Window Fashion VISION January + February 2018

31 30 years of window treatment inspiration

Connect with mobile customers Eliminate major business obstacles Start charging what you’re worth

Get Started Now! HIGH POINT:

embellishment trends from the recent show STACKED WINDOWS:

24 ideas for how to treat these tricky arrangements 2018 Color Palettes:

Volume 39, Issue 1 Jan + Feb 2018

Four new exciting looks to try

RI CC IARELLI.IT

M A N U FA C T U R E R A N D S U P P L I E R O F W I N D O W C O V E R I N G S . C O M P O N E N T S . E Q U I P M E N T

sales@uni-soleil.com.tw

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MEET US AT R+T 27 FEBRUARY - 03 MARCH 2018 HALL 1. STAND 1E32 & 1E52

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info@coulisse.us

FEATURED PRODUCT: COULISSE ROLLER SHADE EQUIPPED WITH RF-SA180663-0300 AQUA

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

CONTENTS volume 39, issue 1

insight 10 | Face Your Biggest Business Challenge Focus your effort on a single issue for better overall results. by Gail Doby, ASID

12 | Going Mobile Is your website truly equipped to service today’s online anywhere consumers? by Welton Hong

14 | It’s Time to Stop Undercharging Increase your revenue by improving your value. by LuAnn Nigara

12

16

16 | Get Thee to a Show It’s the best business decision you’ll ever make. by Beth Hodges, CWP, CWTC, WFCP

18 | Establishing an Agency Relationship What to consider

when calling in professionals for your communications. by Kathy Wall

20 | Case Study in Communication Clear, inclusive team

conversations and documentation are necessary for successful, profitable projects. by Roger Magalhaes

22 | Celebrating Success In 25 years Coulisse has grown from

a European-based import company to one the world’s leading producers of window treatments.

28

inspiration 28 | Room Service Yelena Gerts redesigns a master bedroom to suit her client’s desire for a five-star hotel experience.

34 | Stack it Up Dozens of ideas for one of the trickiest window arrangement—stacked windows.

50 | A Most Sophisticated Spectacle John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon are the color- and pattern-obsessed geniuses behind the interior design firm Madcap Cottage—and they’re the keynote speakers at IWCE this coming March.

56 | Compare and Contrast Four more 2018 trends from Pantone 48

to integrate into your designs.

64 | COTY Selections Four of this year’s Color of the Year picks, along with color-coordinated window treatments.

66 | The Four Effs A look at the top embellishment trends from the October 2018 High Point Market. by Jana Platina Phipps

72 | The Future is Urban Heimtextil lifestyle trends 2018/2019.

fixtures 08 | Welcome A note from the publisher, Grace McNamara.

56 4 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

66

80 | What’s Next A sneak peek at the upcoming issue. .

Go to Facebook.com/wfviwce for magazine and show updates.

Keep up with all the IWCE news @IWCEVISION.

Follow us and re-pin pinterest.com/wfvision.

Follow us on instagram.com/iwce2018.

31 years of window treatment inspiration Looking for online inspiration?

Check out these great pages from some of our contributors in this issue!

Facebook: CoulisseOfficial At the company’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Facebook: LawsonsDecoratingDen So many beautiful projects.

WINDOW FASHION VISION MAGAZINE President + CEO | Grace McNamara grace@wf-vision.com Editorial Director | Susan Schultz susan@wf-vision.com Digital Media & Marketing Coordinator | Anne Bild anneb@wf-vision.com Managing Editor | Maude Campbell maudedotycampbell@gmail.com Logistics Coordinator | Amie Holsten iwce@wf-vision.com Controller | Heather Bradley heather@wf-vision.com

Instagram: trimqueen Jana always has wonderful images to share.

Facebook: beth.b.hodges A feed filled with great teaching moments.

Circulation | Hervey Evans herveyevans@me.com Competition Coordinator | Claire Bowman competition@wf-vision.com

SALES

Vice President, Sales + Marketing | Susanne Young susanne@wf-vision.com

CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Facebook:PantoneColor The latest on Ultra Violet, the 2018 COTY.

Facebook: WF VISION Magazine New product posts, like this from Comfortex.

Gail Doby, Beth Hodges, Welton Hong, Roger Magalhaes, LuAnn Nigara, Jana Platina Phipps, Kathy Wall

DESIGNERS & WORKROOMS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

Leigh Anderson,, Deby Carlson, Mark Cravotta Interiors, Barbara Elliott & Jennifer Ward Woods, Tina Fontana, Yelena Gerts, Sally Herre, K&H Custom Window Treatments, Lynne Lawson and Laura Gonzalez, Gary Lee Partners, Olga Polyanskaya, Kathy Potts, Alan Schatzberg & Associates, Andrea Monath Schumacher

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Leatrice Eisman, Eline Verveld

SUBSCRIPTIONS

877-344-7406 • WFVision@pubservice.com

30 years of window treatment inspiration

Connect with mobile customers Eliminate major business obstacles Start charging what you’re worth

Get Started Now! HIGH POINT:

embellishment trends from the recent show STACKED WINDOWS:

24 ideas for how to treat these tricky arrangements 2018 Color Palettes:

On the cover: A double roller shade from Coulisse, one of more than 300 fabric options including blackouts, metallics, jacquards, satins, embroideries, and linen looks, many with a choice of extra-narrow or extra-wide stripes.

Volume 39, Issue 1 Jan + Feb 2018

Four new exciting looks to try

JAN + FEB 2018 VOLUME 39, ISSUE 1

6 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Window Fashion Vision magazine makes every attempt to credit each person involved in the process of creating a window covering and will not be responsible for crediting any person whose name, company or participation did not surface during the information-gathering process. Crediting disputes between parties other than Vision magazine are solved at the discretion of those involved.

Window Fashion Vision (ISSN 08869669) (USPS 708930) published bi-monthly by AIM Communications LLC, 4756 Banning Ave, Suite #206, White Bear Lake, MN 55110-3206.; Tel 651/330-0574; Fax 651/756-8141.

Visit our website at www.wf-vision.com. Periodicals postage paid at St Paul, MN and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Window Fashion Vision, PO Box 15698, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5698.

Allow 60 days for address change. Subscription rates: $22/yr. U.S. and possessions; $29/yr. Canada; $90/yr.

Foreign (includes airmail postage). Single copies/back issues $6 each, except for special issues, which are individually priced. (Payment must accompany order.) Copyright © 2018 by AIM Communications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Canadian Publications Agreement Number: #40036514.

Canadian Return Address: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ONT N9A 6J5. Jan + Feb 2018, Volume 39, Issue 1.

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WELCOME grace note

It’s winter in Minnesota, but we’re all thinking of the warmth of Tampa! Join us there starting March 26 for certification training, seminars, and a show floor filled with exciting new products.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? Send me a shout-out on Facebook—I’d love to hear if you are working on special projects, learning a new skill, or setting some super goals for your business! I predict a healthy year for the window coverings industry. With mortgage rates remaining low, mortgage lenders being creative, and the economy doing well, people are buying and prices are rising in most major markets. We all know this bodes well for window coverings. Housing shortages will create demand for remodeling so we’re looking great on all sides.

Home automation and motorization continue as the BIG trend so if you’re not comfortable selling motors, be sure to plan on attending OD Kelly’s Motorization Certification at IWCE this March in Tampa. In addition to motorization, IWCE offers you the opportunity to ramp up your skills in all important areas for window coverings professionals—from business to design to fabrication from leading experts. Check out some of our columnists in this issue who will be presenting in Tampa! What better way to get your business on the right track than meeting friends and peers in sunny Tampa and sharing your experiences while you learn new skills. Put IWCE on your goal list for 2018—I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,

Grace McNamara Publisher + CEO 8 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Broaden Your Interior Décor Possibilities.

Introducing six new colors in the popular STYLE 5000 line of SheerWeave roller shade fabrics. Marked by gray tones and subtle texture, these new fabrics are a perfect addition to the Jacquard collection of hushed naturals and warm earth tones.

INSIGHT business coaching

Face Your Biggest Business Challenge Focused effort on a single issue yields better results

by Gail Doby, ASID

Making business plans can be like making New Year’s resolutions. We think of all the things we’d like to improve, and promise ourselves we’ll do better this year. But time goes by and we find ourselves falling back into our old habits.

So for 2018, instead of trying to take on all the areas of your business you’re not satisfied with, try a different strategy.

Focus on achieving just one thing—your biggest business challenge.

Get Focused You don’t have to look very hard to find things in your business to distract you. We’ve all been guilty at one time or another of mistaking being busy for being productive. What’s more, it’s only human nature to put off tackling the hardest tasks. It’s important, therefore, that you make a conscious commitment to addressing your biggest business challenge.

Identify Your Challenge In its simplest terms, your biggest business challenge is the thing that is preventing you from growing your business or obtaining the clients, projects, or revenues you aspire to. It’s like a dam blocking the waters of success from flowing your way. Remove the dam and your business will improve exponentially.

First, clear the decks of other priorities. I’m not suggesting you neglect the other parts of your business, just don’t let them become an excuse for not following up on your commitment.

Different businesses have different challenges. If you’ve conducted the end-ofyear fitness checkup for your business that I outlined in my previous article, then you should have a pretty good idea of what your businesses’ current strengths and weaknesses are. If not, I highly recommend that you do so now.

Because your biggest challenge may not be an obvious one—in fact, the more obvious challenges may be distractions.

not solve all the problems

For example, you may be thinking that you need to do more marketing or spend more time on social media this year.

While that may be true, your biggest challenge could be that you are reluctant to delegate tasks like these in order to devote more time to client development and management. Investing more in marketing is not going to increase your business if you are not taking care of the clients you already have or cultivating prospects once they have contacted you.

