Digital Estate Sale Adrenaline Rush With Everything But The House

 

Seasoned vintage sellers Jacquie Denny and Brian Graves founded Everything But The House in 2007 with the intention to create a full-service estate sale business. Today, you can shop on EBTH for furniture, art, coins and more from anywhere across the world, and if you or your client has a collection to sell, they’re operating in 27 US cities and counting. Their mission is to uncover all of the secret gems waiting inside every house and share them with the world. Service is at the heart of all of their efforts, utilizing innovative technology to assist buyers and sellers in the world of e-commerce.

Here, Michelle Lee, VP of Merchandising, shares EBTH’s passion for estate-sale shopping, design tips for shopping vintage decor online, and EBTH’s focus for the New Year.

Photography courtesy of EBTH


How does Everything But The House bring the thrill of estate-sale shopping into the 21st century?

EBTH offers all of the excitement of a traditional estate sale — the opportunity to own rare and one-of-a-kind pieces, the element of surprise and uncovering treasures, the opportunity to shop pieces that haven’t been touched by a dealer or an auction house — with none of the hassle. No long, snaking lines of people standing in the heat, no picked-over selection, no stress about transporting a cumbersome item back to your home. We handle it all — from authentication to delivery — and because EBTH is a digital platform, we give buyers exposure to more estate sales in one page view than they could ever hit on a Saturday. I know this firsthand, because I’m that person who’s spent more than a few weekends getting in line to wait for hours outside of a mansion.

Everything But The House

I’m sure you get this question quite often, but how is EBTH different from other auction sites such as eBay?

All items are sorted and authenticated by a team of EBTH specialists, so you can trust what you’re buying is genuine. There is not a “Buy It Now” option, there is never a reserve, and all auctions start at $1. If someone bids in the last 5 minutes of the auction, we extend the auction another 5 minutes. This really opens up the opportunity for anybody to participate, without the fear of someone sniping at the last minute or purchasing it before the auction is over.

How did your team work with interior designer Peter Dolkas to conceptualize your office space?

Peter and I had a very collaborative process because our tastes complemented each other — I have an eclectic sensibility, I love mixing vintage and modern, and he really masters that California contemporary look. We’re also friends, so it ended up being more fun than a project or task. Peter and I started with reviewing basic floor plans, sending each other inspiration boards, and establishing our goals for the space. Then, we hopped in a U-Haul and went around town to shop and pick up the furniture. At one store they gave us two matching bags that said “Walther” to carry out vintage books. Since then, we’ve called each other Walther and Walther.

Everything But The House

In your opinion, how does office design affect team creativity and productivity?

A well-designed space sets the tone and mood of your workday the minute you walk in. Our office is open, bright and welcoming, and we have communal areas to share our ideas. In some spaces, the art was selected for its expansive, sea-like quality, to inspire the same kind of thinking and creativity.

How does the EBTH buying process work exactly?

A user creates their EBTH account using their email and credit card information. They can explore curated boutiques, search by location, category, keyword or sales ending soon and bid on items they’re interested in. We let you know, via app and email notifications, if you’ve been outbid on an item or if a sale you’re following is ending soon.

Everything But The House

What are some of your best-selling categories?

Furniture, art, collectibles, décor and jewelry are our best-selling categories  — and we’re everyone’s best-kept secret for where to buy an incredible Persian rug.

EBTH also has a “featured” section, including curated selections of items, such as “Featured Boutique – Laid Back Living”. Do your customers tend to scroll and shop through these curated lists, or do they more frequently shop by category?

Our boutiques are great places to start on EBTH, because we’ve culled and curated standout items from the thousands of new pieces that go live every day. I consider them the appetizers to digging deeper into the product categories.

Everything But The House

How do you typically work with interior designers?

It starts out as a mutual brainstorming of ideas and collaboration of our individual tastes and styles. We’ll then visit the site together, work up a floor plan before conceptualizing a layout.

Can you offer interior designers 3 tips of “best practices” for shopping for vintage decor online?

1. Pay attention to condition notes, but understand that something antique or vintage usually means it’s not going to be perfect — and those imperfections often add character.

2. Always measure! It helps to physically measure your space and then the dimensions of the piece you’re looking at to give you an idea of its presence in your home.

3. And finally, build off of what you already have. Shop for items that go with an area rug you own, and that way everything you buy will be cohesive with your current scheme or color story.

Everything But The House

For the interior designers who have clients that are shy of online auctioning, what are some comforting words of wisdom to help clients take the plunge?

Start small — find a vintage Heath Ceramics ashtray or a set of George Briard tumblers. Bidding on a smaller item with a lower price point will give you a taste of what it’s like to shop an online auction, with less at stake. Shopping at EBTH is typically going to get you a better deal on a piece, since we don’t mark things up and the market (how much people are willing to bid) ultimately dictates their value. When you set your max bid you’ll never be forced to pay a price you’re uncomfortable with, and you have a 7 day window to bid at your leisure, so there isn’t the pressure of a traditional auction environment and no one can swoop in and bid at the last minute.

What’s your focus for 2017?
Our goal is to offer even more discovery points: more boutiques, extraordinary collections, style guides and featured items that show off just how much potential there is on EBTH.com. It sounds cliché, but when you’re pulling products from all over the country, from sellers with all kinds of backstories, you truly have something to offer every kind of buyer. We want to engage as many audiences as possible. And we’ll never stop telling the incredible stories of the people behind these collections. They completely enrich the products.

