Make Your Home Office Work For You

 

It sounds like a dream: waking up at your leisure, skipping out on the daily traffic crawl through downtown, and being able to work inches away from your beloved kitchen. Working from home has its perks, but what are the costs to productivity? Conscious and mindful decisions to stay productive at home can be few and hard to come by when constantly being distracted by at-home luxuries. So while your favorite couch invites you to start relaxing while you’re trying to work from home, by shaping the environment around you can ensure that you stick in an eager and focused mindset. With the following key tips, we want to help you create your perfect at-home workspace, whether working remotely is a rare luxury or a daily grind.

Written by Shai Wallach


Create A Designated Work Space

The key to having a successful home office is to keep the space separate from the rest of the house. This is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, with endless amounts of samples and materials, your workspace can easily take over your whole home. By choosing a specific location in your home to be the workspace — whether it is a full blown home office or the dining room table — you can ensure that your work stays tidy and organized. However, more than just for keeping organized, designating your workspace will put you in the headspace for productivity. By working at home, you run the risk of becoming distracted from the luxuries of working from home like TV, kids, and even your pantry. Having “your place” for working will make sure that you don’t succumb to the many at-home distractions and put you in the right mindset for a successful day on the job.  

Brittany Haines of Authenticity B. Designs :: Photo by Cristin Bisbee Priest of Simplified Bee

Designed by Brittany Haines of Authenticity B. Designs, Photo by Cristin Bisbee Priest of Simplified Bee

Schedule It Out

Though it can be tempting to work at a more passive pace at home, you can very quickly lose precious hours in the day when you meant to be more productive. To best utilize the day, break out the day planner or Ivy Calendar and start scheduling! Block out your full work day, morning to evening, and commit to it. That being said, make sure to reap the benefits of working on your own schedule — you may want to take an easier morning or finish early to be with your family — so create a schedule that works for you.

On the other end of the spectrum, you may become overly absorbed in a project that you end up working past your set time frame. Though this may not sound too bad, it can lead to skipping out on family time or simply overworking yourself. Break this by setting appointments out of the house, committing to family time in the evening, and taking breaks throughout the day. You may want to factor rest into your schedule, you have to make that time for yourself.  

Surround yourself with living things!

Besides the fact that we are suckers for good greenery, studies show that having plants in your workspace yields many benefits. Purging the air of pollutants and toxins, relieving stress at work, and even enhancing moods are just some of the reasons to make sure your home is filled with plants. Feng Shui experts also recommend to bring plants into the home office for their many palpable benefits along with the positive energy they bring. Some of our recommendations for durable indoor plants are the spider plant, lemon balm, chinese evergreen, and the parlor palm (which was even featured on NASA’s list of the best plants to filter air).

Design by Brittany Shields, Photography Courtesy of Ponce City Market via Rue Magazine

Design by Brittany Shields, Photography Courtesy of Ponce City Market via Rue Daily

Fully Equip Your Office

This step can mean different things for different workspaces. Whether your space is a kitchen counter or a full blown home office, making sure that your locale has everything you need is central to designing the optimal workplace. Budget permitting, being equipped with printers, monitors, and quality stationery will create a rewarding workspace. Make sure to organize well too! We recommend a tall, open bookcase for all your catalogues, fabric sample books, and everything in between. In more temporary settings, making sure you have all the materials you will need along with a good water bottle and some healthy snacks will set you up for success.

Photo courtesy of Amy Kim of Homey Oh My via Front + Main West Elm

Photo courtesy of Amy Kim of Homey Oh My via Front + Main West Elm

Make It Yours!

Start making your workspace your space! This is by far the best part of being able to create your own workspace. By adding small details like decor, or using color theory to spark emotions, you curate your locale for best practices. When you make the space yours, you can fuel your creativity and channel inspiration directly from your own workspace. One way to make your home office a creative shrine is to create a mood board. They are the perfect way to cultivate inspiration and one of the easiest ways to refresh any dull backdrop in your work environment. And like you, your mood board is ever-changing, drawing inspiration from anything around you, so have fun with textures and color. In the case that your at-home work is temporary, organizing your materials in an aesthetic arrangement that stimulates you can be the key motivational tool in ceasing your day.

