How to Bounce Back to Work After a Long Weekend

It’s Monday and you just started to get into vacation mode – what a tease. Come Tuesday morning, it will be time to step back into the office and face the client questions on proposals, email follow-ups, reconciling your taxes, and scheduling meetings for the week to come. Many of you will feel as sad as an un-tiled bathroom.

Not to worry! Follow these attainable tips to jumpstart your week with little to no long-weekend scaries.

Get Back to You

Although we long for vacations to get out of the daily routine, a smart way to get back on track is to give yourself some structure. Wake up early, have your go-to coffee (an extra cup won’t kill ya), eat what your body is used to, and go to sleep at an early hour (no time for Netflix binging). Structure will help your mind and body ease back into your day-to-day in a healthy way.

Rise Early

Rip off the bandaid and start bright and early. The earlier you wake, the more time you’ll have in your day to get things done. Day 1 back in the office will be the hardest, but give yourself a couple of extra hours to enjoy your coffee, answer urgent emails, and dive right in.

Take Your Time

You may feel the external pressures with hundreds of unread emails, but don’t overwhelm yourself! Go at your own pace, one step at a time. Morning meditation is a fan favorite! Be sure to eat well and get your blood flowing – activity releases your “feel good” serotonin chemicals and regulates your mood. Making mindful choices also comes with increased productivity and creativity.

Make a List

No app, software or digital tool can replace the hand-written “To-Do” list. While you’re enjoying your coffee, take a few minutes to jot down your major priorities for the day (the musts at the top and the not-so-important on the bottom).

Tune In Your Creative Side

Kick-off your week doing what you love, design. Have a pending proposal you need to finalize for a client? Finish sourcing those fabrics and send off! This will give you a design fix while also accomplishing something your client is looking forward to reviewing after the long weekend. You’ll have your most mental energy in the morning so don’t save the best for last, start with it!

Prioritize Money

Still have outstanding invoice payments from the previous month? Start off the week by sending friendly nudges to your clients. Kindly ask them about their holiday weekend and remind them about pending payments. Being nice goes a long way.

Ivy is the the # 1 software for designers. To learn more about Ivy, schedule a demo with an Ivy Guru who can show you how designers use Ivy to streamline their workflow and make more time for what they love, design.

Preserving American Manufacturing & Design With Schoolhouse Electric

When you think of All-American design, you think of Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co., founded by Brian Faherty in 2003 after discovering a collection of long-lost cast-iron glass shade moulds in an abandoned warehouse. After restoring the moulds back into production, the Schoolhouse Electric team has continued to grow every year since, becoming a trusted name in the industry for high quality, long-lasting designs. Schoolhouse Electric is one of the few dedicated to preserving American manufacturing through mindful living and timeless functional design.

With a focus on quality, Schoolhouse Electric is all about wanting better, not more. From iconic lighting and furniture, to clocks and domestic utility products, Schoolhouse designs are goods that you’ll not only want to have now, but use forever. They have also managed to perfect the brass finish. Schoolhouse Electric shares their commitment to American craftsmanship, tapping into the maker community, and the benefits of factory direct.

Photography courtesy of Schoolhouse Electric

In 140 characters or less, what is Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. all about?

“Want better, not more.” Our aim is to create the next generation of heirlooms. We embody a uniquely American aesthetic and way of living.

Schoolhouse Electric’s warehouse turned factory + retail space is headquartered in Portland, Oregon – what a city! How has the culture and lifestyle of Portland influenced Schoolhouse Electric’s design and brand vision?

Portland is filled with so many hardworking craftspeople who are committed to quality. We are very fortunate to be surrounded by such talented individuals who strive to be the best in their fields. The unique community of makers in Portland inspires and challenges us to pursue excellence daily.

Schoolhouse Electric

Schoolhouse Electric is known for mixing styles and eras, with a strong focus on quality. How do you manage to achieve this in your production process, from inspiration to final product?

Very few companies design and produce under one roof, and this is part of what makes what we do attainable. The collaborative nature of our work allows us to have our hands in everything from pipedream stages to finished product.

Schoolhouse Electric

As a manufacturing company, Schoolhouse Electric Co. sells factory direct. What does that mean for the interior designers involved in your trade program?

Factory direct is a huge benefit. By selling directly to designers, we are able to avoid traditional markups and come in lower on costs from the get-go. It also allows for an open line of communication with the very makers of our light fixtures, clocks, and lifestyle goods. We pride ourselves on the level of expertise we are able to provide to interior designers simply because we know our products and those who work hard to make it.

How does Schoolhouse Electric typically work with interior designers?

Our goal is to be a resource. We’re dedicated to building long-term relationships with our interior designers. No matter the project, we’re committed to providing support throughout the entire process from start to finish.

What should interior designers learn and understand about furniture and lighting before sourcing items for their clients and projects?

We believe in our product, and we believe that we produce quality lighting and source high-end trade goods for fair and competitive prices.

Based on your knowledge of the industry, what are some modern day issues impacting the furniture and lighting business?

The industry is becoming more and more saturated. There are a lot of options out there and it can be challenging to navigate. We also manufacture our products, so there are often lead times associated. In this “Amazon era”, we try and encourage our customers to “Want Better, Not More”.

In this day and age, how important is social media, marketing and content to the growth and success of Schoolhouse Electric?

It has a huge impact. Social media is directly linked to brand identity. It allows for engagement like never before, and provides a platform for us to share and participate in meaningful moments. We are incredibly thankful for our online community.

