Sneak Peek - 2011 Window Fashions Calendar has arrived!

 Design collaboration: Debra Lysy, ASID and Tammi LeNair, L'Interieur LeNair

Photography: Peter Leach Photography

The new 2011 Window Fashions Calendar is ready to print! Together with the publisher, trueIMAGE Publishing, we finalized the copy this past week. It features imaginative designs by Anne Lubner, Tammi LeNair and myself. The calendar is not up on the trueIMAGE website quite yet, but will be soon. In the meantime, feast your eyes on their other gorgeous offerings!

I'm excited about this new product specifically for the window coverings industry. This calendar can be personalized for each designer or workroom. I've sent out personalized calendars to clients for a number of years around Christmas time, but never one featuring beautiful window fashions. This will be a special treat for several clients who will see their rooms featured. trueIMAGE Publishing also makes it possible to create a personalized calendar featuring your own designs or photos. 

 Designer: Anne Lubner, Anne Lubner Designs

Photographer: Devin Vinson, Vinson Media

What better way to keep your name in front of your clients all year round?

Who Says You Can't Put Drapes in a Bathroom?

 

This Bellingham client had recently completed a beautiful remodel of her bathroom. However, she requested we create a window covering solution that provided privacy, beauty, practicality, and sound absorption. Our solution: a top-down bottom up cell shade paired with a thickly padded cornice in a patterned faux silk, accompanied by softly striped washable sheers that perfectly echoed the colors in the surrounding tiles. Coordinating tiebacks were fashioned from multi-colored cording echoing the one used on the cornice. Result: a room that reflected its owner's personality while meeting all the owner's requirements!

Beautiful Solution for Challenging Windows

When these Pacific Northwestern clients added onto their home, they didn't realize just what a problem the sun would be. Their beautiful family room needed protection from the ultraviolet rays that streamed through the large windows. As well, the clients desired occasional privacy without blocking the view.

For the bottom windows, Hunter Douglas Silhouette shadings in a neutral cream shade provided a perfect solution. The vanes could be tilted for privacy, opened in a down position for UV protection, or rolled up into the headrail to let in the light. Templates were made for the two windows flanking the top center window, and were custom fitted with non-operable Silhouettes. However, the large top center window presented a different challenge. Window coverings aren't made in this shape! Working from a custom template and with much dialogue with Hunter Douglas' factory, two side by side Hunter Douglas Silhouettes were fabricated then expertly installed with barely a gap between. These shadings matched the other window coverings perfectly.

Problems solved: UV blockage, light control and privacy all wrapped up in a beautiful package.

Motorization - A Great Solution

This week we installed Hunter Douglas' motorized Duettes for a special client. As you enter her stunning log home, you see a wall of glass on the far side of the great room. Two large pairs of French doors are topped by stacked sets of windows, reaching up to the arched 20 foot ceiling. The vista beyond the windows is gorgeous, framing Mt. Baker in the distance, with nearer views of the river and the nesting bald eagles.

That much glass presented a problem in the winter. Those expansive windows allowed the cold to seep through, casting a chill in the room that even a roaring fire was not able to alleviate. The sheer height of the windows made it very difficult, if not impossible, to operate any window coverings manually. Motorizing the highly energy efficient shades was an ideal solution.

The client chose shimmering Opalessence fabric in Copper Blaze, which complemented the warm wood tones of the log home. Hunter Douglas' new Platinum remote made it possible to use either infrared or radio frequency technology to operate the shades together or singly.

The result? Beautiful window coverings that combine energy savings and insulation in the winter with reduced heat gain in the summer, in one easy to use package. And one satisfied client!

HD Duettes complement any room or style

Clients and Christmastime Thankfulness

These past few years clients have received a personalized calendar from me as a thank you, one of the beautiful calendars created by trueIMAGE Publishing. And a letter, most of which you'll see here.

At the end of another year, I’m reflecting on the blessings of this past year and the years that have gone before. In my almost eight years of doing business, I have met so many wonderful clients, you included. Many of you have invited me into your homes not just once, but on multiple occasions, and even multiple homes!

I’m not always as faithful or as quick as I should be in sending out thank-you cards after I’ve fulfilled your window covering needs; this personalized calendar is a small token of appreciation for the trust you have placed in me.

This past year has been a busy one for me. In addition to providing many of you with beautiful window treatments, I was one of 11 designers from across the US who was chosen to create beautiful window coverings for the Vignettes shown at the International Window Coverings Expo in Atlanta, GA last May. I became a Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer after completing many hours of on-line courses, one of only five in Washington State. Recently, I also became a Somfy Motorization Expert; this on-going education is all part of my desire to provide you with the best and most knowledgeable customer service in the window covering industry in Whatcom and surrounding counties.