Everything But The House


Contact Everything But The House

W: https://www.ebth.com/

P: 1-888-862-8750

E: contact@ebth.com

@ebthofficial

Female Founders Forum: An Open Dialogue at Google’s Campus Tel Aviv

 

This week, IVY co-founder, Lee Rotenberg, hosted our first Female Founders Forum, a very special event held at Google’s Campus Tel Aviv. This forum provided a space for successful and driven women to come together and discuss ideas, network, and receive advice from other female entrepreneurs. We discussed a range of topics and current challenges we are facing, from smaller-scale issues like how to collaborate with team members, to larger-scale challenges such as how to fundraise and find investors.  

FFF - round table discussion

Biggest Challenges & Fears: How to Overcome Them

Sharing the “Golden Ticket”

If I share my idea with potential collaborators, how do I know they won’t take the idea and run?

Get past your fear of sharing your idea – many people have amazing ideas but don’t have the drive to actually put them into action. What’s most important is your personal motivation, your commitment and your time and energy. Without these, the idea will never become a reality!

“Be BOLD about your idea – put yourself out there, it’s hard but worth it if you have the ability and the DRIVE in order to make your idea a reality.” Rachel Brender from Pitaya

Maintaining Speed & Focus

As a one-woman show, how do I stay focused and keep my idea moving forward?

Maintaining speed is so important – even when encountering roadblocks, know it is okay to take a detour. Set small goals for yourself (daily and weekly) to keep moving.

Keep going, be straightforward with yourself, be persistent, be passionate!” – Rona Elbaz from team10

Launching Before Product is Perfected

I don’t want to launch my product until it is absolutely perfect!

Lee Rotenberg, explained the necessity of knowing user engagement and user’s wants and needs in order to create the perfect product. Start small. Use the early launch to find your following. Create a landing page, have people sign up for your “product” even if it’s still just an idea. Once you see people are interested, you have leverage. Pick up the phone and talk to as many people as you can. Learn from these users (or potential users) to find out what exactly they want & what they’re looking for.

“The best thing I did was share my product concept in order to obtain feedback from users, grow from failures and move fast right from the start. Create your story.”  Lee Rotenberg from IVY

“There will always be similar platforms and will always be competitors. Make yours the best. Focus on the value you provide, don’t be afraid. Honestly, if there is no competitor, ‘it’s a red light’!”  – Alexis Ostrobrod from Pitaya

Searching for a Co-Founder

My background is business and marketing. I need a co-founder to share ideas and fill the holes I can’t fill myself! How do I find the perfect person?

Rachel Brender, co-founder of Pitaya, shares her experience on how she found her perfect co-founder match, Alexis Ostrobrod: “Go co-founder dating! If the first date goes well, ask them on another date! It sounds silly, but it works. Find your perfect match.” Rachel wasn’t looking for a specific role to fill. Instead, she was looking for someone who had the same drive and passion that she had. Put your name on AngelList, share your dreams and ideas, participate in Hackathons, join teams where you don’t know a single person. Put yourself out there to network and meet new people in the field.

“The right co-founder is all about finding the ying to your yang. Balance is key. Your co-founder needs to balance out your weaknesses and empower your strengths. That’s what makes Alex and I such a strong match – I’m her ying, she’s my yang – and sometimes, I’m the yang to her ying. Oh, and respect. You must respect your co-founder at the core – on a daily basis you’ll come across challenges and disagreements, it’s crucial that both sides openly listen to the other’s reasoning.”  – Lee Rotenberg from IVY

As entrepreneurs, we face challenges everyday. The key is to work with these challenges – don’t let them stop you – think of them as an opportunity to make your idea or product even better than it is already. Us at IVY were so incredibly inspired by the collaboration and dialogue that were created. Looking forward to next month’s forum.

A Google Space - Campus TEL AVIV

IVY at Campus Tel Aviv

IVY - Make Time For Design

Want to get involved?

Apply here for our next Female Founders Forum in Tel Aviv.

Email info@ivymark.com for more information.


Written by Ellie Krasnick

Behind The Design: Tracy Davis of Urban Dwellings


Designer Spotlight: Tracy Davis of Urban Dwellings, Portland, ME


How did you get where you are today?

Growing up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, I had very supportive parents who always encouraged my creative and curious personality. Initially, I enrolled in the nursing program at university, but after the 3rd (and final) attempt at chemistry, my mother kindly redirected my academic endeavors towards a major in interior design. Since then, I have had several career changes, but I always returned back to the world of interiors, opening Urban Dwellings in 2005. Based in Portland, Maine, we moved in 2015 up to the East End neighborhood.

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Trent Bell

Urban Dwellings is known for reinventing spaces with a blended aesthetic – how do you achieve this?  

Designing spaces for an individual is extremely personal so we focus our time in the initial stages to discover the daily rituals of a client. This research drives the creative process and creates an intimate connection to each home we design. Following this practice has succeeded in unearthing treasured moments that fold into our individualized and reinvented interior spaces.

In your opinion, how important are surrounding environments to a space?

The environment is the very basis of how we find inspiration in the outside world and interpret it into an inhabitable space. Travel, climate or even your neighbor can influence the different styles of comfort and beauty that you bring into the home – just keep your eyes open at all times, you never know when inspiration will strike!

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Darren Setlow

How do you stay current and source interesting, new-to-market products and materials to incorporate in your designs?

I travel throughout the country and Europe, looking for those one-of-a-kind treasures. Be it a trade show, flea market, or visit to a local craftsmen, all methods carry a focus and relevance in design, both to past and present day trends.