Schoolhouse Electric is a go-to vendor for a lot of Ivy interior designers. What are some of your best-selling categories and products?

Luna fixtures, Jack Collection, brass hardware, and Kennedy Clocks. Also, all things brass! Inside the Schoolhouse factory, we finish our lighting and many other products by hand. We’ve worked hard to perfect our brass finish – it comes as no surprise that it is an all-time favorite.

Schoolhouse Electric

What is your focus for 2017?

We have a lot of initiatives this year, all of which we are very excited for! With that said, our primary focus is to bulk out our trade experience specifically for interior designers and architects. We have some great things currently in the works, so stay tuned!

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.

How You Can Express Your Love For Your Clients

Valentine’s Day is wonderful opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care, including your clients. As an interior designer, your client is someone you connect with regularly, on a very personal level. Your client is someone who has entrusted you to re-design their home so you can enrich their quality of life. This makes you memorable and a person they certainly care for! This Valentine’s Day, go the extra mile and share the love with your current and past clients with a little something special to make them smile.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Interweb to the Rescue

Didn’t have time for hand-written notes? You can thank your clients near and far for their loyalty and business with a social media post, newsletter or e-card. Whether it be a Valentine’s themed giphy, or shout out to your audience on Instagram and Facebook, acknowledging your client-base and thanking them for their business is always appreciated.

Send a Last Minute Bloom

Sending flowers to your current clients or recently closed projects is a nice way to say “I’m thinking of you” while warming up the space you so wonderfully designed. This also gives you the opportunity to show off your taste yet again with a bouquet that reflects your aesthetic. BloomThat is offering last minute blooms for same day delivery!

Service is Everything

Tune in your inner customer support rep. Yes, your client hired you for your design expertise, however, flexibility, compassion and understanding comes with the gig. Going back and forth with a recommended tile for a backsplash or dealing with an indecisive client? Mind your manners and remind yourself that the client comes first and patience is a virtue. Patience might feel unnoticed at times, but this habit will take you far.

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.

Behind the Design: Megan Wunderlich of The DesignDot

Designer Spotlight: Megan Wunderlich of The DesignDot – New Canaan, CT

How did you get where you are today?

I am from Western Illinois and grew up in a small, state college town. Becoming a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or professor were the kinds of careers surrounding me. Or, you owned land and farmed, and worked in sales or trades to support agricultural businesses. I had always wanted to work in an industry that afforded me independence to have my own life. I never studied art since I didn’t see it as an avenue for a career that would afford me independence and a steady income. I studied psychology, communications, and business instead. After graduating and working with IBM in HR for some time, I bought my first house with my college sweetheart in Fairfield County, CT. I realized how sensitive I was to my environment and that I needed to learn how to make a nice home for myself. I considered working in the industry of interiors to contribute my business skills while learning something that could enrich my quality of life.

I followed a typical path to becoming a residential interior designer. I began classes at the New York School of Interior Design once I realized I did not want to trade-off raising my children for a career that didn’t value me. IBM was a performance based culture that was constantly hiring and laying off. I thought it was in my best interest to take better control of my career and become specialized in something that I cared for so much that I would fight to perform my best.

Choosing the Interior Design Industry was a life decision I made nearly 12 years ago. From design coursework, to photo stylist, to residential design assistant, local house tours, and then retail boutique + design assistant came the industry experience to open DesignDot. At the time, I didn’t see a design practice in Fairfield County that provided honest, homespun interior design for residences at fair prices. It didn’t make sense to me that it didn’t exist because luxury design was everywhere, and the rest is history. I opened up shop with DesignDot to offer luxury design for everyone.

DesignDot values the diversity of design perspectives and greatly respects the collaborative process. How do you ensure your approach is tailored and client centered?

We begin with shared images that the client finds using Pinterest or Image Sharing on our Apple devices. Then, as designers, we break apart the design elements and advise on curating new goods, or a design scheme based on the individual’s tastes, lifestyle desires, and the context of the home. It’s really not about the designer at all. We designers use our design skills the best way that we can for a particular client.

Jane Beiles

How do you maintain healthy relationships with the vendors and tradespeople you work with?

I try to always respond to emails and phone calls! If someone writes or calls, I try to take the time to call back, even if it’s just to say “hey, thanks for contacting me”.

Who are some of your favorite New Canaan vendors that you work with?

All of the local boutiques. I believe in sharing quality of life with everyone. Having a strong local boutique culture creates beautiful little towns. We all need to shop local when we can, enjoy picking up small goods, or larger items that can add to your lifestyle.

Jane Beiles

How does designing make you feel?

Productive!

What’s your business mantra?

Go slow to go fast.

Jane Beiles

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

I look and listen. It’s pretty simple. I try to be present in the space with the client and ask questions about how that person lives and how they’d like to feel in the space, and use the space.

How has your team embraced technology with both your client-facing affairs and back-end project management?

DesignDot can only design affordably if we do it more efficiently than most high-end luxury designers. So, we have to always be on top of technology that works to make us faster at what we do. That includes using Pinterest with our clients, Image Sharing for our photos, and IvyMark for our design business. All of these applications work wonderfully on our iPads and iPhones. We are a mobile device design business. It’s really wonderful. Our workday can be anywhere.

Janeivy Hilario

Considering the proliferation of online tools for clients to source and purchase independently, what value does Design Dot bring to the table?

Our value is that of design. DesignDot offers a community of designers to the client with no obligation to purchase goods. We create schemes, and advise on space layouts and the specification of goods. We do not re-sell goods, we are service-based and charge hourly for our service. Or, we offer flat-fee services like our StyleDiary or Marketplace Design at our partner local boutiques.