This next year promises to be an exciting one. The first sale of the season will be Hunter Douglas’ Energy Efficient Window Fashions Sale which runs from February 1 - April 15, 2010. Other manufacturers are sure to follow. If you would like timely notice of sales and other specials, please email me to be put on the ezine list. Look too for new developments and products in the window coverings industry and upgraded safety features for problematic window treatments.

I am also offering a $25 Referral Thank You – if a new client mentions that you referred me to the client, you’ll receive your choice of a gift card as a token of my appreciation.

Truly, you have blessed me in years past, and this year again. Thank you for your trust, and your business.

I wish you and your families a joyous Christmas season and a blessed New Year.

Broken Hands and Other Blessings

How many of you carry boxes of window coverings or other things that are too heavy for you, or too bulky, or just too awkward? I think we've all been there!

Thanksgiving is over and done. I'd meant to post a Blessings blog but in the busyness of the weekend, it simply didn't happen. But after yesterday, it became even more apparent that I needed to stop and count my blessings.

Yesterday a new order of shades came in. It needed to be moved to the garage but really was too heavy and awkward for me. I picked it up anyway, quickly strode through the house to the garage, opened the heavy garage door while balancing the 7 foot long box (see, I can do this after all!), and promptly slid off the first step, catching myself by landing on my right hand. What an application of "Pride comes before a fall!"

Wow, did that hurt!!! I looked at my hand, then gingerly flexed it. It worked! Blessing! Then I looked again - what was that white spot in the blood blister that was forming on my swelling fingers? Think! What did I need to do? Years of mom experience kicked in. I eased my rings off, grabbed an ice pack and took some ibuprofen then called my doctor.

I'm giving thanks for our healthcare system. Within the hour my doctor saw my hand, sent me off for x-rays, and shortly thereafter gave me the good news - no broken bones! Bruising, swelling, soreness, but nothing broken!

So today I'm pausing to reflect on blessings. The blessings of family and great times together with them last weekend, the blessings of a Marine son who could briefly come home and reconnect with us, the blessings of general good health, work I love, the blessings of friends and this great country, and above all the blessing of a Heavenly Father who provides and cares for us and who loves us.

And what a blessing to have a hand that isn't broken! Lesson learned - ask for help!

Full steam ahead - carefully!

Thermal Drapes - Stylish Solution for Energy Savings

Snow is falling in the Mount Baker ski area! It's getting cold out there! The layer of snow blanketing the area is a beautiful sight, but the cold has its own set of challenges.

When a favorite client called to see what I could do about blocking the cold from coming in her large French doors and the picture windows atop them, I was happy to have solutions for her. Our first line of defense was Hunter Douglas' Duette shades. Their line of Architella fabrics boasts a very high R-value of 7.9 when installed with double-glazed windows and are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $1500, with some qualifications. The best solutions for the upper high windows were motorized Duettes; easy to operate and beautiful at the same time.

However, the French doors required more than just the shades to increase the living comfort in the enormous great room. A beautiful cinnamon-colored tweed fabric from Kasmir Fabrics was chosen for the face fabric. But how could we make the drapes as energy-efficient as possible?

The help of my Kasmir fabric sales rep, Anita Faulkner, and the handy Temp-Assure brochure from Hanes steered me in the right direction. A discussion with Ralph Angel at Angel's Distributing also helped firm up my decision. Since the drapes are not desired to be black-out, I will be lining the drapes with Angel's Premiere Napped Sateen then interlining with Domette flannel. By creating insulating layers of trapped air, there will be an over 300% increase in the R-Value over identical unlined drapes!

I'm looking forward to installing these eye-catching and highly energy-efficient thermal draperies in this stunning home.

Call or email if you would like to discuss what we can do to make your living space more comfortable and energy-efficient. I may have just the solution you were looking for!

WFCP Launch Party Excites, Inspires!

Grace McNamara and the WFCP team kicked off a new era in the Window Fashions Certified Program! In their words, "We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes so we can offer window covering pros the BEST certification and membership program in the industry." The launch party included a motivational presentation by Drew Gerber of Pitchrate.com, a PR guru, who discussed key steps in promoting oneself in cost-effective ways to land media coverage.

It was exciting to see some of the new initiatives set out by the WFCP team. A new wiki will be appearing soon, providing a go-to place for information on the window coverings industry; new ways to receive credits toward professional certification were discussed; the TrendSpot blog was mentioned; and many features and benefits of WFCP membership were enhanced. Topping it off were great prizes and give-aways.



