Samsung is a large, global electronics company that is known for its televisions, soundbars and smart devices. Through the launch of its Frame series of television products, the company is building a following within the home design community and integrators stand to benefit by the companys growing appeal.

James Mayo, director of custom install/channel strategy at Samsung Electronics America, states that over the past several years the company has worked hard to balance the traditional elements of television product development, with the needs of the interior design community.

Headlining Samsungs effort to bridge the differences between the electronics industry and interior design community has been the companys hugely successful The Frame line of products.

Available in a growing selection of screen sizes, The Frame line of products were developed to integrate into home spaces without looking like a traditional television.

The Frame line of products are capable of displaying fine works of art through the use of Samsungs QLED display technologies, and proprietary Art Mode technology, which provides homeowners a choice of more than 1,200 works of art to show at their convenience.

When Samsung first came out with The Frame, it was received so well, we had 55-inch screen sizes; a couple of main screen sizes.We quickly found out that the demand is far and exceeding just like a typical television, people want it in different screen sizes for different purposes, comments Mayo.

We went all the way up to 75 [inches] this year, which has been received really well; 55, 65 were always our best-selling screen sizes. So, we are testing it up higher and the 75 [inch model] has been received really well.

Not only does Samsung now offer the 75-inch screen size model, but it also went the other way, by introducing a 32-inch screen size. Mayo notes the smaller screen size enables homeowners to place their The Frame TVs in locations such as kitchens and smaller bedrooms.

In addition to the research and develop (R&D) efforts the company has put into The Frame series of products, Mayo stresses that Samsung is also supporting the merger of home electronics into interior design spaces, by opening up design centers across the U.S.

When we talk to designers one of the things, we that we find is that designers I think are kind of hardwired to avoid technology a little bit. That is one of the things that we are trying to warm up in the design community, he says.

Weve opened up four different design centers. One in Irvine, Calif., one in Washington D.C., one in Ridgefield Park, N.J., at our headquarter office, but the newest one we built is down in the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, Texas. And we have in there a Samsung Experience by the Dallas Market Center. What we are doing down there is really bringing designers; we built it right in where the designers are use, to working out of every day. What we are trying to do is to get them to come see the rooms, we have Frames set up in there, all of our technologies are set up in there. The designer can come in and show how it becomes a seamless part of their design.

Mayo adds that initially when Samsung designed the Frame line of products the company envisioned the products as secondary TVs within a home, but they were surprised to learn that because of the visual elements the products delivered, homeowners were using the TVs as their primary displays.

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CEDIA Expo Virtual Preview: Samsung Reinvents the TV with The Frame Product Line - CEPRO - CEPro

September 14,2020: All those who are under the misconception that luxury and sustainability dont go hand in hand need to have a second thought. A leading Malaysian interior designer, Andreas Budiman, has debunked the myth like a boss with his innovative eco-friendly yet plush interior design and home renovation projects. The founder of Malaysias topinterior designstudio AND Studio, Mr. Budiman specializes in creating sustainable homes that can save on energy costs

A name of big repute across Malaysia and Singapore residential renovation scene, AND Studio is a full-service interior design and home renovation firm. The company offers specialized design consulting and home remodeling services and caters to all kinds of home renovation projects. Whether its a luxury makeover just for the kitchen or an overall makeover of an entire home, Mr. Budiman and his team are ready to work for all.

What separates Mr. Budimans approach from that of the regular interior designers is his major emphasis in incorporating natural elements in his projectswith due respect to the safety of the planet. One of his recent projects was a condo makeover with natural design and elements which has introduced a new wave in the traditional scene ofinterior design in Malaysia. Located in a highly urbanized area, the condo has been transformed from a 4-decade-old house into a plush grand home, accentuated with natural elements.

The beauty of natural elements was the main concept behind the designing and renovation of the condo, said Mr. Budiman while speaking about incorporating natural elements in his recent project.

The house has been decked up with natural stones like marble which has brought a classy edge to the overall condo. Moreover, AND Studio has incorporated natural lighting in thehome renovationproject as much as possible to ensure almost zero energy consumption.

With thego greencampaign going strong with each passing day, homeowners are really conscious about attaining a sustainable design and eco-friendly living. But, in most of the cases, they are curious about how to incorporate that ethos into their homes and need a guiding support here. This is where we come in.

We try to bring in a natural feel in homes with the help of natural stones, like the way we did in one of our last projects. Natural stones carry a timeless appeal and they always add a dose of class when you are seeking a luxury makeover for your home. Moreover, they are durable. Besides, we focus a lot on getting in natural lighting for your home to reduce energy consumption as much as possible. We believe in creating sustainable home designs that would be pleasing to the eye, easy on pocket and also would contribute to the betterment of the planet.

While asked whether they had to face challenges while incorporating natural elements in their projects, Mr. Budiman mentioned a number of handicaps which they had to learn to tackle. He noted about the difficulties in carrying large slabs of natural stones through elevators and all the extra works needed to size them up before installation.

Yes, of course there are always challenges when we try to incorporate natural elements in our renovation or interior design projects. For example, natural stones usually com in big sizes. So, its a great deal of challenge to carry it in elevators and there is always a lot of on-site work involved before installation. But, we are happy to deal with challenges because we know the end product will serve a greater good.

Mr. Budiman also specializes in urban industrial-concept homes. Another of his recent project was on an industrial-concept home where he has used sophisticated black-accent concept design to create a suave urbane look.

A major name across the Asian interior design industry, Mr. Budiman has been widely appreciated by his clients for his vast knowledge, out-of-the-box approach to home design and renovation and personal touch. Unlike regular designers who are mostly running after money, Mr. Budiman is always more focused on helping his clients add value to their homes. He proceeds with every project with a personalized approach to ensure a clients specific needs and choices are addressed at their best. Many of his clients have spoken highly of his careful attention to detail and personalized care.