How do you manage your accounting?

With the help of my wonderful office manager and bookkeeper, Tasia! Plus, IvyMark and its capability to feed into QuickBooks Online.

Janeivy Hilario

Why did you join Ivy?

It is such an efficient tool that allows a service-based practice like DesignDot to keep track of work hours on projects and billing out to the client immediately with the option to accept payment from the emailed invoice. The tool also allows us to keep good track of goods for our larger residential jobs where we purchase items as purchasing agents with an agreement that everything will be stored and installed on a specified day.

How has Ivy helped you get a better hold of your business?

It is so simple and efficient. We enter our goods, hours, proposals, and invoices one time, and Ivy takes it from there. We are not spending hours trying to track or communicate client and project information, especially since we can use Ivy from our mobile devices!

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

Hours tracking and proposals.

Janeivy Hilario

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.

Using Leather As a Creative Canvas With AVO

AVO, founded by Brit Kleinman in 2014, combines her passion for materials and painting to bring her creative vision to life using leather as her canvas, a material we have used since the dawn of time. From pillows and furnishings to wall coverings, AVO develops dynamic visuals, playing with materials, patterns and shapes, most notably known for their “Painted Plains” collection.

Brit shares with us her infatuation with the durability and possibilities of leather, putting leather to good use, and her vision behind AVO’s 2017 collection “In Context”.

AVO, founded in 2014, takes an anthropological approach to design – how has your upbringing, education and travels fueled this inspiration?

Travel has been one of the biggest influences in my life and design work. There is an intangible knowledge gained by seeing how life exists in different places. It highlights the similarities and exposes the differences of the simple everyday occurrences. Upon entering college, I wanted to pursue a painting major, but enjoyed building three-dimensional objects. After learning more about Industrial Design, I knew it was the perfect fit. Studying at The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) gave me a working knowledge of materials and how to translate ideas into reality. It’s been within these experiences that I’ve found a passion for how design can be a common language.

Jeremy Sachs-Michaels

We read that you began your career designing bags and pursuing your passion project, “The Way We Carry”, studying the carrying culture and how we (as people) carry things from place to place. What are some of your inspiring takeaways that influence your design?

Humans are nomadic toolmakers. And with tools, comes the need to carry them with us. While a common human experience, this can play out drastically differently across the globe. Exploring the “Way We Carry” was my first fascination that led me down the path I’m still on today, looking at how culture can shape the objects within it. It also led me to work for many years as a bag designer, which in turn exposed me to working with leather as a material.

We have been using this material since the beginning of time for a reason. It lasts.

Jeremy Sachs-Michaels

What’s AVO’s production process, from inspiration to painting tiles and hide?

I very rarely draw out a design before I begin. I am a very material-driven designer and like to dive right in to see how the material will react to my ideas. One concept might work really well on paper and not translate onto leather. It is fun to go so in depth with one material and explore its possibilities.

Leather is a by-product of the meat and dairy industry and instead of having it thrown away; we choose to put it to good use.

Jeremy Sachs-Michaels

How does designing making you feel, especially when you’re using your hands?

It puts me in my happy place. That place where time doesn’t exist and for an instant it all makes sense.

SDK Photography

You’ve collaborated with Google, Madewell, and the Ladies & Gentlemen Studio to name a few…what are some upcoming collaborations we should know about?

This year I am doing a different furniture collaboration with the incredibly talented Asher Israelow. Plus, I’m expanding into accessories with a shoe collaboration with Sabah. All of the shoes are going to be handmade in Turkey with our leathers.

Whenever you work with a fellow creative, the most exciting part is getting to see another perspective.

Jeremy Sachs-Michaels

We’re particularly in love with the “Painted Plains Hide” 2016 collection – what’s in store for 2017?

My new collection is called “In Context” and explores the texture and color of my everyday surroundings. Included in the new assortment will be a leather upholstery collection, leather floor tiles, and yes…bags!

SDK Photography

Which hides, pillows and tiles are your best-sellers?

Most recently, Sunburst Dash has been our number one. I personally love this pattern because it shows off the hand-made element in the mark making.

AVO Sunburst Dash Rug

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

We are in the middle of this right now, preparing for Architectural Digest Design Show and ICFF. It takes an incredible amount of work, and I really could not do this with out my amazing team. It takes one part of the brain to design and make product, and another to figure out how to display it in a way that voices your message. What I love about the challenge is getting to create environments for the products to live in.

AVO

What do you like most about collaborating with interior designers?

Whenever you work with a fellow creative, the most exciting part is getting to see another perspective. Since most of our collection is made to order, it really gives the freedom to customize for the space and give the client exactly what they need.

New York Times

When an interior designer approaches you about a project – what types of guiding questions do you ask to get a sense of the client’s space and aesthetic?

I always ask for a mood-board to get a feeling for the direction. Obviously, I’m a visual person so images of the space help me contextualize how our designs fits in.

AVO

What are 3 tips of “best practices” to offer interior designers for choosing the right leather goods and making the most out of leather when decorating a space?

1. The first thing to remember is that leather does not come on a roll. I am always thinking about how to maximize the space of the hide and decrease left over waste, depending on the end use.

2. Second is to remember that leather is a natural product, and that’s why we love it! Leather is a by-product of the meat and dairy industry and instead of having it thrown away; we choose to put it to good use. We respect the inherent character leather has and embrace it through our designs.

3. And last but not least, leather is durable! We have been using this material since the beginning of time for a reason. It lasts.

