WFV March/April 2013 by Window Fashion Vision Magazine

WF-VISION.COM

3/4 13

IWCE: VISION ’13 SHOW ISSUE

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3/4.13 VOLUME 34 / NO. 2

One of the trend pavilions at the January edition of Maison&Objet was inspired by artists and designers working with food as a medium, such as these vessels made from bread and rope. Check out the trend report starting on page 28.

THIS ISSUE / IWCE: VISION’13 SHOW ISSUE THIS ISSUE 14

Getting Started With Internet Marketing IWCE:Vision’13 Preview– Simple advice to build a web marketing plan. By Steve Bursten Telling Tales: Apply an Underrated Skill Convice your clients with stories, not sales tactics. By Maria Bayer There’s No More Business As Usual The basics of building a design business in the new economy. By Gail Doby Building a Website for the Right Audience IWCE:Vision’13 Preview– Focus your website on your clients’ needs and interests. By Tamara Coalwell 130 Years of Drapery Design A review of Capricious Fancy: Draping and Curtaining the Historic Interior, 1800-1930, written by Gail Caskey Winkler. By Judy Soccio Faux Iron, Real Style A project profile from Vickie Sperry of Luxe Home Interiors.

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.28 Relearning the Art of Living IWCE:Vision’13 Preview– Official trends from the January 2013 edition of Maison & Objet. 36

Easy Elegance With a Definite Twist IWCE:Vision’13 Preview– An interview with New Orleans keynote speaker, designer, retailer, actor and author Bryan Batt.

Clutch Decisions IWCE:Vision’13 Show Program Vertilux introduces new roller shade clutch systems.

Let the Good Times Roll IWCE:Vision’13 Show Program Things to see and do outside the convention center while in New Orleans. By Sarah Sinkie

Seminars at a Glance IWCE:Vision’13 Show Program A handy guide for your time at the show. Exhibitor List and Show Map IWCE:Vision’13 Show Program Current list as of date of magazine publication. New Product Introductions IWCE:Vision’13 Show Program Some new items to look for on the show floor.

One Year On IWCE:Vision’13 Show Program Tips from past Envision and Ingenuity competition winners on how to leverage success.

EVERY ISSUE 8

Viewpoint: Our View President/CEO Grace McNamara

Viewpoint: InfoBar Home design project statistics from the Houzz & Home survey.

Viewpoint: I’m Officially Obsessed With IWCE:Vision’13 Preview– Jill Ragan Scully on her custom trunk show.

Featured Design IWCE:Vision’13 Preview– Two new projects from curtaineer Erik Bruce.

Product Showcase

What’s Next

On the cover:

Detail shot of a bedroom window treatment designed by Heather Rabold, of Sheffeild Furniture and Interiors, one of last year’s Envision Design Competition winners. Featuring Kasmir fabric, Fabricut trim and a holdback from Orion, Inc., Photograher: Jon Friedrich

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WF-VISION.COM WINDOW FASHION VISION MAGAZINE President & CEO • Grace McNamara • grace@wf-vision.com Vice President/Circulation Director • Peggy Yung • peggy@wf-vision.com Editorial Director • Susan Schultz • susan@wf-vision.com Managing Editor • Nichole Day Diggins • daydiggins@charter.net WFCP Director & Trend Specialist • Deb Barrett • deb@wf-vision.com Office Manager • Rhianna Huizenga • rhianna@wf-vision.com Business Manager • Gabriela DesRochers • gaby@wf-vision.com

SALES Advertising & Trade Show Director • Shannon Leclair • shannonl@wf-vision.com Publisher’s Representative • Kerri Caldwell • kcaldwell@kasnicmedia.com

See how at Vision ‘13

To see the latest in window coverings, join us at Vision ‘13 in New Orleans, April 19-21

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IN THIS ISSUE Contributing Writers: Maria Bayer, Steve Bursten, Tamara Coalwell, Gail Doby, Sarah Sinkie, Judy Soccio DESIGNERS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE Bryan Batt, Mary Susan Bicicchi, Erik Bruce, Lynne Syer, Tina Fontana, Ellee Nolan-Asaro, Colleen B. Peterson, Heather Rabold, Jill Ragan Scully, Vickie Sperry, Kathy Wakeman

2013 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Donna Elle, Donna Elle Seaside Living John Fitzgerald, Comfortex Neil Gordon, Decorating with Fabric Joyce Holt Susette Kubiak, Drapery Connection Rory McNeil, TechStyles Window Covering Products Inc. Tom Perkowitz, B&W Window Fashions Inc. Jane Shea, Blinds Unlimited

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| VISION

Window Fashion Vision magazine makes every attempt to credit each person involved in the process of creating a window covering and will not be responsible for crediting any person whose name, company or participation did not surface during the informationgathering process. Crediting disputes between parties other than Vision magazine are solved at the discretion of those involved.

Keep up with all the IWCE: VISION ’13 New Orleans tweets @IWCEVISION

Window Fashion Vision® (ISSN 0999-7777; USPS 708930) is published six times a year, by AIM Communications LLC, 4756 Banning Ave., Suite # 206, White Bear Lake, MN 55110; NEW NUMBERS: Tel 651/330-0574; Fax 651/756-8141. Visit our website at www.wf-vision. com. Periodicals class postage paid at St. Paul, MN and additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes and subscription correspondence with mailing label to Window Fashion Vision, 4756 Banning Ave., Suite # 206, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Allow 60 days for address change. Subscription rates: $22/yr. U.S. and possessions; $29/yr. Canada; $90/ yr. Foreign (includes airmail postage). Single copies/back issues $6 each, except for special issues, which are individually priced. (Payment must accompany order.) Copyright ©2010 by AIM Communicaations LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Canadian Publications Agreement Number: #40036514. Canadian Return Address: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ONT N9A 6J5

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VIEWPOINT

Looking Forward to New Orleans It’s time for celebration and education

’ll never forget the first time I visited New Orleans! I was 29 years old and had just been hired as the Advertising Director of Window Fashions magazine. Two days after I was hired, I was on a plane flying to one of the industry’s trade shows (there were two at the time), alone and rather clueless about the window treatment business. I hadn’t even met my staff who had left days earlier and I was quite nervous.

enjoy wonderful dinners with industry friends that I have made over the years. I always look forward to seeing and hearing what’s new in the industry and participating in the many great celebrations and events such as our Envision Design and Ingenuity Workroom competition award ceremony, the WCMAs Innovative Product Awards, WFCP gatherings and networking with successful business leaders who attend the show and seminars.

I remember arriving at the convention center and being completely overwhelmed—the large booths, all the products and all the people and festivity. After very full days of meeting clients, industry leaders and attendees, we hit Bourbon Street for late evenings of oysters, gumbo, music and drinking hurricanes.

I love it when our attendees stop and introduce themselves and tell me what a wonderful seminar they took, how much they learned and how they feel that coming to the shows always a boost to their motivation and their business. Every year it’s a challenge to produce this event because so much is changing and evolving. Business seminars today involve technology, design trends are different each year and our customers are changing. We take all of that into consideration to provide you with the best experience possible.

So it’s with great fondness that I’m heading for New Orleans this April. Yes, things are quite a bit different. I won’t be out until the wee hours and I won’t be drinking hurricanes but I will

We’ve filled this issue with samples of what to expect from the seminars and on the show floor while at IWCE: Vision ’13. After reading keynote speaker Bryan Batt’s interview I can’t wait to meet him in person (p. 36) and it will be exciting to see some of Erik Bruce’s latest amazing window treatments (p. 34). But I admit that I’m most proud to see how past winners of the Envision and Ingenuity competitions have used their victories to generate new business for themselves (p. 64). I hope to hear about more success stories and new business developments directly from you when I see you in New Orleans! V

Grace McNamara President and CEO

For all the latest information on IWCE: VISION’13 in New Orleans, go to wf-vision/Shows 8

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InfoBar

Houzz & Home Survey Overview

A 2012 survey conducted among users of the Houzz app and website revealed some interesting information regarding recent home design projects consumers users of the site had recently undertaken. Important Drivers for Completing Most Recent Home Design Project

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WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 11

VIEWPOINT

Jill Ragan Scully on her custom trunk show

I’m Officially Obsessed With I am the kind of designer that tends to sell what I love. And, as a corollary to that, I believe people buy what they can see, so to sell my designs, I need to show my designs. ¶ Over the years I’ve come up with several ways to ‘show and sell’ and most recently I’ve been using a portable trunk show, complete with dozens of design look and half-cornice that allows me to show clients different looks on their windows. I’ve come up with all kinds of interesting ways to save space while packing in a great many wonderfully embellished soft furnishings samples! ¶ There’s no doubt in my mind that this approach has secured me a great many sales over the years, and my revamped trunk show makes it an inspiring treat for both me and my clients. V

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JILL RAGAN SCULLY AT IWCE: VISION ’13 Jill Ragan Scully is the owner of Impressive Windows & Interiors, a fabrication and design studio located in Hastings, MN. She is a Certified Professional Decorator (CPD), Certified Color Consultant (CNRCC), Window Fashions Certified Professional (WFCP) Master, CHF Career Professional and a member of the Window Coverings Association of America, Twin Cities Chapter President. In addition to her seminar Window Design Portmanteau: Flaunting Your Talent which she provides a sneak peek at here, she will also lead two more presentations: OPPOSITE PAGE: Although not full size, these mini cornices pack a lot of visual punch and just holding them up to the window can make a design concept come alive in the way that a rendering cannot. THIS PAGE, TOP: Miniature cornices, perfectly detailed and executed, help clients understand what they’re paying for. Welting, flat braid, scalloped edge, etc.—these words mean little to most consumers but a physical example of the craftsmanship tell the story for you. They also help demonstrate the comparative value of adding trim, or another fabric, or other such details. THIS PAGE, BELOW: Stitched up trim samples on an o-ring make it easy to demonstrate additional detail on sample cornices, shades or drapery panels.

The Unconventional Window: Using Unique Materials to Create Functional and Artistic Solutions for Windows and The Great Imagination Heist: Inspiration from 2012 Ingenuity Award Winners

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 13

VIEWPOINT

A world-changer, at your fingertips

Getting Started With Internet by Steve Bursten

t’s been clear for several years that the old ways of marketing—newspaper advertising, the Yellow Pages, etc.— are no longer effective. Today the Internet is one of your best ways to create customers. There’s no reason to be intimidated by Internet marketing, even if you haven’t tried anything before; instead use the creativity and problem solving skills you apply to a design project to this new project. It can be fun and profitable, so here are a few tips to get you started. Education The basics of an Internet marketing campaign require a website with email capability, client and potential client databases, a blog and/or additional social networking outlets. These should all be opportunities for clients and potential clients to learn about you—what you sell, what you have to offer and what you can do for them. So educate your audience on your skills and services, your products and preferences, all in a way that is entertaining, engaging and allows them to see how you can assist them. Competition As a small business you don’t have to try and match big business websites—instead, think small and local. An Internet marketing and advertising campaign can be targeted to just a single zip code if you want! And while Search Engine Optimization is a big business buzzword word search engines also love new content, so 14

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you can push your website up in the rankings by frequent blogging and social media updates that generate new content for your website. Beat the big competitiors with personalization, frequency and relevancy to your target market. Time It’s okay to build your Internet presence gradually, but plan a definite schedule. Decide how much time you will spend on internet marketing (possibly start with 6 to 10 hours a week) and schedule the time on your calendar like a customer appointment. Then keep the appointment and get with it. Use your time for Facebook, Pinterest, blogging and other social networking.

Next is media mix—how you allocate your budget—but we’ll talk about that in a future story. Embrace the Internet. Let it change your business as it has changed your life. V Steven C. Bursten, has more than a half century of experience in window covering shop-at-home sales, marketing and management. He founded the world’s largest interior decorating franchise, co-founded the International Window Coverings Exchange of major industry retailers, and co-founded the Exciting Windows! national network.

Use your time wisely: Do not write your own email newsletter unless you can do it in two hours or less. Instead, determine what you should do yourself and what it is more cost effective to pay others to do. Money You understand that you need to invest in your business if you want it to grow. So your internet marketing needs a budget. I recommend no less than 5% of your annual sales to maintain a business, but if you want to grow, at least 6-8% is usually required. The key is to set a sales goal before you plan your marketing budget. Because marketing should not be based on today’s sales. Instead, base it on your goal.

