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Each issue of VISION brings you the latest new products, trends, designs, business tips and information to help you grow. If you are a window covering professional, interior designer or retailer selling and specifying custom window coverings, Window Fashion VISION is your magazine for inspiration and industry education.
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As American as...
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HOME MOTION BY
WireFree™ Solar PackBringing new light to motorized window coverings
™™The new WireFree solar pack harnesses renewable solar energy to power WireFree motorized window coverings. This latest innovation from Somfy sheds new light on
™WireFree motorized window coverings.
™For more details on the WireFree solar pack, please contact Somfy at 877-43SOMFYand visit www.somfysystems.com/solarpack
Copyright Somfy Systems, Inc. 10-2011
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8 | VISION
t the end of each year,I like to reflect on whathappenedthroughouttheyear,bothpersonallyand
professionally.Asanindustry,forthemostpart,westillbumpedalongreel-ing from the recession but makingprogress as the slow housing mar-ketbecamethenewreality.Sincewecan’tdependonthemarketchanginganytime soon, smart companies arechanging their business models tosurvive and grow despite the turbu-lenteconomy.Onesituation thathashitushard isthe safety cord dilemma. Althoughwe’veseenourselves,asan industry,inthenegativelimelight,thisproblemhasinitiatedaflurryofproductdevel-opment,breathingsomenewlifeintostandard products. Major innovationisn’tsomethingwehaveseenalotofin recent years but that is definitely
changing. Companies are steppinguptotheplatetosolveproblemsandgive consumers the features theywant: safety, energy efficiency andbeautifuldesign.In this issue, we help clarify the lat-estdevelopmentsregardingstandardsand requirements in our interviewswith Joe Jankoski, President of theWindowCoveringManufacturersAs-sociation (WCMA)andExecutiveDi-rectorRalphVasami.Wewillbejoin-ing theeffortsof theWCMAandtheSafety Counsel in carrying out themessagethatawarenessiseveryone'sresponsibility—inform your clientsabout making smart choices! In ad-ditiontothecompaniesmentionedintheSafetyupdateonpage22,weareawareofmanyothercompanieswithproductsindevelopmentthatarenotreadytobedisclosedatthistime,butwewillbecoveringthistopicinfuture
issues.Wealsoencourageyoutoplanto attend VISION'12: InternationalWindowCoveringExponextApril inChicago where new products will beondisplayandwewilldiscussthisim-portanttopicinseveralsessions.On a personal note, I'll be celebrat-ing the holidays with my daughtersand new granddaughter, Gracie, 11months.Manyofyoumayrememberthat I adopted four daughters fromPoland18yearsago.Ithasbeenare-wardingjourneyandnowwehavean-other Grace McNamara in the world—abitofascarythought!Thankyoutoourreadersandadver-tisersforyoursupportin2011.Iwishyou all a wonderful holiday seasonandahappy,healthyandprosperousNewYear!V
GraceMcNamaraPresidentandCEO
Adapt to the NewReality
Changing markets require aproblem-solving approach
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• Exus offers a standard selection of 12 painted, 18 hand rubbed stain finishes and as a true custom product manufacturer we will also match any custom color .
• Large variety of inside and outside frames, café style, multi- fold and double hung panels, hidden tilter and hidden hinges are some of the many options available to you.
• Arches, eyebrows, French door cut-outs plus many other specialty shapes can be ordered without any need for templates.
• Make your customer presentation look professional with the Exus color and frame sample box, available at a low cost.
• Also introducing “�e Pacific Woven Wood Collection”, a large selection of patterns, sold by the roll from our California warehouse, made from bamboo and grasses. Order your sample books today!
10 | VISION
InfoBarTracking The Cord Safety Standards
In 1996 the Winwdow Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and the Consumer Products Safety Council (CSPC) developed the first cord safety standard, which mandated that horizontal blinds could no longer be sold with pull cords that end in a loop, unless a
breakaway device was part of that loop. This graphic charts a timeline between CSPC concerns, standard updates and child fatalities.
WWW.WF-VISION.COM
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V
Average number of deaths caused by window blind cord strangulation as reported to the CPSC—timelines for CPSA actions and standard updates.
The CSPC releases a study thatshows 41 children were strangledto death on drapery and blindcords from 1973 –1980.
1990-1995: 16 per year • 1996-2003: 12 per year • 2004-2010: 8 per year2011 year to date: Three deaths reported
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
1981
The CSPC and the WCMA issuea press release warning parentsabout the dangers of window blind and shade cords.
1985
Manufacturers stop selling horizontal blinds with pullcords that end in a loop, unlessequipped with a breakaway device.
1995
The CPSC announces a recall onhorizontal blinds with inner cords,after a study finding that 16 childrenhad been strangled by these innerloops in the previous nine years.Blinds now made with a cord stopthat prevents inner cord from forming a loop.
2000
The CPSC recalls 50 million Romanshades and roll-up blinds due tostrangulation risks, one of the biggest product recalls in history.
2009
CPSC creates a task force to address window blind strangulation.
2010
Industry standard update1996
Industry standard update2002
Industry standard update2007
Industry standard update2009
Industry standard update2010
Industry standard update(in process)
2012
According to Ralph Vasami, executive director
of the WCMA, “The trend downward from 1990–2010
is really the result of the three-pronged approach—
standards development, public education and information
and the retrofit kit distribution program.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 11
F o r T h e N a t u r a l W a r m t h O f P r e m i u m W o o d S h u t t e r s ,
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12 | VISION
WFCP Launches App Development Contest
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Is There an For That?
t may seem there’s an app for just about every-thing,but in thewindowcovering industry, that’snotnecessarilythecase.TheWFCPteamhasbeenfollowingyouronlineconversationsinforumsand
onsocialmediasitesanddiscoveredthatmostofyoufallintooneofthreecategorieswhenitcomestoapps:thosewhodon’tknowwheretostart,thosewhothinkitisn’tapriorityandthosewhojustaren’tsurewhatitallmeans.Afterall,we’redesignentrepreneurs,notcomputerafi-cionados.SoWFCPhastakentheproverbialbullbythehorns—weareexcited toannounceourBig Ideas App Development Contest.
Nowwedidn’tjustdecidetothrowacontestoutthere.Weareafirmbelieverincrowdsourcing,soweleanedonourprofessional community to help us develop parametersforourapp.WeaskedVisionreaders,WFCPmembersandothers in the industry to give their opinions about whatwouldmakeagreatwindowcoveringapp.Thankstoev-eryonewhocontributed.
What Do We Want?Theresultsfromourinitialsurveyweredecisive:73per-centofyouwantanappdesignedspecificallyforthewin-dow covering professional vs. one that would be moreconsumer-focused.Manyofyoucommentedthatyouarelookingfornewandinventivewaystomakeyourbusinessmoreefficientandrealizetechnologyisoneimportanttooltomakethathappen.
Itwasalsoveryclearthattheappneededtotackleboththesoftandhardsidesofthisbusiness.Ofcourse,wewantitall!Infact,78pecentvotedforajointapp,butifforcedtochoose,youwouldbesatisfiedwithasoft-focusapp.
Tofurtherdefinethecategoriesweaskedaboutyourspecificneeds.Threethemescameoutatthetopofthelist.
•InspirationandExplorationOverthreequartersoftherespondents(78percent)
wanted an app that inspires in the form of moodboards, lookbooks,colorandfabricoverlaysspe-cifically for window fashions—features to allow
youtofullyexploreswhat’soutthereinthewindowcoveringcategory.
•TheDesignProcessThenextmostpopularsetoffeatures,cominginwith
68percentofthevote(morethanonechoicewasal-lowed,whichiswhythefigurestotalmorethan100%)werethosethatwouldhelpfacilitatethedesignprocessand project management.These would include toolsformeasuring,pricing,scheduling,etc.
•ToolsandReferenceThe third major category, with 59 percent support,
would support easy access to detailed product in-formation,energyratings,safetyfeaturesandmore.Thinkofitasinstantaccesstoonlinecataloguesthatcould provide ‘try-before-you-buy’ encouragementforyourclients.
Otheroptionssuchasindustrynews,socialmedia,industrychatrooms,etc.allrankedmuchloweronyourwishlists,sothesewillnotbeincludedinthedeveloperproposal.
How Would It Work?With these three main features in mind, we started re-seachingappsthatwerealreadyonthemarket,fromre-lated industries such as Kravet’s eDesign Assistant andSherwinWilliam’sColorSnap.Wealso tookgenericweb-
Screen shots from Kravet’s eDesign Assistant app, which allows users to search over 36,000 Kravet and Lee Jofa fabric, trimming and wall covering products. Includes product specifications, color-matching from the camera phone, save options and, for Kravet e*DesignTrade users, the ability to check stock, get whole pricing and order memo samples.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 13
based business toolslikeBillingboss,Zepto-liner and Dropbox fora test run.And finallywecheckedoutanin-dustry-specific app—I.D. Wood, from theFloor CoveringsAsso-ciation.This is an appdesigned to educateboth the professionaland the consumerabout wood varietalsandpromotetheiruse,something thewindow cover-ing industrycould appreci-ate,right?
It’salottocon-sider and a lotofoptionstofitinto one app,but we believeintheentrepre-neurial spiritand are confi-dentadeveloporcanfindawaytomakemanyofthesecriteriawork.
When Do We Want It?WFCPwillbereachingouttothedevel-oper community to enter our contest—acommunitythathasthesamepassionforwhattheydoaswedo—theyLOVEcodeand we LOVE window coverings. It’s awin-win.
We’ll be launching our contest in Janu-arytodevelopthequintessentialwindowcovering app—one that would create apremium,topnotchwindowcoveringex-perienceandwoulddelightand surpriseus.This isnewterritoryforallofus,butourgoalistohaveanappintimeforVision12inChicago.Evenbetterwouldbetohavemul-tipleapps,andthereforemultipleprizesandaccoladestoawardonApril25,2012.Then,you’llbeabletobuyandusetheappthatyouaskedfor.
Manufacturers and industry partners—if you are inter-estedinpartneringtodevelopabrandspecificapp,getintouch—[email protected]. Our fellow industry associa-tionsandorganizations–ifyou’dliketosponsoranappthatpromotesandbenefitstheindustry,letusknow.Justthinkof thepossibilities:AWCMAappfocusedoncordsafety.
A virtual window app that letsyourclientstryontheirfavoritelooksbefore theybuyorcreateyourownbrandeddesignstudio.
We are looking forward to un-veiling the winning apps atVi-sion12andcelebratingtheircre-ators.SeeyouinChicago!V
ColorSnap by Sherwin Williams is one of the most popular interior design apps, with well over 10,000 positive reviews. It allows users to capture a color using your camera phone and match it to one of 1,500 Sherwin-Williams paint colors. you can also fine tune color selections using lightness, brightness and saturation options, search for complementary colors, create a custom palette, and save and share palettes.
I.D. Wood is like a mini-version of the voluminous reference guide that sat on every cabinetmak-ers shelf back in the day, only now in full color and at your fingertips. Over 200 types of wood are currently included, with more being added on a regular basis. includes origins, general descriptions, recommended uses and more. By no means is it meant to replace a full reference source book, but for designers out at a project, it can be a valuable resource.