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Urban Dwellings

Why is playing an active role in design education important to you? 

I have been lucky to have had mentors throughout my life and career who have taught me that success is steeped in education, hard work, passion, and dedication. Sharing our knowledge and wisdom to the next generation is what we should all strive for, so I have tried my best to pay it forward. Teaching at the Boston Architectural College and mentoring a few designers as well, I hope they too will understand this importance.

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Brian Vanden Brink

How does designing make you feel?

I have dedicated my life to design, and each time I reveal a final project to a client, my heart swells. The dedication and hard work is completely worth it for this moment. We (Interior Designers) play such an intimate role in the life of our clients, and knowing that they are spending their most cherished experiences in a space I designed, well, you just can’t beat it.

You regularly collaborate with architects, craftsmen and artists to complete your design projects. What are some strategic tactics to maintain these relationships and keep them healthy?

Respect. Honesty. Integrity.

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Trent Bell

Who are some of your favorite Portland, ME vendors that you work with?

We love the crew over at Pistol Pete’s for upholstery work! My work room for custom window treatments and pillows is the best on the East Coast, so I keep that top secret…Other dear friends include Mougalian Rugs, Noyes Delivery/Storage, and Downeast Woodworks for custom cabinetry.

When you start a new project, how do you get to know your client and the space in order to achieve individualized design? 

We work through a process of programming which allows us to gain a greater sense of the personal needs and goals of the space. Design is preferential, and deeply personal. I’ve seen quite a few spaces that are without a doubt beautiful, but lack the understanding of how a space needs to be utilized.

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Darren Setlow

In your opinion, what’s the most essential element to a room?

Lighting! Lighting dictates how we use space, and although it may not always be physical, it is able to manufacturer movement and emotion (without the loss of floor space!)

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Trent Bell

 

Why did you join Ivy? 

Urban Dwellings joined Ivy to reduce the repetitive practices that hindered our productivity. We were using several programs for separate purposes, but we knew there had to be a software that was able to do it all in one, and lucky us, we found it in Ivy.

How has Ivy helped streamline your workflow?

With the click of a button, a proposal can be converted into an invoice for payment, and then into purchase orders. Having all these steps, which used to be separate entities, in one program means our designers aren’t loosing time on administrative work, and can instead focus on what they do best, designing.

What’s an Ivy feature you can’t live without? 

We love the ability to input images of products within proposals/invoices. With this feature, our clients are able to visualize the design while reviewing for final approval. We find there is much less confusion and pushback now that they can see exactly what they are buying into.

Urban Dwellings

Photo by Brian Vanden Brink


Are you an interior designer interested in joining the Ivy Community? Find out more here.

Thanksgiving Tablescapes For The Design Enthusiasts

 

As someone who makes time for design as a passion or career, the look & feel of your Thanksgiving table setting is just as important to you as the menu. We’ve sifted through thousands of tablescapes and have made a selection of aesthetically pleasing tables we know you’ll approve.


Dark and Moody

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Our Food Stories

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Rose & Ivy

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Ikea

Lay Out The Cucurbits

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Everyday Occassions

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Tessa Neustadt

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Casa de Perrin

Fruity Aromatic Delight

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Annabode + Co.

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Getty

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Happy Grey Lucky

Show Off Your Crystals and Rocks
Thanksgiving Tablescape

A Fabulous Fete

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Nicole LaMotte

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Kana Okada

Collect & Display Great Outdoor Gems

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Celebrating Everyday Life

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Casa de Perrin

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Getty

Feathers & Florals

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Kathryn Page for Jenni Kayne

Thanksgiving Tablescape

David Hillegas

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Andrea Posadas for Emily Henderson Design

 

Professional Look & Feel Made Simple With Tailor Brands

 

Tailor Brands, founded by a trio of friends, was built with the intention to empower small businesses with affordable and accessible digital tools to rebrand their business. Here, Co-Founder Yali Saar shares the friends’ founding story, the significant impact of consistent and strong branding to the overall growth and success of a business, and what’s next for Tailor Brands.

For the next 2 weeks, enjoy 20% off across all Tailor Brands offerings with promo code: tailorivynov16

Photography courtesy of Tailor Brands


How did you get where you are today?

Like many great things in my life, I founded Tailor Brands with Tom Lahat and Nadav Shatz by chance. I grew up in Tel Aviv and was earning my bread as an actor, both in the national theater and TV. I think I shot over a 100 episodes on the kids channel before realizing that acting wasn’t for me. I felt like I was reciting text when I really wanted to write it. So I did a career change and ended up in Journalism, first as a reporter for Timeout Magazine, which was an easy shift from acting, and later on as a war zone correspondent. I wrote stories from Judah and Sumaria, Gaza and more. When I was finishing up there, I was offered a job as a political spokesperson and eventually ended up doing creative for some ad agencies. I moved to NYC to attend Columbia University and while in school started an initiative called Raising the Bar, bringing people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to pursue advanced degrees by rebranding education as something a bit more hip. We grew pretty fast and the organization is now active in NYC, San Fransisco, Sydney and Hong Kong. When I got the opportunity to work with Tom and Nadav, I jumped on it, we were all friends for a long time and knew that we wanted to work with each other. We were all between projects and realized there is no better time than then.

Tailor Brands
We love the concept of providing small businesses with affordable access to professional design – how have your efforts positively impacted your clients?

