so many exciting designers and retailers are based. Having the show in Las Vegas in 2011 is clearly an inspirational decision, and the shot-in-
the-arm our industry needs.”

Las Vegas is the conventional capitol of the world, hosting 36,351,469 visitors in 2009. Last year, 4.5 million convention delegates attended more than 19,000 conventions. According the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, attendance increases 14 percent, on average, when conventions rotate into Las Vegas. As a comparative success story for change of venue, the Nursing2010 Symposium in Las Vegas was up 25 percent over last year in Orlando. Research also shows that attendees spend more time in meetings and on the trade show floor when programs are held in Las Vegas.

“I am pleased to see the IWCE: VISION 2011 move to Las Vegas,” said Michael Lee, president of Somfy USA. “Somfy has exhibited at many shows in Las Vegas and we feel it will draw a strong and varied group of dealers from across the United States, especially the West Coast and Southwest markets. We feel it is a good move for the window-coverings annual show.”

“We anticipate that this exciting new venue will be a big draw for the IWCE, as our industry needs continually energized players,” said Ben Kutell, vice president of sales and marketing at Vertilux. “This show is an industry 'must-go,’ a once-a-year opportunity to see product options as well as to meet current and potential suppliers in person. Prior years have seen tremendous innovation, and it is well worth the limited time investment for those who wish to increase their businesses and maximize their potential."

Spina’s Unfinished Luxe to Debut

2010-08-16T11:32:00.004-05:00

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Spina’s new “Unfinished Luxe” Light Collection plans to launch at the Decorex International Show next month in London. The line features a medley of accessories, ottomans, footstools and tiebacks with Hessian and Raffia set against smooth silks and satins, detailed with ribbon and leather embroidery, beaten-brass beads and glamorous glints of precious metals. All come with complimentary lighting.

Two notable products from the line include the Tricot cord-style curtain tie-bands (above) in Raffia and silk, hand-knotted with metal link fastening detail; and the “Barbarella” pendant light (right) with soft Italian leather fringe, under a crystal canopy. The pendant’s chrome-plated brass metal structure comes in oval, rectangular, square and circular designs.

The Latest at Drapery Street

2010-08-11T14:37:00.005-05:00

One of the things exciting the window-treatment pros at Drapery Street in Carmel, Ind., is texture. Texture in their draperies may come from several techniques, and an impressive collection of textured fabrics stand alone as beautiful draperies.

“We love to manipulate fabrics to achieve texture through ruching, pleating, gathering and appliquéing,” said Drapery Street’s Caryn O'Sullivan. “For an over-the-top, cutting-edge look, we use a combination of techniques in a single panel.”

The above to the right shows a silk sheer with jute stripes (textured fabric) sewn into an airy, tiered panel, which brings another element of texture. On the right of the photo is a crisp silk taffeta worked into extended, ruched pleating.

In addition to texture, green and eco-friendly products rank high on the company’s priorities. Drapery Street's "English Bump" interlining (standard in every Drapery Street drape) and its 100-percent premium cotton lining increases the R-value of a window up to 300 percent. The U.S. Department of Energy has established that up to 40 percent of a home's energy loss can be through the windows in the winter (20 percent in the summer). Industry tests have shown that the heavier constructions of the Drapery Street-type linings, when used with drapery fabric, create additional areas of trapped air that have proven to be of significant value in preventing thermal loss.

“Drapery Street linings are an important element for a home owner concerned with energy loss a

nd high energy bills,” O’Sullivan noted. “In addition to the insulation benefits, linings give a drape fullness and prolong the life of a drape as they protect the face fabric from sunlight.”

The photo below shows a close up of Drapery Street’s Bump interlining and cotton lining—protecting a beautiful silk damask.

Swarovski Crystals Take a Shine to Wallpaper

2010-08-11T06:24:00.004-05:00

If you're fond of the subtle glow of candlelight or the flicker of light in a mirror, you'll appreciate the allure of wallpaper designs punctuated with Swarovski crystals. York Wallcoverings' designers deftly create patterns that lend themselves to a little sparkle -- the center of a medallion, a delicate flower petal -- and their less-is-more approach with the crystals renders their radiance as mesmerizing as a glittering jewel.

Knowing that decorating is as highly personal as jewelry, York also encourages creative license in adding a bit of bling to the wall with Swarovski crystal "Wall Jewels," which are sold separately and shown above on dimensional Christie's Trellis (left) and large-scale Iron Gate Trellis (right) from the new Vintage Jewel Collection.

To see more wallpapers with Swarovski crystals or learn about personalizing walls with Wall Jewels, contact Anne Martin (917-817-7557, anne@martinmarcom.com) or Victoria Pace (917-678-2943, victoria@martinmarcom.com).

Estimator Mainstay Rolls Out New Site

2010-07-13T14:56:00.001-05:00

To promote its estimation software products, the Automatic Curtain Estimating (ACE) System by CCM ACE has rolled out a new, revamped website, www.aceforwindows.com. New online services from the 27-year-old company include a Free Fabric Calculator that makes curtain estimating virtually automatic.

Materials are calculated when users enter just six measurements: rail width, drop, hem, fullness, fabric width and pattern repeat. The calculator can also be downloaded to other websites, allowing window-fashion pros to add a convenient tool online.

The new website coincides with 2010 plans to move to larger premises, again expanding the business with a dedicated training room and more facilities.

Draperies Are In

2010-07-09T09:13:00.001-05:00

Surging back onto the window-treatment scene are draperies. More hardware and fabric options are available now more than ever, and some combinations are hotter than others.

Where hardware is concerned, the right rods with the right fabric can create stunning masterpieces. To that end, other elements have increased in significance to overall design: ceramic, metal and wood tie-backs and finials are the treasures that make combinations work.

When it comes to choice of fabric, gossamer sheers that come in vivid colors and designs are big sellers. Colors in vogue include smoke and cocoa, and are a trend, and mingling two tones of sheers accentuates contrasts. Embossed and printed patterns are also hot.

For rooms requiring draperies that act as light catchers, velvet is much in demand. Dark-toned velvet draperies add wonderful visual weight to any room.

And not to be passed over, strategic use of just the right grommets allows for a simplified, striking treatment that highlights modernity.

Combining today’s creative hardware with customized designs and quality material will keep window-treatment entrepreneurs busy for the second half of 2010.

September in Paris + Maison et Objet = Priceless!

2010-07-09T09:04:00.002-05:00

What could be more perfect than Paris in September? Design Guides Susan Schultz and Deb Barrett are going back to Paris and will be taking an exclusive group of design aficionados Aug. 31 thru Sept. 8, 2010, for Maison et Objet. The group is limited to 12 people to keep the low-key, non-tour approach. The group will take advantage of a few extra days in Paris to get the most out of the shows as well as have enough time to really enjoy Paris. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to attend the ultimate design show.

“We are frequently asked by designers if we have ever considered taking other with them when we travel to design shows. In response to those requests, we took our first group in January of this year,” Barrett said.

“After rave reviews from the group we decided to do another version for the September edition of Maison et Objet,” Schultz added. “This is very much a self guided tour. We’ll get you where you want to go and will walk the aisles with you and share experiences over cocktails each night, but you make the decision when and where and what you want to do. No cattle calls on buses, mandatory dinners, just a fabulous time with a group of women that shares the same passion- design.”

The two have built an itinerary that will give the group a full experience. Tour highlights include:

-- Hotel d’ Aubusson; a four-star, double-occupancy in the heart of St. Germain

-- Admission to Maison & Objet and Le Club

-- Welcome reception at M&O from show management and exclusive M&O trend presentation

-- As-you-wish meet-ups for cocktails or dinner to review the day, compare notes, share stories, etc.

-- Cruise on the river Seine

-- Free entrance to the Louvre or Orsay

To make the most of the Parisian design adventure, Deb and Susan will host a pre-travel webinar to preview locations M&O planning, travel details, their Paris faves and more. Topping it off, they have added private design destinations to some of the best and most exclusive ateliers and showrooms in Paris.

Here’s What Designers are Saying about the Trip

“Susan and Deb have opened a window to the industry that I have only been peeking through.”—Sue Sifikis

“It was a fantastic trip to Paris. The Hotel d’Aubusson was beautiful. It was perfect to see Paris with other designers and such a nice group. The show was tremendous and a bit overwhelming. I came on this trip to find a new vision for my business and learned so much more.”—Karyn Caldwell

“I am still dreaming about it. It was the greatest!”—Octive Healey

For more information and details about the trip contact Deb Barrett at deb@debbarrett.com or visit www.debbarrett.com.