Even if there’s already a successful app, there’s room in the market for a different approach. House Beautiful takes its popular paint swatch feature digital with the 500+ Favorite Paint Colors app. Sort colors by family, mood or suggested spaces and get the brief descriptions by leading designers that accompanied these swatches in the print edition. If you don’t know where to to start, there's also a color personality quiz.
Scan this code to go to the Vision App Contest page.
14 | VISION
A New Era For Window Treatment Motorization
NEW
PR
OD
UCT
NEW
S
Lights, …Action
otorization has longbeen a bright spot inthe window coveringindustry,acategorythat
offersstrongprofitmarginsandrela-tivelylimitedcompetition.Right?
However, with all the consumer fan-fare over HD-TVs and surround-sound audio (to make those MichaelBeyexplosionsreallyrockthehouse)as well as ever more sophisticatedgamingtechnology,“homeautomation”wasbecomingtheprovenanceofaudiotechnitionswhocouldpromise to“dothewindowsforajustalittleextra.”
So,althoughit’sbeenindevelopmentforseveralyears,Somfy’snewwhole-house control system could not havecome at a better time. With recentspikesinenergyprices,consumersarelookingtoaddvaluetohomesthey’renowstayingputin.Andwiththewide-spread adoption of iPads and othertabletdevices,aswellassmartphones,theTaHomAsystemmakesiteasytomanageTotalHomeAutomation.(Seewhattheydidthereforthename?)
What Is It?Unlikeothersystemsthatfocusonau-dio,orsecurity,orlightingandthermo-stats,TaHomA is designed to managewhat Somfy calls the home’s “EnergyTriangle”,whichincludesshades,lightsand thermostats, to ensure that thehomeisrunasefficientlyaspossible.
With the launch of TaHomA, Somfyhopestonotonlysellmoremotors,but
By Susan Schultz
introducemotorizedwindowcoveringstoanaudiencewho,quitefrankly,oftentakes them for granted, happy with abasicrollershadeorminiblindtoppedwithavalance.
TaHomA focuses on three Z-Wave-enabled subsystems—lights, ther-mostats and motorized shades—andSomfydevelopedaZ-Wavebridgetoconnect these to its ownproprietarywirelessprotocolcalledRTS.(Alittlebackgroundhere:Z-Waveisaninte-grated wireless network that unifieshome electronics. Any Z-Wave en-ableddevicescanbeeasilyaddedtothenetwork, andmanynon-Z-Wavedevicescanbecome“smart”byusinganaccessorymodule.)
Becauseof theZ-Wavebridge,TaHo-mA does not work with off-the-shelfZ-Wavedevices.Muchofthedevelop-menttimepriortothelaunchwasspenttweaking and adjusting the Z-Wavesubsystemsinordertoprovidethebestpossible performanceacross the entire Ta-HomAsystem.
How It WorksThe Z-Wave devices,including Somfy’s mo-torizedshades,commu-nicate with a Z-Waveenabled Tahoma hubthat plugs into the cli-ent’shomenetwork.
The TaHomA homehub then commu-
nicates with Somfy’s remote server,whichallowsaccess tobrowser-baseddevices(tablets,laptops,etc.)aswellassmartphones.
Fornow,Somfyisnotchargingmonthlyaccessfees,althoughthatmaychangeas the system adds more services—such as video surveillance or otherhigh-bandwithoptions.
Anothermajorportionofthedevel-opmenttimewasspentonthegraph-icaluserinterface(GUI,orgooey,ingeek-speak)thatallusers,bothpro-fessional installers and consumers,see when working with TaHomA.And it was time well spent—thegraphicsare clean, theuserexperi-enceissimpleandintuitiveandtheoptionsforaddingoreditingareclearandunderstandable.Consideringthemarket for this system has largelybeenweanedontheultra-crispGUIsofApple™andStevenJobs,thisisnosmallaccomplisment.
Somfy’s TaHomA system has it’s own website, SomfyTahoma.com, where you can click through test screens. For example, a click on “Morning Mode” in the right portion of the above screen, runs a video simulation on the home model, demonstrating what opera-tions are automated inside and outside the home, by the “Morning Mode” script.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 15
TaHomA’s GUI is based on “Scenes”suchasMorning—theuserdetermineswhatroomswillbepartofthemorningscript,whatcomponentsinthoseroomswill respondandatwhat time.Forex-ample, my Morning script might be toturnonthebathroomheat lamp,bringthekitchenlightsup50%andturnthethermostatupto75degrees.
MaybeyouliveinFloridawithasunnybathroom and kitchen, so your scriptcalls for the kitchen window treat-ments to open, the bathroom windowtreatments to close for privacy, theawning outside the bedroom windowstoopenand the lights tocomeon thehalloutsidethekid’srooms.Anysetofeventscanbeprogrammedasascene,andanyscenecanhaveasmanyroomsand components within the room orany other connected Somfy deviceadded to thescene.Trustme, it’sabitaddictive playing around with all theoptionsavailable.
Industry ImplicationsThereareseveralveryexcitingpossibilt-ies toTaHomA.As mentioned, it bringswindow coverings to the attention of amarketmanyinthisindustryhavegivenupfor lost.Itmakesthetypicalwindowtreatmentbenefitsmantraof“lightcon-trolandprivacy”interesting,excitingandcutting edge for a consumer audiencewho values those attributes. As men-tioned,it’suser-friendly:Theinterfaceiseasytolearn,simpletocustomizeanditcomeswithareasonablepricetag.Esti-mates for a basic light/thermostat/win-dow treatment module should come tolessthan$2,000,installed.
Which leads to: how does theTaHomAsystem get installed? Even though theinterface is extremely easy to use, andZ-Wave elements are readily available,given the adjustments made to coordi-nateZ-WavewithRTS,Somfywantstheinstallationsandservicinginthehandsofcapableprofessionals.
StartinginOctober,Somfybeganofferingregularly scheduled TaHomA trainingsessionsatitsU.S.headquartersinNewJersey,aswellasBocaRaton,Fla.andIr-
vine,Calif.Toparticipate,interesteddealersandinstallersmustalreadybeSomfyInteriorProductExperts.TaHomAnationalsalesmanagerGinaLut-kusexplainsthereasonforthepre-qualification:“WewantdealerstonotonlybefullytrainedintheproductstheyaresellingforTaHomA,buttheproductsTaHomAwillbecontrolling.”
ByrequiringdealerstobeInteriorProductExpertspriortosigningupfortheTaHomAAuthorizedDealerprogram,LutkusbelievestheywillhaveareadycustomerbaseforTaHomAthatalreadyappreciatestheSomfybrand.“Themotorizedwindowcoveringsarealreadyinplace,”explainedLutkus.“NownewTaHomAdealerscanreturntotheirexistingcustomersandof-ferthemthenaturalnextstepinhomeautomationcontrolfromacompanywhoseproducts,anddealers,theyalreadytrust.”
Inadditiontothehands-ontraining,thoseinterestedinbecomingautho-rizedTaHomAdealerswillpurchaseaTaHomApoint-of-salekit,comprised
The top-level programmable unit within the TaHomA system is the Scene menu. You can create as many scenes as you like, and fill those scenes with options—lighting, interior and exterior window treatments, temperature (if they have individual thermostats), etc. Scenes can be dupli-cated and edited. For example, say you want one version of "Kitchen Morning" for spring and summer, and another, with some slight changes for fall and winter—easy!
16 | VISION
of TaHomA-optimized switches, scenecontrollers,athermostatandafull-colorpanelofbacklitinteriorandexteriorpho-tographs.
ThetrainingitselfeducatesdealersinallaspectsoftheTaHomAsystemwithhands-on experience and step-by-step train-ing exercises.At the end of the trainingprogram, newly-authorized dealers willleave with this point-of-sale kit: a fullyprogrammed TaHomA system that candemonstrateTaHomA’scapabilitiesforlivedemonstrations.Thereisnochargeforthetraining,exceptforthePOSkit,andthereisnolimittotheemployeesthatcanpar-ticipateinthetraning,aslongasonePOSkitispurchasedforthebusiness.
InadditiontothePOS,Somfyhascreatedseveral initiatives to support authorizeddealers.Besidesaccesstoawiderangeofmarketingassets,includingleave-behindcollateralandin-storemarketingmateri-als,dealerswillbefeaturedina“DealerLocator” where customers interested inpurchasingTaHomA can enter their in-formation and find the nearest autho-rizeddealer.Authorizeddealerswillalsohaveaccesstoadedicatedcustomerser-vice line and a variety of programminginstructionsandvideosavailableonline.
An extra plus is that theToHomA sys-temwasrecentlyawardeda2011Exc!teAward from Custom Retailer Magazine. TheExc!teAwardsareheldannuallyandrecognize state-of-the-art products intheresidentialhomeautomationmarket.Productsarejudgedbytheuniquechal-lenges custom installers face every dayonthejobandtheimpacttheseproductshave on the industry, including the in-stallers' productivity, the dealers' profit-ability, the clients' satisfaction and theindustry'svitality.
“We were honored to receive this pres-tigious award,” said Somfy NorthAmer-icaCEOandPresidentMichaelLee.“AtSomfywestrivetobeattheforefrontofinnovation.ReceivingthisawardforTa-HomAvalidatesallofthehardworkourengineering and product design teamshave put in developing these advanced,consumer-friendlyproducts.”V
ABOVE: Each Z-Wave component shows up in TaHomA as an item that can be edited, scheduled and placed into a scene. Each component can also be easily accessed from a browser-based comp-puter or tablet, an iPhone (Android’s coming!) or standard control panels, making it simple to override or adjust any current setting without having to go into the scene.
BELOW: A page from the detailed TaHomA consumer brochure detaiing some of the system’s many options
8
Just the word “home” invokes all sorts of
warm feelings and memories. Comfort.
That’s exactly what TaHomA can serve up
whenever you activate a preprogrammed
“Evening” Scene with your iPhone® on the
way home. Cue pathway lighting, and just
the right combination of interior lighting and
privacy. Whether you like the drapes open so
you can see inside your house before you enter
or closed for privacy — the choice is yours.
You can also create Scenes to make your life
easier after you get home. For example, to
light your kitchen workstations when preparing
a family meal.
TaHomA makes your home even nicer to come home to
TAHoMA SeTS THe Scene
• Outdoor Lights: Pathway and Porch Lights on
• First Floor: Shades cLoSeD for privacy, Lights on for convenience
• Garage Lights: on for security
• Thermostat: 78 Degrees (Summer “AT HoMe” Setting)
A warm welcome, no matter what the season
Pictured here is a unique 5-button Scene controller that can be preprogrammed
to your Scene preferences.