10 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Overcoming your biggest business challenge will

in your business. But it is the cornerstone to your future success.

Be clear in your mind why this needs to be your top priority. Examine how this challenge is currently impacting your business and your life. In what ways is it holding you back or hampering your success? If you can solve your biggest challenge, how would that change your business and your personal life? What would it free up in time or resources that you could apply to improving other parts of your business or to enjoying a better quality of life? Having clear goals will help motivate you to not waiver from your commitment if and when you run into obstacles later on.

Talk over your goals, plans, and strategies with your team or a trusted colleague. Making your commitment public will give you extra incentive to stick with it. Plus, others can provide valuable feedback, insights, and suggestions to help you achieve your goal.

Very likely, they too will benefit.

Follow–Through You next need to integrate your commitment into your annual business planning. Articulate the tasks you must accomplish and in what order to achieve your goal. Allocate time on your calendar each week to working through those tasks. Identify the people and resources you will need to help you and set up times for those meetings or conversations. If you require additional education, training, or coaching, seek out appropriate providers and schedule those activities as well. Establish metrics and milestones, and track your progress regularly.

Using visuals like charts, timelines, and photo collages can help keep you focused on your goal.

Do just this one thing and see how your business will flourish. May you have your best year ever! z Gail Doby, ASID is the co-founder of Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting. To request a free Clarity Session, please request one by filling out the contact form on her website.

GailDoby.com.

INSIGHT business coaching

Going Mobile

Responsive marketing for connected consumers

by Welton Hong

When you first think about it, you might not consider yourself a mobile consumer.

You might prefer to spend your evenings at home with your family. You might even work from home. You might default to weekends in front of the TV or relaxing in the backyard to stepping foot off your property. But when it comes to marketing, we now live a mobile world.

As smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even smartwatches have left desktop computers virtually extinct, Americans make their purchasing decisions on mobile devices. Many people no longer have old-school desktop computers, much less landline phones. They’re no longer bound to their homes when considering critical purchases. In 2017, they’re far more often enjoying their 24/7 connection to the internet on a phone or a tablet—even when they do happen to be at home!

According to a January 2017 Pew Internet study, 77 percent of Americans owned a smartphone in 2016. Analysts believe that number is much closer to 85 percent by now. The smartphone has become an integral aspect of most Americans’ daily lives, with more than half of users saying their smartphone is the first thing they consciously view upon waking and the last thing they consciously view before sleeping.

The Current Digital Landscape The smartphone revolution has made business marketing a very different animal in recent years. Sales conversions used to be quite simple: Someone saw your ad and gave your business a call.

Even when the internet became a huge business tool, the process wasn’t terribly complicated: Someone saw your online 12 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

ad or checked out your website from a desktop search, and then that person called or emailed you.

Now it’s a whole new world. Full-size desktop computers are essentially paperweights. People research products and services on tablets and smartphones. Notebooks are still in the mix, but they’re not heavy old-school laptops. They’re light, often convertible devices that split the difference between what we once considered a computer and what we now identify as an easily portable mobile device.

Mobile users are accustomed to immediacy.

A recent survey showed that 53 percent will abandon a site if it doesn’t load within three seconds.

That’s why it’s shocking to still see businesses focusing on desktop users when developing their business plans or designing their websites. It makes no sense when trying to reach today’s consumer.

Reaching the Mobile Consumer Without a responsive web design, a website will display differently depending on what type of device one uses to view it on. Older sites that haven’t been updated for mobile look and work terribly on smaller devices. And they won’t have the elements that make it easy for a phone user to immediately call or email with a single touch.

Let’s ponder that for a moment. While it’s certainly true that most products are purchased by both genders, women do buy far more of certain things, such as groceries, while men purchase more power tools. So, if you sold groceries, where would you focus your advertising? If you sold power tools, would you align your advertising toward women?

Obviously no.

Yet that’s exactly what you’re doing if you don’t prioritize mobile in your marketing and advertising efforts as we move into 2018 and beyond. If you’re still primarily focused on desktop users, you’re fishing in the wrong stream. And if you want fresh seafood for dinner, you’re going to have to go where the fish are.

The Problems with Legacy Websites Even now, an astonishing number of local businesses (including many window coverings companies) have websites that were built to work well for desktop users—but work poorly, if at all, for mobile users. That’s somewhat understandable, because when many of these sites were developed, everything was viewed on a desktop or laptop. But while that could be as little as five (a lifetime in digital years) or longer, that viewer profile is no longer valid. Instead, websites are viewed far more frequently via phone or tablet and so they desperately need to be redesigned for the way people shop now.

Take a minute to think about the last time you gave your website a thorough overall.

At the very least, all businesses must be sure their site translates well—and is easy to navigate—on a smartphone or tablet.

This also relates to the issue of load time, meaning, in this context, how long it takes a site to load on a mobile device.

Mobile users are accustomed to immediacy. A recent survey showed that 53 percent will abandon a site if it doesn’t load within three seconds. That’s a big concern when you consider that the average website load time is—wait for it (literally)—22 seconds.

Do you know how quickly your site loads on a smartphone? Are you willing to give up more than half of your potential clientele because it’s too slow?

Mobile Lifestyle=Instant Action In a recent study of 3,000 mobile searchers, nearly half of respondents said they are more likely to convert elsewhere if they can’t call a business directly from the search result. In other words, your website and your marketing processes must make it easy to “click to call”—providing a clickable link so an interested lead can phone you with a single touch and complete the conversion.

Of course, this doesn’t only have to be a phone number. A clickable email link or a clickable link to a contact form can be beneficial as well. But many prospective customers want to be able to speak with someone immediately when they’re ready to do business, and you want to make that process as simple as possible.

The key to converting mobile users is to make every step of the process seamless. If they come across a single hurdle, a small delay, they’re gone. Your job is to make the mobile conversion experience as quick and easy as possible. zz Welton Hong is the founder of Ring Ring Marketing and a leading expert in creating leads from online to the phone line for window covering businesses.

RingRingMarketing.com Facebook: RingRingMarketing

See Welton @ IWCE! Three info-filled seminars: Using Email to Close the Sale and The Next Level— Everyone’s Going Mobile and Increasing Website Credibility Register before January 15 for best rates on rooms & seminars.

Window Fashion Vision | 13

INSIGHT business coaching

It’s Time to Stop Undercharging Two methods to ensure you and your clients value your worth

by LuAnn Nigara

Are you working hard every day, month after month, and your checkbook does not reflect the long days you dedicate to your business?

If this sounds like you, pull up a chair.

There are several things that need to be examined to correct this including, among other things, your business systems, your productivity (where and how you truly spend your time), your expenses, and your gross profit margins. All of these categories need to be assessed and addressed, however, today we are going to tackle your gross profit margins.

Consistent undercharging is a huge factor in not having healthy gross profit margins. Make no mistake about it, healthy profit margins are critical to running profitably. In order to pay yourself and your team what you are worth you must be profitable.

The Necessary Margin This issue is particularly rampant in the window treatment industry. In conversations at nearly every industry event and in conversations on- and off-air with podcast guests, I am often surprised at the beliefs that business owners hold when it comes to gross profit margins.

You can and should be earning 50- to 58 percent gross margins for almost everything you sell. And, I know from countless conversations over the last 30+ years, dozens of you reading this just said out loud, to an empty room, “She is nuts.” But I’m not. Because this is our average gross profit margin at Window Works—since 1982. No exaggeration.

This consistent level of gross profit margin is not only possible, it is necessary in order to maintain a healthy business.

14 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Let Go of Self-Imposed Limitations In order to be able to set and achieve healthy gross profit margins, one of the first things to do is to analyze any limiting mindset beliefs that might be holding us hostage. Limiting beliefs play like a bad record in our mind, creating doubt and fear. This could including the following: • Why would anyone buy from me?

• “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”

• I need to make this sale to cover payroll, or the rent, etc.

• What I do isn’t particularly skillful or valuable.

• Do I deserve success?

What we believe about ourselves, our clients, and our business becomes the truth simply because what we believe, in large part, will actually dictate how we act. When we believe we are deserving and capable of success and when we believe what we offer is valued by our clients, we instinctively behave in ways that support these beliefs. These positive actions ultimately create and perpetuate successful outcomes.

For example, a confident salesperson is eager to go to each appointment, always grateful for the next opportunity to earn a new client. A business owner that really knows the value she brings to her customers looks for new ways to market her company, to make sure everyone she meets knows about her company, her team, and her services.

However, the opposite is also true.

When we doubt ourselves, we hesitate.

When we aren’t sure of our expertise, we procrastinate. When we don’t value our worth, we undercharge. Then, the limiting beliefs trickle down to other areas, too. We delay in setting up our

website, we spin our wheels in executing marketing initiatives, and we tell ourselves there is nothing we can do to change things. We blame it on the economy, our region, our location, changes in the industry, etc.

So how do we hit the erase button and create new, affirming beliefs that invite success and prosperity to our business and our lives?

Work the Big Picture and the Little Picture Together Examine both a macro view and a micro view of your industry. Then go about becoming an expert on both.

In becoming an expert you will gain confidence and you will easily begin to understand how you are truly valuable to your clients.

Example of the macro view: As a window coverings specialist, your goal could be to learn every product with a better-than-average proficiency.

Shutters, draperies, the various styles of soft shades, the various brands and styles of woven shades, hard wire and battery motorization, the list goes on.

To be sure it happens, plan it out over a year. Assign a product category to each month and block three hours per week in each month to that category. Read industry magazines and websites, read vendor websites, take webinars, take classes, attend industry shows and conventions, go to regional industry meetings, watch YouTube videos—whatever it takes to know that product category inside and out. By the end of the year you will have acquired expert status in 12 product categories. By increasing your competence month after month, you will feel your confidence in yourself and your company grow.

