Nashville-based company WallsNeedLove (WNL) designs and collaborates with artists around the globe to create wall art designs used for wall decals, wallpaper & removable wallpaper, and wall art. WNL makes it simple for the interior designer by offering complimentary wallpaper & wall mural samples for Trade Program members. This makes it easy for interior designers to propose a variety of color swatches and patterns to clients. Don’t see something you like? As a Trade Program member, interior designers can work directly with the WNL Art Director and Graphic Designer to create custom wallpaper or mural design to fit both the needs of the designer and client.

Sarah McCall, WNL leader of Business Development, discusses the growth of the WNL team and their focus on building their Trade Program, the rise of removable wallpaper, and best practices for choosing the right removable wallpaper for a space.

What’s WallsNeedLove (WNL) all about in 140 characters or less?

At WNL, we believe your environment is an extension of you; creative, enlivening and inspiring. We specialize in removable wallpaper, wall murals and decals, and home decor.

How do you typically work with interior designers?

We have always sought to provide interior designers with a reliable product and hundreds of design options to meet the needs of their clients. We recently revamped our Trade Program and joined the American Society of Interior Designers because we are committed to working with interior designers and trade professionals on a deeper level. We are a small team in Nashville, TN, and our company is growing. I recently joined WNL to lead new Business Development initiatives and to specifically oversee our Trade Program and provide interior designers top-notch, personalized customer service. A new feature of our Trade Program is the ability to work with our Art Director and Graphic Designer to create a custom wallpaper or wall mural design to fit each unique need of the designers’ clients. I love working with interior designers to take their vision further and make it a reality.

Banana Leaf Wallpaper (Photo: Stephanie, The Divine Living Space)

In your opinion, why is wallpaper making a comeback?

Wallpaper as a modern decor option is making a comeback thanks to new technology like it being self-adhesive and easy to remove. We are finally starting to see wallpaper shed its old identity of being that gaudy 80s floral design in your Grandma’s house that was difficult and messy to adhere to a wall and impossible to remove. Our removable wallpaper is easy to apply – just peel and stick!

In addition, the DIY, weekend warrior culture is really booming right now with the popularity of Pinterest, Instagram, and shows like Fixer Upper on HGTV. People are drawing a lot of inspiration from bloggers they follow on social media or the shows they are watching on TV and removable wallpaper is so easy to apply, anyone can do it and become a weekend warrior themselves.

Another reason is our millennial consumers. Wallpaper is a new and fun concept for many and it’s the perfect solution a new generation is discovering to express their individuality and make their spaces unique. Plus, oftentimes, young people are on the move (switching jobs and cities much more often than older generations), and they are purchasing homes later in life, so having a temporary decor option that still allows you to express yourself and feel right at home is really appealing.

There are so many reasons removable wallpaper is a trending decor option and we hope folks explore the hundreds of designs we curate at WNL and go for it!

“Wallpaper as a modern decor option is making a comeback thanks to new technology like it being self-adhesive and easy to remove.”

Pixel Diamonds Removable Wallpaper (Photo: Kirsten Grove)

What wallpapers trends do you foresee for 2017?

Two of our featured wallpaper collections that are really popular right now are our Geometric and Art Deco collections. Style is cyclical and with Mid-century modern decor making it’s comeback, these designs fit in really nicely with that motif.

Easy Stripe, Black 8 inch pictured on the ceiling (Photo: Kate, Cameron & Co.)

Can you offer 3 tips of “best practices” to interior designers for choosing the right removable wallpaper for a space?

First and foremost, always order a sample. Our wallpaper samples are $2. Our Trade Program members receive free wallpaper and wall mural samples and free Easy Stripe color swatches so you can be sure that what you see online will work in the actual space.

Secondly, wallpaper and wall murals will most likely be the largest design element in the room so it’s important to plan out which design works best with the other decor items you have. For example, if your decor aesthetic is more minimal, a bold print wallpaper in the space may be the perfect balance. Or if you are working with a variety of loud, eclectic pieces, you may want a more clean and simple design on your walls to provide a small accent to the rest of the decor. Whatever look you are trying to achieve, at WNL, we have the art to match it, or, we will work with our Trade customers to come up with a custom design.

Finally, another basic tip for covering walls is deciding what colors work best for the aura or mood you are trying to achieve in a specific room. For example, blues and greens, especially soft hues, are calming and soothing and great for bedrooms, while whites and neutrals give rooms a nice airy, open feel. On the contrast, reds and purples stimulate one’s energy and promote liveliness so you may want to avoid those colors in your bedroom.

“Whatever look you are trying to achieve, at WNL, we have the art to match it, or, we will work with our Trade customers to come up with a custom design.”

Misty Forest Wall Mural (Photo: Kelly Allen)

What are your best-selling wallpapers, murals, decals and art?

So far, in 2017, our best-selling removable wallpaper designs are Waves of Chic, Pixel Diamonds, The Legend of the Jackalope, Banana Leaf and The Palms in White. We work with bloggers and social media influencers all the time and these are constantly their go-to patterns.

Our top 3 selling wall murals right now are our Misty Forest, Vintage Bouquet and White Washed Brick.

And in terms of our most popular wall decals our Easy Stripe and Polka Dot Design Packs are big sellers for us. In fact, our self-adhesive, reposition-able and removable Easy Stripe is probably our most popular product because it allows you to create endless customized stripe designs, without the hassle of measuring and painting stripes. Our customers use our Easy Stripe product on theirs walls, ceilings, doors, stairs… the list goes on! Our Easy Stripes comes in 10 sizes and 25 colors for infinite possibilities.

And finally, who doesn’t love polka dots? Again, with the flourishing DIY culture, our Design Packs allow our customers to create endless designs because you can arrange the polka dot decals yourself. Our Polka Dots comes in 4 sizes and 25 colors.

Waves of Chic Removable Wallpaper (Photo: Alison Johnson)

Who are some of the up & coming wall art designers that have been making a splash in 2017?