5:30 PMEvening
18 | VISION
Communicating on cord safety
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The of the Standards
ctober was NationalWin-dow Covering SafetyMonth. According to theWindow Covering Safety
Council’s (WCSC) website, this na-tionwide campaign is a joint effortbetween their organization and theU.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCom-mission (CPSC), intended to “in-crease consumer awareness of po-tentialwindowcordhazards,aswellas to urge parents and caregiversto only use cordless window prod-ucts in homes with small childrenand sleeping areas and to replaceall window coverings in the homemadebefore2001withtoday’ssaferproducts.”Anoblecause,tobesure,and one that both the WCSC andCPSC have been championing formanyyearsnow.Thisyear,however,theCPSCoptednottoparticipateinNational Window Covering SafetyMonth, sparking off something ofa nationwide controversy that hasspilledintothepoliticalandnationalmediaarenas.
Convinced that the primary causeof the controversy stemmed from asimplelackofcommunication,Vision hadacandidconversationwithRalphVasami, Executive Director of theWindowCoveringManufacturersAs-sociation (WCMA) and Joe Jankoski,PresidentoftheWCMA.Ourgoalwasto better understand the cord safetyissueandwhattheindustryhasbeen
By Shannon Lee McBride
doingtocombatthedangersassociat-edwithwindowcoveringcordssince1996,whentheyfirstbeganself-regu-latingoncordsafety.
Joint Goals, Joint Efforts“Let me start out by stating that thegoalofWCMAandthegoalofCPSCisthesamewithregardtocordsafety.We want to eliminate the incidentsof strangulationandnear strangula-tion completely,” said Jankoski. To-ward that end, the first set of self-imposed standards was instituted in1996, when the dangers of windowcovering cords were fully identi-fied. The number of deaths relatedto window covering cords was at itshighest from1990-1995according toVasami, averaging 16 deaths a yearin this timeframe. For 2011, to date,theCPSChasrecordedthreedeathsdue to window covering cords. Va-sami believes this positive trend isdue to a three-pronged approachthat includes updated standards,coupled with an ongoing educationand information campaign plus freecordretrofitkits.
Beginningin1996thestandardsbe-gan an evolutionary process from“prescriptive standards” to “perfor-mancestandards.”Prescriptive stan-dardsweresimplya‘howto’guide.Inotherwords,theywereakindofstep-by-stepsetofinstructionsonmakingawindowcovering.Today,theWCMA
hasshiftedtoperformancestandards.Thesearestandardsthatoutlinewhataproducthastodo,andsafetystan-dardsthatitmustcomplywith.“We are constantly working on cre-ating the most broad-based perfor-mancestandardswecan,tobeasfarreaching as possible,” explained Va-sami.BothJankoskiandVasamicon-firmed that manufacturers are con-stantlyworkingtomakenewproductssafer.Theyusetheperformancestan-dardstohelpthemachievethis.“Thestandards evolve with new informa-tion.Theyarebasedonthedatawere-ceivefromtheCPSC,andtheincidentreports they get involving windowcoveringcords,”saidVasami.
The Risk of Out-of-Date ProductIt isn’t just about the ever-evolvingstandards, however. Jankoski pointedoutthatinrecentyears,amajorityofthe incidents that have occurred in-volvedproductsthatdonotmeetthecurrentstandards.Anywindowcover-ingsthatwenttomarketpriorto2001arenowconsidereddramaticallyout-of-date. This is where retailers anddesigners become an essential partof addressing the cord safety issue.The standards currently in develop-mentfor2012willincludemandatorywarninglabelsontheexteriorpackag-ingforstockwindowtreatments,andasimilarwarningthatwillappearonretail websites prior to the point ofpurchase.Theseareintended,atleast
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 19
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inpart,toopenupadialoguebetweenretailers and consumers about thebest way to keep children safe fromcordentanglement.
Designersshouldbeaskingeverycli-entifchildrenwillbepresentintheirclients’ homes at any time. This willgive them an opportunity to discusschanging out-of-date window treat-mentsovertonewproductsthatmeetcurrent standards. If changing outolderblindsorshadesisn’tanoptionfor financial reasons, designers canrefer their clients to the WCSC forfree retrofit kits that will make theirhomessaferforchildren.Since2007,theWCSC has sent out over 350,000retrofit kits. Since the kits have thenecessary materials to retrofit up tofourblinds,theWCMAestimatesthat
todate,approximately500,000blindshavebeenretrofittedforsafety.
“Designers and retailers are a con-duitofinformationforthetrade,”saidJankoski. “They are a professionalnetworkofsellers.We,asanindustry,haveanobligationandaresponsibil-itytomakesureconsumersaremak-ing the right choice for their home.Weshouldbemakingthatpointwitheverysingleconsumerthatwetouch.Designersandretailshavethepowertobeatremendouscatalystinresolv-ingthecordsafetysituation.”
Indeed,itwouldseemthatcommuni-cationisthekeyfactorinaddressingcordsafety.TheWCMAhasstringentstandards, which manufacturers canutilize to bring the safest possible
productstomarket.Thereareoppor-tunitiesforretailersanddesignerstohelpeducatetheirclientsonthecordsafety issue and how to make theirhomesassafeaspossibleforthechil-dren who may live in, or visit, theirhomes.As Jankoski pointed out, it isan industry-wide issue,and ifallas-pectsoftheindustryrisetotheocca-sion,theycanworktogethertoelimi-natecord-relateddeaths.Onthisgoal,wethinkeveryonecanagree.V
20 | VISION
What the standards mean for customwindow treatment workrooms
VIEW
POIN
T
Cord Safety Language
uring the last couple ofyears that the workroomindustry has been on theradar as far as Roman
shadesafetystandardsareconcerned,confusion and misinformation havebeen common. It is time to clear upsomeofthosemisconceptions.
1.Manymembersoftheworkroomtradewouldliketothinksmallworkroomsareexemptfrombeingclassifiedasamanufac-turer.Ifaworkroommakesoneshadeayearorthou-sandsofshadesayear,thatworkroomisamanufac-turerandisthussubjecttoalloftheresponsibilitiesthatentails.
2.Workroomscommonlythinkthatonlyimportedready-madeRomanshadeshavebeeninvolvedincordaccidents.Infact,sev-eraldeathshaveinvolvedcustom-madeproducts.
3.Manywholesalework-roomsthinkthatthedesignerwouldbesolelyliableifs/heinsiststhatRomanshadesbemadenotincompliancewithANSIstandardsandthereisadeathinvolvedwith
By Mary Ann Plumlee
theproduct.Historyshowsthateveryoneinvolvedwiththeproductissus-ceptibletoconsequencesassociatedwithadeath.
4.The‘voluntary’ANSIstan-dardsarenotvoluntary.Oncetheyareadopted,theproductsyoumanufacturemustbeincomplianceortherearepotentialconse-quences.
5.Manyworkroomsdonotcarrygeneralliabilityin-surance.Theideathat‘noonewillsuemeifthereisnothingtoget’canbeabadidea.Adequategeneralliabilityinsurancethatwillprovidelegaldefenseincaseitisneededisanabsolutemust.
6.Ignoranceisnotadefense.Intheinformationagenoonecanclaimthat‘theydidnotknow’aboutcorddeathsandsafetystan-dards.
Workrooms are weary of wonderingand worrying about the new stan-dards. Meanwhile, we are still underProvisional Standard Number Two.Weareprobablyinforatleastanotherhalfyearbeforewewillbeabletoget
backtobusinessasusual.Theimpor-tantthingistobecertainthatbusinessas usual is conducted with accurateinformation to protect your businessandyourcustomers.V
Mary Ann Plumlee is a businesswom-an, writer, inventor and speaker. She is the founder of Workroom Association of America, LLC, the only trade asso-ciation developed specifically for the benefit of the workroom industry and is also the founder and publisher of Window Coverings News Magazine and president of Plumlee Place LLC, a successful design and workroom busi-ness in Waco, Texas. Additionally, she is the inventor and developer of the CK Lift System, which lifts Roman shades without exposed cords and has earned the seal of approval from Parents for Window Blind Safety, and evaluated by CPSC as ‘no strangulation risk’.
Workroom Association of AmericaWorkroomAssociationofAmerica.com
Window Coverings NewsWindowCoveringsNews.com
Plumlee PlacePlumleePlace.com
CK Lift SystemCKLiftSystem.com
CLOSER LOOK
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 21
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22 | VISION
New developments anticipated in 2012
BiG
IDEA
S
Manufacturers Address Concerns
Tom Perkowitz, Director of Market-ing, B&W Window Fashions
Thefactisthatsafetyis actually second-ary in the minds ofmost consumers anddealers. No one haseverboughtaspecificbrandof car justbe-cause they have thebest seat belt design.At B&W WindowFashions we believethat safety is impor-tantbutithastowalk
hand-in-hand with fashion, functionandcost.Thatiswhywedevelopedourpatent pending Cordless ONE Con-trols™whichareavailableonallofourwovenwoodandfabricRomanshades.With Cordless ONE Controls, a pullring is concealed behind the bottomhem.ItisnotarollershadeattachedtothebackoftheRomanshades.
Sowhenwetalkaboutfashion,whichIbelieveisthemostimportantthingtoretail customers, Cordless ONE Con-trols eliminate ugly pull cords.Whenit comes to function, Cordless ONEControl's simple pull ring and me-chanical lift system make it easier to
We asked industry suppliers and manufacturers to tell Vision readers what they have planned for 2012 regarding the
potential new standards for corded window products. Because the changes to the standards are still under discus-
sion at the time of publication and companies are loathe to share proprietary information, most of the responses
instead deal with what has happened in 2011 and how to best communicate these safety features to consumers.
use than any cord-lock shade. Cord-lessONEControlsarestandardatnoextrachargeonallofourVitaléfabricandCOMRomanshades.Asanaddedincentive, we are also offering it as ano-chargeoptiononourwovenwoodsandotherfabricromanshadesfortheentirefirstquarterof2012.
John Fitzgerald, Executive Vice Pres-ident, Comfortex Window Fashions
In 2011,Comfortexfocused one x i s t i n gproducts.We addedc o r d l e s sto Envi-sion andP E R S O -NA RollerShadelineswith a cas-
setteandstandardspring rollerheadrail option.We also introduced addi-tional motorized options to the rollerand shadings lines.We educated andencouraged our dealers to promotethesafetybenefitsofcordlessoptions,which we backed with retail promo-tions.
Looking forward to 2012, we are ex-pandingourcordless lineofproductsin the cellular shades, roller shadesand shadings categories. Our motor-izationofferingwillalsobegrowingin2012. Cordless options—current andfuture options—will be more promi-nent on the Comfortex websites toincrease consumer awareness of thisimportantsafetyissue.
Herbert Gleinser, President, Kwik-Affix Products
Kwik-Affix has several products thataddress the need for improved cordsafety.Wejustcompletedourpatented“KisS” Cordless system—in additiontoaweightrod,itusesonlyfourcon-structionelements:
1.TheKisS™LoopedLiningwithup-rightwoven-inloops
2.semi-transparentliftbands
3.fiberglassribs
4.DURA Bond™ tapes with perma-nentbondingpower
Shade sizes can be from 20" to 120"widewithoutseams in the liningand
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 23
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DSC Window Fashions, a leader in producing safe,quality, innovative window coverings. Our patentedHi-Tech Ultimate Roman Shades are child safe and energy efficient. The cellular properties provide 62% reduction in heat or cold transfer. Hi-Tech Roman Shades are our proprietary, exclusive design. Many styles and back options available (Cellular back shown).