Example of the micro view: Select a narrow niche product or service to become known for, above all others, in your area. This could be a particular product such as skylight applications, or motorization, or innovative materials, etc. In addition to the 12 hours a month devoted to a certain product, add another half hour each week over several months in this one niche area.

etc. You become known as the media room expert. Therefore, you can charge accordingly because you are valuable, knowledgeable, and sought after.

Your goal is to be the undisputable expert in something. Keep in mind, your niche area could also be a service.

For instance, at Window Works we make it our business to provide excellent, unequaled customer service. We intentionally work on this and deliver this to our clientele. This is something we work on every day, every week, and are known for.

Make Time for Training Make no mistake though, it takes effort and intention. You can spend 30+ years becoming an expert or you can consciously devote the weekly and monthly time from the beginning to gain the expert-level information sooner. By truly having the expertise it instills confidence which enables you to charge confidently.

Why This Approach Works The point of the macro view is to create confidence in yourself. By intentionally addressing your business and industry with a higher level of knowledge, you stand in your space as an expert and you project this confidence to your clients and potential clients.

The point of the micro view is to create confidence in you. By intentionally becoming the go to expert in a narrow niche your client community learns to look to you for this product or service.

You become known for this.

In the interior design industry, an example of this could be the following: You are an interior designer who is clearly capable and comfortable with full-service design (macro view) however you develop and nurture your skill and reputation for media room design (micro view).

You learn about acoustic wall panels, you learn about whole-house motorization integration, you learn the ideal dimensions for movie screens vs. seating proximity, you understand lighting and how to easily integrate the latest tech offerings,

These two strategies combined create one very tangible result—you can say goodbye to undercharging for your products and services forever. You can confidently charge and get your fairmarket profit margins on every project.

Maybe you can fake it a few times, with a few clients, but you will be found out.

The glue for this is your reputation in the greater community. The strategy is to be and to provide expert product knowledge and service so you can achieve your goal of asking and earning your worth. Pretending cannot result in sustainable high gross profit margins.

I realize not every client and every business model supports and demands this higher level of service and higher level of pricing. You have to know your lane.

However, when your target client is the luxury market, understand very clearly, most consumers in this demographic would prefer to have a high-level customer experience at a more expensive price point than save a percentage and give up service and expertise. Catering to the luxury-driven market also enables you to engage in less projects at higher earnings, contributing to higher gross profit margins as well. But that’s a discussion for another day!

LuAnn Nigara is an award-winning window treatment specialist and together with her husband and cousin she owns Window Works, in Livingston, NJ, which provides custom window treatments and awnings to both retail and trade clientele. Her highly successful podcast “A Well-Designed Business” debuted in February 2016 and she has since recorded more than 200 episodes. windowworks-nj.com/podcasts Facebook: windowworksnj Twitter: WindowWorks_NJ Instagram: windowworks Houzz: window-works

See LuAnn @ IWCE! Two inspiring sessions: Closing High-End Window Fashion Sales and a VIP Executive Session with Madeleine MaCrae Set Sales Goals and Reach Them, Right Now

Get the full roster of seminars and activities @ iwce-vision.com Register before January 15 for best rates on rooms & seminars.

Think about your mindset. Become the expert and set your sights on higher gross profit margins. It can be done and you can be one to do it. z Window Fashion Vision | 15

INSIGHT take note

Get Thee to a Show

It’s the best business decision you’ll ever make

by Beth Hodges, CWP, CWTC, WFCP

Way back, around 1990, I attended my first industry show. It was a Window Fashions magazine regional show in Atlanta, and it was, at the time, the most intimidating and the most exciting thing I’d ever done for my business.

had only traveled with my husband and/ or my family prior to this. But attending this show expanded my idea of what this business could be beyond my wildest dreams. Going to that first show was the best thing I ever did.

I had been running a very small, one-person workroom for several years, and instinctively I understood that there was much out there to be learned. I could sew well, but the people in my area wanted more than I felt comfortable offering. So, I took a deep breath, left my five children with my husband, and drove to Atlanta.

A Business Awakening The vendors were a big benefit, but the classes opened my mind to what could happen to my little business if I just learned how to do it, and what it was was up to me.

I cannot express to you how afraid I was. I ate all my meals alone in my room, and left it only to attend the events that were offered. It was a big step for me—I

To figure it out, I decided that I should attend at least one show a year. I don’t remember where my second show was, but I do remember the next, a Nashville, TN, event geared for workrooms. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Several of us were asked to leave the bar of the ho-

tel one night because we were so excited asking questions of each other about pricing, construction, and everything that we were holding up the closing time!

Life-Changing Experiences The show that truly changed my life was the now-defunct Boston Drapery and Curtain Show. I passed my WCAA Certification at that show, and on the way home I was placed in the airplane next to Cheryl Strickland. She had started a newsletter and asked me to submit something, and I did. Later, she asked me to present at the conference she was putting together. And I did.

There were only a few attendees back then, but I learned that I could do it.

Teach…that is. And I did and I have and I continue to do so until this day. I have friends and clients from many places and I met them at shows, too.

Please Join Us Have I convinced you to come to the show? If so, now’s the time to plan. First, consider your classes. Don’t just pick the subjects that you like, although that is fun! Instead, really think about what may grow your production and income.

Because it might not be the “how to” classes, but the business classes that you really need. Consider switching it up and take some of everything that is offered.

You’ll probably meet a different group of attendees and open yourself up to new conversations and insights.

Walk the show floor and take your business cards with you. A show is the perfect time to open new accounts, as many vendors will be offering specials and incentives. There will also be vendors with products and services you perhaps never previously considered.

16 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

At IWCE you’ll see shade, hardware, fabric, and trim companies as well as vendors offering credit card abilities and advertising possibilities. Allow yourself a lot of time to thoroughly cover the exhibition area, with enough time to take another walk through, because you never see everything the first time!

Before you go, sit down and consider what products you would like to add to your business. If you drive to the show, you may be able to purchase items directly from the show floor and take them with you, saving you time and money.

This is how I got my inspection machine and DöFix system—purchased directly off the show floor.

Speaking of spending money, plan on it. We in the workroom are renowned for being…dare I say…frugal. This is not the time for that. The money that you spend at the show is an investment in your career. Attending an event in your

industry is vital to the life and growth of your business.

I hope you will make your plans to addend IWCE in Tampa this March. And I hope I will see you there. z Beth Hodges is the owner of Soft Furnishings, a retail/wholesale workroom located in Elberton, GA. Now in business for more than thirty years, Soft Furnishings provides wholesale workroom services to higher end designers both locally and around the country. Hodges joined the Board of Directors of the WCAA in 1994 and has since held the positions of the treasurer, vice-president, and two terms as president.

Hodges became the Director of Education for Döfix USA in 2013 offering seminars and private training across the country.

BethHodges.com Facebook: beth.b.hodges

See Beth @ IWCE! Two great seminars: Designer’s Guide to High-End Window Fashions and From Picture to Perfection

www.BlindsBook.com +1 (888) 208 5230

Window Fashion Vision | 17

INSIGHT take note

Establishing an Agency Relationship

What to consider when calling in outside professionals

by Kathy Wall

Perhaps your newly developed strategy calls for aggressive growth. Or, you’ve been humming along and sales are just okay. Or, your business is declining and you need help stat. It’s time to call in the pros. A creative communications agency can take your business to the next level and beyond. Whether you’ve never worked with an outside firm or you think you need to make a switch from a current relationship, here’s how to get started..

Determine Your Goals Increasing reach and awareness into a much broader geographic area requires a different strategy than competing with a new company that’s moved in down the street. Public relations pros spend lifetimes nurturing relationships with editors and journalists. If PR is top of your wish list, choose to work with the “best rolodex” you can afford.

Or do you want to get where you are going faster and have a budget for paid advertising? If so, you’ll want to work with someone who offers media planning services in addition to PR. Do you have staff but need consultations with experts that allow you to develop and execute programs in-house? Put an agency on retainer for consultation services only.

Find a True Partner Many years ago, a big agency hired me to consult with them as they pitched prospective furnishings clients. They realized too late that they didn’t know a drapery rod from a café curtain rod.

When I reviewed their failed presentation to the never-would-be client, I was horrified at the slide that said they’d use the initial months to “build relationships with media.”

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You don’t want to spend money helping tan agency learn to do their job so instead check the directories of industry organizations you belong to. Trade magazines also often offer lists of suppliers and vendors. A good old-fashioned Google search with industry-specific keywords will also net a nice list. And finally, never forgot word of mouth.

Be Specific—Including a Budget Call the ones that appeal to you and then track how it plays out. Is a company exec available to talk or schedule a call? Or do you get bounced to a junior-level person that “screens” you first?

Ask about their experience and current client roster. Can they take on new business? (Silly question. They’ll always say, “Yes.”) Are they genuinely interested in your goals? Do they speak industry lingo?

What’s their client onboarding process?

Will they meet face to face via video conference or travel to meet with you?

When you are comfortable with one or two firms that have your best interest in the forefront, it’s easier to go to step three—the budget. In setting this, do your research; this isn’t a bunch of tasks you hand off to some faceless entity to implement. It’s a relationship and you want to find a team that knows your industry intimately but brings fresh thinking and creative expression garnered from a wider-scope perspective.

Just like utilities and salaries, a strong communications program is a necessary business investment. Have a range in mind and ask for proposals offering better/best scenarios. (Skip “good”; it won’t move the needle and you’ll get frustrated with spending money that nets minimal results.)

From the agency side of the table, services can be scaled to fit your purse. But, they’ll need to know if you are carrying a tote or a mini-clutch. Potential agency partners will not want you overwhelmed by unrealistic numbers, or worse, underwhelmed when you are seeking “wow.”