We are glad you asked this. An important aspect of WallsNeedLove’s mission is to support artists worldwide, which we do by sourcing many of our wall art designs directly from individual artists. Every time their design is purchased on one of our products, they receive a commission. We have been seeing some innovative and unique art from all of our featured artists but a few that are really popular right now are Elisabeth Fredricksson and Gulay Day. There is something quippy about Elisabeth’s art deco and geometric art, while Gulay’s industrial patterns with a soft touches of floral and muted colors give off a subtle femininity, which is really unique for the industrial texture look.

Legend of the Jackalope Wallpaper (Photo: Miranda Anderson)

Based on your knowledge of the industry and best-selling products, what advice would you offer an artist looking to design wallpaper or art?  

There are so many companies and websites out there these days that feature artists’ original designs on a wide array of products. In working with the artists we feature at WNL, a few things come to mind.

First, determine what your goal is. Is your goal to make money and appeal to “the masses”? Or, is your goal to get your unique point-of-view out there for a niche customer? The fact is, some designs are going to be more popular on wallpaper, and if you design something that is purchased over and over, you will make more money from the commission on sales.

Second, don’t be afraid to self-promote to increase the visibility of your art on the company’s products. Some of our artists are constantly self-promoting their art on their own social media platforms and they tend to see more revenue from that promotion.

Easy Stripes diagonally, Blue 4 inch and Graphite 1 inch (Photo: Harrison, Apartment Therapy)

What are some new and creative ways to use removable wallpaper? Is it safe to use removable wallpaper in rentals?

We are always amazed at the ways bloggers and influencers we work with creatively use our removable wallpaper. We’ve seen our wallpaper as the backsplash of bookcases, on filing cabinets, as backdrops for home photography studios, on dressers and doors. The list goes on!

And yes, our removable wallpaper is perfect for rentals! It removes clean, so it is a really popular option for folks who want to personalize their space, and don’t want to have the hassle of painting, and then re-painting when it’s time to move.

The Palms in White Wallpaper (Photo: Jennifer Bridgman)

What’s next for WallsNeedLove?

AT WNL, we strive to stay ahead of the curve. We recently redesigned our website to really highlight and feature our curated wallpaper collections. As you noted, the resurgence of wallpaper is fantastic and we are really trying to keep our wallpaper art and designs fresh and innovative.

Like I mentioned earlier, we’ve expanded our Trade Program so we can provide 1-on-1, personalized service to interior designers. And, we are working to get our products in front of commercial designers and trade professionals, which is something we have not focused on to-date.

Finally, we are constantly trying to launch new products. We have just added a “Custom” option to our website so our customers can upload their own art or photograph and have it printed on our products. For our Trade customers, we will also work directly with you to create a custom design if a client has a specific print in mind and we don’t have it on our site. We will do our best to go find the design and turn it into removable wallpaper.

Population: Pineapple Wallpaper (Photo: Douglas Lyle Thompson)

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.

One of the trickiest tasks an interior designer must tackle is ensuring every single item ordered for a project is delivered from one place to another in one pretty piece. As we all know, this is much easier said than done. The team behind Freight Club understands this priority and has made it their business, literally, to provide customers with the flexibility, rates and white-glove service they need to execute this difficult undertaking.

Freight Club focuses on managing the logistics and rate negotiations of high touch/high demand product, shipping over 1.5M pieces of furniture last year alone. How does the Freight Club keep their prices down? They consider themselves a collective club; “the more we all ship, the better the rates are”. The Freight Club shares how they take care of delicate shipments such as glass, executing shipments in a cost-efficient and timely manner, and how Freight Club offerings ease the shipping and handling burden for interior designers.

We want to be the leader in both providing amazing rates and finding solutions for our customers every day.

 

What are the trickiest items you ship for interior designers?

Glass – and specifically large glass tables that weigh in excess of 450 lbs. Packaging is something that manufacturers who are not used to shipping single pieces quite often don’t do very well. Having carriers that specifically deal with furniture is imperative because shipments are often fragile. All of our white glove services come with two men minimum and more can be added depending on the weight of certain items. We also suggest to use a carrier for fragile items, like Watkins Sheppard, because we know they don’t use forklifts in their shipping process. Everything is handled by hand and inspected at each terminal the item goes to. We are also currently building out our blanket-wrap services which will also allow for more specialized services as we move forward.

Can you name some of the common mistakes interior designers make when arranging for shipping using freight services?

Pickup dates are probably the most common mistakes. Many interior designers have custom orders and those manufacturers are often behind, or their schedules change. It’s not great to send trucks out to pickup locations when the item is not ready. However, with our 48-hour pickup window, it allows the designer to be quite fluid with their needs. Rate Classification is another common mistake. And what’s Rate Classification? It’s a number generated by the various different inputs, weight, dimensions, type of shipment, etc. The rate of 100 can be very different to a rate of 400 and we don’t like surprises or adjusted bills after a shipment. Our rate calculator will automatically calculate the rate class which takes out the ambiguity of rate shopping.

As a Freight Club Member, what kind of information can you review on the dashboard?

Everything you need to be able to quote, book, and track an order is easy to find from our dashboard. Another great feature is being able to pull up “open quotes”, quotes you have inquired for, but haven’t booked. All of the shipping address and product information is saved so you can quickly move to book without having to enter all the information again.

Our rate calculator will automatically calculate the rate class which takes out the ambiguity of rate shopping.

For those new to Freight Club, what are 3 tips for making the most out of your offerings?

1. Familiarize yourself with the “Quick Quote” page. There are some easy-to-use features that allow you to get multiple quotes very quickly so you can check prices and get on with your day.

2. Take the time to review the Service Levels. Freight Club has all types of delivery options. Sometimes, changing the delivery service is a great way to ensure your project stays on budget.

3. Service is key. We have a full Customer Service team who is just a call or email away to help you with any questions or special requests.

High Point Market is less than 1 month away (April 22-26). If you haven’t started already, now’s a good time to start planning your market strategy so you can come prepared and not waste time getting organized once you get there. Are you debating attending? Don’t think twice and book your flight, it’s worth the investment. Attending market is part of your due diligence as an interior designer or decorator. It’s all about seeing the colors & finishes in person…catalogues can only do so much! With the plethora of workshops and events, you’ll be re-energized for Spring with an exciting overdose of all things design.

