Archive for '2012'
So You Want to Write a Book
December 12, 2012 11:41 AM by Kathryn Greeley
It's not easy – but it's definitely worth it. Fasten your designer seat belt for a joyous, stressful, tiring, and rewarding ride.
Q&A: An Interview with Jeff Andrews, Designer to the Stars
December 11, 2012 1:17 PM by Robin Callan
How he broke into celebrity designing, the secret to monochromatic rooms that pop, and what he's working on next.
Inside Our Studios: Rejuvenation Lights Up a New Line of Mid-Century Table Lamps
December 10, 2012 3:01 PM by Designer Marketplace
Traditionally known for its historically accurate, American-made hard-wired lighting, Rejuvenation recently introduced two collections of table and floor lamps based on iconic designs.
11 Art Smart Tips for Your Interior Design Clients
November 29, 2012 4:37 PM by Jay Johnson
There are ways to finesse your clients to purchase works of art. Here are a few helpful Do's and Don'ts.
Designer Spotlight: Candace Cavanaugh
November 21, 2012 12:01 PM by Designer Marketplace
San Francisco designer Candace Cavanaugh has a particular affinity for modern art. Both in her design work and volunteer endeavors for SFMOMA she finds inspiration in the lives and work of modern artists.
How to Turn a Client's Vague Ideas into Real Designs
November 21, 2012 11:05 AM by Linda Merrill
Winning strategies for getting to great results – even when your clients aren't so good at telling you what they mean.
Pinterest for Designers
November 21, 2012 10:17 AM by Melissa Michaels
Pinterest is a great way to share and find ideas for everything from decorating to party planning to recipes and more.
Paint - Probably Your Most Important Decorating Decision
November 16, 2012 12:18 PM by Leta Austin Foster
Design TV vs. Reality
November 14, 2012 7:53 PM by Linda Merrill
This Old House, Design Divine, Design on a Dime...if your clients' only experience with remodels and design is TV, they're going to have some misperceptions about how it works – and how much it really costs.
7 Little Dirty Words You Should Never Say to a Client
November 6, 2012 10:49 AM by Jay Johnson
"Think before you speak" is good advice for anyone in business—especially if a "dirty word" is on the tip of your tongue!
Are You Ready for an Impressive Installation?
November 1, 2012 4:47 PM by Wanda Horton
A checklist can help you prepare for the holiday rush - and ensure everyone's happy with the final results.
Inside Our Studios: Pottery Barn Boldly Embraces Black & White
October 31, 2012 4:49 PM by Designer Marketplace
Nothing beats the crisp contrast of black and white. Pottery Barn embraces this classic combo in fall offerings that anticipate the stark patterns of leafless trees against a wintry sky or snow falling on a moonless night.
DM on Location: Designer Picks for Fall from west elm
October 25, 2012 12:00 AM by Designer Marketplace
Join Alma Squyres for our next installment of DM on Location at west elm Santa Monica. Alma highlights a few of her favorite new products from the Fall west elm collections. Be sure to join our YouTube channel for more exciting videos!
Join us in Chicago with Celebrity Designer Nathan Turner
October 22, 2012 11:43 AM by Designer Marketplace
Pottery Barn with Mario Buatta, Milly de Cabrol, Chiara de Rege, and Celerie Kemble invite you to meet with celebrity designer Nathan Turner at our Pottery Barn store in Chicago, IL!
Best-selling Author Elizabeth Gilbert and Her Husband Jose Nunes on Decorating with Asian Accents
October 22, 2012 10:48 AM by Jay Johnson
A visit to the author of Eat, Pray, Love and her partner's picturesque Asian antiques and accessories business.
Join us in Los Angeles with Celebrity Designer Nathan Turner
October 15, 2012 11:54 AM by Designer Marketplace
Pottery Barn with Mario Buatta, Milly de Cabrol, Chiara de Rege, and Celerie Kemble invite you to meet with celebrity designer Nathan Turner at our Pottery Barn store in Los Angeles, CA!
Inside Our Studios: Antique Lighting at Rejuvenation
October 11, 2012 5:46 PM by Designer Marketplace
Rejuvenation is America's largest manufacturer and leading direct marketer of authentic reproduction lighting and house parts. It's also a terrific source for salvaged antique lighting. Nigel Barnes, Manager of the Salvage and Antique Lighting Division, casts some light on what's new in antique lighting.