We recently received a branded set of beautiful mugs from Alaska, alongside a very heartwarming letter from a client of ours that told us that thanks to us he was able to attend his first maker show and get clients. We had a small coffee shop owner on the East Coast that called to tell us that only after rebranding with us he got the vision of where his business was going – he opened 2 more locations since and now owns a chain. From apple farms in Germany to accountants in Boston, we work with over 500,000 businesses and freelancers worldwide, helping them redefine their story. For each of them, the effect is a little different, but at the end of the day, we believe that in all cases great branding can make a difference. The difference between a small coffee shop failing or becoming a multi-billion dollar franchise. The difference of customers paying $5 or $15 for the sandwich you make. Great branding has always required great budgets, setting a barrier of entry for many projects and small business out there. Tailor was created to empower ideas by enriching them in an automated and affordable way.

Tailor Brands

In your opinion, how important is the look & feel of a company logo to the overall growth and success of a small business, specifically, an interior design business?
Some studies have shown that 52% of people don’t return to certain stores because they don’t like their aesthetics and that 84.7% of people say that color is a primary reason they buy a product.  We all know that it takes people seconds to finalize their first impression and make a decision. In my eyes, this proves that the look & feel of a company’s logo & branding greatly impacts the overall growth and success of the business. Just think of the amount of times you had to choose between two coffeeshops based on the sign they had out. In your head, you were already associating a certain aesthetic (now the rustic style is trending in the industry) as a sign of quality coffee. We often pay more for something that is packaged differently, it’s not because we like the packaging, it’s because we judge a book by its cover. I am no expert on interior design but I do believe that when it comes to creative roles, this equation becomes even stronger for the client. How can I trust someone to design my house if he can’t design a good looking logo?
Tailor Brands
How can interior design businesses brand more than just their logo?
Consistency is key in all business branding. Make sure your website, social pages, business cards, business proposals all speak the same language. It will be required as your brand becomes more recognizable. Make sure you know what your primary color is, the fonts you use. My advice is trying to design a brand that correlates with your interior design style.

Tailor Brands greatly reduces the cost of of design by using algorithms to create logos, but there’s also the cost of printing and shipping. Can you name a few printing services you would recommend to have Tailor Brand-designed business cards printed?

Moo.com is probably the best printing option out here. High quality paper that makes a difference and really elevates your brand. Zazzle and Vistaprints are also great and of course any local printer you trust and want to support. Two things I recommend are paying attention to the thickness of the card and avoiding glossy options whenever possible.

Tailor Brands
Based on your experience, how has technology positively impacted the design process?
I recently had a conversation with one of Adobe’s first investors. He told me that when they told people that designers are going to sketch on their computers, people laughed at the prospects of digital sketches ever getting to the quality of hand design. Can you really imagine a designer not using Photoshop or Illustrator today? We couldn’t produce half of the things we wanted. Tech’s positive impact is all around us – it just sometimes takes us longer to acknowledge it.
Tailor Brands recently went through its own re-branding process – why did the company feel it was in need of a visual facelift?
The first logo we designed was very simple – a beautiful scripted typeface that didn’t draw too much attention and left a lot of room for our product to shine. As we grew, and the brand itself became more recognizable, it was important for us to give it more space. Our name suddenly had a positive impact for prospective clients and we wanted to draw more attention to it. It also came after a year and a half working – and we wanted the logo to represent the company we have become. When we designed our first logo, we were three people in a garage – we wanted something young and playful. As our team grew, each member poured more personality into our work. We wanted our new logo to embody all of that; the pencil, the heart and our love for typography.

Tailor Brands

How has your recent re-branding affected your business?
I can only say that the team more than doubled itself in the past two months and we are still hiring. Business is good 🙂 .

What’s next for Tailor Brands?
Becoming the biggest branding agency in the world. Servicing the long tail of this industry. I want people to say “WPP, IPG, Omnicom, Publics and Tailor Brands” in the same breath.
Tailor Brands

Are you an interior designer in search of an easy interior design software and project management tool to run your business? Learn more about Ivy here.

Floral Prints & Wallpaper With Ashley Woodson Bailey

Texas-born Ashley Woodson Bailey worked as a floral designer for over 20 years before she started using her self-taught photography skills to capture the flower and create custom fabrics, prints and home products. Here, Ashley shares how she turned a tragic accident into a life-changing career, her infatuation of the flower, and how to make the most out of floral design.


Ashley – as an artist, you are defined completely by the flower. Can you please shed some light on your life-long relationship with the flower?
I first fell in love with flowers as a little girl in Galveston, TX. Honeysuckle vines was pretty much all I wanted. Time passed and as a college graduate I realized that I wanted to work with flowers as a career. I worked in the flower industry on and off for 20 years (mostly on).

Ashley Woodson Bailey

Photo by M.K. Sadler

You were involved with floral design for years – what brought you to the world of photography?
My husband, son and I were in a terrible car accident in the summer of 2012. I broke my back and could no longer do flowers for big events because it is so labor intensive. I was very depressed and couldn’t let go of flowers completely so I started to photograph them with my phone.

We’re so grateful and happy that you recovered from your terrible car accident – thank goodness! How did this experience, and your recovery, influence your design process? Thank you! Me too! Oh gosh-the car accident changed the way I do everything. For one, I now work with the flowers that I love and have zero parameters on my choices. I really let the flowers do the talking and try to go into the wholesaler with no plans – I buy what is the most beautiful that day.