It helps a family to have a happy home. We do acknowledge your home is one of your most treasured assets and you wish it to be the reflection of your ethos and elegant tastes. Each design or renovation project comes with its own specific needs. Thus, we always stress on a personalized approach and minute attention to detail to ensure optimum satisfaction, added in Mr. Budiman.

The leading interior designer also aspires to educate his clients and visitors on various aspects of home renovation and interior design through his website and free reports that are sent to clients email. One of his latest educational guides is on hidden costs of renovation that provides exclusive tips on how to save time and money in a renovation project.

AND Studios official website is bustling with a series of happy testimonials from Budimans long range of clients. His clients have spoken highly of him for his unique design approach, impeccable professionalism, prompt response and transparent communication.

200% recommended!!

Even after the season of High Ticket Closing has ended, as my teams Accountability Leader, he continued to provide me with the support I needed in terms of promptly answering my questions, even going as far as setting up a one on one meeting just to best answer my concerns to try and give me more clarity and accountability.

He is truly a gem worth working with that is all about providing value first.

About Andreas Budiman

One of the most renowned names in the Malaysia and Singapore interior design industry, Andreas Budiman is a seasoned interior designer and home renovation expert. His interior design firm, AND Studio is based in Johor Bahru and is reputed for premier and eco-friendly interior design and consultancy for home owners. Budiman is one among the top High-Ticket Closers mentee of Dan Lok, The Asian Dragon and specializes in combining luxury with natural elements to create a warm and classy ambience inside the home.

For moreinformation, please visithttps://andstudiodesign.com/

Source: Story.KISSPR.com

Release ID: 14289

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AND Studio creating sustainable homes with eco-friendly luxury interior design & renovation - Press Release - Digital Journal

Back in 2018, while the Dolan Twins were still living in their first Encino home, they enlisted the help of Mr. Kate and Joey to add some decorative touches. The couple decided to match the interior design to the mid-century exterior, and their dining room choices have since come back to haunt them.

After selecting a rustic dining table, Joey explained that they chose more mid century chairs for contrast.While placing the seats at the table, Joey and Kate discuss how they picked them.

"These chairs are cool," Joey says.

"I am obsessed with these," Kate responds. "These are made in Italy."

When the Dolan Twins were able to see the finished design, they harped on the chairs.

"They're made in Italy? Imported?" Ethan said.

"These are amazing! We're Italian!" Grayson exclaimed.

"A little bit," Ethan added.

But, more than two years later, the Dolan Twins said that Mr. Kate actually lied about the chairs, and they claimed that they were really from Walmart.

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Why Did the Dolan Twins Shade Mr. Kate's Furniture? What Happened? - Distractify

As we approach the final quarter of 2020, the profound business shifts caused by the coronavirus are more apparent than ever, from day-to-day operations to fundamental values. We asked seven interior designersMelissa Bodie, Kati Curtis, Javier Fernandez, Taj Hunter Waite, Christina Nielsen, Alisa Popelka and Danielle Rollinshow the virus affected their firms and how theyve adjusted to the changing times.

Alisa PopelkaCourtesy of Alisa Popelka

Keeping it realIve added a COVID clause to my contract and have had open dialogues with each client regarding how they are most comfortable moving forward with projects during the pandemic, whether that is to continue in-person, change to virtual services or put their projects on hold. By remaining transparent and keeping the lines of communication open regarding issues such as longer lead times, freight and shipping delays, and managing scope creep (as clients are spending more time in their homes and adding to their projects), it establishes that we are all on the same page. Each party understands we are working under abnormal circumstances, but still striving for excellent customer service, a great client experience, and a well-designed space clients will love to live in. Alisa Popelka, Alisa Cristine Interiors, Dallas

Javier FernandezCourtesy of Javier Fernandez

Back in actionIn the early days of COVID, most of my projects were placed on hold. That time was quite scary, not knowing if the client would call back. Around the end of April, the phone calls and emails from existing clients, as well as new ones, started coming in fast and furious. After a great big sigh of relief, I went to work and have not stopped. The projects range from sprucing up a couple of rooms to full-on remodels, including participating in The Hampton Designer Showhouse to boot. What I have learned from this moment is that our homes are critical to our well-being. With more time at home, I sincerely believe that clients are investing in their homes because they have fallen back in love with them. Javier Fernandez, Transitional Designs, New York

Taj Hunter WaiteCourtesy of Taj Hunter Waite

A different paceWhen the COVID shutdown occurred, there was so much uncertainty initially. As weve slowly started again, delivery of custom orders are all moving at a snails pace. For the most part, on full design service jobs, budgets havent been affected. [The most significant change] I have experienced is clients wanting to be a bigger part of the process. When I encounter that, I suggest our virtual service options. If you want to actively be a part of the process, I can source and advise you along the way. Considering the lines between work, home and family responsibilities are more blurred than ever before, I find being flexible in offering new methods of design delivery to be key. Taj Hunter Waite, All Things Taj, Miami

Kati CurtisCourtesy of Kati Curtis

creative licenseWeve had to get creative with installs. Some buildings wouldnt allow our contractors in, some would only allow a certain number in at a time, and some have only allowed work in one unit per day, so if someone else was working wed have to wait. Weve also had some clients on a tighter deadline, meaning we have to work quickly and be extra-efficient. Some materials have been delayed due to international shipping. Its all about adapting and finding new solutions to still deliver exceptional results for our clients. Kati Curtis, Kati Curtis Design, New York