Jeremy Sachs-Michaels

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.

Behind the Design: Kristen O’Malley of Kristen O’Malley Design

Design Spotlight: Kristen O’Malley of Kristen O’Malley Design – Los Angeles, CA

Kristen – how did you get where you are today?

I grew up in the beautiful Hudson Valley, about two hours north of New York City. My parents still live there and enjoy beautiful autumns, and shovel snow all winter. I enjoy our visits, but found my true home away from home when I moved to sunny Venice, California. I live about six blocks from the beach and it is my happy place.

I credit my dad for giving me my initial design inspiration. He was a self-taught electronics technician and programmer for IBM for most of his career. He can fix or build anything. He even built one of our televisions! When I was growing up, I designed projects with him in our wood shop and learned early on how to use a drill and table saw. My mom worked as a realtor and I also learned a lot from her about home staging.

When I went to college in Virginia, I studied International Affairs because I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After one brutal year working for a government consulting firm, I knew that wasn’t my path. My first production job was at PBS and I worked my way up to Production Designer at Discovery Channel and BBC America. During my free time, I studied interior design and took art classes at the Corcoran School of Design. I merged my design and production backgrounds when I was hired to work as the Behind-the- Scenes Designer on the shows Get It Sold, KidSpace, and Curb Appeal.

I took a leap of faith ten years ago, sold everything that wouldn’t fit in my car, and drove out to California to work on scripted television and movies. It was the scariest and best decision I ever made. I joined the Set Decorator union and have worked on everything from soap operas to big budget features. I also met my husband, who happens to be an amazing architect and can fix or build anything (just like my dad)! We collaborate on pretty much all of our design projects – most of them modern, residential homes. When he started his company, Guban Architecture (www.guban.com), I kept getting called in by his clients to work on their interiors. It’s been a long, winding path to get to where I am today!

You reside in sunny Los Angeles working as a set decorator and interior designer. For you personally, what are the differences in designing for a set vs. an interior?

Today I balance both Set Decorating and Interior Design projects. There are aspects that I love about both types of work. I have a three-year-old daughter, so I love having more flexibility with my schedule when I work on interiors. I also enjoy being able to source beautiful furnishings without limitations. Set Decorating projects are exciting and fast paced, but the hours can be grueling and unforgiving. The timelines are so fast that you are limited to rentals from prop houses or in-stock items from local vendors. However, with both, my favorite part is seeing the amazing transformations on the install days. It makes it worth all the hard work when it comes together!

Kristen O’Malley Design

What are some interesting sets you’re working on at the moment?

I sign non-disclosure agreements for all my set work, so, I unfortunately can’t tell you about my latest project until it airs. Some career highlights would be designing Gwen Stefani and Pharrell’s studios for The Voice, creating Julia Robert’s run-down house in The Secret in Their Eyes, and winning an Emmy for my sets on The Talk.

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

I’m always finding amazing new designers and products on Instagram. I’m afraid I have a bit of an addiction! Of course, getting outside and traveling to new places is always the biggest inspiration. This year we have a trip planned to visit our friends in Ecuador and see their latest architecture project, The Gaia (www.laarquitectos.com/GAIA) and then Spain in the summer. I search for cool, modern rentals and hotels for our stays, and we always come away with new ideas.

Guban Architecture

Who are some of your favorite LA vendors that you work with?

There are so many! Some of my favorites are Mirena Kim Ceramics, Atelier de Troupe, Stahl & Band, Lawson Fenning, and Garde.

How does designing make you feel?

Energized! I especially love the conceptual phases and the final installs.

ShootingLA.com

You are a busy bee – how do you juggle multiple businesses and projects at once while staying organized?

I try to focus on only one or two projects at a time, but usually need to bring in help for all the administration. Once a project is finished, I’m usually full speed into the next one. I definitely need to find more time to take professional photographs and put together a website that highlights my interiors and not just my set work. There isn’t enough time in the day! Did I mention I also have a three year old?! She is usually out in the shop with us working on her own models. I try to spend as much time in with her as I can, so the marketing usually gets pushed to the back burner.

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

I approach my client projects the same way I do sets. Every person is a unique character that you need to get to know in order to understand how they want to live in their space. Most of our contracts stipulate that the client cooks a meal for us at their home. This allows us to see how they use their space and determine their needs, while also getting to know them better. It helps determine counter heights, cabinet layouts, and overall feel and has become an invaluable part of our process.

ShootingLA.com

Why did you join Ivy?

I signed up for Ivy to help streamline my invoices and bookkeeping. I found the interface to be more intuitive than QuickBooks. I also like all of the customizable features and new additions that are constantly being rolled out.

How has Ivy helped streamline your workflow?

It helps keep all of my projects organized. Clients also seem to love that they can see everything clearly on the invoices and have online payment options.

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

The incredible customer service! Whenever I have a question, regardless of the time or day, someone is available to help me within a of couple minutes.

ShootingLA.com

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.

Source Sustainable Bedding For Your Clients With Ettitude

Bedding company Ettitude is the first in the world to make bedding with 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell fabric. What does that get you? “Vegan Silk” with a feathery soft and silky smooth texture, sustainable and chemical-free as an added bonus. These days, clients not only seek aesthetically pleasing sheets, but bedding that helps them sleep better at night, and as an interior designer, it’s your responsibility to source the best of both worlds. The Ettitude collection offers affordable and heavenly soft bedding in a variety of colors, ranging from the basics to the bold and bright.