STEVE BURSTEN AT IWCE: VISION ’13 On Saturday, April 20, Steve Bursten will lead the third annual Business Success Workshop, a full day of information, insight and inspiration from small, independent window treatment business owners who have achieved $1,000,000 in annual sales and more. If you want a more profitable business, learn from those who have done it!

VIEWPOINT

A new take on a ‘talking therapy’

Telling Tales: Apply an Skill by Maria Bayer

f you have happy clients, you’re overlooking one of the most powerful, simple and ‘nonsales-y’ tools to help you win new clients. It’s powerful because not only does it cause prospects to say “yes” to hiring you, but they’ll do it faster, too. So often designers tell me they don’t like selling because they think they have to brag about themselves, and that makes them uncomfortable because they don’t want to sound conceited or as if they’re giving a sales pitch. The problem is, your client won’t hire you unless they know what you can do for them. So what is this tool? Storytelling! One of my favorite ways to do this is by telling client stories. People are wired to enjoy stories, so rather than bragging about yourself, you’re telling a story about someone else. It just so happens that you’re the person who helped that client. Why it Works • I t provides social proof that other people have hired you and loved what you did for them. • I t allows you to demonstrate how you uniquely solved your client’s problem, which will make you stand out from other designers. • I t encourages your prospective client to put themselves in the other client’s shoes and imagine 16

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themselves experiencing the same result.

benefits—benefits which you, too, want to experience.

Telling the Right Story But be careful. If you do it the wrong way, it could come across as ‘sales-y’. Here’s what you should focus on to ensure that it comes across the right way, and makes your client want to hire you:

So you imagine yourself in the commercial, knowing that if you bought that product or service, you’d get to enjoy those great benefits, too. And then…you go out and buy the product or service!

• It needs to be a relevant client story. The client you use must be similar to your prospective client or they won’t be able to relate. Or worse, they might think, “That’s great, but how does that pertain to me?”

At the end of the day, your prospective client needs to know that you’ve helped other people like them before, and telling a relevant client story is the easiest and fastest way for them to know— quickly—that you’re the best designer for them.

• Focus on the relevant problem your client had…and how you uniquely solved it.

If you use client stories the way I just described, you’ll give them exactly what they need to hire you. V

• Paint a picture of the finished space – how did your client feel about it? What did it do for them? What were the benefits? Be as descriptive as possible so your prospect can visualize themselves in that picture, too.

Maria Bayer, the Authentic Sales Coach for Design Success University, teaches interior designers how to win ideal clients quickly and make more money without being ‘sales-y’ using her Six-Figure Success Formula. This formula, which helped Maria close over $25M in business, recently helped a designer win a $400K remodel project.

Super Bowl Inspiration Think about this year’s most succesful Super Bowl commercials. What do they do? They show people just like you, with a similar problem as you. You start to relate to them and maybe even feel the same problem or frustration as the character on the screen. Then they show how they uniquely solve that problem with their unique solution. And finally, they show the character on screen enjoying many wonderful

To learn more, register for a complimentary three-part email series at dsu-id.us/IDGetHired.

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VIEWPOINT

Working with the‘new normal’

There’s no More as Usual by Gail Doby, ASID

n December 2012, I had an epiphany. A few designers asked a pivotal question in our DSU LinkedIn group, on our Client Services Desk at DSU and at speaking events. If a few people are asking, then it is likely that many more designers are wondering about the same question … Is interior design a dying profession? Between 2008-2011 the industry reeled from the recession, HGTV and the invasion of the Internet. Nearly a quarter (23.2%) of practicing designers called it quits. It’s not surprising because the new external conditions left the industry in a state of mild chaos and uncertainty. It is reasonable and necessary to question how to deal with the ‘new normal’ of the world. Interior design is not a dying profession, but it isn’t business as usual as in the past. Three Givens of the ‘New Normal’ 1. Clients shopping on the Internet and purchasing their own products. 2. Misinformation that continues to confuse consumers—‘reality make-over shows’ that say rooms cost $2,000 when in the real world, they cost at least $20,000 or more. 3. Clients wanting to negotiate fees for small packages of services. Adjusting to the ‘New Normal’ While not all clients or consum18

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ers want to manage the purchasing process, the numbers that want fullservice are indeed dwindling. This means rethinking how you charge and what services you can charge for. ‘Reality makeover shows’ are here to stay. Consumers love the ”edutainment” and will continue to believe what we know is unrealistic. We have to educate them, and as one of our LinkedIn members suggested, we need to ask our prospects if they watch HGTV so we know if we need to reorient their thinking. Consumers will negotiate for services because they know they can. You have to decide what types of clients you want to serve, and how you will present your pricing in a way that works for them. Pricing and Setting Fees Consumers are focused on what they want and what you can do to serve them at a fee that makes sense to them. I recommend spending some time on Houzz.com to read the questions and comments from consumers regarding interior design fees to get a sense of the new mindset. It takes a different approach to provide services that appeal to the new consumer. More and more consumers want fixed fees because they don’t like surprises. They want transparency about mark-ups, and if they don’t like the costs you’re quoting, they will shop you.

You also need to have great consultative sales skills to close today’s prospects and I defer to my colleague, Maria Bayer, to show you how to close clients effectively. Your prospects have options and they want to know why you’re different and why you’re worth the fees you’re charging when they have options that “don’t cost money” like buying from a furniture store that offers free interior design services. They know they can Google anything online, and because they don’t understand quality differences, if it looks like an orange, it must be an orange, and if it is less expensive on the Internet, why pay someone else to purchase it for you. We can’t change external conditions, so think about what you can do to change your offers to your new prospects. V Gail Doby, ASID, is the co-founder of Design Success University whose mission is to help you earn six figures doing what you love. Get the 2013 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey eBook at www.interiordesignfees.com.You’ll receive an invitation to a complimentary webinar How to Avoid Interior Design Fee Fiascos … And Attract Your Ideal Client after you download your free book.

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VIEWPOINT

The basics of an appealing website

Building a Website for the Audience by Tamara Coalwell

ver the course of 16 years in business, I’ve met with hundreds of business owners to build an online presence for their businesses, usually in the form of websites and email marketing. When asked about what their customers and prospects wish to learn by going to their website and/or receiving their emails, I frequently get the ‘deer in the headlights’ look from them. Then the questions start: You want me to think about my business differently? You want me to learn something new? You want me to write an email blast message that will go to my prospects and customers, monthly, for the entire world to see? Understanding FEAR Yes, they will need to learn something new in order to bring their businesses to the virtual (Internet) world. And when you get right down to it, FEAR has stopped these business owners from not making this move already.

But enough about why some business owners haven’t taken the step online. Here’s some advice to help those of you who want to improve your online presence. Build the Website for Your Prospects and Customers—Not for You. To be more successful in your business, produce more leads, generate more sales and increase your profits, you must get better at attracting and engaging your audience. That won’t happen until you focus on your prospects and clients. Remember it’s not about you, your product or service, or your company. It’s about your prospect and customers. So where is the focus of your website? Is it on your target market? Create Your Web Site Plan Where do you start when building a client-focused website? First you need to ask yourself a few questions: • What are you hoping to achieve?

FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real FEAR is just an illusion. It’s not real. The only way we move forward, with anything in life, is to learn, stretch our minds, grow and try something new. Mistakes have always been my best teacher. Over the years, I’ve learned that the more I make mistakes, the more information I learn and the closer I get to obtaining my big, lofty goals. 20

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• What category, if any, does your site fall into: e-commerce, informational, educational, social networking, etc. • How visually exciting does your site need to be? Remember content is KING; graphic design isn’t as important, as long as the graphics aren’t confusing or otherwise distracting from the information you need to deliver.

• Does it need to be interactive? If so, in what way? With these answers, you can now begin to map out the content, images and structure of your website. The most important aspect of your website is its ‘structural design’. How will the viewer navigate the site? Is navigation easy to understand? Can the website viewer locate the information they are looking for quickly? If you currently have a website you want to revamp, ask your current customers the important questions listed above. Change Your Web Site Often A recent survey stated that most websites are updated quarterly with the large majority only updated 1-3 times a year. This is a BIG problem considering that the survey was taken with small businesses, the group that has the most to gain from their website. Search engines love websites that are updated frequently. The more you update your website, the higher organic rank your website will receive on search engines. This means potentially many more people visiting your site. Unfortunately, most people hear this and immediately think “I don’t have time to change my website.” But updating your site does not have to be a chore. I suggest updating twice a month, more if you can manage.

You can update the site with simple announcements, special offers, news, etc. Remember updates don’t have to be big, just information your viewers can use. Remind yourself to do this by adding a 30-minute appointment to your calendar every other week to update your web site. When you update twice a month, you will see your ranking on search engines improve within just a few months. Create Emotion Through Images Pictures always help you explain it better; even when the product is intangible, you still need a picture. Viewers are always looking for clues as to what you are speaking about. If you don’t provide them with pictures, they create their own image—and it may not be how you want them to visualize your products or services. Remember, people buy on emotions. Good photography can make or break a web site; just take a peek at Apple. com. It’s a very simple site, but what makes it engaging and draws you in is the superior photography. Great photography does not happen using your mobile phone’s camera or any camera without a good lens. Pay for a professional to come and take pictures. You’ll be amazed at the difference and how much positive, emotional energy your website will provide your viewers. Create Emotion Through Images Search engines can make or break your site since they control your website’s ranking. There’s always someone spam email floating around mentioning the ‘tricks’ that can be used to get higher rankings on search engines. But guess what? Many of these ‘tricks’ will actually negatively affect your site, moving it down to extremely low rankings or even blacklist your site from search engines, meaning your website will not show up in any rankings.

are many tools available to help your ranking. Here are the top three: Title Meta Tag: Avoid using generic descriptions like: home page, about us, contact, etc. Instead: • Create unique, accurate page titles. • Accurately describe the page’s content • Create unique title tags for each page • Use brief, descriptive titles Description Meta Tags: Search engines sometimes use them as snippets for your page description. These should: • Accurately summarize the page’s content

Tamara (Tami) Coalwell has 16 years experience sharing her Internet marketing expertise with small businesses, turning their online presence into customers and profit. Her results have earned her numerous awards including ‘Women Business Industry Leader’. Tami is sought to speak throughout the United States on small business website marketing strategies that create business growth. As Senior Vice President, she has steadfastly steered iEditWeb into becoming one of the Top 25 Hosting Firms by the Business Journal. To learn more visit www.iEditWeb.com or email Tami@iEditWeb.com.

• Use unique descriptions for each page—using a single description across all your sites pages will get you lower ranking. Keyword Meta Tags: Avoid using duplicate words and phrases. For example, if you offer custom window treatments, you shouldn’t just repeat ‘custom draperies’ over and over again in the meta tag.

See Tami build out a live website at IWCE in her free presentations:

• Keywords must reflect the information within that web page within your site.

In the Vendor Theater on the show floor: Friday, April 19, 1:00-1:30 “Is Your Website Googlicious?”

• Keywords give search engines a summary of what the page is all about, helping them index your website in the correct areas.

Saturday, April 20, 2:30 -3:00 “Website Navigation Demystified”

A website is never finished—your business is constantly changing and your website should change too. And in this case, change is good because search engines love change. Plus, new content gives your prospects and customers a reason to come back and visit your site again and again. V

TAMI COALWELL AT IWCE: VISION ’13

And in seminar room 208 Saturday, April 20, 1:00 - 2:00 “Website Success Revealed”

Each search engines has guidelines on how to build your keyword information. Within each website there WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 21

VIEWPOINT

Capricious Fancy: When too much was not enough

130 Years of Curtain and Drapery by Judy Soccio

ail Caskey Winkler’s latest design reference book, Capricious Fancy: Draping and Curtaining the Historic Interior, 1800-1930, (University of Pennsylvania Press, ISBN:9780-8122-4322-2) chronicles the changes in fashionable curtain and drapery styles in the United States and Europe during the Industrial Revolution. It features over 300 illustrations taken from rare pattern books, workroom manuals, trade catalogs and examples of design literature. These have been selected from the collections of The Athanaeum of Philadelphia, and focus on the Samuel J. Dornsife Collection of The Victorian Society in America. In illustration after illustration there are swags, horns, pipes, draperies, curtains, passementerie—and often all present on the same window treatment. Too much was obviously not enough! Winkler’s essay and commentary on these illustrations are informative and highly readable. As an academic (Winkler is a lecturer at the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design and Senior Partner of LCA Associates, a design firm specializing 22

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in historic interiors) Winkler offers footnotes at the end of her introductory essay. Don’t pass these up. They are full of additional, sometimes quirky information on such diverse subjects as window screens and ‘moschetos’, the growth and success of mail order companies, and the impact on trade made by a national monetary system.

ered before windows, usually to keep in body warmth at night and to keep out harmful ‘vapours’ thought to float on the night air. Today’s lace canopy or stationary side panels at the head or foot of the bed evolved from a completely covered canopy with cornices around the canopy, draperies that would enclose the bed on all four sides and bedspreads that went to the floor.