Ashley Woodson Bailey Wallapaper Rustic White CREAMY

Photo by Rustic White Photography

We read that you use an iPhone and an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II to shoot – what’s the editing process like?
The editing process is different with both the iPhone and the Olympus. I use an app called Afterlight on my phone to edit every single image. I put so many layers on top of each image to create that dark, romantic and mysterious effect. When I shoot with the Olympus I am normally going for a very different look. One that is much crisper and cleaner and can be printed in a much larger way. I edit all of those images in Photoshop.

Ashley Woodson Bailey Frida Blue

Photo by Ashley Woodson Bailey

How does photographing and designing with flowers make you feel?

What a great question! It makes me feel like I am where I am supposed to be and it makes me feel like I am on cloud 9. I never did any of this with the intention of starting a career-I did it to make me feel alive and to bring me out of a very dark place. The place where I am now with my career is very literally a dream-I wouldn’t pick any different profession if I had to.

Your prints and wallpaper have a very dark colortone – what inspired you to go dark?

The darkness truly comes from within. It started when I was personally in a dark place and it was the only way I could express myself. I have overcome many challenges in my life. The way I express it is through the life of the flower. I also studied Art History in college and was always influenced by Dutch masters.

 Ashley Woodson Bailey Wallpaper Magic

Photo by Ashley Woodson Bailey

What are some of your best-selling prints and wallpapers?

The best selling wallpaper is without a doubt Dutch Love. The Hunt I would say comes in a close second. We haven’t officially launched our new patterns yet but some of them have so much more color and have a totally different feel to them. The best selling prints are Dutch Love, Scabiosa, Alex, Mi Amor Idioma, Syd, Rest and many more!

Ashley Woodson Bailey Rest

Photo by Ashley Woodson Bailey

Can you name some spaces featuring Ashley Woodson Bailey prints and wallpaper that you’re particularly proud of?
I am proud to have Rest hanging in Jessica Alba’s bedroom and Banks hanging in Erin Foster’s kitchen. I am proud to have Primavera wallpaper hanging in Holly Williams’s powder room in her home in Nashville. Honestly I am proud to be in the homes of all the people who have spent their hard earned money on the beauty that I create. What I am most proud of is that my parents have Primavera wallpaper hanging in their entryway and that makes me feel like they are proud of me.

Ashley Woodson Bailey Wallpaper Rustic White Wallpaper Primavera

Photo by Rustic White Photography

What are 3 tips of “best practices” you can offer interior designers for choosing the right wallpaper and making the most out of wallpaper when decorating a space?
1. “Don’t be afraid of pattern”. I think so many people are so concerned about resale that they don’t decorate their homes the way they really want to. I am about to put one of my new patterns in a bathroom in my house as well as patterned tiles on the floor and I just can’t wait! Pattern everywhere!

2. Wallpaper can be expensive, but it can also change the space. If budget is a concern I would pick a focus wall and put your wallpaper there.

3. Don’t be afraid to go BIG! I am dying to see an entire bedroom covered in wallpaper-even the ceiling!

How do interior designers typically use your designs?

I have seen a lot of designers use my wallpaper in powder rooms and main bathrooms. Many of them use the paper on a single statement wall. I would love to see someone use it in a dining room! I think it would be out of this world dramatic.

Ashley Woodson Bailey Pink Poppies

Photo by Ashley Woodson Bailey

What’s your focus for 2017?

My focus is to concentrate on the wallpaper, launch the upholstery fabric and grow the business.


Contact Ashley Woodson Bailey

W: http://www.ashleywoodsonbailey.com/

E: hello@ashleywoodsonbailey.com

@ashleywoodsonbailey

Connecting Designers To Vintage Furnishings With Chairish

 

Chairish has become a one-stop-shop for designers sourcing vintage and antique furniture online. Don’t have the time or the energy to sift through your local flea market? Chairish does the legwork for you. Vintage is not only for the antiques fanatic – integrating unique vintage pieces into a client’s space can give a room flare and character. The Chairish website and popular mobile app are very user-friendly, bringing the fun and glitz into sourcing and shopping vintage.

Hot off the press, Chairish has also just launched their new site DECASO – the Decorative Arts Society, connecting interior designers to the world’s leading modernism and antique dealers. DECASO enables designers to source fine pieces using a state-of-the-art navigation and negotiate directly with a vetted selection of dealers.

Here, Anna Brockway, Co-Founder and President of Chairish and DECASO, shares the unique elements of the Chairish platform, why interior designers love Chairish, and the introduction of DECASO.


In 140 characters or less, what is Chairish?

Chairish is the leading online marketplace for buying and selling chic vintage furniture and decor.

Anna Brockway Chairish President

Photo by Charlie Nucci

What criteria does Chairish take into account when considering a new seller?

Chairish is curated by item. A team of designers reviews each submitted item before it is accepted for sale on Chairish. That means Chairish’s inventory, while diverse aesthetically, is consistently stylish and of high quality. Our inventory comes from a mix of interior designers, vintage stores, high-end consignment shops, and private individuals, all of whom have amazing pieces to sell.  

Chairish

Photo by Rus Anson

Chairish is known for its intuitive, user-friendly app – what can you get on the Chairish app that you can’t get on a computer?

Besides being the most entertaining  way to spend your commute time, the Chairish app is the best way to make sure you don’t get scooped on an item you’re loving or saving for a client.  Through the app you will receive instant notification if an item you’ve favorited or have made an offer on receives another competitive  offer or better yet,  if the seller reduces the price. Even better, once you buy, you will also receive instant updates on where the item is in transit.

Chairish

Photo by Nanette Wong

How does the Chairish trade program differ from other online consignment stores out there?

