Window Fashion VISION Magazine July/August 2022 Issue by Window Fashion Vision Magazine

Get Smart

VOLUME 44, ISSUE 4 JULY + AUGUST 2022

Tech, Trends & Motorization

2022

Workroom Design Competition Winners

FASHION TREATMENT Kips Bay Decorator Show House SHOW ME THE MONEY Selling Your Business

Coulisse presents Eve MotionBlinds

without the need for a bridge or any cloud

Eve MotionBlinds motors, developed by

dependency. Eve MotionBlinds are the first

Coulisse in collaboration with smart home

motors on the market to support Bluetooth

specialist Eve Systems, work with Apple

and Thread, drastically simplifying installation,

HomeKit technology directly from an iPhone,

automation and control.

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

SMART IN A MINUTE

Discover more

motionblinds.com/eve

V ISION

PATIO SHADES

Block the Sun, Not the View with our Oasis® Patio Shades & Retractable Insect Screens

Block glare, heat, insects, and golf balls in custom sizes up to 19 feet wide. Oasis 2800 Patio Sun Shades

Oasis 2900 Retractable Insect Shades

Side track OR cable guide system Welded fabric edges for fabric durability

4-sided seal keeps bugs OUT SHY® Zip zipper retention system

Motorization Systems to meet your project needs Oasis Patio Shades Driven by Lutron™ for integrated Lutron Projects Oasis Patio Shades with Somfy Radio Control or RS485 projects DRIVEN BY LUTRON TM

Standard 5-day production lead-time Manufactured in Louisville, Colorado USA Low-cost freight program for delivery nationwide

637 S. Pierce Ave., Louisville, CO 80027 | JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

TEL

303.665.1207 | www.insolroll.com

PATIO SHADES

Motorization Has Never Been Easier! Insolroll Quiet Motorized Embedded Battery Shade Motors Power and control solutions for every application.

NO WIRING

SIMPLE

RECHARGEABLE

APP CONTROL

Embedded Lithium Ion battery. Charge once per year.

Set scenes and schedules easily. Voice control compatible.

SOLAR POWERED RECHARGING OPTION Extended battery life and low maintenance

Sizes to 120” wide OR 120” high All radio motor technology compatible with existing Somfy RTS systems for easy add-ons for past customers.

Standard 5-day production lead-time. Low-cost freight program nationwide. Large in-stock Solar Shade & Decorative Shade fabric inventory Award-winning customer service•Fabricated in Louisville, Colorado USA

637 S. Pierce Ave., Louisville, CO 80027 |

TEL

303.665.1207 | www.insolroll.com

V ISION

G R AC E N OT E From The Publisher

E M B R AC I N G M OTO R I Z AT I O N

he article we ran last summer about motorization resonated with our readers so much that we decided to make motorization the focus of our July/August issue annually.

If you haven’t already integrated motorization, automation and the smart home movement into your business, you’re leaving money on the table and will begin to lose business by not remaining competitive to the demands of today’s consumers. I personally have fully embraced motorization. As I begin to redecorate the rooms of my home, I’m making all the window treatments motorized. I don’t see this as a luxury but as a necessity in my desire to make my home current and up to date.

Publisher Grace McNamara

The most exciting home project that I’ve taken on is the almost-complete ZipScreen-enclosed patio that will literally give my house another room that takes advantage of the beautiful view of a pond. (I will definitely be sharing the beforeand-after photos with you!) Like most consumers, I love showing off my motorized window treatments to my guests, many of whom find

them fascinating. If anyone is in the market to build, remodel or renovate their homes, I encourage them to make their homes smart with motorized and automated window treatments for both the convenience and ultimate energy savings. This issue goes beyond providing information about smart home technology to include inspiration for interior design projects. Between the showcase of the talented interior designers who created the rooms at the Fifth Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, FL, to the recap of the winners of VISION’s Workroom Design Competition, you are sure to be in awe of what happens when you combine talent and creativity. And you’ll know where I’ll be enjoying reading this issue: on my new screened-in patio, of course! Warm regards,

Grace McNamara Publisher Grace@wf-vision.com

From My Shelf: Good Summer Reads Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones By James Clear Author James Clear argues that adopting the right habits will drastically improve your life. But to change our habits, we must first understand how habits work. This book is really a primer to understanding why habits matter, the three mindsets we use to create them, how they form and the four keys to changing our habits. Penguin Random House

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Coming Home By Rosamunde Pilcher This novel set against the backdrop of an elegant Cornwall mansion before World War II is the perfect beach read. It tells the story of an extraordinary young woman’s coming of age, coming to grips with love and sadness, and ultimately coming home. St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Six California Kitchens: A Collection of Recipes, Stories, and Cooking Lessons from a Pioneer of California Cuisine By Sally Schmitt with Bruce Smith This is a quintessential California cookbook with farm-to-table recipes and stores from Sally Schmitt, the pioneering female chef and original founder of the famed The French Laundry restaurant. This soon-to-be classic cookbook is filled with 115 recipes and beautiful food and sense-of-place photography. Chronicle Books

CO N T E N T S July + August 2022

VISION

IN THIS ISSUE

W I N D OW T REAT M EN TS & I N S PIR E D D E S IG N

F E AT U R E S

D E PA R T M E N T S

GRACE NOTE

A View From Above

By Grace McNamara, Publisher

10 12

disCOVER

About The Cover

POINT-OF-VIEW: New & Noteworthy

All That’s Interesting

Invasion Of The Integrators

GET SMART

By O’D McKewan

A look at the technological revolution and its impact on the residential window treatment industry.

Tech, Trends & Motorization

Tools That Work

The Future Of Home

Smart Installation

The smart home movement’s impact on window treatments.

Details on the hardware and software required for motorization and automation.

FULL FRAME: Technology

A look at what may influence our living spaces going forward.

What it takes to create smart homes.

FULL FRAME: Designers & Dealers

FULL FRAME: Installer

Q&A With Interior Designer Robin Baron

5 Things I Learned At The International Window Coverings Expo By Roger Magalhaes

FULL FRAME: Workrooms

One Tiger Down By Kelli Vitari

THROWING SHADE

Creative collaboration between The Shade Store and interior designers at the Fifth Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, FL.

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WINNING WORK: 2022 Workroom Competition Winners

The annual Window Fashion VISION Workroom Competition Awards honor the most talented members of the window covering industry.

SHOW ME THE MONEY: Best Business Practices How To Sell Your Business By Steven C. Bursten

70 72

GLARE

Product Spotlight

CURTAIN CALL Last Look

The SheerWeave app is available for free download to all mobile devices.

Now more than ever, maintaining views and natural light are important. REDEFINING ROLLER SHADE FABRIC.

MASTHEAD July + August 2022 W

VISION W I N D OW T RE AT ME N TS

& INSP IR E D DE SIGN

Volume 44, Issue 4

President/Publisher | Grace McNamara grace@wf-vision.com Associate Publisher | Ania McNamara ania@wf-vision.com Editor-in-Chief | Sara Fiedelholtz sara@wf-vision.com

Get Smart

Art Director | Eric Taylor eric@wf-vision.com

Tech, Trends & Motorizatio n

IWCE Conference Director | Shannon Flaherty shannon@wf-vision.com Copy Editor | Maude Campbell

Accounting | Kim Rick accounting@wf-vision.com

CONT RIBUT ORS Stephen C. Bursten, Roger Magalhaes, O’D McKewan, Kelli Vitari

VOLUME 44, ISSUE 4 JULY + AUGUST 2022

Social Media Coordinator | Corina Buzdugan corina-elena@mcnamaramarketing.com

2022

Workroom Design Competition Winners

FASHION TREATMENT Kips Bay Decorator Show House SHOW ME THE MONEY Selling Your Business

SUBSCRIPT IONS 651-330-0574 • info@wf-vision.com

ON THE COVER: Photographer: Nickolas Sargent/Sargent Photography Project: Fifth Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, 2022 Palm Beach, FL Guest Bedroom Designed By Kelly Finley, Joy Street Design

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 information-gathering process. Crediting disputes between parties other than VISION magazine are solved at the discretion of those involved. Window Fashion VISION (ISSN 08869669) (USPS 708930) published bi-monthly by AIM Communications LLC, 4707 Hwy 61 N #255, St Paul, MN 55110, Tel 651-3300574. Visit our website at WF-VISION.com. Periodicals postage paid at St Paul, MN. Postmaster: Send address changes to Window Fashion VISION, 4707 Hwy 61 N #255, St Paul, 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). Copyright © 2022 by AIM Communications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Canadian Publications Agreement Number: #40036514. Canadian Return Address: 4707 Hwy 61 N #255, St Paul, MN 55110 JULY + AUGUST 2022, VOLUME 44, ISSUE 4.

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d i s COV E R Cover Story

SHADES OF COLOR The Fifth Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, FL, was on view in March and April. The house featured the talents of 24 designers who dreamed up interiors that served to redefine the region’s style. These designers shared their fresh takes on Palm Beach living in a 1920 Mediterranean Revival estate, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home is quintessential Palm Beach, but its transformation was updated and fresh while remaining connected to its past.

The show house room featured on the cover of this issue of Window Fashion VISION magazine is of the guesthouse’s bedroom. It was created by the designer Kelly Finley, the CEO/creative director of Joy Street Design with offices in Oakland, CA, and Atlanta, GA. “I am known for my colorful interiors. I also love technology. I like showing how you can live with technology without it taking over your life,” said Finley. “There are so many benefits of technology, so I wanted to show how you can bring it into the home but also create a space that is super cozy, inviting and comforting.” Finley was one of the 21 show house designers that collaborated with The Shade Store, the exclusive window treatment partner for the show house, to assist with realizing her vision. “One of the biggest trends we have seen in show houses is the return to using traditional design elements in new ways,” said The Shade Store’s

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Vice President of Sales Adam Skalman. “At this year’s Kips Bay show house, we saw cornices with intricate and interesting shapes, innovative trim applications and even the use of traditional patterns on the windows. “We also saw a big emphasis on natural materials—several designers brought elements of the outdoors into their spaces.” The show house not only offered The Shade Store an opportunity to push the boundaries on its custom window treatment capabilities, but in the case of Finley’s project, it allowed The Shade Store to demonstrate how it is innovating window treatments through technology. When it came to using technology, Finley opted to motorize her ripplefold drapery, as well as include a framed screen showcasing NFT artwork to make the space more future-forward with the infusion of technology.

But, she also selected fabrics and materials to create a beautiful and inviting space perfect for respite. The room showcased her signature contemporary design aesthetic. “I use a lot of texture, black accents and linear lines. I like to use texture to layer a space as it allows for the creation of a variety of focal points.” The layering of this space started with putting the wallpaper that Finley developed with S. Harris on the ceiling. The paper’s juicy berry tones inspired the room’s entire color story. “I really love wallpaper. We know it creates a different feeling when you put it on walls. I wanted to flip this so the ceiling could become an important feature without dominating the room,” she said. “I am really moving away from just having white ceilings, even if you just use a tinted color on the ceiling to add interest. But I think in this case, wallpapering the ceiling was an opportunity to take it to the next level and use it to bring the room completely together.” V Kelly Finley, Joy Street Design » JoyStreetDesign.com

New Release

Sanctuary Collection Inspired by the organic textures of nature Featuring 11 matching light filtering/blackout fabrics available in 118” width, Sanctuary’s unique three-dimensional pattern provides a signature textural finish. Suitably designed for roller, roman and panel shades, Sanctuary delivers a seamless fabric solution for your interior. Learn more at texstyle.com/sanctuary

A division of Rollease V ISIONAcmeda

P O I N T- O F-V I E W

WOVEN TOGETHER The International Textile Alliance recently produced the spring Interwoven (formerly Showtime Market) show, which is dedicated to bringing together all segments of the textile industry.

And from the comprehensive presentations of fabric, leather and trim manufacturers, several fabric trends emerged and were showcased in the new collections launched by many companies at the show.

CHUNKY TEXTURES Consumers are experimenting with texture by pairing fabrics like flat weaves with boucles to bring more dimension into a space.

At Sunbrella, the company is constantly expanding its yarn bank to incorporate new and innovative textures that encourage this type of layering technique that truly makes a space feel dynamic. Sunbrella is seeing a surge in plush ribbed fabrics and corduroy-type textures, an idea that is emphasized with its Roving pattern.

Milliken Textiles has introduced the new re:Discover collection that features fabrics inspired by chunky textures. The collection includes a large selection of performance fabrics with a nonPFAS water-repellent finish in 23 patterns.

Sattler Outdura, a division of The Sattler Group, presented its new Virage collection that includes solution-dyed acrylic fabrics that are punctuated by four distinct fabric statements. Virage offers 176 jacquards, textured dobbies and strip selections.

Revolution Mills/STI has launched it largest collection of new products, including its heaviest boucle.

GLOBAL PATTERNS/NATURAL INFLUENCES Many fabric manufacturers are going beyond trends to seek inspiration from around the world that will complement a wide variety of design aesthetics. The desire for a connection with nature, the countryside and an influence of botanicals are also shaping fabric patterns, hues and textures.

Covington introduced a fresh combination of prints, wovens and embroideries, as well as a wide assortment of wovens, including sculptured chenillies and multicolored textures. One of its key patterns includes Bow Wow, a digital print that was inspired by the retro pop style of the 1980s Memphis design movement.

Richloom’s Platinum collection took its inspiration from consumers’ desires to seek comfort in nature from the book The Secret Garden, which focuses on a garden in the English countryside.

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Ultrasuede introduced a new geometric pattern that is usually seen in cotton and wool fabrications. The small-scale twill pattern in Ultrasuede HP is created with a dye print using rotary screens. It is available in five colorways and the pattern is evocative of a classic zigzag textile weave used in the production of denim garments, suiting or the iconic wool overcoats produced in Scotland.

Sunbrella’s new interwoven collection features a fresh palette with fabrics in earth tones and sunbaked colors, which highlight modern graphic geos, artisanal and block printing-inspired techniques and updated interpretations of classic stripes.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

PERFORMANCE QUALITY

There is continued demand for sustainable products, as well as fabrics that are made from upcycled and recycled materials.

The demand for upholstery and fabrics that withstand the wear and tear of such commercial spaces from health care to hospitality continues to remain strong.

