Shoppe Object: A Curated Oasis for Design Innovators

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Shoppe Object New York is a carefully curated marketplace that celebrates innovation and exceptional design. Positioned as a refreshing alternative to the traditional trade show format, this biannual event returns to New York City from August 4-6, 2024, at Pier 36 and the stunning Skylight at Essex Crossing, creating an even more immersive, expanded experience for attendees.

What sets Shoppe Object apart is its commitment to quality and originality. You won’t find mass-produced items here. Instead, expect to discover unique pieces that will elevate your clients’ spaces. And with the added convenience of Shoppe Online, a 24/7 digital marketplace, you can continue your sourcing journey beyond the show floor.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, building relationships with new brands, or discovering the latest trends, Shoppe Object is a must-attend event for interior designers. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded professionals and source exceptional products.

Key highlights:

Curated selection of innovative home and gift products

Expanded show floor at Pier 36 and Skylight at Essex Crossing

Convenient shuttle service between venues

Shoppe Online: a digital marketplace for year-round shopping

What to Expect at Shoppe Object 2024

This year’s Shoppe Object is poised to set new standards in the design industry. Expect to see a strong emphasis on sustainability, with many exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly materials and production processes. Additionally, biophilic design is a major trend, so look for pieces that incorporate natural elements and bring the outdoors in.

Another highlight will be the focus on artisan craftsmanship. Many exhibitors will be showcasing handmade goods that reflect a strong sense of place and cultural heritage. And for those seeking a touch of luxury, there will be no shortage of opulent and sophisticated offerings.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover emerging talent at the New Designers Pavilion. This dedicated space will showcase up-and-coming makers who are pushing the boundaries of design.

To learn more and register for online or in-person access, visit the Shoppe Object website.

Away on Vacay? Tips to Keep Your Interior Design Business Running Smoothly While OOO

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Melissa Diehl

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Taking a break is essential for any entrepreneur, but for busy interior designers, the thought of leaving the studio unattended can be nerve-wracking. Here are some key tips to ensure a stress-free vacation and a smoothly running business while you’re away:

Communication is Key

Before your getaway, thoroughly brief clients about project timelines, potential delays, and who to contact for urgent matters during your absence.

Delegate tasks clearly and empower a team member to manage projects while you’re gone. Establish clear communication channels to avoid unnecessary interruptions during your break.

Technology to the Rescue

Utilize project management software to collaborate remotely, track progress, and stay connected with your team – no matter the location.

Schedule automatic email responses, pre-plan social media posts, and set up newsletters to maintain a consistent online presence even while you’re unplugged.

Plan for the Unexpected

Establish a clear plan for unexpected situations. Share phone numbers and designate points of contact within the team who can address urgent issues while you’re away.

Ensure all bills, payroll, and other financial obligations are settled before your vacation. Briefly review upcoming financial commitments for your return to avoid post-vacation surprises.

By implementing these strategies, you can confidently step away from the studio, knowing your business is in good hands. This allows you to truly recharge and return with renewed focus and creativity for the projects ahead. Remember, a well-rested designer is a successful designer.

Hunt for Design Gems at the East Hampton Antiques & Design Show

By

Melissa Diehl

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Antiques-Show-2023-Saturday-ambience-Rossa-Cole-2048x1152 — SOURCE: East Hampton Historical Society

The East Hampton Antiques & Design Show, happening July 12-14 at Mulford Farm in East Hampton, New York, is your chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces and design inspiration galore.

This premier antiques and design show on the East End, gathers top dealers from across the country showcasing exquisite antiques, mid-century modern finds, and decorative accessories perfect for elevating your design projects.

Here’s what makes this show a must-attend for design professionals:

Unearth Unique Treasures: Explore a curated selection of antiques, furniture, lighting, textiles, and garden ornaments, sourced by leading dealers.

Seek Inspiration: Get a fresh perspective on design by encountering unique objects and juxtaposing periods and styles.

Network with Your Peers: Mingle with fellow designers, industry experts, and potential clients at this premier design gathering.

Support a Worthy Cause: The show benefits the East Hampton Historical Society, so you can feel good while you shop.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the exclusive Preview Cocktail Party on Friday, July 12, from 6-8p, for early access and a chance to connect with fellow design enthusiasts.

General show hours are Saturday, July 13, from 10a-6p, and Sunday, July 14, from 10a-5p. Secure your tickets today and get ready to be inspired.

A Roundup of Design Secrets from 3 Texas Powerhouses

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Melissa Diehl

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Three Texas design stars share their design philosophies and must-have elements, offering a peek into their creative process and inspiring your next project. Get inspired by these three design superstars who were recently honored by Luxe Next In Design 99.

