Shade Recall Webinar

Are you confused about which corded products you should be selling?
Do you wonder whether or not you should be contacting clients about retrofitting their existing shades?
Perhaps you think you’re not affected by the pending new standards for corded products?

If you have these and other questions about the recent recall and how it will impact you, please read on:
As you may already know, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently ordered a massive recall of corded shades. The Window Covering Safety Council has also announced a voluntary corrective action plan (VCAP) and continues to work with the CPSC on calling for consumers to replace or retrofit their existing corded products while developing new, more stringent standards. This Recall is a crucial issue facing our industry. It is not a “scam” and it will not simply “go away.” You owe it to yourself to be aware of the issue as it unfolds.
The Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), Window Fashion Certified Professionals™ (WFCP) and Custom Home Furnishings Academy (CHF) understand the impact that this will have on our members and industry stakeholders. As premier organizations in the window covering industry, we believe that open communication and timely information is vital. To that end, we will be hosting an informational webinar to make sure all industry professionals have access to the standards as soon as they are released.
We are anticipating the announcement of the new standards in the next several weeks and dates and times will be scheduled as soon as we have a hard release date. We expect a high level of interest from our industry, so we will be offering multiple seatings of the webinars for your convenience. Watch your inbox for days, times and how to register.
What’s the SAFETY RECALL webinar series all about?
We’ll be offering a two part series designed to give you the full story and real answers to the CPSC shade recall and pending standards.

Part 1- Jenna Abbott, Executive Director of WCAA will moderate a panel discussion with representatives from the WCSC and industry experts. We will ask the burning questions surrounding the recall, clearing up confusion and discussing the new standards. This session will be focused on and geared towards the custom shade fabricator and seller. We will follow the discussion with a Q and A session where attendees will be able to ask questions that may not have been answered during the panel discussion.

Part 2- CHF, WFCP and industry pros will discuss the details involved in administering, implementing and complying with the new CPSC standards. We will tackle questions such as what techniques meet the new standards and what has to change in the way we fabricate, etc.
We can’t stress the importance of this issue enough - please forward this on to friends and colleagues in the industry. THESE NOT TO BE MISSED SESSIONS are where you can get real answers and the full story.
Thank You,
Jenna Abbott
Executive Director, Window Coverings Association of America

Deb Barrett
Window Fashion Certified Professionals™

Jeanelle DechDirector/CEO
CHF Academy, LLC

Questions? Contact WCAA at info@wcaa.org or WFCP at deb@gracemcnamarainc.com or CHF at jeanelle@chfschool.com.

Heimtextil Preview- Durable Values Inspire 2010/11 Trends

The trend theme for the January 2010 edition of Heimtextil is Uni(re)verse. The 10-person trend team took into account the intensity and uncertainty facing us—from obscure financial formulas to obvious ecological issues, from globalization’s pros and cons to the ups and downs of capitalism. So many critical issues demand our attention and force us to redefine what it means to be a producer, a consumer, a developer, a user, and of course, a designer.
Faced with all this confusion, our biggest challenge is to continually develop our creativity, to explore all cultures and all avenues for information. Most importantly perhaps is to learn the lessons of nature: responsible innovation, respect for diversity and an indomitable optimism.
It’s here that we can find the universal values that will help direct us out of the maze of confusion we find ourselves in. Nature’s lessons—time-tested and easily observed—offer gentleness, energy, refinement, elegance and simplicity, universal values to shape the outlines of new lifestyles, simultaneously optimistic and respectful.

REFINED ROOTS: Nature presented with modern, refined aesthetics.
LESSTRAVAGANCE: Between strict minimalism and over-the-top ostentation is a new take on EcoLuxury.
INFINITE TIME: Responsible design—for humans and the environment—over the lifetime of a product. The need for simplicity and the strong demand for quality come together in a responsible approach, where timeless authenticity is captured in a range of earthy colors; these themes connect elegance, ease and character.

INTIMATE BUBBLE: Breaking away—within the safety of closed spaces—to experience our desires of the moment.
IRRESISTIBLE STAGING: Playing with traditional references to confirm our individual personalities; a modern form of theatrical seduction.
DIGITAL CLASSICS: Virtual worlds increasingly offer new possibilities to create an imaginary existence. By mingling modern technology and decorative classicism, we achieve a dramatic exaggeration demonstrated in a theatrical range of opulent colors.

IMPULSIVE CREATIVITY: The beauty of everyday gestures and the energy of spontaneous creation.
GRAPHIC FASCINATION: Understandable, high-impact communication across all global markets.
MAGIC SIMPLICITY: Reinventing rituals and rediscovering enchantment. Instead of austere functionality, the mood is one of creative invention. Modular constructions, reworked geometrics and color-blocking are explored in pigments reminiscent of the 1980’s.

BENEFICIAL INNOVATION: Creating the time and space to allow nature to nurture.
ORGANO’TECH: Reducing daily complexities to enhance global well-being.
LAYERING REALITY: Integrating emotional added-value through technology, blending poetry and science. Natural inspiration for “soft” technologies that improve health and wellness; a range of fresh colors—from washed blues to smoky darks—provides multiple solutions from the most basic to the most complex.

What are The Worst Window Fashion Mistakes?

We bet you have seen your share of window design projects in your time, and we know some make you shake your head with a range of emotions from exasperation to sheer pity. How many times have you asked, " What were they thinking?" What are your “pet peeves,” those things you despise most about today’s window fashion scene? What have you seen that makes you cringe? What is your biggest no-no?
Post your story -upload pics if you have them- in the comments section. We’ll be posting some of them in next month’s WFCP newsletter.