Evaluate their proposals and ask for any adjustments if needed. This doesn’t mean getting the same services for less money; agencies are paid not only for their expertise but time just like you are. You can, however, choose to prioritize services, focusing on those that are most important.

Plan on a monthly retainer with a one-year contract. Successful communications programs (PR, advertising, social media) don’t happen overnight. You’ll need a full year to strategize, develop, implement, measure, adjust, and reap rewards. Working with the right agency can energize and help grow your business. It’s time to get started. Break out and soar in 2018. z Kathy Wall is president and ringleader of The Media Matters, an agency in the Triad area of North Carolina offering marketing, advertising, and brand strategy to a roster of international clients. Kathy has shared her talents with the home furnishings industry for three decades before forming her own business 16 years ago. Her motto? “We don’t work with jerks.” themediamatters.com Facebook: themediamatters Twitter: @themediamatters

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INSIGHT take note

Case Study in Communication Talk it through to work it out

by Roger Magalhaes

I recently completed a challenging project that would have been a disaster had there not been excellent and thorough communication between myself, the client, the workroom, the additional contractors, and the suppliers.

I know this because I was the fourth window treatment specialist called in on the project. The previous three all turned down the job because, I assume, the difficulties involved.

Project Introduction In June 2017, I received a call to look at circa 1900 building that was undergoing major renovation. The major concern I had to address was a bank of five angled windows that varied in heights from 192" high on the far left to about 60" high on the far right.

20 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Prior to my on-site visit, the first option that came to meet was “plantation shutters” which I knew could have perfectly constructed angle-tops. However, in our first meeting, the client mentioned that she did not want plantation shutters or draperies for those windows. She was hoping to see some roller shades instead that could “disappear” when not in use.

Project Concerns I explained that we would have a few challenges there: 1. Finding a fabric that would roll 192" without seams.

2. Create a top treatment to hide the rollers because the shades would have to be mounted across at the top. Without a top treatment, it would look odd—the

horizontal header of the shades set against the angle of the windows.

3. We would also need electrical power installed at the top of each window and wood blocks so we would have a secure location to mount the shades.

The client and her construction team (architect, general contractor, and electricians) were all present at the meeting.

And everyone agreed that all my requirements were doable as long as I was supplying all of the necessary information and specs for the project.

After researching the shade fabric options and developing some ideas for the valances, the client made her selections and the project was a go.

Project Collaboration Throughout the specification process I worked closely with Deby Carlson, of Deby’s Drapes and Designs, based in Franklin, MA. She provided the details for the yardage and materials necessary for the approved design.

In the meantime I made a couple of return trips to the site, meeting with the electrician and general contractor to explain and show placement for outlets, show how the shade brackets would be installed, and to confirm the location and specs for the wood blocks necessary for the shade mounts.

Two months after the initial meeting with the client, I installed the shades, valances, and programmed them to the handheld remote and wall switch.

Project Takeaways What I learned and relearned on this project made all the difference: 1. Communication is key for a successful project. Between homeowner,

contractors, workroom, and suppliers, everyone must understand the entire scope in order to perform their portion of the job accurately. If perhaps I did not have a very responsive homeowner or a very willing general contractor to modify/alter the specs as needed, the final results would not be ideal.

2. Have talented people on your team.

Perhaps the most challenging piece of the project was fabricating the top treatments. These are valances, not cornice boards and, with a long drop of 40", they were also somewhat unstable. But the workroom was so precise and that excellent construction helped make what could have been a very difficult installation much easier.

3. Be willing to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. I have never done a similar window setup like this in my 12-year career in the industry. But I was confident that I could, based on previous experiences and from the expertise of those surrounding me.

Next time you are presented with a challenging project, don’t give up.

Ask colleagues and use your previous experiences to gather enough info to find a winning solution. I want you to be the fourth one on that job—the one that makes it a success when others weren’t up to the task. z Roger Magalhaes is a certified Professional Installer

by The Custom Home Furnishing Academy, Lutron, Hunter Douglas, Somfy and Norman Shutters, an active member of the WCAA, founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros and the founder and owner of Shades IN Place, Inc., Franklin, MA, established in 2006.

ShadesInPlace.com Facebook: shadesinplace Twitter: Shades_IN_Place Houzz: shades-in-place

Window Fashion Vision | 21

INSIGHT leader board

Celebrating Success Q Coulisse, an international supplier of window coverings, marked

its 25th anniversary in 2017. From its beginning in 1992 as a distributor of imported shading fabrics and components, the company quickly grew to become one of the most innovative fullservice resources for window treatment customers worldwide,

with projected 2017 revenues topping 100 million dollars. But the company’s management team has no thoughts of resting on their success, given some of the plans unveiled during a recent celebration at its headquarters in the Netherlands.

22 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

“We are known for our design approach,” said founder Christiaan Roetgering. “Continuous innovation has allowed us to keep inspiring our customers and to help them to be distinctive in the market. For us to stay leading in the future, we have to do more.

The world is changing at a rapid pace. Sustainability and social responsibility are key terms in this respect. Based on personal conviction and also in order to continue to provide added value for our customers, ‘purpose’ is an important new pillar of our vision for the future.”

Detail of a Coulisse double roller shade fabric.

Window Fashion Vision | 23

INSIGHT leader board

As part of this new growth ambition, Coulisse appointed Rob Boogaard CEO earlier in 2017. Prior to joining Coulisse, Rob was the President & CEO of Interface EMEA, a publicly traded company and the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of environmentally responsible carpet tile. Under his leadership, Interface accelerated into becoming a sustainable company with manufacturing plants with 100 percent renewable energy, and a fully closed water loop, while using 55 percent recycled or bio-based raw material, and earned prestigious European business awards among which the 2014 Ethical Corporation Award, 2014 European Business Award for the Environment, and the 2015 Guardian Sustainable Business Award. In his position at Coulisse, Boogaard is responsible for setting and leading the commercial and operational growth strategy for Coulisse worldwide.

Another important aspect of the company’s sustainable growth strategy, is its intensive focus on the contract market.

Over the past few years Coulisse extended its contract range which now comprises screen fabrics, flame-retardant fabrics, systems, and automation. Coulisse aims at expanding these offerings to include products that respond to crucial themes in this market, such as sustainability (LEED, BREEAM), well-being, and productivity.

Under leadership of recently appointed Jan Henk Dekker, a contract interior specialist with global experience, the contract department has developed the Contract Experience Center, which opened this last October at the company’s Enter headquarters. Apart from tactile Trevira CS fabrics for roller, vertical, and panel blinds, the collection for the contract market offers a wide array of different screen fabrics that combine excellent technical and functional properties with the company’s well-known design sensibility. This includes an exclusive selection of different types of woven fabrics with a natural textile look, including that of wool, cotton, and linen. The fabrics are all flame-retardant and Trevira CS, available in a timeless 24 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

palette of natural colors and many offered in wide widths.

Other new faces on the management team include Hugo Kruijssen as Director Components. In this role, Kruijssen will focus on further development of activities of the Coulisse made-to-measure division.

Nienke Dusseljee was appointed Director DIY. Dusseljee had previously worked as a sales representative in the do-it-yourself segment for Coulisse and in her new role is responsible for further developing and strengthening the Coulisse market position in the worldwide do-it-yourself market.

Owners Christiaan and Maurice Roetgering will, each with his own expertise, remain involved in business operations.

Maurice Roetgering will mainly focus on strategic sourcing and partnerships, while Christiaan Roetgering will focus on the creative development side of business.

The many new products and services that the new management team have been working on will be officially launched at R+T 2018. Known for its fashion-forward trend pieces and presentations, the company hired international art and fashion photographer Jasper Abels, who has worked for Vogue, Glamour, and Harper’s Bazaar, to shoot the Coulisse 2018 campaign. At the 25th anniversary event this past October, Abels gave a sneak preview of the Coulisse campaign. “It is so special to see Jasper’s interpretation of our products,” said head designer Catharina Idema. “We are extremely curious to see the end result.” z

TOP: The recently opened Contract Experience Center at the Coulisse headquarters in Enter, the Netherlands. BOTTOM: Coulisse management team, from left to right: Christiaan Roetgering (owner), Klaus Germes (consultant), Hugo Kruijssen (Director Components), Nienke Dusseljee (Director DIY), Rob Boogaard (CEO), and Maurice Roetgering (owner).

Window Fashion Vision | 25

INSPIRE design file

28 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Room Service

Drawing on inspiration from luxury hotels, Yelena Gerts helped her client transform their master bedroom from gloomy to glamorous.

Window Fashion Vision | 29

INSPIRE design file

30 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Yelena Gerts, of House of Style & Design, in Holmdel, NJ, was our Window Fashion Vision 2017 Designer of the Year. Her winning project (featured in the May/June 2017 issue) was a colorful, whimsical nursery. As proof that great design isn’t limited to a particular style, Gerts worked with a muted, neutral palette to give her client’s tired master bedroom a five-star makeover.

“With two arched windows on one wall and a single, ‘standard’ window awkwardly placed flush against another wall, the space felt off-balance and unfinished,” said Gerts. “A weekend getaway at the Plaza Hotel in New York City was the impetus—they wanted to be able to walk into their own elegant, glamorous bedroom every day.”

Based on their hotel experience, blackout draperies became a priority. Gerts chose a pale gray velvet for the panels that picked up on the gleaming crystal and metallics accents that were being added to the space.

Contrasting banding in a deep raisin brown is repeated as welting in the arched satin cornices detailed with chrome nailheads. Underneath, sheer Roman shades filter the light and the lines of the window frame, softening the overall look of the room.

Window Fashion Vision | 31

INSPIRE design file

The bed was also completely revamped. The heavy, leather-detailed headboard was replaced with a shaped, tufted version using the same velvet as and nailheads as the window treatments.