Infuse Tradition with Whimsy

Katie Davis, known for her playful take on traditional design, suggests incorporating woven textures and “grandmillenial” vibes – a delightful blend of classic and modern touches.

Tip from a Pro: Don’t shy away from patterns! Stripes, florals, and checks can add personality to your space. A dash of Parma Gray by Farrow & Ball creates a sophisticated yet approachable backdrop for playful touches.

Be Fearless

Holly Hickey Moore champions fearless design choices. Her motto: “Color and pattern unleashed.” Embrace what makes you happy – after all, your home should reflect your unique personality.

Tip from a Pro: Plants and flowers add vibrancy and life to any space. Take a note from Holly’s book and consider a statement lampshade – a collaboration with a fashion designer, perhaps?

Global Touches Elevate

Erica Volkmer emphasizes curated spaces that blend styles seamlessly. She’s excited about the return of color and sees a resurgence of classic patterns like herringbone.

Tip from a Pro: Travel is a wellspring of inspiration! Incorporate regional details or a touch of steely blue for a sophisticated touch. Most importantly, don’t forget the power of lighting – that perfect lamp can elevate your entire space.

All three designers agree – if you love it, use it! Use these ideas as a springboard for your own. Trust your instincts and curate a space that reflects your own story.

Clever Storage Solutions for Small Kitchens

By

Melissa Diehl

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Small kitchen client with big dreams? Don’t let limited space cramp your client’s culinary style. Here are some clever storage hacks to help you conquer even the most compact kitchen:

Utilize Every Niche

Windowsills offer extra surface area for displaying decorative items or storing fresh produce.

Under-the-cabinet hooks are perfect for hanging mugs or freeing up cabinet space for other essentials.

Think Vertically

Stackable shelves maximize storage capacity without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Pegboards provide an airy and inexpensive way to hang pots, pans, and utensils.

Magnetic knife strips keep knives organized and within easy reach while saving drawer space.

Exploit Hidden Gems

The space above your cabinets can be used to add shelves for storing seldom-used items.

A cabinet with a shallow depth can be transformed into a spice rack with a spice ledge.

If you have high ceilings to work with, take advantage of them by installing shelves that reach all the way up the wall.

Repurpose Smartly

A baker’s rack offers additional shelving and hanging space for pots and pans.

A mobile kitchen island provides extra prep space and storage underneath, while remaining flexible for smaller kitchens.

Cutting boards can double as a stovetop cover when not in use, creating extra counter space.

Embrace Multifunctional Furniture

Ottomans with storage compartments can provide additional seating and storage for blankets or linens.

A kitchen island with built-in shelves or drawers maximizes storage space without sacrificing counter space.

By implementing these creative storage solutions, you can transform any small kitchen into a functional and stylish space that inspires culinary creativity.

Level Up Your Design Game: How Tech is Transforming Interior Design

By

Melissa Diehl

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The interior design industry is experiencing a digital revolution, and those who embrace technology are the ones shaping the future of design. Here’s how technology is impacting the industry, making it more efficient and innovative than ever.

Immersive Experiences with VR and AR: Imagine stepping into your client’s dream living room before it even exists. Virtual Reality (VR) allows for a complete walkthrough of a space, enabling clients to visualize furniture placement, color schemes, and overall flow in a truly immersive way. Augmented Reality (AR) takes it a step further, overlaying digital design elements onto a physical space. This lets you see how that statement art piece will look above the fireplace, or how that new rug complements the existing furniture. Both VR and AR foster stronger client communication and lead to fewer revisions down the line. Tools like VR Sketch (a Sketchup extension) and ARki have revolutionized client presentations, allowing for adjustments in real-time and enhanced decision-making confidence.

3D Printing for Bespoke Touches: Technology is no longer just about visualization; it’s about transforming ideas into reality. 3D printing opens doors to unique design elements and custom furniture pieces within interior design. Imagine creating one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures, personalized cabinet hardware, or even 3D printed sculptures that perfectly complement your design concept. This technology empowers you to infuse a space with a touch of individuality that mass-produced items simply can’t achieve.

The Rise of Smart Spaces: The future of interior design is about creating intelligent living environments. By integrating smart technology and IoT devices into your designs, you can elevate a space from just stylish to truly functional. Imagine designing a kitchen where lighting adjusts based on the time of day, or a bathroom with voice-controlled temperature regulation. Understanding smart home trends allows you to create seamless integration between aesthetics and functionality, making your designs not just beautiful, but also future-proof.