Vignette Shades from Hunter Douglas Win IDEA Award

2010-07-07T13:36:00.003-05:00

The results are in, and Hunter Douglas has yet another feather in its cap. Vignette® Modern Roman Shades in the Tiered™ design option with the LiteRise® cordless lifting system from Hunter Douglas won a Silver in the 2010 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America with Fast Company magazine as the media sponsor, the IDEA is now in its 30th year and has become the world’s most prestigious recognition for excellence in the profession.

Winners were announced in Fast Company’s July/August issue as “Best Designed Products of 2010,” and showcased on the magazine’s website FastCoDesign.com as well as at www.idsa.org. There are 188 of them in total selected by jurors after previewing a record-breaking 1,900 entries online and two-and-a-half days of face-to-face evaluation. Vignette Tiered Modern Roman Shades with LiteRise was one of only 35 winners in the Home Living Category, one of 18 categories that ranged from interactive product experiences and leisure and recreation to medical and scientific products and transportation. This dramatically improved innovation on the traditional Roman shade has no exposed back cords for enhanced child safety and a smooth, uniform appearance from both inside and outside of the home. The LiteRise system takes child safety a step further by eliminating operating cords, with the shades raising and lowering with a touch of a finger.

Luminette® Modern Draperies Dual Panel, a unique combination of drapery and sheer fabrics on one operating headrail, was also named one of 408 finalists. Both of these Hunter Douglas products were the only window treatments honored in the competition.

“Vignette Modern Roman Shades and Luminette Modern Draperies continue in the Hunter Douglas tradition of award-winning innovation,” said Marv Hopkins, Hunter Douglas president and CEO. This is the sixth year that the company has received an IDEA Award. Silhouette® window shadings captured a Gold award in 1993, Luminette Privacy Sheers a Silver in 1998, Duette® honeycomb shades with the UltraGlide retractable cord lifting system a Bronze in 2001 and Trio Convertible Shades a Silver in 2004. In 2008, the iMagine™ Design Center room visualizer and rendering tool on www.hunterdouglas.com, which has now includes an Upload Your Own Photo feature, was also named as a finalist.

In other news, Vignette Tiered with the LiteRise lifting system garnered an Honors award in the 2010 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Parenting Resources competition, one of the oldest and best-known children’s products awards programs in the United States.

Jo-Ann Fabric’s VIP Program Equals Savings

2010-07-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

Beginning July 1, 2010, members of sewing and crafting organizations will want to sign up for their new Jo-Ann VIP cards. Cardholders can save 10 percent on every purchase at Jo-Ann on both regular- and sale-priced items, as well as on purchases at Joann.com.

Who qualifies: Anyone who belongs to a guild, or other membership-based sewing, crafting or arts organization as well as resellers and non-profit groups are eligible to receive a card.

How to obtain a card: Log onto www.joann.com/vip or call 1-877-604-2280 to enroll in this exciting savings program.

How to activate a card: Once received, simply take the VIP card along with a photo ID and proof of membership in your organization (and federal tax ID number for non-profit organizations and resellers) to Guest Services at any Jo-Ann store. The store manager will validate the card then the savings begin.

Thousands of Jo-Ann customers across the country participate in this valuable program. Sign up for your card and start saving today.

Desirables for Dad

2010-06-18T07:53:00.000-05:00

A perennially popular Father’s Day must-have is anything hi-tech, and that includes window fashions. Considering the fact that the majority (56%) of homeowners cite functionality as their largest concern when it comes to their home—according to the latest poll conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry—smart design that incorporates items like automated blinds may be most appealing to men. Somfy’s DecoFlex WireFree system is one such example.

As the home entertainment movement becomes more sophisticated, homeowners are seeking better acoustics in their private “theaters.” For the window-fashions industry, this offers a unique opportunity that may grow in time. According to the trade magazine Residential Systems, large reflective surfaces in a home theater require acoustical consideration, and windows are particularly difficult to treat. Even in rooms used as theaters, “windows will ‘happen,’ due to local building code requirements, architectural standards for a community, aesthetic sensibilities, and client preference.”

In home theaters, automated shades usually offer the best alternative. Sounds like a solution most men would find a win-win.

Windochine Featured in Architectural Digest

2010-06-16T11:26:00.002-05:00

The July 2010 issue of Architectural Digest contains a feature in which Windochine’s roman shade fabric is highlighted. Used by the New York City designer Thomas Britt in a residence he completed recently in St. Louis, the roman shade fabric (shown here) is Windochine’s Jalur Grid Natural sheer in abaca and raffia. This fabric is stocked in 39-inch and 60-inch widths at the company’s Los Angeles location. Additionally, the fabric may be custom woven up to 124-inch width for use in full-panel-width shades – or, when railroaded, in ripple-fold drapery applications.

We join Windochine in congratulating Tom Britt on a stunning project!

Facebook Follow Up on Vision10

2010-06-16T06:24:00.006-05:00

If you're on Facebook and want to see more of Vision10, here are some of our Facebook friends’ postings.

Cheryl Draa of Cheryl Draa Interior Designs

Judy Walker Peters of Palmetto Drapery

Debby Lodder of Edwards Drapery & Interiors

Rebecca Deming Rumpf of Custom Interiors by Rebecca, who noted on the Why Hesler blog: “If you were one of those who stayed away this year and you judged the event based on the photos your industry peers posted on Facebook pages, you know that those of us who traveled to Atlanta for the show had a blast. … Weeks have passed since I got back from Atlanta, and my business is already getting a great financial return on the time and money I invested in traveling to the show.” Read more here.

Bloggers Vote for the Best

2010-06-04T10:56:00.003-05:00

Recognizing the importance of Web 2.0 and social media, WFCP dubbed Friday, May 14 “New Media Day” at Vision10 in Atlanta. WFCP sponsored events throughout the day, including a variety of events in the WFCP Lounge focusing on the Web, social media and how it can work for you. Citizen bloggers walked the aisles, tweeting about the excitement of Vision10, and three special sessions were scheduled throughout the day, all designed to inform, educate and connect.

In the afternoon, the Design Perspectives panel discussion, moderated by new media maven Jackie Von Tobel, featured in-the-know design and industry bloggers who lent their perspectives on the design world today. This discussion segued into a discussion on how to capitalize on social media as a design pro.

The panel, moderated by Von Tobel, demonstrated specific examples of how to use social media to engage your customers, grow your career or business and drive social change. Closing out this session was the first Bloggers Choice Awards for products and services from the show floor. Well-known design bloggers participating on the panel included Valorie Hart, VisualVamp.blogspot.com; Tobi Fairley, BeachBungalow8.blogspot.com; Brian Patrick Flynn; and Skyla Freeman, Sfair.blogspot.com.

And the winners were:

Vertilux Pocket Shade, chosen by Valorie Hart: “This is one window shade that is sexy. They had one that is called the Pocket, which is really cute, but perhaps a [more sensual] name like the Tango is more appropriate.”

Forest Group Busche ripplefold hardware, picked by Brian Patrick Flynn.

Texton, Inc. Solare GT (digitally printed roller shades), chosen by Skyla Freeman: “I fell in love with Texton’s products. You can design your own pattern, and they will upload it and create a blind for you. And the prices were insanely reasonable.”

30 Years with Ronald Redding

2010-05-26T10:23:00.005-05:00

How to celebrate 30 years of design? If you're Ronald Redding you do what you love. Passionate for history, Redding—who helped build York Wallcoverings' Archives into a world-class collection—went straight to the source to create Masters Anniversary Edition. While York's Archives is a treasure trove of original designs dating to the late-1700s, sometimes the gems are diamonds in the rough. An old document may be poorly proportioned or off-color, but Redding is masterful in coaxing a stunning new design for today.

In a fun twist on the classic trompe l'oeil bookshelf wallpaper, Redding rendered many of the Archive's cherished rare reference books on history, art and interior design into the aptly named York Archives design (seen here).

To see patterns from Masters Anniversary Edition by Ronald Redding Designs, contact: Anne Martin, anne@martinmarcom.com, 917-817-7557 or Victoria Pace, victoria@martinmarcom.com, 917-678-2943.

Dedar Teams Up with DeVault and Berman in Pasadena.