Rebecca Taylor's Office designed by Homepolish Designer Tali Roth, Photo by Julia Robbs

Rebecca Taylor’s Office designed by Homepolish Designer Tali Roth, Photo by Julia Robbs


Are you an interior designer searching for a business management tool for your firm?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

Mark Your Calendars for These Las Vegas Market Summer 2017 Events

 

Building Your Own Killer Design Tribe

Monday, July 31, 2017 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm 
Abbyson Living, Building B, B170
Speakers: Jackie Von Tobel, Deb Barrett, Kelli Ellis, Joseph Haecker and Lee Rotenberg (Co-Founder of Ivy)

Join the industry’s most progressive leaders in design technology utilization and community building for a powerhouse networking event and a panel discussion that will empower you to begin BUILDING YOUR OWN KILLER DESIGN TRIBE. The panel will discuss how to create your own tribe of supporters, collaborators, and suppliers, that will help you navigate the new world of design. Register here.

Build Your Own Killer Design Tribe

#LVMKT Red Carpet Tour with Soft Design Lab
Saturday, July 29, 2017 | 12:00am – Tuesday, August 01, 2017 | 7:00pm
Experience Las Vegas Market like a rock star! Join Deb Barrett and Jackie Von Tobel of Soft Design Lab for the Las Vegas Red Carpet Tour in cooperation with International Market Center. Jackie and Deb will host a complimentary, all-inclusive 3 night – 4 day, #LVMKT Experience, at Summer Market for qualified attendees, designers, and retailers from across the country. The tour is available on a first come, first serve basis to qualified and vetted attendees. You’ll receive the star treatment while enjoying VIP access to major manufacturers tailored to your individual needs. As your design concierge, Deb and Jackie will take care of all of the planning, so you can concentrate on the show, buying and having a great time. Register here.

Laws of Luxury for Interior Designers

Sunday, July 30, 2017 | 1:45pm – 3:45pm 
Building B, WorldView on Sixteen
Speakers: Christopher P. Ramey, Affluent Insights (0.2 CEU)

Learn the definition of luxury, how to properly market your business to the luxury market and tips to managing profitable and long-term relationships.

Millennials: Why and How they Buy
Sunday, July 30, 2017 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm 
Building C Seminar Room, C174
Speakers: Maureen Azzato, Publisher & Editorial Director of HFN (0.1 CEU)
Join a moderated conversation about millennial buyers, what they are looking for, manufacturing preferences and purchasing behaviors.

Managing Jobs: How to Stay Happy and Profitable
Monday, July 31, 2017 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm 
Casual Furniture Seminar Room, Building C, C1276
Speakers: Terri Taylor, DesignBiz Blueprint (0.2 CEU)
The ASID California Central / Nevada Chapter explores client management best practices in the modern world.

Best of the West in Design
Monday, July 31, 2017 | 1:30pm – 3:00pm 
Building B, WorldView on Sixteen
Speakers: Mat Sanders, Brandon Quattrone, Nicole Davis, Brady Tolbert, Jeni Maus, Caitlin Creer, Alyssa Rosenheck (0.1 CEU)
REstyleSOURCE and Guest Moderators Brandon Quattrone & Mat Sanders of Consort will discuss West Coast style with an impressive panel of tastemakers including Nicole Davis, Brady Tolbert, Jeni Maus, Caitlin Creer and Alyssa Rosenheck.

Best of the West

Photo via Las Vegas Market

The Fashion of Home
Tuesday, August 01, 2017 | 11:45am – 1:00pm 
Abbyson Living, Building B, B170
Speakers: Michelle Lamb, The Trend Curve
Get an inside scoop on what trends are influencing today’s home, from color, materials and even runway cues. Global trend forecaster, Michelle Lamb of The Trend Curve, will make a special appearance at Abbyson and share an intimate view into tomorrow’s home fashions. Lunch starting at 11:45am and presentation to follow.


Are you an interior designer searching for a business management tool for your firm?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

How to Tackle Las Vegas Market Summer 2017 Like a Pro

 

Las Vegas Market is at the end of the month (July 30 – August 3). Making the choice to attend market is a big commitment in terms of your resources and time. The time you spend at market is time away from client meetings, internal administration plus the expense of traveling. It’s important to make sure you make Market worth your while, ensuring an inspiring but also productive visit. The best way to make the most out of market is to outline your goals and plan your strategy ahead of time. Consider which clients you are shopping for. Are you sourcing new or existing trade accounts? Are you scouting the general categories or specific categories such as lighting? Based on your goals, list out your priorities and plan accordingly.