Digital certification using MinutesMatter will make attaining the next level of certification much easier. It gives me renewed energy to work toward the Master WFCP designation!

For more information, explore the WF Vision website to see all that WFCP has to offer for the window fashions professional, whether workshop, designer or installer.

Grace, once again you and your team are setting the standard for the window coverings industry! Kudos to you!

NeoConEast Seminars Inspire and Motivate

Today's keynote speaker was the charismatic Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, perhaps better known from his TV show Ace of Cakes. He entertained and inspired with his frank and humorous speaking style and stories. It was easy to see why his show is such a hit!



The afternoon was crowned by the seminar led by Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz. They were familiar faces to me, as I had met them last year at IWCE Vision09. This time again they inspired and motivated with their seminar Future Vision: Interior Design in 2019. As leading edge designers and speakers, they focussed on the changing face of design and how that would impact our industries. Evidence based design is coming to the forefront; Deb and Susan spoke of the idea that "design is emotion" - people buy design because it moves them. "Design locavores" are increasingly conscious about origins, and demand traceability, accountability, design transparency. And as we move from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0, this will impact the way we deal with clients. As Paige Rense of Architectural Digest said, “It’s a whole new world and you ignore it at your own risk”. Once again, these two talented speakers challenged and encouraged the listeners to grow, improve, change and embrace the new realities.

NeoConEast A Feast for the Senses

Day One of NeoConEast - what could I expect? Heavy Baltimore traffic delayed my arrival but when I did enter the Convention Center, I was thronged by fellow attendees, all eager to view the show floor and hear a wide range of speakers on a variety of topics.

NeoConEast bills itself as "the premier design exposition and conference for commercial interiors with a focus on the federal government." The first seminar I attended gave good specifics regarding obtaining government contracts. Then it was time to walk the show floor, a real treat for the senses. Bright colors, contoured shapes, intricate designs all tantalized the eyes. One of my favorite booths was trendgreen, with a wide assortment of machine washable fabrics made in the USA of 100% Post Consumer Recycled Polyester by Reid Witlin.



Lutron amazed with its brand-new line: the motorized Kirbe vertical drapery system, in a wide variety of fabrics. Draperies are lifted up and out of the way while retaining their pleats, completely eliminating stack-back.



The other products that impressed me were the seamless leather Tubular Wovens from Garrett Leather, which could be used for drapery rods or tiebacks, in three sizes. They also carry pre-made leather welt cord in the leather and color of your choice. What a beautiful accent for pillows!

I'm a Certified Hunter Douglas Professional Dealer!

I finally completed all of the webinars to receive certification as a Hunter Douglas Professional Dealer! I made it my goal this month to complete the course and last evening polished off the last one.

What's so special about that? Why am I excited? I've been selling Hunter Douglas products like the Silhouette and Pirouette window shadings for quite a few years already. But now I've taken it to a whole other level. Lifting systems, size maximums, fabric choices, vane sizes - the course covered so many of the million details that accompany Hunter Douglas products.

There are very few Certified HD Professional Dealers in this area, dealers who have decided to take those extra steps in order to benefit clients. It is of utmost importance to me to increase my knowledge of the window fashions industry through education, by attending trade shows, seminars, webinars, and by reading trade publications and blogs. I've made it my on-going mission to be up-to-date and very knowledgeable about the products I sell so that I can provide the best possible choices and information to my clients.

And now, off to Baltimore to experience NeoConEast; the abundance of seminars and myriad of exhibits are sure to be educational and stimulating!

Beautiful Drapery Hardware - Ado, Helser & Brimar

I just received a brochure today for a new line of drapery hardware by Ado. I've always loved Ado's gorgeous and innovative fabrics; I'm excited about this addition to their product line-up. My sales rep, Lisa, is always very good about coming to visit in this far corner of creation and keeping me up to date; she had shown me this hardware line a few months ago and I was eagerly awaiting the product roll-out. Ado is offering a wide range of smooth, reeded and fluted poles, cast resin and metal finishes, traverse rods and many different finials, all at a cost effective price. With the renewed interest in draperies that I've been noticing, it's great to have one more option for clients, to complement the creative window fashions they are looking for.

Of course, there are so many other beautiful options to choose from. To mention but a few, check out Helser's stunning offerings. Their Artefice line of minimalist textured metal would look wonderful in any home. The Helser brothers pride themselves on their customer service; no wonder Jay and Mark received the 2009 Client and Customer Service Company of the Year award.