Three designs for individual windows from Osmont’s 5eme. Cahier (c. 1825) required elaborate poles from which to suspend swags and tails. Modern drapery workrooms rarely know how to drape poles such as these when found in museum collections.

All this goes to show that interior decoration and window fashions are regularly affected by current events, technical advances in other areas, trade and commerce, as well as necessity. You’ll learn that beds were cov-

There are illustrations for chandelier bags, curtained bookcases, draped fireplace mantels and several awesome staircases draped in festoons and pennants all the way up the handrail. It’s fun to speculate on why

Judy Soccio resides in Monongahela, PA, where she operates her 21st century drapery design and workroom (begun in 2001) from her 19th century home (built Design for continued curtains with a valance composed of swags separated by piped pleats and ornamented with bullion fringe illustrated in The Practical Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer, and Complete Decorator (1826). The pier mirrors provide an in 1852). Soccio is a expensive decorative convention—a wall of glass. J. Stokes simplified the design when he borrowed it for his own book. WFCP Specialist and Judy adds: Note the decorative hardware on the walls rather than above each window. winner of both the Ingenuity and Envision Awards for winsome of these items were draped, but ate to the 21st century? Capricious dow treatments she designed based on I often think the rationale is as simple Fancy by Gail Caskey Winkler offers historic inspirations. Soccio is currently as a desire to embellish, a need to a wealth of ideas for the creative using her Victorian home as a design add the draper’s softening touch to a mind of the professional drapery incubator for local homeowners, hosting wooden or stone object. designer, drapery fabricator, set quarterly design trunk shows and semidesigner and others committed to nars that incorporate current fabric and Some of the sources Winkler cites are design history. V design trends, and a little chocolate, for a familiar to window treatment fabricasatisfying learning/buying experience. tion specialists – Frank Moreland’s The Curtain-Maker’s Handbook 1889, Practical Drapery Cutting by E. Noetzli first published in 1906, Drapery Cutting and Making by John W. Stephenson originally published in 1934, and Trait Theorique et Practique Dekoration 1890. These sources are full of cutting patterns, suggestions for installing treatments and period designs. Capricious Fancy is a compendium of these sources and as such, is not a useful text on how to create these designs of the past. Its value is as a source of inspiration for the modern drapery designer and custom workroom. How were these historic treatments installed? How were the various patterns created? Were these drapery panels a simple length of fabric tied back or strung up? Or were they fabricated in pieces and attached in place? How can we adapt these methods to create truly custom window treatments appropri-

This unusual design employs a geometric valance placed between the overcurtains and glass curtains; the color of the valance matches the lining of the curtain panels. The design was illustrated in King’s Decorations for Windows and Beds (c. 1834).

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PROJECT REVIEW

Warming a stark window wall

Faux Iron, hen Vickie Sperry’s clients first walked into Luxe Home Interiors, the full service furniture store she works at in West Melbourne, FL, they were looking for lamps for their master bedroom. They didn’t purchased any lamps then, but

had to come up with something that would pull these two window areas together and provide that focal point the clients desired,” said Sperry. The client had envisioned two long draperies swagged back from the center window to the sides with large tassels. In working up this concept Sperry showed the client, that while lovely, the design would cover up much of the windows they wanted to accent. The 23-foot-long draperies would have been very heavy and require

the visit but it did result in several pieces of wonderful custom furniture and some pretty spectacular window treatments, including the design for this double-height window. “My clients have a magnificent home on the water that they helped design. They wanted this window to be the focal point of the room that would then draw your eye outside,” said Sperry. The original window design was a full glass window wall, but building codes require hurricane-proof glass that was not available in such a large size. The redesign resulted in four feet of drywall between the upper and lower windows.

ABOVE LEFT: Vickie Sperry, photo by Leslie Cornelius.

“When I first entered the room, I saw that drywall area and knew I

ABOVE AND OPPOSITE: The bare windows are a stark contrast to the warmth conveyed by the fully dressed windows.

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Style a lot of fabric to achieve the necessary draping effect. “I decided that to unite the upper and lower sections of the windows, I would use Tableaux faux iron designs,” said Sperry. “It’s lightweight, elegant and completely customizeable. And, because my clients are of Indian descent, we wanted a design that would reference the beautiful decorative arts heritage of the Indian sub-continent.” Because the room was pretty much a blank slate, except for a wrought iron and golden glass chandelier, a rich red and gold theme was selected as a nod to India. Sperry specified a swirl-patterned silk in red and gold for the cornice, a red silk with a gold embroidered stripe for the drapery, and a solid gold silk to accent both of the main fabrics. Detail Decisions With the fabrics chosen, and a general design direction selected—an arched cornice that would accentuate the shape of the windows—Sperry knew she needed to confer with her fabricator. “Richard Rupe from Rupes Creative Interiors is an amazing engineer,” explained Sperry. “He and I began to determine what could and could not be done as far as weight and being able to make the design. One of the key issues was the weight of the cornice, transporting the cornice and, of course, the installation.” “Richard came up with the idea of making the cornice into two pieces that would butt against each other at

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the center of the window,” she continued. Each piece is was seven feet wide by four feet long with a medallion positioned to cover the seam. As the design evolved, Sperry decided she wanted to incorporate the Tableaux on the cornice itself, so she added a padded accent, shaped to follow the arch. She then had the workroom inset a variation of the faux iron design that runs between the two rows of windows. To help further link the two sets of windows there are a pair of double jabots lined in gold silk—one in same fabric as the cornice and the other in the same as the drapery. Gold tassels are attached to the points of the arches with jeweled brooches, “a little additional sparkle,” said Sperry, “that gives another nod to their Indian heritage.” Final Steps The installation required multi-level scaffolding, but was essentially a one man job. “I would hand certain pieces up to him,” said Sperry. “But at one point I had to climb half-way up in my heels— an adventure I do not want to repeat!” To add more of the faux iron element to the room, a curved niche in one of the walls was painted with a mural, designed as if the viewer were looking out over the rooftops of an Indian village. The faux iron shutters help complete the illusion. “I always say that window treatments are the jewelry of the room, they complete a room like a necklace adorns a beautiful dress,” said Sperry. “This amazing window was a great opportunity to put my philosophy into practice.” V

DETAILS

CREDITS: Designer: Vickie Sperry, Luxe Home Interiors, West Melbourne, FL. Workroom: Richard Rupe, Rupes Creative Interiors, Melbourne, FL. Installer: Gary Guida, Window Harmony, Melbourne, FL. Artist and Muralist: Frank Rao, Melbourne, FL. SOURCES: Fabrics and trims: RM Coco, Eastern Accents and Fabricut. Tableaux custom faux iron: Faux Iron Solutions, Austin, TX 26

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TOP: A detail of the cornice with the faux iron insert and the brooch-pinned tassel. BELOW: The hand-painted ‘Indian window’ niche with faux iron shutters.

MARKET REPORT

Maison & Objet, January 2013

Relearning the Art of by Susan Schultz

t the most recent edition of this famed Paris show, a group of trend research professionals called the Maison&Objet Observatory, selected Vivant as the overall trend theme. The French word translates as ‘alive’ or ‘living’ and the three trend vignettes created around this concept reflect new ways of defining and living ‘the good life.’ The main focus for all three themes seemed to be that the new art of living is about living better—in the world and in our homes. A better that is defined by a life that balances nature- and bio-inspired designs with the benefits of scientific advancements and that provides comfort in an increasingly complex world. An underlying aspect of the three presentations was that while there may be some restrictions to design, based on reducing the use of resources or other concerns, design itself should never seem restricted. CLOCKWISE, from top left: The Vivant icon, the overall trend theme for the January 2013 edition of Maison&Objet. Nourritures Premières (First Foods) celebrated the sensory pleasure of basic foods and how artists and designers are using these new ‘raw’ materials in the home. Pionnier (Pioneer) addressed the ‘craftmanship’ trend through a focus on timeless, luxurious designs that provide emotional satisfaction. Renaiscience looked at a world filled with constant mutation and evolution, where intriguing metamorphoses inspire new designs.

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The Nourritures Premières trend pavilion took a new approach to ‘playing with your food.’ One section was devoted to a mock butcher’s shop, with porcelain hoof casks and other animalinspired serving pieces. Hanging on hooks in the meat locker were quilted and embroidered sides of ‘beef.’ In another area plates and cutlery made with pastry dough (left) and a range of platters and other serving pieces (above) that looked as if they came from some previously undiscovered family of sea creatures, kept company with pot au feu (stew meat) animals.

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The Pionnier booth was filled with smart, utilitarian designs made with natural materials. Handcrafted looks, repurposed materials, innovative ‘foundobject’ solutions and an emphasis on timeless, trendless design meant this was the most restrained of the three presentations. The overall mood was to show how living lightly in the modern world doesn’t mean a spartan or minimalist approach. The idea was almost a contemporary update on 18th c. campaign furnishings, with the elaborate canvas tents replaced by sleek, high-tech fabrics while the folding wooden furniture was streamlined to the pure essentials.

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Dark, moody and mysterious, the interior of Renaiscience was a strange laboratory of design ideas where the macabre and the magical where often one and the same. Small reflective surfaces and quiet touches of metallics helped light the shadowy areas and close inspection of every vignette was needed to discover the many subtle details. A theatrical update on the ‘cabinet of curiousities’ trend from several seasons ago.

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FEATURED DESIGN

Erik Bruce, Erik Bruce Inc., New York, NY Curtaineer Erik Bruce was a keynote speaker at last year’s IWCE show in Chicago. His approach to design and the love he has for custom window treatment solutions was so inspiring we are thrilled to have him back again for IWCE: VISION’13. Some recent projects from his portfolio will give those of you who may be unfamililar with his work an idea of what to expect from his presentation. Working with designer Sasha Cutter, who is also the client, Bruce created the window treatments for a recently renovated seven-story townhouse in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of New York City. The wool challis curtains in the client’s studio had a large 12" hem detail that related to the height of the step out to the terrace. “We used tiny 1/8" side hems and seams to reduce any heavy shadows and the header was an uncontrolled s-fold which could be pulled flat or stacked with fullness,” explained Bruce. A wool nuns-veiling from Maharam was used for the living room curtains.“The leading edge was frayed instead of turned and stitched. This provided detail without changing the drape of the fabric because it was a 20-ft high curtain,” said Bruce. “We then created a stripped warp stripe as a complementary detail.” In the bedroom, a baby camel hair fabric, also from Maharam, was created with a recessed seam detail carefully aligned to the 1/4" architectural reveal.

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For a four-story Brooklyn townhouse, Bruce worked with designer Amy Lau. These soft-fold Roman shades were made of silk backed with a synthetic organza to provide transparent, lightweight structure for attaching the rings and bottom weights.

ERIK BRUCE AT IWCE: VISION ’13

Erik Bruce will be the keynote speaker on Friday, April 19, 1:00 - 2:15 with his presentation “Innovative Curtaineer.” Drawing from his background in theatrical costume and scenic design, as well as art history, Erik will discuss his approach to sourcing and using interesting materials for use in modern window treatments.

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IWCE; VISION’13

Easy Elegance With A Definite An interview with keynote speaker Bryan Batt ryan Batt’s second book, Big Easy Style, is a decorating love letter to his muse, the city of New Orleans. A brightly colored, entertaining mix of advice and encouragment, the book is not just an overview of Batt’s talents as a self-taught designer, but a generous look at rooms by other designers who inspire him.

Vision: How did you develop your personal style? How would you summarize your design approach?

