Although Ivy couldn’t make it to the SF Fall Art & Antiques Show this year, we were mesmerized by the beautiful moments and displays captured by interior designers, vendors and others lucky enough to attend. Here are some of our favorites.

Lead image featuring Designer Vignette collaboration by Kendall Wilkinson Design, de Gournay and Sharla Flock Designs.  

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#antoniobellacasa #instagramtakeover #fallartandantiquestakeover by @geoffreydesousa #sfartandantiques #flowerpower #art #antiques #events #interiordesign #furniture #collectors

A post shared by The San Francisco Fall Show (@sffallshow) on Oct 28, 2017 at 7:20pm PDT

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#sfantiqueshow #edwardlobranodesign #degournay #mirrormirroronthewall #interiordesign #design #decorate #geoffreydesousainteriordesign

A post shared by Geoffrey De Sousa (@geoffreydesousa) on Oct 28, 2017 at 9:51pm PDT

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A favorite at the @sfantiquesshow – An architectural Belgian oak cabinet with concave doors and a whimsical carved sunflower in the cornice. C. 1760. Such soul!! At Jayne Thompson Antiques. #instagramtakeover by @allisoncaccoma. @jaynethompsonantiques #decorating #antiques #art #sffas #sfartandantiques #FLOWERPOWER @sfantiquesshow @enterprise_youth

A post shared by Traditional Home (@traditionalhome) on Oct 28, 2017 at 7:36pm PDT

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Spotted these beauties at the @yewtreehouseantiques booth at the always wonderful SF Art & Antiques Show. My special thanks to the incredible @icaanocal chapter and @suzanne_tucker for such an extraordinary weekend–I was indeed so greatly honored to have been part of your program at the show! . . . #sfartandantiques #icaanocal #aplacetocallhome #sanfrancisco #antiques #julianmeredith #gilschafer #gpschafer

A post shared by G. P. Schafer Architect (@gpschafer) on Oct 29, 2017 at 9:46am PDT

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Le Lodge de Hodge Podge #sfartandantiques

A post shared by James Sansum (@jamessansum) on Oct 26, 2017 at 1:26pm PDT

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Our vignette for the @sfantiquesshow San Francisco Fall Antiques Show. Thank you @louis_reith For the beautiful original artworks incorporated in the the mural by @degournay , @carltonhobbs for our naughty center table @epocasf for the gorgeous chairs @apparatusstudio for chandelier @gallery925 for the silver bar goodies @antoniobellacasa for the fab ottoman @hackett.mill for the artwork, and @johnjamesdesigns for the stunning flowers. It takes a village!

A post shared by Jay Jeffers (@jayjeffers) on Oct 25, 2017 at 4:24pm PDT

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#kendallwilkinsondesign @kendallwilkinsondesign #degournay @degournay #instagramtakeover #fallartandantiquestakeover by @geoffreydesousa #sfartandantiques #flowerpower #art #antiques #events #interiordesign #furniture #collectors

A post shared by The San Francisco Fall Show (@sffallshow) on Oct 28, 2017 at 4:42pm PDT

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The @sfantiquesshow show is now open! Come and see our collaboration with @marshandclark on booth D15, with a selection of exceptional 19th century English, French & Italian furniture, mirrors and objects for sale #sfartandantiques #FLOWERPOWER #antiques #interiordesign #luxury #artshow #antiqueslondon

A post shared by Butchoff Antiques (@butchoffboys) on Oct 25, 2017 at 4:34pm PDT

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Here we go … San Francisco Fall Antiques Show @sfantiquesshow #sfartandantiques

A post shared by James Sansum (@jamessansum) on Oct 25, 2017 at 3:52pm PDT

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

In the sprit of Halloween, we’ve rounded up a collection of stunning yet eerie interiors that give us the spooks and haunt our wildest design dreams.

Design by Garrow Kedigian, Photo by Paul Raeside via HouseBeautiful

Photo by Alec Hemer via HouseBeautiful

Design by Veere Grenney, Photo by Björn Wallander via Architectural Digest

Design by Pierre Hardy, Photo by Matthieu Salvaing for the Wall Street Journal

Design by Contour Interior Design, Photo by Julie Soefer Photography via ELLE Decor

Photo by Keith Scott Morton for Connecticut Cottages & Gardens via 1stdibs

Design by Garrow Kedigian, Photo by Paul Raeside via HouseBeautiful

Photo by Romain Ricard via Maison Hand

Photo: Graham Atkins-Hughes/Courtesy of Abigail Ahern via Architectural Digest

Photo Mark Seelen via Interior Design Files

Design by Garrow Kedigian, Photo by Paul Raeside via HouseBeautiful

Design by Atelier AM, Photo by Pieter Estersohn via Architectural Digest 

Lead Image: Photo Mark Seelen via Interior Design Files

Ivy is 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.

We sat with Anchal Project and learned how they have created alternative careers in textiles and design to over 200 women in India and Kentucky, providing design training, health benefits, education workshops, and financial security. Local artisans learn how to create one-of-a-kind pieces and support themselves and their families through safe and dignified employment.

What’s the Anchal Project all about in 140 characters or less?

A non-profit social enterprise using design thinking to create innovative textiles and sustainable jobs to empower exploited women worldwide.

Anchal Project

How is the Anchal Project designing change? Why design?

We believe design can change lives. To date, Anchal has provided alternative careers in textiles and design to over 200 women in India and Kentucky. We are passionate about creatively changing lives with the power of design and spreading that message globally.