Here’s a running list of tips to help you navigate this hectic week and make the most out of High Point Market this season.

“Don’t Discount the Power of Being There”

This is the powerful design mantra of Jackie Von Tobel and Deb Barrett, the founders behind Soft Design Lab. According to this power duo, “Designers need to see, sit and feel products in person at market to be able to sell effectively to their clients”. And you may ask, “why is this important?” Your client is paying you to make knowledgable decisions on their behalf. This idea is applied to both sourcing product and the variety of networking opportunities with industry attendees.

Romo

The Soft Design Lab will be hosting a VIP High Point Market Experience (#HPMKT) in cooperation with High Point Market Authority Spring Market. You can book a spot here.

Download the MyMarket App in Advance

Be sure to update to the latest version or download the app to plan out the lectures, CEUs and forums you’d like to attend. This will help you organize your day by geographical location.

Try to plan your CEU classes first. The Design Viewpoints series at noon offers a box lunch and a chance to rest.

High Point Market

If you don’t have the app downloaded to your iPhone, visit the Apple Store and search for “HPMKT” or download here.

Book & Pack Smart

Can’t find a hotel? Check out the number of AirBnb rentals in the area.

Wear and pack an extra pair of comfortable shoes you can stand in for hours.

Travel as lightly as possible – a cross-over bag should be OK. Large totes get heavy fast, and rolling bags can get irritating with all of the stairs and escalators. If you absolutely must take away literature, bring a rolling briefcase or luggage on wheels to store the catalogs you grab on the go (we have a major crush on Away bags). However, don’t be shy to ask vendors to mail catalogs to your office, this way, you don’t have to carry them around all day.

Print out extra business cards (Moo.com is probably the best printing option out here, but Zazzle and Vistaprints are great too!)

Don’t forget an extra phone charger or battery extender (Mophie has great extenders).

For the eco-conscious, bring a reusable water bottle so you don’t waste money on plastic (Swell has chic bottles).

Away Luggage, Photo by @witanddelight

Check Out the Ivy Designer Spots They Won’t Miss

Four Hands Furniture

Magnolia Home x Loloi Rug Collection, Photo by @magnoliamade

Duralee

Celerie collaboration with Mirror Image Home, via Rue Magazine

10 Instagram Hashtags You Should Be Using While You’re There

#maketimefordesign

#HPMKT

#HPMKT2017

#HPMKTs

#atmarket

#atHPMKT

#DesignOnHPMkt

#interiordesign

#interiordesigner

#interiordesigning

What are your tips? Email tara@ivymark.com to get your tips added to the list!

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.

Design Firm Spotlight: Design House Interiors – Wallingford, CT

How did you get to where you are today?  

Design House Interiors is owned and operated by three partners.  Each partner does interior design, however, we all have expertise in different areas.

Judi Granucci is an expert in all things window treatments and soft goods.  She started her career doing window design exclusively and as clients would ask for her input on their interiors, her business evolved to include all phases of interior design.

Ramona Eldridge is a certified kitchen and bath designer and is an expert in all phases of kitchen and bath design and renovations.  She is also a professional member of ASID.

Jennifer Napolitano is a certified real estate stager and interior designer.  She began her career doing home staging and redesign and soon found herself helping clients with all phases of interior design.

The three partners are a perfect complement to each other.  We work on all of our projects together and love to bounce ideas around and watch them blossom.  Our clients love having the input of three design experts at their consultations.

DHI

Design House Interiors is a full service firm specializing in both residential and commercial spaces. What’s the most exciting part about starting a new project?

The possibilities! When we start a project, we always bounce around the “wishlist”, you know, the ideas that come from an endless budget. From there, we narrow it down to what the budget will allow keeping those original ideas in mind.

Glenn Toole

How do you prepare for an in-house consultation?

We love to do our presentations. We always set the stage with our design boards, artwork, accessories, lighting, fabric samples…you name it; anything that will support our vision and make the client fall in love. This works like a charm.

DHI

What is your process for guiding color selections and specifying color palettes?

We always look to the client for color inspiration, may it be from a piece of artwork they love, an adjoining room, or even their favorite outfit. Anything the client loves can become a palette they are guaranteed to love.

DHI

Who are some of your favorite local Wallingford and Connecticut vendors that you work with?

We trust The Sewing Loft of Avon for all of our custom window treatments and other soft good needs. They are fabulous to work with as they understand our vision and always keep us apprised of all of the latest products and new window design styles. Porter Preston is terrific for window hardware and shades in many styles and finishes. For custom furniture pieces, we turn to Accolade Furniture in Wallingford. If we can dream it, he can build it.

DHI

How does designing make you feel?

There is no greater feeling than that of a big reveal!  We never let our clients watch as we put together a room on installation day. We send them out and then get busy! We schedule everything for the same day…window treatment installation, furniture delivery, lighting, art, etc. It all happens in one day – this way, the client leaves their home the way they’ve always known it, and returns to an entirely new space! Oh yes, there have been tears of joy from both us and them!

Glenn Toole

What is your business mantra?

We love to tell our clients to “Imagine Fabulous” and we tell ourselves “Make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering”. Need we say more?!

Glenn Toole

How much time do you spend on branding, social media and marketing your business?

Since the three partners have come together, we have been in the process of rebranding ourselves. Our goal is to help prospective clients understand that with Design House Interiors, you are hiring a qualified firm and not just a single Designer.  We have a bi-monthly column in two local magazines called “Things we Love”. In the full page article, each partner writes about something that is inspiring to them. We have found this to be a great way to feature our ideas and inspire prospective clients. Also, we add social media posts daily and have seen significant growth in our exposure since doing so. However, our finest form of marketing requires little effort on our part and is most effective at bringing in new clients; and that is word of mouth and referrals which are always plentiful!

Do you tune into any webinars, podcasts or other resources to receive business tips specifically for interior designers?

Occasionally we will tune in to our vendors’ workshops to help keep ourselves updated on the latest and greatest products, and of course we are always interested in learning about any procedures that will streamline our processes…after all, knowledge is power!

DHI

How do you bill your clients?