Christina NielsenCourtesy of Christina Nielsen

Here comes the boomI am extremely grateful to say that COVID has impacted my business in a positive way, and I have never been busier. As the power of home is more prevalent than ever, my clients are looking to either upgrade their homes or move into new ones. While commercial projects have stalled, New York and the surrounding area is a buyers market, which has created a boom in residential design. It has, however, been a huge learning experience to transition from in-person meetings and appointments to purely virtual. I miss having the connection of clients and showrooms, but it is clear that the design industry remains incredibly resilient and continues to adapt. Christina Nielsen, Christina Nielsen Design, New York and London

Melissa BodieCourtesy of Melissa Bodie

A closer look Fortunately, business has been solid and consistent, thanks to our introduction of e-design services. But reading the startling statistics about the viruss effect on people of color holds up a microscope to the systemic, institutional racism in the U.S., and has propelled us to continue to strive for more diversity, inclusion and equity. We continue to examine our role within the design business, reassessing the brands with whom we work and from whom we source. Melissa Bodie, Melissa + Miller Interiors, New York and Philadelphia

Danielle RollinsCourtesy of Danielle Rollins

Full speed aheadI think the home industry is in for a major boom. People [have] started really seeing their home as a place of shelter, rather than a transient dwelling they pass through. I am seeing a major shift in how people view their spacestheyre making a major investment in the things they had put off or didnt see value in investing in before. My clients are going full throttle on curtains, carpets and fully decorated spaces. Danielle Rollins, Danielle Rollins Interiors, Atlanta

Homepage photo: A project by Danielle Rollins from her forthcoming book, Home for All Seasons | Courtesy of Rizzoli

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7 designers on how COVID has impacted their businesses - Business of Home

A New Initiative to Provide Three Days of Inspiring Programming and Connect the Design Community Through Open, Interactive Events.

(August 26, 2020 -- Washington, DC) -- The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced its first-ever Virtual Conference, seeking to unite design professionals nationwide. Created to support and inspire the design community despite the travel and health restrictions of COVID-19, the Virtual Conference will provide programming, resources, networking, and a virtual exhibit hall to connect designers and design partners, promote wellness and wellbeing, and demonstrate the impact of design. The Virtual Conference will be hosted on the ASID Academy and will also be accessible via mobile app from September 15-17, 2020 with a preview of the Exhibit Hall starting September 8, 2020. Additionally, the event is free and open to all of the design public, not just ASID members.

The ASID Virtual Conference will offer a diverse range of digital programs, including signature events like the ASID State of the Society. The event invites design professionals, students, educators, and manufacturers to join together and experience the Societys design impacts lives mission, free of cost. Harnessing timely topics through its CEUs, keynotes, and other programming, the Virtual Conference is set to empower designers through personal and professional development opportunities, support industry manufacturers through virtual networking, and connect and support the design community nationwide - without the limiting factors of cost or travel.

Being able to share the mission of design impacts lives with designers from around the country truly demonstrates the far-reaching power of design," states ASID Interim CEO Gary Wheeler, FASID. We are thrilled to bring the entire community together through a packed line-up of enlightening events and interactive engagements, all thoughtfully curated to spark inspiration and push our industry forward."

As part of the ASID Virtual Conference, exclusive training and events for ASID chapter leadership will also be offered simultaneously through a supplemental board agenda. The Virtual Chapter Leadership Conference will provide invaluable education and professional development for the next slate of ASID chapter leaders to succeed in their new roles.

Ranging from morning mindfulness sessions to informative CEUs and exhibitor pop-ups, the Virtual Conference will touch on topics including designs role in a post-COVID world, occupant wellbeing, industry resilience, diversity and equity in design, and more. In line with its innovative virtual format, ASID will reimagine the traditional opening program and kick off the event with a crowd-sourced keynote titled: Whats Next? Designs Impact on People, Places and Planet. Highlighting the best names in design, an array of luminary speakers - including ASID Designers of Distinction, Student Portfolio Winners, Fellows and more - will explore the meaning of design impacts lives.

Speakers for the Virtual Conference include:

Gary E. Wheeler, FASID

Interim CEO, ASID

Gary E. Wheeler, FASID, is a renowned professional with more than 30 years design experience and a passion for creative excellence. He has led practices at Perkins&Will, Gensler, and most recently, HDR. Distinguished for his strategic approach to workplace design, Gary began his career as co-founder of the Wheeler Group in 1978. Gary has worked with companies in a variety of industries, including Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Time Warner, Bates Advertising, Leo Burnett Worldwide and Marsh. His many ASID accomplishments and milestones include being named the Designer of Distinction (1999), granted fellowship and serving as National President (1994). During Wheelers time as ASID President, he was a transformative leader that ushered in a new era for the organization by expanding the ASID Foundation and investing in research and evidence-based design. Wheeler has also been inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame and received the Senior Fellow Award from The Design Future Council (DFC) in 2002. He is one of the few designers with Fellow distinction with ASID and IIDA.

Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS

Chair-Elect, ASID Board of Directors

Creative Director, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

With over 25-years of experience, Kerrie Kelly is creative director for Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. Kerri is an award-winning California interior designer, author, and contributor; and a product designer and multimedia consultant helping national brands reach the interior design market. Kerrie is a fellow, chair-elect to the National Board of Directors, and chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); Houzz Pro Advisory Board Member; and the 2020 Trends Expert of the National Kitchen and Bath.

Jennifer Kolstad, ASID, Assoc. AIA

Chair, ASID Board of Directors

Global Design Director, Ford Motor Company

Jennifer Kolstad is the global design director of Ford Motor Companys built environments. Her role seeks to unify Fords brand language across typologies through architecture and design, investigating opportunities for cultural and behavioral change, elevating design impact internal and external to the global Ford ecosystem. With a core belief in collaboration, her mission is to ideate future-state readiness for the physical infrastructure of a next-gen mobility company. Dedicated to the longevity of the interior design profession holistically, Jennifer is the 2020 chair of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) National Board of Directors. Since joining the national board in 2016, her focus has been the broader application of the interior design professional's human-centered expertise in every design equation.