More drapery hardware - Brimar this time. Brimar's wide selection of trims have provided the finishing touch to a number of my creations. They also supply textiles and wonderful drapery hardware. Definitely worth a look as well!


So much great drapery hardware, for every taste and style, from cost-effective to out-of-this-world expensive! Paired with some of today's amazing fabrics, it'll create a look that is truly gorgeous and uniquely yours.

Fabulous Fall Sale!

Fantastic Fall Savings are here! We are offering great savings from two great companies this fall - Hunter Douglas and Graber Window Fashions!



Hunter Douglas is promoting their SEASON OF GIVING from Sept. 25 - Dec. 15 with generous rebates between $25 - $600 per window on window coverings such as Duettes, Skyline Gliding Window Panels, Silhouette Window Shadings, Luminettes, and Vignettes.

As well, in recognition of National Window Covering Safety Month in October, Hunter Douglas is offering free upgrades to the Literise Cordless Lifting System on Tiered Vignette Modern Roman Shades, and Duette & Applause Honeycomb Shades. This offer runs from Sept. 25 - Nov. 16.



Graber's offer begins Oct. 1 and runs till the end of the year. Receive $25 cash back on blinds and shades purchased with safety upgrades, to a maximum of $100, on qualifying products.

As part of National Window Covering Safety Month, we are also offering retrofit kits for your older window treatments.

Call 360-966-4142 for details!

Labor Day Blessings

Heading out the door in a few minutes for a church picnic. Time to mingle with family and friends, to reflect on the blessings we have in this great country of ours. A good time to give thanks for the labor that we do have. Even if it has been a little slower this summer, I am thankful that with the change in the weather, the phone is ringing and the orders are coming in.

Blessings: to have a supportive and loving family; to have great friends; to have good health; to be able to be busy in productive ways; to have work; to have good workrooms to execute my designs; to have quality suppliers to provide quality products for my clients; to have a wonderful design community spread across the country... So many blessings to be thankful for. And above all, I acknowledge that these blessings come from my Gracious and Caring Father, God of all.

Always good to reflect again on how richly I am blessed. It is, after all, my birthday, and what could be a better time?

What are you thankful for?

Are Your Window Coverings Child-Safe?

Major Recall of Blinds and Shades after Child Deaths, the headlines screamed yesterday. 5.5 million blinds and shades were recalled by six different manufacturers yesterday, after three children died after being strangled by loose cords. CNN Money carried an excellent article detailing the companies involved and more of the facts surrounding the recall. A Consumer Product Safety Commission spokesman said that in the U.S., one child dies every month as a result of strangulation by a window cord.

I've long been an advocate for child safety when it comes to window coverings. I have been very thankful that the major brands that I sell, Springs Window Fashions/Graber, and Hunter Douglas, have been at the forefront of ensuring that their products are safe both for children and pets.

How can you keep your children safe around your window coverings?
* Repair or replace your pre-2001 window coverings - new safety standards were adopted in 2001 improving safety. You may be able to retrofit your old blinds or shades - ask me how to get retrofit kits.
* Install only cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms, and wherever else possible
* Move beds, furniture and cribs away from window coverings
* Use cord cleats and attach tension pulleys and safety hold down brackets if they are provided
* Keep cords out of reach of children

Still concerned? I can come and do a free safety audit on your window coverings and suggest ways to help. Together we can work toward the goal of no more child deaths due to unsafe window coverings.

The End of the NW Washington Fair for Another Year

It's been hard to get a blog post in today with the busy-ness all around. It's great to see so many people here after a quiet few days in the middle of the week. Yesterday was a good day for many of the vendors; we are hoping for another one today.

What makes a good fair or trade show for us vendors? I thought I would ask around. First of all: people, lots of them, preferably friendly. Personable, responsive fair staff and a clean environment is a plus; the NWWF ranks high on that list. Congenial fellow vendors help make slow times pass by more quickly and help keep the environment positive; one rude or uncooperative vendor can make life miserable. And for vendors who are selling product, not just raising their profile by handing out literature, a fair or trade show needs to be profitable.

A few tips: Good shoes are a must when standing on concrete for 13 hours a day. Resilient matting under the booth carpeting is a great idea too. Some type of seating is good in order to give feet and backs a much-needed rest during the day. Pack some healthy food along with your dose of fair food favorites. Dress professionally - it is amazing to me how many vendors don't. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, to prevent fatigue and headaches. All this will help keep that smile on your face and the energy level high to greet clients all day, day after day.

This week is drawing to a close. Only a few hours remain until the barn doors close for a final time and we pack up for the year. It's been a good week again. I hope I'll be able to be a help and a blessing to the people I've met through the work that I do for them. And now it's time to shut down the computer and hand out a few more cards, give away a few more brochures, and make one or two more appointments for next week...