When a client approaches us, the first thing we do is listen very closely to what their home goals are. We often offer a complimentary consultation at the property to gather all the information we need to write a comprehensive proposal. Our proposals includes a write up of all the homeowners’ wants and the hours associated with achieving these goals. We charge only one design fee and in return, the client receives a master plan of their design including layouts, furnishing choices, window selections, etc., in one master plan for one flat fee. All of the items we choose for the design are provided by Design House Interiors including furnishings, window treatments, artwork and accessories. If the client loves what we are showing them and chooses to move forward, we ask for a 60% deposit to start the ordering process and the final 40% is due on installation day.

Glenn Toole

Who manages your bookkeeping and accounting?

We have a part-time bookkeeper, and of course, Ivy helps keep our accounts orderly and up to date!

Glenn Toole

How do you prepare for market?  What are your next steps post-market?

It is always important for us to make the most of a market visit, as time is limited and there is so much to see! We plan our trip by visiting our current vendors first, and then, of course leave time to see what is new. We also try to find new vendors based on our needs and current market trends. Each day, we make note of what we loved best and need to follow up on. When we return, we are always surprised by the amount of literature we’ve taken home. In the Fall, we even had to pay extra for our luggage just because there was so much we couldn’t live without! During the following weeks, we have fun incorporating what’s new into our current projects, opening up new trade lines and placing orders!

Glenn Toole

Why did you join Ivy?

We were looking for a platform with an easy learning curve for all our project management and Ivy was perfect. Ivy pulls together all of the creative, administrative and bookkeeping needs for every client…quite frankly, finding Ivy was a Godsend for us!

How has Ivy helped streamline your workflow?

How hasn’t it?! Everything in one place at your fingertips? It doesn’t get much more streamlined than that!

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

We love the ability to put all of the product information in one place and send a purchase order with one click!

DHI

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.

Designer Spotlight: Nichole Gabriel of Perfect Piece Interiors – Atlanta, GA

How did you get where you are today?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY where my mom and I lived in a row house, and where I spent the first 17 years of my life. I loved that house so much, with its 1970’s red shag carpeting and red sofas to match. I believe this is where my love for interiors began. We took what we had, and my mom made the very best of it. It was such a meaningful and peaceful place, and one that functioned just the way we needed it to. I try to bring that sense of “peace” into every design project we take on today – those feelings of comfort, peace and “home” which were the original elements of our old Brooklyn row house.

I started studying Interior Design 15 years ago, when I rediscovered the field and recognized it was a legitimate career option. However, shortly after I began my first company, 2nd Impression Designs, my husband and I became parents for the first time, and my company was put on hiatus to begin our beautiful family. Now, 15 years later, with my 3 little corporate helpers (my kiddos), my love for interior design was finally able to come to fruition.  I love what I do so very much, and it’s even better doing it with my family by my side.

Perfect Piece Interiors, Interior Design & Home Staging is a full design service firm and creator of EZ Design Services, affordable “slow design” for the budget conscious. What are some ways you alleviate the stress of a project and help bring peace to the process?

I take this part very seriously, and feel like the design process shouldn’t be a stressful one. We take the stress out of the process by handling any and everything pertaining to our clients’ project. We want them to experience the excitement of the process, and the satisfaction of having reached their ideal space, without the worry of every detail. Does everything run perfectly? Of course not, however, it’s our goal to shelter the client as much as possible from the nitty gritty process details…those details are for us to worry about!

Camille Youngblood Photography

What does “slow design” mean exactly?

“Slow Design” is a concept I realized about one year ago, when a client of mine was looking for a more curated, collected look for a second space we were designing in her home. I visited thrift stores, antique shows and estate sales looking for just the right items for her space that would tell a “story”. We realized that the story we were trying to create, for her purposes, would be better told “slowly” with real, meaningful, personal items that entered her space or life over time. This is where “Slow Design” was born – instead of a typical, pre-set length of time to begin and close a project, we offer slow design to clients looking for a more organic approach to designing their space.

You offer virtual design services as well, what platforms do you use for e-design and why?

We employ a number of platforms for our e-design services, and are ever-evolving in this area, as technology changes so quickly. I frequently use Photoshop, Pages, Icovia, SketchUp and Home Designer Pro. Olioboard just came out with a new E-Design platform that we are currently testing and really love. These are all platforms that streamline the entire process, and give us a nice clean result, that we believe, clearly communicates visual design concepts (sometimes complicated) to our clients.

How do you stay in-the know about new-to-market products and materials to incorporate in your designs?

I’m lucky enough to now live in the suburbs of one of the world’s largest design meccas – Atlanta! ADAC (the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) and The AmericasMart Atlanta are only a short drive away, and are literal gold mines of resources, materials, vendors and events. We make it a priority to attend Market there twice a year to learn of new offerings and we attend events as often as possible to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry. It’s hands down my number one go-to resource when I begin a project. I’m truly very blessed to be so close to such a rich resource! This, paired with the Internet, and magazines like the Ivy Magazine, keep me in the know!

Who are some of your favorite Paulding County/Georgia vendors that you enjoy working with?

We’ve got all of the traditional contractors necessary to get a job done, but where we really shine is in local artisanship! I take pride in working with local artisans whenever possible. There’s a richness and depth of artistic input that is injected into a project that I’ve experienced only when working with local artisans. A project takes on a whole new feel when I can get one of my local artists to touch it! I have a fabulous local upholsterer and workroom, Fuertes, a Local Artist, J. Williams Art, and a local photographer, Camille Youngblood Photography, just to name a few, that really help me bring my projects to life!

Camille Youngblood Photography

How does designing make you feel?

What an amazing multi-faceted question that looks so simple at first glance! This may sound cliche, but…alive! I think, for a designer, there’s a creative animal that lives deep down inside of us…it touches everything we think, do, and every interaction we have. When I get my hands on a space and envision the possibilities for my client, start to measure, and then pencil space plans and ideas onto paper, the creative animal becomes alive. It’s a fulfilling process to help an individual, or family, realize “themselves” in a space that was previously simply a “room”.  When this happens, and their eyes light up, that is what designing is all about!

What’s your business mantra?

