Vision March/April 2014

WF-VISION.COM

03/04 14 IWCE: VISION ’14 REVIEW

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03/04.14 Volume 35 / No. 2

These classic damasks from Kast Fabrics were just some of the beautiful products on the IWCE: Vision’14 show floor in Las Vegas. See more starting on page 22.

THIS ISSUE / IWCE: Vision ’14 Show REVIEW THIS ISSUE 14

Reinventing Your Business Why sometimes giving something up is the best way to move forward.

By Bruce Bernstein

16 Addressing the ‘Designers

are Expensive’ Issue

Turn this objection into a opportunity.

By Maria Bayer 18 Is Your Business Overwhelming?

Organize your goals to

optimize your business.

By Gail Doby 20

The Business of Blogging This social media maven and window treatment expert shares how blogging can transform your business.

By Marie Mouradian, WFCP

22 Full House

IWCE:Vision’14 Review­

In partnership with two other powerhouse trade shows, IWCE welcomes its largest, most enthusiatic attendee crowd in years.

34 Exhibitor Products

IWCE:Vision’14 Review 4

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EVERY ISSUE 38 Product Highlights

IWCE:Vision’14 Review­

A look at some of the introductions that drew the most reactions from IWCE attendees.

46 Vision Spotters

IWCE:Vision’14 Review

The winning Pinterest board from the 2015 competition 48 A Night to Celebrate

IWCE:Vision’14 Review

Highlights from the Envision and Ingenuity competition awards ceremony.

50 A Home for All

A look at The New American Home which debuted at the International Builders Show.

6 Viewpoint:

What We’re Loving Now

Comments from contributors.

8

Viewpoint: Our View President/CEO Grace McNamara

10 Viewpoint: InfoBar

Conceptual Living report from Heimtextil 12 Viewpoint:

We’re Officially Obsessed With

IWCE:Vision’14 Review

IWCE attendees on Design

Tech Summit 83 Product Showcase 84 What’s Next

52 Create an Awning Cornice

Jill Ragan Scully provides how-to information on this classic design.

57

The Benefits of Excellence The winning designs from the 2014 Envision competition demonstrate how necessary a well-designed window treatment truly is.

On the cover:

One of two winning treatments from this year’s Designer of the Year, Leigh Anderson of Willow Drapery and Upholstery, Glenview, IL. Photographer: Barry Rustin Photography, Evanston, IL. See page 58 for more details.

Finally, something your customers can agree on Battery-powered, remote-controlled shades

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WF-VISION.COM WHAT WE’RE LOVING NOW …

Brandi (App-Inspired) I am in love with the new design apps that were introduced at the Design Tech Seminar in Las Vegas! Homestyler and 3D Room Design are my favorites—I sit with my iPad at every opportunity to work on projects and practice. Thank you Vision magazine, IWCE and everyone involved with the Design Tech Summit for providing so much inspiration.

Mary (Spring Fever) It has been such a hard winter across the country but the new spring fabric introductions with bright cheerful florals and color-

WINDOW FASHION VISION MAGAZINE President & CEO • Grace McNamara • grace@wf-vision.com Vice President/Circulation Director • Peggy Yung • peggy@wf-vision.com Editorial Director • Susan Schultz • susan@wf-vision.com Managing Editor • Nichole Day Diggins • daydiggins@charter.net WFCP Director & Trend Specialist • Deb Barrett • deb@wf-vision.com WFCP Workroom Certification Director • Jill Ragan Scully • jill@wf-vision.com Office Manager • Rhianna Huizenga • rhianna@wf-vision.com Business Manager • Gabriela DesRochers • gaby@wf-vision.com SALES Advertising & Trade Show Director • Shannon Leclair • shannonl@wf-vision.com Senior Account Executive • Karen Griffiths • karen@wf-vision.com Account Executive • Susanne Young • susanne@wf-vision.com CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Maria Bayer, Bruce Bernstein, Gail Doby, Marie Mouradian, Jill Ragan Scully DESIGNERS & WORKROOMS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE Leigh Anderson, Ellee Nolan Asaro, Linda H. Bassert, Brandi Renee Day, Tina Fontana, Terri Horton, Mary Kiel, Lisa Landry, Mary Chambers Manis, Meghan K. Mills-Hood, Michelle Pabarcius, Arlene Rafoth, Sherri Stouffer, Connie Valente

ful bird prints are helping me think spring while enduring yet another day of bitter wind chills. New fabrics are always a welcomed source of design inspiration but this year it seems as if they’ve been only sign of spring to date!

Meghan (Hard-Wired) I am inspired by recent innovations in drapery hardware. Gone are the days of three options of ugly! Even the traverse decorative options have evolved and provide designers more decorative possibilities. In

SPECIAL THANKS TO Brandy Stoetz 2014 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Donna Elle, Donna Elle Seaside Living John Fitzgerald, Comfortex Neil Gordon, Decorating with Fabric Joyce Holt Susette Kubiak, Drapery Connection Rory McNeil, TechStyles Window Covering Products Inc. Tom Perkowitz,Horizons Window Fashions Inc. Jane Shea, Blinds Unlimited SUBSCRIPTIONS 877-344-7406 • WFVision@pubservice.com

particular, I’m loving the new finish options from The Finial Compamy. I have used their fabulous drapery rods for years, and when they announced they were introducing 20 new finish options early last year, I was skeptical. I failed to see how they could top what they currently had in place, but they did!

Sheri (Smart Tech) The technology we have at our fingertips is amazing (and overwhelming)!

Today we have a tiny device that can do almost

We’re on Facebook twice! facebook.com/wfvisionmagazine and facebook.com/vision.iwce

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 informationgathering process. Crediting disputes between parties other than Vision magazine are solved at the discretion of those involved.

Keep up with all the IWCE 2015 Las Vegas tweets @IWCEVISION

Window Fashion Vision® (ISSN 0999-7777; USPS 708930) is published six times a year, by AIM Communications LLC, 4756 Banning Ave., Suite # 206, White Bear Lake, MN 55110; Tel 651/330-0574; Fax 651/756-8141. Visit our website at www.wf-vision.com. Periodicals class postage paid at St. Paul, MN and additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes and subscription correspondence with mailing label to Window Fashion Vision, PO Box 15698 North Hollywood, CA 91615. 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 ©2014 by AIM Communicaations 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

everything. Some of my favorite apps for installation are Carpenter, iHandy Level, Flashlight and Ruler. For design I love Color Snap and Houzz and for business I rely on Scanner Pro, Evernote and Receipts. Now if I can only remember to use them!

6

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Check out our Pinterest Boards Follow us and re-pin pinterest.com/wfvision/

Twice As Good Version 2.0

1705 Waukegan Rd • Waukegan, IL 60085 • 6800-858-2352 • horizonshades.com

VIEWPOINT

Reaching New Heights Things are definitely looking up for our industry!

ell the weather may not be heating up right now but the outlook for the industry certainly is, as was demonstrated at the International Window Covering Expo last month in Las Vegas! Over 8,500 design professionals visited IWCE to see the latest products and learn new skills and techniques. Many vendors and attendees mentioned to me that this was a “turn around” show for the industry.

I have to agree that it certainly seemed to generate quite a bit of enthusiasm.

Social networks were buzzing during and after the show reporting on what’s new and exciting. We hosted Design Tech Summit for the first time this year and it was a big hit, proving that our industry is hungry for the latest tech tools, apps and services in order to build their business. We’re delighted to have Design Tech Summit return in 2015. I’m also thrilled to report that IWCE launched our own app for the

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show to make advance planning and at-the-show decisions easier than ever—everything tech seemed popular at this show!

As excited as I am about this past show, I’m even more excited to announce that IWCE 2015 returns to Las Vegas January 20-22, 2015 under the Design & Construction Week collaboration between the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builder’s Show (IBS). IWCE will be branded as a supporting show under the D&C Week umbrella. Adding to the impressive list of co-locating events, Surfaces, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and the Las Vegas Market’s January event will also be participating in this amazing collaboration as supporting shows.

This is big news for the window coverings industry as we will be participating in the largest home and design trade event in the country, drawing well

over 100,000 design and home oriented professionals. Now one badge gives attendees access to literally thousands of resources during this strategic buying week in Las Vegas.

If you’re an exhibitor or attendee who could not be in Las Vegas this year, put it on your calendar for January 20-22, 2015. I promise, it will be a great way to start the year and get your business off on the right foot. We’re already planning some fantastic new programs for you! V

Grace McNamara President and CEO PS: I took a few days after the show wrapped up to go hiking in St. George, UT, with my daughter Ania, where we ran into IWCE attendee Anna Jacoby of Anna Jacoby Interiors, Fremont, CA.

FREE CORDLESS or FREE CLUTCH Every Shade. Every Day. Forever. only from Horizons!

See everything that’s new at horizonshades.com/new

1705 Waukegan Rd • Waukegan, IL 60085 • 6800-858-2352 • horizonshades.com

V

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InfoBar

Heimtextil Conceptual Living Report

“Conceptual Living” describes the trend of people designing their living environments to match their current situational needs and attitudes— this report sheds light on the consequences by surveying consumers.

The Impact of Conceptual Living: How do changes in life styles and living environments affect interior design and the home textile market? How can the use of textiles in the home become more flexible and adaptable to accommodate customers’ wishes and needs in the future?