2010-05-17T15:15:00.005-05:00

At this year's Pasadena Showcase House of Design, Dedar (www.dedar-usa.com) and Amy DeVault showcased a unique collaboration of bold prints in luxurious textures. In an interesting pairing of bold patterns offset by dramatic colors, DeVault manages to make the grand staircase and landing exude sexy glamor using Dedar's textiles. In this photograph, Dedar's Alhambra, in colorway Prugna, adds a sultry touch to a trio of ottomans.

DeVault hails from Kennebunkport, Maine, and currently resides outside of Los Angeles where she heads Amy DeVault Interior Design (amydevault.com).

Another top L.A.-based designer, Michael Berman (michaelbermanlimited.com), also extensively used Dedar in his stunning creations.

"Inspired by the era of Art Deco Formal department stores and dress shops, the room takes you back to the 1940s while maintaining and up-to-the-moment modern edge," Berman said. "The furnishings range from contemporary pieces from Michael Berman Limited to vintage French Modern and mid-century originals. The walls are wrapped in Dedar wallcovering 'Sassy in Bianco Nero' which resembles a perfectly designed hatbox."

"REVOLUTION" Panel Discussion

2010-04-30T13:38:00.003-05:00

Join Grace McNamara as she challenges media and design experts to discuss and highlight the advantages of window fashions in the design world. Panel members include award winning designer Karen Hott, ASID, from Karen Hott Interiors; Barbara English, CEO of To the Trade Only, a design resource firm; and David Powers, workroom guru from Pineapple House Interior Design and Powers Drapery and Upholstery Workroom.

The Panel is scheduled for 9:15 on Thursday, May 13th at the Georgia World Congress Center and the cost is $35. To register click here. This is your chance to make your mark in the revolution to highlight the power and potential of window fashions as an interior design element.

Panelists

Karen Hott has a bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College with a major in Environmental Studies and a Biology minor. She then received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from American Intercontinental University. Karen is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and participates on committees within the Georgia Chapter.

David Powers is the Director of Powers Drapery and Upholstery Workroom,one of the top high end workrooms in the country.

Barbara English is CEO of TO THE TRADE ONLY in Atlanta, Ga. The company resources for other designers all over the Southeastern United States. Realizing the lack of basic knowledge of window coverings within much of the design community, TO THE TRADE ONLY assists designers with their goals by referring them to the appropriate source. Barbara operated and maintained an in-house workroom during the 23 years she ran her design business.

Segs and the City from Helser Brothers

2010-04-30T09:29:00.002-05:00

Helser Brothers has booked a two-hour Segway tour of downtown Atlanta and they have room for six more friends!

You will find a form here at whyhelser.com and another form on the Helser Brothers Facebook page. Each form submitted will serve as an entry and another name in the hat.

They will be pulling six names from the hat on Friday May 7th and announcing the winners at both locations at 12 noon, Pacific time.

What a great way to get a fresh look at the city!

2010 Window Fashion Vision Envision and Ingenuity Design Competition Winner Announced!

2010-04-24T13:58:00.002-05:00

2010 Window Fashion Vision

Envision Design & Ingenuity Workroom Competition

Thanks for entering this year's Design/Workroom Competition. Winners will be announced at Vision10: IWCE in Atlanta, May 12-15, 2010. Join us for the Awards Ceremony and cheer on your industry peers!

Window Fashion Vision magazine announces the winners in its 2010 Envision Design and Ingenuity Workroom Competitions. More than 120 industry professionals participated in this annual competition in 2009, with entries received from designers and workrooms in Japan, Canada and throughout the U.S.

2010 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITION WINNERS

Award of Excellence

To be announced at the the 2010 Design Competition awards ceremony!

Combination Treatments

1st Place: Wendy Michaelson, Michaelson’s Interiors, Farmington, Utah

2nd Place: Karen Hartley, Decorating Den Interiors, Villa Rica, Ga.

Curtains & Draperies

1st Place: Karen Pepper, Edwin Pepper Interiors, St. Louis, Mo.

2nd Place: C.J. Knapp, Edwin Pepper Interiors, Pacific, Mo.

Decorative Hardware & Trimmings

1st Place: Diane Sherman, Window Designs by Diane, Long Grove, Ill.

2nd Place: Joanna Braxton, Braxton Drapery Design, Westerville, Ohio

Designer’s Debut

1st Place: Sophia Tahopoulus, Manor House Interiors, Media, Pa.

2nd Place: Lynne Dyer & Kathy Wakeman, Style Wise Enterprises, Pittsboro, N.C.

Specialty Window Fashions

1st Place: Edwin Pepper, Edwin Pepper Interiors, St. Louis, Mo.

Top Treatments

1st Place: Sumiko Mori, Interior Networks Inc., Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

2nd Place: Karen Pepper, Edwin Pepper Interiors, St. Louis, Mo.

Whole-Room Integration

1st Place: Vitalia Vygovska, Vitalia Inc., Newtown, Pa.

2nd Place TIE: Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design LLC, Fairfax, Va.

2nd Place TIE: Karen Pepper, Edwin Pepper Interiors, St. Louis, Mo.

Wonderful Walls

1st Place: Jo Ann Adams, J.A. Adams Interiors, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

2nd Place: Tonya Comer, Tonya Comer Interiors, Philadelphia, Pa.

2010 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITION WINNERSS

Workroom of the Year

To be announced at the the 2010 Design Competition awards ceremony!

Combination Treatments

1st Place: Ronica VanGelder, Ronica's Custom Creations, Knightdale, N.C.

Curtains & Draperies

1st Place: Stacie Kennedy, Divine Drapery Designs, Mableton, Ga.

2nd Place: Trini Pevey, Window Couture by Trini, Acworth, Ga.

Commercial Treatments

1st Place: Akiko Yamazaki, Risa Braire Co., Ltd., Kobe

Ingenious Installation

1st Place: Tina Fontana, Fontana Designs LLC, Crofton, Md.

Specialty Window Fashions

1st Place: Edwin Pepper Interiors, Joe Koehler, Manager, St. Louis, Mo.

Top Treatments

1st Place: Diane Preston, Diane's Interior Creations, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

"Revolution" Press Release Template

2010-03-08T19:12:00.003-06:00

Publisher Grace McNamara has been promoting the need for "revolution" in our industry--to designers, manufacturers, other media--basically whenever she gets someone's attention, she let's them know how important custom window treatments are when creating a comfortable, attractive room. She's put together the following general press release template that any window treatment professional can use to promote their work and use the consumer media to spread the word about the power of window treatments.

Cut and paste this into your own letterhead, revise as you see fit, add more info or details and don't forget to include at least one photo of your work. Jump start the revolution in your area--and keep us posted on the response!

Press Release Template: Choose one of the following titles for your market

-Make a big Design Statement with Window Coverings!

-Window Fashions – Hot Trend in Home Décor!

-Window Coverings – Much More Than Privacy & Light Control

-Window Fashions – Make a Design Statement

-Window Coverings – the Finishing Design Element!

For more information, contact: Your Name, Phone, website, e-mail address

Designers and savvy consumers are turning to window fashions as the #1 home improvement and interior design product that can make the biggest difference in their home. Not only can window fashions transform a room from a design standpoint, they can create atmosphere by controlling light and privacy as well as noise.

Today, the products and design styles available to enhance your windows are endless. From simple and contemporary to dramatic and elegant, custom window coverings are the single most important element to make your house a home. They “finish” the room by highlighting the all-important window and they provide a variety of functions that no other home furnishings product can. What other interior design element can affect light control, privacy, and energy conservation beautifully and efficiently?

Providing the right solutions for your windows can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs – both in the cold of winter and in the heat of summer - stopping that unwelcome heat transfer. Also, UV protection from custom window treatments protects your valuable dining table, fabrics or your new wood floors from sun damage.

Custom window coverings are the final touch to transform the rooms of your home. They are that dramatic accessory that finishes an outfit: the right earrings and shoes with the black dress; the perfect bag and scarf for your appointment. Each custom window fashion is specific to you, allowing you to express yourself and create a look all your own.

Leaving your windows “naked” is a design no-no in most cases; the result is a room that feels cold and unfinished, while a "dressed" window gives a room a warm and finished feeling. Beautiful one of kind custom draperies and window coverings will add the finishing look to your home.

Ask a Window Fashions Certified Professional (WFCP) to help you determine the appropriate window fashions for your style and function needs.