“It’s what’s inside that matters!” People often only see a one dimensional interpretation of this. For us, it’s more than simply furnishing and decorating a space. We value what’s inside of our client’s mind and spirit before, during, and especially after the design process! We strive to deliver a sense of peace, the confidence in knowing we’ve got it all taken care of, and the elation of finally reaching a space that once only lived in your head. We care about the feel of a client’s finished space, and how the space functions for their family, not just the aesthetics of that space. These are our measurables in determining if we’ve reached our goal for that client.

Camille Youngblood Photography

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

I personally go out and meet with every new client, not only to spec their space, but to get to know them, their desires, their vision, and their needs within the space. We also have a very robust (and quite quirky, fun, & unique) pre-consultation questionnaire that gives us a great head start in getting to know our clients.

What are some ways you stick within a minimal budget for the budget conscious?

* Buying used and sprucing it up.

* Using what you have, and viewing it in a completely different way.

* Slowing down the design – this is my number one way!  Design can be accomplished on a deadline, and in most cases, it’s best to get it done!  However, in situations of tight budgets, “slow design” is a much better way to gain optimal results. Patience is key here!

Camille Youngblood Photography

How do you maintain a good work life/personal life balance, especially during the holiday season?

I am a momma of 3 beautiful angels and a wife to an amazing hubby! I school my kids, take care of my home, and I’m an active member of my church. So, balance is an ongoing struggle for me. The key is to make a conscious effort toward balance. I find that planning is crucial to not losing my mind! I invest in a quality planner every year, and carry it everywhere I go…it’s my lifeline. Every single day, I make a conscious effort to create balance. Every detail is planned; from daily activities, to morning devotions and holiday celebrations.

What’s the most exciting part about being an interior designer? And what’s the most daunting part?

The most exciting part is the client’s reaction to their ideal space, hands down! There is no better feeling then knowing that your hard work has produced this much happiness, peacefulness and joy into a client’s life!

The most daunting part is most certainly paper, paper, paper. Design is 20% “HGTV” and 80% business! Most people see shiny results and think “wow, what a great career!”  While it is an amazing career, the vast majority of it is no different then a career in accounting or tax preparation! Business is business, and however daunting it may be, especially for a creative, it must be done!

Camille Youngblood Photography

As a designer running a “one-woman-show”, what are some tips for the interior designer launching their own business?

Be strong, don’t give up. You can do this despite the obstacles that may present themselves. Always be in a state of learning and growing. Do the hard stuff first (ie. get those business ducks in a row!) Find a mentor (or a few) within the industry that will help you, listen to you and support you. Most importantly, never forget who you are.

Why did you join Ivy?

I was looking for an all-in-one business solution to help get those ducks in a row. IVY fit the bill!

Camille Youngblood Photography

How has Ivy helped ease your day-to-day pain points?

IVY is one place I can go to keep track of client information, projects, sourcing, time tracking, billing, invoicing, POs… these are all of my pain points! IVY makes these elements of my business so much easier to deal with on a daily basis. When things are systematic, it takes much less time to journey through the process, and I LOVE IVY for that!

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

Oh, my absolute favorite feature is the new IVY Product Clipper! I’m just going to be honest here and say that I did a real life happy dance when this feature was announced! 🙂

Camille Youngblood Photography

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.

Spring is on the horizon, and that means green grass, fresh air, and warmer days are on their way. Time to store away the heavy textiles and switch to lighter linens and accessories that feel fresh and bright. We’ve rounded up a list of our home decor favorites that will bring some springtime into your client’s home.

Contemporary Spring Floral Wallpaper | Anewall  – $419

Terrace Stripe Pouf – Light Pool  | West Elm – $249

Ari Pagoda Fringe Patio Umbrella | One Kings Lane – $529

Abaca Woven Pendants | Forma Living – $300

Marisol Pillows | All Roads Design – $88 – $168

Clementine Print by Jorey Hurley | Artfully Walls – $77

Capri Blue Surf Spray Candle | Anthropologie – $30

Ceramic Pour Vase – Blue | Target – $18.99

Balinese Tassel Basket | Anthropologie – $78

Glory Hydrangea, Dotted Pot | Terrain – $48

Sandstone Weaving | Camp Provisions – $150

Dedicating budget to design a child’s bedroom is often not prioritized considering children move quickly in and out of phases. One day they’re into castles, the next day they’re into farms, it’s hard to keep up! James Hood, an architect by training with an entrepreneurial spirit, has managed to bridge the gap between childhood fantasy and practicality with Young Empire, a children’s furniture brand with a twist. His modular systems help parents decorate children’s rooms knowing that they can quickly turn a screwdriver a few times to completely transform the look and feel of their child’s bedroom.

The modular furniture system includes all of the bedroom necessities which can be built together and laid out in different ways. You can even dress up pieces with easy-to-install decorative facia panels. As the child gets older and moves in and out of phases, you can update the furniture with different themes to keep up with the child’s age and personal preferences, without having to purchase new furniture to re-decorate the room. Here, James shares his inspiration behind the brand, the practicality of the modular furniture system, and tips for launching a new company.

James – as a trained architect, what sparked the idea to build a children’s furniture brand? 

As an architect, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of fantasy in architecture, my Masters thesis was based on a study of the work of utopian architects like Claude Nicolas Ledoux, Ebenezer Howard and Le Corbusier; I was fascinated with the unbuilt or the unbuildable.

Once I began working for an architectural firm in Geneva, the realities of budget constraints and planning approval came to dominate my working day, but I’m a big daydreamer and this idea of creating and inhabiting fantastical worlds never really left me. So when I was asked by a client to come up with something really special for their young son’s bedroom, I got really excited!

I started designing this really intricate, one off castle with towers and walkways all over the place…I went completely over the top. That’s when I realized that I wasn’t bringing real value to the client. Of course their son would love it, but what happens when he grows out of his Knights and Dragon’s phase? This rather elaborate and costly flight of fancy would have to be removed and replaced by something more in keeping with their son’s age and interests.

It was this tug-of-war between the practicalities of designing a room for a child and making it a magical, fantastical place that led me to children’s furniture design and the reason I founded Young Empire, to bridge the gap between fantasy and practicality.