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WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 11

VIEWPOINT

IWCE attendees on Design Tech Summit

Officially Obsessed With Wow, the response to the debut of Design Tech Summit at IWE was amazing! All the sessions were full and attendees were thrilled to be able to ask questions directly to the teams involved in developing new technologies such as Evernote, Olioboard, DesignDocs and others.Thanks to Katy A. Garrett, the executive producer of Design Tech Summit, and the team of presenters she assembled, attendees left Las Vegas with a better understanding of how to use many popular apps and thrilled with their introduction to the latest tech tools. ¶ “What we did in Las Vegas by bringing in some of the top tech companies, solutions, speakers and leaders was to give the audience the opportunity to learn from the source,” explained Katy. “I was approached by several people who thanked us for what we brought to Las Vegas and who really appreciated the mindshare from such high profile and important group of digital ‘movers’ and technology companies. These conversations help bring tech into focus, so business owners can make clear decisions on how to move forward profitably in the next five years.” V LEFT: Erin Hall, director of business and marketing at Evernote, lead a packed presentation that walked attendees through “Making Design Manageable With Evernote.”

BELOW LEFT: A line up of the many speakers and presenters that participated in the three-day DesignTech Summit, including representatives from Roomhints, RoomReveal, MarkonCall, Trace, Connexionsoft, Color911, SketchUp, Sketchthis.net, 3Dream, Minutes Matter Studio, Design Manager, DesignDocs, HOUZZ, Autodesk Homestyler, Olioboard, Evernote and others. Everyone is holding bottles of Troy & Sons whiskey, presented as gifts by speaker Troy Ball, the woman behind the award-winning spirit.

BELOW: Katy A. Garrett with Gillian Gillies of DesignDocs.

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ORION

ORNAMENTAL IRON, INC.

3D Drapery Hardware

TOP: Donna Barlett of Viewit Technologies, shares a laugh with John Fitzgerald of Comfortex.

CENTER: A 3Dream room rendering example.

BELOW: Anne Lubner, WFCP (left) with Gail Doby, ASID, (center) and Marie Mouradian (right). Gail was a Design Tech Summit moderator and presenter, as well as a speaker on the IWCE seminar program.

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

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 13

VIEWPOINT

Know when to let go

Business

Your

by Bruce Bernstein, member of The International Window Coverings Exchange

y company, Sunshine Drapery and Interior Design was formally created on July 1, 2008. I say formally as this is when I purchased the business outright from the original owner, Les Finkelstein who started it in 1969. For years, the company benefited from selling cut fabric, wallpaper, area rugs, accessories, and more. To go with this, we had a thriving shop at home business for residential custom window covering customers and even had a small amount of commercial work.

The First Reinvention In 2005, Les and I, along with another key manager, Robert Bird, decided it was time to stop chasing the retail cash-and-carry business and focus our efforts almost solely on home decorating selling custom draperies, blinds, shades, shutters and more. This required a complete restructuring of the business—we closed a 50,000 square foot retail/office/workroom and moved into space of 25,000 square feet for our workroom and offices.

In the meantime, we opened small design studios around St. Louis ranging in size from 1,000-2,000 square feet.

These design studios were loaded with accessories to go with window covering displays as well as fabric samples, hardware displays, etc. It was a successful transition as our overhead dropped and profits increased.

Things were still running smoothly 14

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when I purchased the company in 2008, but then the recession hit.

The Second Reinvention I soon realized that the retooled business model that had worked so well in

2005, was no longer appropriate for a rapidly changing market. To get an informed take on our business, I invited the members of the International Window Covering Exchange to take thorough look at my operations. Their

Bruce’s tips to Reinventing Your Business STAFFING ISSUES Get the right staff involved and committed. If someone isn’t working as part of the team, find someone else who will. This applies to even long-term employees. You have to set aside what they may have done for you in the past if they are not performing well in the current enviroment.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS Let your clients know you care and they will keep coming back. Here are just some of the ways we regularly communicated with our clients: • Hold customer appreciation events • Send personal notes • Email past customers • Send post cards to past customers • Upon completion of installation, each customer gets a thank you card from me which has a $100 off next order over $1000.

• They also receive a warranty/survey and the key question we ask on a scale of 1 to 10 is how likely they are to refer us to family and friends. If it is not a 9 or 10, I personally dig in to see how we can make better.

BUSINESS ISSUES It’s important to try new opportunties, but it’s also important to know when to get out of certain businesses. For example, we got involved in selling home organizational units and it really could have been a decent business, but I structured the pay scale wrong and expenses overtook us. So we got out it.

Realize that not everyone is your customer. We learned not to get into price wars. It’s not who we are—we are about building relationships and value and while we’re competitive, we don’t claim to be the least expensive.

observation was that I had committed 40% of floor space in the studios to accessories and furniture but that these products only generated 3% of sales.

“Get a dumpster and get rid of most of it,” was the overwhelming consensus.

Within six months, we closed for remodeling and other major changes, including updating fixtures and displays, with the goal to show customers in each store as many window coverings as possible. We also let contractors know we were available and more importantly, put in place a staff capable of handling commercial bids.

Over the next five years, our commercial business tripled.

Client-based Marketing The other major step was identifying our true residential clientele and determining how best to reach them. In my first year of ownership I brought in a team of outside con-

sultants. We changed the company marketing name, designed a new logo and poured money like crazy into local advertising. The new name and logo remain today, but the rest has changed—we spend half as much money on advertising today and 25% of our budget goes into digital marketing such as SEO, blogging, social media and email blasts with past clients.

We balance this with a more focused approach to traditional print, TV and radio buys.

It’s been a huge and rewarding transition. Change is inevitable but our entire team is committed to this direction. The process is a true reflection of one of my favorite sayings: “If you never make a wrong decision…then you will never make a right decision.” V

Bruce Bernstein is the owner of Sunshine Drapery and Interior Design. Bruce began his career with The May Department Stores Company in 1984. before joining Sunshine in 1996 as a Sales Manager for the shop at home division.

By 2005 he was named President of the company and in 2008 he purchased Sunshine from its original owner. Currently Sunshine employs 44 people in St. Louis, MO. He is a proud member of the International Window Coverings Exchange.

The International Window Coverings Exchange is a group of 14 leading window coverings retailers from throughout the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1981, the group is active sharing ideas and supporting industry growth. If you would like to help the Exchange in this effort, whether you are a retailer or supplier, contact Nigel Brown at nigel.brown@ ruffell-brown.com

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 15

VIEWPOINT

Building behind-the-scenes value

Addressing the “ are Expensive” Issue

by Maria Bayer

o your hackles rise when a prospective client asks you, “Why are designers so expensive?”

If that question irritates you, then your response will likely sound defensive, which won’t do you any favors in winning the client. Instead, here’s a more empowering (and accurate) perspective: Few clients know what you know. If they did, they wouldn’t need to hire you.

If you first realize that they have no idea what you do, especially behind the scenes, then you’ll understand why they think designers are expensive. So what’s the solution?

Educate them! Tell them what they don’t know. Tell them how you create fabulous designs using unique furnishings from trusted sources who deliver quality products on time.

Tell them about your vetted team of vendors, suppliers, artisans, painters, shippers, tradespeople, contractors, architects, etc. who provide quality, reliable and dependable products and services.

Tell them how you find the perfect red sofa with blue undertones (not one with orange because it will clash with the style the client is going for), one 16

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that’s large enough for the space, but not too large to fit through the doorway, one with just the right fabric to handle the occasional sippy cup spill…

Tell them how you manage complex projects, coordinate vendors, stay within budget and assure deadlines are met.

Explain how your best clients are those who have tried to do the work themselves, because they know firsthand how expensive and time-consuming a design project can be.

If you explain your process and paint a picture of what you do, they’ll see how your vetted network of professionals is something they could never duplicate.

money. You’ll have educated them and built enough value to more than justify your fees.

Take Action Try it with your next prospective client. Write it out ahead of time and practice it with a colleague until it rolls off your tongue.

Once you do, you’ll find that not only does it become a natural part of your client discussions, but you’ll start winning clients faster, for more money, and they’ll be a joy to work with because they truly understand—and happily pay for—your value!

If you want to learn more strategies for building value so your clients happily pay your fees, register for my free three-part email mini-series below. V

They’ll see how much time, money and aggravation you’ll save them because you do this for a living.

They’ll see that they don’t have the talent required to create a design that perfectly meets their needs—as well as their pocketbook.

They’ll see that you’re the expert, and that there’s much more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have imagined.

And when they do, they’ll no longer feel that designers charge a lot of

Maria Bayer, the Authentic Sales Coach for Design Success University, teaches interior designers how to win ideal clients quickly and make more money without being ‘sales-y’.

To learn more, register for a complimentary three-part series at dsu-id. us/idgethired.

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VIEWPOINT

Design your business to your needs

Is Your Business

by Gail Doby, ASID

ost designers struggle with the endless calls, texts, constant interruptions and details of their business. Though you may be experiencing this in your own life and business, you can change that starting today.

1. Decide what is really important to you personally. Do you value spending time with your family, yet you spend all of your time working? If so, then what you’re saying and doing are two different things.

Today, make the decision that you will take charge of your time, and decide how many hours a week you want to devote to your personal priorities like working out, having lunch with friends, going to your kids’ activities, etc.

2. B lock out this time on your calendar first, before filling in any other commitments.

3. The greatest contribution you make to your business is finding new clients, designing and marketing.

How many hours do you spend each day on those activities? If you don’t know, then track your time for five business days and log how many hours you spend on those activities.

If you work 40 hours per week, 20 hours should be spent on billable activities, 10 hours should be spent on marketing and networking, and 18

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the rest goes to managing your business and your team.

4. Block out core times for each of the activities mentioned in step three. If you do client meetings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for seven hours each day, then you’ll always meet your personal revenue goals.

It is hard to bill more than half of your time as an owner, so that means if you work 50 weeks a year (two off for vacation) X 40 hours per week = 2,000 hours. Half of that is 1,000 hours. Multiply your hourly rate X 1,000 and you’ll see that you should be bringing in, at $100 per hour, for example, $100,000 of billable income. Is that true for you?

If not, then block out time on your calendar right now for client work.