The Ivy Team will be making an appearance! Make sure to come say hi on Monday, July 31, 4pm-6pm at the Abbyson Living Building B – we’ll be hosting a panel with our friends at the Soft Design Lab. RSVP for the event here.

Review these great tips to help you maximize your visit pre, during and post-Las Vegas Market.


PRE MARKET STRATEGY

Outline your purpose and budget

Make a list of clients you are shopping for and their respective budgets.

Create “make-ahead” packets

Ivy Designer Julie Durand recommends putting together “packets” of documents, essentially your business credentials, with all of your information. One full packet should include your name, business name, address, phone, email, resale number (and copy of license), your states resale certificate filled out (except for the vendor information), references (if you plan to apply for credit), other vendor accounts (if any), and a business card. This will save you a ton of time because each vendor needs this information upon opening an account. You can also save this document as a PDF on your phone/tablet/computer so you can send via email on the spot.

Finalize your packing list

  • A small carry-on with wheels to lug around brochures, make-ahead packets, water, snacks, etc. This is a MUST!
  • Comfortable shoes that can transition from day to night.
  • A lot of business cards.
  • Chargers (and back-ups) for all of your devices. Try to get your hands on a portable battery pack to recharge on the go.
  • A reusable water bottle (you need to stay hydrated as you will be standing and sipping cocktails all day).
  • An umbrella.
  • Small printed adhesive address labels with your name, business name, phone and email (this will save time from hand writing over and over on vendor sign in sheets).

Develop a strategy to keep track of new contacts

Download a good business card app or create a personal method for yourself on your phone. Ivy Designer Julie Durand recommends setting yourself up as a contact in your phone so you can easily share with a new contact (including your logo). You will meet many new faces and exchange many gift cards. You should store this information right away to save your self some time later. You should also jot down your mental notes of this new contact, a personal anecdote, to make sure you remember each and every new person you meet. Make sure you tag everyone i.e. #lvmktsummer17 with a second tag of their category i.e. #lighting so you can easily find in your phone.

Take advantage of your resources and familiarize yourself with the lay of the land

Start marking your Market Planner to create custom and interactive lists of your favorite Exhibitors, add events & seminars to your Market Planner lists, save & organize lists as you need, share and send notes via email, and more.

Download the LVMkt App to access and search the Exhibitor Directory, search and save events & seminars, use & edit your Market Planner notes, searches and lists, identify on-site amenities, locate the nearest Happy Hour, and more.

Schedule your time

Your time is precious. Make appointments with your saved vendors and friends. It’s OK to be selective, but make sure to allot time to simply wander without destination – this is when the magic happens and you stumble across new vendors. Don’t be shy to contact vendors in advance.

If you want to go the extra mile, print out the Market Catalogue and highlight all of the vendors you want to hit. Ivy Designer Elizabeth Wilson makes a chart with vendors, organized by building (A , B and C) so you can easily knock it out section by section. If you are registered, Market should be sending you a catalogue (it’s also available here).


DURING MARKET STRATEGY

Manage your time well, and take care of yourself

Get your badge as early as you can.

Check out the tents early. It gets very hot and they don’t stay as cool as the buildings.

Use Uber and/or Lyft (don’t even both to try parking or taxis).

Go on adventures!

Save time to hit the pavilions, there are always a few gems inside. Make sure to look for inspiration – not just products! Check out the temporaries and pay close attention to the Home Decor in Building C.

Check out Ivy Designers’ favorite Showrooms

Arteriors – C379

Ave Home – C394

Bassett Furniture – A953

Four Hands – A140

Global Views – A153, A154

Leftbank Art – A229, A254

Phillips Collection – A202

Ivy Designer Rebecca Zajac’s Window Display – A654

Sterling Industries – A344

Sterling Lights – C896

Visual Comfort & Co. – A134

Worlds Away – C369

Attend educational seminars & events (here are our bookmarked favorites)

Laws of Luxury for Interior Designers
Sunday, July 30, 2017 | 1:45pm – 3:45pm
Building B, WorldView on Sixteen
Speakers: Christopher P. Ramey, Affluent Insights (0.2 CEU)

Learn the definition of luxury, how to properly market your business to the luxury market and tips to managing profitable and long-term relationships.