Ettitude shares their innovative secret to 100% bamboo bedding, designing in-house and working directly with the manufacturer to keep costs down, and how bedding ties up the whole look of a finished room.

We spend ⅓ of our lives in bed – how does Ettitude bedding help you sleep better
and healthier?

When you sleep with ettitude, you are sleeping on the softest organic bamboo bedding, naturally derived from 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell. Not only does this sustainably made fabric gives you a healthy sleep, it is also good for your hair, skin and the environment.

Ettitude

Ettitude is based in Australia – how has the culture and lifestyle of Australia influenced your designs?
When we created our first two collections, we took inspirations from Australian landscape and named them Bondi and Daydream, named after Bondi Beach and Daydream Island. Initially, we only offered Australian bedding sizes but now we also cater for American bedding sizes. Who knew bedding sizing is such a complicated thing and it’s different all around the world! Australia and the U.S. also have different bedding terminologies – flat sheet vs top sheet, doona vs comforter, duvet vs quilt etc.

We also source inspirations from all over the place, the internet, everyday life, magazines, art. When we design a product, we constantly think about who’s our customer, who’s going to sleep with ettitude, what do we want to say to our customers, where we’re coming from in terms of our brand philosophy and aesthetics.

Since we’re a small company, we can be nimble and address market demands with much shorter lead time. If something isn’t out there yet, we will make it, we can make samples whenever we want since we work directly with our supplier. It’s not just about being quick, it’s also about getting it right. We want to be careful with each of our product launch and take our time with it to deliver the highest product quality possible.

Ettitude

How is Ettitude different from the other modern bedding companies out there such as Parachute and Brooklinen?
We’ve distinguished our brand from other bedding brands by focusing on using innovative, sustainable bedding materials, we are the first in the world to make bedding with 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell fabric.

Ettitude

Ettitude offers 100% soft organic bamboo sheets at an affordable price. How does
Ettitude manage to keep prices down?
By selling directly online to consumers and remove middlemen, we are simplifying the traditional retail process, eliminating brick-and-mortar expenses to pass the savings onto customers by offering accessible prices. We believe good quality bedding should be an affordable luxury.

Ettitude

Why does Ettitude use bamboo over cotton and lyocell?
While cotton production is labor intensive and uses a ton of chemicals and fresh water, bamboo fabric production is a lot more sustainable – the fiber yield per acre from bamboo is up to 10 times higher than cotton, and it requires less than 1/10 of the water that cotton needs. Bamboo is a self-regenerating plant, its actual plant matter acts as a natural pesticide so it doesn’t require further treatments or chemicals, and can be grown 100% organically. You can sleep with peace of mind, knowing that your sheets are completely free from harmful chemicals.

The main reason we use 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell is that it is one of the most sustainable resources and no one has done that before! Lyocell is fabricated in a closed-loop system which water is recycled and reused for up to 200 times. Traditional lyocell is made from wood pulp while ours is made from organic bamboo, which is a self-regenerating, renewable crop that requires minimal water (less than 1/10 of the water cotton needs), labour and zero pesticides, herbicides to grow. 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell also has a unique feathery soft and silky smooth texture, it is known as the ‘vegan silk’ as it’s purely plant based. Most bamboo bedding available on the market is made with bamboo rayon/viscose or bamboo & cotton blend, whereas ours is 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell.

Ettitude

How does Ettitude prepare for holiday seasons?
We try to come up different surprise offers or release new products around peak shopping seasons. That said, we don’t offer big discounts often so act quick when there’s one!

Ettitude

What are some of your best-selling collections and products?
Our sheet set is our all-time bestseller. It includes all your bedding essentials – a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillow cases.

Ettitude

Tell us about the Sleepover Club…
Our Sleepover Club is our members program which you can earn points every time you shop, enjoy perks and exclusive discount. You can also refer friends to earn store credits. It’s free to join for all!

Ettitude

In this day and age, how important is social media, marketing and content to the
growth and success of Ettitude?
We use social media heavily to communicate to our target audience. We love getting feedbacks and exchanging conversations with customers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. Our customers would share with us images of how they #sleepwithettitude and style the sheets.

Visual content works really well for bedding products. Customers love getting interior inspirations from our styling images and seeing how they can work different colours into their bedrooms. Since we spend one third of our lives in bed, we also promote a healthy lifestyle through social media to remind people to get enough sleep and take care of themselves. We also let customers to involve in product development, we ask for their opinions on colours, patterns and make them feel like part of the whole journey. Traditionally, customers spend hours in shopping mall and department store to compare different bedding brands, fabrics and colours, whereas we offer a straightforward and user-friendly bedding shopping experience for them online, we even send them fabric swatches for free!

We recently asked our customers on social media “what’s your dream bedding?”, and we received lots of one-off suggestions and comments that have given us valuable insights and creative ideas. We involve customers, use their feedbacks and say thank you by creating their dream products for them. It’s truly crowd-sourced product.

With digital marketing, we can also easily speak to specific customer groups with cost and time-efficient methods. Being an e-commerce allows us to reach a wider audience without physical boundaries and distance.

Cheyne Toomey, The Commons

How does Ettitude typically work with interior designers?
We have a Designer Trade Program which interior designers can join to enjoy industry discounts and new product previews. Email us trade@ettitude.com.au to find out more!

Ettitude

What should interior designers learn and understand about bedding before sourcing items for their clients and projects?
Bedding completes the whole look of the room and ties everything together. Bedding can be used to give a splash of color or texture to the room. It’s also important to consider the use of the space, for whom it’s designed for and for what purpose.