5. Next, focus on getting the client work. Block out 10 hours on your calendar for marketing and networking activities. If you aren’t busy, then fill your days with marketing activities until you are busy, and then maintain 10 hours a week of marketing.

6. Block out two hours per week for thinking and planning for your business. Try Friday afternoon as a way to wind down your work week.

7. End every day with entering your time billing, planning your next days with just three major priorities

along with an estimate how much time they will take.

8. Start your day by digging into your first priority until it is done. Then go to priority #2, etc.

9. Block time out time for your email, text and telephone calls for mid-day and the end of the day.

10. The real key is managing yourself.

Just remember, not everything has the same level of urgency or priority. So what you list in step one, may not be the same as another designer, but it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s right for you. V Gail Doby is Chief Vision Officer and Co-Founder of Design Success University whose mission is to help you earn six figures doing what you love.

Get the 2013 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey eBook at www. interiordesignfees.com.

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VIEWPOINT

Effective, efficient and essential

The Business of

by Marie Mouradian, WFCP

admit I am a blogging evangelist! During the economic downturn, I created my first blog on a free platform because I was afraid of investing money in a marketing tool I wasn’t sure would pay off. Because I had a lighter workload during this period I spent my time learning everything I could about how to build a successful blog. I soon realized I LOVED blogging and all of the traffic it drove to my site. On average, I receive a new client inquiry 3-4 times per month and my blog has become my best marketing tool. It’s the perfect platform to showcase my work and educate potential clients.

Since then I’ve come to realize how important my blog actually is to the success of my business. According to Digital Sherpa, a content marketing agency for small businesses, 70% of consumers learn about a company through their blog rather than ads.

Adam Japko, president of Digital Sherpa said ”Blogging should be a part of every business’s content marketing strategy. Not only does it help to establish trust, loyalty, and authority for your brand, but it provides you with another outlet to stay connected with your target audience and deepen the relationship.” And I can add that blogging creates interesting, relevant and current content for your website, a must to keep prospective clients engaged and not let them click away.

Why a Blog is Essential • Home Base—A blog provides a home 20

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base for all your content. It is the hub of all other social media marketing—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google + and Houzz.

• Higher Search Engine Ranking— Google loves blogs! Each blog post is indexed by Google, increasing your search engine ranking. Be found by your target audience as search engines/Google have become the new Yellow Pages.

• Expert Status and Trust Builder—A regularly updated blog will establish your on-line presence as the trusted authority.

• Connection Link—Regular posting help you stay connected with your target audience and develop relationships.

• Simplified Social Media—I believe all social media postings should come from your blog and, in turn, drive traffic back to your blog. Ultimately site visitors will like your content so much they will sign up for your email newsletter and enter into your sales funnel.

In short, a blog is one of the least expensive, most effective ways to get your content out to your market. It’s the ultimate marketing tool that repeatedly produces new leads.

When I was first getting started with blogging, I invested a lot of time re-

searching the best blogging practices.

In analyzing other interior design blogs to learn what to do and what not to do, I realized could not possibly be the only one frustrated with not knowing how to develop an effective blog.

Design Blog Coaching Course Based on my research and experience, I developed a blog coaching course.

I’ll share how to get started with this powerful marketing tool, as well as guidelines for developing content, scheduling your posts and distributing through social media.

This will include: •B log Set Up—Including securing a domain, purchasing a hosting package and learning the fundamentals of your blog dashboard. (I recommend WordPress.org.)

• Creating Quality Content—Including brainstorming post ideas, establishing an editorial calendar and scheduling your blog posts. You’ll probably be glad to learn that a successful blog post is not all about the writing!

• Building Traffic—Linking blog posts to your social media outlets and other ways to draw visitors to your blog.

At the end of the course you will have a fully functioning site that engages your ideal client now and in the future.

Blog coaching is for any window treatment pro, interior designer, workroom or vendor that wants to get their marketing message online. V

Closer Look Marie Mouradian, Window Designs, Etc. windowdesignsetc.com Facebook: Windowdesignsetc Pinterest: pinterest.com/windowdesignetc Instagram: windowdesignsetc Twitter: @WindowDesignsEtc Houzz: houzz.com/pro/windowdesignsetc WFCP Blog Coaching Program: wf-vision.com/blogbasics

The blog post above shows a series of posts Marie themed Throwback Thursday. These connect with a Twitter hashtag of the same name, allowing for easy links through social media. These posts also help document her nearly 30 years in business, as she pulls from projects she’s completed for long-term clients.

A sample post, right, from Marie’s blog features fabric samples and also ties into Valentine’s Day with the pink theme. It includes links to her Pinterest board, easy ways to share the post on other social media, a link to contact her directly and a short bio. An ideal combination of fun information and marketing—the perfect balance of what blogging for your business should be.

Marie Mouradian, the owner of Window Designs Etc., in Jefferson, MA, specializes in unique custom window treatments. Her projects, ranging from small cottages to multi-million dollar residences, have been showcased in many local and national publications.

With 28 years of design experience, Marie is a three-time winner of international design competitions, and a Window Fashion Certified Professional. Sign up the Blog Basics course at wf-vision.com/blogbasics. The next four-week session begins Tuesday April 22 at 11:00 am Eastern.

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IWCE; VISION’14

A winning combination

Full The results of the first-ever Design & Construction Week are in and everyone agrees it was a tremendous success. For the third year, IWCE paired with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) but for the first time, the powerhouse International Builders Show (IBS) was added to the mix. Every square foot of the Las Vegas Convention Center, plus some of the parking lot was occupied, as attendees flocked to the three complementary shows. “We are extremely pleased to be working with KBIS and IBS,” said Grace McNamara, producer of IWCE and publisher of Vision magazine. “Co-locating with these powerful shows gives our industry exposure to new customers. We saw many KBIS and IBS badges on our floor and they were doing business with our exhibitors. It’s been a win-win-win for everyone.” McNamara reports that more than 8,500 home design and building professionals visited IWCE February 2-4, the largest attendance at the show since 2008. Plans are already underway for Design + Construction Week 2015, which will include two more home decorating shows off-site at Mandalay Bay, plus events at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Photos by Brandy Stoetsz. V

ABOVE: The Horizons booth was consistently busy all three days of the show. “Horizons Window Fashions is pleased to have been a part of IWCE,” said Tom Perkowitz, the company’s director of marketing. “Attendance was up. Enthusiasm was up, and the attendees represented the strong window fashions dealers that Horizons wants.”

RIGHT: At the Qmotion booth the staff scanned more than 900 new leads from attendees. “IWCE was a lot of fun this year for us. The traffic was up and we are excited to see what kind of response we get from all the attendees that stopped by our booth,” said Matt Uhl, a project manager at QMotion Advanced Shading Systems. Attendees commented on several innovative new introductions from the company, including the soon-to-be-released traversing drapery motorized system.

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LEFT AND ABOVE: The Vertilux Lounge was a popular spot with attendees. Friends caught each other up on their show floor discoveries, plotted out which seminar to take next, and concluded business meetings. The cell phone charging station in the lounge was an added bonus.

BELOW LEFT: Steve Wright, president of Forest Drapery Hardware, prepping with his team for another full day at the show.

BELOW RIGHT: Jeff Berkowitz and Christie Stewart from Adco Onsite stand ready to greet new and returning clients shortly before the show floor opened. They were pleased with traffic, especially the number of new faces.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 23

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: From the moment the show doors opened, to Thursday at noon when still-eager attendees had to be asked (nicely!) to leave the floor so tear down could start, aisles and stands were full. Coulisse kept up their gracious tradition of providing food and beverages for their visitors while discussing business. At Luxmader, the company’s innovative blinds, including leather- and fabric-wrapped options with coordinating valances were clearly very popular with attendees, as the stand was constantly busy.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The cross-promotion and free-flow of traffic between IWCE, KBIS and IBS meant exhibitors were seeing a lot of blue badges from IBS attendees and yellow badges from KBIS attendees. IWCE exhibitors included major machinery companies such as Forest Group (above), top industry names such as Comfortex (left) introducing new products and fun additions to the market as evidenced by the colorful Tim Feng stand (center left).

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 25

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Business was the name of the game at this year’s IWCE and every stand was occupied with industry professionals asking questions, examining products and gathering information. Dave Harrison at Shutter & Blind Makerz (top left) demonstrates how strong the company’s new aluminum shutters are by sharing a shot of him standing on a slat with show producer Grace McNamara. 2) Classic wood window treatments were under discussion at Heze Huasheng Wooden Co. Ltd. (top right). Pacino Hou of SB2 Concepts (above right) shows off one of the company’s new zebra fabrics. William Chou of Genes Industry, (above left) explains the a new headrail system. Wilson Fabrics of Australia (center left) was one of several new exhibitors at the show and the team was gratified with the company’s debut.

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C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Every product on the show floor came under serious discussion, including examining the available literature (above.) Two attendees review the grommet selections at Rowley Co. (top), while Travis and Richard Storch assist clients at the OMC Blinds (top right) At the SB2 Concepts stand, Pierre Langlois of Dastex, Quebec, Canada, reviews options (center right). Sunil Patel of Iron Art by Orion walks a client through some of his company’s new finishes (right).

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The textile and trim companies at IWCE always generate some excitement at IWCE, but this attendee at the Belagio Enterprises stand (top left) seems to be experiencing both shock and awe at the glittering display of embellishments.

Attendee John Trent of Custom Window & Flooring Products, Inc., Jupiter, FL, reviews fabric books at Kast Textiles (top right). At Yuma (above) various shading fabrics are examined for translucency. Ken Morrison (left) was a first-time exhibitor to IWCE, offering an array of custom tablecloths and other upholstery options.