About ASID

The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Societys programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.

ASID was founded over 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.

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ASID Announces First Ever Virtual Conference - Vegas Magazine

When Kelly and Kevin McGauley walked their dogs, they often chose a route along White Bear Lake, past some vacant land where two homes had burned to the ground several years earlier.

Sometimes they talked about buying one of the lots if they ever came up for sale. But Kelly, owner of Leona Rose Interiors, wasnt sure she wanted to build.

As an interior designer, I never had a desire to build my own house, she said. I couldnt see creating something I wanted to live in long-term and putting so much energy into it. Its a little different decorating for yourself.

But the lure of the lake was too strong. When the property came up for sale, the Mahtomedi couple contacted the builder/owner, BCD Homes, and bought one of the lots.

Kelly had a strong vision for their new home. I wanted California contemporary style, she said, including a flat roof. I know enough to know that not every builder is capable of building that. So I asked, Will you? Can you? The builder assured them he could.

To design the home, the builder directed the McGauleys to PLAAD (Practice of Lasting Art, Architecture & Design), where architects Mark Stankey and Matt Byers have experience designing modern homes for Minnesotas harsh climate.

They also shared Kellys vision for what a lake home could be not just a home on a lake but a home designed to embrace the lake completely, while maximizing the width of a somewhat narrow lot that had been subdivided to accommodate two houses.

The overall goal with the architecture was to maximize the connection to the lake, said Stankey. Thats the main reason they built the house.

The connection to the lake begins as you approach the home. A glass cube flanked by concrete masses topped with clerestory windows and metal banding serves as the entry, with the door set to the left rather than center. You see right through the living room to the lake, said Stankey.

The one-level street front is quiet and restrained, according to Stankey, with less important spaces in the front of the house, including the garage and closet in the owners suite. Inside, the home opens up to the main living spaces, which offer sweeping views and access to the lake.

Large, stackable sliding windows on the back of the house maximize the connection to the lake. You can make the walls disappear in summer, said Stankey. You can blur and dissolve the boundary between inside and outside.

Theres even a glass-walled powder room. Its unexpected and really beautiful, said Kelly.

Wish list

Kelly also had a strong vision of the staircase she wanted to connect the main level to the walkout lower level, with its media room and bar.

One of my big wants was a floating metal and wood staircase, she said. And she wanted it without a stringer, a visible metal support mechanism. The team found a way to support the staircase through the walls. The media room has a glass-and-steel enclosure that frames and shows off the staircase. Its one of my favorite aesthetic features of the house, said Kelly.

In keeping with their clean-lined modern aesthetic, the McGauleys also wanted no trim throughout the house and doors that were flush with walls, with concealed hinges. Its really difficult to accomplish but executed to perfection, Kelly said.

The owners suite is on the main floor, right off the main living area, behind double doors. Both McGauleys work from home, so there are two offices, one on the lower level, lake side, for Kevin; one on the main floor in the laundry room for Kelly.

As a designer, I need lots of work surface, she said. So the countertop was extended over the washer and dryer. She can also pull a drape to hide the appliances.

In addition to the owners suite, there are three guest bedrooms on the lower level for the couples four young adult children, ages 20 to 23. We are a blended family, said Kelly. I have two sons, and my husband has two girls. The younger three are in college and live with the McGauleys part time, while the eldest has moved out.

They are always welcome, said Kelly. But none has their own bedroom. Last summer, when all four were living at home, she put a twin bed in a large closet to accommodate everyone. I came up with a schedule each one had 22 days in the hole.

The three guest bedrooms are themed. One is the Urban Retreat, with black walls and concrete floors. Its industrial and masculine, said Kelly. The Loft is white on white, with an airy, lofty feel, while the Library Retreat has a built-in twin bed with a trundle below and a rolling ladder to access bookshelves containing childhood memorabilia. We hope to have grandchildren, said Kelly.

Adding warmth and texture

Within the open floor plan on the main level, different ceiling heights and finishes were used to define spaces, said Stankey. Clean, modern walls are juxtaposed with stucco masonry that mimics concrete, adding tactile texture.

California contemporary can be cold, sleek and uninviting, said Kelly. My goal was to have it very warm, comfortable, relaxing and inviting.

The flooring on the main level is oak in boards of random widths with an oiled finish. The kitchen cabinets are walnut with a dark stain. The island base is metal, and the countertops are soapstone.

With our family, we need finishes we can live with, said Kelly. Soapstone and oiled wood floors are living finishes that develop a patina, as opposed to hard, polished surfaces that she considers more off-putting. When recommending such finishes to clients, she says, It tells the story of your life. Its perfectly imperfect.

Having a kitchen she loves has resulted in Kelly spending a lot more time there, even before the pandemic. When we built it, I said, I dont cook. We go out. Now I cook all the time. I bought cookbooks. Being here in this house, you dont want to leave. Its like youre at an amazing resort every day.

Her favorite thing about their home is the way it makes her feel. I feel welcomed, home and relaxed, she said. They love sharing their modern home and lake life with family and friends. Its built for people to enjoy. Even hard-core traditionalists love being in the house.

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Modern lake home in Mahtomedi blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors - Minneapolis Star Tribune

The 50 States Project is a yearlong series of candid conversations with interior designers, state by state, about how theyve built their businesses. Today, were chatting with Fargo, North Dakotabased Lindsey Christie, who founded Lindsey Grace Interiors three years ago after moving back to her hometown and realizing that her dream job didnt exist. She tells us about the importance of on-the-job learning, why e-design hasnt taken off for her firm, and how she focuses on the value of saving time when shes pitching her services to clients.