Filled with good humor right from the start, the opening line is: “Some may argue that having opposable thumbs or a soul is what separates us from the beasts. But I’ll always argue that our ability to choose a paint color, artfully accessorize a coffee table, or toss a fabulous pillow is a gift from the gods.” Batt confesses that designing a room is a daunting challenge, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying the process. Given his busy schedule, Vision was fortunate enough to get an interview with Batt prior to his keynote address at IWCE: Vision ’13.

There will always be some constants: I will never tire of a rich chocolate mohair velvet, a heavy green duchess satin, or gray cashmere/flannel. I will always love columns, terra cotta busts and obelisks…I am a boy after all! I would describe my design aesthetic as ‘easy elegance with a definite twist’ …and that twist can be theatrical, whimsical or even glamorous.

Bryan Batt: I think that personal style takes years of developing and is best when it is innate, unstudied and organic. My style morphs and changes as I grow, just as life and the world changes around me.

Vision: In 2003 you opened Hazelnut, a retail design store in New Orleans, with your partner Tom Cianfichi. How much does Hazelnut reflect your preferences and design outlook? How has the design retail business changed in the 10 years since Hazelnut has been open? BB: We never buy anything for the store that we don’t truly like or appreciate on some design level. Nothing is allowed across the threshold of either location just on the basis of “it will sell”. Over the years it’s been fun growing the business, and taking more progressive design chances, also getting to know what our clients like…challenging both ourselves and our clients. Vision: What types of interior design projects most interest you and why? BB: Since we opened our doors, my acting career has kept me so busy that I’ve only been able to tackle smaller ‘quick fix’ projects. But if I had my druthers, the perfect projects would involve people who generally have an idea of what they like and don’t like.

Author, actor and decorator Bryan Batt, photograph by Kerri McCaffety.

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The dining room from Batt and Cianfichi’s own home features a mix of contemporary and classical touches—check out the scalloped nailhead trim on the upholstered chairs! Colums of cool blue silk line the French windows on this ground floor room. Photography by Kerri McCaffety.

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Batt and Cianfichi’s den, where glossy grey walls are offset by Donegal tweed drapery panels. Photography by Kerri McCaffety.

Vision: How do approach window fashions in your plan for a room? Do you find some clients don't think they need or want anything at the window? Or something as minimal as they can get away with?

they are nestled in a tree house. My partner loves natural light, so believe it or not he convinced me that no treatments were needed—and he was right. I love the way the light is part of our décor at all hours of the day.

BB: Many factors come into play here, but creating window treatments that are appropriate to the room and its décor while satisfying the desires of the home owner are paramount.

However, in our downstairs dining room and den, the French doors are literally street level, and people stroll on the sidewalk just three feet away from the windows. It’s easy for passerbys to look inside at eye level, therefore I pretty much insisted that these windows have treatments that could completely block out the street view. In the dining room we put

To take an example from my own life, our home is a raised cottage and the upstairs living room and bedroom feel as if 38

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opaque grass cloth shades with a great Kelly Werstler trim. These let in light while still providing the necessary privacy.

window like a debutant’s curtsy. A slight puddle is all that’s needed so they gently graze the floor.

In the den the walls are a serious gray with heavy gray, nubby Donegal tweed draperies affixed with big grommets on a thick dark pewter rod.

The treatment should be appropriate to the window and for the room; it should support the décor and never detract or try to be the main event in the room. Too much fuss is just that, fussy. This is my personal taste, but if you have a room with beautiful art, gorgeous furniture covered in fabulous fabrics and everyone’s eyes are on the draperies… Houston, we have a problem.

The main thing to keep in mind about window treatments is that they must serve their purpose as well as look good. That being said, I can’t help but always want to employ my love of fashion when it comes to window treatments, such as lining draperies with a interesting contrasting color, just like an Etro suit. I also love the idea of a military-style drapery adorned with brilliant gold buttons. Just like couture fashion, or almost anything when it done well, it’s all about the details, that little extra bit of cleverness, style and flair, which may go unnoticed by many but will be adored by a discerning few. Vision: How do you convince doubting clients of the value of window fashions? Do you have a "fail-safe" look that most clients will accept at their window? BB: People usually know that a window needs some sort of treatment, what they do not realize is that to create the proper look, draperies eat money, there is no way around it! A good solution and a simple personal favorite is crisp, clean linen draperies on a classic self-return or simple rod. I love the smart look of classic natural linen. Or even simple lacquered bamboo shades. There really is no way to get an expensive, opulent look without spending appropriately, so unless you have the budget, it’s always best to keep it simple, classic and clean. But if you have the budget, let your imagination go! Vision: What are some of common misperceptions clients have regarding window fashions? BB: As I said, they never realize what goes into the cost— the fabric, labor, trim, hardware, installation—it all adds up. I always advise them to pick and choose to start with the windows that demand a treatment first, and I often suggest to start in the master bedroom; you are going to spend a lot of time there, so make it the nicest! As much as I do enjoy natural light, when I want to sleep, I love it to be extremely dark, so okay.… I’m somewhat of a caveman. Vision: Do you have a preferred type or style of curtains or drapery? A style that you think is underused? Is there anything you really hate to see at the window? BB: If I never see another balloon shade, it’s okay by me. I do, however, love dressy couture and sophisticated draperies; it’s just that balloon shades have been so overdone. I cannot stand when draperies are ‘high water’ like a pair of Jerry Lewis’ slacks. And the same for the opposite: I’m not crazy about draperies that over billow and flood the banks of a

Vision: What is the most common mistake you see at the window? BB: Skimping…either do it or don’t! Vision: Is there something you wish you could specify for a window treatment, but it just doesn't seem to exist? A certain type of material, or a technology? Or type of hardware? BB: It would be interesting if there was the technology to control the clarity and tint of a window’s glass via remote...but then we would be out of business.

Don’t be afraid of color is one of Batt’s mantras from his book Big, Easy Style. He describes this room “as a striking study in red.” Photography by Kerri McCaffety.

Vision: The 'cobbler's children' scenario—what is one thing in your house that needs done or finished right now? BB: Oh, the list!! If I had to choose one, it would be finding the perfect painting or sculptural wall décor for above the bed. V

BRYAN BATT AT IWCE: VISION ’13

Bryan will be the keynote luncheon speaker on Saturday, April 20. His presentation “Rooms You Love to Live In” is not to be missed!

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IWCE; VISION’13

Vertilux develops an innovative clutch system

Clutch Decisions hile there have been a great many beautiful and innovative new fabrics introduced for the ever-popular roller shade, the same cannot necessarily be said for most roller shade components. Recognizing a market opportunity, Vertilux began development of a new clutch system, the result of which is the newly launched VTX™. Understanding What’s Needed Based on comments from its worldwide client base, the goal was to create a strong and reliable clutch, with looks that appealed to the end consumer. In order to balance strength and beauty, the design and engineering team at Vertilux researched materials from other industries and settled on a polymer frequently used for high-end consumer electronics.

The use of this polymer makes the VTX clutch practically unbreakable, cutting down on repairs and replacements that come from clutches damaged in shipping or during installation. “Better materials provide better performance, and provide a better look,” said Jose A. Garcia, CEO/Chairman of Vertilux. “We has chosen materials never used before in clutches for roller shades to upgrade the performance and look—benefitting both our customers and the end consumer.”

VTX Elegant tab mount comes in four sizes, in five colors each, making for 20 possible combinations.

Testing to Ensure Quality Vertilux intensively tested the final version of the VTX clutch system before introducing it to the market. The company built special testing equipment to measure the strength and resistance of the springs under different circumstances and temperatures. Vertilux engineers also built a specialized structure and the necessary equipment to operate all versions and sizes of the VTX clutches at their maximum VTX is also available in hook mount, giving clients an abundance of capacity. Shades options. 40

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were raised and lowered every three minutes for a span of four months—a total of more than 58,000 cycles. “The clutches ended the test without showing any signs of neither fatigue or malfunction,” said Garcia. “The average household will operate their blinds an average of four times daily, which means this test is equivalent to 40 years of regular use.” “Fabricators are looking for returning customers, not returning blinds, service calls or angry customers,” Garcia continued. “We developed the VTX roller blind clutch system to be durable and reliable, so our clients don’t need to worry about their shades after they’ve left the workshop.” Elegant Engineering and Stylish Design The VTX clutch design was developed in Europe by a team of design and window treatment specialists.

The goal was to have the VTX become the top choice of architects and designers due to both its good looks and superior functionality. The VTX clutch line is engineered in the United States and offers innovative solutions such as a closed bottom design that prevents the stopper ball from getting jammed in the clutch, which is one of the most common reasons for service calls. Its patented design eliminates friction of the chain over the clutch, significantly reducing noise and making even the largest and heaviest shades easy to draw. The result is a smooth, even feel, requiring less pulling force and allowing for the use of heavier shades than other

mechanisms. Made to fit the most common tubes and brackets used in the American market, the VTX line offers four different pulling capacities, ranging from 10-30 pounds. It is available in two different design styles, the VTX Elegant Clutch and the VTX Designer Clutch, both offered in white, ivory, brown, grey or black. There is also a choice of hook mount or tab mount for every size and color, giving fabricators freedom to choose the system that best fits their needs. The VTX clutch system has U.S. and international patents and a 10-year warranty by Vertilux. V

VERTILUX AT IWCE: VISION ’13 Veritlux will be sponsoring the WiFi Café at IWCE: Vision ’13, offering a convenient place for all attendees to get guaranteed Internet connectivity without having to the leave the show. Stop in for coffee, water, cookies and, of course, the chance to see and try the new VTX roller shade clutch system in person.

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IWCE; VISION’13

Let the Good Times Explore the best the Big Easy has to offer by Sarah Sinkie

All of us at Vision are excited to be going back to New Orleans, it’s a city unlike any other in the United States with dozens of great finds in every neighborhood. Vision’s social media expert and current New Orleans resident Sarah Sinkie put together the following list of places to eat, drink, savor and shop while visiting for the show. The French Quarter This neighborhood includes Canal St. to Esplanade Avenue and the Mississippi River waterfront to Rampart Street. Known for its row homes adorned in elaborate iron fencing and balconies, this is the reason most people visit New Orleans. Sure, it’s home to salacious Mardi Gras crowds, but also fantastic Southern cooking and loads of handmade art. Arnaud’s For almost 100 years, Arnaud’s has been known for its Creole fine dining. The fourteen dining rooms at Arnaud’s offer a taste of 19th-century elegance and history. Visit the second-floor Mardi Gras Museum, or stop by the French 75 bar for a cocktail and cigar after dinner. 813 Bienville Ave., 504-523-5433 Opens daily at 6:00 pm but the closing time is variable! ArnaudsRestaurant.com Bar Tonique This friendly but refined bar on the edge of the French Quarter is stocked with house-made tonic, ginger beer, a variety of syrups and fresh-squeezed juices, plus many rare liquors and mixers. The menu offers original creations and reboots of classics. 820 N. Rampart St., 504-324-6045 12:00 pm—2:00 am daily BarTonique.com 42

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Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights Those enticed by the charming New Orleans–style lanterns that are part of the city's classic architecture can find them at this third-generation French Quarter store. 521 Conti Street, 504-522-9485. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Sat. 9:00 am-4:00 pm Bevolo.com Café Amelie The restaurant is set in a 150-year-old carriage house, but the place to be is the elegant, leafy garden courtyard. Expect a slight variance from the typical southern fare with farm-totable bites such as the Cochon de Lait sandwich or their trademark Amelie cocktail made with vodka, fresh lime juice and mint.