And why children exactly?

Children are wonderfully unpretentious; they tend to see things for what they are without the baggage of social convention, this really allows for incredible freedom when you design for them.

They’re also incredibly creative, far more so than you or I, they have this incredible capacity to fill in the blanks; watch a child play and a sofa becomes a mountain, a carpet becomes a burning lava field, with the smallest visual clues they build incredible worlds in their minds.

Of course they can also be the harshest critics and don’t shy away from letting you know they don’t like something, but helping them create the most incredible worlds for themselves is really what makes them the most exciting clients to design for.

Industrimagem Lda

Young Empire has developed a modular furniture system that covers all the bedroom necessities, bridging the gap between fantasy and practicality – how does this work exactly?

We’ve developed a suite of furniture that includes an alcove bed, a pullout bookshelf, a wardrobe and a pullout wardrobe; these pieces are at the core of any Young Empire bedroom. Every one of our furniture pieces can be combined and aligned with any other piece, giving you complete flexibility in the way you layout your bedroom. Once the pieces are arranged in the room, we get to the really fun part!

Each piece has a corresponding decorative fascia panel in the theme of your choice, no matter how the room has been arranged, each piece of furniture can be ‘dressed up’ to create a completely decorated bedroom.

The decorative panels are really easy to fit and remove, which means that as your child grows up and out of one theme, it’s really easy to update the room with a completely new décor without having to change any of the furniture.

The fantastic part of Young Empire designs is the ability to dress up the pieces with decorative fascia panels – what themes do you offer?

For launch, we have three themes available; the Knights Castle, the Country House and the Explorers Jungle. Our aim is to add another theme every two months or so for the foreseeable future.

At the moment we’re working on an Indian Palace theme, with all of those lovely carved wood moldings and floral motifs as inspiration, we think it’s going to look pretty great!

We’ve got so many themes we want to bring to life, the hard part is choosing which ones we’ll work on next, but what we’re always trying to do is to take the idea of children’s furniture a little bit further into the unexpected, creating beautiful designs for children which step away from the ‘blue racing car for boys and the pink palace for girls’ way of thinking.

Industrimagem Lda

Moving forward, you’d love to work with illustrators, artists and interior designers to design new themes and limited editions – who are some creative people you’d like to partner up with?

There are some incredible illustrators and artists out there that I think would be a great fit for Young Empire.

I love the work of Oliver Jeffers, his illustrated book This Moose Belongs to Me is one of my all time favorite children’s books. Marie-Laure Cruschi, alias Cruschiform, is the incredibly talented illustrator behind the Cabins book for Taschen. Her bold ultra-graphical style would look amazing in a child’s room! Michaël Eveno, aka Grems, is an incredible artist who works on massive murals as well as smaller art pieces, his mix of geometric forms and bright colours are beautiful and really fun.

Who are some other children’s brands that you admire and why?

I really admire Oeuf NYC, their products are beautiful and they’ve built an incredibly strong brand and their company manifesto “Be Good” is what we should all strive for.

The Dutch brand Kast van een Huis who manufacture the Amsterdam house wardrobes, have been incredibly successful at bringing ‘themed’ furniture to the world and creating a business around a single iconic piece.

I hope that Young Empire can emulate their success by bringing something exciting and a bit different to the marketplace.

Industrimagem Lda

Which apps, books, forums and resources do you use day-to-day that you can’t live without?

I’m a total bookworm, I allow myself at least an hour a day if not two to get lost in a book, it stimulates the mind like nothing else. History and Fantasy books are obviously top of my reading list and I’ll read anything about any of the great explorers.

I’m a big fan of Pinterest, it’s an incredibly powerful tool at the beginning of any project to get your ideas into line. Instagram is obviously another great resource, if used wisely, and a great way of keeping people up to speed with what’s going on at Young Empire.

What’s the best advice you have received thus far regarding launching a new company?

I think the best advice I’ve gotten so far, from a family friend who himself has launched numerous companies, is to combine a determined mindset with a practical flexibility.

It’s important to know where you want to go, but there are so many ways of getting there, if you stubbornly stick to a single path you might miss some incredible opportunities.

If I think back to what I was expecting would happen at the beginning and compare it to the way things have actually turned out, the difference is amazing, in a good way!

Industrimagem Lda

Can you offer some tips to the designers launching a new business?

I’m really lucky to be working with some of the best people in the industry; I was introduced to some incredible manufacturers who took the time to listen to me and work through some of the crazier ideas I’ve had. The furniture would not be what it is today without them and their incredibly insightful input.

So if I had one piece of advice to give to other designers, it would be: make sure you’re working with the best people you can find and listen to them, ask questions, ask for their opinion and they’ll become invested in your project, your relationship will run deeper than a simple business transaction. Your product and business will be better for it.

What’s your focus for 2017?

2017 is all about getting the word out; meeting retailers and clients and introducing them to our product. We think that we can offer them something really special and we want them to know about it!

We’ll also be concentrating on expanding our range of decorative themes, for both younger and older children, bringing real value to our clients over time.

Vincent Edmond Louis

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.

If you have dabbled in e-design, you’ve heard of Laurel & Wolf, a leading interior design platform connecting e-designers with people eager for affordable, quality design. Laurel & Wolf enables qualified interior designers with the opportunity to offer virtual design services to clients, helping people feel good in their personal space. Historically, interior design was something only accessible to the elite. Laurel & Wolf has broken these rules and created a way for everyday, modern people to enjoy quality design. As an interior designer, e-design opens your horizons by bringing in extra income while expanding your range of clientele.

Laurel & Wolf shares with us the evolving state of the industry, the tools they’ve built to empower e-designers, and the bright future of Laurel & Wolf on a mission to make e-design projects easier and more creative.

Photography courtesy of Dustin Walker

What’s Laurel & Wolf about in 140 characters or less?

Pushing the interior design industry forward! Giving our designers opportunity and our clients access to design they deserve.

In your opinion, how does great design transform our daily lives?

We believe that well-designed, personalized spaces set the tone for a daily life that is truly yours. When you feel like your home really reflects you and your style, you’re going to feel more comfortable, bold and confident even when you’re away.