Ettitude

What’s next for Ettitude?

We will continue to expand our product offerings by introducing more colors, patterns and innovative fabrics. We want to continue to disrupt the traditional bedding industry by offering a great shopping experience to customers so they can make their decisions online instead of spending extra time and money in a mall for sheets. Keep an eye out for our next pop up too!

Cheyne Toomey, The Commons

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Weaving Ancient Craft into Contemporary Design with The Rug Company

When you think of the leading name in the industry setting the golden standard for handmade contemporary rugs, you think of The Rug Company, founded in 1997 by Christopher and Suzanne Sharp. Born out of a passion for craftsmanship and white-glove service, The Rug Company is dedicated to the traditional rug making craft, adhering to the heritage and methods of various regions while providing in-house expert service to interior designers and clients in search of a quality rug.
The Rug Company Co-Founder, Christopher Sharp, takes us on a journey to explore the authentic production process from spinning to knotting, advantages of The Rug Company Custom and Bespoke Services, and long lasting relationship with craftspeople.

In 140 characters or less, what is The Rug Company all about?

The Rug Company was founded in 1997 with the aim of creating the most beautiful rugs in the world. The concept was simple, but unique: to combine the ancient craft of rug-making with the best contemporary design.

How is The Rug Company different from the thousands of other rug showrooms offering consultation, sourcing and buying experiences?

Every piece at The Rug Company has been crafted by hand in the same way that it has been for many centuries, except to this rich tradition we have added the best designs for our contemporary world. Each part of the process is done by hand, ensuring the highest levels of quality and durability.

We are obsessive about good design, always striving to innovate and inspire with our in-house and designer collections. We collaborate with some of the world’s most inspirational designers, each a creative leader in their domain, including Paul Smith, Diane von Furstenberg, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Kelly Wearstler.

We are always pushing ourselves to create rugs unlike any seen before. We consider ourselves lucky to work with visionary designers and highly skilled artisans who embrace the challenges their designs represent.

The Rug Company was founded on principles of good service, which we uphold resolutely. Our Custom and Bespoke Service allows you to create any rug you desire, whilst our Home Consultation and Approval Service ensures you never make the wrong decision.

The test of good design is how it looks on reflection after a number of years.

Hummingbird by Alexander McQueen

As the home essentials and design industry evolves over time, how does The Rug Company continue to innovate and stay current?

We are constantly striving to innovate. We collect design, not designers; we are always looking for designers who offer a point of view that our collections do not currently express. We want to produce rugs that become iconic pieces. Rugs that will be collected in the future. The test of good design is how it looks on reflection after a number of years; our rugs are made to last for hundreds of years, so the designs need to be strong enough to last equally long. We’ve been working with some of our designers for a while and they get better at understanding the medium, which makes the process both more enjoyable and more aesthetically successful.

How exactly does The Rug Company produce and source the finest rugs in the world?

The majority of the weaving of our rugs is done in Nepal, although we do a small amount of work in other countries too. There are many reasons why weaving our rugs in Nepal works so well. We have built a wonderful relationship with the craftspeople who contribute to the production. Every rug will have many different people involved in its production, each with their own unique skill, from the spinners of the wool, to the Dye Master, to the people who weave the thousands of individual knots that collectively make the up the finished piece.

Because we have been working with the same people for so long, we understand each other and mistakes and misunderstandings are rare, it’s a relationship built on a common respect. We would not have a product without them and they need our understanding of design to have a market for the rugs they weave.

Different regions employ different knotting techniques. In Nepal they use the Tibetan Knot, which is a relatively quick way of weaving a rug. Typically it takes four months for us to make a rug, it sounds like a long time but in the world of hand knotted rugs it’s fast. If we were weaving the rugs in Iran, it would take considerably longer.

We truly understand the unique heritage and significance of traditional rug artisanship. Our weavers in Nepal continue to craft the rugs by hand using the finest natural materials and handle them with such care that they lose none of their extraordinary properties throughout the production process. Our hand knotted rugs can be cleaned and repaired almost indefinitely. The result is a rug that is a unique piece of art and made to last a lifetime.

Climbing Leopard by Diane von Furstenberg for The Rug Company

What are the key raw materials that make a rug a fine rug?

It is essential that the materials are the best. We get our wool from the Tibetan Plateau where the sheep graze at extremely high altitudes and the wool is full of natural oil (lanolin). If you treat the wool with respect during the weaving process, this oil will actually help protect the finished rug for the duration of its life, which could be, literally, hundreds of years. We also work with luxurious silk to add luster and enrich color, as well as mohair and merino wool for ultimate comfort or bamboo silk for shine at a lower price. Attention to detail is very important, we want to do everything well.

How does The Rug Company online sourcing and buying experience differ from your showroom experience? What do your customers seem to prefer?

Our showrooms are built not only to showcase our rugs but also to inspire and welcome visitors. We have a dedicated, expert sales team that is on hand to help guide customers through our many designs. With a wealth of experience, they can advise on the best rug for a particular space, or guide through a custom or bespoke project.

We have a remarkable range of rugs in a number of sizes, as well as cushions and wallhangings in stock. We have also recently developed an online tool to allow instant customization of our rugs. The Custom Rug Designer can be used in store, and interior designers and architects can register to use it on our website at any time.

Tracery by Kelly Wearstler

What are your best-selling collections and styles?

It varies depending on the market, however we have a few designs which are always very popular. Paul Smith’s Swirl is one of them, it has become iconic. Some of the most popular designs are our statement rugs which are colorful and patterned, but equally popular are the quieter designs with a classical pattern and neutral palette.