----end----

Add a quote from a happy customer and photos of your work!

Charlotte WCAA Chapter Hosts Jackie Von Tobel

2010-03-05T08:41:00.001-06:00

The Charlotte NC WCAA Chapter will be hosting Jackie Von Tobel on Friday March 26, 2010 for a day long seminar.

Jackie is one of the country's top experts in the field of interior design and soft treatment construction. She is the author of the definitive series of illustrated encyclopedias and comprehensive design manuals for the trade, students, and consumers. Her books include The Design Directory of Window Treatments, and The Design Directory of Bedding, both of which can be purchased in the WCAA store.

Members receive a substantial discount on all books and if you purchase Jackie's books in advance, you can have them in time to have her AUTOGRAPH them for you at the event. As an extra bonus, the chapter will be offering $5 FLAT RATE SHIPPING on any store purchase until March 15, 2010. Remember to sign in to the WCAA members only store to get your discounted pricing.

Details, the registration form, and contact information for the Chapter may be found by clicking here.

Deadline Extended for WF Vision Design/Workroom Competition

2010-02-15T11:22:00.002-06:00

Run out of time to submit your designs to this year's WF Vision Design/Workroom Competition? You're in luck! We've extended the deadline to March 1 to give you one last chance to get your entries in. For more information and to submit your entries, visit this link: www.wf-vision.com.

Heimtextil Trimmings: Not a lot to be found

2010-01-20T08:10:00.003-06:00

There were not a lot trimmings to be found at Heimtextil this year...and I compared my notes with Deb and others. One line that did catch my eye was this crystal-trimmed series of holdbacks from the Gerster Collection, a family-run mill in Germany that also produces an extensive line of drapery fabrics and finished goods for retail. This photo isn't the greatest, but it's a good classic line, done well, and sometimes that's harder to find than you might think.

A Sleek Solution

2010-01-20T04:22:00.003-06:00

Travel delays kept me from visiting Heimtextil until Friday, so when I finally hit the floor I was ready to go, with Deb as my trusty guide to the highlights. One of our first stops was the Interstil stand to check out some of their innovative hardware. Both of us found the Zinit ceiling track system to be a fantastically sleek and simple solution to a vexing problem

With Zenit, an industrial strength magnetic decorative cover fits perfectly over the supporting back plate. No extra screws, no fussing with alignment and the result is a cleaner, more elegant finished look. Love it!

Holiday Recipe: Chocolate Covered Cherries

2009-12-11T14:46:00.002-06:00

With the holidays only weeks away, I wanted to share with you one of my absolute favorite holiday treats. My grandma has been making this holiday dessert every year since my mom was in kindergarten and came home from school with the recipe. The original recipe didn't include the cherries, but my grandma thought they'd be a nice addition. I'd have to agree! My favorite part about the recipe? It's quick, easy and doesn't even require baking ... perfect for bringing to holiday parties or a fun baking project for your kids. Enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Cherries
1 6-oz. package of chocolate chips
3 tablespoons corn syrup
3 cups powdered sugar
1-3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (Put crackers in plastic Ziploc and crush with rolling pin or crush in food processor)
1/3 cup orange juice
1-2 jars maraschino cherries

Melt chocolate chips. Add corn syrup, powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Stir together. Cut cherries in half, then wrap the dough around the half-cherry (or use a whole cherry for larger treats). Put on wax paper until dry, then store in fridge.

Happy Holidays!

Jennie Jacob
Associate Editor
WF Vision
jennifer@wf-vision.com

Submit Your 2010 WF Vision Design/Workroom Competition Entry Before Dec. 31, 2009 and Save!

2009-12-02T11:23:00.003-06:00

Submit your entries for Window Fashion Vision's 2010 Design/Workroom Competition before Dec. 31, 2009 and receive $10 off per entry!

Individual designers, design firms and decorators who design window fashions are encouraged to enter, as are workrooms and individuals who create window fashions. Winners are invited to attend the awards ceremony at Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO in Atlanta, Ga., May 12–15, 2010, to reveal the winning designs and receive an award.

Enter online from Sept. 14, 2009 to Feb. 15, 2010. For more information and to submit your entry, visit www.wf-vision.com.

Jamie Hayon at Maison&Objet

2009-12-01T15:48:00.004-06:00

Maison&Objet has announced that Jaime Hayon, the Spanish design "wunderkind" has just been announced as the Scenes d'Interieur honored design professional. Hayon immersed himself in late '80s-early '90s skateboard culture and its loose, graphic style remains evident in his work. After studying design in Madrid and Paris, he joined Fabrica, the Benetton design and communication agency working closely with famed design provocateur Oliverio Toscani.

All his work--from furniture, to accessories, to toy, to interiors--blurs the lines between art, decoration and design in a very playful, idiosyncratic manner. He's been one of my personal favorite designers to watch over the past few years, ever since I saw his 2006 Showtime collection for BD Ediciones de Diseno, a line he says was inspired by old MGM musicals! Check out the leg options you get with this electric blue credenza.

Seriously, how can you not love a creative who seems to really take pleasure in the process! He also designed a life-sized chess set for London Design Week, a surreally oversize fairy-tale inspired group of statues for the 2008 Milan design festival and much, much more. I can't wait to see what he has in store for Paris.

Window Fashion Vision Announces New Category in 2010 Design and Workroom Competition and Extends Deadline

2009-11-18T23:19:00.003-06:00

Window Fashion Vision magazine recently announced a new category in its 2010 Envision Design Competition. The new category—Color and Design with Comfortex PERSONA Shades—is sponsored by Comfortex Window Fashions and features its most recent addition to its product offerings, PERSONA Roller and Roman Shades. Designers who incorporate Comfortex’s PERSONA Roller and/or Roman Shades in their designs are encouraged to enter in this portion of the competition. The winning design will earn a $1,000 cash prize.

Comfortex’s new PERSONA Roller and Roman Shades offer consumers a custom-designed option in roller and Roman shades, featuring unique combinations of thousands of colors, textures, patterns and design options. With PERSONA, consumers choose from a variety of base cloths that meet their privacy needs and then create a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind window treatment.

More than 200 industry professionals participated in WF Vision’s annual competition in 2009, with entries received from designers and workrooms in Japan, Canada and throughout the U.S. Individual designers, design firms and decorators who design window fashions are encouraged to enter, as are workrooms and individuals who create window fashions. Winners are invited to attend the awards ceremony at Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO in Atlanta, Ga., May 12–15, 2010, to reveal the winning designs and receive an award.

Winners of specific categories receive a $100 gift certificate toward Vision10: IWCE seminars and editorial coverage in Vision magazine or online at wf-vision.com. In addition, first place winners receive a custom-designed trophy created exclusively by Grace McNamara for this competition. Second place winners receive a framed award spotlighting their achievement. The Award of Excellence and Workroom of the Year award winners receive free admittance to attend Vision10: IWCE, unlimited Vision10 seminars and editorial coverage in Vision magazine or online at wf-vision.com.

Due to the exciting addition of this category, the deadline for competition entries has been extended to Feb. 15, 2010. For more information and to submit your entry, visit www.wf-vision.com. Visit www.comfortex.com for more information on PERSONA Roller and Roman Shades.

IMM Cologne Extras

2009-11-07T14:53:00.002-06:00

IMM Cologne has just released the details of an interesting tour developed to introduce U.S. visitors to the wider array of design available throughout Cologne. The half-day tour (conducted in English) will include stops at several of Cologne's “mini design centers" including Rheinauhafen, Spicherhoefe and ending up at Design Post, a year-round showroom destination right across the street from IMM.

In the course of the tour, visitors will be able to visit showrooms including Boffi, B&B Italia, Moroso, Kvadrat, Nya Nordiska and many others. The schedule is such that you can do the tour (lunch included) and still have a few hours in the afternoon at the show.

For a more details and complete schedule, contact IMM Cologne’s U.S. office.

Readers Share How They Boosted Business in 2009

2009-11-04T14:59:00.005-06:00

For our November/December issue of Vision, we asked you to share with us one thing you did in 2009 that benefited your business the most. Here’s just a few ideas we received from our readers ... watch for more to come in the “100 Ideas” issue of Vision.

