Featured

‘Vibrant mature consumers’ have the money to spend

Vibrant mature consumers are the top 20% of spenders in the 50-70 age group — it’s also a group that tends to be happier and more active than other mature consumers. Despite their ability to spend, they can be overlooked by retailers, brand marketers and even interior designers because they don’t drive trends and account for a lower percentage of overall consumer spending than younger generations.

Science in Design announces headliners as the future of design for the Design, Art & Science Symposium

Science in Design’s Co-founder Linda Kafka commented, “Science in Design is dedicated to teaching design and trade professionals about the positive effects of beauty, nature, and fine design. Science now proves that design has the power to create pleasure and beauty, which positively impacts our emotions and physical health.”

The lesson of ASID’s GATHER conference: Interior designers want to be taken seriously and do serious work

The annual GATHER 2023 conference of the American Society of Interior Designers concluded yesterday in Los Angeles. GATHER brings together every facet of the interior design realm, offering a platform for residential and commercial designers, industry collaborators, educators, students, and experts in the constructed environment to delve into the industry’s current state.

Architectural Workers United
Architects are unionizing – is the industry paying attention?

On December 21st, 2021, the establishment of Architectural Workers United (AWU) ignited a nationwide discourse concerning architectural labor and its value within a system fraught with exploitation. It has slowly been gaining traction ever since. AWU represents a collaborative initiative of architectural professionals hailing from various firms, united in their pursuit to revolutionize the industry through grassroots efforts. Notably, the United States currently lacks a prominent private sector union for architects. While a union briefly existed prior to World War II, the past five decades have seen a void in election activity.

How media is fueling the demand to renovate, redecorate

I think designers and the broader industry can take lessons from this research to empower people to feel confident as they personalize their spaces. Ideally, people will spend more time creating homes they’ll love and less time worrying about making their space look like everyone else’s. How many gray walls and industrial appliances does the world really need?

Interior Design Society announces 2023 Designer of the Year award recipients

The Interior Design Society (IDS) is one of the country’s largest design organizations dedicated to serving the residential interior design industry. IDS is committed to helping interior designers grow their businesses, develop their talents, inspire each other, and impact their communities. Headquartered in High Point, NC, the organization was founded in 1973 by the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) to support interior designers based within furniture stores. The Interior Design Society has long since expanded its focus to provide support to professional interior design entrepreneurs nationwide.

Hotels that feel like home with Jill Cole

The intertwining of restaurants, gyms, homes, hotels, and residences is emblematic of a larger narrative. Our lifestyles are evolving. They are influenced by the fluidity of contemporary living, the pursuit of individualized experiences, a focus on wellness, and the commercial opportunities arising from this symbiosis. What emerges is a mosaic where the traditional demarcations between hospitality, design, and what it means to live well are redefined, offering a glimpse into the future where spaces are not confined by their initial purpose, but rather thrive on their ability to adapt and transform. 

We are living in the ‘phygital’ world

Consumers who wanted to shop in-store sometimes and online at other times forced retailers to become omnichannel, offering their wares through brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce sites. But omnichannel is not enough. Consumers increasingly want to shop in the “phygital world,” where technology speeds and improves the in-store browsing and buying experience.

PAR KER Made x Ayara makes boho line work for your walls

A match-made-in-heaven partnership between Parker Heath and Ayara was born from a chance meeting at Las Vegas Market, where Parker was exhibiting to gain further exposure for his own brand, Par Ker Made. What blossomed was the Par Ker Made x Ayara luxury removable wallpaper collaboration. 

Building a successful design firm with Kate FitzGerald-Wilks

Fast forward 9 years and now she is the one offering the tips and tricks. We ran into one another at High Point Market and she caught me up about the current state of her booming business. Click play on the video below to watch our conversation to learn how Timeless by Kate Fitzgerald-Wilks developed into the successful firm it is today