We'll get you started with this decorative hardware mounting mistake. I wish I could grab the rod and push it up a couple more inches. Comments?

FutureVision 2020 Offers Unique Insight

Design Professionals From Across the U.S. to Reporton Current Conditions and Future Expectations

NEW YORK—December 17, 2009—FutureVision 2020, an overview of the current state of the U.S. design market along with insights into the social and cultural current that will impact consumers’ motivations, values and lifestyles over the next 10 years, will be a featured event at IMM Cologne. FutureVision consists of a group of interior design professionals representing major U.S. markets including New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. In addition to the presentation, which will take place on January 20 at 11:30 pm at the Stage Area in Hall 3.2, the FutureVision designers will be meeting with European vendors to research new products for the U.S. market and develop business relationships.

FutureVision debuted to overwhelmingly positive reviews at the 2009 NeoCon trade show in Chicago, North America’s largest contract furniture market. That presentation examined how the combined volatility of uncertain economic conditions and dramatic changes within the design industry are working to reshape the role of the design professional in the U.S. The members of the FutureVision panel will report from the front lines of this rapidly changing industry.

“The market for design in the U.S. achieved tremendous growth in the last decade or so, but the design consumer is changing, the interior design business model is changing, and there are critical shifts in long-term consumer values and behaviors,” said Susan Schultz, a co-developer of the FutureVision 2020. “Given the different demands and requirements based on distinct regional differences; it all adds up to a highly complex market.”

The designers in the FutureVision group offer European press the opportunity to gain valuable insight to the latest trends in the U.S. interior design market. To arrange individual or group interviews, receive complete bios, headshots, and contact information for the individual designers, please contact Ms. Schultz at susan@spacedowntown.com by January 17. To attend the FutureVision presentation, please RSVP by January 18 to susan@spacedowntown.com.


FutureVision Group Overview

Deb Barrett, FutureVision Co-Developer
As an award-winning designer based out of the Chicago area, Deb Barrett has built a reputation for cutting edge couture treatments and soft furnishings; and is an accomplished speaker, editor and author. Barrett regularly speaks at design industry events on a variety of design, business and trend topics. Barrett has attended and reported on the European design fairs for a decade, developing trend and product reports for design industry clients. Her fascination with what’s around the corner and the constant search for inspiration has led her to her current roles as consultant, speaker and design blogger

Susan Schultz, FutureVision Co-Developer
With a background in design communication, marketing and product development, Susan Schultz looks a big-picture design industry changes with a view as to how companies can best adapt and succeed in a rapidly evolving market. A highly respected speaker at design industry events, Schultz has been covering the European design markets for over a decade, reporting on product and material trends, business opportunities and new design directions. Based in New York City, she originated the first-ever NYC off-site design event to run along with ICFF.

Jackie Von Tobel is an interior designer, illustrator, author and product designer with almost 20 years of experience in turnkey residential and interior design. Based out of Las Vegas, she has authored and illustrated three design encyclopedias for Gibbs Smith and has recently created a line of eco-friendly fabrics available through her website, Jackie Von Tobel

Beth Hodges owns and operates a custom workroom in the Atlanta area that provides wholesale drapery, soft furnishings and upholstery services to design professionals. With over 20 years of experience as a business owner, Hodges is also the immediate past president of the Window Coverings Association of America, an organization with over 30 chapters across the U.S., having served in that role for two consecutive terms. Hodges is also an experienced instructor and seminar leader.

Susan Sifakis established her custom workroom in the Boston area in 1996 to provides wholesale drapery, soft furnishings and upholstery services to design professionals. Throughout her career she has pursued educational and business development opportunities, to improve both her own business and the status of the design industry. She currently serves on the Drapery & Design Professional Advisory Board and as a WCAA Industry Education Guidelines committee.

Sharon Woodward is an interior design consultant based in Scottsdale who works with a national client base. In her 15+ years in the design business she has adapted to changing clientele and locations, having moved her successful business from the Chicago area in 2003. She has since served as WCAA chapter president in the Scottsdale region and is the 2010 IFDA Arizona chapter president-elect.


About FutureVision:
Developed by Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz, two interior design professionals who share a passion for market intelligence, trend development and new business directions, FutureVision is a platform for leading designers and other industry figures to share their insights and experiences with other design professionals through market research, business development consultations, training sessions, workshops and unique opportunities. More information can be found at www.designbusinessRx.com.

Somfy is Looking for Your Best Work

The Trendspot team just got a call from Somfy and asked us to help them find some fabulous photos for an upcoming marketing campaign. Check out their call for photos below:

Somfy is looking for your best photos of soft shading products! Send us room photos featuring Roman shades, Austrian shades, Balloon shades and draperies. If your photo is selected you'll receive credit on the photo for photography and fabrication and also receive a $100 American Express gift card. Please send entries to ipmarketing@somfy.com and cc: shannonl@gracemcnamarainc.com by December 21st for consideration.

Good Luck! We know there is some amazing work out there. Strut your stuff!

Pantone Announces Color of the Year for 2010

Pantone LLC ,the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the color of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”
Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men.

Tinsley from Jet Set Next

Taylor from Dramatical

Trendspot saw this coming and showed Turquoise in several tints and shades in our 2009-2010 Trend Color Palettes. Most notably in Dramatical and Jet Set Next.

The TrendSpot: Win a Trip to Paris

The TrendSpot: Win a Trip to Paris