Who are some U.S. rug installers you recommend and trust?

Where possible we deliver and install all our rugs ourselves, fitting with appropriate underlay and offering advice on how to care for them. Our Home Consultation and Approval Service ensures you never make the wrong decision.

Thistle Pewter by Vivienne Westwood for The Rug Company

How does The Rug Company typically work with interior designers?

We work on a daily basis with many interior designers and architects. We want to help them find the perfect rug for their client and are very proud of the level of service we offer to achieve this. We stock a remarkable range of rugs in a number of sizes, however we understand that sometimes a space requires something unique and we encourage our clients to make the most of our Custom Service and Bespoke Service to alter them until they are exactly what they need, or to commission an entirely new design. Every aspect of a rug can be tailored to suit an interior scheme: colors can be altered, materials can be switched and patterns can be up or downscaled. There are thousands of shades of color to choose from, or we can match a sample if our clients have something specific in mind. Designs can be fashioned into runners, ovals, circles, squares and more. Throughout the process we will show them renderings of the proposed design in situ, and may make a small sample to check the new colors or materials.

What are some key factors an interior designer should consider when searching for a rug?

Tips by Suzanne Sharp, Creative Director and Co-Founder of The Rug Company:

Always opt for a good quality handmade rug wherever possible because not only do they look better, they will also last a lifetime and can be cleaned indefinitely.

Don’t be afraid of color and pattern, but choose a rug as you would a piece of art.

Where possible, always try to see the rug in situ before purchasing it; a rug can look completely different at home from how it did in the shop, and different lighting can change it dramatically.

In our experience, it does not really matter whether you choose the rug first or last. The sales team is always on hand to give advice and choose the perfect rug for the space. It’s easy to customize any of our designs to suit a certain decorating scheme. Equally, our clients sometimes fall in love with a statement rug and then design the rest of the room around it.

Swirl by Paul Smith for The Rug Company

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Behind the Design: Lauren Messina of Lauren Messina Interior Design

Designer Spotlight: Lauren Messina of Lauren Messina Interior Design – Charleston, South Carolina

How did you get where you are today?

I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in interior design. Afterwards, I moved to Little Rock and worked for two very talented interior designers, one being the fabulous Tobi Farley. After about five years of hard work, amazing training and determination, I decided to go out on my own. Naturally, this was right when the economy dropped and people weren’t building or renovating houses at all. It was like everything was frozen in time. At that point, I decided to integrate wedding planning into my business and it worked fabulously! People were still getting married! I worked in the wedding planning industry while still designing houses, for almost six years. During that time, I met my now husband on separate trips to Seattle and three years later, I moved to Charleston and got married. Moving to a new state, getting married and re-starting a business in a city where nobody knows you is challenging, but I did it! Today, I have some of the most amazing clients, and work not only in the Charleston area, but have completed projects in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Chicago. I’m currently working on a new build project in Nashville, TN.

Lauren – you have 14 years of interior design experience, offering a range of services from new build and renovation specifications, to space planning and decor. What’s the most exciting part about starting a new project?

I love getting to know my clients and their family. Family means so much to me on a personal level, and I love to find out more about how my clients live, what their hobbies are, and their personalities. These important pieces of information are what help to make the design fit for them. No design is ever the same because no family is ever the same! I also love to help a client discover their style…even if they don’t know it quite yet! The planning and schematic phase is a favorite of mine.

Patrick Brickman

You have been a part of many projects that were published, including features in HouseBeautiful and Traditional Home. What are some projects you are particularly proud of?

I was so lucky to work with a large designer in Little Rock who taught me the importance of detail. Many of the projects that I was a part of while I was there were published. I believe that attention to detail and truly creating a functional surrounding while having some “out of the box” elements is what sets a project above the rest. Recently, my Spring 2016 bathroom for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Showhouse was featured on One Kings Lane’s Instagram account as well as Town & Country‘s Instagram. It’s gone viral and that’s definitely something I am proud of! However, more than anything, I am proud when my clients adore their home! No publication in the world can give me the gratitude I feel when I have a happy client!

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

I travel! I am blessed enough to be able to travel out of the country a few times a year. Whether it’s the Dolce & Gabbana windows on Corso Venezia in Milan, or a two hundred year old wine estate in South Africa, I am constantly taking photos and jotting down notes. I get some of my best design work done while I am traveling!

Patrick Brickman

Who are some of your favorite Charleston vendors that you work with?

Ro Sham Beaux is of course one of my favorites for lighting. They offer some of the most beautiful hand-strung beaded chandeliers around. Taylor Burke Home is a definite go-to for stunning and creative furniture and lighting. Mirth Studio is another company based out of Charleston and on my radar. There are some seriously amazing girl bosses based out of Charleston, South Carolina!

How does designing make you feel?

Happy. Seriously happy. I knew I wanted to be an interior designer from the age of 8 when my mom was a rep for my cousin’s custom rug company, New River Artisans. Once I was in high school, I was able to work with local interior designers in my home town of Tulsa, and would file fabrics after school, help them with the Tulsa showcase home and everything in between. I was happy then and I’m even happier now.

Patrick Brickman

What’s your business mantra?

If you can do it, buy once and buy well. I want my clients to take their time filling their homes with items that have meaning instead of us ordering to fill a void.

Honestly, gratitude and grace are the most important parts of my business.

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

I like for my client to walk me through their existing home first. Even if we are building a new home, I want to see how they live, what works for them and what doesn’t. A home is so personal and I feel by seeing how a family lives and functions makes a huge difference!