Did you always know that you wanted to be a designer?I did. I dont know why I wanted to become an interior designerI didnt have any interior designers around me when I was growing upbut I think it stemmed from watching HGTV and thinking that was really cool. I had no idea what the career was, though, I just knew that I wanted to do it. I went to school and got my four-year degree at North Dakota State University. Once I signed up for the interior design program [and got the course list], that was the first time I actually learned what the career would truly look like. It was like, Whoa, do I actually want to do this? It was a lot more work than I thought it would be.

What made you have that initial reaction?When you first start, they spend an entire weekend going over what the different careers look like [within the design industry] and what you can do with them. They showed us that you can do residential, but you can also do commercial. You can do health care, you can design prisonstheres an interior designer for everything out there. And that was a little bit overwhelming.

And the subtext there is, Were going to teach you to do all of those things, right?Oh, yesand they definitely do. Our program focused more on the commercial side of things because they feel like if you know how to do that, you can really do anything within residential.

I love having interns, and thats because I had really great mentors myself and learned so much from them. I really push to my interns, and to young designers in general, that if you want to grow quickly in this industry, you need to get your schooling, but you also need to start working right away. I started working in the actual industry sophomore year and never stopped. I am pretty youngIve owned my business now for three years and Im not even 30 yetand the reason Ive been able to do that is because Ive had such lovely and amazing mentors. I interned under James Rixner in New York; after graduation, I went to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and worked under Bria Hammel while she grew her company.

A pair of brass pendant lights add shimmer to a bright white kitchen.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

Whats some of the on-the-job stuff that you just cant learn in design school that was so helpful to you?How to talk to clients. That was the earliest thingsitting back and shadowing, learning how to talk to clients and run a design meeting. In New York, the other biggest lesson was all of the product that is out there and available to us as designers. Working alongside Bria, it was how to actually run a businesshow you sell the product, how you provide services for builders in order to have the new construction side of it.

I still keep in touch with all of my mentors. Running a business, theres always some new challengeI mean, Im three years in and I finally feel like, OK, this ship is not going to sink. I used to feel that way every day; now its maybe once a week. Its [so helpful] that I can still reach out to these amazing designers and ask them questions.

What made you want to launch your own firm?I moved back to Fargo to be with my husband, who has a career here. I was not planning on starting my own company, but I did a lot of interviews, and I quickly realized my dream job did not exist here. There are other designers in Fargo that do something similar to what I do, but I can truly say that none of them provide the same full-service decorating and new construction services, and I saw that and I saw that our market really needed that. I told my husband, Theres nothing out there that I want to do, and Im not going to settle. So I created my own business.

What exactly is your niche, and why was that so needed in Fargo?New construction here is booming. When I came in three years ago, it was extremely busy. One thing that I knew right away was that I wanted to build a relationship with local builders. I wanted to be the clients go-to, but I also wanted to be the builders go-to to have on the team to make it a really fun and easy process, you know?

Pale oak cabinetry in a serene master bathroom.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

A soft patterned tile enlivens the shower floor.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

Left: Pale oak cabinetry in a serene master bathroom. Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors | Right: A soft patterned tile enlivens the shower floor. Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

How did you pitch yourself to builders?I met up with a lot of builders when I first got here, and I saw that they were all sending their clients to the showrooms and then expecting the showrooms to communicate all the selections back to them. Some of the builders were even going to the showrooms with the clients! I was like, How are you building the houses and doing all the design work? So I really had to introduce the entire concept of full-service interior design and what that would look like to the market and to the community and how much of an asset it would be to everybody.

Were they receptive initially?No, it took a lot of convincing on the builder side of it.

Has that changed?Honestly, there is still a lot of educating consumers on what they should expect from an interior designer and the value that we bring. I work with business and marketing coaches to figure out how to really educate them on what to expect. Its gotten easier now as I [get new clients] through referrals.

The dreamy, light-filled master bath.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

How has the firm grown in the past three years, and how did you build your team?I officially hired an operations manager last month, I have an intern, and we opened our brand-new studio space this month! Its our own personal office space in a shared building in Fargo, close to a lot of the homes I work on. Its actually one minute away from one of our big remodels right now! That wasnt the deciding factor, but itll be very convenient this year. I had been working out of my home, and I wanted a nice place to host my clients. Ill never do the retail aspect, but itll be a great way to showcase my personal brand.

Ive brought a lot of amazing furniture lines to Fargo, but up until this point, clients havent had anything to sit onthey just order it with a lot of trust in me. Now, well have a little seating area in the studio where clients can touch and feel. Itll all still be custom-ordered, but they can experience the different lines that we carry. Thats been another aspect of educating our market, is talking about the different quality of frames and what you can truly expect out of high-quality furniture.

How did you know what roles to hire for to build out your team?Ive been taking on a much larger workload, and I never want my client experience to waver from what it has been. So adding an operations manager will create more time for me to keep designing [by taking on] the pricing, order tracking and receiving. I also have interns, and one thing they have been really good at is the drawings. Thats extremely helpful as an asset to our company.

You mentioned that youve brought a lot of lines to Fargo, but in general, what kind of resources are available? How and where do you source?For commercial projects or finishes, we have great showroomsthe tile, countertop and cabinetry providers here are amazing, and I source all of that locally. And if they dont have what I want, I dont go to the cities. Instead, Ill ask them to bring in the product that Im looking for. We are really, really big on supporting local here.