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One Solution

FOR ALL YOUR ROLLER SHADE NEEDS

CASSETTE 100mm with VTX Clutch or CELTIC Motors

CASSETTE 120mm with VTX Clutch or CELTIC Motors

Cassette 100mm, VTX Clutches and Bracket Covers available in:

Cassette 120mm, VTX Clutches and Bracket Covers available in:

CHAIN No.10 & Chain Accesories FASCIA 3” (ROUND)

FASCIA 3” (FLAT)

FASCIA 4” (FLAT)

ALUMINUM BOTTOM RAILS

Spanning Classic to Contemporary Roller Shades

Neolux Dual Shades

CELTIC II

CELTIC II

BATTERY MOTORS

QUIET MOTORS

Most of the Vertilux Roller Shade components, like cassettes, fascias, tube adpaters, bracket covers, chain No.10, bottom rails, bottom rail end caps, etc., are available in 5 different colors to coordinate with the fabric.

For a complete list of components for Roller Shades, visit vertilux.com

ROLLER SHADE TUBES

In all conventional sizes serving most every application

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1.800.356.8837 www.vertilux.com

IWCE; VISION’14

Exhibitor A-Ventures, Inc.

Lutron

Attn: Plantation shutter fabricator—your worldwide source for poly and wood components plus all shutter hardware. AVI celebrates 30 years of high quality products. Ultra Clear Plus will be shown as the newest completely hidden tilt mechanism. Call 800-798-2291 or visit www.avia-ventures.com.

Ultra-quiet Serena battery-powered shades install wirelessly and operate from anywhere in a room via a remote control. These luxury shades are available in two styles, roller or honeycomb, and operate without wires. Available in a wide variety of fabric colors and textures, shades feature 3-5 year battery-life for a low-maintenance shading solution. For information on becoming a Serena Provider, visit www.serenaproviders.com or call 1.888.445.8063.

Coulisse

OMC

Since its establishment in 1992, the Dutch brand Coulisse® has grown to be one of the most leading fashion brands in interior window décor. By creating refreshing, fastforward collections, Coulisse wants to bring fashion to the window. Its extensive range offers products for every style, taste and functional requirement.

Stop by to see our latest collection of decorative and functional fabrics for cellular and roller shades. OMC is a leading manufacturer of sun protection fabrics and components.

With more than 1,000 commercial and hospitality options, you will be sure to find fabrics that catch your eye and fit your specification.

Visit our showroom in the Miami Design District.

Insolroll Window Shading Systems

Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc.

Insolroll proudly manufactures solar screen shading systems for inside and outside, and we bring our safety and motorization expertise to the table with every application.

Our QSR cordless shade operator, Metal Select chain guides and UL Listed shading systems provide unsurpassed quality and sales opportunities.

Orion specializes in custom drapery hardware with finials in iron, crystal, glass, resin, wood; traversing and non-traversing rods in iron and wood.

Rods in 64 styles are available with or without rings, motorized or cord draw, up to 30 feet. Nearly 80 finishes, plus custom. Product customization is our specialty.

Kirsch

Smartroll

Kirsch offers a full line of custom blinds and drapery hardware.

We’re committed to making our products and relationships last. Our custom blind and shade products offer the new Kirsch Trust warranty and no-risk exchange policy. Be sure to check out our new Designer Metals Collection of finials, rods and accessories. Explore of our new wood program with an array of colors and finishes which harmonize with floors, furnishings, and trims. For more information visit us at www.kirsch.com.

smartroll™ technology provides a safe, smooth and silent cordless solution for roller shades. Our smartroll™ mechanism operates through our patented automatic rolling spring system which guarantees trouble-free and secure use. Eliminating all cords and hazardous chains is now permanent, easy and affordable with smartroll™ technology. www.smartroll.com

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IWCE; VISION’14

Exhibitor Vertilux Over 100 Blackout choices. 59 Unique and captivating colors in our European Designer Collection. 21 Distinctive Patterns in our High Living Portfolio.

3 Stocking Locations: LA, Dallas, Miami. Innovative new products to be introduced for TOTAL Blackout and Indoor/Outdoor Side Channel Installations. Vertilux—Come see what we’re uncovering in Window Coverings.

The clock is ticking ...

Wilson Fabrics Wilson Fabrics designs and develops innovative, decorative and functional quality blind and drapery fabrics, suitable for all types of window treatments, inspired by global trends. Our blind fabrics feature a UPF rating of 50+, providing excellent protection against harmful Ultraviolet Rays. In addition, they are all Oeko-Tex certified, stain resistant, available in Blockout and Translucent, Lead & PVC Free and available in a wide width of 110". www.wilsonfabrics.com, sales@wilsonfabrics.com.

ROLLEASE CORDLESS SPRING ROLLER SYSTEM

The Envision Design and Ingenuity Workroom competitions are coming up early this year!

The deadline for entries is October 1, 2014. Get your portfolios ready and watch for more details regarding new categories and guidelines. wf-vision.com/designcompetition

Eliminate dangling cords for shade widths up to 73" wide. Child and pet safety comes first. That’s why our new Cordless Spring Roller System is built with our highest standards for safety and endurance in mind.

What’s more, no messy cords mean your windows will appear neater—and more attractive. Ideal for small and large shades in homes, offices, RVs, yachts, and other recreational vehicles.

For more information, visit our website at www.rollease.com or call our Customer Service team at 800552-5100.

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IWCE; VISION’14

Product Highlights from the Show Floor At every show there are items on the floor that capture the eye and the imagination. Here’s a quick overview of our favorites from the year’s IWCE. Photos by Brandy Stoetsz. V

TOP: Anderson Fabric Workroom featured these location-specific dice ottomans, a true “aisle-catcher”, as well as a broad assortment of shades, draperies, cornices, top of bed and decorative pillows, all created to highlight the company’s range of abilities.

ABOVE & LEFT: The embellishments at Belagio Enterprises ran the gamut including a rustic yet elegant collection of woven tapes all the way to these goth-inspired metallic spikes.

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There was a fantastic array of decorative hardware to ogle. TOP: A fascinating organic-inspired finial from Carolina Accents (left) is a striking contrast to a classically elegant wood design from Kirsch. BOTTOM: Orion Ornamental Art showed a sleek collection that combined modern metallics with rich leather (left), while over at Rowley Co. metallics showed up in crowd-pleasing collection of contemporary grommets (above).

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 39

Visitors found plenty of patterns and color to capture their attention. TOP: AppliquĂŠ, embroidery and cut-outs were among the popular embellishments at show stalwart L.A. Fred. RIGHT: More contemporary graphics could be found at Coulisse, where a modern flamestitch pattern with an engineered design (love how the pattern transitions into a self-border!) garnered lots of interest. ABOVE: The fresh, clean colors of these fabrics from Rose Lace & Braid, Inc. proved very popular.

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crop/trim marks

»Custom Fabric Treatments »Natural Woven Shades Note: WE WANT THE FRAME IN THE AD. The live area is 3.6” x 9.75”.

Crop/trim marks are an additional 0.125” from the sides of the live area.

THIS AD TO gO INTO THE MARCH-ApRIL INDuSTRy SHOW ISSuE: VIVA LAS VEgAS MAgAzINE.

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EST. 1973

Castec Sales Company 7531 Coldwater Canyon Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605 Tel: 800 828 2500 Fax: 818 503 8360 Email: sales@castec.com www.castec.com At Kast Textiles, the pleated ribbon trim in a wide range of colors was much discussed and the many full-size samples of fabrics at the stand made coordinating looks easy.

crop/trim marks

© 2011 Fabritec, LLC. All rights reserved.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 41

There were dozens of fantastic new options for blinds and shades. TOP: Leather-wrapped slats with elegant oval cord holes trimmed in metal and laser-cut slats that let the stars come out even during the day were two highlights at Luxmader. LEFT: PanaView Shutters from Comfortex feature a “no panel� shutter design that allows louvers to be lifted up and out of the way for a fuller view outside. ABOVE: Mariak showcased its digital printing options for fabrics, roller shades, window film, wallpaper and more.

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We Invent…We Design…We Manufacture In Taiwan

Child Safety Solution USA Safety Device Patented blinds cannot be operated if the device is not fitted

Cordless/Chainless Spring Roll-Up USA Patented *extremely quiet *extremely smooth *stop anywhere *aluminum center tube *without headrail is available

* Fast Installation in 30 seconds * Compatible with connectors & stops * Work for Chains and Cords

USA Patented

Uni-Soleil Roller Shade Mechanism

Smooth operation you’ve never experienced...

So try them!

Uni-Soleil Enterprise Co. Ltd. Call +886-6-5106611 now or visit www.uni-soleil.com.tw

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

January 20-22, 2015

wf-vision.com/aboutshows WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 43

TOP: One of the most popular stops on the show floor was the Sherwin Williams “Chip It” photo booth, where attendees could get a photo of themselves standing next to the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and could then generate a custom palette based on their photo using the company’s ChipIt app. LEFT: The lovely palette offered by Wilson Fabric in textiles that coordinate for both shade and drapery products drew many visitors to the company’s stand. ABOVE: In a design show, color will always be a popular draw, so JC Window Fashions took advantage of this to create a sky-high palette using their blinds and shades.

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CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS

→ Join our team of TOP INSTRUCTORS IWCE – International Window Coverings Expo is now calling for presentation ideas and proposals to fill the more than 50 speaker opportunities available.

The WFCP Advisory Council and other members of our educational staff will evaluate all proposed programs based on the following criteria: • • • •

Overall quality Relevance to the industry Practical applications of material Timeliness of the topic and speaker qualifications

We are looking for advanced educational seminars to introduce the latest in products and innovative ideas to our IWCE audience which consists of interior designers, workroom specialists and design students.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please visit our website at wf-vision.com and click on the ‘Call for Presentations 2015’ link.