We accept COM. Our Roman Shades are in compliance with ANSI/WCMA standards.
Made in USA10 Day Delivery
Contact us at 800/873-0000 or visit www.dscwindowfashions.com
upto70"longorextendedasneeded.WealsorecommendashardwaretheKwik-Affixchainlift,whichwillfitmosttubularsoftshadeandrollershadehardware.And, although our home office suffered severe damagefromafireonNovember6whichdelayedtheproductionanddeliveryofinitialKisSorders,allcomponentsanddis-playshadesarenowonceagainavailable.
Derick Marsh, President, RollEase
RollEaseoffersmanyproductsthatimprovecordsafety: SafetyHold:alockingtie-downdeviceforcontinuous
loopcordandbeadchain
SafetyHold2:anupdatedlockingtie-downdeviceforcontinuousloopcordandbeadchainthatismadeofhighlydurableplasticandrequirestwoscrewstoin-stall, therebyfarexceedingtheproposednewstan-dardsinvirtuallyeverytestingrequirement
Audraguard: a Roman shade system using widebandsthatarenotabletocompressachild’sairway
24 | VISION
and allow for ring unrestrictedring spacingandnear transpar-ency,greatlyenhancingtheaes-thetics of woven wood and softRomanshades
EasySpring: a family of springrollers for the manufacture ofcordlessrollershades
SafetyShroud: a shroud for usewith inner cords on Romanshadesthatrestrictstheabilityofachildtoformahazardousloop
SilentPin: a locking pin end formotorizedshades,oneofthesaf-est operating systems available,thatallowsforquieteroperationofamotorizedrollertubeandre-stricts theabilityof that tube toseparatefromthebracket.
Ania McNamara, Director of Sales and Marketing, SmartRoll
The engineering and developmentteamatSmartroll™hasbeenworkingfortwoyearsonourpatentedcordlessspring mechanism system. It allowstheusertoadjustthelengthandspeedofarollershadeandcanbeusedwitha wide range of fabrics, regardless ofshadewidthorfabricweight.Adefaultspeedandpreferredheightcanbeset,butindividualuseradjustmentsareal-waysavailable.TheSmartRoll systemcompletely eliminates cords and socompletelyeliminatescordrisks.
Ben Kutell, Business Director, Q-motion Shades
Qmotion automated shades were de-signed with the concept of safety inmind.With no cords and easy instal-lation in mind, they make an excel-lentsolutionforthosewhoarelookingtotreatwindowssafelywithoutmuchcost or effort.With the dual functioncontrol of our shades allowing man-ualfunctioninadditiontoelectric,Q-motion shades are also fun. Mean-while,theyarequietenoughtoinstall
inababy’sroom,withpeaceofmindthattheproductisfreeofcordrisk.
Nicholas Perugini, U.S. Sales Manag-er, ZMC Window Covering Supplies
Here atZMC Win-dow Cov-ering Sup-plies wetaketheis-sueofwin-dow cov-ering cord
safetyveryseriously.Afterall,manyofushavesmallchildrenathometoo.
We worked to develop our UniversalLocking Tensioner with safety firstandforemost.Ourdevicesuseaspringloaded method to render the devicepartially inoperableshould itbecomedislodgedfromthewallmounting.Thisshouldalerttheuserthatmaintenanceisrequired.
We include safety warning labels aswell as detailed instructions for theproper installation of our productswithallULTdevices.ZMCisinvolvedin continual research and develop-mentofsafe,effectivedevicesforthewindowcoveringindustry.
Tracy Christmann, Marketing Man-ager, Somfy Systems, Inc.
In 2012, Somfywillcontinueourefforts to createawarenessabouthow motorizedwindow cover-ingspoweredbySomfy offer asafe alternative
tomanualwindowcoveringsbycom-pletely eliminating operational cords.Our solutionsare compatiblewithallwindowcovering typesandcreateanenvironmentthatprovidesuserswithpeaceofmindknowingthattheirchil-drenaresafe.Ourcommitmenttothis
safety initiative isacentral focusandweactivelysupporttheWindowCov-ering Manufacturers Association andthe Window Covering Safety Coun-cil. We’reproudtohavebeenpartofcreating the new safety standard as-sociatedwithcordedwindowcoveringproductsandwillcontinuetopromoteawareness of this serious issue. Welook forward to continuing to edu-cateournetworkofdealersaboutthesafetybenefits thatmotorizationpro-videsandwillbeextendingoureffortsbeyond traditional training seminars.We recently launched an educationalvideoduringNationalWindowCover-ingSafetyMonthandwillcontinuetoemphasizethismessagethroughvari-oussocialmediaoutletsin2012.V
B&W Window FashionsHorizonShades.com
Comfortex Window FashionsComfortex.com
KwikAffix ProductsKwikAffixcom
RollEaseRollEase.com
SmartRollSmartroll.com
Qmotion ShadesQmotionShades.com
ZMC Window Covering SuppliesZMC.ca
Somfy Systems Inc.SomfySystems.com
Window Covering Manufacturers AssociationWCMAnet.org
Consumer Products Safety CommissionCPSC.gov
CLOSER LOOK
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 25
ZMCThe Universal Locking Tensioner (ULT) is designed for both inside and out-side mount. As a safety device for children, it eliminates the loop from the window covering. It can also keep the chain in parallel, preventing it from crossing. Three designs are of-fered: ULT for chain with connector and stopper, ULT designed with a plug for endless loop chain or chain with connector, mini ULT in a smaller size for endless loop cord. Available in five colors, all the three designs of ULT are patent pending.
Phone: 800/541-2557 (US toll-free), 877/670-8909 (Canada toll-free), fax: 800/905-856-3388 (toll-free); e-mail: [email protected], visit www.zmc.ca
SureWinA premier supplier providing quality products at competitive pricing from our Florida warehouse. Custom sourc-ing available. Plastic bead chain in rolls, continuous chain cord-loops and metal bead chain. Stop balls, connec-tors, safety devices, C-Clips, cord locks, and the easy-to-fabricate low-profile Sure-Lift® Roman Headrail System for shades up to 50 lbs. Contact: [email protected], phone: 203/655-1102, fax: 203/655-8571
Rowley CompanyOur newest innovation is Encased Lift Cord Shroud Tube—a knitted tube with lift cord enclosed that is easier to tack, stacks tighter and is less no-ticeable. Combined with our broad selection of clutch systems, all Sure-Shade™ products give you endless options for meeting the ANSI stan-dards, and make it easy to fabricate today’s most popular shade styles.Rowley® Company Sure-Shade™ Tube is patent-pending and com-petitively priced. Ivory, khaki and medium brown are in development. To order the white Sure-Shade™ Tube, call 800/343-4542 or visit www.RowleyCompany.com today.
Top Window Coverings100% in stock and ready to rock your rollers with Top TwinLight Eclisse™ true sheer & Twinlight® double shade, eco-friendly screen, decorative black- out roller and panel fabrics. Over 30 collections, more than 200 colorways.
Contact: www.TopWindowCovering.com, phone: 800/762.6211, e-mail: [email protected]
When Elegance Matters
We stock over 200 SKUs of exotic woven wood patterns
Custom Window Coverings ManufacturerServing the trade throughout
Southern California
Full Line of Quality Custom Products
@www.superiorshades.comSee all of our products and services
1/3 Page Adver tisement (Full Bleed)Window Fashion Vision Magazine
28 | VISION
SPEC
IAL
REP
OR
T Decorative hardware helps take custom window designs to the next level
Look UpBy Howard Shingle
nceaclienthasdecidedonawindowtreatmentstyle in the fabric she loves, don’t stop there!Takeherdesignandyoursaletothenextlevelbyshowingwhatcanbedonewithcustomdec-
orativehardware.
The decorative hard-ware market remainsstrong partly becauseit so easily adapts asstyles change andtrends develop—allwhile filling “both theaesthetic and func-tional needs of win-dow treatments,” saysAmy Johnson, vicepresident of decora-tive hardware, RowleyCo.“Thehottesttrendsinclude color palettesof weathered woodand variations of grayand taupe,” she adds.“Smaller, sleek embel-lishments are replac-ing larger, ornate fini-alsandwoodpoles.Asaresult,modernmetalhardwarehasemergedas a frontrunner incurrent decorativehardwaretrends.”
Whether you presentwood, metal, glass orothermaterialindeco-rative hardware de-pendsonthehomeand
yourclient’stastes.“Woodpolesandresinfinialscontinuetosell intraditionalmarketswithmorefocusonstream-lineddesignsandfinishes,”Johnsonsays.“Metalhardwarehasemergedasthemostcurrenttrendfillingtheneedforcleanlinesandsmoothmetallicfinishes.”
Proportion, scale and balance are keys to success with decorative hardware. Two small, custom bowed rods from Helser Brothers perfectly frame this beautiful view.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 29
Somemetalfinishesactuallyturnoutnotbeingmetalatall.CarolBlanchard,president, saysFauxIronSolutionshasserveddesignersandretailers forabouteightyearswithitsTableaux product, which looks and feels like artisan-craftedwroughtiron.It’sactuallyagreen(LEED-credited)compositeofpost-industrialreclaimedandrecycledwoodfiberandnon-formaldehyderesin.
AtGalaxyDesign,crystalisthemostoftenusedmaterialandtheDazzlingDraperyHardwareCollectionisthecur-renthottesttrend.
“Traditional hardware is timeless and what much of ourcustomerbasepreferstouse,”saysPriscillaRochinofPris-cilla’sDraperyHardware,“butourcontemporaryhardwaresuchassquarerodsandringsaregainingfavorforthosewholiketo‘thinkoutofthebox.’”
Currently, the most popular decorating style is also themostversatile.“Forus,”Blanchardsays,“themostpopularstyleisTransitionalwhichincorporatesopen,clean,deco-rativecurveswithadefiniteEuropeanstyling.”Rowley’sJohnsonagrees,“Transitionaldesignhasbecomethe most popular style in recent years. It combines both
ABOVE: One of the hottest trends in decorative hardware, these finials from Rowley Co. are offered in color palettes of weathered wood and variations of gray and taupe.
BELOW: The ball finial and rings from Galaxy Design feature dazzling crystal in topaz coloration.
30 | VISION
contemporary and traditional designs withtonalcolorpalettesandmoreattentiontode-tailintextureanddepth.”There are many creative uses for decora-tivehardwarebeyondthetopofthewindow,Blanchard notes. She says decorative hard-warecanbeusedasawindowgrilleintran-soms,sidelightsandarches;asacorniceoravalance;asadoororacabinetinsert;andevenasaceilingtreatmentShow and TellTo help sell decorative hardware, retailersmusttakethefirststepwithclients.“Thereisonlyonerule to followandthat issimply toshowtheproducttoallofyourwindowcus-tomers,”Blanchardadvises.“Surveyaftersur-veywithournationalnetworkofdealersre-vealsthatbasictruth.”“Selling custom hardware is much like sellingany other product,” says Anita Boetsma, whohandlessalesandnationalaccountsforHelserBrothers,Inc.“Theamountofknowledgeandex-perienceyouhavewilldetermineyoursuccess.”