Richard Frinier Collection featuring Sunbrella ReFlections fabric with its combination of recycled polyester, recycled acrylic and virgin acrylic was shown for the first time. It has also expanded its ReCycle fabric offerings with the introduction of new patterns, two of which feature a new boucle yarn called Lengthen and Improve. All of its ReCycle fabrics contain at least 50% recycled polyester.

With its new menswear-inspired patterns, Supreen debuted a fresh collection with three new wool-inspired textures, reminiscent of houndstooth, heathered flannel and tweed. These patterns combine Supreen’s revolutionary liquid barrier and stain-resistance with elements of luxury.

NEUTRALS REMAIN STRONG Although color is commanding more attention, there is still the desire by many to design with the safety and subtlety that the classic hues of white, off-white and beige offer.

Culp’s new Earth collection showcases its introduction of its recycled LiveSmart Evolve fabrics. To date, the Evolve fabrics have upcycled more than 86 million water bottles.

Valdese Weavers had eight new introductions from its environmentally friendly InsideOut Performance Fabrics + Seaqual Initiative collection. It also featured a new collection of 20 fabrics made using yarn from recycled T-shirts.

American Leather introduced the new Leather Symphony collection. It embraces light finishes that highlight the natural characteristics of the hides.

Ultrafabrics debuted Hush, a curated selection of 14 white and off-white fabrics. Hush is a balance of visual appeal and comfort with flexible functionality, which is designed to take away the fear of using such a pale shade. The solutions for these new fabrics also include breathability, outdoor-specific attributes, and ink and stain protection. V

V ISION

P O I N T- O F-V I E W

HISTORIC RETAIL The Gallery at the Historic Bethlehem Steel building was restored and reimagined as RH San Francisco, located at 590 20th St. The 80,000-square-foot landmark building’s five floors integrate luxury home furnishing collections from RH Contemporary, Interiors, Modern and Outdoor with rare art, antiques and artifacts from around the world. It also reflects RH’s continued foray into hospitality with The Palm Court Restaurant and two wine bars, as well as housing the company’s 10,000-square-foot in-house interior design firm and atelier. The revitalized building, the crown jewel of San Francisco’s Pier 70, is the latest in iconic buildings that RH has revitalized as design and dining destinations; others include the former Museum of Natural History in Boston’s Back Bay and the Historic Three Arts Club in Chicago’s Gold Coast.

» RH.com

OLD IS NEW “Design lovers have come to appreciate the practical, environmental and style advantages of vintage furnishings,” said Anna Brockway, president of the online vintage retailer Chairish. “Vintage has proven to be the stylish antidote to the supply chain snarl and rising inflation rates impacting the home furnishings industry.”

MATERIALLY RELEVANT

Material Bank—the marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying materials for architecture and interior design projects—has secured $175 million in funding to fuel its growth and expansion. With its unified platform and fast fulfillment capabilities by instantaneously connecting hundreds of suppliers, Material Bank has streamlined what was a historically lengthy selection process.

» MaterialBank.com Of the designers surveyed, 70% said they are buying more vintage products today than they did at the same time in 2021. Also, according to the survey, the vintage trend is seeing the most popularity in the Southeast, where 80% of designers reported they are using more vintage in their projects than in the past. Demand for vintage furniture is booming for practical reasons, including its immunity to supply chain issues and inflationary pressure, its sustainability benefits and stylish appeal of unique pieces. By using vintage furniture, designers report they can deliver their clients one-of-a-kind looks that aren’t replicated elsewhere and do so on time and on budget.

» Chairish.com

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VISION 20/20: CORRECTIONS In the May/June 2022 issue, the company Serge Ferrari was incorrectly identified. It should have been represented as Serge Ferrari Group. The correct URL for its North American operation is SergeFerrari.com/us-en. In the May/June 2022 issue, the photo on page 55 of the blue velvet panels was incorrectly identified. It is the entry for the Design to Install Competition for Workroom Central at 2022 IWCE. The correct first-place winner of the Artisan Project is Ancient World Tour by Kelli Vitari, owner of Wild Fern Window Furnishings in Olympia, WA.

P O I N T- O F-V I E W New & Noteworthy

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, who is known for her wild prints that cohere through symmetry, has made her first foray into interior design with a tile that is both digitally printed and traditionally screen-printed, featuring a step-andrepeat of colorful, varied butterflies set within frames styled as postage stamps. They form the basis of Victorian, a ceramic wall and floor tile collection Katrantzou created for Villeroy & Boch. » Villeroy-Boch.com

Luxury pillow designer Deborah Main (aka The Pillow Goddess) has established a collaboration with nationally recognized interior designer Robin Baron to launch the one-of-a-kind UnZipped Pillow Collection. The decorative pillow collection is available in 16 different color combinations and three different sizes: 18-, 20- and 22-inch squares. Each pillow features a fully functioning exposed zipper that reveals a sneak-peek pouch with a pop of contrasting color. Paired with exposed hardware and handmade suede tassels are design details that give the traditional throw pillow a bit more style. » The UnZipped Pillow Collection is available exclusively at RobinBaronDesign.com.

The California-based home furnishing retailer Living Spaces has launched a new furniture collection with HGTV home design renovation experts Drew and Jonathan Scott. From rugs to sectionals, the 90-piece casual and elegant collection draws its inspiration from the Southern California landscape—from art deco movie theaters to the San Gabriel Mountains. Drew and Jonathan’s designs lend modern style to a classic line. » LivingSpaces.com

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EA S Y I NTEGR ATION WITH FORES T SHUT TLE MOTOR S

SHUTTLE MOTOR LINE-UP: Easily integrate into most home automation systems. All motors include a 10-year warranty. Plug and play installation or choose our battery powered option. Hey Google Hey Siri

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P O I N T- O F-V I E W New & Noteworthy Holly Hunt has launched a new collection of indoor/ outdoor performance fabrics. The new Blurred Lines collection features dozens of luxurious performance textiles that aim to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor. Available in seemingly endless colorways, patterns and textures, the outdoor selections (largely designed for upholstery and drapery applications) are not only made with 100% solution-dyed acrylic and suitable for unfavorable weather conditions, but they’re also stain-repellent and are mildew-resistant and able to be cleaned with bleach. The collection was designed in collaboration with Assemblage, an Arkansas-based company whose geometric patterns and bespoke wallcovering designs inspired the outdoor creations.

» HollyHunt.com

The Shade Store has introduced its new Artisan Weaves collection with an assortment of 12 exclusive materials in 30-plus colorways that are available in stock for roman and woven wood shades. The collection showcases a range of materials, from finely woven grasses to refined woods and reeds. Each material is textured and made exclusively with natural fibers.

» TheShadeStore.com

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h t d i Wide W BIG WINDOWS, NO PROBLEM, WE ’ VE GOT YOU COVERED! Wilson Fabrics offer the Complete Window Solution of Coordinating Blinds, Drapery & Sheers. All Fabrics are available in Wide Width! discover more:

ORDER YOUR SAMPLES AT SALES@WILSONFABRICS.COM V ISION

P O I N T- O F-V I E W New & Noteworthy

COLOR COUTURE Nice Link Home Furnishings, one of the largest suppliers of fabric upholstery, made its largest product introduction at the recent textile trade show Interwoven (formerly Showtime Market). The four new collections reflect current design trends and interest in specific textiles.

The Pantone Color Institute recently shared its colors for Autumn/Winter 2022/2023. The color palette continues to reflect our need for nurturing and tactility, as well as calm and restorative space, fulfilling our yearning for comfort. But the hues also illustrate our desire to break free of restraint and embrace joy and vitality.

“Colors for Autumn/Winter contrast our competing desires for calm and comfort with energy-boosting vitality through a range of restful and restorative colors, in tandem with exuberant tones,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “As we move forward into an environment filled with contradiction, the Autumn/Winter hues enable consumers to move fluidly between a range of contrasting shades.” V

» Pantone.com

AUTUMN/WINTER 2022/2023 PALETTE Contrasting colors that bring together our desires for rest and relaxation with exuberant expression.

LAVA FALLS an impassioned orange-red with a captivating presence

SAMOAN SUN cheerful as it enlightens and illuminates

ORANGE TIGER a hi-vis orange with whimsicality

ROSE VIOLET vivid and vibrant and full of zing

AMAZON lush and fertile broadleaf green

NOSEGAY a fragrant floral pink that envelopes the senses

WATERSPOUT cleansing color that refreshes

CARAMEL CAFÉ a delicious brown hue that tastefully tempts

MIDNIGHT a hypnotic deep blue evocative of the evening sky

MARTINI OLIVE a fruit-inspired green tone with a touch of brine

The RETURN TO NATURE collection brings the beauty and benefits of nature into the home, drawing from botanical influences by layering leaf and floral motifs with organic shapes and textures. The collection includes vivid colors and strives for a feeling of kinship between interior and exterior spaces. The POSITIVE MOOD collection emphasizes the appeal of abstract artistry. With its irregular geometrics and contrasting textures, the collection offers a cutting-edge feel of contemporary design with strong silhouettes, defined lines and unexpected color combinations. The URBAN REVIVAL collection features strong, graphic motifs with bold color combinations. Influenced by visual themes found in city living, the patterns include sinuous lines, amorphous shapes, stripes and checks that range from small- to large-scale designs. The MODERN VINTAGE collection offers a feeling of nostalgia and an appreciation of luxury and splendor of design from the past. Patterns in the collection are filled with historical references but updated with a modern sensibility, including bold and playful patterns, modern floral prints with vintage appeal and detailed weaves, and fresh colorways.

» NiceLinkUSA.com

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AUTUMN/WINTER 2022/2023 CORE CLASSIC PALETTE These classic seasonless hues whose versatility express longevity.

ARCTIC WOLF a softly shaded tactile white

AUTUMN BLONDE creamy and gently nurtures

POLAR NIGHT a cosmically inspired blue hue that explores the mysteries of new horizons

LODEN FROST an earthinfused green tone that calms and restores

CHISELED STONE displays a silent strength

ORION

ORNAMENTAL IRON, INC.

Orion is Your One Stop Resource for Drapery Motorization

The new SouthSeas collection by Texton offers the look of a woven shade with the durability and functionality of a roller shade. Utilizing its top 20 patterns, Texton’s SouthSeas shades are woven woods and grass weaves created with 3D imaging to produce designs that were inspired by its original woven shades. The collection is available in both lightfiltering and blackout, as well as with white-facing exteriors to provide uniformity to the outside.

» Texton.com Visions Magazine Ad

V01

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No need to specify your drapery automation projects from multiple vendors, Orion is your go-to resource. Take advantage of our full range of drapery motorization for any budget any style – from traditional, eclectic or modern. It’s the perfect combination of Somfy motors with Orion’s luxury window dressing hardware. Our Somfy motor options include the budget friendly Movelite 35, Glydea 35e, the gold standard Glydea 60e and Irismo wirefree motors. We’re in the Know When it Comes to Motorization Take advantage of our customization capabilities. Orion’s motorized drapery hardware is available in single or double track systems for ripplefolds or pleated headings in 5 powder coated finishes- white, antique bronze, silver, gold and black- complete with color coordinated ball bearing glides. Order your hardware with or without rings and your choice of any of our finials. Pulley and motor covers are finished to match your tracks.

Grow Your Drapery Sales with Motorization Take advantage of drapery motorization’s growth opportunities. Offer your clients the soft Smart Home experience with draperies that can be controlled with the touch of a button, simple voice commands and third-party devices. Bring your window treatment design vision to life with our diverse collection of 17 fascia options in iron or wood.

sales@ironartbyorion.com | www.ironartbyorion.com | 877.476.6278

V ISION

FULL FRAME Technology

The Invasion Of The Integrators BY O’D MCKEWAN

If you are involved in selling motorized window coverings and you haven’t noticed the impact of audio-visual integrators on the window treatment industry, you will soon. Audio-visual integrators and more and more electricians are now selling motorized window coverings directly to their clients. There is a large push from some major motor manufacturers to market directly to these companies. In fact, some of them have completely jumped ship and are only marketing to these entities and severing ties with their former window covering dealers. This is the business strategy adopted by motor manufacturers because they believe the integrators and electricians have a better opportunity to sell their window treatment products because they get in front of potential clients first. If we, as window covering dealers, are not careful, this is exactly what will happen— especially when it comes to custom-built homes and remodeling projects.

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Generally, integrators and electricians are involved with the construction of a home long before window covering dealers or interior designers. This gives them the opportunity to introduce the idea of motorized window coverings at the start of the project. This is an opportunity that isn’t afforded to most retail window covering dealers. Window covering dealers are generally called in after construction is complete and the client has already blown his or her budget on upside-down water faucets and indoor barbeques on revolving treadmills. So, when an integrator or electrician offers the client the opportunity to have motorized window coverings from the start of the construction project, the costs can be built into the overall project budget within the home loan. This is certainly more appealing to the client,

as it incorporates window treatments within the project’s overall budget. The impact of this is compounded by the fact that most integrators and electricians price their jobs completely differently than a window covering dealer. Typically, electricians make most of their money off the labor costs of a job and not the products installed. So, they tend to price the window coverings at a much lower margin and offer the window treatments at a lower price than the window covering dealer. This is in contrast to window covering dealers charging a very small percentage of the installation of the motorized window treatments to the total cost. Regardless, the client sees it is a much better deal to get the window treatments from the electrician because he/she is

We need to consider how integrators and audio-visual service providers are affecting the window treatment industry. — O’D McKewan already paying for his/her services. Think of it like the car dealer adding the extended warranty or the upgraded sound system or monogrammed floor mats and telling the buyer it’s only an extra $100 a month. In the long run, the client will ultimately pay more than if he/she bought everything separately. Some of the other issues I see with clients purchasing window coverings from integrators and electricians is the lack of knowledge the integrators and electricians have when it comes to offering, selecting and providing the proper types of window treatments that clients want and/or require. Remember, these are not window covering experts, they are just offering window treatments as an add-on product to their job. They are not trained in selecting color combinations or adding to the aesthetic design of the room. Most of the integrators and electricians are limited to offering only one product line to all their clients. This is typically just a single brand of motorized window coverings and is most likely just roller shades. And, although roller shades are popular, it is not the product for all project specifications.