IWCE; VISION’14

Vision Spotters: Pinterest Boards From IWCE Once again, Vision Spotters spanned out across IWCE, KBIS and IBS, capturing their favorite products, seminars and events from the three days. This year’s winning pinner is Sherri Stouffer, who also won first place in the Envision Design Competition in the Specailty Window Fashions catgeory (see her project on page 64). Sheri, the owner of Finishing Touches in Castle Pines, CO, found great items for her board on all three show floors plus, of course, all the other events, both at the convention center and throughout Las Vegas. All the Pinterest board for IWCE can be found at pinterest.com/visionspotters/ V

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The next big thing in innovative shading solutions.

The ZipperLock holds the fabric in tension at all times as zippered shades traverse the side channels The all-over zipper seal locks the fabric into the side channels. A stateof- the art solution for windows and skylights of any degree of angle.

Ideal for skylights (inclined elevations or horizontal planes) Self-squaring track system compensates for out-of-square openings Interior or exterior applications Energy efficient No-light fabrics for exceptional black-out Shade cloth held securely in track system even on windy days Top-down, bottom-up, horizontal options Solar screen fabrics available in a variety of colors and openness Avoid issues associated with traditional side channels www.specializedshadingsystems.com

Solutions to Match Your Imagination

More info 877 324 2511 or info@sss-us.com

New York | Miami

IWCE; VISION’14

A Night to Celebrate The 2014 Envision Design and Ingenuity Workroom awards presentation once again celebrated the creativity and innovation of window treatment professionals, while highlighting the transformative powers of custom window treatments. The International Window Coverings Exchange Group awarded the 2014 Valerie Bursten Scholarship to Susan Moran, of Easton Interior, Doylestown, PA, to start off the night. Vision magazine publisher Grace McNamara then thanked the judges and the WFCP Advisory Board for their assistance with the competition, and then the series of winning awards was underway! This issue features the top entries in the Envision Design competition, starting on page 57, while the May/June issue will feature the winners from the Ingenuity Workroom awards. Congratulations to all! Photos by Brandy Stoetsz. V

LEFT: Vision magazine publisher Grace McNamara with Susan Moran, center, winner of the 2014 Valerie Bursten Scholarship, with presenter Steve Bursten. ABOVE: The WFCP Advisory Board worked tirelessly throughout the show to help run special events, including the awards presentation. From left, Cheryl Draa, Melinda Elliot, Lori Carpenter, Grace McNamara, Carol Collins, Marie Mouradian, Jill Ragan Scully and Anne Lubner. The staff of Vision and IWCE thanks you for your hard work!

BELOW LEFT: Grace McNamara (center) is flanked by Tina Fontana, (left) the 2013 top Envision Design competition winner, who also placed again in the 2014 competition, and Leigh Anderson (right), winner of the 2014 Designer of the Year award. BELOW CENTER: Olga Polyanskaya, the 2013 Workroom of the Year, congratulates Alan Schatzberg on his 2014 Workroom of the Year award. BELOW RIGHT: Judy Peters, accepting one of her two Ingenuity awards, shared how she and her husband renewed their wedding vows in a Vegas Elvis chapel.

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Most of the 2014 Envision and Ingenuity competitions winners were able to attend the awards ceremony. Front row, from left: Symphony M Moussighi, Olga Polyanskaya, Dian Garbarini, Sheri Stouffer, Linda H. Bassert, Lisa Landry, Terri Horton, Arlene Raforth, Colleen Peterson. Back row, from left: Lee Frew, Tina Fontana, Lina Fontina accepted for Ellee Nolan Asaro, Judy Peters, Brandi Renee Day, Leigh Anderson, Grace McNamara, Alan Schatzberg, Michelle Pabarcius, Staci Faulkner, Meghan K. Mills-Hood, Mary Kiel and Mary Chambers Manis.

Thank you to all the judges. For the Envision Design Design Competition: Joe Ruggiero, Joanne Lenart Weary and JoEllen Reinwart. For the Ingenuity Workroom Competition: Susan Woodcock, Lorraine Bernstein and Cathy Tucker.

Boston Fabric from Wilson Fabrics

Boston is a subtly textured blind design that coordinates with the Avalon drapery range. Australian Made; our blind fabrics feature a UPF rating of 50+, providing excellent protection against harmful Ultraviolet Rays. In addition, they are all Oeko-Tex certified, stain resistant, available in Blockout and Translucent, Lead & PVC Free and available in a wide width of 110�. www.wilsonfabrics.com sales@wilsonfabrics.com

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 49

SHOW REVIEW

The New American Home

A

For All

The 31st New American Home, a joint venture between the National Association of Home Builders and Builder magazine, is an IBS highlight, a showcase for innovative construction technologies, emerging design trends and the latest building products. This year’s home, built in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, is a multi-generational desert contemporary, sited to take full advantage of stunning view and to make the most of the abundant sunlight while minimizing solar heat gain. Architect Jeff Berkus of Aspen-based Jeffrey Berkus Associates is the architect of record for the home, while the interiors were designed by Marc Thee and his team at Marc-Michaels Interior Design of Winter Park, Fla. For both, the goal was to feature design trends that recognize how homebuyers want to live today. Photography by Trent Bell. V The home is designed to accommodate a family that currently has elderly members or that wants to age in place. The second floor contains a master suite and a carriage suite, plus two additional bedrooms, two additional bathrooms, a media room and laundry. Although a stunning stairway leads to the second floor, an elevator, wide enough to comfortably fit a wheelchair, is also in place. All bathroom are barrier free, as are the automated doors to all the exterior living spaces accessible from all bedrooms.

The dramatic master bedroom suite includes an open bathroom (behind the fireplace wall) that includes both an overscale tub and a twoperson spa shower. Designer Marc Thee calls the palette used throughout the home “modern neutral�.

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On the ground floor, in addition to the kitchen, dining room and family room, there is a VIP suite with a gallery kitchen, as well as a casita, separated from the house by a water feature, that is designed as a flex space, suitable for home office, a studio apartment, a guest room, etc. Given all the large windows and indoor/outdoor spaces, the home features a completely integrated home technology solution. This encompasses much more than just lighting and shade control. Today’s modern home must combine lighting, climate, shades, home entertainment, security, and more on a single platform.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 51

HOW-TO

Create an Awning Cornice A playful design for whimsical rooms As the recently appointed director of the WFCP Workroom Certification program, Jill Ragan Scully has been incredibly busy in the past few months—organizing curriculum, putting together a range of new webinars, helping manage The Construction Zone on the IWCE show floor (see more from that project in the May/June issue) and, in general promoting the need for more targeted, thorough custom window treatment education. To that end, she’s shared her process on making an awning cornice, a fun but classic look that never goes out of style. V

Step 1: Basic construction: Use 1x2’s or 1x3’s depending on overall size. Dust board and front face are the same width as the 1x’s that you use

Step 2: Pre-line all pieces.

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Want to learn what your competitor already knows?

Step 3: Attach pieces together with flat screws.

Do you ever wonder which workroom your competition uses?

The best kept secret is out! It’s Anderson Fabric Workroom – C.O.M custom workroom to the trade with 33 years of service in the industry.

It’s no secret that Anderson Fabric Workroom is a full custom workroom, never limiting your creativity. As an employee-owned workroom, we are committed to offer the best service, quality, & lead times in the industry. Visit our website www.andersonfabrics.com to find out for yourself! We won’t tell!

Your Fabric • Your Design • Your Creations • On Time 348 Summit Avenue, West, Blackduck, MN 56630 P: 800-328-1791 F: 800-419-3979 info@andersonfabrics.com • www.andersonfabrics.com Proudly made in the USA

Step 4: Use black out lining- staple on the outside

Step 5: Cover with fabric by first stapling on the bottom front. Then staple the bottom sides, but staple the sides ONLY to dustboard. Finally, staple the angled front piece.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 53

Step 6: Cut off excess as shown.

Step 7: Fold over front and glue into place.

Step 9: This will be against the wall.

Jill Ragan Scully is the owner/operator of Impressive Windows & Interiors, a fabrication and design studio located in Hastings, MN. She is also the WFCP Workroom Certification Director, managing the online workroom certification program. Scully has extensive education and experience in fashion, apparel, textiles, and design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. She holds several certifications such as Certified Professional Decorator (CPD), Certified Color Consultant (CNRCC), and Window Fashions Certified Professional (WFCP) Expert for Design and Workroom. She is also a member of many industry organizations such as Workroom Association of America (WAOA), International Furnishing and Design Association (IFDA), the immediate past President for the local chapter of Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA)-Twin Cities as well as a current member of the Window Fashions Advisory Board.

To see additions to the WFCP online workroom certification program go to wf-vision.com/ workroom.

Step 8: Wrap over the dustboard and staple to the back.

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20

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April 14 – June 9, 2014

learn more at kirsch.com/trust

bddinc.com 800.456.0540

porterpreston.com 866.753.1113

windowwares.com 800.228.9867

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

THE BENEFITS OF

EXCELLENCE A room with a well-designed window treatment is a wonderful thing—welcoming, cozy, elegant, inviting and intriguing all in equal parts. The following pages celebrate the beauty of window treatments that fit the needs of the client while enhancing the lives of everyone who enters the room. Congratulations to all the 2014 Envision competition winners, including

LEIGH ANDERSON, the 2014 Designer of the Year.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 57

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

DESIGN CONCEPT Leigh Anderson’s client, Jen Lay, wanted to redecorate her living room and dining room windows as a 50th birthday gift to herself—and she wanted it to be “spectacular.” The client was drawn to bold geometric patterns, which Leigh was initially a bit cautious about. “The job called for at least 45 yards and bold patterns can be risky in those quantities,” she explained. She determined that if she designed the panels to pleat on pattern the large-scale graphic would appear to be a smaller repeat when the draperies were fully opened.