HereareBoetsma’stipsforsuccessfulsales:•Start with functionality.The design might
beamazingandthefabricdivine,butifthetreatment doesn’t operate as anticipated,theclientwillbeirritatedeverytimetheyuse it. Use your suppliers as a referencesource.Askthemhowtoachievethefunc-tionalityyourequirewiththeirproducts.
•Researchhardwareoptionsveryearlyintheprocess.Beingawareofyouroptionswhenyousitdownwiththeclientwillallowyoutoshowoffyourexpertise.Moreimportant,youwillnotbetemptedto over-promise and sell an unwise hardware option.Readtheinformationsuppliedbyyourhardwaresup-pliers.Yes, truly, read it. Ifwhatyouneed isnot there,justaskforit.
•Mountingsurfacesaswellaswhatliesbeneathareim-portant.Heavierfabricsandliningscreatetheneedforheavier bracket options.The area of the wall coveredby the bracket base is the footprint.A larger bracketbase makes for a larger footprint.This in turn allowsforagreaterpossibilityofhittingwoodwithamountingscrew.Inturn,thereislessspacebetweenanchorssotheintegrityof thewallboard isnotcompromised.Deeperreturnsontreatmentsrequiredtocoverblindsorsheerscreatemoredownwardstresson thebracket.Again,alargerfootprinthelpstoprovideasturdyinstallation.
•Stackspaceandareasclosetothewindowarecritical.Howmuchroomdoyouneed?Willitbeacceptabletocoverthelightswitchesnexttothepatiodoor?
•Apictureisworthathousandwords!Takeseveraldif-ferentshots.Takecloseupsoftrickyareas.Sharethemwithyourinstallerandhardwaresupplierwhenyouareflummoxed.Manycustomoptionsareavailabletosolvetoughinstallationchallenges.
•Proportion, scale and balance. Even in your hardwarechoices,someoptionsmaybejusttoobig,toomuchorinappropriateforavarietyofreasons.
“Takingthetimetoeducateyourselfonhardwareoptionswillallowyoutosellcustomhardwarewithconfidenceandbuildyourprofitwitheachsale,”saysBoetsma.V
ABOVE: Transitional hardware from Rowley Co. combines contemporary and traditional designs with tonal color palettes, textures and depth.
BELOW: Going beyond the window, green-certified decorative hardware from Faux Iron Solutions adds drama to this ceiling.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 31
Xentric Drapery Hardware Xentric Drapery Hardware is your one-stop shop for custom, unique drapery hardware, featuring contemporary and traditional collections in wrought iron, wood, and glass. From finials, tiebacks and brackets to rods and rings, our quality products speak for themselves; custom bending rods available for most rod styles. Traversing systems and mo-torized options available. New custom-ers get an extra 10% off first order. Mention Promo Code: XEN10A
Contact: 866/493-6874, e-mail: [email protected], www.myxentric.com
Priscilla’s Drapery Hardware
At Priscilla’s we’ve been designing and fabricating drapery hardware for over 30 years, manufacturing one of the largest selections of drapery hardware anywhere. Made in the U.S.A. Call Priscilla 760/726-9228www.draperyhardwarebypriscilla.com
F I N E S T R A® by
CALL 1-888-443-8182 to learn more or place an order.www.FinestraDecorativeHardware.com
F I N E S T R A
CALL 1-888-443-8182to learn more or place an order.www.FinestraDecorativeHardware.com
CALL 1-888-443-8182to learn more or place an order.www.FinestraDecorativeHardware.com
Choose from our expanded selection of our 25 most popular finials and end caps, select one of our 10 custom finishes and in just 5 business days, your order will be on its way to you.
So many choices. So little time.
25 ⁄ 10 ⁄ 5 Quick Ship Program
32 | VISION
28 Feb. – 3 March 2012 Messe Stuttgart
Sun protection elements that generate electricity? Doors and gates that open intui-
tively in an emergency? At R+T 2012, over 700 exhibitors from all around the world
will be presenting their high-tech innovations live. Visitors from industry, trades,
design and architecture can look forward to fi ve days of pure innovation and seeing
a range of unrivalled products and services.
Global meeting for the sector:
www.rt-expo.com
Use your smartphone
00_R-T_Anz_WindowFashionVision.indd 1 30.09.11 18:19
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 33
2011 PRODUCT DIRECTORY
CalhookSupplier of hangers, hooks and displays for fabric samples and complete retail store equipment and supplies. 5205 S. 231st Street, Kent, WA 98023,800/422-4665, e-mail: [email protected], www.calhook.com
CastecHigh-end window treatment manufac-turer specializing in fabric treatments, solar shadings, custom roll shades, and natural woven shades for both the resi-dential and commercial markets.
7531 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91605, 818/503-8300, fax: 818/503-8360, toll-free: 800/828-2500, e-mail: [email protected], www.castec.com
Comfortex Window FashionsThe Comfortex complete line of cellu-lar, Roman, roller and pleated shades, wood alloy blinds, plantation shutters, sheer window shadings, sunscreens and verticals are distributed in every state in the United States and in over 70 coun-tries on five continents worldwide. 21 Elm Street, Maplewood, NY 12189, toll-free: 800/ 843-4151, e-mail: [email protected], www.comfortex.com
dofix No-Sew Inc.Marketer of the dofix system, a work-room system for making soft window treatments without sewing. Products are manufactured in Germany. 1947 Ironway Drive, Sanford, MI 48657, 989/687-7999, e-mail: [email protected], www.dofix.com
döfix No Sew, Inc. • 1947 Ironway Dr • Sanford, MI 48657 • Tel 800-962-8983; 989-687-7999 • www.dofix.com
• Roman shades
• Sliding Panels
• Swag mounting system
• Sunrooms
• Skylights
döfix Cordless Shades
The side tracked shades
that operate top down or
bottom up. The safest
solution for shades today!
döfix Sliding Panels
Contemporary, clean look.
Smooth cascading operation.
Another option for cordless
window treatments.
döfix aluminum slat AL1
...transforms your ideas into existence
Call 800-962-8983
for more information
Draperies.comDraperies.com is the manufacturer of drapery hardware for the commercial, residential and healthcare industries. We carry all kinds of aluminum drap-ery tracks, hardware and workroom findings. Visit us at www.draperies.com, call 888/266-1238 or e-mail [email protected]
Eclipse ShuttersGREENGUARD® Certified, Eclipse Shut-ters combine a fashionable, clean look with superior durability making them the perfect choice for residential or commercial applications. Designed for quick installation and easy care, Eclipse Shutters have a durable finish that never needs painting or sanding. With superior energy efficiency, child safe design and a 25-year warranty, Eclipse Shutters are the clear choice.
877/874-8877, www.eclipseshutters.com
Exus Inc.Exus Inc and its parent company have delivered quality window treatment products for more than 15 years to wholesalers and retailers worldwide. With over 100 years of combined prod-uct knowledge, the Exus staff will pro-vide you with exceptional service, as-sistance and troubleshooting whenever needed. [email protected]
Gaby’s ShoppeManufacturer of wrought iron drapery hardware and furniture. Look for our new decorative shelving line coming soon!
Gaby’s Shoppe, 1311 Dragon Street, Dallas, TX 75207, 800/299-4229, lo-cal: 214/748-6644, fax: 214/748-7701, www.gabys.com
Galaxy DesignGalaxy Design is a leader in the interior design industry known for its luxuri-ous fabrics and dazzling drapery hard-ware collection. Call for your FREE bro-chure and receive 20% OFF from your first order when you mention this ad.
866/215-3713
Golden TasselIf you’re in home fashions, let us help you with your decorating needs. GoldenTassel, LLC, is a wholesale distributor ofTRIMLAND products, and we sell to thetrade only. Please call Najda or Jackie at631/249-3023.
176-4 Central Ave., Farmingdale, NY 11735.
34 | VISION
Ona Drapery HardwareWholesale manufacturer of decorative iron drapery hardware. Products and services include name brand drapery hardware and decorative fabrics. We ship to all 50 states. 5320 E. Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80303, toll-free 800/231-4025, e-mail: karl@ onadrapery.com, www.onadrapery.com
Orion Ornamental Iron Orion Ornamental Iron presents 3 new products: Somfy Motor, Bohemia Crys-tal, Tuscany Traversing. Bohemia Crystal —22 beautiful finials at a low price point., Tuscany Traversing—11 designs on embossed metal rods. Tuscany rods can be motorized with Somfy.
Solstice ShuttersSolstice solid wood shutters transform any room in your home into a state-ment of elegance. Our beautiful planta-tion shutters are hand-crafted from the finest quality materials for years of en-joyment. The timeless Solstice collection offers a variety of traditional and con-temporary designer options to express your personal style. For the natural warmth of premium wood shutters, Sol-stice is preferred. Contact your regional Solstice Shutters fabricator:
Century Blinds 800/281-3013 www.centuryblinds.comFashion Tech Window Coverings 800/444-8822 www.fashiontech.comTimber Blind & Shutter 800/871-2051 www.timberblinds.comVista Products 800/888-6680 www.vistaproducts.com
S LS T ICE
SomfyTaHomA™ is an affordable and easy-to-use system that allows users to save money through increased energy effi-ciency, to feel more comfortable in the home, and to experience the simplicity and enjoyment of total home automa-tion. Please visit www.somfytahoma.com for more details!
RollEase RollEase has become the essential source of innovative and high-quality products and services for window cov-ering fabricators. RollEase offers the industry's broadest line of propirietary operating systems and components, as well as other complementary products, allowing its customers to manufacture and offer the highest quality window coverings in the industry. 200 Harvard Avenue, Stamford, Conn., 06902-6320, toll-free: 800/552-5100, e-mail: [email protected]
Kwik-Affix ProductsKisS ™ child safe soft shade system with corded tunnel tapes attached to pre-spaced loops in Thread Thru Lin-ing (patented) according to ANSI 2010 safety requirements. Operational tunnel tapes can be outside or inside between fabric and lining for a better look, works best with our slimline track or similar channel track systems. Cordless KisS system with inside lift bands guided by our Thread Thru Lin-ing. The child safe solution for heavier shades. Works best with our tubular chain lift or other similar systems. 5942 Richard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32216, e-mail: [email protected], 800/685-5945
Insolroll Window Shading Systems Insolroll Interior Solar Screen and Black-out Shades; Oasis® Patio and Exte-rior Window Shades; Digital Printing for Roller Shades Insolroll fabricates specialty roller shade systems for commercial and residential markets. Our prices are competitive. We return contract quantity quotations within 24 hours, lead time on most orders is six working days and when you call us the phone is answered by a knowledgeable, helpful representative. Our complete product line includes Oa-sis® Patio Shades and in-house digital printing on roller shades. Contact us at 800/447-5534 or [email protected]
2011
PRO
DUCT
DIR
ECTO
RY
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 35
Trend FabricsAdded to the Fabricut Family in 2006, Trend is made to accommodate design-ers’ and decorators’ more value ori-ented projects without compromising beauty, style, form or function. Trend en-compasses product styles ranging from traditional to contemporary and is the comprehensive source for decorative fabrics, linings, trimmings and hardware at an affordable price.