Chairish offers designers cash back on all purchases, a 48-hour return policy,  7-day a week live, US-based customer service, manages pick-up and delivery, and we provide concierge sourcing services if designers need it!  As a result, designers are a very important part of our business.

Chairish

Designed by Daphne Nauleau, Photo by Nanette Wong

What are your best-selling categories and styles?

Designers especially love us for dining room chairs, lighting, art, rugs, and accessories.  In terms of styles, mid-century modern, Italian 80’s and California 70’s inspired looks are particularly strong right now.

Chairish

Photo by Rus Anson

How does Chairish prepare for the holiday season?

For the holidays, Chairish stocks up on entertaining essentials, everything from dining room chairs, tables, buffets and chandeliers to tabletop items like serving pieces and barware.  Also, items like vintage books and decor are just perfect for gift giving.

Chairish

Photo by Poppy Lynch

Why do interior designers like shopping on Chairish?

Chairish is a one-stop shop for designers to source vintage pieces in a snap. In Chairish’s proprietary survey of trade pros, 70% of designers reported that their clients are looking for personalized and collected spaces and are specifically requesting vintage pieces. 75% of designers plan on specifying more vintage and antiques in the coming year. Designers on average report that 30-50% of the items they spec for a given room are vintage. So Viva La Vintage! We make sourcing vintage easy as pie.

Chairish

Photo by Nanette Wong

How does the Chairish experience ease the sourcing, buying and shipping process for interior designers?

Firstly, Chairish is curated and offers state of the art navigation making it super easy for designers to find just what they are looking for in seconds.  Trade pros can search by style, size, price, location, color and more.  No need to spend hours sifting through pages of junk looking for that one perfect item.  We only offer top drawer items and you’ll find them in a snap.

Secondly, Chairish alone offers real pricing guidance.  Designers can use The Chairish Pink Book to research what items have sold for in the past.  When buying and selling, The Chairish Pink Book answers the age old question – what’s this item worth?

Lastly, Chairish manages pick-up and delivery.  Upfront we let designers know what shipping costs are and do the heavy lifting of getting the item from the seller to the buyer. Most designers know that arranging shipping is challenging so appreciate our help immensely.

Chairish

Photo by Nanette Wong

What are 3 tips of “best practices” to offer interior designers for making the most out of Chairish?

1. Favoriting: If you see something you like, favorite it! If someone else makes an offer on it or if the price gets reduced, you’ll receive an alert so you don’t miss out.

2. Saved Search:  If you are searching for something specific, sign up for saved search alerts.  When an item comes in that meets your criteria, we’ll let you know.  This is like an automated concierge shopping experience and can save a designer endless hours in sourcing.

3. Shop locally:  Items located near your client will be cheaper and faster to ship.  If you are game, you can also pick the item up yourself for an even speedier and cost effective experience.

Chairish

Designed by Daphne Nauleau, Photo by Nanette Wong

What’s next for Chairish?

On November 15th, we launched a new brand called DECASO, the Decorative Arts Society. This site is a new online selling platform connecting sophisticated interior designers to the world’s top antique and modernism dealers.  Expect to find the highest caliber objects supplied by a vetted community of leading dealers.  It’s going to be fancy!

ChairishPhoto by Ditsy

Capturing Spaces With Kathleen Harrison Photography

 

Kathleen Harrison of Kathleen Harrison Photography shares her experience transitioning into photography, tips on how to best capture an interior, and why lighting is everything.

Photography courtesty of Kathleen Harrison Photography


How did you get where you are today as a photographer?

When I graduated from college, I planned on working internationally having studied French Business in Paris and at Boulder. Life decided to take me on a different path and I started working at Macy’s where I opened the gourmet food department.  I later transitioned into luxury hotels sales.

Years later, as I was planning my wedding, I simply fell in love with my wedding’s photographer editorial style. I realized that I needed to unlock my true passion and soon became an editorial wedding photographer.  Shortly thereafter, I landed my first multi-million dollar wedding and my career took off.
Kathleen Harrison Photography

Designed by Cecile Starin Design, Inc.

You specialize in luxury lifestyle, fashion, faces, and beautiful place. What do you enjoy about photographing a space? And what’s particularly complicated about capturing an interior?

What I enjoy about being a photographer is that it takes me on an adventure on every shoot. Whether I am photographing someone’s home, space, family or head shot, my day is never dull or monotonous. To capture an interior well, you need a combination of good light, good composition, and the right lens. I think the hardest part of photographing an interior is trying to balance the indoor and outdoor light and make it look natural.  Mirrors can cause complications but we are blessed with photoshop to problem solve these complications.
In your opinion, how has social media impacted the photography industry?
I would say many people are visual.  Social Media via Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook give clients inspiration and ideas to help them personalize their projects.  Photography is the means to show clients what is possible.
Kathleen Harrison Photography

Designed by David Kensington

Can you name some projects you are particularly proud of?
I am really proud of the work I did through the Marin Designer Showcase House in 2010 and 2012.  I spent months working on both projects photographing the before, during and after of each home, as well as developed wonderful relationships with talented designers.
How do you prepare your client for a shoot?

As an editorial photographer, my talent lies in sizing up the space and working the many angles to give clients a choice of images.  I work fast, put clients at ease and guarantee my work.  Most of my clients are repeat clients so they already know what to expect from having worked with me before.