"I joined a local BNI (Business Networking International) chapter last spring. Local chapters exist nationwide (www.BNI.com). The networking group meets weekly and we have a great group of professionals all working together to promote our businesses."
—Dian Garbarini, Designs by Dian, Mission Viejo, Calif., www.DesignsbyDian.com

"I became an ISID Industry Partner. It brought the following results:
1) I could attend all meetings.
2) Presentations to ASID.
3) More $$$ with 48 percent sales growth.
5) Published in their monthly/quarterly magazines."
—Melissa Hammann, M.Ed., Elegant Draperies and Soft Furnishings, www.elegant-draperies.com

"We have recently gone to realtors or builders that have new homes on the market that have not sold; we took pictures, worked up posters of ‘Envision this home with wonderful window treatments’ boards using DreamDraper, along with actual swatches of fabrics. We put the boards on easels in the rooms near the windows that are pictured.

These are being received so well. Cost is low, and this past weekend alone we reached hundreds of people who were touring the builders’ open house fall show. This is a great marketing tool."
—Barbara Holley, Holley’s Window Fashions & Interiors, College Station, Texas

We Want Your Ideas!

2009-10-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

What is the one idea you implemented in 2009 that did the most for your business? We'd like to know! Send your response to Associate Editor Jennifer Jacob at Jennifer@wf-vision.com by Oct. 30, along with your name, company name, city, state and contact information. We'll consider your thoughts for publication in the next issue!

More on IMM Cologne 2010 Trends

2009-10-07T16:11:00.009-05:00

We had the opportunity to preview the IMM Cologne 2010 design and color forecast in the Sept/Oct issue but unfortunately had to cut our write-up a bit short. While two of the trends–Comfort Zone and Rehab–included descriptions of the themes within each trend, the two other trends only received a brief description. So here’s the info that didn’t make it into the issue.

Trickery

Our world is filled with seemingly magical designs and scenery. The show and the spectacle are important, and the cabinet of absurdities is our toolbox, allowing us to create new surprises at the drop of a hat.

Illusions: Shimmer, shine, steam and sizzle: It may not be genuine, but as long as it keeps the beautiful illusion intact, we’re all for it!

Staging: It it a chair, a dresser, a sofa? Each piece of furniture must play multiple roles and never, ever bore its audience.

Fake Function: Beware of immaterial design ideas. Forms that appear rational are deceptive, as the intent is pure romanticism.

Narration: The search for primordial forms encourages an intensity in both the design and the production, sharing stories of another age.

Discipline

A new seriousness means concerns for the best possible form for a product and the optimal process for its creation.

Utility: Not mere functionalism but a dedication to the structure, the process and the usefulness of any item.

Back to Bauhaus: A return to restraint and proportion, humility and modesty that shaped modernism, and provides contemporary designers with a new moral foothold.

Craftsmanship: Every detail adds a layer of meaning to an object and helps create a history for the resultant whole—authenticity and aesthetics as twinned values.

New Directions in Color

2009-10-05T08:48:00.007-05:00

For our upcoming color issue we were fortunate enough to score interviews with three leading colorists. Our primary discussion––if and how the economy impacts color decisions--is the focus on the print article, but of course we couldn't resist asking for their predictions on where colors are headed. Following are mini-palette interpretations of their thoughts, based on swatches from colourlovers.com.

Mark Woodman
The core colors of the trend palettes are not going to shift dramatically over the next few years. We've been in a yellow-based theme for a while and that's not going to change, but you'll start to see a "splitting" of the colors. For example, we've had these yellow-based greens for a while, but moving forward we'll see truer, brighter yellows and truer greens. And, because our society is so youth-driven, even as overall the U.S. is aging, boomers and those on the cusp of social security will think nothing of using strong, bright colors if that's what's happening in the broader market. The idea of aging into softer, gentler colors is just not going to happen anymore.

Pat Verlodt
We're all stressed, in our home lives, our businesses, our finances, and big picture issues. And whenever there are times of stress, we look to nature-based combinations of pattern, texture and color. Florals, leaves, vines, branches, tendrils, etc.-these are instinctively familiar and comforting to us.

Leatrice Eiseman
It's time for designers and retailers to set aside their color judgements as, due to all the design access available, consumers will start to see and eventually crave "non-traditional" color combinations. For the near future, moody, tough-to-pin-down darks, say a blackened, brownish charcoal, will be combined with nature-inspired brights.

Straight from the Runway

2009-09-24T16:52:00.010-05:00

While we're putting the finishing touches on the Sept./Oct. issue of WF Vision—our color issue—here's a peek at the latest color and style fashions on the New York runways, courtesy of Stylesight (www.stylesight.com). Stylesight's Senior Vice President of Trend Analysis, Sharon Graubard, looks at the latest trends in fashion below.

"While designers may have cut back on generous goody bags or big parties, it seems they have put more thought and energy into the clothes themselves. Experimental fabrics and beautiful prints provided the emotional pull—after all, shopping for clothes is usually less about need and more about desire. Nature was a huge inspiration, but Moody Nature full of stormy skies, worn-away eroded surfaces, burning lava, blotchy dyes (Risto, Rodarte, Calvin Klein)."

"Shapes were organic as well, with lots of asymmetry and collaging of materials (BCBG Max Azria, Cushie et Ochs, Preen)."

"Sport was another big inspiration with linebacker shoulders, segmented leggings or bike shorts, athletic mesh inserts and racer-backs for tees and tops (Alexander Wang, Yigal Azrouel, Charlotte Ronson)."

"The back is the new erogenous zone, highlighted with cutaways, sheer panels, goddess drapery, ruffles and exposed zippers (Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan)."

"For all the experimentation, the result was real, wearable clothes, like wide legged pants that sit at the natural waist, slouchy tees in ultra-fine heather knits, easy shift dresses and featherweight anoraks (Julian Louie, Rachel Comey)."

Watch for the latest window fashion and interior color trends to be featured in the next issue of WF Vision.

Cote de Texas "Hearts" Curtains!

2009-08-26T08:19:00.005-05:00

One of our favorite design blogs is Cote de Texas “French design on the Texas Coast.” So imagine our thrilled surprise when Joni, in one of her series of posts titled Top Ten Design Elements, chose “Curtains” as #4!

Room by Suzanne Kasler, via Cote de Texas

She makes a great case for the importance of well-done window treatments...just take a look at a few of the following excerpts:

“...curtains bring so much to a room that they should always be considered when designing a house...”

“Curtains are tricky...they need to be done right and executed perfectly...”

“Nothing takes away more from a beautifully decorated room than cheaply constructed curtains...”

It's not all flowers and kisses though. She addresses some of the contemporary consumer’s concerns regarding window treatments and points out some our industry’s frequent mis-steps, such as stuffing elaborate, overdone swags in tract homes with 8' ceilings.

But in all, it's a heartfelt acknowledgement of the power of well-done window fashions, a design element that adds “romance, texture and softness” to a home.

Look for more of Joni’s ideas for how to overcome client reluctance regarding window fashions in the “Big Ideas” issue of Vision, coming in December.

Runway to Window in Real Life

2009-08-24T10:38:00.005-05:00

Caryn O'Sullivan, the owner of Drapery Street in Carmel, IN attended the Runway to Window seminar Deb and I presented in Atlanta this past May. She stopped me after the seminar to tell me she had already applied some of the same runway trends we were showing into finished window treatments. Of course I begged her to send me some photos!

Here are her explanations for the inspiration and sources for some of her "runway to window" fashions:

Leather & Tulle Drapery

Originally created for an edgy design boutique in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis. While the designer was relocating her studio, we rehung the draperies back in our store. A customer came in, fell in love with them and bought them on the spot! She now wants six more for her home!

The design was inspired by fashion, as our many of our designs. Our first few versions were two types of silk seamed together--the bottom silk ruffled to create the skirt effect. This particular version came about during a brainstorming session with the boutique’s designers...the snowball effect with a group of designers get together! Everyone loves the final yin/yang of leather (tough) and tulle (girly).

This many layers of tulle are not easy to work with but fortunately our lead seamstress has a background in fashion and was able to create the effect we all had in mind.

Leather and Tulle Drapery

Drapery Fabrics:

Top - Faux Leather from the Drapery Street Black Label Collection, snakeskin pattern color natural

Belt - gold hued metallic fabric by Kravet - pattern 29582-16

Bottom - Creme colored tulle from Drapery Street

Workroom and Installation: Drapery Street

"The Skirt" Drapery

Our customer has a picture of a Vera Wang gown that was the inspiration for this drapery. The black taffeta ribbon served as a belt, and Drapery Street custom designed and made the black silk flower to complete the look. Since the drapery we have made various version in different colors for other clients. It's a lot of detail work but the result is very cool with a lot of movement.