On the more soft goods, furnishings side, what resources are available?I create my own resources. I brought a lot of the lines that I grew to love while working with James and Bria to Fargo, and everybodys really been loving it. Obviously, when I was in New York, I had amazing showrooms and I was really able to get my hands on a lot of great materials; when I worked with Bria, we would go to market [to meet with vendors]. She was in the early stages of starting her furniture line [Brooke & Lou], so you get to know the pieces really, really well.

How do your clients find you right now?We have a really great local publication, Midwest Nest, where I place print ads. They do a really great job locally. Thats something that I noticed was extremely different from Minneapolis. There, they have The Scout Guide that a lot of people will look at. But here, every single month, my mom, my aunts, my clients, everybody grabs an issue of Midwest Nest at the grocery store and throws it on their coffee table.

Thats amazing.Its so crazy, but it was huge for my business. I started running print ads there and people think, Oh, shes being featured. Thats what I did right away. I also really focused on my social media.

An ethereal bedroom in shades of white and pale blue.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

What has your angle been for getting that right?I would say just being authentic and approachable. And also understanding that it is secondaryI dont expect my clients to find me on social media, but once they see my print ads in Midwest Nest and want to get to know a little bit more about me as a person, I try and have my social media showcase what they can expect the tone of our relationship to be and also get a really good visual sense of my aesthetic. I want to elevate our market and show that the Midwest can have amazing design.

When you talk about services, your site highlights new construction, decorating and e-design. How big is each of these categories for you?I would say its 50-50 between new construction and full-service decorating, but they happen within different phases of the year. In the summer, we are very focused on new construction, and then we phase into more decorating in the winter.

Has e-design been a big piece of the business ever?It hasnt. My clients want that in-person connection, not just the service.

How do you approach the client management piece of the business?I typically become the third person in their marriage! No, Im joking, but I think it works because people trust me, and they trust me because I am super authentic. I always want them to truly know that I am there every step of the way. Home building is a very emotional, expensive, exciting process, and I think that I bring a lot of value to my clients by just knowing that no matter what comes up throughout the process, its normal, Ive usually dealt with it before, and Ill be there to take care of it. For most people, building a home is probably the most money theyll ever spend on anything in their lives, and for it to be a miserable process that nobody ever wants to do againthat isn't good for our industry or the consumer, so I want my clients to feel like its a fun experience. It really should be!

The bedroom.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

A set of caned dining chairs take center stage in the breakfast room.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

Left: The bedroom. Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors | Right: A set of caned dining chairs take center stage in the breakfast room. Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

You touched on a topic Im super interested in at the moment, which is that sense of value. How do you talk about that? How do you help the client understand the value that youre bringing to the project?I talk about their time. I ask them, How much do you value your time? And then I walk them through what it would be like if I wasnt involved in the process versus if I were to be. Whether youre making a sandwich or planning a trip, everything is always better when its done by somebody else. Thats how I look at the home-building process, and especially the decorating process.

You mentioned age earlier. Have you experienced moments where you felt that being younger held you back or made it harder to do the job?Because I dont have kids, people sometimes think I dont know how to design for families with children, but I usually nip that in the bud in the first design meeting. Ive actually studied children and what they needreally, what everybody needs from their home. Thats what makes me a good designer.

Who is your client? Is it the young family with kids?It is! We do design for a lot of families with kids. Our ideal clients are people that just dont have time.

How have you established how you want to bill for your services? Right now, I offer flat rate fees for builders and industry professionals, and then every other project is hourly. I had to look to what my previous experiences taught me and then I felt out what was right. Thats something I tell my interns: Thats something that just takes experience, and its not going to be the same for each market. Along the way, if I felt that I needed to re-evaluate and make a little bit of a change due to the entire market, I would do that, but I have never changed [how I charge] based on how the client thought that they wanted to do it. I definitely think standing your ground and saying, This is how we run it, and its in the best interest of you and methats so important.

Pale cabinetry offers a subtle contrast against crisp white countertops and subway tile.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

When you say for buildersis that a house with no homeowners yet?Yes, exactly. And after working with them [on a few projects], a lot of my builders now refuse to do a house without me. They realize the time they save by having me be a part of the project, so they dont even give the clients the option to not have me a part of the job. In those cases, the builder is essentially hiring me as a staff member.

How did you set that up?I reached out to all the builders and asked them how their current process was going and what their pain points were. I explained to them that by simply just adding me to their team, its going to make the experience look like this versus how it looks nowand they really couldnt say no, because it works! Having the clients taken care of during the build process and truly adding the value of my services, it was a no-brainer for everybody.

If you have a builder who has a client, does that tend to lead to more client work?Any client that they get, I will for sure get for this upcoming year. These builders are going to build at least three to four houses, so I will have three to four new builds with this one builder. It ensures that my pipeline is full, and then it leads to more work if that client decides to sign on for decorating services.

So when you are working on the builder side, its much more like the hard surfaces and the fixtures and things like that?Yes. I help the relationship, too, because if I have a client come to me first, I know each builders processes and how they operate, and Im able to then pair up the client with the builder that I feel would work best for them. That saves time on the builders end, having to interview clients that may or may not work out.

Christie placed a shelf for artwork over the sink.Courtesy of Lindsey Grace Interiors

How many projects do you have in the works at any given time? Its anywhere usually from nine to 14.

And youve been doing it by yourself until this month?Yes.

Do you see that number growing as you grow your team a little bit?I think so, though I dont know that [doubling the team] means Ill maintain double the projects Im working on. My goal is to maintain the customer and client experience. Making them feel the way that they do when they walk into their homes at the end of the process is definitely something that makes me want to keep doing it.

What is the biggest thing you wish you knew when you were launching the firm?Probably that youre never going to please everybody.