With backgrounds and training in design, sisters Colleen and Maggie Clines lead Anchal by continuing to place design at the center of Anchal’s everyday practice. The Clines sisters’ designs explore the synthesis of vernacular imagery, heritage artwork and a maker’s journey to empowerment. The contemporary geometric designs are defined by sophisticated patchwork and aggregated stitch patterns, revolutionizing traditional kantha quilting techniques.

Our Narrative Collection draws inspiration from the vibrant visual stories found in architectural details and the powerful women in India. Each design is captured in a photograph and translated into a quilt’s compositional pattern. The dynamic energy of each quilt is activated by the individual stitch patterns, revealing the artisan’s process and determination.

The Anchal team’s passion for beautiful design goes beyond the end product. By employing design thinking, Anchal creates innovative and strategic solutions that tackle social inequality and refresh traditional business practices. Additionally, Anchal acknowledges design training as an invaluable life skill and entrepreneurial opportunity. We not only teach artisans how to sew, but also how to apply design thinking to problem solving and creativity. In order to create true sustainability, Anchal aspires to empower the artisans to make these conscious decisions themselves and use the skills to find new jobs.

Based on your knowledge of the textile industry, why is it critical to source handmade & eco-friendly products?

Eco-friendly at the root means having a positive impact on environment by negating harmful implication. The fashion industry is amongst the largest pollutants on earth. Harsh chemicals released during industrial-scale dyeing processes have harmful effects on both the garment workers and the surrounding environmental systems. This toxic “fast fashion” business model leads to massive amounts of textile waste.

We believe that by sourcing regionally recycled material, organic fibers, natural dyes, alongside creating quality handcrafted textiles, we can begin to offset the damage to people and our planet.

Anchal Project

From where does Anchal source its recycled materials, organic fibers, and natural dyes?

Our vintage cotton sari fabrics are sourced through vintage markets in India. Our women artisans pride themselves in hand-selecting the highest quality pieces from these markets, knowing that they will turn them into beautiful textiles to sell.

Our organic cotton is sourced from a GOTS certified factory in India and our dyes are historically traditional Indian natural dyes that we source locally as well.

How do you discover new artisans?

Anchal partners with established Indian NGO’s, Vatsalya in Ajmer, Rajasthan and New Light in Kolkata, West Bengal, who both see the need to provide entrepreneurial opportunities to commercial sex workers. Anchal meets this need by providing seed funding, design training, education workshops and access to U.S. markets. In exchange, our partners recruit Anchal artisans and manage operations. More importantly, they offer the women a community of support, health programs, counseling and local leadership that builds trust with this vulnerable population. Together we offer a unique program unmatched in its ability to create life-changing opportunities for exploited women in India. Existing artisans who have become leaders in the community also recruit new women. When recruits see the new economic successes and respect artisans receive from the community, they want to join the project.

Anchal Project

What are your best-selling home goods products?

Our Kantha Throw Quilts and Decorative Pillows.

Who are some other eco-friendly home goods designers that you admire and why?

We are fans of the ethically made linens of Boll & Branch that pair beautifully with Anchal’s handcrafted bedding and pillows. Boll & Branch is working to transform the textile industry through transparency and thoughtful design, like Anchal. They are also fair trade certified and use GOTS certified organic cotton in their products

We also love handcrafted products of Indigo Africa. They work to empower women through opportunity and education, like Anchal, and also strive to protect and celebrate the traditional style and craft of the women they work with.

Both of these organizations have like-minded approaches to their business and products as Anchal.  They produce thoughtfully designed and ethically made essentials that will make your home a more beautiful place.

Anchal Project

How do you typically work with interior designers?

The Clines sisters love revisiting their Architecture and Interior Design roots by collaborating with fellow designers and learning about the exciting projects they are working on to curate the perfect collection or space for their clients. We enjoy the process of making product suggestions to designers to help curate these looks . Whether meeting at trade shows, such as NY NOW, or through referrals, sharing creativity and visualizing spaces with these designers is a fun opportunity for us. It’s so exciting to know that our one-of-a-kind products are being thoughtfully placed directly in a new home.

For those interested in purchasing eco-friendly products, what should buyers look out for?

Be empathetic in your everyday consumption.  We have power to design change with our purchasing power, plus it is becoming more readily available in sophisticated designs. It’s easy to use the terminology “eco-friendly”. As a consumer, you really have to dive deeper into the business practices and production process—ask for actual data and transparency in terms of working conditions, payment, production processes, and impact reporting.  This can involve added research, but in the end it’s worth it to know where your clothes are coming from and how they impact humanity and the environment. We believe that every individual has the chance to make a difference and become an agent of change as a global citizen.

Anchal Project

What’s next for the Anchal Project?

As a social enterprise, we are planning to employ over 300 women in India and 10 in Louisville running self-sufficiently by 2020 via product sales. Anchal aims to become a retailer that offers eco-friendly goods created around the world and designed to reflect the city of origin, thereby creating a diverse and unique product offering to customers. Immediately this means you can keep an eye out for continued diversity in product offerings and increased accessibility to our collection that is naturally dyed in the United States.

Photography courtesy of Anchal Project, shot by Creative Director Maggie Clines

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

We partnered with Viyet and seven Ivy Designers to answer holiday décor conundrums and learn how they prepare for their busiest season of the year.

Lead image courtesy of Viyet

Elizabeth Aurandt of mercer INTERIOR

What immediately say​s​ “holiday” and​ transforms a​ room?
A bit of shimmer, candles, and a cozy throw.