Millennials: Why and How they Buy
Sunday, July 30, 2017 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Building C Seminar Room, C174
Speakers: Maureen Azzato, Publisher & Editorial Director of HFN (0.1 CEU)
Join a moderated conversation about millennial buyers, what they are looking for, manufacturing preferences and purchasing behaviors.

Managing Jobs: How to Stay Happy and Profitable
Monday, July 31, 2017 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Casual Furniture Seminar Room, Building C, C1276
Speakers: Terri Taylor, DesignBiz Blueprint (0.2 CEU)
The ASID California Central / Nevada Chapter explores client management best practices in the modern world.

Best of the West in Design
Monday, July 31, 2017 | 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Building B, WorldView on Sixteen
Speakers: Mat Sanders, Brandon Quattrone, Nicole Davis, Brady Tolbert, Jeni Maus, Caitlin Creer, Alyssa Rosenheck (0.1 CEU)
REstyleSOURCE and Guest Moderators Brandon Quattrone & Mat Sanders of Consort will discuss West Coast style with an impressive panel of tastemakers including Nicole Davis, Brady Tolbert, Jeni Maus, Caitlin Creer and Alyssa Rosenheck.

Best of the West

Photo via Las Vegas Market

Building Your Own Killer Design Tribe
Monday, July 31, 2017 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Abbyson Living, Building B, B170
Speakers: Jackie Von Tobel, Deb Barrett, Kelli Ellis, Joseph Haecker and Lee Rotenberg (Co-Founder of Ivy)

Join the industry’s most progressive leaders in design technology utilization and community building for a powerhouse networking event and a panel discussion that will empower you to begin BUILDING YOUR OWN KILLER DESIGN TRIBE. The panel will discuss how to create your own tribe of supporters, collaborators, and suppliers, that will help you navigate the new world of design. Register for the event here.

Build Your Own Killer Design Tribe

Build Your Own Killer Design Tribe

The Fashion of Home
Tuesday, August 01, 2017 | 11:45am – 1:00pm
Abbyson Living, Building B, B170
Speakers: Michelle Lamb, The Trend Curve
Get an inside scoop on what trends are influencing today’s home, from color, materials and even runway cues. Global trend forecaster, Michelle Lamb of The Trend Curve, will make a special appearance at Abbyson and share an intimate view into tomorrow’s home fashions. Lunch starting at 11:45am and presentation to follow.

#LVMKT Red Carpet Tour with Soft Design Lab
Saturday, July 29, 2017 | 12:00am – Tuesday, August 01, 2017 | 7:00pm
Experience Las Vegas Market like a rock star! Join Deb Barrett and Jackie Von Tobel of Soft Design Lab for the Las Vegas Red Carpet Tour in cooperation with International Market Center. Jackie and Deb will host a complimentary, all-inclusive 3 night – 4 day, #LVMKT Experience, at Summer Market for qualified attendees, designers, and retailers from across the country. The tour is available on a first come, first serve basis to qualified and vetted attendees. You’ll receive the star treatment while enjoying VIP access to major manufacturers tailored to your individual needs. As your design concierge, Deb and Jackie will take care of all of the planning, so you can concentrate on the show, buying and having a great time. Register here.

Take advantage of Market specials

When submitting orders and/or reorders, make sure to ask about specials regarding freight, dating and discounts. Don’t be shy to ask for samples or demos!

Use the following hashtags to maximize your social media exposure

  1. #MakeTimeForDesign
  2. #IvyTakesLVMkt
  3. #LVMkt
  4. #LVMkt2017
  5. #ViewOnVegas
  6. #atmarket
  7. #atLVMkt
  8. #interiordesign
  9. #interiordesigner
  10. #interiordesigning

POST MARKET

Take what you’ve learned home

Go through your notes and new contacts. Create a one-sheet summary. Host a meeting with your team and point out things that inspired you, new vendors discovered, and great finds for specific clients.

Follow up with your contacts

Ivy Designer Julie Durand recommends drafting an email (or more, depending on categories) to have a follow up email template that you can send out to all of your new contacts after market. This is great for fostering deeper networking relationships. Make sure to add your head shot and company logo to this email so people can put your face to the name.

In addition to sending through a follow-up email with your head shot, go through your contacts social media pages and like/follow to stay engaged.