912 Royal St., 504-412-8965 Lunch: Wed.-Fri. 11:00 am-4:00 pm Dinner: Wed.-Sat. 5:30-9:00 pm and Sun 6:00-8:00 pm Weekend brunch: 11:00 am-3:00 pm CafeAmelie.com Café Du Monde Come to enjoy some of their world famous beignets and a café au lait and stay to crowd watch. Not only is this a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, it’s a guaranteed spot to catch some free entertainment. It’s right across from Jackson Square where you’ll find street performers and artists. 800 Decatur St., 504-525-4544 Open 24 hours, everyday. CafeDuMonde.com

Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone Famous for the revolving bar, where bartenders in the stationary center mix and pour drinks as the bar top and barstools slowly spin around them. There also is ample stationary seating around the lounge and live piano music most nights. 214 Royal St., 504-523-3341 Opens 11:00 am daily, but closing time varies. HotelMonteleone.com

Faulkner House Books No southerner can go without a decent library of Southern authors. This charming bookstore contains new and used books including fine literature and rare editions, and of course, books by and about Mr. Faulkner. 624 Pirate’s Alley, 504-524-2940 Daily, 10:00 am-5:30 pm FaulknerHouse.net Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse Grammy-winning trumpeter Irvin Mayfield’s club brought contemporary live jazz back to Bourbon Street. Best of all, there’s no cover charge. A great lineup every night keeps guests

entertained from the moment they walk in the door. On Friday nights, the Burlesque Ballroom recalls another variety and era of Bourbon Street entertainment. 300 Bourbon St., 504-553-2299 Shows begin at 8:00 pm nightly Sonesta.com Joy Theater This historic landmark staged a magnificent comeback in 2011 after falling into disrepair and closing in 2003. A massive renovation—complete with the restoration of the theater’s iconic marquee sign and return to its Art Deco styling—transformed the former movie theater into a multi-purpose venue for live music, theatrical productions, cultural events and private functions. 1200 Canal St, 504-528-9569 Hours vary by show. TheJoyTheater.com Orleans Grapevine This French Quarter gem is hidden behind the Saint Louis Cathedral. It offers 82 wines by the glass and a menu of French bistro fare with a Southern twist. 720 Orleans St., 504-523-1930 Bar opens daily at 4:00 pm Dinner: Sun.-Thurs. 5:00–10:30 pm, Fri.–Sat. 5:00–11:30 pm OrleansGrapevine.com Patrick’s Bar Vin Patrick Van Hoorbeeck is a New Orlean’s bon vivent and wine connoisseur who some may remember from the last time IWCE was in the Big Easy— he opened the show by sabrage, slicing the top off a bottle of champagne with a sabre. Over the years he has become of a friend of publisher Grace McNamara and she’s thrilled he now has a place of his own. Set in a private

courtyard away from the madness of Bourbon St., Patrick’s Bar Vin was named one of the top 10 wine bars in the U.S. by both Gayot and Fox News. 730 Bienville St. 504-200-3180 Sun.-Thurs. 4:00-11:00 pm, Friday 2:00 pm-1:00am, Saturday 4:00 pm-1:00 am PatricksBarVin.com

Garden District This neighborhood includes St Charles to Magazine St. and Jackson Ave through Toledano. Even though the French Quarter is the reason most people visit New Orleans, the Garden District is just as fantastic. Lined with elaborate Southern mansions and rose gardens, the walk from the streetcar to Magazine Street, where most of the shops are, feels like a step back in time. This area is known for its fabulous antique stores, but that’s not all it has to offer.

Ann Koerner Antiques A fantastic source of elegant country furnishings—worn surfaces, faded paint and chipped gesso have never looked so appealing—the store also carries a carefully curated assortment of more modern pieces as well. 4201 Magazine Street, 504-899-2664 Call for hours. AnnKoerner.com Eiffel Society Party like a Parisian in this avantgarde wonderland. This nightclub is set inside a structure removed from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. During the week you can learn salsa or watch a comedy show, but on the weekends this becomes a public rendezvous with guests indulging cocktails and concepWF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 43

tual arts, while lounging comfortably or dancing ’til the wee hours of the morning. 2040 St. Charles Ave. 504-525-2951 Tue.-Wed. 7:00-11:00 pm Thur.-Sun. opens at 11:00 pm, closing time varies. EiffelSociety.com Hazelnut Filled with interesting finds that combine the Big Apple with the Big Easy, Hazelnut offers new and vintage furniture and tabletop goods. This is the retail store run by Bryan Batt, one of this year’s keynote speakers. 5515 Magazine Street, 504-891-2424 Mon-Sat 10:00 am-6:00 pm Hazelnutneworleans.com

Shadyside Pottery of New Orleans Shadyside is a refreshing departure from the sterling and stemware of the nearby boutiques. Charlie Bohn brings you a variety of works from Raku vessels to utilitarian stoneware to pieces made to order. Each piece is hand-thrown, signed and fired on site. Anything fro here would be a fantastic addition to any home. 3823 Magazine Street, 504-897-1710 Tue.-Sat. 12:00-5:00 pm ShadysidePottery.com

Uptown/River Bend This encompasses the area from Broadway to River Road and from the Mississippi to Claiborne. A little out of the way, but well worth the trip. If you hop on the St. Charles Streetcar almost to the end you can enjoy the views of the splendid garden district and Tulane and Loyola Universities. This takes you all the way to Oak St. where you will find a small town all its own right inside the city. There are coffee shops, bookstores, bars, restaurants, clothing stores and tons more that will definitely catch your eye. Jaques-imos

If you’re looking for real Southern food and hospitality this is the place to go. You will not find an ambiance like this anywhere else in the world, from the two-top table in the pick-up truck out front to the alligator and shrimp cheesecake. If you’re really lucky, Jacques might make one of his unannounced, but very over the top, appearances. 8324 Oak Street, 504-861-0886 Mon.-Thur., 5:00-10:00 pm Fri.-Sat., 5:00-10: 30 pm jacques-imos.com Maple Leaf Bar Right next door to Jacques-imos, this is a great place to go while you are waiting on your table, but also if you’re craving funky New Orleans music that never stops. Grammy award winning Rebirth Brass Band has made this their home on Tuesday evenings but you can find different genres of music every night of the week. 8316 Oak St., 504-866-9359 MapleLeafBar.com

Perch Home Even better than the wide array of furniture and textiles in this antique store is the work they do with the community. You will find local art on the walls and plenty of helping hands here. 2844 Magazine Street, 504-899-2122 Mon-Sat 10:00 am-6:00 pm Perch-Home.com Piranesi New Orleans is famous for its antique shops and Piranesi is one of the best, hands down. From Louis XVI bed frames to Regency armchairs and everything in between, with good prices to match. 2104 Magazine Street, 504-523-2000 Open everyday from 11:00 am-5:00 pm Piranesiantiques.com For more to see and do in New Orleans during IWCE: Vision ’13, go to wf-vision.com/GoodTimes.

| VISION

Introducing...

ORION

ORNAMENTAL IRON, INC.

Iron Drapery Hardware

WFCP

color Certification

Master color and increase your income!

WFCP is proud to introduce

COLOR CERTIFICATION developed by Kate Smith, Sensational Color • Add a new skill to your design portfolio • Increase your income potential • Become a color expert for your clients

VISIT US AT BOOTH #1107

Visit the WFCP booth at IWCE New Orleans April 19-21 for special show introductory offers!

www.wf-vision.com/WFCP sales@ironartbyorion.com | www.ironartbyorion.com | 877.476.6278

Semina rs at a Glance Thursday, april 18 TIME

SPEAKER

TOPIC

CODE

ROOM #

2 - 5pm

Deb Barrett

Magazine Street Tour

Hilton Hotel Lobby

5:30 - 7:30pm

Deb Barrett

Wine & Design: Invitation Only

TOPIC

CODE

Friday, april 19 showFloor hours: 10am - 5pm TIME

SPEAKER

ROOM #

8am -12pm

WCMA Energy Committee

219

1 - 3pm

WCMA Annual Meeting

219

3 - 5pm

WCSC Annual Meeting

219

9:15-10:30am

Susan McHugh

Website Design: 5 Key Elements

208

9:15-10:30am

Susan Schultz

Innovative Display & Presentation Ideas

217

Need for Speed: Development of Best Fabrication Methods

1CC

212

Selling Design Ideas: Learn to Sketch Soft Furnishings

1DD

213

11am -12:15pm Gillian Wendel

Decorative Knots: Couture Technique

214

11am -12:15pm Deb Barrett

iPad for Design Pros Overview

218

11am-12:15pm

The Great Imagination Heist:

222

Future Views: Color & Design Trends for 2014 1H

217

Panel

Design Directions 2013 & Beyond

1VP1

208

1 - 2pm

Q-Motion

Fabric Selection in Shading

1VP2

213

1 - 2:15pm

Erik Bruce

WFCP Keynote: Innovative Curtaineer

1WFCP

214

Super Session 9:30am - 12:15pm Jeanelle Dech Super Session 9:30am-12:15pm Susan Woodcock

Jill Ragan Scully

11am -12:15pm Susan Schultz Vendor Presentation 1 - 2pm

Inspiration from 2012 Ingenuity Award Winners

wf-vision.c om/Shows

Semina rs at a Glance FRIDAY, APRIL 19 - continued TIME

SPEAKER

TOPIC

CODE

ROOM #

Super Session 2:30 - 5:15pm

Cathy Tucker

Don’t Be Afraid of Shades: Safe Soft Shade Solutions

1JJ

212

4 - 5:15pm

Susan Woodcock

The Interlined English Curtain Method

213

4 - 5:15pm

Susan McHugh

Marketing Strategies That Work

208

4 - 5:15pm

Ann Johnson

Panel Tracks

214

4 - 5:15pm

Susan Kostelecky

CSI for Windows: Successful Solutions to Problem Combinations, Sizes & Impediments 1N

222

Envision Design and Ingenuity Workroom Competitions

209/210

TOPIC

CODE

ROOM #

8 - 9am

Future of the Industry Panel

2VP1

214

9:15-10:30am

Susan Kostelecky The Bespoke Image

220

5:15 - 7pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 SHOWFLOOR HOURS: 10AM - 5PM TIME

SPEAKER

9:15-10:30am

Susan McHugh

Photographing Your Work: DIY Beautifully 2B

208

9:15-10:30am

Jill Ragan Scully

Window Design Portmanteau: Flaunting Your Talent

222

Secrets to Perfecting Couture Cording & Banding

2DD

212

How to Design Your Own Fabrics, Wallpapers and Window Shades

2EE

218

Business Success Session 9:30am - 4:30pm

Business Success Workshop - All Sessions

2BW

217

Business Success Session 9:30-10:30

Business Success: Showroom Panel

2BW1

217

11am - 12:15pm Susan Woodcock

Trend: Shawl Inspired Window Fashions

214

11am - 12:15pm Susan Kostelecky

The I’s Have It: Inspiration + Involvement = Increased Business

220

11am - 12:15pm Nicole Shields

Get Control of Your Content: Blog Posts, Social Media and Newsletters

208

11am - 12:15pm Jill Ragan Scully

The Unconventional Window: Using Unique Materials to Create Functional and Artistic Solutions for Windows

222

Business Success: Moving Up to a Million Dollar Business

2BW2

217

Super Session 9:30am-12:15pm Ann Johnson Super Session 9:30am-12:15pm Barrett & Schultz

Business Success Session 11am - 12:30pm

saTurday, april 20 - continued TIME

SPEAKER

TOPIC

CODE

ROOM #

Keynote Luncheon 12:30 - 2pm

Bryan Batt

Rooms You Love to Live With

2LL

209/210

Vendor Presentations 1 - 2pm

K. Galvin

Oppisites Attract: Creating Dynamic Color Moods: Sherwin Williams Colormix 2013

2VP2

214

Web Site Success Revealed by iEdit

2VP3

208

Business Success: World’s Best HomeBased Business Model

2BW3

217

Swag Solutions: The Next Level

2MM

212

Business Success: Driving Appointments

2BW4

217

1 - 2pm

T. Coawell

Business Success Session 1:30 - 2:30pm

Super Session 2:30 - 5:15pm

Ann Johnson

Business Success Session 3 - 4pm 4 - 5:15pm

Jeanelle Dech

Classic Linen Slipcovers

214

4 - 5:15pm

Deb Barrett

Window Fashions Inspiration: Showcase

218

4 - 5:15pm

Nicole Shields

23 Essentials to Attract and Convert New Business with Your Website

208

4 - 5:15pm

Gillian Wendel

Embellishments: Simple to Sublime

222

5:30 - 7pm

2013 WCMA Product Awards & Reception

209/210

5:30 - 8pm

French Quarter Walking & Haunted History Tour 2T

Hilton Lobby

sunday, april 21 showFloor hours: 10am - 5pm TIME

SPEAKER

TOPIC

CODE

ROOM #

9:15 - 10:30am

Susan Woodcock

Creating Table Skirts

214

9:15 - 10:30am

Deb Barrett

Window Fashions Design Lab

217

9:15 - 10:30am

Gillian Wendel

Inspiring Panels

218

Super Session 9:30am - 12:15pm Jeanelle Dech

Dimensional Anatomy of Window Treatments 3DD

213

11am - 12:15pm Ann Johnson

The Art of the Mock Hobble Valance

214

11am - 12:15pm Nicole Shields

“They Said What” Online Reviews, Are They Helping or Hurting Your Business

218

11am - 12:15pm Susan Schultz

Connecting with the Modern Affluents

217

IWCE; VISION’13

IWCE: Vision ’13

as of date of publication BOOTH

COMPANY NAME

BOOTH

ABO Window Fashion

1016

Faux Iron Solutions

915

Adco OnSite Fabricare

1205

Forest Group USA, Inc.