When in need for a quick glam upgrade, go for…

Pillows
Decanter
Tray Table
Vase
Ice Bucket

Should one change around the rugs for holiday events? 
Yes, that is fine, as long as they are smaller area rugs and not larger “ground” rugs. Layering rugs is a nice look and is especially cozy for the holiday season. Consider a variety of styles including Vintage Turkish, Moroccan, Turkish Oushak, Modern, and Modern Moroccan.

What trends are you seeing for this holiday season?
I am seeing more usage of greenery in creative ways throughout the home, and not just the expected tree and garland. I love the use of sprigs of pine or sage for gift wrapping, table accents, and even terrarium ornaments. I am seeing more unusual color combinations as well so that you don’t have to stick to green and red exclusively. I love adding some deeper reds mixed with oranges, yellow, or rust to keep more traditional holiday décor fresh. Metallic accents are showing up more and more in copper, which is a really pretty option.

When it comes to holiday décor, do you believe “more is less” or “more is always more”?
I am definitely not a fan of clutter and tend to design spaces that are more carefully curated than filled with random decorations. That said, I do think that holiday décor is the one time when you can get away with laying it on a little thick. Just don’t go crazy. I would make sure that everything relates to the other in some way; put out everything that you love and then stand back and edit, edit, edit.

Kristen Siefkin of Interior Design Alchemy

What immediately says “holiday” and transforms a room?
For me, the holidays connote warmth and drama. An easy way to achieve this is by arranging flowering (cherry, apple, and plum blossoms) or leafy branches (eucalyptus or olive) in tall vases for a spectacular yet simple focal point — stress-free, affordable, and long-lasting. Go the extra mile: add white lights and place several vases at varying heights to create a magical effect.

When in need for a quick glam upgrade, go for…

Add woven textures to warm up a space. Think baskets, throws, and pillows in festive sheens or fall colors.

Bring in an extra table or floor lamp for ambient light during the darker months. Lamps casting interesting shadows like this one are a bonus!

Add a large ceramic bowl of pomegranates or oranges studded with cloves in your foyer to welcome guests with color and scent.

Should one change around the rugs for holiday events? 

Nothing says “welcome” like a brightly colored entry rug. If you have the space, a great vintage runner can lead guests into your home.

If you have light-colored, fragile, or expensive rugs, I always recommend putting them away for the holidays. Even the most careful guests have been known to spill, but this would camouflage even the worst offenses.

If I am entertaining, I like to add a shag or faux fur rug to the foot of the guest bed so their feet hit something soft when they get up in the morning. I love the texture and color of this one.

What trends are you seeing for this holiday season?
With the world in the current state it’s in, I think we will see a trend toward keeping it simple with a focus on quality over quantity. Rather than decorating the entire house, for example, the emphasis will be on setting a beautiful table so guests can gather around and connect in meaningful ways.

When it comes to holiday décor, do you believe “more is less” or “more is always more”?
While I do enjoy a little decorative drama, I also think it’s important not to overdo it — in the end, it’s about friends and family, so if neither can fit comfortably in a decoration-packed home, it’s all for nothing.

Lucie Ayres of 22 Interiors

What immediately says “holiday” and transforms a room?
Decadent textures and rich tones such as faux fur throws and jewel-colored velvet pillows transform a room and say holiday to me. Add a fire and pine-scented candle, and done.

When in need for a quick glam upgrade, go for…

Metallic pillows can do no wrong. A beautiful scent always says you’ve taken the time to create a glam atmosphere. Also, take an expected item like this ice bucket and fill it with flowers or a plant. Go big or go home with this stunning mirror. The MOST glam would be this antique telescope set to look outside a fantastic window (whether you’re looking up at the birds, the stars, or spying on your neighbors).

Should one change around the rugs for holiday events? 

A thick but soft mohair rug can really anchor a room and define the mood for holiday. Ditto for this shag rug or this one.

What trends are you seeing for this holiday season?
Personally, I’m not a fan of trends in the home. I believe your home should reflect you, your experiences, and what makes you unique and happy!

When it comes to holiday décor, do you believe “more is less” or “more is always more”?
For holiday décor, more is ALWAYS more — layering a home to the max is what the holidays are all about!

Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design

What immediately says “holiday” and transforms a room?
Greenery for me evokes everything holiday: color, smell, tradition; all it takes is one happy sprig to transform a whole room. Being in Texas, I go for a big fat swag of readily available Juniper branches on the mantle and often double up on the scent with a Genevrier candle from Diptyque.

When in need for a quick glam upgrade, go for…
Blackman Cruz Brass Rose Tea Cart — This handsome bar cart with its amazing shape and leather details will up the ante for any holiday soiree. The mirrored shelves provide the perfect amount of gleam.

Magni Home Collection Deneuve Mirror — Placing this stunning mirror up against a wall or in a dark corner will transform any space; the gold leaf and reflective glass will bounce the light around from your string lights and candles for a magical effect.

Fitz and Floyd Mid-Century Glazed Candlestick Holders — Add these amazing Sphinx candlestick holders to your holiday table scape (with red candlesticks of course) for a seriously chic statement.

Antique Marble Ware Jug — Stick a bundle of greens in this baby and call it a day; the gold and green tones will work with any holiday décor, and the marbling creates a perfect accent.

Kravet Red Thabo Mohair Throw — I love this happy plaid as an alternative to red and green; tossed over the arm of a chair or sofa, it punctuates any room with cozy cheer.