"The Skirt" Drapery:

Drapery Fabrics:

Top fabric - Libas silk - color straw

Black Belt - black 1" taffeta ribbon

Bottom - Creme colored "skirt" fabric from the Black Label collection at Drapery Street

Workroom and Installation: Drapery Street

GREEN-Sell: SCF at IMM

2009-08-21T09:45:00.004-05:00

The Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), a non-profit coalition of manufacturers, suppliers, designers, retailers and like-minded organizations, is partnering with IMM Cologne to present a group exhibit and seminar program at the January 2010 trade show.

SFC, based in High Point, NC, has nearly 300 members. The goals of the group exhibit at IMM will be to increase the focus on sustainable practices among the international architects, designers and retailers that make up the majority of the show's audience. Through both the exhibit and the GREEN-Sell seminars, which will explain how to position, market and sell sustainable furnishings products, SFC will work to further its mission:

* to raise awareness of the sustainability issue

* to assist companies in adopting good practices

* to serve as an information clearing house

* to create a symbol of assurance for consumers

Mini Color Course from Calico Corners

2009-08-18T16:34:00.002-05:00

These days at Vision we're all about color, preparing for our popular annual color issue. So imagine our delight when the latest newsletter from Calico Corners popped into our in-box, complete with an fantastic primer on The Language of Color. They did such a great job, rather than re-inventing the color wheel, just click through for a great introduction to, or refresher course on, color terminology. Thanks Calico Corners!

Jump on Board the Technology Train

2009-08-14T10:38:00.004-05:00

Missed the WFCP & Minutes Matter Launch party on Wednesday with Debbie Green, Deb Barrett and Grace McNamara? Don't worry! You can check out the recording here: minutesmatter.com/2009/studio_webinars/WFCP_digital_project_w_minutesmatter.wmv.

The webinar had more than 200 participants, and from what we've heard so far, they're just as pumped about this new opportunity as we are! Take a look and learn more about how you can use Minutes Matter Studio to impress your clients, while becoming a certified Fabrication Specialist or Design Consultant through WFCP. And, listen as Debbie Green of Minutes Matter shares a marketing technique that will help you close sales faster. For more information, visit www.wf-vision.com/education.aspx and www.minutesmatterstudio.com. Jump on board the technology train ... you'll be doing yourself, and your clients, a major service!

Jennie Jacob
Associate Editor
WF Vision
Jennifer@wf-vision.com

Some "Green" from NeoCon '09

2009-08-08T05:40:00.009-05:00

In our upcoming “How-To” issue one of the many great articles we feature includes a piece by Heather Gadonniex on how to get your company going green. During the same time we were putting that issue together, we were at NeoCon, where “green” is so much a part of the product introductions for the contract market, it’s almost taken for granted that every company has some sort of “green” introduction.

Below we’ve picked out a couple of the products & services we spotted at NeoCon that help make it easy to go green.

As always, your comments on this topic are appreciated

Tool/Services

The Mohawk Group introduced the LEED Plus Calculator. Powered by ecoScorecard from Viridity Inc., the Web-based tool helps shave weeks off the environmental specification process, allowing users to search building products and calculate the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED points, along with several other industry environmental ratings, in minutes. Customers can easily access the LEED PLUS Calculator evaluation tool free-of-charge 24/7 and have results delivered in minutes via a PDF report. For added convenience, users can save their reports and use them as supplemental product documentation to be included along with LEED or equivalent certification submissions.

Ecolect is a web-based product database and specification tool for green materials. The mission of the site is to provide the tools and resources that make it easier for designers and architects to design responsibly. To that end the site only includes materials with sustainable attributes, case studies on successful sustainable design projects and a blog to stimulate discussion on the inter-relation between design and ecology.

Tricycle has long been an advocate for more sustainable design processes, as its business is built around using digital sampling instead physical samples whenever possible. Part of their stand this show was a “pledge drive” to get design professionals to basically break the habit of specifying “hard samples” and the company will track the difference this one group makes in one year.

Products:

Mark Goetz, a furniture designer and May Liu, graphic designer, paired up to develop the Reveal collection for Momentum Textiles. Using MBDC Gold, Cradle-to-cradle certified spun Eco Intelligent polyester. The three patterns in the collection—X Factor, Gesture and Matter—reflect three fundamental design elements of line,shape and form while the production adheres to the biological principle that every element in indefinitely recyclable with limited degradation.

In order to qualify for the Bentano Green label, fabrics must comply with at least two of the three following green criteria: raw material, process, and facility and social responsibility.

The raw material criteria can be met through using enegy saving recycled materials or to manufacture biodegradable fibers. If the raw material is a naturally grown fiber it must be a quickly renewable resource and be grown without minimal harmful pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers.

The process--from yarn-dying to weaving and finishing--must involve no harmful chemicals and all facilities must comply with environmental protection laws.

Facility and social responsibility accounts for the working conditions, public health and implementation of any green program or product associated with Brentano Fabrics.

Based on these criteria, the Doodle collection made with organic cotton, was launched under the Brentano Green label in Spring 2009.

One of my favorite new products from the show, for both its aesthetic and its emotional impact was the Ovopur water cooler, a simply gorgeous piece of design that is also highly functional. So, the aesthetic impact is clear from the photo, yes? But the egg-like shape is more than just pretty, it’s actually designed to revitalize water using its own natural curves, à la the theories of Viktor Shauberger. The dispenser holds 3 gallons at a time and is made of white lead-free glazed porcelain that naturally helps to keep liquids cool and oxygenated, unlike plastic containers. Ovopur can be used with or without a activated carbon and quartz filter.

Vision10: IWCE to Co-Locate with Southern Building Show in 2010

2009-08-06T14:08:00.003-05:00

Grace McNamara Inc., producer of Vision09: International Window Coverings EXPO (IWCE) and publisher of Window Fashion Vision magazine, is pleased to announce it will be co-locating its Vision10: IWCE show with the Southern Building Show in 2010. The combined show will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center from May 12–15, 2010.

For the last 10 years, Grace McNamara Inc. has produced the world’s largest window-fashions industry trade show. This year’s show, Vision09: IWCE, took place May 13–16, 2009 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The show’s attendees included window fashion retailers, buyers, designers, decorators, workrooms, dealers, installers, fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, product developers, trend experts and students and faculty.

The Southern Building Show, in its 16th consecutive year, is the premier building industry-attended event for the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North and South Carolina and Tennessee. This year’s show took place June 4–6, 2009 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. Attendees included builders, remodelers, architects, designers, developers, superintendents and specifiers.

"Strategic partnerships are key for any successful event to thrive and grow," says Grace McNamara, president and CEO of Grace McNamara Inc. "We are excited to reach out to architects, contractors and builders regarding the value of window fashions in today’s homes through our co-location with the Southern Building Show. Co-locating our shows enables us to demonstrate the importance of window fashion products to a broader audience, benefiting our suppliers and dealers. By joining forces, we will expand the scope and vision of this event."

Alex DeBarr, CEO of Naylor LLC, majority owner of the Southern Building Show, adds: "The co-location of the Southern Building Show and Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO, along with some additional specialty areas and features we are working on, will create a more significant gathering place for the industry. Both events will be able to maintain their individual identities while giving attendees a more holistic and useful event experience." Visit www.wf-vision.com/expo.aspx and www.southernbuildingshow.com.

Farewell to WF Vision Editor

2009-07-31T12:42:00.001-05:00

I wanted to inform our readers and loyal followers that Sheri O’Meara is no longer with GMI. Since her debut as editor of WF Vision in May of 2008, Sheri has demonstrated her creativity, dedication and outstanding editorial skills. Her efforts have helped shape Vision into what it is today. We are extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Sheri and to get to know her, not only on a professional level but on a personal level as well. She will be missed, and we wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Grace McNamara
President/CEO
Grace McNamara Inc.

Marimekko Autumn '09 Favorites

2009-07-12T13:42:00.007-05:00

Marimekko recently announced some its Autumn 2009 introductions and I was especially taken by two fabrics, one brand new and one a recolored version of a popular current pattern. Both have that loose, illustrative, '70s mod feel that takes me back to my childhood, where I spent hours coloring in a huge poster of flowers, butterflies and winding vines and leaves. I had dozens of markers—thin-, medium-, and fat-tipped—that I'd drag out to the kitchen table, borrowing my mom's cast iron pans to weigh down the corners of the rolled up poster while I worked. I never did finish that poster...the demands of high-school took over I guess!