Kathleen Harrison Photography

Designed by Sunrise Interiors

For the interior designer photographing a project without hiring a professional photographer, what are 3 tips of best practices for capturing the space?
Shoot wide, shoot tight, shoot natural light.
How important is lighting to shooting an interior space?
Lighting is everything in photography.  Lighting is energy, so if you want to give an interior a good feeling, the lighting must be ideal.  A dark space will just look dark. Best to find the time of day that feels good in the space and bring in lights when needed.
Kathleen Harrison Photography

Designed by Sunrise Interiors

What are some common mistakes to avoid?
I think it is wise to hire a professional photographer in the beginning of your career to help you develop a consistent professional portfolio.  I also think spaces need “warming” up so best to stage a house to make it look more lived in and not cold and sterile.
How do you maintain a good photographer/client relationship?
I like communication, being on time, being efficient, and delivery on client’s schedule.  It is important to build trust when working with any client.
Kathleen Harrison Photography

Designed by Val Fiscalini Designs

What are your goals for the new year?
I hope to start doing luxury lifestyle photography for boutique high-end hotels around the world.  Mexico is my first stop.
KHP Designed by Trellis Interiors

Contact Kathleen Harrison Photography:

W: www.kathleenharrison.com
P: 415-302-5829

@kathleenharrisonphoto

Rebecca Atwood on Living With Pattern

 

Rebecca Atwood, home textile designer, artist and author of Living with Pattern: Color Texture and Print at Home, is a creative spirit, living in a visual world. Whether she extracts fond memories of the Cape Cod coast, or encounters interesting shadows and reflections in the bustling city of Brooklyn, Rebecca turns these small and detailed observations into pattern. Here, Rebecca shares how she sources inspiration, creative collaborations, and tips on how to decorate with pattern.


Rebecca – you’re a triple threat – designer, textile maker, and author. How did you initially get into the world of pattern design?

I studied painting at Rhode Island School of Design and towards the end of my time there my paintings began to be about the surface and textiles were a big source of inspiration. I took a few classes in textiles including machine knitting and digital printing and was hooked. When I was preparing to graduate, I thought textiles might be the closest thing I could do to painting for a full-time job so I created a portfolio and applied for jobs. I started my career with Anthropologie, which was essentially my training ground. I learned how to design product and brief it for production overseas.

Rebecca Atwood

Photo by Emily Johnston

You were born and raised in Cape Cod, you received your BFA in Rhode Island, and you are now headquartered in Brooklyn. How have the lifestyles and cultures of each unique city influenced your designs?

Cape Cod is my foundation. The off-season muted but chromatic neutral color palette, shifting light, and sense of calm continues to inspire me.  I love the coast. It’s my favorite place to be. The color of the sand, the ever-changing blues of the ocean, the spotted patterning on a lady crab shell, the purple blue on the inside of a mussel shell– all of this is a part of who I am. Brooklyn is so different! Sometimes I stop and think how did I get here?  As opposite as these places may be, I do love it here. Brooklyn has widened my world, and made it small all at the same time. I love that the city is so walkable, and I find a lot of inspiration in those everyday moments. It could be a shadow from scaffolding, the reflection of a floral dress in a glass building, or rusted metal against a painted pink wall. Most of all, what keeps me in Brooklyn is the community and opportunity. There are so many amazing designers, entrepreneurs, and creative people here who inspire me. My designs really come from making time to filter all of the ideas and experiences onto paper, fabric, etc. Sometimes, it’s a reaction to how much I need calm when living in this hectic city, and other times, it’s an idea inspired by it.

Rebecca Atwood Inspired By Cape Cod

Photo by Ren Yagolnitzer

It’s been an exciting year for you, including the release of your book Living with Pattern: Color Texture and Print at Home. What are some other projects you have worked on this year that you’re particularly proud of?

It has been an exciting year! Most of all this year has taught me it’s time to start dreaming big. Projects that came out that I’m particularly proud of include my limited edition collaboration with Method home for a line of hand soaps and cleaning products, as well as a collaboration with friend and embellishment designer Sarah Laskow for a collection of one of a kind hand embroidered pillows. We’re always working about a year out so there’s always so much in the works.

Rebecca Atwood Living With Pattern

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

What excites you about collaborating with interior designers?

While of course I have my own creative vision and thoughts on using my patterns when I’m designing them, I do love that the possibilities are endless and that interior designers and our customers explore this. I like seeing how my patterns can change and take on a different look in a new context. Pattern is personal and the mix makes it more so.

Rebecca Atwood Mood Board

Photo by Ren Yagolnitzer

Can you name some of your best-selling patterns?

Our dashes in gray and speckled in taupe are two best-selling patterns. They’re small and textural and easy to incorporate into any space, but also have an expressive mark to them.  Our marbled designs are also customer favorites, along with our shibori in pillows.

Photo by Ren Fuller

How does Rebecca Atwood prepare for a design conference, trade show, or fair?

To be honest, I’ve avoided these things for the most part! We’ve done one trade show, and it was crazy. We are planning to participate in ICFF next year in May and have to start planning the booth soon. I start with the concept and then I’ll plan out schematics to scale on the computer. Then of course it will change once we get the physical pieces and get into the space. Advice I’ve received is to create your booth ahead of time by marking it all out in a space the right size. We’re going to try that for this show.

Rebecca Atwood Swatches

Photo by Nicole Franzen

What are 3 tips of “best practices” to offer interior designers for decorating with pattern?

I think here the interior designers are likely the experts! My pattern 101 tips are pretty basic and more for individuals than interior designers who know all about this sort of thing.