918/945-3838, www.trend-fabrics.com,[email protected]
ZMC Window Covering SuppliesInternational manufacturer and whole-sale distributor offering a variety of product lines that include specially de-signed components for Somfy Motors, Roller Shades, Roman Shades, Panel Track and a wide variety of fabrics. As we mark a major milestone-25th Anni-versary, we offer our gratitude to each and everyone who has made our suc-cess possible. ZMC is proud to provide the best quality product and service at a competitive price to our customers’ satisfaction, through our commitment to continuous improvement.
Phone: 800/541-2557 (US toll-free) or 877/670-8909 (Canada toll-free), fax: 800/905-856-3388 (toll-free) e-mail: [email protected], www.zmc.ca
Xentric Drapery HardwareXentric Drapery Hardware is your one-stop shop for custom, unique drapery hardware, featuring contemporary and traditional collections in wrought iron, wood, and glass. From finials, tiebacks and brackets to rods and rings, our qual-ity products speak for themselves; cus-tom bending rods available for most rod styles. Traversing systems and motorized options available. New customers get an extra 10% off first order. Mention Promo Code: XEN10A
Contact: 866/493-6874, e-mail: [email protected], www.myxentric.com
Golden Tassel, LLCFarmingdale, NY
Tel: 631/249-3023 • Fax:631/249-3027Email: [email protected] • Website: www.golden-tassel.com
• Tassel Tie-Backs• Key Tassels• Cords• Chair-Ties
• Tassel Fringes• Bullions• Rosettes• Brush & Scallop Fringes
• Tassel Tie-Backs• Key Tassels• Cords• Chair-Ties
• Tassel Fringes• Bullions• Rosettes• Brush & Scallop Fringes
Distributor of Quality Trimmingsat Reasonable Prices
GalaxyDesign_AD_1108-2011OL.indd 1 11.11.10 8:28:41 PM
38 | VISION
BIG
IDEA
S
The benefits of mentoring an intern
Pay It Forward
aveyoueverwonderedifaninternshipforacollegestudentmightbenefityourbusiness?ThissummerIhadanopportunitytomeetBlakeReifer.Shejustfinishedherfreshman
yearatPurdue,wheresheisseekingadegreeinfashiondesign.SheinternedinIndianapolis,Ind.,withCarolHart,ownerofTimelessDesigns,ahigh-endcustomdraperyworkroom.Iwasnotonlyinterestedinfindingoutwhyafashionmajorwouldwantadraperyworkroomintern-ship,butalsointhefeedbackfromCarol,asIknewBlakewasnotherfirstintern.
VA: Why did you want an internship rather than a job?
BR: MydegreerequiresthatIdotwointernships,oneindesignandoneinaretailsetting.Ialsowantedthepractical,hands-onexperiencethatworkinginaninte-riordesignbusinesswouldgiveme.IrememberreadingaboutAlexanderMcQueen,arenownedfashiondesigner,andthathewasinfluencedbyinteriordesigndetailsinhisfashiondesign.Iwasveryexcitedandhonoredtobeaskedtointerninastudiowhereverydetailedhigh-endwindowtreatmentsandsoftfurnishingsarecreated.
VA: Carol, why did you want to hire an intern?
CH: Theideaofanextrapairofhandsintheworkroomisalwaysappealing,ofcourse.ButtheprimaryreasonIhiredaninternoveranotheremployeewasto‘payitforward.’Mychildrenhavehadinternshipswhilefinishingtheirde-grees.Ibelieveitwasoneofthemostvaluableexperiencesintheireducation.Iaminapositionwithmybusinesstobeabletodothatnowforastudent.Itwasfunandener-gizingtohavesomeoneyoungandeagertolearninthestudio.Itwasmotivatingandfunformyotheremployeestoexplaintheirworkandshowherthecreativeprocessbehindwindowtreatmentsandothersoftfurnishings.
VA: Blake, will this experience assist you in finding a job when you graduate?
BR: Absolutely,itwillbeverybeneficialwhenIfinishmydegree.Ilearnedsomuchaboutthedesignprocess.Justbe-causeyoucandrawitonpaperdoesn’tmeanyoucanaccom-plishitonawindoworontherunway.Youhavetobewillingtoadaptyourdesigntotherealitiesofthefabricsometimes.
Q&A organized by Vicki Ayres
VA: What did you learn from Carol about business?
BR: Carolwassoopenandhonestaboutwhatittakestonotonlyrunabusinessbuttogetitstarted.Sheexplainedaboutsomeoftherequirementstoopenwholesaleac-counts,gettingcertifiedandgettingyourfinancialin-formationorganized.Caroltookmetoanall-dayWCAAeducationalseminarwhereImetseveraldesignersandfabricationartistsandlearnedalotaboutotherdesignbusinesses.ThereissomuchmoretodotorunabusinessthanIrealized.Irealizedittakesmorethananabilitytosewtorunanykindoffashionbusiness.Ireallyappreci-atedthetimeandinformationshewaswillingtoshare.
VA: Carol, did you have a business objective in having an intern?
CH: No,therealityisinternshipsarenotreallyacost-positiveprocess.Internswilltypicallyonlybewithyouforasemesterorasummer,it’snotenoughtimeforthemtogettheexperi-enceneededsothatabusinesscanprofitfromthemintermsofbillablehours.Itreallyisagiving,teachinganden-ergizingopportu-nity.WhatIhavefoundafterdoingthisforseveralyearsisthatIgetcallsfrommyinternstocomehelpduringbreaksandholi-days.Whentheycomebacktheyaregreathelpastheyalreadyarefamiliarwiththebasicsandthe
Blake at the work table. The attention to detail that she saw and learned at Timeless Design is something she realizes will be important in her own future work.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 39
extrahandsaretrulyben-eficialtotheworkflow.
VA: Did you learn any-thing from Blake?
CH: Absolutely!Shebroughtafreshcreativespiritwithhereverydayintothestudio.Whenwewereworkingthroughthedesigndetailsofajobshewouldsuggestmoretradi-tionallydressmakerdetailsthatwesometimesforget.Shehadexcellentcomputerskillsanddidsomemar-ketingandresearchworkonourwebsite.Thatisnotoneofmystrengthsanditwasgreathavingayoung‘pluggedin’employee.
VA: Blake, will you look for an internship again?
BR: Yes,becauseIneedmyretailsettinginternshiptograduate.I’dliketotraveltoEuropeforsomeofcreditsandhopefullylandmynextinternshipthere.Ithinkex-posuretootherculturesanddesignphilosophieswouldbeagreatexperience.
VA: What was one of the highlights of your intern-ship?
BR: Carolassignedmeamasterinternshipproject:Designawindowtreat-mentforaspecificwindow.Shespecifiedthefabricandprovidedsomeneedsthatthefinishedtreatmentneededtoaddress.Itwasforakitchenwindowoverasinkandabaywindowseatbehindabanquette.Bothdesignsneededtocomple-menteachotherandtheywereverydifferentwin-dowshapesandsizes.Thedesignproportionswere
sodifferentbutneededtorelatetoeachotherintheroomIdesignedtwoup-holsteredcorniceswithanoverlayoffolded,origamistyletriangles.ThefirsttrianglesItriedweremuchlargerandweregoingtoconsumemorefabricthanIhad.SoIwentbacktothedrawingboardforsmallertrianglesandanewlayout.Thedifferencebetweenmyoriginaldrawingsandmyfinishedprojectistheresultoftweakingandeditingthedesigndetails.Theresultwasanimproveddesignwithbetterproportions.
TheeditingprocesswasdifficultatfirstbutIcanseenowhowimportantthisstepisinimprovingandrefiningtheoveralllook.Thereare160foldedtrianglesinthetwowindowtreatments—IgotveryaccomplishedatfoldingtrianglesbeforeIwasfinished.Theopportu-nitytodoaprojectandhaveitpublishedisveryunusualforaninternshipandIamsothrilledtohaveitformyportfolio.
VA: Does the creative design process differ from interior design to fashion design?
BR: Thecreativeprocessfordesigningwindowtreat-mentsandfashionisverysimilar.Youcanbeinspiredbyarunwaydesigntomakeawindowtreatmentortheotherwayaround.It’sveryimportanttothinkaboutyourfabricandplanyourfabrication,butatsomepointyoujusthavetomakethatfirstcut.Thenyoucanworkouttheproblemsasyougo.Ifyouthinkaboutittoomuchitstiflesyourcreativespirit.
Working with the professional installer, Blake watched his process closely, not to monitor him, but to learn any new information she could as her internship drew to a close. Once the cornices were hung, she set about dressing the details—making sure the origami overlays hadn't creased or shifted at all, checking the edge cording, cleaning and smoothing to make for a nicely finished presentation to the client. The large cornice was de-signed with stepped section in the corner to break up the long horizontal span and draws the eye to a focal point behind the table.
40 | VISION
Vickie Ayres qbhelp.me
Carol Hart, Timeless Designs TimelessD.com
CLOSER LOOK
VA: Carol, how did you go about looking for and hiring your intern?
CH: IhavehadseveralinternsandthefirsttimeIputanoticeonCraigslist,contactedsomecol-legesandspokewithsomeprofessors.Theteach-ersnowsendstudentstomeandIinterviewandchoosethestudentsIthinkwillbethebestfit.
VA: You have had interns before, why did you add a master intern project this time?
CH: Iwantedthestudentstohaveamorestruc-turedprogram,withamoredefinedlearningobjective.Theywouldneedtomanagetheirtimemoreefficientlytoworkondesignprojectsandworkontheirproject.It’sthekindoftangibleresultIwouldliketoseeoneofmychildrenachieveafteraninternship.
TheprocessforBlaketodrawanddesignthewindowtreatmentsfortwoverydifferentwin-dowsinthesameroomwasverychallenging.Therealizationthatpartsofherdesignwouldhavetobeeditedtobeachievablewiththefabricavail-ablewasprobablythebestlessonoftheproject.Shehadtothinkaboutthedesignestheticoftheclientandhowherfabricwouldperform,thisisthesameinthefashionindustryaswellastheinteriordesignindustry.V
Blake was very pleased with the final results of her master project, as was the client. It’s a wonderful accomplishment to have for her portfolio, as well as giving her a wealth of project management experience to draw upon as her career develops.
Introducing...Somfy’s New Expert Program Specifically Designed for Workrooms!
• Newly designed training course features the new Workroom Application Guide.
• Increase your clientele base by expanding your product offering to include motorization options.
• Available from Somfy; fully assembled motorized tube kits and Glydea™ drapery tracks that are
custom built to your project’s specifications.
• Experience national field support from Somfy’s Field Service Representatives who provide job
specification and technical assistance, as well as product training.
• Receive special pricing on sample cases and showroom displays.
Contact us for direct field support, motorized system consultations, pricing, or to learn more about Somfy’s
Workroom Expert Program: www.somfysystems.com/workroom or 877-43SOMFY.