INSTALLERS VS. INTEGRATORS So, as window covering dealers and interior designers, can we protect ourselves from the invasion of integrators and electricians into our selling process? Well, first and foremost, as I always say in my motorization classes, “Knowledge is power.” Product knowledge should be your first line of defense; not only knowing your products, but also knowing the products that are offered by integrators and electricians. If you are a motorized window covering dealer, you should know what window treatments integrate with your motors. This also means knowing what other devices your clients may use to control the motorized window coverings. With today’s expanding technological capabilities, there are a lot of easy integration devices—such as smart hubs and gateways—that you can offer to clients at a fraction of the cost of what an integrator sells. That’s right: You can outsell an integrator if you know what you are doing. Integrators don’t like to sell the DIY products because, remember, they make money on their labor. So, finding alternative offerings for your clients can really impact your business.

Thus, the question you should be asking is: How do I get to the client before the integrator or electrician? This is the milliondollar question (or, in the case of the window covering industry, the multimillion-dollar question to save the industry). Right now, the integrators and electricians are starting to infiltrate the business of the window covering dealers. But, the longer you go without getting involved in protecting your business, the harder it will become. As I mentioned, the first thing to do is to know your stuff! Once you have a good knowledge base of your products, you can begin to promote and advertise your business to custom home construction and remodeling companies. Get your name out there as an expert in custom motorized window coverings. Then, instead of being an afterthought for the homeowner, you will become involved during the decision-making process. It will take time to build your reputation and to become prepared for the long turnaround times that come with new construction and remodeling projects. Unlike the typical one- to two-month turnaround with the purchase of window treatments, custom and remodeling projects can take anywhere from 12 to 24-plus months. This is also why, when working on these types of projects, it will be important to get contracts signed and security deposits up front. This will also ensure that you are protected from being taken advantage of for your expertise and will keep you involved in the project as it progresses.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER In the meantime, while you are trying to build up your reputation as an expert, consider partnering with an integrator or electrician to do the window covering portion of their projects with them or, better yet, for them. Believe it or not: Most of these integrators and electricians do not like selling window coverings. It is a lot of extra work dealing with the client that they are generally not interested in doing. Again, for them it is easier to say, “I can put some motorized roller shades in those windows for you.” So, if you can partner with the integrators and electricians, you can sell the window coverings to the client and let the integrators and electricians do

the wiring and integrating. They will still get their labor rates and they do not have to deal with selecting colors and fabrics or determining the correct products for the home’s various windows. I have found that many of the integrating companies would prefer to relinquish the window covering duties and not have to deal with carrying all the samples, dealing with the challenges of selling the wrong products, having to handle unsatisfied clients and, ultimately, dealing with costly mistakes. Remember, integrators and electricians do not make their money off the products, so having to remake products due to mistakes is much more detrimental to their profits.

FUTURE OF BUSINESS In conclusion, although I jest about the invasion of integrators, you should take this opportunity to seriously consider how this new field of service providers can and will affect our industry and your business. And, with all the new and upcoming safety protocols that will push more clients to purchase motorized window coverings, the integrators and electricians will become more of a threat to the window treatment industry. If clients are aware from the start of their projects about the role the window treatment professional can play in their projects instead of at the end, it is possible to secure a seat at the table from the project’s planning stages. Because we all know that whomever gets a seat at the table first has the best chance of securing the project. Don’t be left out of the game because you are waiting for the clients to come to you. V

O’D McKewan is the product coach for Window Covering World and an expert on motorization and industry leader in the field of motorized window coverings. He has extensive hands-on experience with motorized window coverings, including fabrication, installation and selling.

» WindowCoveringWorld.com V ISION

FULL FRAME Designer

“Our homes are a reflection of who we are … they also help us to become who we want to be.” — Robin Baron

This home office was created for real estate broker Ryan Serhant, who stars on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York. The Jab Anstoetz drapery fabric is a gray flannel with hints of metallic silver. It was the first thing selected for the room’s interior and was used as the design inspiration for the room, including its silver-leafed ceiling. Photo: Phillip Ennis Photography

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Interior Design Baron Interior designer Robin Baron started her career in fashion design, but once she discovered interior design, she moved her attention from dressing bodies to dressing rooms. For 30 years, Baron has worked on designing interiors for her high-end residential clients through her eponymous design firm, as well as designing and manufacturing her own home furnishings collection and collaborating and licensing her name to others through her design studio.

Baron is a prominent figure in New York City’s design community and has served as the president of the NY Metro chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Through her involvement in such organizations as the Sustainable Furnishings Council and Women in the Home Industries Today (WithIt), Baron also advocates for the environment and women’s rights in the home furnishings industry. And although Baron is laser-focused on her interior design work, it is clear from her design philosophy, aesthetic and creative process she still uses her training as a fashion designer. This was easily evident throughout Window Fashion VISION’s conversation with her.

WINDOW FASHION VISION: What is your design philosophy? ROBIN BARON: Confidence begins at home. Your surroundings are the first thing you see when you wake up and the last thing you see before you go to sleep. What you have around you—the furnishings, textures, patterns and materials—can influence your state of mind. I want people’s homes to exude positivity.

I currently have a hardware collection for Hamilton Sinkler and lighting fixtures with the Minka Group. WFV: How has the design industry changed over the past 30 years? RB: The first big change I see is the development of a community. When I started, there was no way for designers to communicate and connect with each other. At that time, High Point didn’t allow interior designers. It was very difficult to get into showrooms. Social media has changed the landscape. Today, there is a sense of community. I belong to an exclusive group of New York designers called Design Share and we get together monthly to share resources, ideas and serve as support for each other.

WFV: What home furnishings does your signature design studio offer? RB: I am most known for my hardware. It is my signature collection. I consider hardware to be the home’s jewelry. And I have a very large jewelry collection and love to wear big, bold and beautiful statement pieces. You don’t come to me for little knobs. I create statement pieces of jewelry for the home with my hardware collection.

About 20 years ago, when manufacturers realized the importance of interior designers and that they offer a steady and consistent stream of business at very large volumes, the landscape for interior designers really changed. And now, with social media and all the home design television shows, the world of interior design is so much more accessible.

WFV: When did you start your design studio? RB: I started it about five years ago. I create my own case goods, upholstery and rugs, as well as collaborating with other home furnishing companies.

This hardware is from the Robin Baron Signature Collection’s Eclipse Series and Comb Series.

V ISION

FULL FRAME Designer

WFV: How has e-commerce changed the way you work? RB: My design firm is very different from my design studio and e-commerce site. My design firm caters to my high-end residential clientele. My design studio’s signature collection and e-commerce site allows me to create an additional revenue stream, as well as promoting my business in a different way. I reach a different market segment and it gives me many more opportunities for marketing and promotion.

And because it takes so much money to market, advertise and reach consumers, I have found that a significant amount of the traffic to my e-commerce site comes from the trade and other interior designers. I think this is because they know me. They have seen and met me at the national trade shows I have done, including High Point, to promote my signature collection. I didn’t expect to have so many designers come to my site, but people in the industry know my name and use me as a resource for their interior design projects.

The room’s window treatment is made with Kravet fabric and trim. Baron loves using trim because she thinks it is a great finishing detail that punctuates and elevates the window covering.

WFV: What role do you think window treatments play in a home’s interior design?

This media room was designed with a Moroccan feel. The motorized window treatment is made from Christopher Hyland fabric and the tassels were custom-made by Samuel & Sons. Baron used the tassels to enhance the window treatment’s Moroccan feel.

These cabinet pulls are from the Robin Baron Signature Collection's Fleur Series.

RB: Window treatments are the makeup. They are the finishing touch, but also so much more. There is such a difference when you see a woman who is all made up and dressed for a special event and a woman who has no makeup and is in sweats. Window treatments complete the look.

Many clients tell me that they don’t want window treatments because they don’t want to block the view. But I explain that you will look outside more if you bring the right attention to your windows. If the windows are properly highlighted, they will bring more attention and cause you to look outside more. Just like eye makeup brings added attention to the eyes and doesn’t take away from them, window treatments bring more attention to the windows and their vistas. And, just think, if you don’t have a good view, beautiful window treatments can block the view. Window treatments are critical to make a house a home.

Photo: Rob Karosis

WFV: Are you seeing any new trends with window treatments? RB: Over the past 15 years, when it came to window treatments, people wanted a more minimalistic style. But now people want more traditional/transitional, so classics are coming back. I think this is because people are nesting, and they want a more balanced approach between traditional/transitional and modern design. This is an interesting nexus in order to try to create such a design balance.

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Photo: Rob Karosis

But an interesting thing about consumer-focused e-commerce is that it takes a lot of money to break through all the competition. This is especially true now with all the home décor companies that developed e-commerce sites during the pandemic, when everyone was so home-focused. There is so much more competition.

WFV: What are some of the home design trends you see on the horizon? RB: Design is forward-thinking. When I was growing up, there were fashion trends that everyone followed. But now, everything goes, and it is truly about expressing yourself. Nobody dictates fashion and the same is true with interior design. It is about personalizing your space. It is really a great time for designers because they can be creative and don’t have to color within the lines. WFV: How do you deal with the issue that people don’t want the interiors of their homes to appear dated in five years?

These cabinet pulls are from the Robin Baron Signature Collection’s Comb Series.

RB: The best way to avoid having your interiors become dated is by hiring an interior designer. A designer understands the trends but also knows what a fad is and understands what will be out as soon as it’s in. Designers know how to make a classic new. It is important to have a good design foundation to know what you can mix with what, how to put things together and how to create balance within a room. Today, people aren’t buying a completely matched bedroom set—that is very outdated. They are mixing and matching and creating their own classics. Even traditional design isn’t the same as it was 20 or 30 years ago. It has been updated. V

» RobinBaronDesign.com

“The thoughts you think create the life you live … so think positive.”

Photo: Phillip Ennis Photography

— Robin Baron

This guest room was intentionally given a more masculine feel. The motorized drapes and textured sheers are from Larsen Fabrics. The sheers coordinate with the wallpaper, also by Larsen.

V ISION

FULL FRAME Installer

5 THINGS I LEARNED AT THE INTERNATIONAL WINDOW COVERINGS EXPO BY ROGER MAGALHAES

After two years without human interaction, the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) was back. During IWCE, I taught two classes, participated in a few panels, learned about new products and talked to window fashion professionals about their thoughts and concerns for the window treatment industry. Here are five things that I learned (or relearned) during the show. Although my findings are targeted to installers, I think everyone will find them worthy of consideration.

Laser Device.

Drapery Pinsetter.

Best Practices.

During my Installer’s Toolbox class, I shared that most of the time I use a laser device to measure window openings. To my surprise, I learned not many people trust this device—and I am not sure why. Besides the fact that using a laser device gives a great first impression when clients see it, this device is very precise and accurate. This is especially true when you are measuring wide openings, tall windows and skylight openings without requiring a ladder. For these situations, instead of a ladder, what you’ll need is an extension pole and the correct device attachment. And the features you must have are a timer and the ability to select inches and ⅛" increments for the readings. Be sure to keep a fresh set of batteries and keep the lenses clean to ensure the most accurate dimension readings.

At my Installation Certification class, I shared that I like to use a drapery pinsetter to place drapery hooks on panels. I again found that many in the class had never heard of this tool. Aside from the fact that this tool saves your fingers from being sore after hooking several panels, it also saves time and ensures the drapery pins are placed with consistent and proper spacing.

During IWCE’s Window Coverings Association of America’s (WCAA) panel discussion about the best business practices for a successful relationship among the designer, workroom and installer, I was reminded that the most successful projects are the result of teamwork. Clear communication, shared responsibilities, appreciation for colleagues and collaborative solutions are critical. Be sure to create a team that shares your similar core values and work ethic and watch your business thrive.

Social Media.

Lack Of Installers.

By now, everyone knows that social media should be part of your marketing strategy to promote your business both to your existing and prospective clients. Social media is also a great way to “break the ice” before you meet face-toface. After a few online interactions, when you meet in person, the client is already familiar with you and your services. Social media is also a great tool to use to continue the development of your industry knowledge and to learn about new trends, products and services. Here are a few ways you can use social media for personal/ professional gain: join industry-related groups on Facebook that allow you to participate in both national and international conversations; follow colleagues and industry influencers on Instagram who regularly share tips, projects and solutions to project challenges you may have never come across; and watch how-to and educational videos and demonstrations on YouTube where my favorites are the ones offered by tool, fastener and building supply companies and manufacturers.

For those in the industry, the diminished number of installers is obvious. And if you aren’t sure if this is true, just visit some of the online forums where the request for assistance in finding an installer and getting installer referrals happens multiple times a day. I can’t count the number of times during IWCE I was asked about where good installers could be found. The window treatment industry is facing a major problem in that most of its installers are in their 60s and even 70s and are retiring. The industry also hasn’t done a good job making millennials aware of the potential to make a very good living installing window coverings. The fact is that many millennials don’t even realize that there is a window covering industry. It is our responsibility to share with friends, family, high schools and communities that we need young people to fill these good jobs. We need to offer opportunities for those who are interested in the industry to learn and get involved. The investment to become an installer is relatively low. There is no need for a college degree and someone just entering the field can start generating income in a relatively short period of time. Keep your eyes open to people who are personable, handy with tools and willing to learn. And share with them the opportunities available in the window treatment industry. V Roger Magalhaes is the founder of Trading Up Consulting, which provides installation training for window fashion professionals. Magalhaes has over 15 years of experience as a professional window treatment installer in the Boston area. He is also the installation instructor for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTrack program and is the incoming president of WCAA.

» TradingUpConsulting.com

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PICK A WINNER Choose Alta and watch your profits blossom. We’ll show you how with our exclusive BLISSTM Automation systems.

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Efficient

C E R T I F I A B LY

For more than 40 years, the international company Rollease Acmeda has delivered cutting-edge window covering solutions that provide privacy and energy savings to a home’s indoor and outdoor windows and spaces. As a leading manufacturer of roller shades, outdoor shades and automated shading products, three of Rollease Acmeda’s Texstyle fabric collections with the Skyline system have qualified for certification from the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC). “Since 1980, Rollease Acmeda has been working to advance the shading industry and provide improved products for consumers,” said Mike Schratz, Rollese Acmeda’s general manager, Americas. The AERC provides an unbiased, thirdparty certification of the energy-saving potential of window attachments such as shades, blinds or storm windows. It uses a sophisticated process of material testing and window modeling to gauge the degree to which a window will improve the performance of that window in reducing heating and cooling usage. There is no doubt that residential homeowners can benefit from energyefficiency programs that are supported by

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the U.S. Department of Energy. Although ENERGY STAR—the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency—does not certify the performance of window attachments, the research conducted by the Department of Energy determined that window coverings have potential for significant energy conservation. Thus, the U.S. Department of Energy developed the AERC to allow window attachments to benefit from its energyefficiency program.