A custom bed cover and coordinating pillows in the same silvery gray and raisin brown combination further ties the room together. Lighter, brighter, elegant, and welcoming, this redesigned master bedroom was exactly the upgrade Gerts’ client requested. z

CREDITS PROFESSIONALS: Designer: Yelena Gerts, House of Style & Design, Holmdel, NJ. Workroom: Roman shades and panels, Decorations by Galina, Brooklyn, NY. Workroom: cornices, NY Upholstery, Leads, NY. Installer: Dennis Sullivano, House of Style & Design. Photographer: Marco Ricca.

RESOURCES: Roman shade fabric: Fabricut, Baive in silver cloud. Drapery panel fabric: JF Fabric, Phantom #91.

Cornice fabric: JF Fabric, Grace #93. Cornice welting: Fabricut, Velvet Glam in raisin. Coverlet fabric: Fabricut, Bellagio in platinum. Pillows: JF Fabric, Master #90 and Wyatt #91.

32 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

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ItUp Stack

INSPIRE tear sheets

Stacked window configurations are often one of the most striking elements of a room—offering amazing light, wonderful views, and unmatchable architectural detail. But for window treatment professionals, these types of window layouts present even more questions than “standard” windows. Do you treat the top and bottom sections separately, or as a whole? Do you leave the top section open, use a valance or cornice, or permanently cover? What is the optimal balance between visibility, light control, and privacy?

34 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Opposite: Ritz Carlton Chicago Presidential Suite. Design: Ritz Carlton corporate. Clockwise from above: Hunter Douglas Vignette shadings. • Architect: Blaine Bonadies, photo: Jean Allsopp, image via Marvin Windows. • Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward Woods, Decorating Den, Stone Mountain GA. • Lafayette Interior Fashions Woodland Harvest shutters. • The Louver Shop, Gainesville, GA, custom hardwood shutters.

• K&H Custom Window Treatments, Trexlertown PA. Photo: Hub Wilson.

Window Fashion Vision | 35

INSPIRE tear sheets

36 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Opposite clockwise from top: Olga Polyanskaya, Drapery Expressions & Blinds, Colorado Springs, CO. • Phifer SheerWeave shades • Hunter Douglas. • Sally Herre, Decorating Den, Racine, WI. • Regency Shutter, Delray Beach, FL. Clockwise from above: Comfortex Colorlux shades. • Kathy Potts, Decorating Den Interiors, Forest, VA. Photo: Michael Patch • Wood blinds via Affordable Window Coverings, Murrieta, CA. • Graber window shades. • Alan Schatzberg & Associates, Inc., South Hackensack, NJ.

Window Fashion Vision | 37

(Patent ap.)

Common chains and cords with tensioners are aesthetically unappealing and dangerous.

OVER 290

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The DecoraSafeTM Wand is visually appealing and provides peace-ofmind by protecting your children from stangulation hazard.

from strangulation by cord and chain loops on window coverings in North America in the past 10 years!

X

WARNING Strangulation Hazard

Pusher Closed Position

Diagram 1

Pusher Open Position

Diagram 2

Pusher Open Position

Diagram 3

Diagram 4

Use with Chain Pusher Tab Use with Removeable Crank The removable handle can be used on the left or right side of wand or without the handle. (see Diagram 4)

Maxxmar has a Solution!

The exclusive DecoraSafe™ wand makes the chain inaccessible to children eliminating the risk of strangulation by children accidentally getting tangled in exposed chains.

By pushing the chain pusher tab shown above (Diag. 2 & 3) you get access to a small section of the chain to operate the shade and when done just release the chain and it will automatically retract into the wand becoming inaccessible.

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MAXXMAR IS SEEKING SHUTTER FABRICATORS MAXXMAR IS NORTH AMERICA’S MOST INNOVATIVE & FASTEST GROWING WINDOW COVERINGS MANUFACTURER LEAD BY A TEAM WITH 38 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WHO SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED THE VINYL SHUTTER CATEGORY INTO THE MARKET 30 YEARS AGO. OUR HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEAM WILL ASSIST WITH PLANT LAYOUT, MACHINERY, PROFILES AND MARKETING.

SOME FEATURES THAT MAKE OUR SHUTTERS THE PREFERRED CHOICE u u

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INSPIRE tear sheets

Clockwise from top: Gary Lee Partners, Chicago, IL. for The Landmark Club at the Ritz Carlton Residences, Chicago. • Andrea Monath Schumacher, Denver, CO. Photo: Emily Redfield. • Insolroll. • Mark Cravotta Interiors, Austin, TX. Page 42 clockwise from top: Lynne Lawson and Laura Gonzalez of the Lawson Dream Team, Decorating Den Interiors, Columbia, MD. • Leigh Anderson, Willow Drapery & Upholstery, Glenview, IL. • Lafayette Interior Fashions woven shades. • Tina Fontana, Fontana Designs, Crofton, MD.

40 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

F RE E

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Sun up/sun down surcharge applies.

Excludes Graber Simple Selections and commercial orders.

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INSPIRE tear sheets

42 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

© Somfy Systems, Inc. 12/2017 Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The Somfy myLink now works with Amazon Alexa!

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Voice-controlled comfort Just Ask “Alexa, ask myLink to open the shades.”

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Navigate Your Future with IWCE MARCH 27–28, 2018 TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER, FLORIDA

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: IWCE-VISION.com

Connect with the world’s largest window coverings market.

Featured Events VIP Grand Opening Party - Monday, March 26 7:30 – 10:00pm Come celebrate with IWCE exhibitors and fellow attendees at our first ever pre-show kickoff party! Enjoy live music, appetizers, and your favorite beverages as you get a sneak peek at the latest designs and innovations. Network one on one with suppliers and peers in a fun, relaxed setting. Not to be missed!

FastTRACK Workroom Certification - Monday, March 26 Motorization: Learn from O.D. Kelley to master the important aspects of motorization for window coverings sales and profits. See the schedule for options during conference times.

Workroom: Stacy Faulkner leads an intense one-day session that will take you to the next level of any workroom project. This is your chance to have a live presentation with an industry expert that will help you earn more money.

Design: All designers know that window coverings can be a lucrative and important part of the entire design process of every room in the home. Learn to be the expert in your field with our FastTRACK Design Certification program live at IWCE. Any inhibitions that you’ve had will be taken away and you will learn how to make sure your projects are the perfect solutions for your client’s needs.

DIY Custom Embellishments Two times per day. See on-site schedule Join Jana Platina Phipps, Trim Queen, for a hands-on workshop learning to make tassels, pompoms, and passementerie that will add an impressive, one-of-a-kind element to your furnishings.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: IWCE-VISION.com

IWCE SEMINARS AT A GLANCE MONDAY, MARCH 26 TIME

SPEAKER

TOPIC / EVENT

9:00am–5:00pm

Staci Faulkner

9:00am–5:00pm

Jill Ragan Scully

9:00am–5:00pm

O.D. McKewan

7:30pm–10:00pm

CODE

WFCP Workroom Specialist Certification

WFCP Design Specialist Certification

WFCP Motorization Specialist Certification Welcome Reception

REC01

CODE

COST

MON1-S

$995

MON2-S

$995

MON3-S

$995

Included

TUESDAY, MARCH 27 SHOW FLOOR HOURS 9AM – 5PM TIME

SPEAKER

TOPIC / EVENT

8:00am–9:00am

Jason Nixon & John Loecke

Continental Breakfast & Keynote: TU1 $20 Meet Your Prints Charming: Capture Your Unique Style with Pattern- and Prints-Packed Window Treatments

9:00am–10:15am

Jana Phipps

Translating Fashion into Design

9:00am–10:15am

Beth Hodges

Designers Guide to High-End Window Fashions

9:00am–10:15am

Cheryl Meiklejohn

9:30am–Noon

Deb Barrett

TU2

$65

TU3

$65

Details Behind the Design: Selecting Appropriate Fabrics TU4

$65

SUPER SESSION: Window Fashions Master Class

TU5-S

$180

10:30am–11:45am Madeleine MacRae

Make More Money from Existing Leads

TU6

$65

10:30am–11:45am Welton Hong

Using Email to Close the Sale

TU7

$65

10:30am–11:45am Joanne Lenart-Weary

Creative Marketing Ideas for Designers

TU8

$65

10:30am–11:45am O.D. McKewan

Intro to Motorization

TU9

$65

3:45pm–5:00pm

Cheryl Meiklejohn

Details Behind the Design: Specifying the Right Design TU10

$65

3:45pm–5:00pm

Joanne Lenart-Weary

Look Like a Color Pro….. In 90 Minutes

TU11

$65

3:45pm–5:00pm

Michele Williams

Flat Fees That Work

TU12

$65

3:45pm–5:00pm

Welton Hong

The Next Level - Everyone’s Going Mobile

TU13

$65

6:00pm–7:00pm

Design Competition Gala

AWA

Included

COST

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 SHOWFLOOR HOURS 9AM – 5PM TIME

SPEAKER

9:00am–10:15am

Beth Hodges

From Picture to Perfection

WE1

$65

9:00am–10:15am

OD McKewan

Mastering Motorizations

WE2

$65

9:00am–10:15am

Jill Scully & Staci Faulkner

101 Design and Workroom Tips

WE3

$65

9:00am–Noon

LuAnn Nigara

SUPER SESSION:

Mastering the Art of the High-Ticket Sale

WE4-S

$180

10:30am–11:45am Deb Barrett

TOPIC / EVENT

CODE

COST

Where is the Window Headed?