Should one change around the rugs for holiday events? 
Changing around the rugs in your home for a holiday party not only creates an instant facelift, but also helps protect the ones that may not be able to withstand all that dancing, or the spilled wine. I love to set the tone right away as guests arrive, so I will move my most festive rug to the entry for a cheerful first impression. As a colorist, I opt for lively vibrant tones in my holiday décor, starting with a statement rug. This rug makes me think of Christmas tree ornaments. I love the color variety! Red is the color of the season, and this cheery hue, tempered by the splash of violet, is so on point. A sucker for tradition, this crimson rug would make me oh so happy, and anchor the whole house in holiday spirit.

What trends are you seeing for this holiday season?
Marbling — From wrapping paper to ornaments, marbled everything is huge this season.

Velvet — Making the jump from Santa’s suit, velvet is a major component in holiday décor this year. Velvet ribbons on packages and wreaths in off-beat tones like lilac and powder blue, or swapping out the pillows on your sofa are good ways to adopt this trend.

Alternatives to red and green — Softening the often wearisome barrage of red and green everything, I am seeing hues of grapefruit, russet, apricot, and citron cropping up in table settings, holiday décor, florals, and most fun of all, fashion.

When it comes to holiday décor, do you believe “more is less” or “more is always more”?
I love the holidays and I am a maximalist, so to me, more is always more — with conditions of course. There is nothing that irks me more than the superfluous stocking of retail shelves with cheap junk that ends up in landfills. So yes, go nuts (I do!), but be tasteful about it. I opt for an abundance of natural décor, like greenery and bowls of citrus, holiday string lights, candles, and the pieces I pull out every year that get better, and cooler, with time.

Eric Roseff of Eric Roseff Designs

What immediately say​s​ “holiday” and​ transforms a​ room?
Flowers, greenery, tall branches in vessels; shiny, glittery gorgeous objects…and a tricked-out bar cart! Oh, and music always sets the tone.

When in need for a quick glam upgrade, go for…

These Traditional Rock Crystal Candlesticks
This one-of-a-kind beverage kit
This bar cart
This striking glass vase
These stunning urns
These fun throw pillows

Should one change around the rugs for holiday events? 
While most people would not go to the effort of changing out a large area rug, think about layering a hide or sheepskin rug on top an existing carpet or rug, or adding smaller area rugs in spaces such as the entry, or a hallway. I love this sheepskin area rug, this unique wool and silk rug, and this colorful wool rug.

What trends are you seeing for this holiday season?
Color! And by that I mean not simply red and green…although these staples will always be around, try pops of orange or hot pink, accented with silver or brass. If you want to stick with green, go emerald!

When it comes to holiday décor, do you believe “more is less” or “more is always more”?
It certainly is a matter of personal style, and sometimes even the style of home you live in. I am a collector, so I tend to gravitate toward more is more! If you pick a color scheme, even keeping gift wrapping uniform, your space will look more tailored, less busy. Have fun, experiment, and do not be afraid to be over the top!

Meredith Thayer of Thayer Design Studio

What immediately says “holiday” and transforms a room?
Garland over the fireplace and a wood burning fire immediately say holiday to me. The smell of pine and ambience from the fire have a way of transforming a room.

When in need for a quick glam upgrade, go for…
This antique sunburst frame, these natural malachite boxes, these raccoon oversized throw pillows, or this abstract art painting.

Should one change around the rugs for holiday events? 
Yes, I think moving some rugs around is a good idea if you are entertaining, or if you need some extra warmth and color in areas such as hallways and entries. My favorites are this Mehraban Anatolian rug, this Glen Cove lambs wool cream rug, and this Turkish Oushak Rug.

What trends are you seeing for this holiday season?
I’m seeing a lot of texture and material combinations, the repurposing of natural materials, giving products an organic and freeform feel. Tabletops made of earthenware, ceramic, or forged brass that have live edges, furniture upholstered in sherpa. Patterns found in tabletops or textiles are also embracing the organic-occurring forms and tones found in nature or process. Additionally, there is recent emergence of faux greenery that isn’t cheap or faux-looking.

When it comes to holiday décor, do you believe “more is less” or “more is always more”?
I actually can’t believe I’m saying this, because it generally isn’t my approach to design…but, when it comes to the holidays, more is always more. I love that you can get away with it during the holidays without it feeling like overkill. It can feel fun and festive.

Lindsay Pennington of Lindsay Pennington, Inc.

What immediately says “holiday” and transforms a room?
For any holiday, there is nothing like a delicious meal and an exquisitely set table to welcome guests and usher in the party season. Polish the silver, dust off your finest set of china, place winter blooms in all your vases (or even empty juice glasses) — layer all of your best dishes and glassware atop a crisply ironed tablecloth, and invite people over for a warm, easy dinner to set a celebratory tone for the coming months.

When in need for a quick glam upgrade, go for…
There are so many ways in which to amp up the glam factor for the holidays, it’s hard to choose just five! An easy update is to swap out sofa pillows for something a little more richly colored and luscious. These pillows would be beautiful on a sofa of any ground color.

It’s also fun to set up a bar cart for holiday parties, stocked with lots of glasses, mixers, and maybe a pitcher of your favorite winter libation.

Since the fireplace (at least in California!) gets very little attention at least nine months out of the year, it’s a welcome change to make it a focal point during the winter season. These beautiful andirons would elevate a fire in any setting.

Mirrors always up the “glam” factor, but during the holidays, they do even more work in our homes, reflecting candlelight, tree lights, and glittering ornaments and decorations. I would use this one all year long.

And speaking of candlelight, I covet these rock crystal candlesticks, which would be so gorgeous atop a dining table during a holiday party, or grouped together on an entry console to announce to your guests that they’re walking into a beautiful, warm, and welcoming environment.