“Roller shades are effective and affordable alternatives to other window covering options, and through the AERC certification, consumers can rest assured that they are purchasing credible and energy-efficient roller shade products.” — Mike Schratz

In cooler seasons, a home loses about 30% of its heating energy through its windows. And as the outside temperature rises, 76% of the sunlight that comes through the home’s windows turns into heat. Most window coverings will result in some form of energy efficiency and savings. Although, in general, window attachments offer the benefits of energy-efficient shading solutions, it’s the selection of the fabric and the variables that make it energy efficient that are most important. It’s the fabric that blocks out light, traps heat inside or prevents heat from entering a room through a window. And as an industry leader and innovator, Rollease Acmeda has developed roller shade fabrics and motorized/automated window treatment solutions that offer homeowners an energy-efficiency opportunity to reduce HVAC and lighting costs by leveraging natural daylight.

» RolleaseAcmeda.com

ROLLEASE ACMEDA’S RESIDENTIAL CERTIFIED PRODUCTS Roller shade fabrics that receive AERC certification allow homeowners to have window treatments that are energy efficient and able to reduce HVAC and lighting costs by leveraged natural daylight through manual and motorized solutions.

Through the Texstyle brand, Rollease Acmeda offers a variety of over 90 fabrics that are rated by the AERC. The AERC-rated fabric collections include: The 3000 NET offers a stylish lightweight basket weave with modern aesthetics. Its versatility and ease of fabrication has made it one of Rollease Acmeda’s most widely used collections. It’s perfect for minimizing the negative effects of the sun, while preserving outward visibility. It’s available in 15 styles and colors in 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% and offers a privacy option.

The AERC has given certification to three families of fabrics from Rollease Acmeda. With these certifications, Rollease Acmeda joins the list of other residential window attachment product manufacturers who have already have AERC-certified products, including Larson Manufacturing and Hunter Douglas.

The Mesa fabric is available and AERC rated in both light filtering and blackout. Mesa blackout is ideal for commercial and residential applications that require total light blockage and privacy. It’s made from 100% polyester with an acrylic coating. Mesa is also PVC-free and offers a high-quality, soft appearance that will add beauty to a room while providing privacy. It’s offered in seven colors and has Tuxedo, a white blackout fabric with a gray back.

“Rollease Acmeda is a leader in the residential window attachment space, and this certification ensures AERC’s continued growth and the growth of the industry,” said AERC’s Executive Director Ralph Vasami. “We are thrilled to continue to build our mission of rating and certifying products that assist consumers to save energy and improve comfort.”

The Balmoral collection offers a complete styling solution with pure elegance and a premium design aesthetic. This collection is offered in 10 additional colors and is available with both blackout and light filtering options.

The AERC-certified fabrics are from Rollease Acmeda’s popular Texstyle collection and are offered with its popular Skyline manual roller shade hardware system, as well as with its motorized Automate system.

» Texstyle.com

HOW TO READ THE AERC RESIDENTIAL LABEL Every solution rated by the AERC has an individual rating to determine its warm climate and cool climate ratings. Any product rating 0.0 for warm climate or cool climate means that the window is operating as if there are no coverings on the window. There are several different factors that go into rating and certifying fabrics. A key factor for rating roller shades is visual transmittance (Tv). Tv is an optical factor that measures the portion of sunlight the eye can see; Tv relates to occupant comfort as it translates to visible sunlight in a room. Not every product that is AERC rated is rated for both warm and cool climates. If the words “not applicable” appear on the label, then the product is not recommended for energy improvement for that climate nor

Content Sponsored By Rollease Acmeda

is it designed to address specific energyefficiency issues related to a specific climate. On the AERC label, the large number indicates the product’s energy rating. The smaller number indicates the maximum energy rating possible for that product category. So, the closer the product’s energy rating (the large number) is to the maximum energy rating (the smaller number), the great the energy savings.

» AERCEnergyRating.org

V ISION

FULL FRAME Workroom

This tiger-print linen shade was custom-made by Kelli Vitari.

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ONE TIGER DOWN BY KELLI VITARI

I’m always quick—sometimes too quick—to say “Yes” when a designer asks me to take on a job. I like to take joy in the fact that I figured out a way to solve a problem and make something work. Designers and clients often don’t realize the lengths it is necessary to take to make something happen or that they are making an atypical request. Such was the case with this 56-square-foot roman shade. TASK

■ 90" wide by 90" long

did not want to go any deeper than 4". I knew that with this size shade that 4" deep wouldn’t be enough to account for the deflection due to the shade’s weight. And with the hardware on the back, the wainscoting would likely be hit. We decided that the best solution was to hand-guide the shade over the wainscoting upon operation, since the shade would likely be up most of the time.

■ Outside mount in order to be able to operate over wainscoting bump-out

THE PROCESS

Fabricate a roman shade. Easy enough, I thought, but then I was given the scope of the project. ■ Client requires motorization ■ Blackout-lined, so cords and hardware aren’t visible ■ Flat, to ensure print stands out

■ 100% linen; VR = 30¼", HR = 18"

PUSHING THE LIMITS First was the issue that my workroom table is 60" wide by 144" long. It’s big enough to accommodate everything I’ve worked on over the past three years, but 60" wide wasn’t going to be enough space to create a 90" shade. And because it was a linen shade, I needed to ensure it remained flat during the entire fabrication process to eliminate any potential shifting. So, I built two more tables 30" wide by 72" long that could butt up to each other and with my original worktable, essentially making it 90" wide by 144" long. Truthfully, creating this project-specific table has been great because I now have two smaller tables that I can roll around wherever and whenever I need them. Modular tables are great for small spaces like my garage, which serves as my workroom. Although, moving them around is like playing Tetris, but they are great to have readily available.

To design the shade, Kelli Vitari had to add two tables to her workroom space to create a working surface of 90" wide by 144" long.

The next challenge was the headrail. In looking to streamline my service offerings, I moved to the Vako system, sourced from My Shade Kit, to accommodate most of my roman shades. I can use the same 1½"-deep headrail for any lift system and the operations are sleek and innovative. But, the motorized headrails without a splice max out at 87" wide and I couldn’t have cut it any closer if I tried. I made it work because I could still place the cords where needed and it was going to be outside-mounted on a board. I chose a rechargeable Somfy motor with an external battery pack. It is a strong motor and I knew the shade would be very heavy. The final challenge was with the wainscoting. The client understood that the shade would have to project a bit to clear the 3¼"-deep wainscoting but

For the shade’s construction, I used Susan Woodcock’s Buckram Blackout Method to eliminate pinholes (without the interlining layer). I used wide-width OutBlack lining in 100% cotton to avoid seams. I also used Ring Locks from SafeTShade so I could mount it high, have a beautiful stack and make sure the shade was compliant with childsafety requirements. When cutting linen, I suggest following the grain to eliminate torsion and to get the fabric to better behave on the square. The print should follow the grain, but linen can be shifty, and it’s impossible to expect perfection and for the print to perfectly align on the grain. The tiger fabric is a showstopper, and the print was going to be much more apparent in the final product than if I had perfectly followed the grain. So, I followed the print when making my cuts. Luckily, it was a high-quality fabric and I wasn’t too far off. Regardless, it took me over four hours to press in all the hems to both follow the repeat and for it to appear straight.

V ISION

FULL FRAME Workroom

Gerdes installed shaped cornice with trim from Brimar over stationary draperies and designed to allow the architecture of the window frames to be visible. Fabric from Stout was coordinated to match upholstered dining chairs.

The print on the shade offers dramatic interest to the room even when it’s up.

It’s well-known that linen tends to grow over time due to the absorbency of the hollow natural fiber. To combat this effect, I steam-pressed the heck out of my cuts prior to use. Additionally, I let them hang for several days, so the absorption and lengthening process had some time to occur. It’s not foolproof and I still had to cross my fingers that it won’t get baggy over time, but I believe this process helps with stability and I rarely have had a customer call to have me come and deal with issues from the linen. Also, unless you’re 8' tall, there’s no chance of reaching the center rows and columns to tie on the buckram and rings. I was able to tie what I could reach on three sides, then I had to do some tabledancing to do the rest. Only, it was more like a careful table yoga routine, as not to disrupt the careful placement of the buckram on the shifty linen. Once complete, my anxiety only increased as I waited to see if the shade would properly operate given its size and weight. I mounted some brackets to a header beam on the ceiling of my workroom and hung the shade for a test run. After properly pairing the remote, it worked! Perfection. Relief.

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The tiger-print shade’s home is in the dining room of a seven-figure home that could easily be an art museum. Everything in the home is colorful and beautiful—and the shade was no exception.

INSTALLATION What I love about the print on the shade’s fabric is that I was able to make the repeating images to my advantage. The printed tigers were evenly distributed both horizontally and vertically and the rows of buckram were able to be placed in such a way where every other fold matched as the shade was pulled up. The return caps perfectly matched the repeat. I couldn’t have asked for a better result. For the installation, ceiling brackets were used to mount the headrail to the board, leaving an ideal amount of space to slide the angle bracket between the two. Five angle brackets later and the shade was up without a hitch.

After testing the shade for a few cycles, the homeowner wanted to have it set in the perfect spot. “Stop right there,” he said. I responded, “OK. Just one tiger down.” “Hahaha, one tiger down! Yes, I love it,” he said. One tiger (shade) down, indeed. V

Kelli Vitari is an awardwinning owner of the drapery and upholstery workroom Wild Fern Window Furnishings in Olympia, WA. She has been in the industry and fabricating for the past 17 years in workrooms around the country. Her educational background is in architectural engineering, interior design and commercial design.

» WildFernWindow.com

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An architecturally inspired and motorized window shade from J Geiger Shading. Photo courtesy of J Geiger Shading.

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GET SMART. Technology is revolutionizing everything we do, from how we work to how we communicate and how we live. The Internet of Things is allowing our homes to get educated through technology to become smart. This means that a home can integrate the automation of everything, from our coffeepots, air conditioners, toilets, lights and, of course, window treatments. The window treatment smart home conversation is very much focused on two aspects. First, the integration of motorized shades and drapery without compromising style. And second, the automation of appliances, furnishings and security systems throughout the home to be able to seamlessly work through apps available on smartphones and through communication with such home tech platforms as Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. “Smart tech is an integral part of home design projects at every level,” said Kaitlin Petersen, editor of Business of Home. “Homeowners have come to expect at least some aspect of motorization and automation in new builds and renovations. Smart tech is second nature for millennials. It is no longer positioned as a luxury or as frivolous or inaccessible to most homeowners.” So, welcome to the VISION classroom, where you can learn and get smart about tech trends, motorization and automation not only for window treatments, but also about what it means for the home of the future.

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TECH, TRENDS & MOTORIZATION There is so much to be said around the topic of technology and the smart home movement. Technology has become an integral part of any commercial and/or residential design project. The demand for motorization and automation for everything continues to increase. This increased demand may be attributed to several factors. First is the fact that smart technology is second nature for millennials. And, as such, it is no longer viewed as frivolous. Second, the cost of tech integration and implementation technology to automate and motorize products is no longer limited to the high end of the market. There are a wide variety of products, applications and systems at many different price points. For instance, the cost of automation of window treatments, according to Hunter Douglas, is just a few extra hundred dollars

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per window to go from a manual to a motorized system.

want more value with automation beyond just the motorization capabilities.”

And it isn’t incrementally that much more to go from motorization to automation.

And even whole-home smart solutions are no longer out of reach for the more budgetconscious consumers. There are customers who continue to hard-wire an entire home system using Crestron or Control4, but this is becoming fewer and fewer. Today, there are many app-based technologies—from Sonos speakers and Teron for lighting to Ring for the doorbell and Nest for the thermostat—that make having a complete smart home solution possible at an attainable price point.

“We are definitely focused on providing customers with an automation experience, not just motorization,” said Scott Stephenson, director of product management, motorization, for Hunter Douglas. “A few years ago, we intentionally changed the name of our system from Powerview Motorization to Powerview Automation. We believe that our customers

Stephenson explained that what motivates consumers and their demand for products, services and technological applications is based on the four drivers of consumer behaviors. Consumers want to satisfy one of more of the following needs: security and safety, convenience, energy savings, and comfort and wellness. “I’ve been in the market for more than 15 years and there are only two product categories where all four of these drivers can be met: lighting and window treatments,” he said. “And it is this behavioral motivation that is driving growth for motorization and automation in the window treatment industry. “The great thing about automated window shades is they address all four of these needs. For any individual customers, one or two of these needs will drive the decision. But with shades, it isn’t just the motorized convenience of opening and closing the shades but also its safety and security and energy cost savings that are the motivating behaviors that are driving the growth of window treatments.” And, like Hunter Douglas, many manufacturers and fabricators believe that the automated window treatment industry is just in its infancy and has tremendous opportunity before it even reaches its tipping point. “Our internal analysis places the motorization/automation market at less than 10% of consumer penetration,” said David Parrett, product marketing director for Somfy Systems. “We believe that the focus needs to be on getting the products to go mainstream and that is where there is tremendous opportunity.”

A remote control easily makes window treatments automated.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES When it comes to motorized window treatments, it is no longer a roadblock for those who can’t open up a home’s walls to hard-wire motorized blinds. There has been tremendous growth and success with battery-powered versions. And technological advances continue to innovate and transform newer models that are easy to use and adapt to existing window treatments. For Hunter Douglas and its customized window treatments, it sees the technological advances of window automation as a great opportunity to provide clients with solutions to those hardto-reach windows, be it skylights or those positioned above a bathtub.

And to think about where he sees the market going and its eventual total acceptance by consumers, Parrett used the analogy of power windows in cars. “Over time, it will seem odd and not modern to not have motorized and automated window coverings in the home,” he said. “There will become a point where automated shades are ubiquitous and expected.”

It is essential that home technology marries high performance with a seamless and uncomplicated experience.

Another driver that Parrett sees as fueling the fast growth of acceptance of smart home technology for window treatments by consumers is the fact that home inspectors are giving more value to motorized shades. “These shades improve resale and offer a better consumer experience,” he said. “It is truly just a matter of time until they become the standard and an expectation in all homes.”