817

America’s Window Covering Buying Network

1139

Full Shuay Enterprise Co., Ltd.

929

Anderson Fabric Workroom

702

Hangzhou Farnodecor Industry Limited

1150

Arabel, Inc.

1108

Horizons Window Fashions (B&W)

801

A-Ventures, Inc.

940

Hunter Douglas–Sponsor: Envision & Ingenuity competitions

Ball Chain Manufacturing

1012

iEdit Web

953

Ball Software

1219

Jim Fine Wooden Products Co., Ltd.

917

Bead Chain

1030

Jixi Shanhe Plastics Co., Ltd.

1251

Belagio Enterprises

813

Kirsch

814

BTX–Coulisse Authorized Fabricator

829

LA Fred Fabrics

834

Carrot Industrial Co., Ltd.

1106

Leon's Fabrics, Inc.

1017

Catania Silks

907

Lotus & Windoware, Inc

1036

CHF–Custom Home Furnishings

848

Lutron

700

Construction Zone—Sponsored by CHF

755

LuxMader by Qualfin/co-exhibitor Sistemas Delfin

1117

Coulisse, Inc.

829

MACCO (Daeyang Co., Ltd.)

921

Custom Decorators, Inc.

812

Miller Weldmaster

820

Dongguan Ridong Ultrasonic Machinery

1021

Ningbo Dooya Mechanic & Electronic

1213

Elegant Windows

901

Ningbo Grand Home Furnishing Co., Ltd.

1248

Exciting Windows!

1201

Ningbo Shunlong Weaving Co., Ltd.

1115

E-Z Hinge Co

913

Ningbo Two Birds Industry Co., Ltd.

1149

Family Distributors, Coulisse Authorized Distributor

829

Ningbo Zhenfei Decorated Curtain Co., Ltd.

1154

Fan Top Shutters

933

Ninghai Taihoo Curtain Decoration Co., Ltd.

1153

COMPANY NAME

| VISION

Registration

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 51

IWCE; VISION’13

IWCE: Vision ’13

as of date of publication COMPANY NAME

BOOTH

COMPANY NAME

BOOTH

Norbar Fabrics, Co.

1013

Uluslu Aluminum Extrusion Profiles

1138

Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc.

1107

Unique Wholesale, Coulisse Authorized

829

Pateajton, Inc.

1039

Distributor and Fabricator

Phifer Inc.

701

Uni-Soleil Ent., Co., Ltd.

1113

PIC Business Systems, Inc.

1032

US Polymers

828

Pinella Tekstil ve Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sti

818

Vendor Theater

1041

QMotion Shades

1128

Vertilux–Sponsor: WiFi Café

QMotion Shades–Sponsor: Seminar 1VP1–Fabric Selection

WCAA

955

and Shading, Seminar 1N–CSI for Windows

Wellsco International Group Co., Ltd.

1229

Rose Lace & Braid

806

WFCP Booth and Lounge–Registration Area

Rugao Huayang Aluminum Product Co., Ltd.

1252

Wujiang Weijiang Textile-Machine Co., Ltd.

1152

Ruian Lianda Plastic & Weaving Co., Ltd.

1042

Xi'an Zhong Yang Window Blinds Article Co., Ltd.

1151

San Benito Shutter

1028

Zhenjiang Jingyou Curtain Co., Ltd.

1207

SB2 Concepts

807

Zhenjiang Royal Window Furnishings Co., Ltd.

1249

ZMC Window Covering Supplies

1007

Shanghai Mingcheng Architecture Sun-Shading & Energy Saving Technology Joint-Stock Co., Ltd.

1148

Shenzhen BOFU Mechanic & Electronic Co., Ltd.

937

Sherwin Williams

1221

Sherwin Williams– Sponsor: New Color Certification Program SmartRoll

1101

Somfy Systems, Inc.

1001

Springs Window Fashions

808

TMS - Menagerie, Authorized Coulisse Dealer

1114

| VISION

% off

Custom Blinds & Shades* April 15 – June 10, 2013

Create an extraordinary view from the inside out.

VISIT US AT BOOTH #814

*excludes metal and contract blinds

bddinc.com 800.456.0540

porterpreston.com 866.753.1113

windowwares.com 800.228.9867 | 800.247.5055

Servicing the WeStern StateS

Servicing the eaStern StateS

Servicing the central StateS

IWCE; VISION’13

New Product ABO Window Fashion Visit us at booth #1016

ADCO Visit us at booth #1205

Introducing ABO Window Fashion’s new program: 1 1/2 inch decorative traverse rods and decorative poles with interchangeable finials. The coordinating decorative poles can be spliced with our patented rod connector to desired length. Additional decorative and contract drapery hardware products are available. For more information, call 866-326-1989 and visit www.abowindow.com.

Adco OnSite Fabricare provides equipment, chemicals, training and support that allows you to clean all fabric based window fashions right where they hang. Guaranteed no shrinkage or damage! Adco OnSite also has a full line of environmentally preferable cleaning solutions for your eco-conscious customers.

Anderson Fabric Workroom Visit us at booth #702

Arabel Visit us at booth #508

Custom workroom of award-winning products for 30+ years. We are dedicated to providing the best quality, service and pricing to our customers. We are a full custom workroom and distributor of Graber Blinds and hardware. Contact Rebecca at 800-328-1791, or info@andersonfabrics.com Visit us online @ www.andersonfabrics.com.

If you manufacturer roller shades, please call for one complimentary Binder Book. Our new collection was made with waterfall samples to be more user friendly and features a mix of designer fabrics, blackouts and screens available in 98” and 118” widths.

Ball Chain Manufacturing Visit us at booth #1012

Bead Chain Visit us at booth #1030

Ball Chain Mfg. is the largest manufacturer of ball chain in the world, and our chain has proudly been made in the U.S.A. since 1938. Leading blind and shade manufacturers specify Ball Chain Mfg. products because they know our chain delivers the precision pitch, flexibility and specifications needed to work faultlessly in their sprocket and clutch systems. With us, and only us, you get chain made totally in the U.S.A. with quality that is second to none. Contact us for info on all of our new finishes and services such as endless loops and packaging. Visit us at www.ballchain.com, call 914-664-7500, or e-mail contact@ballchain.com.

Bead Chain® offers top quality chain used for roller shades and blinds. Our product offerings include spool chain, endless loops and accessories and attachments. Quality products, competitive price and logistic solutions is what Bead Chain® delivers. All Bead Chain® products comes with a quality guarantee, so request a quote today at sales@beadchain.com.

| VISION

For more information: 800-811-9367 www.adcoonsite.com

Belagio Enterprises Visit us at booth #813

BTX Visit us at booth #829

As home decor evolves so do we at Belagio. Pleated tapes, tassel fringes, braids and new home deco fashion accents add a new dimension for window treatments. Adding rhinestone brooches, buttons, and banding has increased the range of home decoration to even a brighter, shiny place!

For more than 25 years, BTX has offered the largest program of automated window coverings in the industry. In its modern Window Automation manufacturing facilities, BTX produces precision custom built systems for drapery, roller shades, Roman shades and other specialty systems for leading hotels, public buildings and upper-end residences worldwide.

Belagio Enterprises, 323-731-6934

Cantania Silks Visit us at booth #907

Carrot Industrial Co., Ltd. Visit us at booth #1106

Besides silks, Catania offers linens, cottons, poly and blended fabrics and also trims. The 'Elemental' embroidery pictured here is from our Mark I Collection of cotton solids, stripes, checks and embroideries. Please visit our web site: www.cataniasilk. com or call us: 800380-4120.

Carrot Industrial Co., Ltd Taiwan www.carrot.com.tw Booth# 1106

Custom Decorators, Inc. Visit us at booth #812

Dongguan Ridong Ultrasonic Machinery Visit us at booth #1021

Are you a window fashion designer or installer? Do you want free leads without the hassle of marketing?

Our factory area of 4,600 square meters, currently employs 70 staff, including 22 Engineers. We specialize in manufacturing machinery widely used in many fields including fabric, textile, cloth, curtains, roller shades, blinds, window coverings, awnings etc. We have a number of advanced equipment for production and our original materials are imported from Germany.

Join CDI’s US and Canadian network of 1000+ experts. We partner with large retailers and offer shop-at-home services. We generate leads and pass them to you. Interested? We’re hiring now! See us at booth 812 or online at www.customdecorators.com

North American Sales Office, Markham, Ontario Canada Tel: 905-752-1868 sales@polarent.com, www.dgridgong.com

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 55

IWCE; VISION’13

New Product Elegant Windows, Inc. Visit us at booth #901

E-Z Hinge Corp. Visit us at booth #913

Elegant Windows, Inc. a leading manufacturer in the window coverings industry brings to the market our TechSmart Shutter line. Demonstrating our commitment to provide the highest quality, newest technology, superior craftsmanship and dedicated customer service for your shutter needs.

In business since 1968, E-Z Hinge provides great shutter hardware products and excellent customer service. We have competitive pricing and always go the extra mile to please our customers. Please visit us online at www.ezhinge.com, or call us at 800-468-8211.

Elegant Windows, Inc, Phone: 817-633-4005 www.techsmartshutters.com

Fantop Visit us at booth #933

FanTop Shutters are a division of Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions. FanTops are the perfect window treatment for specialty shaped windows, over blinds, shades, draperies or other treatments. They can be made for arches, rakes, sunbursts, circles, quarter circles, octagons, and more. All are top quality treatments built and shipped in less than 72 hours from time of order.

Full Shuay Enterprise Co., Ltd. (Natumat) Visit us at booth #929 ADD: No. 8, Jen-Ho Road, Nantou City Nantou County 54065, Taiwan TEL: 886-4-23136998 FAX: 886-4-23147496 Email: sales@natumat.com.tw Website: www.natumat.com.tw Product: Natural Woven Fabrics Roller Blinds, Roman Shades,Roll-up Blinds, Panels, Window Blind Accessories, Wallpaper, Curtain Contact: Ms. Grace Chan, Ms. Fay Chen

Horizon Window Fashions Visit us at booth #801

Jim Fine Wooden Products Co.,Ltd Visit us at booth #917

The Best Sample Book Ever! The Horizons Sample Book App is the perfect way to present all the Horizons Window Fashions samples and room setting photos. With the App you can order free sample cuttings of any of our 1,000 fabric offerings.

The most professional shutter components manufacturer in China. Our special process ensures the straightness, stability and finish. If you are seeking a solution to minimize the quality risk of components or to maximize the production efficiency of shutters,please feel free to communicate with us at any time. Tel:0086/453-5871577, Fax: 0086/453-5878177, E-mail: sales@jimfineshutters.com Web: www.jimfineshutters.com

Learn more at horizonshades. com/samplebookapp

| VISION

SafetyHold3

A clear solution to child safety that just got even better.

So,why wait? Meets the NEW WCMA Standards for hold-down devices TM

SafetyHold3 is the only compliant hold-down device that eliminates dangling bead chains and cord loops to help keep children safe. TM

Engineered

Technology Built-In!

Online video @ www.rollease.com/safety.html 800.552.5100 / 203.964.1573 ORDER FAX: 203.358.5865

IWCE; VISION’13

New Product Leon’s Fabric, Inc. Visit us at booth #1017

Lotus & Windoware Inc. Visit us at booth #1036

Since 1953, Leon’s Fabrics has brought quality fabrics to the wholesale marketplace. We offer a wide variety of fabrics. In our line you will find printed linens, textured solids, embroidered silks, exotic leathers and vinyls, and even REALTREE camouflage. If you are looking for Beautiful Fabrics and Great Delivery that remains in your Budget come see us. Or contact us at Leon’s Fabrics, Inc: 800-241-0956, Fax: 706-322-4647, or email us at leons@leonsfabrics.net.