1. Start with color. A tight color palette helps unite patterns with varying looks. If you’re new to pattern, stick with a monochromatic color palette. If you really want more color, pick one multi-colored pattern you love and then pull out the colors from there. Remember that everything doesn’t have to match perfectly, but should sit together, so play with physical swatches.

2. Mix up scale. You want a mix of small-, mid-, and large-scale patterns. Creating a visual hierarchy helps your eye move around a space. Smaller scale patterns will recede in space where as large scale patterns will pop.

3. Consider proportion. As a rule of thumb, aim for about 40-60% of the room to be patterned while the rest should be solids, textures, and material differences. Remember that patterning doesn’t just have to be patterns on objects but can be the repetition of objects within a space and architectural details.

Rebecca Atwood Pillows

Photo by Ren Fuller

For the interior designers who have clients that are shy of pattern, what’s your best advice to help make the client comfortable experimenting with pattern?

Start with small scale all over coverage patterns. They’ll read as texture from a distance and it’s a great way to introduce pattern into your home. I also think there’s no substitute for seeing actual swatches and living with them for a little bit.

Living With Pattern Mood Board

Photo by Emily Johnston

What’s your focus for 2017? 

Next year, we are introducing woven fabrics in a big way, as well as embroidered fabrics. I am very excited to be moving beyond print and into these new techniques.

Rebecca Atwood

Photo by Nicole Franzen


Contact Rebecca Atwood:

W: https://rebeccaatwood.com/

P: 718-369-0016

E: hello@rebeccaatwood.com

@rebeccaatwooddesigns

Behind the Design: Barbara Horowitz of BHS Designs


Designer Spotlight: Barbara Horowitz of BHS Designs, New York, NY


How did you get where you are today?

I was raised on the Eastside of Manhattan, and made the big move to Midtown where I currently live and love! I studied to become a psychologist. Once I completed my graduate work and internship, I had the first of my two children and made the decision to stay home. During his first year, I created and sold silkscreened baby clothes. I did this for two years and transitioned into interior design by working informally for friends.

Sutton Studio Bruce Buck

Photo by Bruce Buck for the The New York Times

You used to be a psychologist, how has the field of psychology influenced your design processes and aesthetic?

Apart from what I think looks fabulous, I am guided by what I believe enhances the human experience and how space can impact that experience.

You have been published many times, what are some projects that you are particularly proud of?

While I am proud of most of the work I do because, I believe, the outcomes reflect my clients’ lifestyles and personas, I am most proud of designing, from the ground up, a Westchester private high school.

What are some of your favorite design resources for inspiration (city, museums, magazine, etc.)? 

It’s more of an attitude about life…the very simple and the exotic are all inspiring to me.

BHS Designs Harrison Colonial

Photo by Geoffrey Sokol

Are there certain colors and materials you’re particularly into right now?

For better or worse, I am remarkably consistent with my palette, which moves between white crème, mushroom, grays and black, although I just did an entire living room in lilac – and my clients love it!

Fall is approaching, what are some key transitional pieces for a home?

A few cashmere throws.

Can you share some of your favorite NYC shops for sourcing?

I love Antony Todd, Ikea for down bed pillows and duvets, Rose Tarlow Showroom, JanGorge (Sag Harbor).

BHS Designs Harrison Colonial

Photo by Geoffrey Sokol

How does designing make you feel?

I am genetically coded to nest! I love creating spaces in which people feel nurtured, restored and walk into their homes everyday and fall in love!

How do you spend your first hour each morning?

The first thing I do is take my puppy outside. After she meets up with her friends, we come home and I make coffee and look at my business emails. I then read the news.

When you’re creativity feels tired, how do you refresh?

Travel, going to new art exhibits, or cruise through my old and new design books.

Westchester Tudor BHS Designs

Photo by Rachel Neville

What’s your business mantra?

Being in a relationship with a space is no different than any other relationship. Each must be nurturing and supportive of each other.

When you start a new project, how do you get to know your client and the space? 

I do a lot of listening and studying: Listening to what people say and what they don’t, studying how they move through their space, their clothing choices, and what they determine to be their favorite pieces and furnishings. I also ask before we meet that they compile images of looks that they love.

How do you juggle multiple projects at once and stay organized? 

LISTS and a project calendar.

Westchester Country Home BHS Designs

Photo by Geoffrey Sokol

What’s the hardest part about running your own business? 

Managing expectations.

For the new interior designers out there, what are some words of wisdom you can share for starting a new business? 

COMMUNICATE more than you think you need to or want to!

What’s your next project in your home?

Extending my dining room at my home on the North Fork of L.I.

Sutton Studio BHS Designs

Photo by Bruce Buck for the The New York Times

Why did you join Ivy? 

I wanted the administrative support.

How has Ivy helped streamline your workflow?

I worry less about the accuracy of my invoices and the ease by which I can view my client’s financial profiles. I love that Ivy alerts me to when my clients have viewed and paid invoices and when they need to be reminded to do so.

What’s an Ivy feature you can’t live without? 

I love that Ivy informs me of my client’s responses to invoices via email. I also appreciate Ivy’s staff constantly striving to improve the designer’s experience interfacing with the program. In 2008, I let go of 2 key staff members and as a result, the weight of the extra (and undesirable) administrative work has been burdensome. The staff at Ivy is so responsive, supportive and helpful, I feel as if they work for me, personally!

 

Barbara Horowitz BHS Designs

Photo by Geoffrey Sokol


Are you an interior designer interested in joining the Ivy Community? Find out more here.