Anyway, here are two patterns that for me, evoked a trip down memory lane.

Kissaminttu (or catnip) is a recolored version of a current Marimekko favorite. The earlier versions I was familiar with are either a very sweet version in pinks, or a brightly colored yellow, green and red on a white ground. Neither really caught my attention the way this moody plum and saffron version does.

The second pattern is Siirtolapuutarha, which translates from Finnish as "colony" I think. I have no idea what it stands for or what it represents, as I can't find anything in the Marimekko press releases about this pattern except for the photo. But I luuurve the colors, the illustration style and just everything about it. I don't know where or how in my home I'd use these (duvet cover? ) but hey, recapturing a seemingly forgotten childhood memory has to count for something.

MoOD 2010/2011 Trend Preview

2009-07-09T15:23:00.005-05:00

The annual Brussels-based textile show Decosit has renamed and rebranded itself as MoOD, which stands for Meet only Original Designs, and now carries the tagline "teasing you with upholstery, window and wall coverings."

This Monday MoOD announced its trend directions for 2010/2011 under the title “Velocity Kills the Cat,” based mostly on the mega-trend of acceleration. The trend themes look at both the positives and the negatives of rapid change.

The three trends are:
Englishness: A distinctive, meticulous and inspired approach to design, that relishes fine craftsmanship and a dandy-esque approach to mixing and matching.

Reputation Garage: Rebellious, experimental and daring this is a younger approach to design where mix and match turns into a mash-up approach.

Anyi: Based on a holistic approach to design where reciprocity, mutuality and unity with the environment are key. The seemingly necessary rush of life is deliberately slowed down to savor intuition and experience.

Debuting at NeoCon

2009-06-15T22:24:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year once again, when the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair returns to Chicago, taking place now through Wednesday. Each year, exhibitors from across the world showcase their cutting-edge products. Here's a brief look at what lies in store for those who attend and what you can keep an eye out for in the textile industry:

• Carnegie introduces a collection of window fabrics that range from sheer to opaque and combine the use of soft and bold colors. All four of the collections are made from 100 percent Trevira CS and are inherently flame retardant and have excellent care properties.

• CF Stinson’s newest innovative fabric collection features Agion bi-component (silver/copper) antimicrobial technology "built in" to the 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester fiber. Inspired by the serenity and tranquility of Asian gardens, all seven patterns are colored using bleach cleanable dyes and are crafted with pride in the U.S.

• Crypton Super Fabrics is extending its revolutionary green fabric technology to the makers of recycled fabrics for wall coverings, panel systems, partitions and anywhere customers desire a high-performance, high-fashion and highly-sustainable alternative to everyday wall decor.

• Edelman Leather chose a cheerful group of positive colors evoking a universal love of flowers. Used together, separately or in pairs, these colors work together, as they do in nature—they never clash.

• HBF Textiles introduces the new Campion Platt Collection. These six diverse woodland inspired upholstery patterns portray abstractions from everyday nature.

• Kravet Contract delivers a fresh new set of upholstery Color Books. The palette ranges from soothing neutrals and decadent earth tones to saturated jewels and shades of quarry. Perfect for hotels, restaurants and hospitals, it offers the interior designer a stunning range of rich and colorful alternatives to the typical contract fare.

• Luna Textiles introduces a collection of original upholstery designs for corporate and hospitality interiors. Coupling bold patterns along with Luna’s elegant sensibility, the Optique Collection is truly eye-catching.

• Mayer Fabrics presents the versatile Environmental Impact Fabrics Collection composed of geometric shapes, layered motifs and contrasting weaves. With colors ranging from soft neutrals to vibrant magenta, specification possibilities in corporate, hospitality, educational and retail markets abound with these sustainable products.

• Mayer Fabrics’ new Environmental Impact Panel Fabric Collection addresses the need for sustainable products at a great value and is composed of 100 percent recycled polyester constructions and sophisticated design elements.

• Pallas Textiles introduces The Ground Breaking Collection. The latest collaboration between Pallas Textiles and designer Laura Guido-Clark, The Ground Breaking Collection is one of the textile industry’s first biodegradable polyurethane upholstery collections for corporate, healthcare, hospitality and education spaces. Combining beauty, durability and eco-friendliness, this collection of solids features sophisticated yet subtle neutrals and unapologetically optimistic brights that leave a minimal impact on the environment.

• Pallas Textiles’ Two Timing Collection is the second collaboration between Pallas Textiles and Lucy Aiken-Johnson and is an upholstery collection that is both playful and sophisticated. Its four patterns are inspired by feminine details found in fashion collections and impart a classic aesthetic into corporate, hospitality, healthcare and education spaces.

• Paul Brayton Designs’ new Big Top Collection is made up of High Wire, Majic Stripe and Brite Lites. These three new textiles feature Crypton protection and are perfect for contract, hospitality and healthcare applications.

• Tana-Tex Inc. introduces the Astonshire Collection. This collection is suitable for cubicle curtains, drapery, decorative top treatments and bedspreads for all healthcare, nursing and other commercial environments. Tana-Tex Inc. also introduces two new pediatric cubicle curtain fabrics for healthcare and commercial environments: Zoomangi and Dots.

• Trend Green presents the new F.I.G.H.T Collection (Fabrics Inspired for a Green and Healthy Tomorrow). The Collection is made of 100 percent post consumer recycled polyester and is inherently fire retardant. They are woven in the U.S. and some of the patterns pass up to 80,000 double rubs.

• Unika Vaev’s Discovery Collection includes Atmosphere, Reveal and Loop de Loop. These heavy upholstery fabrics add sophisticated luxury to any contract interior installations. Unika Vaev also introduces the LIFE Textiles Collection and is comprised of Atlas, Balance, Classic, Line, Luna, Planet, Sense and Source. The collection is constructed of 100 percent wool and has superior functionality in the contract market.

For more on NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2009, visit www.merchandisemart.com.

Enjoy!

Jennie Jacob
Associate Editor
WF Vision
Jennifer@wf-vision.com

WOW, Indeed!

2009-05-19T15:53:00.003-05:00

The show might be over, but the buzz it created certainly isn’t! While I wasn’t able to attend Vision09 IWCE personally this year (after all, someone needs to stay back and man the fort!), I have so enjoyed reading the emails that have come pouring in from attendee and exhibitor alike.

And while I can’t sum up the entire show here, I just couldn’t wait to share with you a photo of this year’s WOW Award Winners after receiving their awards on stage Wednesday evening. Having gotten to know so many of the WOW Award winners personally throughout the past few months, I was so excited to hear how well-attended and touching the awards ceremony was. Apparently there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience, especially when our very own Bruce Knott took the stage to accept the Industry Icon Award (a total surprise to him!). Congratulations again to all Design and Workroom Competition winners and to all the industry award winners!

Watch for more post-show coverage to appear in the May/June issue of WF Vision!

Jennie Jacob
Associate Editor
WF Vision
Jennifer@wf-vision.com

Oddly Enough

2009-05-07T10:07:00.011-05:00

5/7/09: Look odd? That’s because, oddly enough, today is one of only six days this century that will contain three consecutive odd numbers: 5-7-9. The last stretch of six consecutive odd numbered dates started all the way back on 1/3/1905. And after this stretch (there’s three more “odd days” coming up this century), we’ll have to wait another 90 years until it happens again.

So, to celebrate “Odd Day,” as it’s been coined by math enthusiasts, let’s take a look at how a few talented designers and workrooms created a solution for these odd-shaped windows.