*board not included -Roman Shade Photograph by Brenda Baxter
© Copyright Somfy Systems, Inc 10/07/2011
Workroom Application Guide
Glydea™ motorizeddrapery track
Sonesse™ 30* motorized tube kit
DecoFlex RTS WireFree™Table Top
Telis RTS Hand-Held Remote
DecoFlex RTSWireFree™Wall Switch
Introducing...Somfy’s New Expert Program Specifically Designed for Workrooms!
• Newly designed training course features the new Workroom Application Guide.
• Increase your clientele base by expanding your product offering to include motorization options.
• Available from Somfy; fully assembled motorized tube kits and Glydea™ drapery tracks that are
custom built to your project’s specifications.
• Experience national field support from Somfy’s Field Service Representatives who provide job
specification and technical assistance, as well as product training.
• Receive special pricing on sample cases and showroom displays.
Contact us for direct field support, motorized system consultations, pricing, or to learn more about Somfy’s
Workroom Expert Program: www.somfysystems.com/workroom or 877-43SOMFY.
*board not included -Roman Shade Photograph by Brenda Baxter
© Copyright Somfy Systems, Inc 10/07/2011
Workroom Application Guide
Glydea™ motorizeddrapery track
Sonesse™ 30* motorized tube kit
DecoFlex RTS WireFree™Table Top
Telis RTS Hand-Held Remote
DecoFlex RTSWireFree™Wall Switch
46 | VISION
All rooms tell a story—the story
of the people that made them, the
story of the people that lived in
them, and sometimes, the story
of people who loved them. But too
many rooms, like many stories, are
often left half-finished, or else lin-
ger on the shelf too long, gathering
dust and growing old. This story is
about rooms reawakened with a
touch, revitalized with a new vision
and once again ready to be loved.
Not every room should be designed
“forever after” but for each client
here, these rooms are a fairy tale
come true. V
BEF
OR
E AN
D A
FTER
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 47
Kim Herning, Decorating Den Interiors, Keller, Texas
A double-height living room with awkward-ly-scaled windows needed to feel welcom-ing and personal. The clients, recently married and new to working with a decora-tor, wanted to keep the sectional sofa and the area rug while dramatically changing the mood of the space.
Herning selected an iridescent blue-green fabric with a brown flocked design for the drapery panels.The panels were installed far above the window frame and tied-back low in order to bring better balance to the narrow lower windows and not leave so much “empty space” in the upper portion of the walls. Faux iron designs in the upper windows work with the newly installed wrought iron wall installation, while a wrought iron chandelier helps tie the ele-ments together.
Complementary fabrics in blues and greens were used for custom cushions, bringing the color from the rug, to the sofa, to the windows.
DETAILSCREDITS: Designer: Kim Herning, Decorating Den Interiors, Keller, Texas. Workroom: Myrta Berner, Perfect Windows, Arlington, Texas. In-staller: Roland Berner, Perfect Windows. Pho-tographer: Vera Crosby, Photography by Vera Colleyville, Texas.
SOURCES: Drapery fabric: Fabricut, Crueller in everglade. Drapery hardware: Lafayette, Wood-trends with Amanda finial. Faux Iron: Faux Iron Solutions, Tableaux. Drapery tassel: Kasmir Fab-rics. Drapery holdback: Sam Moon
48 | VISION
Valerie Ruddy, C.I.D., Decorating Den Interiors, Verona, N.J.
After spending several years repairing and improving their home, including adding architectural elements such as a built-in window seat and moldings, Ruddy’s clients still couldn’t achieve the mood, look and style they wanted in their formal living room. It still felt too much like a waiting area for a nursing home, which is what the property used to be.
Working for the rich merlot and gold tones found in the area rug, Ruddy brought these colors up onto the windows and throughout the room. A large-scale arabesque pattern for the Roman shades adds drama without overwhelming the room. Mounting the window treatments right below the clas-sic crown moulding adds height to the room while emphasiz-ing this architectural detail.
The drapery fabric has a subtle pin-tucked embossing and each panel is embellished with a tassel fringe trim. The merlot and gold color theme is carried through with a cus-tom seat cushion and throw pillows for the window seat as well as throw pillows and new upholstery for the sofa
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 49
DETAILSCREDITS: Designer: Valerie Ruddy, C.I.D., Decorating Den Interiors, Verona, N.J. Workroom: Kasmir Fabrics, Dallas, Texas. Installer: Jeff Risdon, Jeff's Custom Blinds, LLC Photographer: Paul S. Bartholomew, Levit-town, Penn.
SOURCES: Drapery fabric: Fabricut, Minda in wine. Ro-man shade fabric: Kasmir Fabrics, Portland in caber-net. Drapery trim: Seabrook, Coastline. Drapery hard-ware: Paris Texas, Ophelia finials, Christelle rings and Morrighan brackets.
50 | VISION
Kristine Robinson, WFCP, WCAA, Robinson Interiors, Jenkintown, Penn.
Robinson’s client wanted to update a country-style living room (bot-tom two photos, opposite page) into a more sophisticated space for reading and TV viewing. A red brick fire surround dominated the space visually so Robinson’s first move was to paint the brick to match the walls and add a more substantial wood mantle, painted the match the wall of custom bookcases added to the opposite wall. The droopy Roman shades in a novelty print were replaced with understated natural fiber shades under ring-hung side panels in rich browns and greens.
DETAILSCREDITS: Designer: Kristine Robin-son, Robinson Interiors, Jenkintown, Penn. Workroom: Grace Irene Window Fashions, Hatboro, Penn. Installer: Rob Lang, Conyers, Ga. Upholsterer: Terry Taylor Custom Interiors, Atlanta, Ga. Photographer: Jennie Rensel, Parker, Colo.
SOURCES: Drapery and pillow fabrics: Robert Allen. Window seat and chair upholstery fabric: Lewis & Sheron Textile Company. Drapery trim: Award Fabrics Drapery hardware: Select in mahogany and antique gold. Woven wood shades: Vista Products in rustic mandake.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 51
Castec Sales Company7531 Coldwater Canyon Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605Tel: 800 828 2500 Fax: 818 503 8360 Email: [email protected]
www.castec.com
EST. 1973
© 2011 Fabritec, LLC. All rights reserved.
»Custom Fabric Treatments
»Natural Woven Shades
»Custom Roll Shades
»Solar Shades
»C.O.M.
custom window treatments
»Custom Roman Shades »Custom Drapery
»Natural Woven Shades™ »Solar Solutions™
there is no substitute for 40 years experience
crop/trim marks
Note: WE WANT THE FRAME IN THE AD.The live area is 3.6” x 9.75”. Crop/trim marks are an additional 0.125” from the sides of the live area.
THIS AD TO gO INTO THE MARCH-ApRIL INDuSTRy SHOW ISSuE: VIVA LAS VEgAS MAgAzINE.
crop/trim marks
52 | VISION
Layla Salmassian, Studio L and Associ-ates, Los Angeles, Calif. and Susanne Philipp, S. Philipp Design Associates, Hermosa Beach, Calif.
For this young lady’s bedroom, the de-signers had a blank slate, but needed to create a charming retreat fit for a prin-cess, combining Victorian and Baroque design elements. A pale shell pink is the main color, with accents of yellow anddeeper pink in the custom bedding and the small-scale chaise longue. A richly detailed carved corona cornice above the bed is painted in the same faux finish as the reed-woven head- and footboards. A crown canopy in a range of soft pinks is lined and interlined, then trimmed in a lush tassel fring. Lami-nated roller shades are lined in blackout fabric, as are the relaxed Roman-style valances, all created in fabrics that match the canopy.
CREDITS: Designer: Layla Salmassian, Studio L and Associates, Los Angeles, Calif. and Susanne Philipp, S. Philipp Design Associates, Hermosa Beach, Calif. Workroom: Marco Bonilla, Superior Roman Shades, Burbank, Calif. Installers: Oscar Cruz and Antonio Hernandez, Superior Roman Shades. Photographer: Jorge Galicia, Superior Roman Shades.
SOURCES: Valance fabric: COM, blackout lining supplied by workroom. Shade fab-ric: Catania Silks, White Checks. Trim: Robert Allen Luyness. Canopy fabric: Albury Crushed. Canopy interlining: White Checks. Edge trim: Luyness.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 53
Keep your children safe with the new CK Lift System.
R• atedas“NoRisk”strangulationbytheConsumerProductSafetyCommissionandapprovedbyParentsforWindowBlindSafety.Capableoftopdownandbottomup.•Easytoinstallandhasnoexposedcords.•AvailableexclusivelytomembersoftheWorkroom•AssociationofAmericaLLCandWindowFashionsCertifiedProfessionals.Formoreinformation,visitwww.workroomassociation.comorwww.wf-vision.com.
54 | VISION
Terri Ervin, Decorating Den Interiors, Dacula, Ga.
A young couple expecting their first child turned to Ervin to help transfrom a dreary, dated sitting room into a fun and lively nursery.
The husband wanted to use the toy box, rock-ing chair and crib that had been in his nursery, while the mother-to-be didn’t care for the worn, dated pieces. She loved the idea of using black with bright accent colors, while the father-to-be cringed at the thought of a black and pink room.
A multi-colored stripe that incorporated black, pink, white, and green served as the basis for the room, used to cover the PVC drapery rod, as the banding on the valance, pieced into the window panels and used as welting and trim on various cushions throughout the room. The panels themselves are embellished with but-tons covered in the solid pink fabric. Finally, the vintage furniture was cleaned, restored, painted and given a new lease on life.
DETAILSCREDITS: Designer: Terri Ervin Decorating Den Interi-ors, Dacula, Ga. Workroom: Window Fashions, Dacula, Ga. Installer: Matt Hugo, Professioonal Interior Instal-lation, Dacula, Ga. Photographer: Scott Johnson, Scott Johnson Photography, Woodstock, Ga.
SOURCES: Drapery panel fabrics: Carole, Mandy in pink and onyx, Midway Stripe in jet. Drapery hardware: United Supply Company.
56 | VISION
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 57
Bonnie Pressley, Decorating Den Interiors, DDCD, Allied ASID, Fort Worth, TexasThis bedroom for a 14-year-old girl was designed, with her input, to be “all about her.” She shared her favorite colors—lime green and bright pink—her hobbies and her needs.
The first thing to do was to add windows to a room that only had a pair of French doors for light. Because the room is relatively small, Pressley chose narrow windows, but was able to position them exactly as needed to frame the bed. Due to the narrow windows and small space, she chose not to use full panels, but instead, a colorful valance tops each, adding the illusion of width. Sheer panels, with just enough fullness to create some gathering, also help draw the eye out, rather than up.
Privacy and light control concerns are addressed with a Ro-man shade in a lime green animal print, which matches the custom bed covering. The other patterns used at the win-dow—the bold floral and the bright coordinating stripe—are also repeated on the bed, in addition to a pink and white candy-cane stripe, which in this lively room almost works as a neutral.
As a final design element, the 14-year-old client painted por-traits of her horse, Kit, and her cat, Beastie Boodle, in colors that complement the room.