Importer and wholesaler of quality window treatments offering the most sizes in the business. Two distribution centers provide quick delivery anywhere in the U.S., from a single carton to multiple containers. Lotus specializes in " Vinyl, Vinyl Plus and Aluminum; 2" Vinyl Plus and Faux Wood; and 3 1/2" Vertical Blinds.

Macco Daeyang Visit us at booth #921

Miller Weldmaster Visit us at booth #820

The Hotbond G5 is a welding machine for making a fixed pocket at the bottom of roll blinds. One simple fold and weld will produce a pocket for a pipe with a customized setting size.

Miller Weldmaster Navarre, OH www.weldmaster.com Booth # 820

Please visit us at www.maccodaeyang.com Phone: +82 (0) 10.9482.2882 / Fax: +82 (0) 51.831.8444.

Ningbo Dooya Technology Co. Ltd. Visit us at booth #1213

Norbar Visit us at booth #1013

Dooya is a global leading manufacturer of smart home system and window & door automation. It mainly produces smart home, tubular, motor, Venetian blinds drive, vertical blinds drive, curtain motor, control systems and relative accessories. Tel: +86-574-8657166, email: info@dooya.com, web: dooya.com

Norbar Fabrics has been one of the industry’s leading suppliers of quality textiles for over 65 years. Norbar offers deep color lines of solids, exclusive upholstery patterns and over 400 sku’s of vinyls. Our huge inventory allows 93% of orders placed to ship within 24 to 48 hours. Norbar also sells decorative trims and hardware.

| VISION

An american company integration in Luxmader Group. Specialized in design and manufacture made–to–measure wood blinds and shutters.

www.luxmader.com

Visit us on 2013 IWCE booth # 1117

IWCE; VISION’13

New Product Pateajton Inc. Visit us at booth #1039

Phifer Visit us at booth #701

We are the innovators of the patented Broadview System Blinds, an affordable and attractive window blinds system that expands the view through the blinds, where 2-inch blinds can easily transform into 4-inch blinds. Pateajton Inc., 19223 E. Colima Rd., #750, Rowland Heights, CA 91748 Phone: 626.589.4004, Fax: 626.202.1258, E-mail: broadviewpat@yahoo.com

With more than 60 years of weaving expertise, Phifer leads the charge in the production of innovative, high performance sun control fabrics. SheerWeave® with Microban® antimicrobial protection, DOW ECOLIBRIUM™ sustainability and GREENGUARD® certification reflect Phifer's commitment to quality, excellence and environmental stewardship. Visit Phifer at Booth #701 or call 1-800-221-5497.

PIC Business Systems, Inc. Visit us at booth #1032

Pinella Tekstil Ve Dis Tic Ltd. Sti Visit us at booth #818

e-PIC One™ Enterprise, Save time, effort, and money. Single point of maintenance and design. Bolt on your current web site or build a new one. Fully integrated e-commerce solution and content management system for Retail Web Sites, Fabricators, Distributors, Franchisee, & Retailers. Maintain Products, pricing, and promotions from within a comprehensive ERP foundation. No more custom programming. Includes EDI/XML forwarding of POs to your selected Vendors, full accounting, and online payment processing via shopping cart. Also, introducing zoes.com, Mobile Sales CRM, ignite your business. picbusiness.com 800-742-7378 Stan Zwinggi

Our product: Roller Blind fabrics, Sun screen curtain. Day and Night roller blinds, ZEBRA and Plise ZEBRA models roller blinds fabric and dobby, jacquard, embroidery curtain fabrics producer since 1978 as AKMAN GROUP. PINELLA is a AKMAN Group Company. Address: Sumer Mah Prof Dr. Turan Gunes Cad . No : 114 Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey Tel : + 90 ( 212 ) 5583434 Fax: + 90 (212) 5584547. Webpage: www.akman-tekstil.com Email: kamer.sit@akmantekstil.com Contact: Kamer Sit OZTURK / Export Manager

QMotion Automated Shades Visit us at booth #1126

Rose Lace Visit us at booth #806

Qmotion's elegant, automated window shades are the ONLY motorized shades with manual override. With more than 180 fabrics, our shades are assembled in Pensacola Fla. and shipped internationally. Qmotion products are environmentally friendly, can reduce energy costs and are safe for homes with small children and pets. www.QmotionShades.com

New! The latest trends are ‘silvers’ and ‘purples’ and Rose Lace introduces two new lines to meet demand, offering exceptional style and value to complement both contemporary and classic tastes. Full lines include: Cord edge, headers, brush fringe, three styles of tassel fringe, four styles of crystal tassel fringe and curtain tie-Bbacks. Call for sample books 516/877-7980—View online at www.Roselace.com

| VISION

»Custom Fabric Treatments »Natural Woven Shades »Custom Roll Shades »Solar Shades »C.O.M.

custom window treatments there is no substitute for 40 years experience

Be Different Be Nice Ergo Series Transmitter

»Custom Roman Shades

»Custom Drapery

NICE, THE RIGHT CHOICE IN INDOOR AUTOMATION. Technology. Ease. Reliability.

»Natural Woven Shades™

»Solar Solutions™

Nice presents the newest cutting-edge Era range of smart tubular motors especially suited for indoor shade control.

EST. 1973

Castec Sales Company 7531 Coldwater Canyon Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605 Tel: 800 828 2500 Fax: 818 503 8360 Email: sales@castec.com www.castec.com

Nice USA Inc. 12625 Wetmore Road, Suite 218 San Antonio, TX 78247 Toll. +1.877.786.7133 Ph. +1.210.581.6030 info@us.niceforyou.com

16778-01_Apollo-Nice-WindowFashionVision.indd WF-VISION.COM 1

| MAR/APRIL 13 |8/1/12 61 10:09 AM

IWCE; VISION’13

New Product Ruian Lianda Plastic & Weaving Co.,Ltd. Visit us at booth #1042

San Benito Shutter Co. Ltd. Visit us at booth #1028

We are a manufactory specialized in producing full set of wooden venetian horizontal blind components with a history over 20 years including cord, ladder string, ladder tape, plastic parts, and hardware parts. No.1,Lianzhong Rd., Dadianxia Industrial Zone,Tingtian Town, Ruian City, Zhejiang Province, China. Tel.: +86-0577-59881038 Fax: +86-0577-65503722, Email: helen_lianda@yahoo. com.cn Web: www.lianda-china.com

Your complete shutter source: California, Texas, Georgia, Florida. Painted Poly • Raw Poly • Paint Grade Wood • Painted Wood • CALIFORNIA ~ TEXAS ~ GEORGIA ~ FLORIDA Stain Grade Timbers Painted Poly ~ Raw Poly • Exterior Components • Sundries • Hardware • Equipment Paint Grade Wood ~ Painted Wood • Software • Manufacturing Support • Wholesale Wood, Stain Grade Timbers Exterior Components PolySundries And Unfinished Panels ~ Hardware ~ Equipment Phone: 831/637-8700, sales@sanbenitoshutter.com Software ~ Manufacturing Support

SB2 Concepts Visit us at booth #807

Wholesale Wood, Poly, & Unfinished Panels

 Phone: 831.637.8700 sales@sanbenitoshutter.com, Booth #437

TMS – Menagerie Visit us at booth #1114

SB2 Concepts offers a full range of polyester blackouts, decorative and design roller shade fabrics from Shaw of Australia, Lienesch and from our private Panoramic Creations and Darksource collection. We are also featuring new equipments by Ultratab at our booth. Come visit us for a sample binder of our latest fabrics and watch our machine demos. For more information, call 626-256-4800 or visit www.sb2concepts.com.

Coulisse Authorized Dealer of Shades and Fabrics. Fabricator of Motorized Drapery and Traverse Rod systems. Hardware lines include French Rods, “Outdoor” Hardware, Urban Dwellings–All Natural Wood, Traditional Decorative Menagerie, Casa Artistica Powder Coated Iron, Bamboo and more.

Uluslu Aluminium Visit us at booth #1138

Uni-Soleil Visit us at booth #1113

Manufacturer of alumuminium extruded profiles and plastic accessories for all kind of curatin systems and awnings.

Uni-Soleil has been a professional manufacturer of window coverings components & equipment since 1991 in Taiwan. With moulding facility and injection machines which enable us to provide customers OEM & ODM services and good quality products. Uni-Soleil is your One Stop Source! To learn more about our full range of blind products, visit www.uni-soleil.com.tw or email sales@uni-soleil.com.tw.

Uluslu Aluminyum san. Tic. Ltd. Sti., Address: Hanyanı Mevkii 81850 GÜMÜSOVA düzce/Turkey Tel:+90 380 731 24 00 Fax: +90 380 731 42 95 E-mail: info@uluslu.com.tr www.uluslu.com.tr

| VISION

Contact : sales@ themerchantsourceinc.com Tel: 407-339-4768, www.tms-menagerie.com

AllView Shutters by US Polymers Visit us at booth #828 AllView Shutters by US Polymers allows window covering fabricators to profitably manufacture poly shutters right here in the USA and beat the Chinese imports on price, delivery and quality. AllView shutters are made of poly materials that are pre-finished, eco-friendly and delivered to dealers in five days. To learn more about AllView Shutters and fabrication contact US Polymers at 800-737-4569 or visit www.allviewshutters.com.

Wellsco International Group Co., Ltd. Visit us at booth #1229 Wellsco International Group has been supplying over 3,000 Skus of home hardware products to the worldwide Wholesalers and Retailers with 30+ years experience. We are confidence with our On-time Delivery, Good Quality Control, Stronger R&D Capability and offer the most Competitive pricing. OEM / ODM products are very welcomed! Choose Wellsco! We can be your reliable supplier. Visit us at : www.wellsco-group.com

Automated Motor Shade Systems Phifer Sheerweave Fabrics Full Rolls and Cut Yardage

Contract Shades  Custom Solar Shades  Roman Shades  Somfy Motors and Parts  Components  Head Boxes  Side Channels

Servicing the Window Coverings industry for more than 90 years. 954-974-0525 FAX 954-974-0529 1-877-5-Phifer EMAIL automatedmotors@bellsouth.net

ZMC Window Covering Supplies Visit us at booth #1007 International manufacturer and distributor offering a variety of product lines that include specially designed components for Somfy Motors, Roller Shades, Roman Shades, Panel Track and a wide variety of fabrics. ZMC is proud to provide the best quality products and service at a competitive price, through our commitment to continuous improvement. Phone:800-541-2557 (US toll-free) or 1-877-670-8909 (Canada toll-free) Fax: 1-800-905-8563388 (toll-free) e-mail: contact@zmc.ca, www.zmc.ca

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 63

IWCE; VISION’13

One Year What can winning do you for you? Some of the winning designers and workrooms from last year’s Envision Design and Ingenuity Workroom competitions shared how they leveraged their winning projects to reach out to new clients, raise their profile and build their business. We’re looking forward to the 2013 competition award ceremony, once again sponsored by Hunter Douglas and scheduled for 5:15 pm, Friday, April 19.

| VISION

HEATHER RABOLD, SHEFFIELD FURNITURE AND INTERIORS It has been a busy year since we found out about our win, full of new and creative projects. It has allowed us to really push our custom window treatment marketing by saying we have an award-winning window treatment department! It gives more confidence to the clients that are considering working with us; after all we must be good if we have won awards!

tom and decorative banding that hides the shirring tape. Our workroom made the valance as separate pieces so that they wouldn’t pull against each other. Then the panels were mounted by ceiling mount brackets so that the panels are as close to the ceiling as possible. The details are what make the treatment, and perhaps in markets with less traditional clients this might not seem a big step, but for us, it’s definitely a fresher, more interesting approach to design.