Join us in Walnut Creek with Celebrity Designer Nathan Turner
October 10, 2012 4:53 PM by Designer Marketplace
Pottery Barn with Mario Buatta, Milly de Cabrol, Chiara de Rege, and Celerie Kemble invite you to meet with celebrity designer Nathan Turner at our Pottery Barn store in Walnut Creek, CA!
Designs Inspired by Movie and TV Sets - and How They Can Go Wrong
October 10, 2012 1:39 PM by Linda Merrill
Inside Our Studios: The New Parsons Collection
October 4, 2012 5:10 PM by Designer Marketplace
Several new finishes enhance west elm’s iconic Parsons collection. Read more to find out about west elm's modern interpretation of this classic piece.
Join us in New York with Celebrity Designer Nathan Turner
October 4, 2012 2:24 PM by Designer Marketplace
Pottery Barn with Mario Buatta, Milly de Cabrol, Chiara de Rege, and Celerie Kemble invite you to meet with celebrity designer Nathan Turner at our Pottery Barn store in New York City!
Improvements to Designer Marketplace
October 1, 2012 3:59 PM by Designer MarketplaceWe've been working diligently behind the scenes here at Designer Marketplace to ensure that our readers and members find value in our trade portal as a resource to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices, new products, and exclusive content. We have made a few small changes to our website so readers can have a better, more robust web experience.
Is It Time to Adjust Your Design Fees?
September 29, 2012 11:32 AM by Erika Hollinshead Ward
Raising prices in a recession might seem counterintuitive, but it can make sense. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself when evaluating what you charge for your design services.
In the Kitchen with Jamie Drake
September 28, 2012 12:08 PM by Designer Marketplace
New York-based designer Jamie Drake is responsible for some of this country's most glamorous spaces. Renowned for his exuberant knack for color, his rooms range from subtle and textured to spaces saturated entirely in a single hue. He believes decor expresses one's personality and place, and for him, the kitchen is no exception.
Where to Splurge and Where to Save
September 26, 2012 6:05 PM by Tobi Fairley
Custom Designing for Your Clients in the "New Economy": 5 places to get the look for less, and 5 places you should never compromise.
DM on Location: Designer Picks for Fall from Pottery Barn
September 17, 2012 5:02 PM by Designer Marketplace
Join Alma Squyres for our first installment of DM on Location at Pottery Barn Santa Monica. Alma highlights a few of her favorite new products from the Fall Pottery Barn collections. Be sure to join our YouTube channel for more exciting videos!
In the Kitchen With Designer Bunny Williams + A Giveaway!
September 17, 2012 12:58 PM by Designer Marketplace
An icon of American style, designer Bunny Williams chatted with our Cultivate team about her kitchen design process, where she likes to make a big statement and what her own kitchen says about her life.
Read more for details on how to be entered for a chance to win one of her latest purchases from Williams-Sonoma!
The 4-3-2 Plan: How to Stretch Your Design Dollars
September 12, 2012 6:55 PM by Linda Merrill
These days, we're all concerned with making project budgets go further. Here's a formula for knowing where to save—and when to spend.
10 Ways to Give Every Design Project a One-Of-A-Kind Look
September 5, 2012 2:30 PM by Tobi Fairley
Whatever your budget for a project, it's vital to give it a level of customization that reflects your client's style perfectly. You can do it by cleverly combining custom-made and off-the-shelf items.
Designer Spotlight: Jon Call of Mr Call Designs
August 29, 2012 2:23 PM by Designer Marketplace
Jon Call knows a thing or two about luxurious interiors. After training as an architect in Seattle, he moved to New York and worked for Diamond Barrata—"my finishing school," he says—on a number of top-drawer projects. Eventually, he struck out on his own, founding the design firm Mr Call Designs, where he adds elements of luxury to every design, no matter the budget.
Are Antique Pieces a Good Investment for Your Clients?
August 23, 2012 12:27 PM by Jay Johnson
Antiques are now plentiful and easy to find – and resell. Some thoughts on how they can fit into your clients' design strategy.
Inside Our Studios: Stories from Sutter Street
August 21, 2012 4:48 PM by Designer Marketplace
Go behind the scenes at the west elm Sutter Street workshop to see how America's finest craftspeople construct and build furniture much like how it was done 100 years ago - by hand, with care.
Trends - How Do They Impact Your Interiors Business?