What are your Las Vegas Market hacks? Submit your tips to tara@ivymark.com.

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New York Ivy Designer Meet Up Hosted at Interior Define SoHo NYC

 

To launch our summer series of Ivy Member Meet Ups, the Ivy Team gathered with local Ivy Interior Designers at the new Interior Define Showroom in SoHo, NYC. It’s our duty to steer interior designers in the right direction which is why we hosted our get together at Interior Define, a leader in the design industry creating beautifully crafted custom sofas. I/D makes every piece to order. In doing so, they dramatically reduce the inventory overhead shouldered by the typical furniture retailer. I/D passes this along to their customers in the form of differentiated, attainable pricing with free white-glove delivery.

After a friendly meet & greet over a few cocktails, we dove into an engaging conversation moderated by Ivy Co-Founders Lee Rotenberg & Alex Schinasi, New York Ivy Designer Ambassador Jessica Lynn Williams, and Ivy COO Gilli Cherrin, exchanging ideas around pricing structures with clients (i.e. flat rate, hourly fees, mark-ups, etc.) and all things design.

A special thanks to Interior Define for hosting Ivy’s very first Ivy Member Meet Up and to all of the lovely Ivy Interior Designers who traveled to come see us! See photos from the event below.

Tory Williams Photography


Ivy x Interior Define

Interior Define Showroom SoHo on Greene St., NYC

Ivy x Interior Define

Interior Define Showroom SoHo on Greene St., NYC

Ivy x Interior Define

Interior Define Showroom SoHo on Greene St., NYC

Ivy x Interior Define

Interior Define Showroom SoHo on Greene St., NYC

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy x Interior Define

Jessica Lynn Williams, Ivy Designer and New York Ambassador of Ivy Designer Network

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy Co-Founder Lee Rotenberg

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy Co-Founder Alex Schinasi

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy x Interior Define

Jessica Lynn Williams, Lee Rotenberg and Gilli Cherrin

Ivy x Interior Define

Alex Schinasi, Lee Rotenberg, Jessica Lynn Williams and Gilli Cherrin

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy x Interior Define

Ivy Co-Founders Alex Schinasi and Lee Rotenberg

Interior Define’s Trade Program offers a special list of additional services, such as custom pricing and discounts, extensive design consultations, floor plans, shop drawings, 3D renderings, purchase order drafting and more. Find out more about I/D’s Trade Program here.

Visit Interior Define’s new Showroom on Greene St. in SoHo!

68 Greene Street
New York City, NY 10012
(872) 802-4119

Hours

Mon – Sat: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM


Are you an interior designer searching for a business management tool for your interior design business?

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We Have This Thing With Patriotic Floors

 

An inspiring collection of globe trotters stumbling across patriotic tiles around the world.


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Dreamy tiles ✨…..you knew those @soludos shoes would be making a regular appearance, didn't you? 😉

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💙❤️ . . . #ihavethisthingwithfloors#ihavethisthingwithtiles#ihaveathingforfloors#tiles#tileaddiction#instatiles#fromwhereistand#fromwhereyoustand#patterns#design#interiordesign#shoesonthefloor#fwisfeed#instashoes#amazingfloorsandwanderingfeet#ilovemyshoes#shoesoftheday#shoefie#floors#lookingdown#dsfloors#chucktaylor#blackconverse#arabstreetsingapore#floral

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Just a girl in her Chucks standing on some fancy tile. 🖤• • • • • • #schenectady #newyork #ny #unioncollege #nottmemorial #floor #flooring #thatsdarling #livecolorfully #persuepretty #chucktaylors #converse #dsfloorstyle #dsfloors

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#cheerful #dsfloors #freepeople

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BSIwvvnhwL-/

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Oxford, MS #ihavethisthingwithfloors

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Middle eastern inspired . . . #ihavethisthingwithfloors#ihavethisthingwithtiles#ihaveathingforfloors#tiles#tileaddiction#instatiles#fromwhereistand#fromwhereyoustand#patterns#design#interiordesign#mosaic#shoesonthefloor#fwisfeed#instashoes#amazingfloorsandwanderingfeet#dsfloors#ilovemyshoes#azulejos#shoesoftheday#picoftheday#pictureoftheday#singapore#exploresingapore#touristy#adidasoriginals#stansmith#sgdaily

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The time and effort put into this amazing pavement 😍🙌🏼 #dsfloors #ihavethisthingwithfloors

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Red White & Blue Palettes Interior Designers Love

 

We have one word to describe red, white & blue style: classic. In the spirit of July 4th, here are some of our favorite designs, palettes and materials embracing All-American patriotism.