WE5

$65

10:30am–11:45am Joanne Lenart-Weary

Styling Secrets and Strategies

WE6

$65

10:30am–11:45am Cheryl Meiklejohn

Details Behind the Design: Hardware Selection

WE7

$65

10:30am–11:45am Welton Hong

Increasing Website Credibility

WE8

$65

Set Sales Goals & Reach Them, Right Now, in 2018 WE9

Included

2:00pm–3:15pm

Madeleine MacRae & LuAnn Nigara

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: IWCE-VISION.com

Year after year the Construction Zone continues to be a bustling hub for learning and inspiration as top workroom experts share their techniques, passions, and talents through hands-on and lecture-style demonstrations, all free of charge.

It is also home to the Window Fashions Artisan Project display which consists of six ”over the top”- and “out of the box”-themed window treatments. The full-size vignettes that grace this booth are fabricated by industry experts to highlight and feature the latest fabrics, colors and trends of the industry and allow the imagination to soar. This year’s theme is “The Future Looks Bright: Got to Have Shades” and the winning vignettes are sure to inspire.

CONSTRUCTION ZONE SCHEDULE TUESDAY, MARCH 27 TIME

TOPIC

DEMONSTRATOR

CZ THEATER AREA

9:30am

Installers Tips and Tools

Jeff Booser

Show Hall

10:00am

Button Bolster Pillow

Cathy Tucker

Assembly Hall

10:30am

Motorized Wide Lift Band & the Pro-Lift

Jacquelyn Weber

Show Hall

11:00am

Set Your Own Snaps for Ripplefold

Rachel Barrera

Assembly Hall

11:30am

Do’s and Don’ts of Hardware

Jeff Booser

Show Hall

Noon

Fun with Knots

Jill Ragan Scully

Assembly Hall

12:30pm

Why Should You Take Your Business Live

Sandra Van Sickle

Show Hall

1:00pm

Ribbed Roman Shades

Terri Booser

Assembly Hall

1:30pm

Equipment Needed to Take It Live

Sandra Van Sickle

Show Hall

2:00pm

Wool Felt Applique Embellishment

Julie Wood

Assembly Hall

2:30pm

Molly, Toggles, and Anchors, Oh MY!

Ken Van Sickle

Show Hall

3:00pm

Prairie Points

Jill Ragan Scully

Assembly Hall

3:30pm

Innovative Swag Pattern

Pamela Lin

Show Hall

4:00pm

Miters Made Easy

Cathy Tucker

Assembly Hall

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 TIME

TOPIC

DEMONSTRATOR

CZ THEATER AREA

9:30am

Pleating to Pattern

Terri Booser

Show Hall

10:00am

Austrian Panel Header

Carey Broussard

Assembly Hall

10:30am

Round Pillows That Aren’t Wonky

Jodi Stanford

Show Hall

11:00am

How to Smock a Shade

Sande Ober-Dori

Assembly Hall

11:30am

Using the Size Master

Cathy Stich

Show Hall

Noon

Quick Boxed Pillow

Cathy Tucker

Assembly Hall

12:30pm

Industry Gadgets and Gizmos

Laurie Medford

Show Hall

1:00pm

Soft Cornices

Cathy Tucker

Assembly Hall

1:30pm

Layered Roman Shade

Jodi Stanford

Show Hall

2:00pm

Beaded Weight Chain Hems

Rachel Barrera

Assembly Hall

2:30pm

Diamond-Tufted Cornice

Terri & Rachel

Show Hall

3:00pm

Ribbon Flowers

Jill Ragan Scully

Assembly Hall

3:30pm

Installers Tip and Tools

Jeff Booser

Show Hall

Q : Can you use Amazon Alexa to control motorized shades?

A : Want to raise or lower your shades? Just ask! Somfy-powered

products are now compatible with Alexa-enabled devices, including the Amazon Echo, Dot, Tap and Fire. Somfy's new Amazon Alexa skill allows for voice control of all Radio Technology Somfy® (RTS) motorized products controlled by the myLink™ app. Create scenes in the myLink app to operate multiple window coverings at once and control with simple voice commands. For example, create a morning scene and simply say ªAlexa, tell myLink to play Good Morning sceneº and bedroom shades will let in the morning sun while bathroom shades close for morning privacy. Controlling motorized window coverings has never been easier.

Q : What wirefree motor options for window coverings does Somfy® offer?

A : You're in luck because Somfy® offers a wide range of wirefree motor options! Our newest wirefree

motor, the Sonesse® 30 WireFree (Li-ion) RTS features a built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery to minimize maintenance. As part of Somfy's line of Sonesse® motors, the Sonesse 30 WireFree (Li-ion) RTS is quiet and has a powerful lifting capacity, making it perfect to motorize a wide range of shades and blinds without wires.

Somfy also offers an extensive range of wirefree motor options for a wide variety of window covering types including cellular, pleated, Roman/woven and roller/solar shades, as well as sheer horizontals, tilting horizontal blinds and draperies. A cost-effective installation option, wirefree motors can often be the right choice when only a few window coverings in a home are being motorized. Wirefree motors are also a smart solution for projects where access to outlets and wiring is a challenge. No matter the project, Somfy has a wirefree solution available!

Q : My client is looking for a simple, stationary control for her motorized shades that can't be misplaced.

Do you have any solutions?

A : The Smoove® 1 RTS wireless wall switch is a great option for simple control and easy installation.

The Smoove is a single channel surface-mounted wall switch which can be easily installed anywhere in the home. The Smoove's surface-mount design means there's no need for cutting into drywall to install this easy-to-use switch. As a single-channel control, the Smoove is the perfect solution for clients looking for simple, stationary control. Plus, with seven decorative frame choices, the Smoove can also blend into any decor.

Have a question?

Send an email to asksomfy@gmail.com

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INSPIRE on our radar

Photo copyright © 2017 John Bessler.

50 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

A Most Sophisticated Spectacle The charismatic duo of John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon

are the color- and pattern-obsessed geniuses behind the interior design firm Madcap Cottage. Their home base is an ever-changing design “laboratory” in a former pharmacy in the heart of High Point, NC. “We live and breathe whimsy,” said Nixon. “Our designs are traditional with a buzzy edge—sophisticated yet spectacularly livable. If you are looking for beige and boring, bark up someone else’s tree!” Meet these two “Prints Charmings” as they kick off IWCE in Tampa, FL, with a keynote presentation and book signing sure to encourage a more adventurous approach to design for everyone. We asked them a few quick questions for a sneak peek…

Window Fashion Vision | 51

INSPIRE on our radar

Prints Charming: Create Absolutely Beautiful Interiors with Prints & Patterns, is Loecke and Nixon’s 2017 book that spreads the gospel of colorful, inventive pattern-mixing, Here, they offer their top five suggestions for developing your own pattern-driven approach to design, and encouraging your clients to come along for the ride!

1. Look to what’s happening in the world for inspiration. From the pattern-packed runways at Gucci to print-covered T-shirts at H&M to patterns appearing prominently on the cover of the Pottery Barn catalog and the Instagram campaign for CB2, pattern is back.

Join the train before it passes you by.

2. Shop a client’s wardrobe to see what they are comfortable with, and bring those touch points to life in their home. What is it about a print that a client loves in their wardrobe, and how can you interpret that into their home?

3. Discuss how your clients travel, and what was it about a particular hotel that especially appealed to them. How to capture that sensibility that was probably anything BUT beige, and bring it home? Prints and pattern are a great way to bring a storyline to life and can transform a white box of an apartment into a slice of the tropics or a city-slicker aerie.

4. Look to your clients’ collections for pattern prompts.

If they collect blue-and-white china, for example, that’s a great stepping-off point to carry these colors and patterns throughout their home. Look to a client’s artwork, books, and other collections for inspiration.

5. Great design books are wonderful for inspiration.

Have them tell you what they love about a particular interior featured. Ask your clients clip tear sheets, pull Instagram posts, and create Pinterest boards that really speak to their style. You can drill down on their pattern likes by seeing what they love quickly and easily.

52 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Photo copyright © 2017 John Bessler.

Text copyright © 2017 John Loecke Inc.

Window Fashion Vision | 53

INSPIRE on our radar

“I have no time for boring furniture, boring fabrics, or boring people.”

—ROSE CUMMING

YOU OUGHT TO KNOW

ROSE CUMMING AUSTRALIAN-GONE-AMERICAN DESIGN

force Rose Cumming’s magical fabrics are swoonworthy, and happily still in production courtesy of the Dessin Fournir Companies. Think iconic leopard spots and tropical leaves seemingly dipped into paint then pressed against fabric. Born to English parents and raised on an Australian sheep ranch, Cumming landed on the US shores in 1917. A fantastic colorist, Cumming once proclaimed, “Parrots are blue and green. Why shouldn’t fabrics be?” She found inspiration among far-flung decades and reference points—channeling Mylar-wrapped walls as ably as she did a spirited dash of Victoriana (top) or eighteenth century French antiques. Cumming loved chinoiserie, invented metallic wallpaper, and was a fan of lacquered walls and smoky mirrors (below). Her Midtown Manhattan townhouse, with its Tiffany-blue music room and drawing room with walls covered in an eighteenth century chinoiserie paper (middle), was known for its ecclectic mix of furnishings and its exuberant color story. Her personal style was equally eclectic and intriguing: She was known for her purple hair and overblown hats as much as for her razor-sharp wit and outspokenness.

Or as Cumming said, “I have no time for boring furniture, boring fabrics, or boring people.” Don’t you agree? Life is short, why settle for the banal?

180

PRINTS CHARMING

© 2017 Abrams.

You list several “pattern greats” in the book, with examples of some of their iconic rooms. Are there other ways you can suggest for design professionals to improve their pattern expertise?

Animal prints and stripes work with every pattern; those are the only rules that we believe in. Look at design books from forty or fifty years ago: There was barely a whiff of beige in those pages, and you can glean such great inspiration. Go to museums, visit great houses, and take photos of “moments” that inspire you.