Patrick Brickman

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

Asana, iCloud, Ivy and Dropbox are my life-lines. Basically, my interior business is in a cloud! Everything is backed up, and I can access any of my project files from my home office, design office, or anywhere in the world. I have a fabulous office manager who keeps me organized as well! I document everything and upload it in multiple places so that it’s never lost. Of course, I have client binders as well that I take to each project, but the cloud keeps me organized for sure!

In your opinion, what’s the most rewarding part about being an interior designer? And what’s the most daunting part?

The most rewarding part is knowing you are improving the quality of your client’s lives. Yes, it’s so nice to walk into a beautiful new kitchen and know it’s going to photograph well and look pretty in a magazine. However, really knowing that your clients are going to host family gatherings in that kitchen, cook meals quicker so they can have more time together, and look forward to coming home is the most rewarding part.

The most daunting part is when something either comes in damaged, or doesn’t make it in the time the manufacturer promised. As a designer, we are backing each piece we put into a client’s home. Even though it may not be our fault for items not making it on time for that big party, or coming in with a broken leg, it still feels so personal and we are the ones having to break the news to our wonderfully patient clients. I have lost many nights of sleep over broken furniture legs and defective wallpaper.

Patrick Brickman

Why did you join Ivy?

I needed a platform that was not only easy to use, but that I could use no matter where in the world I am. I am also very visual and love how Ivy let’s me upload photos to every component of a project. It makes things run so much more quickly!

You have used other programs including Studio Webware, Design Manager, and a few others. How are the programs different? How does Ivy make your business and project management easier and more enjoyable for you?

Ivy is easier to use, hands down. The interface is stunning and Ivy is changing and growing constantly. Ivy listens to our issues and almost immediately improves!

Patrick Brickman

How has Ivy helped streamline your workflow?

I am not having to go in and re-enter the same items to generate a PO or Invoice. Ivy makes ordering a BREEZE!

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

Photos and the Presentation Mode. It’s very hard to sell a beautiful side table to a client if they can’t click on it and see the detail, no matter how much they trust you. Even if you showed your client that piece the day before in a catalog, enabling the clients to see the piece again by that price reaffirms how much they loved it in the first place.

Patrick Brickman

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.

Bringing Your Walls to Life With Anewall Murals & Wallpaper

Sisters and Co-Founders of Anewall, Sydney and Richele, are on a mission to dress-up your walls with original art decor, hand-drawn and printed from their Vancouver shop. Whether it be large scale murals, wallpaper or fine prints, Anewall decor transforms a space exploring both vintage and contemporary designs.

Anewall shares their creative process, tips to calculating the right amount of wallpaper for a space, and how to customize murals for a space.

Sydney and Richele – you are two sisters-in-law from Vancouver. How and why did you decide to create original wall art decor?

Coming from a family of custom home builders, and being surrounded by interior design and style, our family was looking for a beautiful wall mural to fill a space in their newly built home. They couldn’t find anything that suited their style so we decided to to make the mural ourselves. We began creating a line of beautiful wall murals that we feel cover a variety of different aesthetics, but what we really love is soft, vintage, French Country style.

How does being headquartered in Vancouver, Canada influence your designs?

Vancouver is one of the largest and most competitive cities in Canada with respect to growing small businesses. Being located in Vancouver pushes us as designers and small business owners to always stay ahead of the current trends in order to compete with the rest of the world. It’s a great place to be and meet other like minded individuals!

Mode Studios

Walk us through your wallpaper creation process, from inspiration to print…

First, we find inspiration for all of our prints and murals. Second, we work closely with our newest graphic design team member who uses her own hand drawn and digital art talent to create beautiful pieces for us. Once they are complete, we print them in our shop, style them and release them for sale. Each piece is made by us upon ordering and we do not carry any stock or inventory!

Anewall sells fine art prints, wallpaper and murals – what are some of your best-sellers?

Jolie Mural, Bouquet of Peonies Mural, Cactus Mural, Spring Floral Mural, Yellowstone Bison Print, and Watercolour Print.

Mode Studios

You customize wall murals as well – how does that work exactly?

We are happy to do custom sized orders of pre-existing mural and art pieces in our shop. Customers send through their custom wall dimensions and the murals are designed to fit their space perfectly – no waste!

Tell us about some projects you are particularly proud of…

We are very proud to have the opportunity to collaborate and work with Anthropologie! Our murals are styled and showcased in 3 Anthropologie locations within the US – two in CA and one in Portland.

How should you calculate the right amount of wallpaper for a space?

For all custom sized orders, make sure you receive the right amount of paper. Measure your wall width from the furthest right hand point to the furthest left hand point and measure the tallest point on the wall in inches. Provide these two measurements to us and we automatically add an excess of 3” to make sure you have extra to work with during installation.

Mode Studios

Based on your knowledge of the industry, what trends are you forecasting for 2017 in regards to wallpaper style, pattern, and color?

We are looking to add more geometric styles to our collection this year as well as some beautiful rich coloring this season – mauves, plums, navy blue hues. What sets Anewall apart from the trends is that our murals are large scale. We aren’t producing small patterned cactus prints or florals – everything is large scale, coming to life on your walls which makes the designs that much richer and coveted than other wallpaper companies out there.

What’s next for Anewall?

Anewall hopes to grow a lot this year – adding more designs each month to our collections and really taking off and defining ourselves as a wall mural company with the best and most desired designs on the market.

Mode Studios

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.