Designer Deborah J. School of DeJara Design Inc., Bay Village, Ohio, needed to create a treatment that would enhance the shape of the windows, without covering up the woodwork or looking overdone when multiplied by four. She designed two-piece tapered end panels with decorative holdbacks and tassels.
Workroom: Drapery Stitch Cleveland, George Beckmann, Cleveland, Ohio. Installer: Drapery Stitch Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Today's Photos, Fairview Park, Ohio)

Designer Ella Kifyak of Ella’s Window Fashion, Flanders, N.J. needed to create a treatment for this office window that looked both masculine and elegant. She created a hard cornice with an unusually-shaped bottom, then trimmed it with a leather bend and nail heads. The balloon valance with jazzy trim softens the hard look of the cornice.
Workroom: Ella’s Window Fashion, Flanders, N.J. Installer: Oleg Kifyak, Ella’s Window Fashion. (Photo by Oleg Kifyak, Ella’s Window Fashion)

Beverly Hawkinson of Curtain Call, San Marcos, Calif., needed to design a treatment for these five bay windows, the focal point of her client's master bath. A dupioni silk scarf is draped over pegs, cascading down the sides of the outer three windows in a complete freestanding treatment. Two additional swags were created for the side windows, and were attached to the outside pegs of the scarf and to an original iron piece on the other side.
Workroom: Rita Spires, Draperies by Rita, El Cajon, Calif. Installer: Joe Reis, Joe Reis Installations, Vista, Calif. Custom drapery hardware: Pacific Halko, San Marcos, Calif. (Photo by Jim Brady, Brady Architectural Photography, San Diego, Calif.)

Designer Susan Ashley of Ashley Interiors, Brockville, Ontario treated this A-shaped cathedral wall of windows with floor to ceiling drapery panels. This solution allows your eyes to follow the line from the floor to the ceiling, diminishing the horizontal effect of the pleated shades. She selected a 100 percent polyester fabric, enhanced by the bump cloth interlining. She used 4-inch shirring tape leaving 2 inches at the top to make it look like a ruffle, with 1/4-inch piping along the top edge.
Workroom: Ferial Drapery, Ottawa, Ontario. Installer: John Ashley, Ashley Interiors. (Photo by Glyn Davies, Glyn Davies Photography, Brockville, Ontario)

Designer Maureen Kapral of V2K Window Decor & More, Richmond, Va., wanted to accentuate the architectural focal point of these palladium bay windows by creating treatments that were stunning and uncomplicated in appearance. To do this, the windows were treated as a collection rather than separate individual windows. The left treatment is anchored with a puddled drapery panel with a swag that appears to be pulled through the cornice. Your eyes are lead to the center cornice where the swags are crisscrossed, then to the third window with the mirrored image of the first. The overall effect highlights the bay wall as the architectural focus of the room.
Workroom: Tammy Myerly, Creative Coverings LLC, Englewood, Colo. Installer: Phil Reese, Reese Installations, Richmond, Va. Arched window fashions: Joan Willis. (Photo by Maureen Kapral, V2K Window Decor & More)

Happy Odd Day!

Jennie Jacob
Associate Editor
WF Vision
Jennifer@wf-vision.com

Victory Pedicures? Why Not?

2009-04-29T15:33:00.005-05:00

It's countdown time! With Vision09: IWCE only two weeks away, here at the office we're busy putting the finishing touches on everything ... from shipping materials to creating presentations, there's never a dull moment!

On Friday, Grace called the winners of our WOW industry awards to surprise them with the news. The winners will be announced live at the show during the WOW Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, but in the meantime, check out www.whyhelser.com to see how one winning company celebrated its "feat"! Hint: It involves "victory pedicures" ... nice!

I (and my feet) may just have to celebrate with them!

Jennie Jacob
Associate Editor
WF Vision
Jennifer@wf-vision.com

My Hero is Susan Boyle

2009-04-15T11:42:00.002-05:00

This week, the world is talking about Susan Boyle. If you haven’t seen the video, from Britain’s Got Talent, watch it. If you have, watch it again—it’s now a YouTube hit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Today, she is my hero, a completely unexpected and unlikely beacon of inspiration, with lessons applicable everywhere, from personal to business life. Watching her, it’s easy to observe:

1. You can’t judge a book by its cover. (Just as, after poring through the entries in the WF Vision Design contest, I learned you cannot judge excellence based on labels like a “one-person workroom” or “major retailer.” Excellence knows no boundaries.)

2. Amazing people are everywhere. Susan Boyle is amazing. Susan Boyle is unemployed. This should be evidence for those everywhere in this rocky economy—those worried about their jobs and those recently laid off—that there is no stigma: Amazing people will survive, and thrive. People can be amazing, no matter their status.

3. Believe in your dreams. What did it take for nearly 48-year-old Susan Boyle to enter this contest now? She dreamed a dream, and the world is behind her.

4. Ignore the naysayers. They’re everywhere, and it’s easy to scoff at people’s dreams. It's a lot harder to go for them.

Grateful for the chance to watch Susan today!

Sheri O’Meara
Editor
WF Vision
sheri@wf-vision.com

Latching onto the 3/50 Project

2009-04-06T07:48:00.004-05:00

Wow, threes again. I log onto Facebook, and there’s a poll asking me my three favorites in different categories. And I have three new ‘friends.’ And mostly: already this morning, before 8 a.m., I’ve run across on the web three references to the 3/50 Project. Third time’s the charm—so it’s time to do my bit to pay it forward.

The 3/50 Project, which is working on “saving the bricks and mortars our nation is built on,” is sweeping across the nation. It’s getting tons of local press here in Minneapolis/St. Paul and elsewhere. I love the idea of this. So for those who don’t know and in the interest of fanning the flames, here’s the concept behind 3/50 Project:

3: What three businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Those purchases are what keeps those businesses around.

50: If half the population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent business, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 the employed population did that.

That simple. That grassroots. So, in the interest of supporting this movement, my three local businesses I will support via the 3/50 guidelines are:

1. Byerly’s (upscale local grocery store)
2. Pittsburgh Blue (the locally owned upscale steakhouse in my ‘burb, where I will now consider it my duty to go for appetizers and their great mojitos)
3. Stonecrop (a great girlie gift boutique, for me and all 'my girls')

What are your three?

Read all about the 3/50 Project on their website: www. the350project.org

Have a great week!

Sheri O'Meara
Editor, WF Vision
sheri@wf-vision.com

The Best Things In Life Are Free

2009-03-30T11:54:00.006-05:00

The shopping bug hit me—hard—over the weekend, so I went deal shopping. And I must say, the good thing about a down economy: There are GREAT deals out there to be had. So, today, feeling quite snappy and sassy in my shiny new shoes (bought at 50 percent off, thank you), I’m in the perfect mindset to set out in search of business deals for the week. And I’m delighted to share the wealth. Here are my top two deals o’ the week:

1. Free blogging class: On Tuesday, March 31, 3 p.m. Eastern, Cathy Perkins, The WordPress Wizard, will spend an hour on Blogging 101 for Interior Designers. It’s a free preview call presented by Design Success University. Go to www.designsuccessu.com.

2. Free show passes: This week, I’m very excited to be able to offer you free show passes to Vision09: International Window Coverings Expo! May 13-16 in Atlanta. To download your free pass, go to:
www.wf-vision.com/vippass.html.

For more on the show, which I’m very excited to attend for the first time: go to www.windowcoveringexpo.com.

Wishing you a great week, and great deals. (Or at the very least, great new shoes at a discount!)

Sheri O’Meara
Editor, WF Vision
sheri@wf-vision.com

Good Things Come in Threes

2009-03-27T07:24:00.003-05:00

Wrapping up work yesterday, I got REALLY cranky, watching snowflakes start to fall (again!). To snap out of it, I made myself find three things I appreciated as I opened mail and listened to the local news. Here’s the list:

1. Several Minneapolis fine restaurants are waiving corking fees if you bring your own wine. This makes so much sense—it costs them nothing but saves their customers from buying wine at the restaurant or paying more for wine they already bought. (How can we do something similar in our business?)

2. A handwritten card from my sister. Not email, not Facebook, not text message. A card, with handwriting, with pen. Not for my birthday. A non-birthday card. These are increasingly rare and special, and I love getting them! (Note to self: Everyone does! Do more of these!)

3. The headline from Upholstery Journal: “Put custom into customer.” (I never thought of it this way!)

And three more things:

As I wrote this, I checked email, and read Nika Stewart’s Designer Blitz e-newsletter in my inbox. There, she discussed the highlights of last week’s Interior Design Summit by hitting (whaddayaknow?) “3 of the most important things you must do as a designer if you want to thrive this year.” Here they are:

1. Blog, blog, blog. The fastest, easiest, cheapest way to get free publicity.

2. Open your mind to NEW sources of design income. Sell online. Do teleseminars

3. Do an ezine/email newsletter.

More from Nika: www.nikastewart.com

Now, I'm busy with three favorite ways to start my day:

1. coffee
2. coffee
3. more coffee!

Have a great weekend!

Sheri O'Meara
Editor, WF Vision
sheri@wf-vision.com