What is the criteria to become a certified Laurel & Wolf designer?

We look holistically at prospective designers’ portfolios, experience, online presentation and personal voice and taste. We also generally require that designers have an interior design certification, unless they have at least five years of exceptional industry experience. Designers must be eligible to work in the U.S. or Canada.

Designed by James Tabb

Based on your knowledge of the industry, how are the rules of interior design evolving?

Interior design has historically been a service only accessible to the very elite. Logistically, it also has not really modernized since the pre-digital era. At Laurel & Wolf, we’re taking on both of these problems and trying to rethink what interior design can look like for modern, everyday people. Our rules are there are no rules!

How is modern technology transforming the traditional interior design industry?

Technology is making it much quicker and easier to pin down what you really want. Both clients and designers now have access to endless inspiration images and products, and can really develop a clear sense of their taste. It’s also much more feasible for a new designer to get their start by leveraging great photos and design on their websites and social media. Platforms like Ivy and Laurel & Wolf are also empowering designers to run their businesses more independently with game-changing project management, visualization and communication tools.

Laurel & Wolf Office

Laurel & Wolf provides designers with the exposure and tools they need to streamline their projects with e-design clients. How has e-design expanded the business of traditional interior designers?

E-design has enabled designers to work remotely and on their own schedules, and allows them to take on projects in different styles and regions. We have so many designers from different walks of life who have leveraged e-design to pursue their interior design goals, from new moms who need time at home, to world travelers on sabbatical. We see designers who have recently relocated struggling to find local clients and keeping their business steady by working digitally. The flexibility is invaluable.

Designed by James Tabb

What are some of the project management pain points interior designers face in e-design and how does Laurel & Wolf help remedy these issues?

The main gripe we hear from e-designers coming onto the platform is that it’s frustrating trying to keep track of everything. Without something to streamline their projects, communication is scattered among calls, emails and notes and invoicing hourly can be a nightmare. With Laurel & Wolf, everything is housed on the platform, from sourcing to style boards to payment. Clients also purchase their e-design packages upfront, so designers never need to have awkward conversations about money and can just jump into doing what they love.

Laurel & Wolf Office

Laurel & Wolf designers love the “Design With Me” feature – how does this feature work exactly?

Design With Me projects are different from the other packages we offer at Laurel & Wolf because the client chooses their designer specifically. For these projects, designers can set their own flat rate per room and we keep only a small 5% transaction fee to cover credit card processing costs and access to our technology. Designers also have a direct Work With Me link that they can share on their own websites or social media to drive new and existing clients to their e-design services. They can then use the platform to house their digital projects, exchange ideas with their clients, and compile their final floor plan, style boards and shopping list to make the design a reality.

On average, what’s the standard rate Laurel & Wolf designers charge their e-design clients?

This really ranges! We generally see rates per room landing between $199-1,199. Designers can also offer discounts or run promotions on their own – many choose to do this for their return clients.

How does the Laurel & Wolf team connect and engage with your community of e-designers on a personal level, creating this sense of empowerment?

Over the past couple years, we have built out a really special Design Community team in-house. These are the designers’ advocates throughout the company and they help address any issues with Client Services, secure press coverage for designers, and pass along product and technology ideas. Having this team in place ensures that the designers are always carefully considered when decisions and changes are made. Beyond the office, we strive to empower all of our designers by creating a sense of community. Although e-design is all remote, we host events for our designers to get together in person every month. These usually correspond with a local design event, like a trade show or designer show house. So far, we’ve had meet-ups in over 25 cities around the country, and it’s amazing to see how those local communities support each other.

Why should a traditional interior designer experiment with e-design?

E-design is an awesome way to keep busy when your in-person business is slower, and the projects are generally shorter and in a smaller scale. This allows you to work with more clients at a time and really build out your portfolio quickly. It’s a great way to bring in additional income while expanding your range of clientele and experience.

What’s your focus for 2017?

This year, our main goal is to bring even more aspects of the design process into the ecosystem of our platform. We’re working on a lot of new product tools that will make e-design projects easier and more creative for our designers. Most recently, we released the first version of a new Designer Sourcing Guide that compiles millions of products from home vendors of every scale, price point and style. We believe this feature will save our designers tons of time on their projects – and time is money!

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.

Jackie and Deb – you’ve fostered a wonderful creative community dedicated to educating, informing and inspiring the industry’s designers and manufacturers on soft furnishings. How did this collaboration come to be?
Literally in the back of a taxi. Jackie and I have known each other for many years and each time our paths crossed, we discussed the industry and our place in it. Three years ago, we were at a conference and spent a lot of time discussing what we love- (we’re both fabri-a-holics!), the state of the design industry, etc. On our way to the airport, it all came together for us in the back of the taxi. We saw a void and decided to fill it. Soft Design Lab is our passion project. It’s an online base camp and creative community dedicated to providing advanced education on soft furnishings design and business to designers and manufacturers. Soft Design Lab is meant to build a bridge between designers and manufacturers, to highlight new product, emerging trends, and start the conversation to promote better communication and profitable relationships. As partners in crime, design-wise, we complement each other, and frankly, we use our reputations as industry leaders to push our vision forward.

Manuel Canovas

What are some of the major soft goods trends for 2017?

Oh, we LOVE to talk trends! We know that it’s a buzz word that can be much maligned and overused, but we believe that understanding and capitalizing on trends is the difference between failure and success. So, here are the current soft goods trends that you should know about:

• Statement curtains take center stage
• Deconstructed stripes
• Sleep is the new luxury
• Flat is out, layering is in
• Floral fantasy – secret garden
• It’s personal – personalization and customization, one-of-a-kinds in soft goods
• Ornate ornamentation –  leading the way to a new Baroque interior

Romo Black Edition

How do you typically work with interior designers?
We interact with our community online and in person. Most of our offerings are virtual; from our downloadable PRO Guides and complimentary Take Ten Webinars, to interaction on our social media channels, intensive online expert live learning, and on-demand videos. But, we also build relationships with our community through our market tours and live events.