Should one change around the rugs for holiday events? 
I love the tradition of changing rugs and slipcovers with the season. In the summer, a simple sisal carpet and white cotton slipcovers feel fresh and appropriate. In the winter, why not go for a bolder rug on the floors with velvet slipcovers or pillows? I love the richness and vibrancy of the colors in these carpets, which bring the added advantage of camouflaging the wear-and-tear of lots of holiday visitors and the occasional spills of wine and food, and which are cozy besides.

1. Christopher Farr Studio Study Wool Area Rug
2. Aga John Antique Moroccan Wool Rug
3. Glen Cove Sari Silk Area Rug

What trends are you seeing for this holiday season?
This holiday season, I’m expecting a trend toward unexpected colors for decoration. Instead of the usual Crayola reds, greens, and blues, people will be decorating with softer colors, for example: mauve, sage green, cerulean, and even “millennial pink”. I would advise clients — instead of resorting to traditional holiday colors — to embrace the colors they love the most, and simply amplify those same colors in their decoration. Love orange and turquoise? Just go a little bigger with that, and don’t feel compelled to introduce red and green into the mix.

When it comes to holiday décor, do you believe “more is less” or “more is always more”?
More is ALWAYS more! The holiday season is a wonderful time for us to contemplate all of our blessings and to recount the things for which we should be most grateful — family, friends, and health. Decorating for the holidays should manifest our appreciation of this abundance. The biggest gift that we can give to others is our time and attention. When we decorate our homes for the holidays, we are communicating to those closest to us that we appreciate their presence in our lives and took the time to make special preparations for their visits, and to make those visits memorable. What better season of the year to embrace MORE?

Shop all of the Ivy Designer picks on Viyet!

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we’ve put together a list of beautiful spaces designed by Ivy Designers and other talented Interior Designers using wonderful pink accents.

Photography by Fillipa Tredal for Rue Magazine

Photography by Reid Mitchell via Design Sponge

Photography by Nuevo Estilo via Savvy Home Blog

The Cold Pressed Juicery by Standard Studio for dezeen

Design by Ivy Design Firm Savvy Interiors, Photography by Gleaux Photography

Rebecca Taylor’s Office Design by Homepolish Designer Tali Roth via Homepolish

Design by Miles Redd, Photography by Paul Costello via Architectural Digest

Design by Ivy and Homepolish Designer Alex Waidley via Homepolish

Design by Homework, Photography by Nicole Franzen via domino

Design by Ivy Design Firm Scouted Home, Photography by Bree McCool

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Thank you to our friends at the Boston Design Center for hosting Ivy – our first-ever Boston Design Market experience! Wednesday afternoon was especially exciting for us, as Ivy Co-Founder Lee Rotenberg discussed the need for change with the help of technology in the design industry alongside panelists from Schumacher, Waterworks, Dering Hall and New England Home. Here were some of our highlights from Boston Design Market.

October 11 | Gil Schafer

Renowned architect Gil Schafer kicked off Boston Design Market with a special keynote presentation on his inspiration as a designer. Grab his new book “A Place To Call Home“, available now!

@bostondesigncenter

@bostondesigncenter

October 11 | Innovators in Design Panel

This panel was comprised of business stakeholders who have recognized the need for change and subsequently built solutions that will ensure their continued relevance. Moderated by Kyle Hoepner (Editor-in-Chief of New England Home). Panelists included Peter Sallick (CEO & Creative Director of Waterworks & CEO of Dering Hall, Inc.), Lee Rotenberg (Co-Founder of Ivy), and Timur Yumusaklar (CEO of F. Schumacher & Co. & Patterson Flynn Martin).

@bostondesigncenter

@bostondesigncenter

@bostondesigncenter

@bostondesigncenter

October 12 | Trend Forecasting

This year, the trends panel explored the future of interior design, cuisine, and culture with Jesse Lazarus of Kravet, Suzi Jlavacek of Boston Art and Christine Liu of America’s Test Kitchen

@bostondesigncenter

October 12 | Giving Back Panel

The Giving Back panel saluted the design community’s service to others and to our environment. A panel of representatives from Merida Studio, J.D. Staron, Jewett Farms + Co., Phillip Jeffries and Design New England discussed how giving back impacts the world outside of our homes.

@bostondesigncenter

October 12 | Heading Home to Dinner

To close out Boston Design Market, New England Home hosted the annual New England Design Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement during the Heading Home to Dinner Cocktail Party Kickoff. Boston’s first design and dine event, Heading Home to Dinner, showcased tabletops and bar carts by local designers and other creatives. Ticket proceeds support Heading Home to help end homelessness in greater Boston.

Design by @ceciliawalkerdesign, Photo by @sarah_w_studios

Design by @mallyskok, Photo by @viewfrommyheels

Design by @rrinteriors and @dunesandduchess, Photo by @rrinteriors

Pop Up Shops

At 10:00AM Wednesday and Thursday, a number of pop-up shops from artisans and makers posted up near the Boston Design Center Market Stalls such as Camden Hydes, Lladro, S.A., Sara Campbell, Masterpiece Gallery with Dowel Furniture, Galerie Dorsay, Trident Books, Boston Art Pop Up Gallery, and many more. 10% of proceeds from all purchases will be donated to Heading Home, an organization on a mission to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing a supported pathway to self-sufficiency that begins with a home.

