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Growth in renovation industry spurs employment
Bambi Majumdar Construction & Building MaterialsThe U.S. construction industry is on an upward swing, which has led to record employment figures. Construction and renovation firms have added 20,000 jobs this year, reaching a five-year high in August, according to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). This accelerated employment growth was the largest since 2006, with residential building and specialty trade contractors adding a maximum number of employees at 5.7 percent.
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Interior designers can make magic — and money — through voicemail
Fred Berns Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesWhat do callers hear when they don't hear you? What you say — or don't say — on your voicemail can have a major impact on your design business in these competitive times, considering how often prospects get your "message" before they get you. Too bad so many design professionals play the same game when it comes to voicemail.
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Conditions improving in housing and home remodeling markets
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesRenewed activity in the housing industry in recent months bodes well for interior designers and remodelers. Housing starts and sales have lagged for most of 2014, dampened by bad weather, world events and a mixed bag of unfavorable economic, employment and lending news. The latest indicators from industry groups, however, show business is gradually improving and is likely to continue to do so for some months to come.
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Smart home investments deliver boost to renovation industry
Bambi Majumdar Construction & Building MaterialsIndustry reports show that things are looking up for the home renovations market. What's fueling this growth? Many homeowners are starting to invest in energy-saving renovations, particularly in the attic and kitchen.
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Going with the grain: The increasing use of agate decor
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThe last few years have seen agate slowly creep into designers' consciousness. And with increasing popularity of naturalist decor, it is hardly a wonder that this colorful crystallized rock is so in demand. Agate is one of nature's many wonders, with the array of amazing textures and colors that are grand and soothing at the same time.
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Using design to take a stand against falls
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesA two-part series this week in The New York Times examines the alarming increase in falls among seniors. Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the article states that more than 2.4 million Americans age 65 and over were treated in emergency injuries from falls in 2012 alone, and that the number of fatalities from falls has nearly doubled in the past 10 years.
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New directions emerging in multigenerational housing
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsExtended life span, increased immigration, a weak economy and a tight housing market have contributed to a resurgence in multigenerational households. For some time now, builders and remodelers have helped families accommodate these changes.
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Young affluents are biggest consumers of luxury homes
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesAlthough the media have focused on the large numbers of millennials who have struggled to get a toehold on their financial independence during the economic downturn, a smaller segment has been making news for their phenomenal wealth. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is perhaps the most famous example, but millions of other millennials have amassed sizeable fortunes while still in their twenties.
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Parent lenders: A new turn of events for the US housing industry
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThe economic downturn and the slow market recovery have left many struggling. They have also opened up avenues previously unseen and quite unexpected. Instead of going to traditional lenders, many millennials are turning to their parents for home loans.
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Home design in the age of Transformers
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIn homes large or small, homeowners are looking to do more with the space they have. That's the message coming out of the latest round of industry news on home building trends. Whether to maximize available space, get rid of clutter or increase functionality, today's consumers want their homes to be easily adaptable and multifunctional.
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