August 16, 2012 7:46 PM by Wanda S. Horton
It seems the world leans forward every time whispers of new home fashion trends are revealed.
10 Clever Ways to Add Color with Paint
August 1, 2012 5:26 PM by Tobi Fairley
From ceilings to floors and all the details in between, there's almost nothing in a room that can't easily be made more exciting with a glorious hue.
Professionally Speaking: Interview with Sheilah MacSporran, CEO of Olioboard
July 24, 2012 4:32 PM by Designer Marketplace
In the fast-growing area of e-design, Olioboard is one of the most appealing—and addictive—tools available to the design community. Hear how Olioboard's CEO, Sheilah MacSporran developed this exciting tool to create and share design inspiration.
4 Lessons from the 'Design for the Masses' Movement
July 20, 2012 1:21 PM by Jay Johnson
Irwin and I want to share a few lessons we've learned from this "Design for the Masses" movement, lessons that will help us all improve our interior design practices.
Inside Our Studios: west elm - South Africa Collection
July 16, 2012 3:37 PM by Designer Marketplace
A look into west elm's recent collaboration with 16 different South African designers and artisans and their newest collection of products.
Avoiding Awkward Requests for Free Design Advice
July 11, 2012 11:08 AM by Tobi Fairley
How should you reply when someone at a party asks for your design ideas? With style and grace, always. Here are five surefire ways to do that.
What to Consider When You've Landed a Showcase Home or Event
July 6, 2012 2:38 PM by Wanda S. Horton
When to Call In a Specialist
June 29, 2012 4:45 PM by Leta Austin Foster
The talents and skills of other specialists can be exactly what you need to make it happen.
Welcome Rejuvenation!
June 27, 2012 12:00 AM by Designer Marketplace
We are excited to announce that members of Designer Marketplace are now able to receive a 10% discount at Rejuvenation!
Avoid the Summer Bummer: Easy Updates for Wintry Homes
June 27, 2012 5:15 PM by Jay Johnson
Help clients transition their interiors when the temperature climbs—and create a seasonal-makeover design service that will add to your firm’s bottom line all year round.
Q&A: Interview with David Bromstad
June 11, 2012 2:18 PM by Robin Callan
HGTV really knocked it out of the park when they selected David Bromstad as their first Design Star. Six years later, he's juggling multiple shows on the network, doing appearances all over the country, and branching out into product lines.
Avoiding the Trend Check List
June 8, 2012 9:41 AM by Linda Merrill
As designers, it's our job to bring something unique and space-appropriate to client's homes.
Working with Grays: 5 Rules of Thumb
June 1, 2012 2:08 PM by Maria Killam
Recently, I read an article that suggested gray was only the hot colour-of-the-moment for 2012. Not true, trends last a minimum of 10 years. Brown arrived on the scene in the West Coast in 2002 and gray its cooler sister came to stay in 2009/2010.
How Interior Designers Can Work with Feng Shui Specialists
May 23, 2012 10:30 AM by Jay Johnson
The ancient Chinese art of placement can be a nice complement to interior design's pursuit of beauty, function, comfort, and style.
High Point Market Spring 2012: Fresh Pops of Color Abound
May 15, 2012 12:44 PM by Tobi Fairley
Highlights from this year's High Point Market – and what it says about design trends in the year ahead.
Designer Spotlight: Tobi Fairley
May 7, 2012 1:03 PM by Designer Marketplace
Designer Tobi Fairley is known for her bold, colorful interiors that mix large-scale prints with classic furnishings. But she's also a gifted teacher who views educating clients and colleagues as a mission.
How Well Do You Handle Crisis Management in the Design Process?
May 2, 2012 3:55 PM by Linda Merrill
From major meltdowns to small mishaps - how you deal with oops! moments in the design process can make all the difference.
Exclusive Trade Event with Walker Zanger
May 2, 2012 3:25 PM by Designer Marketplace
Earlier in April, we joined Kim Bernard, Walker Zanger's Executive Director of Facilities and Showroom Design for a private tour of their DCOTA Showroom in Dania Beach, Florida and discovered the secrets to their trendsetting products.
A Sneak Peek to the 2012 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
April 27, 2012 3:26 PM by Designer Marketplace
The West Coast’s premier showcase is a feast for the eyes. Designer Marketplace has a sneak peek to what's in store for 2012.