@bdcmarketstalls

@camdenhydes

@bostondesigncenter

@tridentbooks

@galyeanvail

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

• IHFC (International Home Furnishings Center)
• SAMS (Suites at Market Place) – this is my personal favorite! There are interesting products and vendors.
• SHOW (Showplace) with furniture showrooms and many of the popular rugs vendors such as Surya, Jaipur and Chandra.
• SALON for unique, innovative and cutting edge product.
• C & D (Commerce and Design) – Visual Comfort lighting is a must!

• Airbnb listings in Greensboro
• Airbnb listings in Winston Salem
• Airbnb listings in Thomasville

IvyMark is a proud partner of the Boston Design Market this year, hosted at the Boston Design Center. Looking for some guidance on how to make the most out of BDM? Review this guide with contributed tips by BDM insiders. Be sure to RSVP for the Innovators in Design Panel on Wednesday, October 11 at 4:00 PM EDT to catch IvyMark Co-Founder, Lee Rotenberg, live!

Photography courtesy of @bostondesigncenter

VALET

You can follow directions to get to the Boston Design Center here. Rather than spending time finding a parking spot, splurge the $20 for valet.

@bostondesigncenter

KEYNOTES

Don’t miss the following keynote speakers, including the Innovators in Design Panel with IvyMark Co-Founder Lee Rotenberg.

Wednesday, October 11

Gil Schafer: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM EDT. RSVP here.

Award-winning architect and author of the new book “A Place to Call Home,” Gil Schafer believes the most successful houses are the ones that celebrate living—houses with timeless charm that are imbued with memory and a distinct sense of place.Join Schafer as he opens the doors to his world of comfortable classicism, sharing some of the firm’s most recent, and exciting, projects from around the country. Schafer will walk us through the inner workings of his distinctive approach—from concrete techniques to the more emotional and intuitive aspects of his process—showing how he brings his projects to life and fills them with soul.

Innovators in Design Panel: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT. RSVP here. 

This panel is comprised of business stakeholders who have recognized the need for change and subsequently built solutions that will ensure their continued relevance. Moderated by Kyle Hoepner (Editor-in-Chief of New England Home). Panelists include Peter Sallick (CEO & Creative Director of Waterworks & CEO of Dering Hall, Inc.), Lee Rotenberg (Co-Founder of IvyMark), Timur Yumusaklar (CEO of F. Schumacher & Co. & Patterson Flynn Martin).

Thursday, October 12

Trends Forecasting: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT. RSVP here. 

This year’s trends panel moves away from the traditional meaning of “trends” and becomes a lively presentation by four commentators on trend forecasting. How does one actually anticipate what is going to be considered on trend in the future? What are some innovative tools that can help you stay ahead of the curve? This topic will be explored across Interior Design, cuisine, and culture as examined in each issue of ID Boston Magazine. Panelists will include Jesse Lazarus (EVP of Business & Innovation at Kravet), Suzi Hlavacek (Art Consultant of Boston Art) and Christine Liu (Executive Editor of Website Content at America’s Test Kitchen).

Giving Back: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT. RSVP here. 

As part of the Boston Design Center’s commitment to salute the brands in our industry that strive to make a difference either globally, locally, or in their workplace culture, Giving Back salutes those selfless members of our community and encourages self-reflection about how we can ensure the growth of our business also means the growth of our footprint on other. The panel will be moderated by Gail Ravgiala (Editor of Design New England Magazine). Panelists include Catherine Connolly (CEO and Owner of Merida), Jakub Staron (Owner and Designer of J.D. Staron), Olivia Lord (Marketing Manager of Jewett Farms + Co.),  and Philip Bershad (President of Phillip Jeffries). Heading Home, a non-profit organization that re-houses and provides a supported pathway to self-sufficiency for young families in the Boston area, has partnered with New England Home Magazine and Boston Design Center to put together a fabulous 3 day extravaganza of fun, food and design. In addition to the Giving Back Panel, attend Boston’s very first Dine by Design Event! RSVP here.

@bostondesigncenter

CEU COURSES

Come to learn and expand your expertise! Register for the programs you plan to attend here.

Wednesday, October 11

9:30 AM – Paint Technology: Chemistry and Performance (Paint 101) – presented by Benjamin Moore and hosted by Robert Allen

1:00 PM – Color: Pigment to Perception – presented and hosted by Farrow and Ball

3:00 PM – One Hour Shower – presented by Moen and hosted by Century Furniture

Thursday, October 12

9:30 AM – Dyed in the Wool – presented by Leah Augustine Phillips and hosted by Carlisle

1:00 PM – Ward Bennett: Giant of Minimalism – presented by Geiger + Herman Miller and hosted by Creative Office Pavilion

3:00 PM – Creativity at Work: Blur the Edges – presented by Steelcase and hosted by Duralee

@bostondesigncenter

SHOWROOMS

Map out which showrooms you’d like to hit ahead of time. With over 1,200 luxury product lines of fabric, furniture, lighting, antiques, fine art, wall and floor coverings, kitchen and bath design and contract services, the Boston Design Center showrooms have the most extensive and innovative choices for customized interior furnishings in New England. Review a full list of BDC showrooms here.

@bostondesigncenter

POP-UPS

At 10:00 AM EDT on Wednesday and Thursday, a number of pop-up shops from artisans and makers will be making a splash. 10% of proceeds from all purchases will be donated to Heading Home.

In Suite 144, next to Au Bon Pain, Masterpiece Gallery is teaming up with Dowel Furniture.

In Suite 204, Galerie d’Orsay is showing pieces from its collection of art, featuring works by preeminent old masters, impressionist and modern artists, and internationally renowned living artists.