Do you have a “rule” or a guideline to keep a pattern-filled room from being “too much”?

To quote style icon Iris Apfel, “More of more is more.

And less of more is a bore.” Why dip your toe when you can swan dive into an Esther Williams–worthy Technicolor swimming pool packed with panache.

More tips and pattern-mixing inspiration from the Madcaps to come in the March/April show issue!

54 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Photo copyright © 2017 John Bessler.

“We travel a lot… And we are constantly snapping photos of the glorious patterns that we encounter at every step of every journey. Keep your eyes open and your iPhone handy at all times, friends. It might be a detail on a building, a moment in a museum, a napkin at an eatery, or a floor pattern you find especially appealing. As legendary Vogue Editor in Chief Diana Vreeland said, ‘The eye has to travel,’ and the Madcaps are firm believers in this philosophy. Wonderful patterns are everywhere, and the ideas that you encounter can be brought home…”

ORION

ORNAMENTAL IRON, INC.

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Orion’s other four track colors are Antique Bronze, Black, Gold, and White. Plus, color coordinating Pinch Pleat glides are available for systems with rings.

sales@ironartbyorion.com | www.ironartbyorion.com | 877.476.6278

Window Fashion Vision | 55

Compare INSPIRE on our radar

&

Contrast The news that Pantone named Ultra Violet as its Color of the Year came in just as we were sending this issue to press.

While this particular purple is not featured in any of the 2018 Pantone trend palettes, several other purples are, ranging from the muted cosmetic mauves of Discretion to the richly saturated options in Intensity and Tech-nique. This group of trend themes balance youthful looks—Resourceful and Tech-nique—against more sophisticated takes, demonstrating that while there may be a bit of an overlap in color families, working the trend is also about the materials used. z 56 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Resourceful

Resourceful suggests two meanings to con-

sumers. First, there is the need to cleverly reuse, renovate, and refurbish what they already own. Second is the urge to inject fresh and innovative ideas to create a bright, new way of life.

This youthful sense of invention is expressed in a strongly trending combination of opposites on the color wheel, most specifically oranges and blues. “This is quite an interesting color combination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “It combines warm and cool tones that you just can’t avoid looking at it.” Using easily found colors like blue, this palette is “resourceful” in the way it allows people to use what they already have, while the focus on “color opposites” creates a new and interesting perspective.

Window Fashion Vision | 57

INSPIRE on our radar

Discretion

Low key and upscale, Discretion is a palette of subtle blends and harmonies in both color and texture. Expressing a sense of decorum and modest luxury, colors are quietly strong and artfully understated.

Millennial Pink is not going away anytime soon, indeed, “Pink has really taken a hold of the market and developed more power than ever before,” said Eiseman.

Nostalgic hues such as Elderberry, Burnished Lilac, and Hawthorne Rose combine with mid-tones offering a new take on a subtle palette. For those who love an understated, pared-back interior, Discretion is the 2018 version of the new normal.

58 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Intensity

In the language of color, Intensity implies a certain strength, power, depth, and sophistication. Inspired in part by designs of the past, this potent palette of modern jewel tones provides an eclectic mix of reinterpreted styling and color.

Coolly composed shades of plum, blue, and blue-green quell the fires of orange Emberglow, Molten Lava, and Bossa Nova.

Golds and black complete the palette.

Window Fashion Vision | 59

INSPIRE on our radar

Colors include a vibrant blue, green, fuchsia, and purple, along with iridescent peacock

Tech-nique

tones in both turquoise and hot pink, that are

In an ode to the future, Tech-nique features hues that seem to

rate gray palette that used to define “tech.”

shine from within. Fabrications are similarly futuristic-looking,

And Eiesman emphasized that “-escence”

often radiating a high sheen on top of both crackled and clear

looks—pearlescence, opalescence, along with

effects, such as pearlescence, opalescence, and translucency,

layered translucency, are visuals humans can-

often infused with light-related technology.

not resist and, as such, will continue to be

offset by Brilliant White and Frosted Almond.

It’s a far cry from the bland beige and corpo-

popular effects.

60 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

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COTY Selections INSPIRE on our radar

The Color of the Year announcements from U.S. paint companies get plenty of coverage, but we wanted to take a look at how those COTY’s look on the window.

Caliente

Benjamin Moore AF-290 A rich, charismatic red, Caliente is bold without being shocking. “It has almost a brown undertone, which makes it soothing. I kept thinking of red gallery walls in a stately mansion that really showcased beautiful oil paintings or ephemera,” said Ellen O’Neill, the company’s director of strategic design intelligence.

Vertilux Roman shades.

Oceanside

Sherwin-Williams SW 6496 Both accessible and elusive, Oceanside is a harmonious balance of blues and greens. "Green-blues in deep values, such as Oceanside, respond to changes in light, which is a quality that creates intense dimension," says Sue Wadden, the director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “"People today have a growing sense of adventure and Oceanside is the color of wanderlust right in our own homes."

The Shade Store roller shades.

62 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Black Flame PPG 1043-7

Black Flame is an ideal backdrop, allowing other décor elements to take center stage. It’s a blend of black and with the deepest indigo, two classic hues. “Black creates the silence we crave in an information-heavy world, while the navy offers possibility and a deep hopefulness,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager. The timeless combo of the two dark neutrals creates a versatile hue that provides strength and a modern luxe vibe to spaces with a lot of whites, blush pinks, and soft pastels.

Wilson Fabrics sheer curtain and blackout roller shade.

In The Moment Behr T18-15

This soothing, restorative coalescence of blue, gray, and green is a comfortable color that evokes a sense of sanctuary and relaxation amid busy, always on lives. “In name and color, this hue speaks to our desire to take a break, be present, and recharge,” states the company’s press release in support of its first Color of the Year.

Comfortex cellular shade.

Window Fashion Vision | 63

INSPIRE on our radar

TheFour Effs

At Fall High Point Market I focused my reporting lens on unique embellishments, no small feat, as I visually sorted through thousands of new product introductions. Soon enough, a theme began to emerge—an upswing in meticulous designer

details—not only as trim accents, but also as all-over constructions, most notably using fringe, feathers, and fur.

And all of it was FABULOUS.

by Jana Platina Phipps

Feathered Fancies

From my last article, you knew that feathers were on the design horizon. At High Point Market, they were a full-fledged force. Peacock, ostrich, turkey, guinea, hen, and rooster feathers inspired embellishment in every category of furnishings from case goods, soft goods, wall art, and tabletop. When real feathers are employed, keep in mind that they are by-products.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE RIGHT: The Divine Armoire by Koket is decorated with individually placed feathers.• Windswept peacock feathers are hand-carved in reclaimed teak then hand-clad in German silver at Bernhardt for this entertainment console. • Feather napkin ring on a passementerie placemat at Julian Mejia Design. • The Ostrich feather pillow at Ngala Trading has a hand-stitched leather banding connecting both sides for an embellished center trim treatment. • The Divine Armoire by Koket full view.

64 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Window Fashion Vision | 65

INSPIRE on our radar

Fur Forward

Fur, in its many variations, showed up in unlikely combinations. This modern mix of materials called for a double take, for example, rabbit fur was paired with ceramic and mirror.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Monaco chair in Mongolian fur from Modshop.

• The Gunma leather tray with rabbit fur lining, shown with Chaucer vases, all from Green Apple Home Style. • A lidded ceramic jar with a rabbit fur pom-pom, and the Andrade lamp with rabbit fur and tassel from also from Green Apple Home Style.

Fun Fur Fact: Mongolian and Tibetan fur are both lambswool. Tibetan lambs’ silky fur can be 3–4" longer than Mongolian and both types of fur can be straightened if they start to frizz.

66 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

INSPIRE on our radar

Fringed Fantasies

From suede, leather, ball chain, cotton, rayon, and even in performance yarns, fringe transforms these furnishings into conversation pieces. It spans the style spectrum from artisanal to glam depending on the “shag quotient” and fabrication.

TOP ROW FROM LEFT: The Elan/S Fringe chair from Nathan Anthony, uses black leather strips patched into a geometric tile design that cascade to an 18" drop from the seat bottom. • Shaggy leather chair in ombré leather from South African Ngala Trading. • An ivory bullion fringe sweeps while it swivels on the Mary Jane chair at Highland House. • The Hendrix ottoman with ball-chain fringe from Marge Carson features metallic welt and brass nail heads. CENTER ROW FROM LEFT: Justina Blakeney’s Fela tassel fringe chandelier at Selamat. • Corey Damen Jenkins’ uses an ultrathick brush fringe as welting on his Camilla sofa at Leathercraft. • The Epaulette trefoil ottoman by Perennials Social at EJ Victor uses three layers of a short bullion fringe to create a skirt. Bonus is that the fringe is made of performance yarn. BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT: Paula Queen of Pyar & Co. holding one of her new pillows. • Tailored leather fringe pillow from V Rugs & Home.

68 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Jana Platina Phipps is well known as a trimmings designer with a refined vision for the use of trims in home furnishings, fashion, and luxury DIY. Affectionately called Trim Queen by her clients, she adopted the moniker and launched her blog “Trim Queen Chronicles” in 2013, and now shares inspiration of modern embellishment and creativity daily via her social media channels.

Want more? Jana will present “Translating Fashion into Design” at IWCE in Tampa. Sign up now at iwce-vision.com.

TrimQueen.com Instagram: TrimQueen Twitter: @TrimQueen Pinterest: TrimQueen Facebook: TrimQueen Window Fashion Vision | 69

The Future Is Urban INSPIRE on our radar

Exponential population growth equates to more city dwellers. And more city dwellers equate to radical changes in lifestyle, many of which are already underway, such as the seismic shift in transportation alternatives in major cities—bike sharing, car sharing, on-demand car services, etc. How urbanization will continue to shape the way we live, work, shop, and socialize is the basis of Heimtextil’s 2018/2019 trend presentation.