Myles of Style: Talking Design with HGTV Star Kim Myles
April 24, 2012 5:15 PM by Robin Callan
The talented and down-to-earth designer dishes on DIY, decor – and what it's like to be recognized by Queen Latifah.
How to Make Clients' Homes Fit the Needs of Their Family
April 19, 2012 11:22 AM by Dana Wolter
A few simple questions can make every room in the house as efficient - and comfortable - as possible.
The High Point of Trade Shows
April 17, 2012 2:34 PM by Wanda Horton
There's nothing like the experience of a major industry exhibition. Here are some of the design industry's finest shows.
Off-the-Shelf or Off-the-Design Board? Making the Right Interior Choices
April 11, 2012 4:07 PM by Wanda Horton
Rules of thumb for when to go with stock items, custom designs – or a happy marriage of both.
How to Get Noticed Online – Without Starting a Blog
April 5, 2012 1:23 PM by Melissa Michaels
Some tried and true ways to get your designs some exposure - without having to be a writer or a social media expert.
Q&A: An Interview with Design Star's Matt Locke
April 3, 2012 2:31 PM by Robin Callan
He's the kind of designer who can take mundane elements like kitchen soffits and turn them into something worth coveting.
Designer Etiquette: What Do You Do When You Finish a Job?
March 29, 2012 4:22 PM by Erika Ward
When the design project is done, take the next steps to ensure you have a happy customer for life.
Repeat Business: The Right Way and Wrong Way to Follow Up With Clients
March 27, 2012 12:11 PM by Linda Merrill
Throughout the lifecycle of a designer/client relationship there are many touch-points. Doing it the right way will propel the relationship forward. Missed opportunities or over-saturation can and will drag things to a halt. The trick is understanding the difference.
7 Interior Designer Secrets to Successful Accessorizing
March 20, 2012 6:45 PM by Jay Johnson
Bradley Thiergartner Hampton Showhouse Bedroom, featuring accessories for a well-traveled bachelor.My partner Irwin and I always talk about a client's "endurance" when it comes to the lengths they'll go to see their design project reach completion. Will the architectural phase – the often lengthy and expensive process of getting the bones right for each room – be too exhausting? Will they properly decorate a room, or will they only have enough energy and funds to cover the bare necessities?
6 Tips Designers Should Know About Personal Appearance
March 9, 2012 11:57 AM by Jay Johnson
Free advice from an image consultant about what interior designers should know about the way they dress.
Inside Our Studios- Morocco Discovered
March 8, 2012 5:45 PM by Designer Marketplace
Morocco has always been a place of mysterious delights, but it seems especially appealing to today's modern explorer. Even if your clients prefer to watch Casablanca from the comfort of their own homes, infuse their interiors with intriguing treasures found in the famous souks of Marrakech by west elm’s intrepid buyers and designers.
Top 5 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Service Providers
March 1, 2012 5:44 PM by Wanda Horton
Don't let a great project be torpedoed by a bad experience with a third party provider. Here are some questions for selecting and maintaining a quality team.
Should You Build Your Own Design Website or Hire a Pro?
February 24, 2012 11:38 AM by Linda Merrill
Just because you know design doesn't mean you should design your own Web site. Know the tradeoffs and benefits of each approach.
13 Books to Add to Your Interior Design Library
February 22, 2012 6:43 PM by Jay Johnson
Great sources for design inspiration that all designers should have on their bookshelves.
How to Make a Lasting Impression with Your Design Business
February 22, 2012 2:07 PM by Wanda Horton
For many projects, you'll need to rely on third-party service providers. Here's how to keep the quality high - and give your clients a level of service they'll remember – when you bring outside vendors into the mix.
Are Designers Too Competitive to Work Together?
February 22, 2012 2:01 PM by Linda Merrill
Even designers in the same highly competitive market can benefit from trading advice, support, and hard-won experiences.
10 Questions to Ask Your Design Clients
February 22, 2012 12:52 PM by Tobi Fairley
Take the guesswork out of understanding what your clients really want and expect from a project – ask these questions first.
In Defense of the Interior Design Industry
February 22, 2012 12:35 PM by Jay Johnson
Many new interior designers struggle to explain (or defend) what they do in front of potential clients. Here's how to respond with guts and courage!
Rainy Day Finance Tips for Self-Employed Designers
February 17, 2012 11:11 AM by Robin Callan
Is your business safe if something happens to you? Beyond the typical life insurance policy, here are some things you can do to protect the best interests of your family and your business.