“The key is to get all the information and capabilities required at the consumers’ fingertips,” said Parrett.

Another opportunity is the ability to take automation one step further with more controls and operational capabilities moving to apps. These types of conveniences are essential, as there is utility in easy-to-use home technology.

And with the Internet of Things (IoT) and the cost of motorization decreasing, the focal point must be around communication protocols and to create a holistic smart home—not one with bits and pieces for different platforms and systems scattered around the home.

“There is and will continue to be the battle for the airwaves and the communication language for the protocols of how the various devices talk to your home system, be it Google Home, Alexa or Apple HomeKit,” said Justin Gianola, business development manager for Rollease Acmeda Automate. Today, there are different ways that the automated shades translate their communication to a home system, from talk wireless to radio frequency technology to Zigbee, Thread and Bluetooth. And there are efforts to standardize the communication translation protocols through the development of the Connectivity Standards Alliance and its Matter initiative to create a standard language of communication so that companies will no longer have to imbed technology into the products and will be able to do it through gateways or hubs. But in practicality, this is not something on the immediate horizon, so many companies have self-selected their standard language of communication. And for Draper Inc., Somfy and Hunter Douglas, their automation systems will work through Zigbee. Hunter Douglas recently launched its Powerview Gen 3, and in 2023, Somfy Motors will introduce its TaHoma with Zigbee. There are also new companies like Bond Home and its bridge system to control non-smart devices from a smartphone, as well as its efforts to develop a single app to multiple companies. (A neutral app if you will.)

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An app on a smartphone can become the hub to control and communicate with a smart home.

SMARTER HOMEOWNERS Although the tech should be smart, it cannot be smarter than the user. But this being said, homeowners are getting much savvier about understanding and using technology and automation within their homes. They are very tech literate and are asking questions about the products and services they put in their homes. They want these products to have all the benefits and capabilities offered by technology. Consumers want the control of automation and systems that allow them to program and set their personal preferences for things and want to have the accessibility to this from wherever they are. “Everybody wants to operate everything from their smartphones,” said Beth Hasson, vice president of sales for the sunlight management division of J-Star Motion. “Now you can unlock your car, your front door and look at your security cameras; people are addicted to this convenience. The window treatment industry must begin to sell consumers on the experience of automated shades and its benefits to their lifestyles.” And, when it comes to the future, it is likely that we will see smaller devices with ever-slimmer profiles in as many color palettes and stylistic choices as there are for window treatments. Technology framed by

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“It isn’t just the motorized convenience of opening and closing the shades, but also its safety and security and energy cost savings that are the motivating behaviors that are driving the growth of window treatments.” — Scott Stephenson, Director of Product Management, Motorization, Hunter Douglas

“Smart home technology has come so far in such a short period of time, and the window treatment industry has evolved to much more than just putting up brackets and shades.” — Kevin Anderson, Product and Marketing Manager, Insolroll Window Shading Systems

aesthetics is becoming more important and will continue to evolve. “Smart home technology has come so far in such a short period of time,” said Kevin Anderson, product and marketing manager for Insolroll Window Shading Systems. “And the window treatment industry has evolved to much more than just putting up brackets and shades.” And with the continued investment in research and development and the advances of technology, there is no doubt that the home will become smarter than any of us could even imagine. There is no doubt that with the IoT, the possibilities and opportunities are endless, and the next big thing is looming on the horizon. Just think someone who is boarding a plane in Chicago can press a button on his/ her smartphone, and when they land in Palm Springs, the front door is unlocked, the swimming pool warmed to the perfect temperature, the HVAC has perfectly cooled the home’s interior, the outdoor awning and indoor window treatments opened and the coffee maker has prepared a refreshing pot of iced coffee. The home is opened and ready to welcome its owner … and as the front door opens, Alexa is heard saying, “Welcome home,” and begins to play the song “California Dreamin’.” V

TOOLS THAT WORK When you think about what is required to allow window treatments to be motorized and automated, there are specific tools, products and software that are required. Many of the companies who provide goods and services to fabricators, manufacturers, dealers and retailers are heavily investing in providing the necessary motors, software programs, apps, window treatment hardware, and tech bridges and portals in order to make sure that the motorization and automation of window treatments in the home is easy and seamless.

All the various SKUs for compatibility and versatility necessary for the operation of window treatments to not only work independently but also cohesively as part of a smart home’s Internet of Things (IoT) require a tremendous investment of capital, research and development, and labor by these companies in hardware, software, products and technology. This is especially true if these companies want to be able to meet consumers’ rapidly increasing demand for whole-home solutions.

AUTOMATE/ROLLEASE ACMEDA

POWERVIEW/HUNTER DOUGLAS

MOTIONBLINDS/COULISSE

As a leading indoor and outdoor shade system provider, Rollease Acmeda has created its Automate motorization platform that combines with its Texstyle fabrics to deliver a complete window covering solution for the residential market.

Hunter Douglas has been invested in creating solutions to allow window shades to become part of the smart home features through its PowerView Automation system. It recently launched PowerView Gen 3, which utilizes Bluetooth as its communication protocol.

The Netherlands-based Coulisse offers a total concept, including designed collections, advanced systems and MotionBlinds smart technology to meet the demands for on-trend and up-to-date window treatments.

Automate’s Pulse 1 and the newer Pulse 2 systems easily allow for the opportunity to experience smarter shades by taking the effort out of manually opening and closing each window shade and allows them to be moved via remote control or through voice activation through a home’s smart platform. With its automation capabilities, the smart window treatment remote or smartphone app can remotely and automatically operate the shades in response to the time of day, activities within your home or even changes in the weather.

“Every smart home has a Bluetooth radio frequency, which can communicate with the shades. It has the capability to work in a home with just two shades to operate in one with a large number of shades to motorize and automate,” said Scott Stephenson, director of product management, motorization, at Hunter Douglas.

The Pulse 2 bridge system connects to a home’s network to unlock automated shade controls. Through the customization of various scenes in the Automate app, the window treatments may be adjusted to open/close at changing times throughout the seasons in order to maximize and minimize the amount of natural light filtered into the home. And with motors’ rechargeable batteries in the smart shades, the convenience and efficiency increases, as well as live communication between the Pulse 2 and the motors to allow for the ability to check motor battery levels through the app or smart home assistant.

AutomateShades.com

“With the PowerView Gen 3, there is no need for extra hardware, and through its app, it is possible to create scenes and schedules for the shades. The Gen 3 is designed for scale and works really well with even large projects of 100-plus shades.” Although other companies have focused the language of their communication system to have Z-Wave or Zigbee, Hunter Douglas has invested a great deal in the development of its proprietary PowerView Gen 3 Bluetooth system because it is easy to set up and install.

MotionBlinds is smart technology for window coverings applied to a complete range of battery-powered and wired motors and controls. Window coverings with MotionBlinds are driven by simplicity and connectivity. MotionBlinds technology can easily be made smart and operated with smartphones, smart speakers, remote controls and even manually, with a simple setting that automatically sets the shades in motion. The MotionBlinds work with other smart home assistants including Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and IFTTT; although, the MotionBlinds Wi-Fi bridge is required to open its connectivity options with third parties and allows for control through the MotionBlinds smartphone app.

“It is possible to use a smartphone to set up and work to easily detect the room’s shades on the app as you walk through the room. It is a very efficient protocol for battery-operated shades,” said Stephenson.

Part of Coulisse’s MotionBlinds concept is Eve MotionBlinds, which is a series of rechargeable battery-powered motors with Apple HomeKit technology. Eve MotionBlinds was created in collaboration with smart home specialist Eve Systems, a leader in the development of accessories for the Apple HomeKit ecosystem. This means the window covering motors work directly from an iPhone without a bridge, registration or cloud dependency.

HunterDouglas.com

Coulisse.com

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BLISS AUTOMATION/ALTA WINDOW FASHIONS BLISS Automation is a full range of systems made exclusively for Alta Window Fashions, which brings ease to window covering operation from the wire-free convenience of rechargeable motors to the power of voice control operation. “The goal with BLISS was to make it super simple for those who are skeptical about motorization,” said Michael Discenna, vice president/ product management for Alta Window Fashions at Custom Brands Group. “We have seen motorization increase dramatically over the past seven years, so we implemented our strategy to focus in this area in 2021 with the launch of BLISS. We are focused on providing very accessible motorization options for the dealers to provide to their customers at all skill levels from the very basic to advance features that the more experienced installers and automation specialists can offer,” said Discenna. In June, Alta introduced its AgileLift Cordless system for Alta dual shades. It is a balanced cordless system that provides effortless operation, simple band and shade alignment. It features a newly designed bottom rail that ensures optimal performance. AgileLift is available on all Dual Shades fabrics.

AltaWindowFashions.com

FOREST DRAPERY HARDWARE

TAHOMA/SOMFY SYSTEMS

Forest Drapery Hardware started three decades ago with a flexible aluminum system, the Forest KS Track System. It has expanded rapidly to expand its product line with an extensive offering of hardware solutions that offers functionality, flexibility and style.

For over 50 years, Somfy Systems has been focused on selling motors and controls that automate solar shade products, exterior pergolas, screens and awnings, as well as interior draperies and window coverings.

“People like the idea that they can control the opening and closing of their window shades from their cellphones even when they are away from home,” said Mark Momper, motorization specialist for Forest Drapery Hardware. “It is easy for people to be connected when they download the Forest Drapery app on their phones, as well as being able to connect the operation of the shades with their smart home systems,” said Momper. Forest’s offering of motorized systems is very diverse with its decorative tracks, as well as the different types of shades and drapery that can be motorized. And, as it continues to look for technological efficiencies, Forest is also focusing on the development of quieter motors and different track widths. “Most of the motorized tracks are offered with a wide width, but we are creating a motorized track with a narrower track to allow for motorization in tight spaces where it fits better to have a smaller pocket,” said Momper. It is also working to develop a larger motor to allow for a heavier weight as some of the draperies being used today are tall and very heavy. This motor will offer more power for bigger pulls. Forest has also put its focus on its relationship with Olibra’s Bond system, which works to make the smart home window treatments integrate with multiple systems. “The Bond Pro bridge is very aggressive with pulling together complete integration and allows our own app to broaden its ability to communicate with more stuff and expand our reach to more customers,” said Momper.

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ForestDH.com

“We are focused on making sure that consumers can enjoy their smart homes. Thus, we support lots of different systems with a very broad product line,” said David Parrett, product marketing director, Somfy Systems. “Although we are always focused on improving the noise level of our motors, we are really focused on innovating the connected side and are spending a great deal of our efforts on making sure with offer the gateways and apps that provide a positive customer experience and may easily connect and integrate to whatever smart home system a homeowner has chosen,” said Parrett. In 2021, Somfy launched its TaHoma Gateway that connects the home. It adjusts Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) motorized blinds, shades and draperies to be able to create scenes and schedules using an app in order to maximize energy savings, privacy and control glare. It is compatible with a wide range of third-party systems including Google Assistant, Alexa, Philips Hue, IFTTT and Smart Things. And, although Somfy is very involved with the Connectivity Standards Alliance to create a standard communication language for the Internet of Things (IoT), in 2023, it will launch its next generation of TaHoma Gateway to specifically work with Zigbee. “Although there is an initiative to move toward Matter, the standard for connectivity, we feel that the TaHoma Zigbee bridge will satisfy the consumers’ growing demand since Amazon already offers its Alexa hub with Zigbee,” said Parrett.

SomfySystems.com

THE FUTURE OF HOME When we of think of the home of the future, most of us think of the cartoon show The Jetsons. And, although it may be a little further into the 21st century before we get flying cars and our own Rosie, the robotic housekeeper, there is no doubt that our homes are advancing quickly with their technological education. They are learning to become more independent when it comes to operating various systems and products within our living spaces. In realizing how quickly our homes have become smarter, the ideas of how our homes will work for us going forward that may seem a bit far-fetched today are probably on the horizon sooner than we think. “The key to the home of the future will be the way in which all of the systems talk to each other and become more efficient and less intrusive,” said Kaitlin Petersen, editor of the interior design trade publication Business of Home. “The next step will be for our homes to become more reactive and responsive in order to give us a seamless living environment.” And, although automation and integration of such home systems as turning on/off the lights and the security system and opening and closing window treatments and front doors, the essential element of smart homes will be ensuring that the human

element continues to be very present in our living spaces.

company IKEA about what your home will be able to do in the future.

“From an automation perspective, we have to think beyond what the technology can do and layer in the human element,” said Petersen. “Yes, your home can do things, but what will be most important is our experience living with all of this technology.”

The scenario the creative director laid out is think about how you will be able to talk to your home and tell it to set your alarm to wake you up at 7 a.m. Your home will then know to slowly begin to turn on the lights, gradually open the shades, increase the temperature setting to make your body naturally begin to wake up and play music and/or sounds that gently awaken your brain’s activity. All of this will happen so well that you awaken calmly and peacefully to immediately get out of bed at 7 a.m.