We ran an insert in the Philadelphia Inquirer and initiated multiple direct mail and email marketing pieces. I received many calls from clients who did not know of Sheffield’s, or who knew of us but didn’t realize we designed custom window treatments I have found over the last year that the "awardwinning” stamp of approval for our work seems to have encouraged clients to step out of their comfort zone. Our clientele is drawn mainly from a market, right outside of Philadelphia, that tends toward classic and traditional deigns. So we do a lot of swags and panels, and panels with cornices, etc. Before winning, our clients often felt the most comfortable with the simplest iterations of these designs, despite any other options we might show them. Now however, because their confidence level in us is up, they are willing to listen to our expertise and ideas and permit us to experiment with more layers, textures and details. For instance, one of our clients had a window seat cut out in a steeplyangled wall in the master bedroom. The old treatment she had was mounted on the outside—a heavy shaped cornice and short panels. For the new treatment we wanted to do something that showed off the space inside, but was airy and soft and balanced the ‘wow’ of the bed. So we designed a sheer Austrian valance that is 36" deep with a bead trim on the botWF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 65

MARY SUSAN BICICCHI, INTERIORS BY MARY SUSAN My workroom fabricator suggested first suggested I needed to enter the Envision Design Competition in 2004 and I figured I had nothing to lose. I look back on that specific treatment and still feel the thrill at the process of creating something unique for a client. Fast forward a few years, and a few more entries in the Envision Design Competitions, and I have been privileged to win several awards. I’ve featured these special awards in my business marketing, and I notice the tremendous boost to my business. I recommend doing the following: 1. Contact a local newspaper to announce the award, which doesn’t involve a cost. Newspapers allocate space for these types of announcements. Your clients will also like to see this industry recognition. 2. Display the related Vision article on a laminated wall plaque in your office for visibility to potential clients. I use In The News, Inc., www. inthenewsonline.com. 3. Post your featured Vision article to your company website in your “Media Coverage” section. 4. Create a Shutterfly photo book (www.shutterfly.com) to feature significant projects, including those involving window treatments recognized by the Envision Design Competition. 5. Most importantly, during the interview process with potential clients, discuss and highlight your ability and passion for the window treatment element of the design process. Talk openly about your project successes that have been recognized through the Envision Design Competition. More often than not, I’ve noticed this impacts the client’s decision to separate you from competing designers. A specialty area like expertise in window treatments and drapery design will also get you noticed. From simple shutters to draping an entire wall, let window treatments set you apart as the ‘go to’ designer for creative, well-executed draperies. Window Fashion Vision and its Envision Design Competition can be both an inspiration and part of your marketing strategy. Now get out your pencil and start sketching!

| VISION

ELLEE NOLAN-ASARO, TRADE MART INTERIORS Once we found out about our 2012 winning entry, we began to rework our marketing. We redesigned our print ad to feature the hand drawing of the ‘before’ sketch next the photo of the winning design, while the text focues on our “award-winning design, from concept to completion”. We also sent out press releases, using the template provided by Vision to several local newspapers and we received editorial coverage in the Staten Island Advance and The Asbury Park Press of New Jersey. The announcement and following coverage also brought us to the attention of Industry Magazine of Staten Island, where new projects of ours have been featured twice and I’ve been interviewed for a trend article. To showcase the editorial coverage, we redesigned our website, both to better highlight our press recogination and to provide a more complete portfolio to help clients visualize their own homes redesigned. All has brought new business to us and I feel more confident and accomplished since I won the award. I know my designs are unique and I strive to give each client their own individual style. I am humble about winning the award but it doesn’t hurt mentioning it during a presentation! It has certainly helped establish our credentials and professionalism to both press and potential clients.

COLLEEN B. PETERSON, SEW STYLISH Winning in last year's competition has impacted my business in many positive ways. I wrote a press release for the local newspaper, and they followed up with a feature article and photo. This coverage directly generated business because when I walked into the homes of three of my most recent clients, they had cut out the article and had it pinned to their bullentin board or clipped to their project folder. It’s great to enter a new client's home and see your picture posted somewhere in there! Some of the new clients had heard of me before, but seeing my award notification solidified their decision to hire me for window treatments. The article helped me reach a new client base who were not referrals and that proved to be a great way to grow my business. The award and the press coverage impresses upon the client that you are a good designer, and they are then more willing to pay for your skills. I also was able to reconnect with a past client who was moving. The article reminded them of my abilities and I recently finished a $45,000 curtain job for them.

I also felt that my confidence grew. I was mentioned in BYU Alumni magazine, and friends from other parts of the world congratulated me. This helped me realize that I do have world-class skills. Sometimes when you are from a small town, getting recognized on a national level helps not only the clients, but also yourself feel worthy of the fees you charge and the reputation you acquire. I encourage designers to enter their work...it may take some extra planning to get pictures and an entrance fee, but the results will be both business-building and self-rewarding.

A-VENTURES, INC.

VISIT US AT BOOTH #940

Your 29-year Global / USA Resource for High Quality Shutter Hardware, Poly (PVC) and Wood Shutter Components to Help Fabricators Make the Best Industry Shutter. Hardware Hinges

Components: Poly (PVC) and Wood Magnets

Pins

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4021-A Sentry Post Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208 • 800-798-2291 • 704-399-2290 Fax: 1-888-399-0158 • Web: www.avia-ventures.com • Email: sales@avia-ventures.com

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 67

TINA FONTANA, FONTANA DESIGNS, LLC Winning the awards from Vision has been very useful in my business for several reasons. Winning lets my clients know that my work has been recognized by my peers and that I am well-known in the business. It also allows me to use my win for local write-ups for recognition and ads that I run locally. I used the cover of the Vision July/August 2012 issue that featured my winning project and posted it to my Facebook business fanpage. I never had a client say they are using me because I won an award but I know for a fact clients would rather purchase from award-winning designer and workroom than someone who is not! My approach for every job is to create a masterpiece but sometimes budget restraints and or the simplicity of a client doesn’t allow for creating the design you envisioned. Regardless, I do approach each job with the thought that it could be a potential entry for the next competition—and this helps me improve and make something better for both the client and myself.

KATHY WAKEMAN & LYNNE DYER, STYLE WISE Winning any competition is exciting, but to be recognized by an international organization of your peers is a true honor. Style Wise Enterprises was a startup business in 2007, at the beginning of the recession. Winning our first award in 2010 and then again last year has provided boosts necessary to push our business through some tough economic times. We referenced the award on our website and shamelessly showed off the article in Vision magazine. The award validated our talent—to both our clients and ourselves. This translated to a more confident sales approach, which gained prospective client trust in our vision for their windows. Immediately following our Envision design competition win last year we sold a design in an elite Parade of Homes event in Chapel Hill, NC. Much of our professional development as window treatment experts has been the result of our participation in IWCE events and the industry’s recognition of our skills. V

| VISION

One job that I was particularly proud of this year was the work that I did for a Baltimore Ravens player, Joe Flacco. I have to admit I’m not really a big football fan, but after taking on this project, I started hearing his name everywhere! I even started watching football this past season, so I was thrilled when he became a household name and went on to win the AFC Championship, MVP and then the Super Bowl. It was a thrill to work for Joe and Dana Flacco and meet them face to face. After finishing eleven rooms in their home I got my picture with Joe Flacco and baby Flacco on my last day on the job. Of course I looked a mess because I was working, but who cares? Everyone just looks at the Flaccos, Joe and the baby! I stand 5’8” but next to Flacco I felt short that day. I am definitely proud that Fontana Designs was selected to provide window treatments for Joe and Dana Flacco’s new home.

Keep your children safe with the new CK Lift System.

Window treatment by Joanna Braxton, WFCP Specialist Braxton Drapery Design

This is not an ad for window fashions. It’s an ad for window fashion professionals. Window Fashion Certified Professionals™ are redefining our industry by creating some of the most fashionable windows in the world. WFCP — the industry’s premier certification program since 1991.

This industry needs a new definition. We’re sharing it at wf-vision.com/WFCP

• • • •

Rated as “No Risk” strangulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and approved by Parents for Window Blind Safety. Capable of top down and bottom up. Easy to install and has no exposed cords. Available exclusively to members of the Workroom Association of America LLC and Window Fashions Certified Professionals. For more information, visit www.workroomassociation.com or www.wf-vision.com.

Visit the WFCP booth at IWCE New Orleans April 19-21 for special show introductory offers!

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 69

introducing

essential sets

by The Finial Company

20% SAVINGS when you buy in sets

Look to The Finial Company for your essential drapery hardware solution.

Essex Sales & Marketing Group, Inc. Your Premier Drapery Hardware supplier for the Best Brands Ph: 877-923-7739 Info@esmginc.com www.esmginc.com

| VISION

Product CALHOOK CALHOOK has all the right hangers, fixtures and racks for fabric samples. Wall systems and Max-Space™ floor displays make the best use of your available space and help manage samples efficiently. CALHOOK also supplies a full line of pointof-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 proudly introduces Fire Retardant Cellular Shade Fabrics. FR fabrics are newest addition to our broad selection of cellular shade material. FR rated fabrics passed latest NFPA 701 standard. Building on our “everything cellular...” concept, HT is a leading alternative supplier for all cellular shade needs. Please contact us for detail information. Call 800/879-9512, fax 626/839-8861 or visit our website www.htwfonline.com. Take another look at value. Take another look at HT Window Fashions

HT HT proudly proudly introduces introduces FIRE FIRERETARDANT RETARDANT CELLULAR CELLULAR SHADE SHADE FABRICS. FABRICS.FR FRfabrics fabrics is is newest newest addition addition to to our our broad broadselection selectionofof WOODMART cellular cellular shade shade material. material. FR FRrated ratedfabrics fabrics passed passed latest latest NFPA NFPA701 701 standard. standard.Building Building Exterior Shutters by Woodon on our our “everything “everything cellular...” cellular...”concept, concept,HT HT Mart. Made from Incense is a leading alternative supplier for all is a leading alternative supplier for allcellular cellularCedar. Available in a quick shade shade need. need. ship standard design with three louver options and/ Please Please contact contact us us for for detail detailinformation. information. or raised panels. We also Call Call (800) (800) 879-9512, 879-9512, fax fax (626) (626)839-8861 839-8861oror manufacture custom extevisit our website www.htwfonline.com. visit our website www.htwfonline.com. rior shutters with a variety Take Take another another look look at at value. value. of louver sizes, board and Take Take another another look look at at HT HTWindow WindowFashions. Fashions.

FAUX IRON SOLUTIONS

Think It’s Iron?

Think Again!

Faux Iron Solutions is the is prime source Tableaux® Faux Iron Solutions the prime sourceof of Tableaux® fauxfaux iron iron to to complete yourtreatments window treatments lookofofwrought wrought iron. complete your window withwith look iron. Any Any shape, size and design in a range of iron shape, size and a range of iron finish colors for arches, finishdesign colors forinarches, transoms, sidelights, transoms, sidelights, ceilings, cabinet and ceilings, cabinet and door inserts anddoor more. inserts and more. Visit us at www.fauxiron.com or call at 512-928-4693.

Visit us at www.fauxiron.com or call at 512-928-4693.

ONA DRAPERY Ona Drapery Hardware Company brings exquisite designs and exceptional value together in our Classic Collection of Wrought Iron drapery hardware. All of our hardware is individually handmade and finished exactly to your specifications. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Select from our Classic Collection and order with confidence. Website: onadrapery.com. Call for a free catalog: 800/2314025 or fax a request to 888/231-4026..

WOODMART WoodMart is a fully integrated manufacturer—from rough milling through finishing and packaging. Louver sizes range from 1" to 5". Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.

batten or Bahama Style. Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 71

What’s NEW LOOKS: The May/June issue of Vision will feature new product information from IWCE: Vision’13, the winning entries from the Envision desgin competition and some great new fabric and wallpaper introductions from late winter/spring. Shown here is Royal Ferns from the Crayford Collection by G.P. and J. Baker.

| VISION

WF-VISION.COM | MAR/APRIL 13 | 73

Fire Retardant Cellular Shade Fabrics From

window fashions

Ideal for commercial and home applications Meet NFPA 701 (2010) standard It provides a fire resistant barrier & halts its spread Energy saving cell structure Available in a broad range of colors, in light filtering and black out (custom color orders 6 boxes minimum - 8 weeks)

9/16” single cell - quick ship in 4 colors (cotton, winter white, fawn and pongee)

Order by the box (576 sq ft per box) or buy the shades..... FR certificate - available upon request

Safety & Style

Everything Cellular ... Call HT window fashions at 1-800-879-9512 Visit our website www.htwfonline.com

ckram u b n o n o ir döfix

ries pleated drape h c in P & ls e n rommet pa • Ideal for g rent ite or transpa h w in le b a il a • Av ults for perfect res y d o b t h g ri e • Adds th able and dry clean le b a h s a W • ” ”, 4”, 5” and 6 3 ”, 2 in le b a il • Ava

ore informati

-8983 for m Call 800-962

döfix No Sew, Inc. • 1947 Ironway Dr • Sanford, MI 48657 • Tel 800-962-8983; 989-687-7999 • www.dofix.com