DETAILSCREDITS: Designer: Bonnie Pressley Decorating Den Interiors, DDCD, Allied ASID, Fort Worth, Texas. Workroom:Susan Whitley, Azle, Texas. Installer: Jim Moore, Fort Worth, Texas. Photographer: Edie Ellison, Greenville, S.C.
SOURCES: Valance fabric: Kasmir Fabrics, Floradore and Rosemont Stripe in fushia. Roman shade fabric: Kasmir Fabrics, Royal Chee-tah in paradise. Valance trim: Fabricut, Skittles in watermelon. Ro-man shade trim: Flirtation in watermelon. Panel sheer: JF, Tender in 44J4191.
58 | VISION
Joyce Means, Decorating Den Interiors, Charleston, S.C.
A dated, open-plan kitchen needed a complete overhaul, from flooring to cabinetry. The clients had tried to tackle this project several times before but always became over-whelmed with how much work it entailed. However, an important deadline made the work a necessity—the couple was hosting a 90th birthday celebration for her mother, just nine weeks from the day they contacted Means.
The kitchen was gutted, and the workspace layout was redone to create room for larger appliances and improved storage. New flooring, countertops, cabinetry and lighting were all installed in record time.
In the breakfast area, the mauve and blue floral wallpaper was replaced with a warm gold striped wallpaper that picks up the rich tones of the floral swag valance draped over a coordinating stripe. The chair cushions were re-upholstered in a complementary pattern to tie the new design together.
DETAILSCREDITS: Designer: Joyce Means, Decorating Den Interiors, Charleston, S.C. Workroom: Modern Drapery, Tampa, Fla. Installer: Milt Levine, Red Rose Installation, Clearwater, Fla. Photographer: Edie Ellison, Accent Photography, Greeneville S.C.
SOURCES: Valance floral fabric: Kasmir Fabrics, Pallmall in ebony. Button fabric and chair cushion: Kasmir Fabrics, Petersham in cin-nabar. Valance stripe fabric: Kasmir Fabrics, Parliament in night. Trim: Carole Fabrics, Duchess Trimmings, #48109 in autumn. Wall-paper: Seabrook Wallcoverings, # HA62205.
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 59
Nancy Barrett, ASID, Decorating Den Interiors, Chesterfield, Mo.
The goal was to create a warm, inviting space—not too formal, but not too casual—in this living room that is imme-diately visible upon entering the home. There was also the
need to unify the exterior view of the home by using consis-tent undertreatments on all windows that faced the street.
Two-inch wood blinds in a soft white painted finish were cho-sen for a functional, classic undertreatment. A woven wood valance, trimmed in black, is topped by cream-colored silk drapery panels. A pale gold drapery rod ties all the elements together. The warm tones of gold, taupe, ivory and cream are repeated in the rest of the room’s furnishings and decor.
DETAILSCREDITS: Designer: Nancy Barrett, ASID, Decorating Den, Ches-terfield, Mo. Workroom: Kasmir Fabrics, Dallas, Texas. Installer: Ed Metzger, Metzger Installations Service, Ballwin, Mo. Photographer: Anne Matheis, Kirkwood, Mo.
SOURCES: Wood blinds: Alta, pearl white finish. Valance: Alta, Elite. Drapery fabric: Kasmir, silk 1040 in ecru.
60 | VISION
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Change standard into
SIGN UPNOW!Before all the
seats are gone.
Studio Designer Coaching ProgramCreate renderings your clients will love and want to share with their friends.Move your company’s services out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary.The WFCP Studio Designer Coaching Program with Minutes Matter is offered exclusively to you to create professional renderings. Learning to utilize Studio to the max will give you the ability to accomplish these goals.
The Studio Designer Coaching program, taught by Merlyn Corcoran, Studio Instructor with Minutes Matter, is offered in two levels:
Our last two sessions were SOLD OUT!Sign up today to reserve your seat. This program is limited to 10 people.
Pricing $597
* Please email [email protected] for required project materials to fulfill the prerequisite for advanced levels.
• The NOVICE level coaching program isdesigned to help beginners learn the skillsand shortcuts needed to create professionalrenderings faster and with less frustration.Begins January 10, 2012
• The ADVANCED level coaching program willexpose experienced Studio users to techniquesand tools to add polish, depth and dimensionto their renderings, and to use Studio to designbrochures, newsletters and other marketingmaterials.*Begins January 19, 2012
Stunning
WF-VISION.COM | NOV/DEC 11 | 61
Show off your designs in Chicago at Vision12 IWCE where you can personally meet the competition winners and learn their trophy winning BIG IDEAS from design to fabrication and installation.
Who Can Enter?Individual designers, design firms and decorators who design window fashions are welcome to enter, as are workrooms and individuals who create window fashions.
What Do You Win?Winners are invited to attend the Awards Ceremony Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 5:15 p.m., McCormick Place, Chicago. This special event is presented by Window Fashion Vision Magazine and hosted by Publisher Grace McNamara. Hunter Douglas is the event sponsor.
The Award of Excellence and Workroom of the Year award winners receive a full FREE design pass to attend the 2012 IWCE in Chicago, IL, along with editorial and photo coverage in WF Vision magazine. Winners of specific categories receive FREE passes toward IWCE show floor and/or seminars and editorial and photo coverage in WF Vision Magazine.
Enter online from November 1st to December 31st, 2011. To enter and for complete guidelines and terms,go to wf-vision.com/Shows651.330.0574
2012 Window Fashion Envision Design & Ingenuity Workroom Competition
CALL FOR ENTRIES!
Take home a trophy for your BIG Ideas on design, fabrication and installation!
Design by Karen Barnes Design by Catherine Schultz
Design by Barbara Elliott
62 | VISION
Product
WOODMARTWOODMART
Exterior Shutters by Wood-Mart. Made from Incense Cedar. Available in a quick ship standard design with three louver options and/or raised panels. We also manufacture custom exteri-or shutters with a variety of louver sizes, board and bat-ten or Bahama Style. Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.
WoodMart is a fully inte-grated manufacturer—from rough milling through fin-ishing and packaging. Lou-ver sizes range from 1" to 5". Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.
CALHOOK
CALHOOK has all the right hangers, fixtures and racks for fabric samples. Wall sys-tems and Max-Space™ floor displays make the best use of your available space and help manage samples ef-ficiently. CALHOOK also supplies a full line of point-of-purchase supplies and equipment for retailers.
Call for a free catalog: 800/422-4665 or visit us online at calhook.com.
HT WINDOW FASHIONS
HT Cellular Shades New—Cordless Plus
HT window fashions® introduces Cord-less Plus, a new cordless shade. Building on the success of the HT durable cordless system, Cordless Plus offers more options for light control, privacy, ease of operation and more visibility than regular cordless. It rises like a motorized shade, by simply tugging the tassel. You can stop it at the desired location by tugging the tassel again. It adds another dimensionto a safe and beautiful shade.
“EVERYTHING CELLULAR”
“See it work” at www.htwfonline.com/cordlessPlusVideo.htmlCall 800/879-9512 for more information.
ONA DRAPERY HARDWARE
Ona Drapery Hardware Com-pany is your source for custom made drapery hardware. From contemporary to traditional, we offer an extensive selection of styles and finishes. We manufac-ture every rod set to order using only premium heavy gauge steel, wrought iron, crystal and more. Custom curving is available for all rod profiles. Be sure to look at our new ONAVERSE™ Iron Traverse Rod and colorful new ONALUX™ Finials.We pride our-selves on quality workmanship, timely delivery and customer
satisfaction. Select Ona Drapery Hardware and order with con-fidence. For a free catalog please call 800/231-4025 or visit our website at www.onadrapery.com.
HT window fashions® introduces Cordless Plus, a new cordless shade. Building on the success of HT durable cordless system, Cordless Plus offersmore options for light control, privacy, ease of operation and more visibility than regular cordless. It rises like motorized shade, by simply tugging the tassel. You can stop it at the desired location by tugging the tassel again. It adds another dimension to a safe and beautiful shade.
“EVERYTHING CELLULAR”“See it work” at www.htwfonline.com/cordlessPlusVideo.htmlCall 1800-879-9512 for more information.
HT WINDOW FASHIONS
HT Cellular Shades“new” - Cordless Plus
Get a Headstart on your Financial Well Being in 2012.
enroll now
$397
Right start Program starts January 10, 2012
You will Learn:• QuickBooks Basic Elements of a Company File• Proper Job Flow: Estimate to Final Payment• Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable Management• Sales Tax & Use Tax
You'll Receive:• Four Weekly 1.5 hr Group lessons. You will be able to ask questions as the lesson is demonstrated.• Two private 1 hr coaching sessions • 12-month FREE Email support• 12-month Access To Recordings of the Weekly Coaching Sessions.• IDQ/WFCP Certificate of Completion
What would it be worth if you had your own CFO working side by side with you for six weeks? Well, with the Right Start Coaching Program you can! Our online coaching program is speci�cally tailored to suit your business needs and o�ered exclusively through WFCP (Window Fashions Certi�cation Program) and Minutes Matter presented by Vickie Ayres, Certi�ed Quickbooks instructor.
It’s simple and easy. During our coaching program you’ll actually create a company, perform tasks, generate reports and determine pro�tability—all from the comfort of your own o�ce. . Enrolling in the Right Start Coaching Program sets this time aside and helps you focus on learning how the program works. Your group lessons give you the basics and your private sessions then give you the chance to apply the concepts you have just learned in your own books.
More information at minutesmatter.com and wf-vision.com
64 | VISION
What’s SNEAK PEEKS: The January/February issue of Vision is tra-ditionally our resource directory, but we’re also going to include previews of some the seminars and special events that are part of VISION’12 this coming April. In keeping with the ‘Big Ideas’ you’ll find in Chicago, speakers will be sharing some of their big ideas with you. Shown here: Part of a color and trend presentation by Dutch interior stylist Milou Ket, as seen at MoOD 2011 in Brus-sels, part of a theme she dubbed “Rich and Dark.”
Excel @ CellQuality, Value, Selection
window fashions TM
HT window fashions®
IntroducesNew Additions - Classic Cellular Shade Fabrics
Call 1800-8799512 for more information
Crush
Perfect textures to matchwith draperies and wallpaint.
Sheer Silk
Soft touchEmbossed designGentle color
Allows ample light to enterthe room while blocking excessive glare and blurringthe view from outside
A distributor of fine cellular fabric
Vision_JanFeb11Cover.indd 3 2/18/11 4:51 AM
Untitled-1 1 2/24/11 3:19 PM
döfix No Sew, Inc. • 1947 Ironway Dr • Sanford, MI 48657 • Tel 800-962-8983; 989-687-7999 • www.dofix.com
Call 800-962-8983 for more information
The döfix track package!
• Unique anti drip hand iron
• Continuous steam flow
• Extraordinary amount of steam
• Very low iron sole temperature
• Optional steam hose length up to 16ft
• Heavy duty stainless steel construction
• Easy to use / operate
D25Ideal for the smaller work-
room or as
portable unit.
D50The choice for the
professional workroom
D90- Maximum capacity
- ultimate versatility
- allows 2 hand irons to be
attached