In terms of clients?Yes, theres just some people that, no matter what you do, theyre not going to be happy. So we probably shouldnt have got in there [and taken that job]thats been the biggest lesson. The other thing was just learning how to navigate every situation that is thrown my way. Everything is always new, and I think just recognizing that is something thatI had to recognize that Ill never always have it all the way figured out, and be open to growing and changing.

To learn more about Lindsey Christie, visit her website or find her on Instagram.

Continue reading here:
How this North Dakota designer made the most of relationships with builders - Business of Home

Without warning last spring, millions of parents found themselves working from home while their kids attempted to do schoolwork under the same roof. The changes happened so quickly that families especially those short on space could only make the best of it with hastily arranged solutions.

Nearly six months later, many interior designers are helping clients make more considered decorating changes, big and small, to serve the whole family during the new school year.

Interior designer Everick Brown says a priority for his clients in the suburbs outside New York City has been finding enough quiet space and privacy to effectively work, study and take Zoom calls.

We all used to want a room with a view, says Brown. "Now everybody's just searching for a room with a door."

He's also focusing on health and wellness: A portable standing desk can easily be moved from room to room so family members can share it when one needs a break from sitting.

There are also desktop risers that turn any desk or even the kitchen table into a standing desk for part of the day.

This undated photo provided by interior designer Everick Brown shows a home office space designed by Brown in Harrison, N.Y. As families plan out space for handling school and work from home this fall, it's valuable to have plenty of natural light while working and an appealing backdrop beyond your computer screen for occasional breaks, as seen in this home workspace here. (Johnathan Bishop/Everick Brown Design via AP)

For families with younger kids, New Jersey-based interior designer Linda Kitson suggests finding a work table and chair scaled to a child's size, just as elementary school would have. Properly sized seating lets kids sit with their feet on the floor, which may help them concentrate and stay on task.

If a low table and small chair aren't available, try placing a stool or sturdy box under the table to create a solid resting place for little feet.

For adults, too, ergonomics matters: Be sure to use a desk or table and chair at the right height, so your feet can rest solidly on the floor and your back is supported.

Sometimes the answer is using a room in a completely new way.

Kitson has a client with two daughters who each had their own bedroom. They've now moved the two kids into one room letting them choose a new paint color together to make the space feel like it belongs to both of them and put desks in the other bedroom to create a shared classroom.

It's a temporary shift that can easily be undone if normal schooling resumes soon. In the meantime, it allows both girls to spend their school day in a space with plenty of natural light and a view out a window, rather than tucked away in a basement playroom.

And even if an entire room can't be repurposed, there are ways to give each family member a workspace that serves them. It doesn't have to be large: "48 inches wide by 24 inches deep is about all you need to accommodate notes and a pencil, and your laptop or iPad, and then a desk light," Brown says. "What we're really looking at is basically a 4-foot-by-4-foot space."

Some families might find that working near one another, rather than in separate rooms, is better -- especially those with young kids who may need some assistance with technology during the day.

"A lot of times when kids are left to their own devices or in their own room, they get distracted really easily," says New York-based interior designer Jenny Dina Kirschner. "So sometimes it is nice to have that communal working space."

For one client in Brooklyn, Kirschner carved out an open workspace within a living room by placing a desk along the back of the sofa. With ample shelving and closed storage along the wall behind the desk, this section of the living room becomes a micro-office that blends with the decor of the rest of the room.

While kitchen tables can be practical workspaces, there can be a downside to this solution.

"When it becomes somebody's command center, then they need to pick up and move that stuff every day. And you're sitting with somebody else's work staring at you, and they might be thinking, 'Oh, I need to go back to work after dinner,'" Kitson says.

This undated photo provided by Everick Brown Design shows a room designed by interior designer Everick Brown in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. Although writing desks or small tables in living rooms may have served a mainly decorative purpose in the past, Brown says they can be easily repurposed as an extra home workspace for kids or parents this fall, as seen here. (Everick Brown/Everick Brown Design via AP)

Managing that work/life balance is just as important as managing space, she says. We don't just need to work and study at home this year. We need to have fun, too.

New Jersey-based interior designer Terri Fiori says allowing a child to choose beautiful but calming colors for their bedroom can help create a workspace the student is excited about.

If your home has a window seat, she says, you can let kids spend part of the day studying there (or use it yourself). A view of the outdoors can help focus and boost everyone's mood.

Kitson even helped one client create a mini-parkour, or obstacle course, that their two young boys can use for fun, physical breaks from their school day. For daily exercise, these brothers will skip to a doorway, jump up to ring a bell, then use a 2-by-4 installed in the hallway as a balance beam. Hopping off of it, they'll crawl through nylon hoops, then climb over the back of a slip-covered sofa and crawl back to their school desks.

"They'll have all the endorphins of exercise," Kitson says, and hopefully return to their desks ready to focus on another hour of school, while their parents are working.

Link:
A room with a view? We're looking for one with a door. - The Oakland Press

When Indiana cities shut down due to the pandemic earlier this year, an Indiana University Bloomington student found a different way to experience his favorite cities through a virtual game.

Matthew Harrison, a junior from Carmel studying interior design in the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, spent his quarantine virtually creating downtown Indianapolis and Bloomington using the building simulation video game, "Cities: Skylines."

"I have since finished Indianapolis as well as Bloomington and have moved up north to the Gary-Chicago area," he said.

In the video game, the building assets are already made by the game's developers. It's a matter of laying down each road and placing the individual buildings of each city.

"You build and maintain your own cities and grow them," Harrison said. "There's really no end to it. The end comes when you're either bored or you've achieved all goals set by yourself or the game's developers."

To begin a city, Harrison starts off by looking at Google Maps and focuses on iconography over accuracy. Bankers Life is placed where Victory Field is supposed to be, for instance; the field provided by the developers was too big for Harrison's layout. But although everything is "guesswork," as he calls it, a gamer can still come to the conclusion that the city is Indianapolis.

