Posts from — January 2009

Here are some guiding principles from designers that understand the window fashion niche:

1.If the window treatment’s elaborate; embellishment to the shape should be simple

2.Proportion is everything. Pay attention to the size and scale of the window, treatment, and its components

3.Height rules supreme- mount at the ceiling whenever possible

4.Expansive windows need the drama and authority of dramatic pattern

5.Learn from the Past “Innovation is often the ability to reach into the past and bring back what is good, what is beautiful, what is useful, what is lasting. “ Sister Parish

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“I avoid patterns. By patterns, I mean ruts and to keep fresh ideas flowing; I carefully watch how people in completely unrelated industries do business. I’ts incredibly eye opening to see how a fitness entrepreneur develops a new product line or how a marketing company reaches out to the community. I’ve discovered some of my best ideas this way. I watch how other companies handle everything from bookkeeeping to customer service and then I challenge myself to incorporate these ideas into my business.” Maya Meirav, Maya Meirav Haute Couture

Here’s my fresh business idea – Sampling Salons. Customers are invited to take their time and try as many make-up and skin care products as they like without any pressure to buy. They can test-drive different brands and varieties side by side and make their purchases later. While some salons employ a staff of knowledgeable consultants, there are no salespeople. The concept offers a relaxed shopping experience for consumers, expanded product exposure and market research for manufacturers. Salons get revenue from manufacturers who pay for their products to be displayed, market research organizations and sometimes from the customers themselves, who pay modest membership fees. Who will be the first to create design sample salons?

What have you learned or borrowed from other industries?

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Interior Design Show 2009; Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place; Toronto, Canada www.interiordesignshow.com.

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Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market; World Market Center; Las Vegas, Nev. www..

lasvegasmarket.com

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The official sponsor of SURFACES is the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), the floor covering industry’s largest advocacy organization representing floor covering retailers, contractors and allied service providers throughout North America. More than 35,000 retailers, distributors, architects, designers, installers and builders and manufacturers will come to SURFACES. Plan to be at SURFACES 2009 to see all the NEW product introductions, latest installation techniques, design trends and the BEST education to stay ahead of your competition!

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