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7 tips for starting a home-staging business
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIf you like interior design and you have marketing and business skills, then a home-staging business is just right for you. And now is the right time to start, with more homes being put on the market and sold as the housing industry climbs out of the recession.
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Luxury living makes its return — with a twist
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesInconspicuous consumption dominated affluent consumers' buying habits during the recent recession. As the recovery has taken hold, however, wealthy consumers have expressed their confidence by returning to big-ticket spending.
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Why homeowners are investing in smart homes
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesWith 101 jobs in hand to do every day, homeowners are rushing from pillar to post. In the midst of all this chaos, there pops up the worry about home security — not just from unwanted intrusions but also from slight mistakes of their own doing. It makes sense, therefore, to take advantage of the emerging technologies and invest in a smart home.
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Outlook improving for interior designers and contractors
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesEarly projections for building and remodeling activity suggest business should improve for interior designers and contractors across all industry sectors in 2014. Although extreme wintry weather in many parts of the United States and a slackening in the global economy could lower initial expectations, indicators are strong for a continued and improved recovery.
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Brighten your interior with the latest lighting trends
Christina Mogk Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesWhen we think of trends, the lists tend to focus on colors, kitchens and baths before they expand to look elsewhere in the home. But illumination is crucial for functional spaces — especially at this time of year, when we have more darkness than light. Who cares what color your wall is or what embellishments dress up your upholstered pieces if they cannot be seen? Lighting will make — or break — your space. Here is a look at some of the latest trends in the world of lighting.
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Renovating and creating the ‘3rd space’ to boost business
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesFrom restaurants, coffee shops, bars and lounges to megahotel brands, everyone is focused on becoming a comfort zone for clients. It is now important to invest in changes that will increase business figures (in terms of occupancy and revenues) and also strategies that will enhance the reputation as well as strengthen the loyalty program. What better way to do this than by creating a comfortable "third space" that draws clients in time and again, enriches their lives and in the process increases their loyalty for the brand?
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Smart homes getting smarter: How interior designers must adapt
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIf you are not familiar with the term "the Internet of things," it is time to add it to your vocabulary. As became apparent during this year's Consumer Electronics Show, it won't be long before coordinating "the Internet of things" will be another task for designers to add to their project management plan.
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The growth of RTA for kitchens, baths
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesMove aside custom, it's time for RTA to rule. No matter how weird or unbelievable that sounds, the RTA (ready-to-assemble) concept has become more and more pronounced in the interior design industry. Previously, the term RTA would immediately conjure up images of cheap materials and substandard workmanship. It has taken a few years, but now we have some enterprising and innovative manufacturers of RTA cabinets that have worked hard to change this rather unfortunate trend and created superior products for their users.
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What colors your 2014?
Christina Mogk Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesUnless you have been hiding under a rock — or have no interest in color trends — you are surely aware that radiant orchid is Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year. You may have even heard that Sherwin-Williams opted for exclusive plum, Benjamin Moore for breath of fresh air, Dulux for teal, and PPG for turning oakleaf. Combine the lot of them with Pantone's top 2014 spring fashion tone, dazzling blue, and you even have a great color palette for a future project. But what are the overall trends highlighting for interior designs in 2014?
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Implementing green bathroom design
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesWhat does a green bathroom entail? For many it means healthier construction and neater designs that gives one more room to breathe. For others it is the use of eco-friendly materials in its construction that leads to a healthier environment. In reality, a green bathroom is a combination of both concepts.
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