On the technology front, one advancement that will continue to evolve will be the ability to integrate the home’s systems without requiring hard-wiring. “Investing in home technology is an essential piece of the luxury experience, but it will continue to be more widely available to everyone at much more affordable costs,” she said. According to Petersen, when she thinks of the home of the future, she thinks about a conversation she had in 2015 with the creative director of the Sweden-based

And, at night, your home will know what time you want to go to bed. So, throughout the evening, it will automatically get you ready to sleep. It will shut off the Wi-Fi a few hours before your bedtime to allow you to begin winding down and limit your time in front of blue screens. It will close the

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shades, begin to dim the lights and lower the temperature in your bedroom. Your home, over a period of time, will gently send you off to bed. It will be like your home is tucking you in and ensuring you will have a good night’s sleep. Some of the changes in the home that will allow the above scenario to happen will be the need to have a centralized screen type of product to control all the home’s systems. Some believe that the home will have a central screen wired into a centralized wall within the home, but Petersen thinks it is more likely that the home’s brain will be controlled by a handheld tablet or device. “I think the handheld tablet will serve as the brain of the house, because nothing will make your home look outdated faster than some type of wall-mounted screen that can’t be upgraded. This wall-mounted approach for the control device is what will make the home appear obsolete much faster,” she said. According to Petersen, not only will the home of the future be able to seamlessly create an enjoyable living environment, but also with technology and automation, other components will be layered into the home’s function for sustainability and health and wellness purposes. “The smart thermostats, motorized shades, smart air purifiers and colored LED lighting will all be integrated not only to assist with our energy consumption but also to make us healthier,” said Petersen. “Our homes will become smarter with more set-it-and-forget systems that serve to make us feel better.” This is likely to happen as technology evolves from not only creating apps that communicate with the home’s systems, but also with more integration of sensors throughout the home. Today, it is common to have motion-detecting sensors for

security systems, solar sensors used to recharge batteries and motion-detected sensors to turn on/off lights. But, in the future, sensors may be used to identify water leaks and pipe breaks, air quality, and other ways to monitor our environment and to automatically respond with the necessary actions and adjustments to keep us and our homes safe, secure and comfortable. And, although technology will be a driving force in the evolution of our homes, the expectation of the role our homes play in our lives is also changing. A big change on the design front is homeowners’ gravitation toward having rooms instead of openspace concepts. “People now value walls and separate spaces,” said Petersen. “The demand for this type of change in a home’s floor plan was first seen during the height of the pandemic where people wanted different places to do things. “Our homes use to be something we passed through; we got up, went to work, and came home and went to sleep. Now, we want to live more fully in our homes with spaces to do a day’s worth of living from working, working out, eating, hanging out and relaxing.” And, based on this demand, Petersen also believes the home’s formal living room has evolved. “In modern living, there is no longer this belief that a part of your home should be walled off and only used during certain times or scenarios.” There is also no longer the acceptance of a home to have wasted space or unused outdoor areas. These demands and expectations will also lead to the rethinking and building of our home’s physical space. “The home of the future will adapt to all of our expectations,” said Petersen. “Our homes are going to be reshaped and the construction of them will completely fuse our design aesthetics and needs for how the interior spaces satisfy and serve the way in which we want to live.”

GET SMARTER! The Fourth Annual Future of Home Conference sponsored by Business of Home magazine will be held September 12-13, 2022, in New York City. The conference is for smart, curious design professionals looking for information from the best and brightest interior designers and home industry professionals. The two-day event features presentations, fireside chats, case studies, small-group workshops and future-focused exhibitions. Industry leaders will talk about the forces that are shaping the home design and décor industry. Tickets: $795, General Admission; $995, VIP » BusinessOfHome.com

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SMART BUSINESS Technology is not only being used to offer consumers more capabilities: It’s also being used to create programs and platforms to make companies and the way they do business smarter. The Australia-based company Smartpad Pro has created a subscription cloud-based business management system specifically for the window treatment industry. Using combined 30-plus years of experience in retail and manufacturing window coverings, Aaron and Renee LeCornu had the knowledge and experience in the operations and requirements of software for the industry. Smartpad Pro was established in 2016 while the LeCornus were running one of the largest window covering retailers, Kornblum, in Adelaide, Australia. They specialized in all internal and external blinds, shutters, awnings and drapery. “We have the smarts behind the industry to create a specific process-oriented system for window treatment dealers and retailers instead of using software and technology that has been made to work for the industry through Band-Aids, patches and short-term solutions,” said Aaron LeCornu, director of Smartpad Pro. The platform offers everything from integration payment gateways, seamless and holistic customer engagement, the ability to create quotes, receive credit card payments and automatic communication about order status and feedback. But it also offers tremendous opportunity to measure and collect data to evaluate a business’ performance. “We have seen a high adoption rate across the globe because of our driving force to get businesses to tighten up their processes and to become more efficient while also retaining customers,” said LeCornu. “People are recognizing that business intelligence is a critical aspect of a successful business and having a technologically based system is critical to evaluate both high-performing and underperforming aspects of a business. The data empowers owners to know the decisions they need to make rather than look for decisions.”

» SmartpadPro.com.au

SMART INSTALLATION BY ROGER MAGALHAES

According to Wikipedia, “a home automation system will monitor and/ or control home attributes such as lighting, climate, entertainment systems and appliances. It may also include home security such as access control and alarm systems. When connected with the internet, home devices are an important constituent of the Internet of Things.” Home automation began with laborsaving machines. Self-contained electric or gas-powered home appliances became viable in the 1900s with the introduction of electric power distribution. This led to the introduction of sewing machines (1819), dishwashers (1850), water heaters (1889), washing machines (1904), refrigerators (1913) and clothes dryers (1937). With the explosion of the internet and the popularity of smart mobile devices since the early 2000s and beyond, this has catapulted home automation to new heights. Additionally, the ongoing development of the technology, electronics, computers and energy storage industries has made devices more appealing to consumers, while faster response times to commands have only added to the rapid increase of the demand for home automation.

HOME AUTOMATION & WINDOW COVERINGS Window coverings are part of this revolution and have the potential to significantly benefit from home automation. All homes have a thermostat and a front door. Therefore, a homeowner may only need two smart automated devices: one to control the temperature and one for access and security with a smart lock. However, even the smallest of homes have several windows that can have automated window coverings. Additionally, with the plans for new laws and guidelines about cord safety and the likelihood that cords will be banned or limited as an option for lift systems, remote-controlled window treatments will be in increased demand. This means more work, increased revenue and business growth for window treatment professionals. Before automated window coverings, the window treatment industry was much easier. There were less product options, less parts to fabricate and less time required for installation. But now, everything is much more complex and time-consuming. Now, there are added steps to the selling and installation process. To be successful in this new landscape, dealers and installers must collaborate. Discussions around such things as power sources, control options and even the correct brand of window treatments must involve the dealer, installer, client and, in many

Photo courtesy J Geiger Shading.

Lighting control, irrigation systems, smart locks, digital thermostats, smart TVs, smart speakers and music players, what do they all have in common? They are all part of the growing trend to automate everything in homes to create what are called smart homes. cases, additional third parties including contractors, architects, electricians and audio-visual integrators. This also is likely to cause installers to have to make multiple visits to jobsites and to have a strong knowledge base about residential construction and network/ information technology.

The smart home trend does bring additional revenue opportunities to all aspects of the window treatment industry. Installers may now be involved with planning the project, instructing contractors and executing the installation, including programing, hiding wires and, in many cases, setting the system for the shades to automatically operate. The installer’s extra work, time and knowledge allows for increased levels of compensation. The automated and motorized shade systems also require additional callbacks for the installer. This is inevitable and it should not be a surprise. There are several reasons for it. The home automation trend is still relatively new to consumers. And, as a result, the operation learning curve is steep. The products have several interconnected components, which may dislodge or get damaged causing the product not to work as expected. Consumers forget that the product needs power and communication to work as expected. Like any industry, the early adopters are the ones who ultimately stand out. The dealers and installers who first embrace technology and become very familiar with programming, the various product offerings and their components, as well as how to troubleshoot, the stronger their reputation as experts will be recognized within the industry. Knowledge is power. People will take notice of which professionals can easily execute even the most complex of installations. The professionals who understand, embrace and continue to learn about the technology associated with window treatments will be the ones who’ll be most successful within their areas and regions. There is no doubt that technology, products and consumer habits will continue to evolve and require constant vigilance to remain up to date. A simple example of this evolution is from battery-operated wands to rechargeable wands and motors. There is no doubt that the smart home will continue to evolve to the point where automated window coverings become a standard and expected feature in residential homes. The fact is that Generation X, millennials and Generation Z are very comfortable with technology and expect it to be integrated into all facets of their lives. Thus, it can be expected that the smart home will get even smarter over the next decade. V

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Throwing Shade The doors opened on the Fifth Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, FL, this past spring. The home at 3001 Spruce Ave. in West Palm Beach’s Old Northwood Historic District was transformed with the creativity and talents of 24 of the country’s top designers and architects.

These interiors showcase the realized dreams of the designers and architects come true. As the exclusive window treatment partner, The Shade Store worked with 21 of the celebrated interior designers to create the custom window treatments for their unique spaces.

MONKEY BUSINESS Jim Dove envisioned a swanky space for predinner cocktails or that all-important nightcap. Despite the trend of interior spaces becoming multifunctional, Dove wanted to create a room that was dedicated to a singular activity and the appeal of a genuine cocktail bar remains strong and transcends tastes and times.

De Gournay’s Deco Monkeys hand-painted wallpaper

The color-saturated room is a tribute to New York’s renowned and much-missed Monkey Bar, which welcomed sophisticates since it opened in the mid- to late 1930s in the Hotel Elysee. From the few historical records in existence, it wasn’t until the early 1950s when the hand-painted murals of monkeys created by caricaturist Charlie Wala were added, along with the official name The Monkey Bar. From then on, the bar was the epitome of swanky until its untimely closure due to the pandemic. De Gournay’s Deco Monkeys hand-painted wallpaper in a rich terra-cotta color lays the foundation for the space, which is dominated by a glowing waterfall bar crafted from Cristallo Sunshine quartzite from Primestones. A Kohler faceted Brinx bar sink and faucet add the finishing touch. Beneath the solid surface is bespoke cabinetry from Dove’s workroom. The barstools are from Le Jeune Upholstery and are covered in Groves Bros.’ iconic Sally hand-screened cotton, reminiscent of classical Venetian textile design. The dramatic art deco Sillage chandelier is from Currey & Company. Amplifying the importance of highly saturated color are the glowing orange silk taffeta pinchpleat draperies crafted by The Shade Store and trimmed with Samuel & Sons taping. These long pours of orange bestow an expansive, romantic softness on the room. And the added organic accent of woven wood shades gives the design a decidedly tropical vibe. Photo (opposite page): Nickolas Sargent/Sargent Photography

Orange silk taffeta pinch-pleat draperies from The Shade Store

Kitchens, bars and bathes designer Jim Dove draws inspiration from his passion for art and architecture. He has a reputation for his bespoke sophisticated design and has showrooms in both Short Hills, NJ, and Palm Beach, FL.

Woven wood shades from The Shade Store

JimDoveDesign.com

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WORK WELL The boundaries of work and home have never been more blurred. Designer Tish Mills took this guest cottage bedroom and transformed it into a workspace. The color palette is soothing mix of sand, surf and sunsets in soft whites, beiges and blues with a touch of lavender.

Ripples wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries

The lavender ceiling is complemented with the windows being dressed in the luscious ripplefold drapery in lavender wool from The Shade Store’s Holland & Sherry collection and a layer of rice paper-style roller shade for light control.

Andes Lavender Mist wool from The Shade Store’s Holland & Sherry collection

The Atlanta, GA-based Harmonious Living by Tish Mills Interiors blends the traditional principles of interior design with the practice of feng shui. Harmonious Living creates peaceful and balanced spaces by using a mix of color and materials from nature.

» HarmoniousLiving.net

Interior photos: Nickolas Sargent/Sargent Photography

Ripples, a textural wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries, is reminiscent of sand after waves have washed over it. It serves as the perfect backdrop for the glamourous and functional vintage Jacques Garcia desk. The room’s hidden gem is the transformation of the closet into a chic fireplace. Add in the contemporary settee, Currey & Company’s lighting and the multifunctional chest, which doubles as storage on the bottom and a bar on top.

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SUNROOM SPECTACULAR Interior designer Paloma Contreras understands that Palm Beach has a well-defined, sophisticated aesthetic, but with her “Green Gardens” she wanted to give a modern twist to the spirit of the area. She set out to design a beautiful garden space and drew upon a fresh palette of green and white to beckon the outdoors in. Contreras knew she wasn’t going to clad this sunroom in treillage—a timeless garden design element—but gave it a modern twist by running the treillage in squares rather than in a more traditional lattice pattern. The room is grounded by an abaca rug from Patterson Flynn, while a scaled brass pendant is from her new lighting collection by Visual Comfort.

The Shade Store’s Schumacher’s Lange Glazed Linen in Ivory

As befits a garden room, chic rattan pieces (both vintage and newly made by Soane Britain) fill the space. The lacquered coffee table is from KRB and the end tables and bar console are from Oomph. Contreras pays homage to one of her design icons, Billy Baldwin, with the use of his iconic sofa silhouette along with a pair of custom-designed slipper chairs. A crisp glazed linen was used both on the sofa and for the custom window treatments. For the window treatments, she used The Shade Store’s Schumacher’s Lange Glazed Linen in Ivory drapery and a custom valance with crisp dentil pelmets to add a sense of architecture. Schumacher’s Lange Glazed linen with the charming Dogwood leaf motif and Samuel & Son’s Cambridge Strie braid in soft white and contrasting green offer a nod to the classic Palm Beach aesthetic.

Photo: Nickolas Sargent/Sargent Photography

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

Schumacher’s Lange Glazed linen fabric with Dogwood leaf motif

Paloma Contreras is an award-winning interior designer based in Houston, TX. Her design sensibility is a modern take on traditional style— gravitating toward classic silhouettes and timeless pieces paired with a touch of glamour and an infusion of color.

» PalomaContreras.com

Photo: Noz Design / Christopher Stark Photography

HERE COMES THE SUN Over the past few years, the idea of a home has expanded to be a dwelling, workspace, classroom, sanctuary and more. For this intimate sitting room off the master bedroom, Noz Nozawa wanted to create a beautiful respite that was cheerful, light-filled and provided a space to gently start the day over a cup of tea, morning meditation or daily calendar review. Inspired by families who recently migrated from smaller urban condos in San Francisco and New York City to more spacious houses in South Florida, this small and sunny room is the perfect space to dedicate to morning rituals.

Bayshore in Sand, from the The Shade Store’s Artisan Weaves collection

The sitting room is ensconced in happy lavender-lilac and tomato red hues with a mix of vintage, antique, handmade and CNC-fabricated pieces. The room’s window treatments complement and celebrate the beautiful skies and lush palms of South Florida. Framing the Waterfall Woven Wood shades—Bayshore in Sand, one of The Shade Store’s new materials from its Artisan Weaves collection—is Vervain’s Uptown Tolle, used in the tailored-pleat drapery, in the same colorful palette as the room’s walls and upholstery. Nozawa completed the look with a Samuel & Sons trim for an extra touch of the Sunshine State’s finesse.

Vervain’s Uptown Tolle with Samuel & Sons’ Céline Ombré ball fringe

San Francisco, CA-based Noz Design is a full-service interior design firm started by Noz Nozawa. Noz Design creates eclectic homes that not only reflect the dwellers’ lifestyles but also the spaces’ functionality. Nozawa believes that the design of a home is critical to mental health and happiness.