AI-Powered Assistants: AI is not just about automation for your clients; it’s about elevation for your design business. AI-powered tools can suggest color schemes, design layouts, and even furniture placement based on best practices and evolving trends. Platforms like Planner 5D use this machine learning to help designers explore creative solutions that might not have been immediately obvious.

Streamlining the Design Process: With projects often involving a myriad of details and coordination with various stakeholders, efficient project management is key. Software solutions help designers manage timelines, budgets, and communications—all in one platform. This integration reduces overhead and minimizes errors, ensuring a smooth workflow from concept to completion.

Green is In: Sustainability is a growing concern in interior design. Advanced software now enables designers to assess the environmental impact of their choices in real-time. Free, cloud-based applications like the EC3 tool, which provides information on the carbon footprint of building materials, empower designers to make informed, eco-friendly decisions.

Tech is a Tool, Not a Replacement: While technology offers a plethora of advantages, it’s important to remember that it serves as a powerful tool, not a replacement for your design expertise. Your creativity, understanding of spatial relationships, and ability to translate client visions remain irreplaceable. Technology empowers you to present your ideas with stunning clarity, collaborate with clients more effectively, and ultimately deliver exceptional design experiences.

By embracing these technologies, interior designers can not only enhance their creative visions but also deliver more precise and personalized results. The future of interior design is here, and it’s Bluetooth-enabled. Dive in, and let tech be the tool that skyrockets your design business.

3daysofdesign 2024: Key Takeaways That “Dare You to Dream”

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Melissa Diehl

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This year’s 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, Denmark from June 12-14, 2024 lived up to its “Dare To Dream” theme, showcasing a curated selection of forward-thinking design that prioritized sustainability, human-centered experiences, and a touch of the fantastical. Here are some key takeaways if you missed it:

Sustainable Materials Take Center Stage: From hemp-based textiles to furniture collections with natural cord details, sustainable materials are no longer a niche concern but a design driver.

Comfort Meets Functionality: Function doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort, as exemplified by the enveloping support and style of the furniture pieces displayed, perfect for modern living.

The Power of Playful Details: A touch of whimsy can elevate a design. Signature stripes can bring a touch of fashion flair to furnishings and natural, hand-tufted rugs in dusty, muted colorways can add a touch of intrigue to any space.

Collaboration is Key: Many installations at the event highlighted the power of human collaboration. Designers from around the world came together to create a thought-provoking collection of exhibitions that explored materiality and community.

These are just a few of the highlights from 3daysofdesign 2024. If you’re looking for inspiration to create beautiful, sustainable, and functional spaces, check out the festival website and consider visiting next year.

Oldie But a Goodie: Timeless Design Elements for Modern Homes

By

Melissa Diehl

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While modern trends come and go, certain architectural details and finishes from yesteryear continue to resonate with homeowners today. This is not just about nostalgia – these features often offer functionality, style, and can even elevate the value of a property.

Here’s a look at some classic elements that can be incorporated into new builds or restorations to create unique and beautiful spaces:

Dutch Doors: A versatile option, allowing for air circulation while keeping children or pets safe.

Peg Rails: Enhance organization in kitchens, entryways, and mudrooms.

Leaded and Stained-Glass Windows: Offer decorative flair and privacy without compromising on natural light.

Transom Windows: Improve air circulation and natural light penetration.

Milk Doors: A potential security feature for package delivery in contemporary homes.

Apron-Front Sinks: Spacious and practical for soaking and cleaning large pots.

Library Ladders: Maximize vertical storage space in kitchens, closets, and libraries.

Butler’s Pantries: Dedicated prep areas for entertaining or managing clutter in open kitchen concepts.

Plate Racks: Showcase dishware while saving cabinet space.

Hanging Pot Racks: Easy access to cookware in busy kitchens.

Stove Alcoves: Create a focal point and offer opportunities for creative backsplash designs.

Vented Cabinets: Enhance air circulation to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Exposed Brick, Stone, and Wood: Warmth, character, and a connection to the past.

Secondary Staircases: Functional for larger homes, potentially reducing wear and tear on the main staircase.

Wainscoting: Protects walls, adds a touch of elegance, and can hide imperfections.

Claw-Foot Tubs: A luxurious and vintage bathroom statement piece.

Skirted Sinks: Conceal plumbing, create storage, and add a decorative touch to laundry rooms and bathrooms.

Built-In Ironing Boards: A space-saving convenience for laundry rooms or closets.

Laundry Chutes: Eliminate the need to lug laundry baskets around the house.

Dumbwaiters: Strategically placed dumbwaiters can improve efficiency, especially in multi-story homes.