Taking a slightly different approach than previous years, FranklinTill Studio, which led the trend research team, developed four lifestyle trends—The Flexible Space, The Healthy Space, The Re-Made Space, and The Maker Space—and then developed five color and design themes that support these trends. While color trends always capture our attention, it’s really the lifestyle trends that are the longterm drivers of change. z

70 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

The Maker Space

The rapidly growing Maker Movement is bringing about a revolution in manufacturing. It has the potential to fundamentally change the nature of production, thanks largely to the democratization of digital fabrication technology, which allows anyone, anywhere, to create their own items.

Brands and manufacturers are getting wise to the demand for selfrealization through making. They are becoming educators, to satisfy the demand from those seeking new learning experiences. Cutting-edge technology and hands-on practical skills will offer connection to a community of like-minded individuals. Clockwise from top left: Kniterate raised more than $500,000 on Kickstarter for its compact digital knitting machine. Easy-to-use software is built on a platform that encourages creators to share and co-develop customized designs. • In her most recent work, London-based Lola Lely combines combines Japanese shibori techniques with home-made pigments procured from all natural resources. • A Factory As It Might Be by Studio Assemble created the tiles on-site as it finished the façade of its temporary factory. • Post Couture Collective allows customers to download, customize, manufacture, and self-assemble clothing designs. The laser-cut pieces require no stitching. Instead they are slotted together using interlocking seams. Designs can also be downloaded as CAD files for DIY production in any suitable material. • Unmade is a platform that allows consumers to customize clothing items, with orders being sent directly to factories for seamless integration into existing production. • Founded by Martta Leskelä, an economist and entrepreneur, Ragamuf is a socially centric design studio in Turkey that employs Syrian refugee women to hand knit “chair rugs” with rags from textile industry surplus, making each chair rug unique.

Window Fashion Vision | 71

INSPIRE on our radar

72 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

The Flexible Space

Coupled with exponential population growth, the rise of the single urban dwellers means city living spaces are shrinking. In the U. S., where apartment construction hit a 10-year high in 2016, the average dwelling has downsized by 7 percent since 2009. Meanwhile, the rise of gig and freelance culture, the emergence of less orthodox family structures, and the unaffordability of housing for younger generations are creating further challenges.

Designers, architects, and planners are rising to the challenge by optimizing available space. Flexible studio apartments and work– live spaces feature transformable furniture and adaptable spatial configurations that change at the push of a button. Pre-fab structures and portable furniture are coming to the fore, reflecting a mindset driven by experience over ownership. Top row: Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama designed a micro-apartment complete with kitchen, bathroom, closets, and sleeping area that encompasses only 140 square feet, with sliding doors hide unsightly storage. Second row: The Urban Nomad Sofa consists of geometric, modular elements such as large rectangular seating cushions, arm rests, and triangular back supports, designed to be configured to form one or more seating areas. Third row: Inspired by the fact that she had moved 13 times in 25 years, Elena Bompani created a flexible furniture system. Itaca is designed to be easy, quick, and intuitive to assemble and disassemble repeatedly. The design, made from fabric and wood, can used to make a bed, table, a wardrobe, and additional storage. Column immediate left: Dot Architects designed an adaptable co-working space in the historical Baitasi Hutong neighborhood of Beijing.

Moveable furniture modules are controlled by smart TV and transform the space for multiple scenarios and occupants.

Window Fashion Vision | 73

INSPIRE on our radar

The Healthy Space

Urban living provides few opportunities to experience the great outdoors, so the indoor spaces in which we live, work, learn, and relax have a profound effect on our well-being. Consequently, designers, architects, and materials scientists are increasingly looking to innovative design features which enhance our health, happiness, mindfulness, and productivity.

Nine out of 10 people on the planet now breathe polluted air, according to World Health Organization estimates, which link some three million deaths every year to outdoor air pollution.

From simple integration of plants in the interior space to innovative solutions for clean and purified air and new wellness destinations, the healthy space is on the rise. Clockwise from top left: London-based spatial laboratory Loop pH developed the Chronarium, a “public sleep laboratory” designed to reset its city dwelling visitors’ internal circadian rhythms. A cyclical audiovisual program aims to retrain the brain by using pink noise and a

were underpinned by the Japanese idea of shinrin-yoku, which translates as

wash of colored light to encourage deep relaxation and recovery

forest bathing. • A 17,000-square-foot former factory has been converted into

over a 15-minute period. • In/Out is an installation that presents

an office built around three lush greenhouses densely planted with trees and

an antidote to the polluted air and stress of urban life with three

plants. Workers can choose to work within the green breakout spaces to re-

plants that have a symbiotic relationship with the viewer. Requir-

connect with nature during the working day. • Inspired by a holistic approach

ing the carbon dioxide and humidity of the viewer’s breath, the

to wellbeing, each class at ChromaYoga combines light therapy, soundscapes,

plants reciprocate by cleaning the atmosphere. • Architect Asif

and bespoke natural scents to create an individually designed mix of senso-

Khan created three temporary plant-filled pavilions for the Lon-

ry triggers, offering a fully immersive environment in which red, yellow, blue,

don Design Festival—named Connect, Create, and Relax—which

orange, and pink lights are targeted at emotional and physical ailments.

74 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

DARE TO BE

Don’t be afraid of being different, ... be afraid of being the same as everyone else Visit us at Heimtextil 2018 Hal 5.1 Booth No. B51 Jan 9 - 12, 2018

R+T Stuttgart 2018 Hal 7 Booth No. 7C87 Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2018

IWCE 2018 Booth No. 709 Mar 27 - 28, 2018

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INSPIRE on our radar

The Re-Made Space

For the first time in history, urban waste is growing faster than the rate of urbanization. According to the World Bank, by 2025 the urban population will have grown by 1.4 billion people, each of whom will be discarding an average of 3 pounds of waste per day—more than double the current average of 1.3 pounds per day.

To cope with the massive mountains of trash generated by multi-million populations, cities of the future will need to forget the difference between waste and resource. Trash will have to become the starting point for something new. Already, ideas and initiatives are providing a glimpse of how we could build urban environments more sustainably in the future and designers are discovering ways to reuse what we already have to create re-made spaces. From top: Drawing on the aesthetics of natural processes, such as the layering of rocks and their transformation through erosion, Sophie Rowley reengineers “hyper-common” waste materials such as denim, paper, Styrofoam, or glass, from local waste streams to produce new designs. In the final products, random patterns suggest the aesthetic of natural materials such as wood or stone, elevating the original resource until it no longer resembles the recycled raw material. • Start-up Really collaborated with textile brand Kvadrat to find new uses for end-of-life textiles. The result is Solid Textile Board, an engineered high-density material that substitutes for wood and composites in furniture and architecture. A large proportion of the recovered textiles, including cotton, wool, and polyester, are sourced from industrial laundries that process hotel sheets and towels as well as hospital and restaurant uniforms. • Nienke Hoogvliet’s research focuses on the potential of sea algae as an alternative to conventional textile crops, such as cotton, that pollute and require extensive irrigation. The Dutch designer has developed a sustainable yarn from sea algae and explored alternative uses, such as extracting a wide spectrum of natural dyes ranging from browns and greens to grays, pinks, and purples, depending on the seaweed species. The seat of the Sea Me Chair is hand-woven in seaweed yarn and dyed by the natural seaweed pigments.

76 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

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From contemporary to traditional, we offer an extensive selection of styles and finishes.

We manufacture every rod set to order using only premium heavy gauge steel, wrought iron, crystal and more. Custom curving is available for all rod profiles. Be sure to look at our new Acrylic Rods, Art Glass finials and Polished Chrome finishes in addition to our popular French Rods and ONAVERSE™ Iron Cord Traverse Rods. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Select Ona Drapery Hardware and order with confidence.

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Providing quality products at competitive pricing from our Florida warehouse. Custom sourcing available. Plastic bead chain in rolls or continuous loops; numerous colors in all lengths, nickel plated and stainless chain in rolls and continuous loops in all lengths, stop balls, connectors, safety devices, c-clips, alligator clips, tassels, lift cord, vertical components, cord locks, and the easy-to-fabricate, low-profile Sure-Lift® Roman Headrail System for shades up to 50 lbs. Get our new catalog!

Uni-Soleil new roller clutch are smoother, easy go and much quieter. With complete range of roller collection in the world with USA patent, we can advance your roller blind to high end class. The standard colors are in white, black, ivory, grey and brown. We offer full solution in window blind industry. Please contact Uni-Soleil sales@uni-soleil.com.tw or visit www.unisoleil.com.tw for further information.

Contact: Surewin@optonline.net, tel: 239/362-3342, fax: 239/362-1383 78 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

Orion Ornamental Iron is pleased to announce we now offer manual and motorized traversing tracks in Silver, giving you more options for your traversing system designs.

This newest addition joins our four other track colors; Antique Bronze, Black, Gold, and White. sales@ironartbyorion.com www.ironartbyorion.com 877.476.6278

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INSPIRE what’s next Inspired by the Parisian apartment of the great ballet dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev, Dutch designer Gert Voorjans created this colorful, exotic artist’s salon at AD Intérieurs 2017 exhibition. Drawing from sources as disparate as of Balthus’ paintings like Japonaise au miroir noir and La chambre turque, along with aspects of the Palazzo Valguarnera ballroom as featured in Luchino Visconti’s Il gattopardo, Voorjans imagined a richly sybartic room set against “St. Michael green” walls. The colorful curtains are panels of Jim Thompson silk sewn together in wide stipes of apricot, lavender, jade, and turquoise. Voorjans will present his first collection for Jim Thompson this January during Paris Deco Off.

80 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018

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