Harrison has logged 121 hours constructing Indianapolis and Bloomington. He said he works for about two to three hours a day, sometimes spending five hours on a day when he has more time. A simple mistake can take hours to fix.

Harrison said he accidentally made Lake Monroe a little too big, which cut off parts of Bloomington. However, he finds ways to make do with the tools he has and works around the mistakes.

Harrison said he takes breaks when things become too monotonous or if the game developers are updating the game. His current Indiana cities project takes credit for the most time he's ever put into a single project.

In the past, Harrison has worked on projects based off of San Francisco, various European cities, New York City, small towns in the middle of nowhere and more, he said.

"I've had projects come and go in this game, and I figured, why not do something that I would know personally?" Harrison said. "I've been to these places, I've lived in these places, and it just made more sense than trying to re-create a place I've never been to."

As a child, Harrison would play video games and build elaborate Lego creations. He and his dad once built a huge Harry Potter Lego setup mixed with different buildings from Spiderman and Star Wars. This basement creation was complete with a train track circulating around the buildings.

Harrison isn't the only designer in his family. His grandma and mom both do ceramics, and his mom also spends her time scrapbooking and landscaping the yard. She used over 200 rocks to create an aesthetic outdoor environment for the Harrison home.

While Harrison works, he likes to throw on some rock music such as Pink Floyd and AC/DC or podcasts for some background noise.

"I know I love working with buildings and designing them," Harrison said. "Something I would like to do eventually is get my master's in landscape architecture at the IU campus in Columbus."

But for now, he has a Reddit account where he posts updates on his building progress when he has time, now that he's back at IU for the remainder of his undergraduate studies.

Continue reading here:
Virtual skylines: Student re-creates Indianapolis and Bloomington through video game - IU Newsroom

Molly Payne makes sure everything is shipshape before opening the doors ofThe Shoppe by Hale Zen on Friday morning in Paia.The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Like an artist or set designer putting the finishing touches on their creation, Molly Payne moved about her new Paia store Friday morning with a calm focus. With a few last pieces of inventory to put on display before the doors opened for business, she was determined the items be presented just right.

Payne, a 2009 Lahainaluna High graduate, has been involved in retail sales her whole life. She knows what looks right on the shelf and has been taught by an expert how to elevate a customers shopping experience into soul therapy.

Opening The Shoppe by Hale Zen at 62 Baldwin Ave. during a pandemic last month was a gamble by Payne and her mom, longtime island retailer Lisa Payne. The two are betting their many years of experience, available inventory and ability to create soulful experiences for their clientele will carry them through.

I have always been a shop girl, Molly Payne said. It started with my mom. She has owned stores since I was a baby. I was pretty much born into the stores.

Lisa Payne said she and Toni Lopez opened Sandkastle Kids, a former Paia childrens store, in 1989. It was located not far up the street from the present location of The Shoppe by Hale Zen. Lisa now also owns Designing Wahine in Makawao and Hale Zen in Lahaina.

Molly Payne got her start in Paia retail when she was a week old. She poses inThe Shoppe by Hale Zen on Friday morning in Paia.The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

When I got pregnant with Molly, I worked right up until she was born, and then I went back to work when she was a week old, Lisa said. It is kind of in her blood. She has been around retail her whole life. I remember going to a San Francisco market with her when she was maybe 3 months old. She has been going on buying trips her whole life.

It was a buying trip to Las Vegas early this year that helped set the stage for the new Paia store. Expecting a big 2020 for Designing Wahine and Hale Zen, Lisa and Molly placed their largest batch of merchandize orders to date.

We were anticipating Spring 2020 was going to be gangbusters, Lisa said. We had more inventory rolling in than ever, and then we had to shut the doors.

When pandemic restrictions were lifted, the two stores reopened.

Its been doing well enough, Molly said. Of course, numbers are down, but the way we are looking at it, we would rather be open and make some money than be closed and make no money.

Lisa added that their stores currently employ 18 people.

Lahaina has about 80 percent local customers, Molly said. Makawao is about 50-50. We didnt realize how dependent we were on tourism until the pandemic hit.

So while the inventory was still rolling in, and the two other stores were gaining their feet by pivoting away from tourist-related items, an opportunity arose in Paia, a town that always intrigued them but seemed saturated with other stores. The owners of Luna & Tide elected to retire following an extensive build-out. After selling their inventory, they helped the Paynes have a seamless transition into the bright, airy space.

Suddenly, all that extra inventory had a place to go. In a flash, Molly had the store ready to open.

I said take the wheel and she did, Lisa said. We rented a U-Haul and started moving things. Shes a little lightning rod.

For a young businesswoman, Molly has already left her mark in several fields. After attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, she developed a womens accessory line that was picked up by Nordstrom and enjoyed success nationally.

She has since shifted her focus to retail and developing her interior design business. Her design of the Kapalua home of her pro surfer brother, Dusty Payne, was featured in Maui No Ka Oi Magazine. She completed her latest design project, a house on Oahu, just before the pandemic hit.

I havent seen it finished yet, Molly said.

Molly says it pains her to witness the hardships the economic downturn has caused.

It breaks my heart driving down Front Street, it is so dead, Molly said. I think the community needs to come together and do something. The economy will come back.

Lisa said the decision to move into Paia, where stores have been shuttered, involved making sure they did their best to be good neighbors.

We wanted to be very mindful, to not have overlap with other stores, Lisa said. Weve pivoted. Were trying to cater more to people who live here. We hope we get our tourists back, but were going to fill our space with products for people who live here.

* Matthew Thayer can be reached at thayer@maui.net.

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Creating a zen experience amid the pandemic chaos - Maui News