Moody navy walls, white couch and a Moroccan rug, designed by Ivy Designer Alison Giese of Alison Giese Interiors

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The first snow of the season has begun to fall, and all I want to do is curl up in our cozy, blue room. With wine.

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Moroccan rug, sheep skin and indigo pillows, designed by Amber Interiors

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I feel like I have probably used this photo on Fourth of July seven thousand times… but whatever. Here is my best attempt at red white and blue…. Merica' 🇺🇸💥🇺🇸💥 // 📷 @tessaneustadt

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Red, white & blue floral wallpaper by Chasing Paper

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Johnna of @foxmeetsbear and I have been emailing about getting wallpaper into her girls room since 2016 (!!) so seeing this picture today….the paper looking so cozy + sweet in their home I feel so overjoyed! I feel so lucky that CP will be a small part of their childhood experience 👭💕🏡 #peelsticklove #removablewallpaper #foxmeetsbear

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Blue cabinetry, white counter tops and red accents, designed by Emily Henderson 

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Quick #EHDruleofstyle tip if you’ve got raw brass fixtures like me: WAX. We don’t ever touch our raw brass with solvents, and only use wax to keep the patina on them pretty and subtle. We also apparently value style over sanity. #WorthIt 📷 @zekeruelas

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Color scheme by Ivy Designer Dina Bandman of Dina Bandman Interiors

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Had a very successful new client meeting last week – #projectwashington! pulled together this color scheme at our first meeting and looking forward to seeing it come to life – also realizing, is it me? or do all my clients have a thing for yummy oranges+ cozy blues as a color combo?

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Clean white walls, red entry table and blue artwork, designed by Ivy Designer Stephanie Kraus of Stephanie Kraus Designs

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Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to those who serve and protect 🇺🇸. 📷 @kylesmithborn

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Blue & white wallpaper and red embroidery by Hygge & West

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Tassels 🐫 on Tassels (Blue) today! #hyggeandwestbook #tasselswallpaper #laundrystudio #farmlife #kidsdecor #bedroomdecor

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Red & white stripes, white marble and navy blue accents, designed by Debra Zinn of Debra Zinn Interiors

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Did you know that @milesredd personally snipped, cut and pasted stripes together to create his now iconic #DeconstructedStripe wallpaper and fabric? Tag someone who loves #stripes as much as we do below👇. #schustagram by @debrazinninteriors. #makeyourmark1889

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Show-stopping John Robshaw textiles

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A frame and fabric fit for a queen 👑 @johnrobshaw knows what he's talking about. #furniturefriday

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How to Kickstart Life After a Long Weekend

 

All good things come to an end including long weekends. So to prepare for the inevitable return to work, we’ve created a game-plan for how to seamlessly transition from the long weekend to designing. Protip: Start prepping for work the night before (I know, it’s a drag, but trust us).

Written by Shai Wallach


Night Before

Create A Game Plan (and be realistic)

The best way to get “in the zone” before jumping back into work is to lay out your priorities and goals for the week/day ahead. Not only will this make the transition from weekend to work easier, but the satisfaction of checking off your last to-do at the end of the day could make you happy you didn’t take that extra day off. So get your best-looking day planner, a set of color-coded pens, and start scheduling!

Clear Through Unimportant Emails

You’ll probably be avoiding your email at all costs throughout the long weekend. By clearing your inbox of clutter and getting the tedious out of the way early, you slowly ease back into the work mindset and save yourself the headache for when you have actual work to get done.

Go To Bed Early

This one doesn’t really need too much explanation. Go to sleep, you’ll need it.


Morning Of

Get Off Social Media!

Unless you’re using Instagram for some inspiration or Facebook to ask for vendor recommendations, don’t even look at social media. Being bombarded by vacation photos on your feed will only drag you back into the back-to-work blues. Instead of wasting time and killing your motivation in the process, leave your feed alone for a bit.