Crown Molding: Adds a polished look and creates the illusion of higher ceilings.

Picture Rails: A convenient and elegant way to display artwork.

Built-Ins: Streamline a space and create a cohesive look.

Fancy Door Hardware: The finishing touch that elevates the design of any door.

These classic design elements offer a perfect blend of form and function and can be incorporated into a variety of design aesthetics. So next time you’re specifying finishes or considering a renovation project, think about embracing some of these time-tested features – they may just add a touch of magic to your next project.

Lessons from NeoCon 2024: Fostering Connection in a Changing World

By

Melissa Diehl

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This year’s NeoCon, the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial interior design industry, brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of the industry. A key theme emerged: the importance of connection, for both attracting and retaining talent and for creating successful workplaces.

The Future of Office Design is All About Connection

Forget ping pong tables and free lunches – attendees agreed, these generic perks are no longer enough. The focus should be on fostering genuine connection and collaboration. This means designing spaces that encourage interaction, whether it’s through designated collaboration areas or even incorporating after-hours events into employee reviews.

Rewiring a Remote Generation

A major challenge is that younger designers haven’t had the experience of traditional office culture. This means they may lack the relationship-building skills that are crucial for success. Design firms need to find creative solutions, like virtual and in-person sketching sessions, to bridge this gap and help younger designers develop these essential skills.

Beyond Amenities: Rethinking the Workplace

Neocon attendees also discussed the move away from mandated office returns. Many leaders believe companies need to rethink their approach to real estate altogether. The focus should be on creating high-quality, culturally specific spaces that make coming to the office a desirable experience.

The Rise of Competitions and the Erosion of Trust

The conversation shifted to the growing trend of unpaid design competitions. While these can be a great way to showcase ideas, they can also squeeze fees and make it harder to build trust with potential clients. Several designers emphasized the importance of taking the time to understand a client’s true needs, something that can be lost in the rush of a competition.

AI: Friend or Foe?

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence is having a major impact on design. While some worry about AI replacing designers, the focus seems to be shifting towards using AI as a tool to enhance the design process. This could involve anything from creating visualizations to conducting in-depth research. Designers need to be strategic about AI, using it to augment their expertise and not replace it.

Looking Forward

The design industry is constantly evolving, and NeoCon 2024 provided a valuable glimpse into the trends shaping the future. By embracing connection, innovation, and a strategic approach to technology, designers can continue to create inspiring and functional commercial spaces.

The Key Takeaways from Neocon 2024?

When designing office spaces, prioritize collaboration areas and consider incorporating elements that reflect company culture.

Develop creative solutions to help younger designers develop relationship-building skills.

Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to office amenities.

Be strategic about design competitions and focus on building trust with potential clients.

Embrace AI as a tool to enhance your design process, but don’t let it replace your expertise.

SOURCE: Interior Design

Building a Sustainable & Scalable Design Business

By

Melissa Diehl

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You’ve got the eye for color, the knack for spatial planning, and the ability to translate a client’s vision into stunning reality. But the world of interior design isn’t all about curated fabrics and statement lighting. To truly thrive, you need business acumen as well. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at the three pillars of a flourishing design practice:

1. Manage Your Money Like a Pro

Interior design is a creative field, but finances are the foundation to a successful business. Ditch the spreadsheet struggle and consider embracing user-friendly accounting software. Categorize expenses meticulously – fabric samples, contractor fees, that oh-so-perfect vintage armchair. This transparency empowers you to identify hidden cost-suckers and set competitive rates.

Pro Tip: Consider value-based pricing. Instead of hourly rates, focus on the overall value you bring to a project. This incentivizes exceptional design and protects your bottom line.

2. Source with a Conscience

Sustainable and ethically sourced materials are no longer a niche – they’re a client expectation. Embrace the challenge! Research companies with fair labor practices and eco-conscious manufacturing. Explore reclaimed wood, organic textiles, and locally-crafted furniture.

Pro Tip: Partner with vendors who share your values. Collaborate with them to curate unique, ethically-sourced collections for your clients.

3. Niche Down

Interior design is a competitive landscape. Stand out by honing your niche. Are you the queen of industrial chic or the master of biophilic design? Specialization attracts ideal clients and positions you as an authority in your niche.

Pro Tip: Embrace online platforms like portfolio websites and social media to showcase your work. Target your ideal client by tailoring your content, engaging with relevant design communities and partnering with influencers in your niche.

Remember, the path to design success is paved with both creativity and business savvy. By mastering your finances, sourcing ethically, and strategically navigating the industry, you can transform your business into a thriving design enterprise.