In Suites 208 and 212, behind GRANGE and Galerie D’Orsay, Boston Art will install large-scale, contemporary pieces from their collection. They are also hosting the Trends Forecasting reception in this location on October 12 at 11:30 a.m.

In Galley West (Suite 200), BDC is hosting: Camden Hydes, Choix Home, immerLit, India Hicks, Jill, Rosenwald Studio, Lladro, Sara Campbell, Shepherd’s Run Jewelry, Sweetgum Textiles, and Trident Booksellers

@bostondesigncenter

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Settled in Portland, Maine is k colette, a showroom of the sorts selling artisan-made goods, sourced from around the world. K colette believes that quality, handmade products connect us to beauty, joy, and awe, opening us to an important part of what it means to be human. Quality products communicate the story of the artisan who crafted them. K colette celebrates the passion of its artists and artisans by thoughtfully choosing the handmade products that bring this beauty, joy and awe into our lives.

Photography by Megan Boltz

Why is it important, now more than ever, to support local artisan communities?

K colette was founded with the mission of supporting local artisans and makers while bringing the work of more far-flung and international artists into our local community. We value supporting the creativity of people who bring beauty and craft into the world, and we like to think that a product bought from our shop is a vow of support to the artist who made it. While handmade goods can be more expensive than their mass-produced counterparts, we believe in paying artists fair wages for their goods so they can depend on their craft as a livelihood and thrive. Craft, for many, is not only a way of sharing their vision of beauty, but a way of sustaining themselves, their families, and their communities. We feel privileged to be a part of that process.

Megan Boltz

You’re headquartered in Portland, Maine….what’s the design like there?

Portland has established itself as a bona fide food town, one of the best in America—we’re lucky to be home to incredible chefs who’ve come here from all over the country (and the world) to settle down and open the most forward-thinking, wonderful restaurants. With all that innovation in cuisine, the other commercial markets seemed, until recently, to be lagging behind. That’s all changing now, as the city begins to become somewhat of an entrepreneurial center of up-and-coming creatives.

Take the clothing store Judith, opened by a former fashion designer who moved here a few years ago from Brooklyn. Walking into her store is like entering an art gallery filled with designers you didn’t know you needed to know (and wear): Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart. It’s inspiring, it’s unique, and it shows a real respect for the local consumer’s savviness about design. Other standout local fashion boutiques include Zane, Peyote Moon, and Rough & Tumble.

In the lifestyle space, there’s k colette—there isn’t anything else like it here (or anywhere, we like to think). Sprawling though it is, k colette is warm and welcoming, offering everything from handmade, hand-glazed mugs by a local ceramicist to Astier de Villatte urns from Paris, one of a kind Kantha quilts from India, hand-painted wooden animals from Germany, jewelry-like forged bronze flatware from Charleston, and Maine-made wool blankets with colorful stripes. That’s in addition to trendsetting brands like Caroline Z Hurley, Franca, and Coral & Tusk. The store’s owner, Karen Burke, has a real eye for introducing up and coming designers in the community here, as well as carrying the work of local artisans. She’s ahead of the curve in many ways and was at the forefront when she opened the store five years go, of what looks to be a growing reality: Portland as a design destination.

Megan Boltz

Who are the local artisans, designers, florists, and textile manufacturers that k colette enjoys working with?

We have a wonderful relationship with a host of local painters—Jill Matthews shares her vision of nautical scenes and serene marshes that dot the Maine coastline, Holly Brooks’s abstract, colorful visions tell the story of our islands and seascapes, and the masterful Johanna Moore hand-gilds her beautifully detailed landscape carvings. We collaborate with talented local floral designers and organic flower farms like Watershed Floral and Broadturn Farm. As for textile sources, we’re proud to work with Brahms Mount, based right up north in Monmouth, and Nanne Kennedy of The Maine Blanket. We are especially inspired by Nanne’s process: on 80 acres in mid-coast Maine, she raises sheep bred for their soft, superfine wool. She then dyes the yarn using solar-derived heat and natural salts and acids from seawater and weaves them on antique looms. Nanne’s work is but one example of the kind of craft and artistry our vendors pride themselves on.

K colette carries hundreds of products from talented artisans and artists. What’s your sourcing process and how do you establish and maintain relationships with the designers you carry?

So much of what we carry in the store is dictated by the feeling we get when we meet a vendor and hear their story. Whether that’s at a trade show in Paris, through a mutual friend in Maine, or over email with an artisan we’ve fallen in love with via their Instagram account, we hand select the products that go into the store based on their beauty and craftsmanship as well as the relationship we have with the person or people that make them. Our eyes are always open to new discoveries, whether on our travels, on social media, or in our inboxes—we’re lucky to say that many talented vendors reach out to us with product submissions, which is how we’ve come to sell many of our favorite things in the store.

We respect our artists, we pay them quickly and fairly, we share their stories and processes both in the store on signs we place next to their products and online with detailed descriptions, “In the Studio” blog posts, and marketing campaigns. I think because we share so much background about our vendors with our customers, they think of us as more than just a nameless, faceless point of sale and more like a trusted partner. We certainly respect the seriousness of that level of trust and we care about representing them well.

Megan Boltz

What are k colette’s best-selling categories for interior designers?

We see a lot of interior designers come our way for our textile selection, for which we draw from artisans all over the world—Maine to New Zealand, Brooklyn to India. Decorative pillows are our biggest category with designers, followed closely by tabletop goods from the likes of Astier de Villatte (there’s nothing more striking than a china cabinet stocked with an artful display of their dreamy white ceramics). Designers also gravitate to our artwork by local artists as an impactful finishing touch in a room.