However, most fabrics on the market had a linen base cloth and the client didn’t want to worry about wrinkles, plus the colors were never quite right. “I had gone to a presentation by Adaptive Textiles at IWCE 2012 and was dying to create a custom digital fabric,” said Leigh. “This was the perfect opportunity!” Working with Adaptive, she specified the base cloth, got the right shade of indigo and developeda geometric pattern that appealed to the client, meeting all the fabrication needs.

The final client request was to conserve on hardware expenses, an issue that Leigh says turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “In discussing it with my installer, we decided to put screw eyes on the underside of the wood poles,” she said. “It not only saved money on rings, but the installer confirmed that the screw eyes were better at holding the cartridges pleats in place, keeping a uniform look.

DETAILS

Leigh Anderson, Willow Drapery and Upholstery 2014 Designer of The YEar & First Place, Curtains & Draperies

Credits: Designer and workroom: Leigh Anderson, Willow Drapery and Upholstery, Glenview, IL. Installer: Home Fashions Unlimited, Palatine, IL. Photographer: Barry Rustin Photography, Evanston, IL. SOURCES: Main fabric: Adaptive Textiles, Oyster linen/cotton ground printed in a custom blue. Sheer fabric: Fabricut Faux linen sheer, marble, 100% polyester. Hardware: Midwest Designer Supply, Select 2 1/4" diameter wood poles, 965 antique pewter finish.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 59

2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Leigh Anderson, Willow Drapery and Upholstery 2014 Designer of The YEar & SECOND PLACE, TOP TREATMENTS Design Concept For an set of living room and dining rooms windows, the client requested an elegant top treatment that wasn’t overly fussy. “It sounds easy,” says Leigh, “but it can be tough to pull off!” Adding to her design deliberations was the fat that the slanted ceiling in the dining room clipped the corner of the window trim.

With these considerations in mind, Leigh designed an inverted pleat valance with a gently curved bottom. The main fabric, a stitch-quilted silk, is lined and interlined, layered on top of a “petticoat” of a different gold-colored silk. The top of the valance has rope cord trim attached to form loops over each of the pleats.

In order to attach the sheers and Italian-strung side panels in spite of the dining room’s space restrictions, she mounted them to the underside of the valance board instead of to the wall. To tie everything together, Leigh then reupholstered the sofa, four chairs, and fabricated the decorative pillows.

DETAILS

Credits: Designer and workroom: Leigh Anderson, Willow Drapery and Upholstery, Glenview, IL. Installer: Home Fashions Unlimited, Palatine, IL. Photographer: Barry Rustin Photography, Evanston, IL. Sources: Main fabric: Robert Allen, Diamond Links in honey. Petticoat fabric: Duralee, 89111-631 in brown sugar. Rope cord: Stout, Filomena #42 in parchment Sheers: Michael's Textiles, Antic in champagne. Hidden rods: Kirsch, Suprafine traverse and lock seam.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Meghan K. Mills-Hood Christopher Anne Design Group First Place, Combination Treatments Design Concept For this newly remodeled master bedroom in a northern California hillside home, the goal was for an in-home retreat. Given the home’s hillside location privacy was not a major concern, even for a master bedroom. However, light and heat were. For that reason, a white Hunter Douglas Luminette was installed as the underlayer to filter light and heat when needed. The stationary drapery panels conceal the Luminette’s stack back and are topped by a faux-swag valance which hides the shade’s headrail.

As with many rooms, the windows were of differing sizes and proportions, so the valances also help disguise these issues and convey the perception all the window are the same height.

The final touches were the custom designed trims that help tie together all of the fabrics used in the room. The result is a window that serves as a beautiful focal point in this soothing refuge.

DETAILS

Credits: Designer: Meghan K. Mills-Hood, Christopher Anne Design Group, San Jose, CA. Workroom: Mansis Manufacturing, San Jose, CA. Installer: Tom Pauhl, Tom Pauhl Installations, Felton, CA. Photographer: Neal Windsor, Neal Windsor Photography, San Jose, CA. Sources: Undertreatment: Hunter Douglas Luminette. Fabric: Fabricut, Caldwell in Cornflower. Accent fabric: Fabricut, Caldwell Stripe. Trims: Robert Allen Group and custom.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Arlene Rafoth, Interspace Design Mary KIEl, Aesthetic Interiors First Place, Decorative Hardware & Trims Design Concept A treasured portrait that had survived a house fire was the starting point for new window treatments in this dining room. The portrait of the client’s mother, executed in a soft, romantic vintage style and palette inspired the fabric choices, the drapery hardware and even the finial, a custom-painted piece that was chosen specifically to complement a design element from the portrait’s frame.

The room is long and narrow, with a south-facing bay window (not shown) that causes significant glare and fading to interior furnishings. As with many bays, the measurements were not consistent from section to section, so a 1 5/8" round wrought iron rod was custom-curved to fit, based on detailed notes from the designer, workroom and installer. In addition, the sheers needed to traverse in order for the client to have access to the existing cellular shade undertreatments and the windows themselves. Finally, the rod itself is a work of art, with subtle gold flecks against an ombré black ground.

For the side panels, a polyester embroidered faux silk provided both the necessary elegance and durability. Flannel-backed block-out lining provided both fullness and softness for the hanging folds as well as sun protection which allowed the true color of the fabric to be appreciated. A cartridge pleat valance overlay, accented with brush fringe completes the look and ties the design in with similarly-styled window treatments in the living room and family room.

“This design was the result of constant communication with the client, the workroom and the installer,” said Arlene. “This involved meeting frequently with the client who is an artist to help her interpret her vision; communicating with the workroom regarding measurements, design and construction; and speaking with the installer who is an invaluable problem-solver.”

DETAILS

Credits: Designer: Arlene Rafoth, Interspace Design, Everett, WA. Workroom and Photographer: Mary Kiel, Aesthetic Interiors, Marysville, WA. Workroom for sheer: A Custom Shade Company, Lynwood, WA. Installer: Steve Francis, Arlington, WA. Sources: Side panel fabric: Meyer Drapery, Kaba in Antique. Sheers: Maxwell Fabrics, Lustre #2 in Earth. Plaid: Fabricade, Onyx, 1135. Brush trim: J.F. Fabrics. Tassels: Hobby Lobby (provided by client). Lining: Angels Distributing, Inc., Bella Notte.

Hardware: Wrought iron rod: ONA Drapery Hardware Co. Traverse rod for sheer: Forest Group from Ken Christie Drapery Hardware. Finial: Alhambra Hardware Co., Cumulus.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Sheri Stouffer, Finishing Touches First Place, Specialty Treatments Design Concept For this arched window wall the goals were to minimize glare on this east-facing window while preserving the view, and to highlight the overscale arch. Sunscreen shades a warm neutral were specified for all lower windows, while the arch windows were fitted with stationary shades of the same fabric. The arch itself features a framed cornice upholstered in the gold linen. The cornice was constructed in five pieces—two arches, one top center-piece, and two straight pieces—for both ease of transportation and installation, a task made especially tricky due to the stairwell positioned beneath part of the window!

There was faux-iron hardware on the west-facing window in the room (not shown) and so Sheri decided to use the same material into this design, incorporating it into the cornice. The border trim around the whole cornice is faux rod iron, cut to the specified shapes, while framed pieces serve as the headers for stationary panels. For those panels she specified a shimmering neutral embroidered in a swirling pattern of golden tones and featuring a striped leading edge.

Credits: Designer, Workroom and Photgrapher: Sheri Stouffer, Finishing Touches, Castle Pines, CO. Installer: Dane Lombardi, Original Blind Co., Inc. Englewood, CO.

“The movement of the embroidery echoes the spiral shapes in the faux-iron,” said Sheri, “while the stationary panels help bring the eye down from the arch.

The rich, nuetral palette adds warmth and detail without becoming overwhelming. The client was thrilled!”

Sources: Cornice fabric: Trend Fabric, 01249 in Leather. Drapery fabrics: Carole Fabrics, Modern Age in Twilight. RMCoCo 11623-186. Faux iron: Profile Designs. Drapery linings: Angels Distributing. Sunscreen shades: Hunter Douglas, Catalina in cocoa.

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DETAILS

2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Terri Horton, Puget Sound Draperies First Place, Soft Shades

Design Concept A beautifully decorated bedroom with a Paris theme deserved equally beautiful window treatments. “When I first saw the room, she had temporary curtains—they had to go!” said Terri.

She requested blackout treatments and the functionality of a shade.

“We realized this room needed something special and decided on some smocked Roman shades, with an interesting, almost oragamilike fold,” explained Terri. The faux silk fabric in a deep sepia brown to match the trypitch of Eiffel Tower photos above the headboard, enhances the feminine, yet very sophisticated mood of the room.

DETAILS

Credits: Designer, Workroom and Installer: Terri Horton, Puget Sound Draperies, Enumclaw, WA. Photographer: Sharon Hinman, Hinman Photography Studio, Enumclaw, WA. Sources: Fabric: Mitchell Fabrics, Milano in Wicker. Lining: Angels Distributing, Bella Notte blackout. Hardware: EZ rig shade mechanism 66

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

DETAILS

Credits: Designer, Workroom and Installer: Terri Horton, Puget Sound Draperies, Enumclaw, WA. Photographer: Sharon Hinman, Hinman Photography Studio, Enumclaw, WA.

Terri Horton, Puget Sound Draperies Second Place, Decorative Hardware & Trims Design Concept

Sources: Swag fabric: Gabe Humphrey, New Wessex in Sahara. Embroidered sheer, unknown. Iron centerpiece: Orion Iron Art. Medallions: Houseparts. Tassels: Rose Lace & Braid. Bead trim: Cheeptrims.com

For the front window of Studio 54, a fine arts and furniture gallery, the design had to look as spectacular from both inside and out. The goal was to elegantly frame the window display area without obstructing views into the gallery or the featured products.