Based on your knowledge of the industry, what are the 3 biggest pain points interior designers face day-to-day when it comes to soft furnishings?
1. Over 50% of what is sold and specified in home furnishings is “soft” – textiles, upholstery, bedding, etc. Designing and selling soft furnishings can be one of the most profitable business categories. However, designers receive less than a semester of soft goods specification instruction in design school, if at all. The bottom line is that designers either don’t tackle soft goods, or, they do it poorly, therefore they don’t profit appropriately from this cash-rich category.

2. Most designers have little or no formal education in the soft furnishings design niche, and as a result, they are unable to adequately fulfill their clients’ needs, leaving substantial profits on the table.  Many designers steer clear of the soft furnishings niche, creating a gap that leads to a loss of market share to sub-standard, inexpensive, ready-made, product because they lack the technical skill set to successfully sell and specify. The Soft Design Lab is breaking this cycle through education and practical real world skills for designers.

3. Consumers have lost touch with what constitutes “quality” soft furnishings which perpetuates the cycle of a diminishing market and designers who don’t understand how to counteract it.

Leveliere

As soft goods gurus – what are some tips of best practices for mastering soft goods sourcing and fulfillment?
It takes a special skill set to confidently and accurately design, order, and fulfill custom soft goods. We strive to be the go-to source for this knowledge through our Pro-Books, Take Tens, Webinars and live courses. First, it’s about understanding the category, and then, working with vendors to help you understand their process, how to order, and specify product successfully. The most important tip is to build technical knowledge in each category – it’s similar to learning a new language, such as knowing the difference between a duvet and a comforter, or a cornice and a cantoneer. Then, you should understand the design guidelines and fabrication standards, along with being fluent in the math.  This includes educating yourself about proportion, measurements, clearances, projections, pattern repeats, how to calculate yardage, etc.

Leveliere

Courtesy of Soft Design Lab

Romo

Courtesy of Soft Design Lab

Birkenstocks

Bluebell Gray

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.

Designer Spotlight: Eric Roseff of Eric Roseff Designs – Boston, MA

How did you get where you are today?
My career path was a bit circuitous, but all roads definitely led to interior design. I studied business and art in college, and took a job as a graphic designer in NYC after graduating. From there, I designed a line of hand-painted canvas footwear, which then became a retailer with a store called Salmagundi. I had a seasonal location on Long Beach Island, NJ, and then opened a second full-time location on Newbury Street in Boston.  We represented artists who designed and created home furnishings, jewelry, clothing, etc. All pieces were one of a kind.  I really embraced my art background and began doing a lot of decorative painting, murals, gilding, and Trompe L’oeil. I worked for a number of interior designers in Boston, and one became my mentor. I closed my retail stores and never looked back. I can still see how every career turn gave me something special and led me to where I am now. I am still based in Boston, as it’s truly my home. In addition to my projects in the Boston area, I do travel quite often for design projects; currently to Connecticut, Vermont, Florida, Montana and California.

Bruce Buck Photography, Ritz Carlton residential tower apartment

Eric Roseff Designs is a full service firm, working on both residential and commercial spaces. What’s the most exciting part about starting a new project? 

I get an adrenaline rush when I begin a new project.  I relish the thought of new found creativity, trying and discovering new things. Interacting with new clients and looking at design from their point of view is also exciting.

Bruce Buck Photography, Ritz Carlton residential tower apartment

How do you stay current and source interesting, new-to-market products and materials to incorporate in your designs?
I am forever curious! I will read every design publication, travel, attend markets, scour retail establishments, as well as the Internet. I also love re-imagining pieces, whether vintage, antique or new.

Michael Lee Photography

Are there certain trends, materials and/or colors you’re particularly into right now?

Color is SO important to me, and it can be extremely challenging when you factor in all of the elements of an interior. I do not tend to follow trends, but rather rely on my own intuition. It’s funny, because copper has been trending for some time and I personally embraced copper years ago. I clad my entire kitchen…cabinets, appliances, in copper. I even have a copper range!  I’ve also always had a major orange crush. I keep my mind open to new things, so I’m often surprised to where it leads.

Michael Lee Photography

Can you name some of your favorite Boston vendors that you work with?
McLaughlin Upholstering is a particular favorite. They are a phenomenal upholstery workroom, using old world techniques to create the most amazing upholstered furniture pieces. They can do anything!

Bruce Buck Photography, Ritz Carlton residential tower apartment

How does designing make you feel?
Designing makes me feel like I am forever young. It stimulates me, keeps me on my toes, energizes me.

Michael Lee Photography

What’s your business mantra?
Everyone deserves good design.

Michael Lee Photography

When you start a new project, how do you get to know your client and the space?
I really need to spend some time in the space, both alone, and with the client. When I first visit the space, I need to stand in it, almost in silence, to observe the light, feel the space, and listen to what it has to say. I listen to the client as well, often times having to read between the lines. I also ask a lot of questions.

Michael Lee Photography

How do you juggle multiple projects at once and stay organized?
This may be the most challenging thing. We maintain binders and drawers for each project. The drawers contain all materials, whether they are final selections, or things still being considered. The work tables in the office are a constant rotation of stacks of materials, paint chips, floor plans, tear sheets, etc. It can honestly look like a twister came through! I’m absolutely simpatico with Albert Einstein who said “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, then what are we to make of an empty desk?”.

Michael Lee Photography

In your opinion, what’s the most rewarding part about finishing a project?
It is as simple as a smile on a clients’ face. Also, watching the space become inhabited, come to life, and function as planned.

Bruce Buck Photography, Ritz Carlton residential tower apartment

Why did you join Ivy?
I knew it was time to try something new, in an attempt to streamline and organize. It really feels like I have gained a partner with Ivy.

Bruce Buck Photography, Ritz Carlton residential tower apartment

How has Ivy helped streamline your workflow?
Ivy makes everything so easy to understand and comprehend, helping to make the business side of interior design less stressful and easier to navigate. Also, Ivy is most definitely a time saver.

Michael Lee Photography

What’s an Ivy feature you can’t live without?
The ease of creating highly professional invoices and purchase orders, and without a doubt, the 24/7 support system!

Bruce Buck Photography, Ritz Carlton residential tower apartment

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.