Chicago ~ Windowspalooza ~ Oct 18 2011

I'm coming to Chicago on the 18th to teach two seminars for the Chicagoland, WCAA, annual chapter event Windowspalooza.

I'm teaching one of my favorite classes on quick rendering. I teach you how to use simple shapes and techniques to create quick accurate sketches for your clients. Its a super fun hands on class that I know you will enjoy.

My second class outlines my own personal journey of reinvention in my career and how to appl y some of the thing I have done to try to stay current to your own career.

Please come join us if you are in the area, there is still plenty of time to sign up here.

See you in the windy city!

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New Media Day at IWCE in Atlanta, Friday, May 14

I’m thrilled to be hosting an all day New Media event at this years VISION 10"’, International Window Coverings Expo in Atlanta, on Friday, May 14th. The days activities focus on the explosive growth in the world of social media and it’s effect on the interior design industry today and in the future.

I will be starting off the day at 8:00 am with a seminar on the basics of social media: GET CONNECTED: Grow Your Business with Social Media

I’ll be talking about the basics of Blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, you Tube, etc. and how to adopt them for your design business success.

The highlight of the day is the Design Perspectives Panel at 4:00pm. We are so happy to have a great group of influential bloggers representing designers, manufacturers, and vendors on our panel.

Brian Patrick Flynn is an interior designer and founder of the online decorating magazine, decordemon.com. He gained attention for his bold, glamorous spaces created almost entirely with garage sale items and flea market finds. Formally educated in television production, Brian made the leap to interior design after working as a producer on various hit home makeover programs. Décor Demon was created as an online outlet for Brian to produce original editorial lifestyle content from a witty and practical male point-of-view. From modern home renovations to the latest baby toy craze, Décor Demon’s features aim to be both inspiring and entertaining.

Valorie Hart of Visual Vamp is a vivacious personality, experienced designer, writer, and tango dancer and teacher among other things. Her blog is a lively reflection of her fascinating life in New Orleans. Valories work and her own eclectic home is a favorite among other bloggers and online publications.

Skyla Freeman, author of the home and style blog Sanity Fair (sfair.blogspot.com), learned to love design from an early age. Her mother, a former decorator, and her father, a self-taught architect, raised their family in a Southern home filled with art and Asian antiquities. After working at the White House for nearly four years, she left in 2009 to write full-time at SkylaFreeman.com and founded Sanity Fair. Since then, the blog has grown a steady following, received several blogging awards, and been featured in the January/February 2010 issue of Atlantan Magazine as a "Fab Five" design blog. An entryway to stylish living for all budgets and lifestyles, Sanity Fair provides everyone from renters to professional designers with fresh decoration and fashion inspiration. From Parisian couture to the local Target, Sanity Fair is about discovering the lovely things in life - wherever they are found.

Debbie Green from Minutes Matter - In The Loop Blog, is an industry innovator and educator who has spearheaded the inclusion of technology and social media in the window covering industry. Debbie’s company Minutes Matter Solutions Inc. produces Studio software, a graphic design software program for the interior design industry.

Jay Helser of the Why Helser blog is one half of the fabulous Helser Brothers team of drapery hardware manufacturing fame. Widely recognized and acclaimed for their fabulous customer service and beautiful and innovative product line, the Brothers Helser are forging new ground in the world of social media through dream giveaways and raffles to their customers via their blog. They even gave away a trip to Paris last year!

This promises to be an eye opening and inspiring event so please sign up early and don’t miss it. The panel discussion will be followed by a networking event for all attendees.

Sign in for the TweetUp HERE

See You in Atlanta!

Jackie

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Trend Report: Emerging Color Forecast 2010

I showed you the primary colors shown at market in my post about Purples and Mauves but there were also some emerging color stars that will take on more importance in the next couple of seasons. A glossy almost lacquered Black is the anchoring neutral for this collection of ultra bight heavily saturated accent colors.

One of the less vibrant color combinations in this palette is black set off with metallic silver or gold and accented with the same chartreuse green that we saw commonly mixed with purple and mauve.

Designers Guild

By grounding this intense color with the use of an abundant amount of black the finished effect is sophisticated an surprisingly soothing. Playing with texture, sheen, create motion and balance in the room.

Gaudarte

We saw the same chartreuse accented with white and the effect was an intensely vibrant and bright space.