This design is an adaptation of swag treatment found in one of Jackie Von Tobel’s books and features a self-lined gold faux silk over an embroidered sheer (also self-lined) with clear crystal trim. The same trim is used on the jabots, which also feature ornate tassels in shimmering crystal and gold hung from floral medallions. A wonderfully detailed iron centerpiece anchors the treatment, tying it into the visible window frame.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 67

2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Tina Fontana, Fontana Designs, LLC First Place, Top Treatments Design Concept Tina has already designed and installed two over curved cornices in this client’s home, but this project was a true test of her skills. "The client wanted deep, deep tufting,” she said. “Those covered buttons are set almost three inches deep, which adds another complication when considering final measurements for the returns and the curves of a bay window cornice.”

Although an Internet search turned up plenty of tufted headboards, Tina could find nothing to use as a visual reference or guide, so she started where she always did when faced with a bay window, making a template on site that took into account all necessary measurements, idiosyncrasies, etc. “We used a 1x3 top board on the center window and 1x6 top boards on the side windows with gaps in the corners,” she explained. “This gives more flexibility to curving inward towards the center of the bay. We also need the 1x6 on sides for the returns and panels to have proper clearance underneath.”

Firmaflex was then cut to the correct size for the face of the cornice, with enough allowance for curving it into the corners. The returns, foam and padding were added in the workroom and then the cornice was brought back on site for a fit check. “It took several attempts with the 3” foam attached to ensure the cornice had the curves and depth needed for the tufting and did not protrude outside of the bay window,” she said.

The resulting look is stunning, especially in the brilliant, saturated yellow silk the client chose. The button tufting gives way to lush Austrian-style swags.

Extra-long side panels on either end frame the windows, the overall richness enhanced by deep tassel fringe on the leading edge.

DETAILS

Credits: Designer, Workroom and Photographer: Tina Fontana, Fontana Designs, LLC, Crofton, MD. Installers: Tina Fontana and Euclif Haley, Fontana Designs, LLC. Sources: Fabric: Michaels Textiles, silk in Outstanding Banana. Buttons and lining: Hanes Fabric. Trims: Fabrics for Home. Cornice materials (fiberboard, brackets, foam, shirring tape, etc.: Rowley Company.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON Brandi Renee Day, Brandi Renee Designs Second Place, Curtains & Draperies Design Concept In a beautiful example of creative reuse, Brandi was challenged to somehow incorporate two sets of taupe-colored panels with a diamond pin-tuck pattern into a new design that highlighted the arched ceiling and played up the old-world style of this formal dining room.

“I wanted to make sure the client’s current panel looked as if they were an integral part of the design from the beginning,” explained Brandi. “We used layers of fabrics to achieve a luxurious look—the original panels worked perfectly with a scrumptious silk velvet in vintage brown and a stunning flocked fabric in an irridescent shade of sea glass.”

The classic Empire swags were banded in the velvet and trimmed with a crystal bead and ball trim, a coordinating trim to that used on the velvet panels. Mounted on blocks over the French doors, the raised line of the swags draws the eye to the arched ceiling and disguises the straight lines of the door and window frames.

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DETAILS

Credits: Designer and Workroom: Brandi Renee Day, Brandi Renee Designs, Southlake, TX. Installer: Tony Salazar, Bee and Bee Enterprises, Mesquite, TX. Photographer: Samantha Day, Brandi Renee Designs.

Sources: Silk velvet: Home Secrets. Flocked damask: LA Fred’s. Hardware: Brandi Renee Designs and Home Secrets. Trim: Bellagio, Lining: Kasmir, enhanced satin.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC First Place, Whole Room Integration

DETAILS

Credits: Designer: Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC, Fairfax, VA. Workrooms: Designer Window Works, Fairfax, VA. Sherry Simon, Fabrications, Lorton, VA. Lowell and Gale Davis, Yorktowne Embroidery, York, PA. and others.

Installers: Jeff Lynch and Joseph Bossie, Drapery Installation and Repair, Fairfax, VA. John Tsiaperas, Tsiaperas Installation, Vienna, VA. Photographer: Bob Narod, Herndon, VA Sources: Fabrics: Thibaut Fabrics, Lee Jofa, Robert Allen, Lady Ann Fabrics, Chesapeake Resources, Duralee Fabrics, Maxwell Fabrics, Trend Fabrics, Fabricut Inc., Trims & Hardware: Brimar Inc., TMS Menagerie. Wood blinds: Lafayette Venetian Blind. Additional suppliers: Merrifield Oriental Rug Gallery, Coleman Floor Company, Stenella Antiques and additional suppliers. Historic Waynesborough, Paoli, PA, ancestral home of Anthony Wayne, granted permission to recreate, from a digital image printed on canvas, a portrait of Anthony Wayne.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Design Concept When Linda first saw the Pennsylvania Room at Anderson House, the Beaux Arts building that serves national headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati, a Revolutionary War historical association, she recognized she was facing an immense challenge. “The guest space includes a bedroom, bathroom and desk alcove, but ill-proportioned furnishings made the room appear smaller than it was,” she explained.

“Spectacular high ceilings and grand architectural mouldings were not being used to advantage; one closet lacked closet rods or shelving and from a recent plumbing repair, highly visible pipes ran outside of plaster walls in the desk alcove.” Add to that the facts that the upholstery and carpeting were stained and worn, the lighting was poor and little in room spoke of Pennsylvania’s role in the war.

One of her first acts was to removed all items unrelated to Pennsylvania and instead, using Anderson House museum resources, she selected engravings of William Penn and Benjamin Franklin. A collection portrait of General Butler was too large to fit over the mantel, so a digital image was printed on canvas to an appropriate size and framed, as well as images of Anthony Wayne, John Barry and John Paul Jones. Archivally framed artwork and accessories now illustrate several naval battles, a scene at Valley Forge, and other Pennsylvanian events and landmarks.

While the art was being organized, Linda began addressing the decor, with the window as a stunning focal point. Inspired by Butler’s uniform, her design for the 9-foot window window includes oversize epaulettes on the side panels and a raised swag with large nailheads on gold banding to represent the uniform buttons on his collar. The swag lifts the perceived height of the window to 12 feet, making better use of the vertical space within the room, drawing the eye up to the molding. For the undertreatment, a balloon shade over wood blinds replaced a mini blind and roller shade. The result is a lot of impact and a more proportional design without covering too much of the window itself. At the center of the window treatment is an embroidered Cincinnati seal, a design element also repeated in an accent pillow on the bed. The window treatments, bedding, and alcove wallcovering all share the light blue of the Cincinnati men’s tie and Cincinnati ribbon. Butler’s portrait inspired other design choices, such as the golden tan wall color, taken from the color of his britches, and a tomato red Oriental rug, as well as the Thibaut crewel fabric on the chairs and balloon shade.

Additional renovations and refurbishments include an upholstered bench with fabric embroidered with a Latin quotation from the Cincinnati seal; a new Lincrusta ceiling in the bedroom painted in two colors and the previously useless closet now has shelving and a full length mirror. She also replaced the skirted chairs with occasional chairs in an historic Philadelphia style and added birch logs in the fireplace to add depth to a former black hole. The rooms now represent the appropriate era as well as featuring prominent figures in Philadelphia’s history, while providing a much more welcoming, comfortable and appealing space to visitors.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 73

2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

CONNIE VALENTE, CREATIVE BLINDS & DECOR Second Place, COMBINATION TREATMENTS

Design Concept The client’s initial concern for these master bedroom bay windows was to control the intense sunlight and heat build up, while of course, Connie, as a professional, immediately noted the unusual layout and unequal angles.

Fortunately able to start from scratch, Connie and her client decided on a deep gold as the room’s main color and selected fabrics accordingly. Cord-free cellular shades in a neutral patterned fabric helped control light and heat, and the client loved that they completely disappeared under the valances.

Careful measurements were required to fit the loden green chenille upholstered cornices in the tricky setting, with the largest cornices embellished with a custom wrought iron crown. For the over draperies, Connie designed a scalloped heading that was attached to the cornices on site with nail heads.

The fabric, a colorful gold, green, and red currant stripe, coordinates with the chenille to beautifully pull the room together.

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DETAILS

Credits: Designer & Workroom: Connie Valente, Creative Blinds & Decor, Alpharetta, GA. Installer: John Tingley, Duluth, GA. Photographer: Dave Fox, Alpharetta, GA. Sources: Drapery fabric: Greenhouse Fabrics NS Unique Wholesale. Cellular shades: Graber. Drapery hardware: Amoré Drapery Hardware. Linings and interlinings: Designware. Nailheads: Rowley Co.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON Mary Chambers Manis, Signature Designs Second Place, COMBINATION TREATMENTS Design Concept This beautiful lake home afforded stunning views from most of the windows with the exception of the dining room, which looked over a neighbor’s home. So light control and privacy were the main requirements, but the client wanted to maintain a casually elegant feeling. To do so, Mary addressed the privacy and light issues with inside mounted 3 ½" louvered shutters installed on the lower windows that blend seamlessly with the trim work in the room.

Softening this classic approach, Mary designed 13 ½-foot side panels in warm grey linen fabric detailed with a soft cream damask applique.

These reach up all the way to the beadboard ceiling, with understated hardware that suits the casual elegance of the room.

DETAILS

Credits: Designer: Mary Chambers Manis, Signature Designs, Brookfield, WI. Workroom: Distinctive Windows, Inc., Waukesha, WI. Installer: Jeff Fromstein, Designer Services II, Menomonee Falls, WI. Sources: Shutters: Hunter Douglas New Style Hybrid. Drapery fabric: Schumacher 65100 Belfort Linen. Hardware: Brimar, Nostalgia.