How does k colette typically work with interior designers?

Until recently, the best way for interior designers to work with us was to come into the shop and treat us as a showroom. We love hosting creatives who stop by to browse, feel, and select from our wares in person. We just introduced an online trade program, meaning designers can now shop our website from anywhere and their designer discount is automatically applied. We treat our site as a curated extension of the store—and a wealth of information (both visual and logistical) accompanies each product. With its professional photography, detailed item descriptions, and intuitive categories, we hope it’s a valuable resource and an easy one to use, at that.

Megan Boltz

What can interior designers benefit from the k colette trade membership program?

When you establish a designer membership with k colette, you’ll get a streamlined quote and purchase process, personalized attention to the needs of your project from our creative team and sales manager, and access to our designer discount (Ivy Members enjoy a deeper discount than non-Ivy Members).

Can you offer interior designers some tips of best practices for making the most out of the k colette trade membership program?

One insider tip: take advantage of our customization capabilities. Be it a one-of-a-kind embroidery on a silk blanket depicting the map of your choice or a guest book emblazoned with your client’s address or a vintage postcard they love, we love working alongside our artisan partners to bring your ideas to life. We carry many one-of-a-kind products that you can’t find elsewhere, whether handmade quilts from vintage saris, hand-thrown pottery in custom color ways, or pillows crafted from antique Chinese fabrics—they’re the special touches that can make a house into a collected, thoughtful home.

Megan Boltz

How does k colette prepare for the holiday season?

You’re catching us at the right time with this question! We’re just wrapping up our holiday orders; preparing for holiday is some of the most fun you can have as a buyer. We don’t bring in vendors we wouldn’t otherwise carry, but we do like to reimagine our selection based on the festiveness of the holiday season—a little extra sparkle, a jollier palette, an increased awareness of hosting needs (serving ware, cheery table linens, punchy throws). We also try to select products that we love and want to present in the store even beyond the holiday season—the versatility and lifespan of the products we sell is a big consideration for us, as we know it is for our customers.

Megan Boltz

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Nowadays, interior designers often shy away from window treatments. That’s a lot of money you’re leaving on the table! Not to add, beautiful draperies or a simple shade truly pull together a room. The Window Coverings Association of America provides industry professionals with networking, educational programs, member discounts, marketing tools, business resources and leadership opportunities that can give interior designers the capability and confidence they need to offer window treatments to their clients.

The Window Coverings Association of America is the only national nonprofit trade association dedicated to the retail window coverings industry and its dealers, decorators, designers, and workrooms who are our members. Ceil DiGuglielmo, Secretary of the WCAA National Board, offers interior designers five tips to tackle window treatments.

Tips written by Ceil DiGuglielmo

For a deeper dive, register for the Ivy Webinar hosted by Ceil DiGuglielmo on Wednesday, October 18 at 12:30pm EST / 9:30am PST to learn the definition of window treatments, styles & types and the anatomy of window treatments. 

1. Measure and record everything!

Even if you think you are planning to install stationary panels, and you only need window and wall height, measure everything; measure inside the glass, measure the depth of the trim, measure the width of the trim, measure from the floor to the sill, measure from the top of the molding to the ceiling.  Once you leave the client’s home, you may change your mind, or want to include additional features, such as a roman shade under the panels.  Having all of the measurements from the start will allow you to create your vision without having to return to the client’s home.

Measuring with Domani Design Studio, Photo courtesy of Ceil Di, LLC

2. Take pictures.

Our memories are never adequate and a photo will show you things you may not have noticed in your excitement of planning and creating.  What about that heat register under the window, will it interfere with the sheers you want to install?  Is the light switch going to be under the side panel?  Is there tile close to the bathroom window that would interfere with a long side jabot?  

Photo courtesy of Ceil Di, LLC

3. Listen to your client and manage their expectations.

You are the expert and you know what your client needs, but only if you listen.  Is it privacy or light control that drives their decision?  Or is it style?  You will only know if you are open to hear them.

4. Establish relationships with you workroom and installer.

As with all of your tradespeople, this is what will take your finished design to a much higher level.  If you have a great relationship with your workroom they will always do their best to make you look good. Their expertise and knowledge frees you up to do what you do best. A professional installer will save you hours of headaches, but only if you include them from the beginning for unusual or difficult installs. Communication with your workroom and installer will create a positive experience for your client. And you!

Photo courtesy of Ceil Di, LLC

5. Find your tribe!

Network, collaborate, volunteer to do a design home, join organizations like the WCAA, IFDA and ASID.  These are the groups of people who do what you do, who know what you are going through and can be mentors, selling partners, referral partners and friends.  And once you join these groups, help out!  The more you give, the more you put yourself out there, the more confidence and exposure you will get!

WCAA Marketing Steven Long Photography

About Ceil DiGuglielmo 

Ceil DiGuglielmo is the owner of Sew Much More Custom Sewing. As a to the trade window treatment and soft furnishings workroom, Ceil loves collaborating with designers to bring their vision to completion for their clients. Passionate about education and technology in her industry, Ceil regularly attends conferences, seminars, and classes to keep up with industry standards and hone her skills. She is a Window Fashion Certified Professional Workroom.

As a member of the WCAA she has served as President of her local Pennsylvania chapter and currently serves as Secretary on the National Board.

Ceil produces and hosts The Sew Much More Podcast, an interview style podcast with members of the window treatment and soft home furnishings industry.

Ceil is a Certified Evernote Consultant, teaching workrooms and designers how to effectively use Evernote to organize and access all of the information necessary to run their businesses.

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just a software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?