Don’t Jump Right Into Emails

Speaking of motivation killers, nothing is worse than the dreaded email odyssey first thing in the morning. By diving right into your inbox, you set yourself up for a slow and unmotivated morning. You’re refreshed and relaxed from the long weekend – take advantage of it! Tackle something a little less drab while your head is still clear.

Let Creativity Take Charge

Even though you think those long winters are actually killing your buzz, studies show that poor weather actually increases productivity while nice weather is the hinderance. This is because nice weather makes your brain want to go outside and have fun, making it nearly impossible to go through yet another excel spreadsheet while the sun is shining. This effect is heightened after a fully-loaded long weekend, making the jump back into work a little… groggy. So instead of fighting the urge, let it work to your advantage. Although your productivity for menial tasks may be lower, good weather spikes creativity! It is officially the perfect time to look at textiles, redesign that kitchen, or jump on a brand new project. So although the long weekend may be over, we all know that the real fun starts now. #maketimefordesign


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Embracing the Modern Art Market with Artist Diane Rosenblum

 


Artist Spotlight: Diane Rosenblum – San Francisco, CA


Diane – how did you get where you are today?

Passion and persistence. When I was 22, I moved to Japan and began to look at the world from a new side and make art that resonates with a deeper truth. After returning to California two years later, I continued through many projects to show reality in a new light. That desire, to show life in a new light, has been the through line in my work, and I’ve stuck with it. No matter what happens in my life, I maintain a creative practice.

Diane Rosenblum

Photo by Pam Jackson

Describe your artistic aesthetic in 140 characters or less…

I have a wry sensibility with sumptuous overtones; my work is memorable like the best wine, visionary and quietly elegant.

“No matter what happens in my life, I maintain a creative practice.”

How do you use the city of San Francisco as a source of inspiration?

Having grown up in San Francisco, I instinctively combine Western and Asian influences, and create with the sense of openness and freedom that are central to what it means to be a San Franciscan.  As an artist, the light of this place is embedded in my bones — the fog rolling in and out, the wet night air dripping from trees — these shape the way I see.  My sense of proportion is largely taken from the local architecture and landscape.

Diane Rosenblum

From the Diane Rosenblum series “In My Mother’s Garden”

What’s the art scene like in San Francisco?

Small compared to LA or New York.

Can you name some of your favorite local artists and galleries?

I like the Fraenkel Gallery, the galleries at and around the Minnesota Street Project and the Oakland art scene. My favorite local artist is Jim Campbell, whose low tech videos works are mesmerizing and wonderfully original.

Diane Rosenblum

From the Diane Rosenblum series “Golden Drawings”, shown at the 2017 Decorator Showcase

What’s your creative process like?

It’s a mix of free flow and research. Sometimes, I’m in my studio intuitively making Golden Drawings, and other times, I am doing data analysis for a work in my Measure of Art series. In some of my projects, I do a fair amount of historical research. For example, in Topography (Re)Newed, I look at a lot of nineteenth century American landscape paintings. I read widely on the subject, from biography to history to art theory. Then, I let what I learn percolate until I have ideas for new pieces. I explore and experiment a lot, and enjoy opening up new ways of seeing.

“It’s an interesting time to be working as the ground is shifting, and I feel a sense of possibility. Technology opens up new creative methods for designers and for artists, and also facilitates collaboration.”

Diane Rosenblum

From the Diane Rosenblum series “A Measure of Art”

Walk us through your latest series/collection…

In Topography (Re)Newed I unite two different ways of seeing a landscape: realism and abstraction. The realistic view is drawn directly from mid 19th century landscape paintings made by members of the Hudson River School including Thomas Cole, Albert Bierstadt and Frederick Church. Abstraction enters the picture in the form of squares and rectangles of solid color that interrupt the detail and narrative flow of the realistic image. I developed this approach because our landscape, territory and worldview now consist of digital information as much as the physical land itself. I feel that for landscape painting to remain vital and relevant, it needs to expand its methods of representation in a way that viscerally embodies and meaningfully incorporates this fundamental truth.

“I love working collaboratively, making new art for a space through a creative dialogue with an interior designer. And, I’m always happy to place existing work in a well-designed space! There are many ways to work together. That’s what makes it fun.”

Diane Rosenblum

From Diane Rosenblum series “Topography (Re)Newed”

Based on your knowledge of the industry, how way technology changed the way artists and interior designers do business?