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2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Ellee Nolan Asaro, TRade Mart Interiors Second Place, Soft Shades Design Concept This luxe master bedroom has many grand elements, so Ellee chose to keep the style of the soft shades and draperies simple with a touch of sparkle. The soft gray and crisp white palette, with gleaming highlights of silver and mirrored accents set the selection for the window treatments. The flat Roman shades are in white satin with a blackout lining. “The lining stiffens the fabric, which helps control the fold,” said Ellee. “One of my tricks when using blackout lining is to dab a bit of Wite-Out™ where the rings are sewn, as this helps eliminate light from shining through these tiny pin holes.”

Because two of the windows are elongated eyebrow shapes, the operating mechanism follows through eyehooks on the arch board mount with a cord cleat to hold the shade open. For overtreatments, Ellee designed simple arched Italian string drapery panels in luxurious platinum satin. To integrate the windows with the sparkling highlights of some of the other furnishings, Ellee added rhinestone trim across the width of the shade 6" from the bottom edge. Under the rhinestone trim, she placed a rhinestone closure button as a decorative shade pull while the drapery panels were hung from 1 ¾" mirror chrome poles with crystal finials.

DETAILS

Credits: Designer: Ellee Nolan Asaro, Trade Mart Interiors, Staten Island, NY. Workroom: Lena Fontana, New Horizon, Staten Island, NY. Installers: Bally Hewing, Nick Asaro, Trade Mart Interiors. Photographer: Correy DeWindt, Lilgreen Photography, Hazlet, NJ Sources: Roman shade fabric: RM Coco in Rye/White. Drapery fabric: RM Coco, in Mercury/Smoke. Rhinestone trim: MJ Trim #48409. Rhinestone closure button: MJ Trim T-1843. Decorative hardware: JF Fabrics, JF Evolutions, 1 ¾" mirror chrome poles and crystal finials, rings and brackets.

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“Complete solution for your business�

2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Design Concept The expansive family room in this empty-nester couple’s townhouse presented several challenges to Lisa. “Without any furnishings, the large area of gold-toned wood floors gave the feel of a large dance hall,” said Lisa, “not necessarily a space for lounging and watching TV.” In addition, the two-story bank of windows looked out onto a ,parking lot and caused glare on TV screens and reading devices. Finally, the stylish iron stair rail, while striking, could overpower the room if not integrated into the design. And Lisa, having worked with these clients before, knew there were many wonderful pieces of art that could be incorporated into the space.

Lisa Landry, Decorating Den Interiors Second Place, Whole Room Integration

DETAILS

So, she started from the ground up, devising a floor plan based around an extra-large tone-on-tone animal print rug to define the furniture zone. A large crimson-colored sectional filled in a good chunk of the space, and included a comfortable, built-in chaise for TV viewing. The addition of a black leather recliner along with a zebra-patterned swivel chair, helped round out the seating options.

To camouflage the view and control the glare, sheer ebony draw draperies were hung under a small-scale valance. The trellis pattern of the valance fabric references the stair rail, and the repetition of ebony and ivory throughout the room helps brings the various elements together. Lisa finished the space with a variety of tables, including a striking console in a “weathered-pier” finish, with room for many of the collectibles and pieces of art the couple acquired on their travels.

Credits: Designer: Lisa Landry, Decorating Den Interiors, Arlington, TX. Workroom: BerBon Street Workroom, Grand Prairie, TX. Installer: Lamar Griggs, Argyle, TX. Photographer: Edie Ellison, Accent Photography, Greenville, SC , Sources: Sheer fabric: Trend, 02299in onyx. Valance fabric: Kasmir, Padonia Trellis in Domino. Hardare: United Supply traversing rod 3029-25.

Sectional: Taylor King K56-10, 11, 25 in Debut Raja. Swivel chairs: Younger 1020 in Fabricut Skinner Zebra. Nesting table: Steinworld 80947. Rug: Surya Modern Classics Can 1938

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WFCP WORKROOM CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTOR ANGELA MCAREE Project Manager, Drapes and Rods, Jimmy Lewis Interiors

Angela started her love of sewing while working at Hancock Fabrics during high school in the 1970s. It was 25 years and hundreds of yards of fabric later that she first heard of WFCP. Angela joined WFCP as an associate in 2002 and completed her Expert Certification in December 2013. She will tell anyone that asks that WFCP took her from being “someone that I know that can make draperies” to a professional. Over the years she has attended many of the IWCE Vision shows and regional conferences and is now looking forward to sharing her Upcoming webinars (all times listed shown in CST) skills with others in her class, “Drapery Workroom APRIL • 2 Making Pleats with Buckram with Monique Becker- 10am Tech—Formulas A-Z,” on June 4. Her webinar • 2 Fast Track for Beginners with Jill Ragan Scully (class 5/6)- 1pm is one of several new additions to Workroom • 9 Fast Track for Beginners with Jill Ragan Scully (class 6/6)- 1pm Wednesdays from WFCP. • 16 The Layered Valance with Terri Horton- 10am •

Find out more at wf-vision.com/webinars

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Drapery Workroom Tech- Formulas A-Z with Angela McAree- 10am History of Window Treatments Part 2 with Judy Soccio- 10am Converting Nursery Bedding into Big Kid Bedding with Elizabeth Gerdes (part 4/4)- 10am

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WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APR 14 | 81

2014 ENVISION DESIGN COMPETITON

Michelle Pabarcius, Design Solutions Second Place, Whole Room Integration Design Concept This bedroom was designed to be an escape from hectic city life where the inhabitants could feel connected to nature; a room that would simultaneously respect the past of the 170-year-old home, while moving it into the future. The window treatment allows natural light to bathe the room while still providing views of a treasured feature of this city home; its lush garden surrounded by mature trees.

This effect was created by layering monochromatic colors with texture, such as adding adding narrow, rounded strips of wood to the plastered walls, each enhanced by antique metal studs placed where the wood detail meets the cornice. These studs are also used as the curtain hardware, at the same spacing as the surrounding walls, integrating the interior architecture with the curtain fashion. A delicate chain gracefully loops down from the studs and secures the curtains. The ethereal curtain design, created out of generous amounts of cotton voile, provides a softly fluid juxtaposition to the metal tiebacks and bold metal light fixtures.

The dark, rich green of the bedspread, a color chosen to harmonize with the outside trees, grounds the room. A tonal embroidery pattern in green suede on the center bed pillow is picked up in off-white for a bolder statement on the novasuede throw with handcut fringe, which is placed at the foot of the bed. This in turn echoes the metal grill pattern in the radiator covers. The embroidery design is used again and expanded upon on the unique etched metal headboard. The use of metal is a reoccurring theme that reinforces the small antique metal studs used as the curtain hardware.The end result is a cohesive, harmonious room, created through custom designed elements.

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DETAILS

Credits: Designer: Michelle Pabarcius, Design Solutions, London, UK. Workroom and Installer: Croft Design, London, UK. Photographer: Luke White, Luke White Photography, London, UK and Christina Franco, London UK. Sources: Curtain fabric: Cotton voile in off-white. Blinds: Luxaflex, blackout blinds in Oatmeal. Hardware: Turnstyle Design Ltd, curtain holdbacks, Champagne Cab Knob.

Curtain chains, Tohoshogi New York Inc. Ornamental Trimmings. Bedding: Wool in forest green. Bedspread and throw border: Mary Fox Linton, Novasuede in Cream. Hand embroidery by Victoria Bain Embroidered Textiles.

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All of our hardware is individually handmade and finished exactly to your specifications. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Select from our Classic Collection and order with confidence.

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WOODMART Exterior Shutters by WoodMart. Made from Incense Cedar. Available in a quick ship standard design with three louver options and/ or raised panels. We also manufacture custom exterior shutters with a variety of louver sizes, board and batten or Bahama Style.

Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.

HT HT proudly proudly introduces introduces FIRE FIRERETARDANT RETARDANT CELLULAR CELLULAR SHADE SHADE FABRICS. FABRICS.FR FRfabrics fabrics SUREWIN is is newest newest addition addition to to our our broad broadselection selectionofof cellular cellular shade shade material. material. FR FRrated ratedfabrics fabrics passed NFPA 701 Building Providing quality at competitive pricing from our Florida passed latest latest NFPAproducts 701 standard. standard.

Building on our “everything cellular...” concept, HT warehouse.

Custom sourcing available. on our “everything cellular...” concept, HT Plastic bead chain in rolls (nuis merous colors, conis aa leading leading alternative alternative supplier supplierfor forall allcellular cellular shade tinuous chain cordshade need. need.

loops (in all lengths) and metal bead chain.

Stop balls, connectors, safety devices, C-Clips, alligator clips, tassels, lift cord, vertical components, cord locks, and the easyto-fabricate low profile Sure Lift Roman Headrail System for shades up to 50 lbs. Contact: surewin@optonline. net, tel: 203/655-1102, fax: 203/655-8571.

Please Please contact contact us us for for detail detailinformation. information.

Call (800) 879-9512, fax Call (800) 879-9512, fax (626) (626)839-8861 839-8861oror visit visit our our website website www.htwfonline.com. www.htwfonline.com.

Take Take another another look look at at value. value.

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WOODMART WoodMart is a fully integrated manufacturer—from rough milling through finishing and packaging. Louver sizes range from 1" to 5". Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.

What’s IS IT SPRING YET? The May/June issue of Vision will feature more highlights for the IWCE: Vision’14 show floor, including The Construction Zone, as well as the winning treatments in the Ingenuity Workroom Competition, plus a look at new fabric and wallcovering introductions from the late winter shows. Shown here is Fumiko (drapery) and Bella (cushion) from BlueBellGray’s Blossom collection.

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