» Noz.design

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EXOTIC ENVIRON Inspired by Italian modernism, Brazilian design and the panache of Palm Beach, designer Philip Gorrivan created a luxurious space for entertaining.

Andes fabric in Blush from The Shade Store’s Holland & Sherry collection

Simplicity in Meringue from Classic Cloth

Philip Gorrivan is a Manhattan, NY-based designer who is known for his stylish interiors that marry elegant historical reference with sophisticated modernism. In addition to his interiors, Gorrivan has a wallpaper and rug collection, lighting for Best & Lloyd, bed for luxury sleep collection Savoir Beds and a fabric collection with Baker.

» PhilipGorrivan.com

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

Fromental’s large-scale Bruyère wallpaper provides a colorful and dramatic backdrop for the sofa covered in Rose Cumming’s Woven Silk flanked by Italian modern end tables from Gary Rubinstein Antiques. Promemoria’s Cubetto armchair, dark woods, trims, walnut case goods and a bar, lined with one of Gorrivan’s wallcoverings, gives the room a moody feel. An Erik Lindström rug features a graphic floral design, and the sconces and lamps are from Saint-Louis. To create the sleek and polished space, Gorrivan selected the lush Andes fabric in Blush from The Shade Store’s Holland & Sherry collection. The pleated roman shades by The Shade Store are layered underneath floor-to-ceiling tailored-pleat drapery in Simplicity in Meringue from Classic Cloth and punctuate the transition to the outdoors. The ceiling mount location disguises low window heights, solving an architectural challenge and complementing the other finishes in the room.

BE OUR GUEST To create the guesthouse living room as a gathering place for friends and guests to relax and socialize, designer Chris Goddard was inspired by the idea of a French salon. He covered the walls in hand-painted linen panels to add an unexpected layer of detail. The intricate beamed ceiling adds architectural interest and reflected the style of the home, while the lacquered Yves Klein Blue paint exhibits a modern twist.

Photo: Nickolas Sargent/Sargent Photography

For Goddard, vibrance was the key for the space as he used a layering and mixing of colors from chartreuse to hot pink, as well as incorporating texture through modern textiles mixed with classic patterns. His goal was to have the room appear as if it has evolved over time and, as such, he used antiques, custom upholstery and contemporary art throughout the space. Goddard turned to The Shade Store at Kravet to assist with bringing his look to life. The room marries texture via Standard Woven Wood shades from The Shade Store’s new Artisan Weaves collection with the modern sheer of Kravet’s Party Favors in Old Gold to add moody light control. The Tailored Pleat drapery—an over-the-top explosion of GP & J Baker’s Exotic Garden—is trimmed in a double band of box-pleated ruffles. V

Goddard Design Group—located in Springdale, AK—was founded by Chris Goddard. His signature style is to create timeless and elegant spaces that a tell a story and are punctuated with a bit of whimsy.

» GoddardDesignGroup.com Kravet’s Party Favors in Old Gold fabric

Standard woven wood shades from The Shade Store’s new Artisan Weaves collection

GP & J Baker’s Exotic Garden fabric

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Susan Kostelecky created swags that perfectly fit the casements of the arched windows. This project was awarded first place for Specialty Window Fashions in the Workroom Design Competition.

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

WINNING WORK:

VISION WORKROOM COMPETITION AWARDS 2022 The annual Window Fashion VISION Design + Workroom Competition Awards honor the most talented members of the window covering industry. The awards showcase the creativity, skills, designs and expertise of those who work behind the scenes to produce beautiful projects for both the residential and commercial markets. In addition to using the best materials and fabrics, the honorees demonstrate how window treatments are not only beautiful but also purposeful in allowing for privacy and controlling the sun’s heat and glare. Here are the 2022 VISION Workroom Competition winners, who showcased their talents in a range of categories.

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BEDDING & PILLOWS FIRST PLACE LaVerne Schultz Gallery Drapery Designs, LLC Plano, TX This budget-minded master bedroom makeover was inspired by the antique blue draperies. The bed covering was made from two coverlets banded together with sapphire accent bands. Extra care was taken to avoid distorting the horizontal pattern and corner seams were added to the foot of the coverlet to make it easy to make the bed. Double-flange Euro shams incorporate button detail from the draperies and a large lumbar pillow picks up the accent bands of the coverlet. A fully lined and gathered bed skirt completed the ensemble and hides items stored underneath the bed.

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

COMBINATION TREATMENTS FIRST PLACE Olga Polyanskaya Drapery Expressions and Blinds Colorado Springs, CO

The makeover of the living and dining room features monochromatic grays in a variety of hues and textures, which create a stunning effect. Sweeping drapery panels fabricated from Slate Sheers by Maxwell Christy are hung on Iron Art Line square rods by Orion Ornamental Iron and inserted into number 12 square iron grommets by Rowley Company. Mounted between the palatial arched windows and the outside of the window frames, the panels create an illusion of flowing vertical columns. The 128-inch-long sheers are hung just below the ceiling to give the room added height. The drapery returns for inside panels are a halfinch shorter than the rod returns to ensure the side hems hug the wall without curving into the window frame. Alta Dual shades pair flawlessly and provide privacy and light control. The completed project offers a modern, elegant and dramatic design for the room.

COMBINATION TREATMENTS SECOND PLACE Tina Fontana Fontana Designs Crofton, MD

For this guest room with its tropical-inspired theme, the traditional wainscoting and heavy window trim were brightened with panels made from sea coral chenille by Bassett McNab Fabric and finished in Aurelia beaded trim by Samuel & Sons. The clean white shutters are by Graber and the hardware is by Kirsch. The coralmotif fabric also adorns the valances and pillow shams. The love seat and bolster pillow are upholstered in a complementary fabric with printed palm trees. The original plan to cover the windows in traversing draperies was changed in favor of stationary panels and valances to camouflage the differing ceiling heights. It is a good example of how fresh ideas are used to offer a design-focused solution.

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CURTAINS & DRAPERIES FIRST PLACE Vita Vygovska Vitalia, Inc. Richboro, PA

The spacious living area features 10 drapery panels. Each panel pattern is matched to feature identical stripes. The repeated pattern made it challenging to calculate total yardage. The drapery panels are fabricated with Obi Strip in Rock Garden in shades of taupe, gray and cream by Brentano Fabrics. The box pleat is well-suited for the wide-stripe fabric and adds to the room’s contemporary style. Hung on Brimar square cube acrylic rods with black onyx brackets, rings and finials, the window treatments certainly add to the room’s crisp, clean design.

CURTAINS & DRAPERIES SECOND PLACE Elizabeth Gerdes Stitch Above the Rest Woodstock, GA

The 182-year-old Antebellum Greek Revival mansion in North Georgia served as a hospital during the Civil War and survived being burned because both Confederate and Union soldiers were treated there. The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and, as such, all the window treatments must adhere to the specific designs and fabrics from that period. Reminiscent of the décor in the film Gone with the Wind, these 6-foot-wide by 4-foot-long royal blue velvet swags from Fabric.com drip with a 9-inch bullion fringe from TrimDepot.com and are installed on gold antique wood rods and finials by United Supply Co. The 14-feet cascades are also trimmed in 6-inch bullion fringe. A layer of replicated historically accurate lace sheer drapes add elegance when pulled back with coordinating tiebacks. A roller shade adds to the overall historical look. The project is a great example of how good design can be used to provide historical preservation.

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

INGENIOUS INSTALLATION FIRST PLACE Tina Fontana Fontana Designs Crofton, MD This formal dining room is stunning with ceiling-to-floor traversing draperies in satin by JF Fabrics. The goal was to create drapes that blended with the room’s furnishings and wall color. This challenge was met by cutting a pocket in the ceiling, which concealed the hardware as well as the pleats. The large crown molding and tray ceiling were used to conceal the pocket, so the lines of the panels were seamless. The depth of the pocket allowed the pleats to be set back 2 inches from the fascia of the crown and gave the drapery room to slide and stack without friction, as well as offering a 4-inch return to the wall. The heavy satin drapery easily glides on the hidden Kirsch Architrac track and 60-inch metal batons by the Finial Company in antique pewter.

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SPECIALTY WINDOW FASHIONS FIRST PLACE Susan Kostelecky SK Designs Houston, TX

The swags on the arched window are perfectly fitted to the casement. Designed to enhance the rich, dark woodwork, they are shimmery and iridescent Milano Silk in umber gold from Catania Silks. Contrasting this cascade fabric is Romeo in cool pistachio attached with Ardmore Hardware and strung with matching tassels by Fabricut. Eva top-pleated sheers in bone from Williamson Supply Co. complete the formal design. The challenge was how to properly layer the drapery. A rendering of the cased window and the proposed treatment was drawn to scale on the workroom wall to allow for setting the layers in place without interfering with one another. The solution for this classic and timeless design included framed cutouts and lots of Velcro.

SPECIALTY WINDOW FASHIONS SECOND PLACE (TIE) Elizabeth Gerdes

Located close to the Marvel movie studio, this rooftop restaurant banquet Stitch Above the Rest room was created to accommodate Woodstock, PA private meetings where it is likely that celebrities would be in attendance. The windows are angled and massive: The center wall of windows measures 20 feet wide by 13 feet long. The restaurateur wanted to maintain the view on the windows on the left side and requested that it not be covered, which meant two panels on three windows. The solution was to stack open panels in the corners with a tieback to create a uniform look. Traversing Ripplefold headers made from Sunbrella in stone, trimmed in Canvas Logo Red from FabricTent.com, were installed on a heavyduty one-way draw Architrac by Kirsch. The final appearance of the room was clean and classic with a professional undertone.

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

Tina Fontana

Spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay are framed by the soft window treatment of this Fontana Designs master bedroom, which features curved Crofton, MD windows that are as wide as they are tall. Shimmering sheers with gold metallic flecks are turned horizontal due to the long length. The drapery and cornice fabric coordinate with the bedding and canopy, as well as the window treatments in the master bathroom. The multilayered draperies allow for three settings: fully unobstructed view, sheers only (closed to cut the glare) and completely closed for maximum privacy. The 96-pleat custom-made curved cornice was created as one piece, which created a challenge as each pleat was individually measured and stapled. The drapery and cornice fabric is in Whisper by JF Fabrics. The sheer fabric in Levian white gold is by Bart Halpern. The draperies and sheers operate on Lutron motorized track.

SOFT SHADES FIRST PLACE Elizabeth Gerdes Stitch Above the Rest Woodstock, GA

The objectives in this white kitchen were to cover up contractor flaws and offer shade from the sun in the sink area. Cabinets that were an inch off center and molding installed directly atop window trim were camouflaged with the cutting and adjustment of the shade. The shade’s corners were cut off and the headrail was adjusted to hide the flaws. Somfy motorization with a Sure-Shade Encased Lift Cord from Rowley Company makes it easy to raise and lower the shade from its hard-to-reach position. The shade is fabricated from Begin Again in pewter by Carole Fabrics and lined with Lustre from United Supply Co.

SOFT SHADES SECOND PLACE Connie Valente Creative Blinds & Décor Atlanta, GA

Three arched valances rise above prominent transoms, while box valances frame two side windows in this Southern breakfast nook. Button embellishments, contrasting inserts and a layer of solid colored fabric are used to add interest. Somfy motorized roman shades in matching fabric offer remote operation and privacy. The shades are seamlessly pattern-matched for a uniform appearance. The use of hues of gold and green add warmth to the nook’s neutral walls.

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TOP TREATMENTS FIRST PLACE Tina Fontana Fontana Designs Crofton, MD

A settee in the parlor set the stage for the lovely top treatment. Bright colors and a multitude of patterns in the parlor called for subtler fabric for the windows. Trend Fabrics in teal is used for the valance and the accent fabric is Javelin Blossom by Mitchell Fabrics. The traditional Moreland pattern was altered to make it symmetrical on both sides and added a center jabot. The window treatments serve to conceal the pipes and soffit, as well as evening out the historic home’s differing sightlines. The client loved the completed look so much that coordinating roman shades were fabricated.

TOP TREATMENTS SECOND PLACE Lisa B. Jones Lisa Jones Interiors Resaca, GA

The goal was to update the window treatments in the living and dining area. The 8-foot ceiling presented a design challenge because there was little space between the top of the windows and the crown molding. Additionally, the client wanted an arched valance, so one was created by lessening the slope of the curve and lengthening the width while shortening the length of the swags and jabots. Three decorative medallions were used to finish the look. The final design provided an illusion of added height to the room.

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

UPHOLSTERY/SLIPCOVERS FIRST PLACE Lisa B. Jones Lisa Jones Interiors Resaca, GA

This busy household required a durable slipcover. Due to the distance between the client and workroom, detailed measurements were initially taken and then 90% of the slipcover was completed in the workroom. With a portable sewing machine on hand, the slipcover was completed on site. The recovered sofa features a 100% polyester tweed fabric by Charlotte Fabrics and is finished with Lifeguard Performance for added protection.

UPHOLSTERY/SLIPCOVERS SECOND PLACE Tina Fontana Fontana Designs Crofton, MD

This closet offers lots of storage and a 70-inch window seat. To complement the Queen Elizabeth wallpaper, a two-toned chenille fabric from Greenhouse Fabrics was used for the seat cushion. The fabric is soft and stretchy and was stapled to the boxing to keep it smooth and in place. A small cord was added to the top and bottom of the cushion and a special cutout on the right side was created to accommodate the trim on the adjacent window. V

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Location: Private Residence, Phoenix, AZ Product: Draper's FlexShade ZIP

Photographer: Matt Oberer

Innovation Knows No Bounds BY SARA FIEDELHOLTZ, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, WINDOW FASHION VISION MAGAZINE

Don’t let the rural location or the storefront entryway built in the 1920s nor the residential street it sits on you fool you. Behind this simple façade is the 400,000-square-foot innovative solutions-focused company Draper, Inc. Draper is a fifth-generation family-owned and -operated company that offers integrated manufacturing solutions in several core industries—window shades, gymnasium equipment, solar control and audio-visual projection screens, mounts and structures. And although at first glance it may not be apparent how these different business sectors align, the fact that Draper understands how these seemingly independent product lines synergize is part of its tremendous success. Draper has based its growth and expansion over its 120-year history on leveraging its expertise, capabilities, industry institutionalknowledge, relationships and applicability to different sectors to penetrate new industries and acquire market share. Regardless of the industry sector, Draper offers the capability and capacity to provide

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The advanced solutions build upon the core product concept and offer more options that adapt to your specific needs. This involves a broad spectrum of options for design, accessories and functionality including finish color, choice of selection from hundreds of fabrics, hardware options and specific dimensions.