The internet is breaking down the old models of the art world. Traditional gatekeepers – institutionally situated curators, gallerists and critics – are not as important as they once were.  Artists increasingly represent themselves and form transitional alliances with designers, independent curators and partners in industry. The online market for art is growing rapidly and is powered by younger collectors. It’s an interesting time to be working as the ground is shifting, and I feel a sense of possibility. Technology opens up new creative methods for designers and for artists, and also facilitates collaboration.

Diane Rosenblum

From the Diane Rosenblum series “A Measure of Art”

How do you typically work with interior designers?

I love working collaboratively, making new art for a space through a creative dialogue with an interior designer. And, I’m always happy to place existing work in a well-designed space! There are many ways to work together. That’s what makes it fun.

Diane Rosenblum

From the Diane Rosenblum series “Golden Drawings”, shown at the 2017 Decorator Showcase

What are 3 tips of “best practices” you can offer interior designers for choosing the right artwork for a space?

1. Consider art in the design process from the beginning, from concept to budget, to plan. It’s not an afterthought, but an integral part of the space.

2. Don’t be afraid to be daring when it comes to art. Brave art provides focus, energy, vitality, emotional connection and stimulus for conversation.

3. Find art that has real content, that has some resonance, ambiguity perhaps, subtlety, and power. If you want to use original art to elevate a space remember, it can be light, but not lite.


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How to Prep for July 4th Like an Interior Designer

 

Across America, everyone is preparing for the impending sounds of fireworks, familiar smells of barbecue, and one too many slices of cake. As July 4th approaches, it can be difficult to plan the best red, white, and blue party without relying on cliché Independence Day tropes. So, with every minimalist, contemporary, eclectic, and traditional designer in mind, we’ve compiled our favorite drinks, desserts, and tablescape inspiration to help you transition your aesthetic into patriotism for this Fourth of July.

Written by Shai Wallach


Minimalist

For the Table

To Sip: Champagne Berry Spritzer

Champagne Berry Spritzer

Champagne Berry Spritzer, Recipe by Mom.me

To Serve: Lemon Berry Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Cups

Lemon Berry Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Cups

Lemon Berry Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Cups, Recipe by Live Well, Bake Often


Traditional

For the Table…Gingham Style

Gingham Tablescape for July 4

Photo by Corrie Hogg via InStyle

To Sip: Watermelon Shandy

Watermelon Shandy

Watermelon Shandy, Recipe by How Sweet It Is

To Serve: Balsamic-Cherry Pie

Balsamic Cherry Pie for July 4

Balsamic-Cherry Pie, Recipe by Community Table, Photo by Con Poulos


Contemporary

For the Table

To Sip: American Sidecar

American Sidecar for July 4

American Sidecar, Recipe from LeGrande Lounge at The Time New York, Photo by The Time New York via Cosmopolitan

To Serve: Mixed Berry S’mores

Mixed Berry S'Mores

Mixed Berry S’Mores, Recipe by Dessert For Two


Eclectic

For the Table

Eclectic July 4 Tablescape

Styled by Taste of Pace, Photo by Steve Steinhardt

To Sip: Red, White, and Blue Sangria

Red, White, and Blue Sangria

Red, White, and Blue Sangria, Recipe by Noble Pig

To Serve: Angel Food Cake with Berries

Angel Food Cake with Berries

Angel Food Cake with Berries, Recipe by Hoosier Homemade


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Rebecca Atwood x Ivy Host Interior Designers in the Studio

 

To kick off summer, the Ivy Team gathered with local Ivy Designers and other talented interior designers in the NYC area for a night of cocktails and creativity in the Rebecca Atwood studio. Our dear friend Rebecca Atwood, a Brooklyn-based artist and designer, walked us through one of her many first phases of printing fabrics: marbling. A special thanks to Rebecca Atwood for hosting and to everyone who came out to join us! See photos below.

Tory Williams Photography


Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Rebecca Atwood and Ivy Co-Founder Alex Schinasi

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Ivy Co-Founder Alex Schinasi and Rebecca Atwood

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Ivy Designer Kaitlyn Payne of Basicspace

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Rebecca Atwood Designs

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Ivy x Rebecca Atwood

Gilli Cherrin, Laura Dattner, Reisa Elden, Alex Schinasi and Jessica Lynn Williams (Ivy Designer Ambassador of New York)


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