Day 5 - Fair Friday

Somebody flipped a switch and the Northwest Washington Fair just came ALIVE! It was another quiet morning and early afternoon, and then the sun came out and so did the people. Maybe they finally realized that there weren't too many more opportunities to enjoy all that Lynden's own home-grown fair has to offer.

Our little row of vendors has become quite close in the past few days. Of course, many of us meet each year at this time. The consultants at Pampered Chef have been my neighbors for years; McGregor "The Plaid Books" phone books are across the aisle again and have been my favorite yellow pages for as long as I've been advertising with them; and the friendly couple at Solarus infrared health cabins are set up again at the end of the aisle. Directly across from me, personalized picture frames are provided by the Wilkins family business, J & A Concepts, Inc.; my other neighbors this year are the suppliers of yummy treats and gifts, Blue Heron Shirts & Gifts; and how could I forget the always smiling faces at Zaks Zoo, the beanie baby providers. Farmer's Insurance Group has kept us amused all week with their routlette give-aways as well.

I should get up on my feet and greet the fair-goers thronging the aisles... Till next time.

Day 4 and the NWWF is abuzz!

There's an air of excitement at the Fair today. I don't know if it's because of Foreigner on stage tonight, the fact that it's almost the weekend, or the slightly cooler temperatures. But everyone just seems a little more energized and a little happier.

I'm excited that the internet is working today - all day. A midday update was possible today, in between talking with potential new clients and hugs from clients I've done work for in the past. The iced mocha made by the young volunteers at A Perfect Blend is keeping me awake as the Expo building gets warmer and noisier and more crowded.

The mix of passersby is always entertaining. The young urban professionals in pressed khakis and carefully casual t's, the Birkenstock crowd in their sloganed glory, the Lynden soccer parents with their wide-eyed, blue-eyed tow-headed family, young people, old people, in-between people, people with tattoos, people with plush toys, people with sunburns, people, people, people...

But back on my feet, my very pretty feet, today. Of course, bright pink wedge sandals are not very practical for 13 hours on my feet, but today beauty won out over practicality :) And back to work!

Day 3 - A Hot and Lazy Summer Fair Day

The morning began with great promise; a very interested couple even before the fair was officially open. It ended well; speaking with clients who were moving into a new home and needed my services again. In between - well, let's just say there was ample time for reflection. And who can blame anyone - the morning started out warm and proceeded to get even warmer. By mid-afternoon everyone was looking a little wilted. Thankfully, as the sun set, a cooler breeze swept through the Fairgrounds, bringing some relief.

I had a brief chance today to enjoy some Fair food, and to watch others enjoying perennial favorites. Unique to the Northwest Washington Fair are poffertjes, delicious little pillows of donuts sprinkled with icing sugar and garnished with buttery cream. Curly fries by the plateful are consumed; kettle corn is always a tasty treat. But the biggest lineups are always at one of the Dairy Women's booths. There you can purchase delicious ice cream treats, especially the Moowiches and lusciously thick milkshakes. Add to that a wide variety of burgers, Fair scones, ethnic foods too many to list, and top the entire concoction off with an Avalanche from Lynden's own Woods Coffee and a handful of candy floss. What a treat for the taste buds!

But enough about the Fair experience. The week is halfway through already. Time to massage my aching feet and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow will be another long day!

Day 2 - A quieter day at the NW Washington Fair

It's a quiet Tuesday morning; the weather is warming up and the crowds are a little sparse. Lots of seniors - is it senior day today? - and lots of kids in barn boots with tramping through the aisles with purposeful glares. It's funny how the seniors and the kids alike eye my candy bowl with glee.

I'm missing my family. Today Reece graduates from Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton and I'm not there. My husband is there to witness the occasion, accompanied by my daughter and her infant daughter. So I've taken a moment to walk over to the Veterans of Foreign Wars booth, to talk to the volunteers there and have a look at the pictures posted there. Stop by and write a note to a member of the military or contribute to Whatcom Homefront, if you get the chance.


And now, after some frustration, I'll continue this post late at night now that I'm back home. This morning the internet worked well for a few hours in the Expo building; this afternoon, no internet despite all attempts to reconnect. Attempts to reach the vendor were met with an annoying phone tree. I may have to find another, better solution.

The rest of the day was more quiet than yesterday, with bursts of activity. Once again good contacts, appointments for consultations booked, even a mini-design consultation on the spot. Also some great opportunities to taste fair food... but more about that tomorrow. Good night!