Aerial view of Draper’s headquarters in Spiceland, IN.

solutions to any manufacturing challenge from the simplest to the most complex. In each of its industry sector product offerings, Draper organizes its goods and services around three solution structures— core, advanced and tailored. Its core product offerings are designed with efficiency in mind. They are readily available, quickly delivered and can easily execute your plans. The core products come with standard requirements and need minimum customization. They are easily available and ready for delivery.

And Draper’s tailored solutions offer the most flexibility, especially when it comes to a complex installation, and allows for the company’s product experts to execute the most complex of installations. And no matter how complex the project, Draper’s in-house project management team is there for end-to-end support and provides everything from design, engineering, custom manufacturing and commissioning. The team is also available for on-site installation assistance if necessary. And, most importantly, all of Draper’s products are manufactured in the United States from its headquarters in Spiceland, IN. Recently, the Window Fashion VISION magazine team had the opportunity to tour Draper’s factory and see its expansive facilities. Throughout the daylong visit, myself and the magazine’s publisher Grace

McNamara were amazed at the company’s expertise, commitment to quality, dedicated focus to its customer service and its 750 dedicated employees. Besides the family’s fourth and fifth generation managing the company (the sixth generation is already working in the trenches), many of Draper’s employees have been with the company for 20-plus years. And the loyalty goes both ways; the company has never experienced any layoffs over its 120 years, a time which included two world wars, the Great Depression, recessions, COVID and other market ups and downs. And although it was exciting to learn about Draper’s offerings in the audio-visual and gym equipment areas because VISION is the trade magazine for the window treatment industry, we were particularly interested in seeing Draper’s window shade and solar control solutions. And here is a little insight into Draper’s success from its diverse product offerings in different sectors. In 1902, when the company was started by Luther Draper, its original focus was on combating the sun’s heat and glare in schools. The company has been making roller shades since the very beginning, and has combined that long history of expertise with modern lean manufacturing methods to become even better and more efficient at it. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Draper continued to design and create new and better roller shading solutions, and focused mainly on the educational market. The company’s close relationships and reputation for quality lead to requests from educational equipment suppliers for Draper to develop a classroom projection screen. In 1957, Luther Pidgeon, the grandson of the company’s founder, invented a new and unique durable screen.

Location: Smith Alumni Center, Colorado State University Product: Dual Roller Motorized FlexShade Window Shades Fabric: SW 4400 Soft Grey & SB9000 Grey Installer: Royal Textile Products This allowed Draper to expand its services within the school market (and, ultimately, into the commercial market) with audiovisual equipment. While focusing on this area of expansion with its screens and projector lifts, in 1989 Draper established FlexShade®, its second line of window shades, this one designed specifically for the commercial market.

Draper also acquired a Swedish mount manufacturer and then launched a new range of display mounts and structures, including custom structures, frames, mounts and trim for any type of digital display.

And it was soon after this that Draper entered the gym equipment field, and today is the largest manufacturer of gymnasium equipment in the U.S.

But even if you can’t visualize the final picture of the completed jigsaw puzzle from Draper’s business pieces, it is easy to see and understand how Draper has continued to grow and evolve by capitalizing on its core areas of expertise, value propositions, capabilities and client relationships.

And because Draper’s mission is to provide innovative solutions, it continued to expand with its offering of shading products through the establishment of its Solar Control Solutions, a line of architectural shading products that provide precision control over a building’s natural daylight providing energy savings and interesting façade design options. This also allowed Draper to establish a strong presence in the commercial outdoor shading industry with its FlexShade ZIP.

And, most recently, in 2021, it launched Draper@Home, a line of residential window treatment and solar solution products.

There is no doubt that it is the strategic leadership of Draper’s current president, Chris Boome, the fourth-generation descendant of Luther Draper, that the company is significantly invested in research and development and isn’t afraid to penetrate what others may view as already overcrowded industry sectors. When you look at the commitment the company has made to its recently launched Draper@Home line through its partnerships with Somfy and its motorized and automated systems for interior shades as well as top fabric manufacturers Phifer and Mermet USA, there is no doubt that Draper will soon become a beacon for the rest of the residential window treatment industry to use to set their directional course for the industry’s future. And as McNamara said, as we were leaving Spiceland with a population of 912, “Draper is poised to become a great resource for homeowners and customers in the residential window treatment industry.”

DraperInc.com

Location: Private Residence, Richmond, IN Product: Motorized FlexShade® Window Shades Fabric: Mermet E Deco Aspen 3% Dealer: Lakeview Shade and Screen

Content Sponsored By Draper

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S H OW M E T H E M O N E Y Best Business Practices

How To Sell Your Business BY STEVEN C. BURSTEN

Selling a business continues to be a popular hot topic and history can tell us why. Window treatments took off in the 1960s as wholesalers gave free fabric sample books to drapery workrooms and designers. In the ’70s, draperies and, later, mini blinds became all the rage with the introduction of a plumber-type van to carry samples and meet with customers. An aspiring person could launch a low-investment business with no store or inventory. I am proud to have originated the first Shop At Home sample van in December 1973. Now, thousands of owners—some with retail stores, many working from home—are ready to retire and sell their businesses. The guidelines below are based on my experience of selling hundreds of franchises and helping dozens of owners to sell their businesses. If you started your business years ago, or if you’re planning for the years ahead, you want to get a good understanding of the basics when it comes to selling a business: What is my business worth? Who are potential buyers? How can I maximize my return?

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How Much Is My Business Worth? Don’t waste money on a CPA to value your business. With no inventory, equipment or receivables, it’s not that complex. Your business’ real value is based on two things: business phone and customer list. Here’s what this type of business has sold for in the past: ■ 10% to 25% of current sales ■ 1½ times net profit (profit includes vehicle and nontax business benefits) ■ 10% of future sales the buyer receives for a specific period of time, most likely 12 to 18 months Of course, your business may be worth more depending on the buyer, but this gives you a good idea on how to value your current business.

Who Is The Buyer? Of the businesses sold, 80% of the successful sales are to an owner’s offspring and/or to a key employee of the business. Selling to an inexperienced buyer through a broker is rare. Other buyers who may be interested in purchasing your business may include a competitor or a business owner in a related field (flooring, paint, furniture, etc.). There is also one type of buyer who may be most surprising: a customer who likes decorating and wants the flexibility of owning his/her own business. The most important issue when it comes to finding a buyer is buyer motivation. Probe and dig until you find the driving force as to why the buyer wants any business, not just yours. Second, make sure to find out if they have the money. This is somewhat of a catch-22. Usually, buyers with the money want to manage employees but not necessarily work daily in the business. The buyers who are willing to work in the business may not have money. It will be your business model and the terms you set to sell the business that will determine who best qualifies as a buyer.

Your Business Model Your qualified potential buyer is to be determined by your business model, which is likely one of these three:

Home-Based Personal Business

Retail Store

Managed Business

With no employees, but a contract installer, the business annually sells for less than $400,000 and is relatively easy to manage. Your buyer may be a customer who wants income and flexibility. Other home-based businesses may attract buyers that want a low initial investment and minimal training.

The owner is the primary salesperson. Annual sales are typically $500,000 to $1,000,000. Your potential buyer may be a key employee. In this case, you may want to consider a low down payment and a long-term buyout.

With two to six salespeople, this business is harder to manage. The buyer is likely to be one of your offspring and/or a key employee. They have experience and have worked directly in the business for several years and are likely wanting to take on more responsibility. They are likely to need you to remain on as an adviser and/or consultant for several years and you are likely going to need to provide the financing to structure this type of purchase.

Promote For A Partner Advertise for a partner. Ask your customers, “Who do you know that would love to be part of this business?” Require a small investment for 5% to 10% share. Make it a nonrefundable training fee. Make partial ownership the prize—you are doing him/her a favor by allowing a low-risk investment and you are offering mentorship to ensure his/her success. And, of course, your selling price will be higher as a result of this terrific value. You can be well-rewarded for owning a great and profitable business with wonderful customers when you find the right person to sell your business at the right price.

Tips To Sell Business Faster And For More Money ■ Plan your exit strategy for at least five to 10 years out. You may need to hire and develop an employee who will ultimately become your buyer. ■ Simplify. If you have inventory, sell it. If you have a workroom, find a contractor. If you are loaded with samples, clean out the unused books and materials. ■ Share with the potential buyer how great it is to have a business in the window treatment industry. Prove the pleasure of the business and take your potential buyer out on a project installation. Let them see the customer’s reaction and appreciation. ■ Don’t share your P&L until the buyer proves he/she has the money and is motivated to purchase your business. Say you are happy to share with them the business’ financials when you know he/she is looking to make a serious offer. If they don’t love the business, your P&L won’t help. ■ Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid of structuring a long-term payout. Five- or 10-year terms may allow you to get a higher asking price. Remember, interest fees are money too. V

Steven C. Bursten, who has spent over 60 years in the window treatment industry, is the CEO of Exciting Windows, a national network of 42 independent window fashion retailers and nearly 100 decorating consultants. He is a national authority on Shop At Home window treatment sales and marketing. He is also the co-founder of Window Coverings University, which offers instruction and programs specializing in sales and profit management.

ExcitingWindows.com

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GLARE July + August 2022

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Surewin Surewin has quality components at competitive prices from its Florida warehouse, with custom sourcing available. Plastic bead chain-in-rolls or continuous loops; numerous colors in all lengths, nickel-plated and stainless chainin-rolls and continuous loops in all lengths, stop balls, connectors, safety devices, c-clips, alligator clips, tassels, lift cord, vertical components, cord locks and the easy-to-fabricate, low-profile Sure-Lift® Roman Headrail System for shades up to 50 pounds. » Learn more at Surewin@optonline.net or call 239-362-3342.

Ona Drapery Hardware Company

» For a free catalog, please call 800-231-4025 or visit OnaDrapery.com.

JULY + AUGUST 2022 | wf-vision.com

The source for custommade drapery hardware. From contemporary to traditional, we offer an extensive selection of styles and finishes. We manufacture every rod set to order using only premium heavy-gauge steel, wrought iron, crystal and more. Custom curving is also available for all rod profiles. Be sure to look at our new acrylic rods, art glass finials and polished chrome finishes, in addition to our popular French rods and ONAVERSE™ Iron Cord Traverse Rods. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

Forest’s Dresden H-Rail Traversing If you view drapery hardware as the jewelry to your best drapery outfit, Dresden is the collection for you. European craftsmanship and the finest materials go into stunning hardware available in nine finishes. Control options include baton drawn, corded and motorized. » Email us at customerservice@forestdh.com or call 678-721-0004.

Coulisse Eve MotionBlinds is the smartest way to operate window coverings using all the latest technologies, including Bluetooth, Thread and even Matter (in the future). Designed with simplicity and connectivity in mind, these smart USB-C rechargeable battery-powered motors with Apple HomeKit technology are easy to set up and use to make life easier, safer and more convenient. Recognized as a game changer and winning two awards at CES 2022, Eve MotionBlinds guarantees 100% privacy without cloud dependency, can work on autopilot using schedules and talks to other smart devices to create the best living environment. » Learn more at MotionBlinds.com/eve.

Somfy The new WireFree Li-ion Solar Panel harnesses solar energy to replenish power for wirefree motorized window coverings powered by Somfy. It provides a safe, convenient charging option, reducing end user maintenance for Li-ion powered wirefree motorized shade systems. This latest innovation from Somfy offers a green alternative for powering wirefree motorized window coverings, which eliminates annual battery replacement and disposal. » Learn more at bit.ly/WireFreeLi-ionSolarPanelKit.

Orion Ornamental Iron Movelite 35™ means connected solutions at an affordable price with quiet performance and a five-year warranty. Offer the smart home experience with a drapery motor that can be controlled with the touch of a button, simple voice commands and third-party devices. Add Orion’s Iron Art, Wood Art or Design Art drapery hardware fascia options for the finishing touch. » Contact us at sales@ironartbyorion.com, IronArtByOrion.com or call 877-476-6278. V ISION

C U R TA I N C A L L Last Look

WEAVING A TALE Interior design uses furnishings, materials and accessories to weave together a beautiful story. The Shade Store’s new Artisan Weave collection offers window treatments that are the perfect ending to a well-designed story. The collection has an assortment of 12 exclusive materials in 30-plus colorways available for both roman and woven wood shades. The sleek materials, from finely woven grasses to refined woods and reeds, are made with only natural fibers, which offer splendid textures ensuring there is always a happy ending. SHADE SHOWN: Top Down Bottom Up Woven Wood Shade, Artisan Weaves Del Rey

» TheShadeStore.com Photo: Courtesy of The Shade Store

JULY + AUGUST 2022

More Than Just A Pretty Window Treatment Innovation That Inspires Endless Possibilities

Smart Lift Systems for Your Smart Home Control your beautiful Horizons window treatments with the touch of a button. Open and close shades with whisper-quiet motors that can be scheduled to open and close at peak times for improved energy efficiency. Cordless operation makes motorized shades the safe choice for homes with children and pets.

Wide Windows Meet Smart Solutions

High-Tech Engineering for the Perfect Cut

Choose from over 120 natural fabrics that celebrate the

Precision is key when crafting the perfect window treatment.

natural beauty of renewable materials such as jute, grasses,

That’s why Horizons uses innovative technology such as a

and bamboo. Offered in custom sizes up to 288” wide and

high-pressure water cutter and a precision laser cutter to

120” tall, Horizons window treatments are custom made to fit

create straight, even cuts that resist fraying. These precise

perfectly, while looking effortlessly elegant.

machines can cut fabrics to just the right size with great

Averté folds create sophisticated folds of fabric that look and

accuracy to reduce waste and ensure fit.

move like traditional draperies but are made from natural

Visit horizonshades.com or email sales@horizonshades.com

materials. Create just the right look with right, left and split

for more information.

stack options, depending on your preference. Motorized Averté treatments allow you to open and close your window treatment at the touch of a button for ease of use, privacy, and light control.

Scan to learn more about Averté Natural Fold!

› (05/22) 22-334950

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Window Fashion VISION Magazine July/August 2022 Issue

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