Gaudarte

This color combination was not for the faint of heart but would provide for a happy and vital space.

Gaudarte

I saw quite a few bold combinations of pattern and color used on modern furnishings much like the traditional combination upholstered pieces we saw a few years ago. This new trend combined traditional fabric motifs in super bright color ways all arranged in asymmetrical pieces that showed off a high level of contrast.

Furniture frames lacquered in super bright colors were neutralized with men's wear inspired woolen upholstery in various shades of grey and taupe. These pieces were set off with patent leather welting in various colors including black.

Another view of the back of the chairs. I saw many grouping of similar or very diverse chairs in assorted super bright grouped with small tables and set in a traditional dining room setting. Also worthy of notice is the rug used in this display. Seems there is a growing trend to repurpose old or surplus rugs by bleaching them. Bleach is applied randomly as on this rug or more uniformly on others to create a very worn look.

Another example of mix & match traditional patterns on a modern chair. This black and white beauty does a great job of combining fabrics with heavy texture, shine, and bold pattern.

This years Pantone color of the year Turquoise, was present in this super bright color mix. Here a lovely turquoise sofa by Shine Home was a big hit at Maison et Objet.

Shine Home

Reflective surfaces are a key component of this look so we saw many fabulous products printed on or painted behind glass. I absolutely love this look!

Provence et Fils

More turquoise mixed with high gloss black and white in high relief. Definitely Chinoiserie inspired I loved this vignette.

To go along with super bright furnishings we found super bright and super large graphic wall paper from Marburg.

Marburg

Another set of mismatched bright chairs in various finishes and styles.

The last color in this scheme is bright orange and I am talking serious Halloween or for you fashionistas out there, Hermes orange.

Tempered again with glossy black it is a strong statement to be sure. But one that I found surprisingly appealing.

This room really shows how intense the sheen is on the black furnishings and accessories.

Orange was also paired with white for high contrast.

It seems that this emerging trend towards bright color and high contrast is the direct opposite of the dominant trend of faded grays, neutrals and natural products mixed with soft hues of purple and mauve and the highly textured woods like oak and teak use for case goods. Only time will tell what the “new” look will be but I’ll keep my eye on this palette. I think it has legs.

What do you think about it? Fan of faded, soothing, ethereal interiors or longing for some uber bright pigments to brighten your day.

Please leave a comment and let me know.

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Jackie Von Tobel – LIVE!

I’ve got some shameless self promoting to do this month to promote several seminars I will be giving in Atlanta, Charlotte and Las Vegas. If you’d like to come meet me in person and learn a few things about window treatments and emerging trends in interior design for 2010 here are the details of my appearances for March.

First, I was thrilled to be asked to be interviewed by some of my favorite bloggers, Joni Webb, Linda Merrill, and Megan Arquette for their fantastic blog The Skirted Roundtable! We did the interview last night and I had so much fun I forgot what I said! I’ll have to listen to it myself to see what I talked about! You can listen to the interview at The Skirted Roundtable later this week.

They are raffling off one copy of my book, The Design Directory of Window Treatments, and one copy of my new book, The Design Directory of Bedding so get on over there and sign up to win!!!

Next, I’ll be the featured speaker at the Las Vegas World Market Design Centers First Friday event on March 5 at 10:00 am. Here is a brief description of the topic:

Design Trends 2010

Bestselling author, product designer and blogger Jackie Von Tobel brings you the latest trends in interior design straight from the winter Heimtextile, IMM Cologne and Maison et Objet interior trends tradeshows. Join Jackie as she gives you a visual tour of these influential shows and breaks down the emerging trends in color, style and design for 2010.

Then I’m off to Atlanta for the DWC Spring event. See the full post about it here.

4000 Summit Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30319

www.villachristina.com

I will be presenting Emerging Design Trends for 2010 and Selling High End Looks in a Down Economy. Also, be one of the first to see highlights from my groundbreaking new book and graphic software supported marketing system in collaboration with Minutes Matter, The Power of I, due for release in January 2010. I’ll also be showing my new line of eco-friendly fabrics and pillows.

After that I’ll be in Charlotte, NC for the WCAA and AIDP Spring event. This will be an all day seminar covering a wide array of subjects. I’ll be giving away books, and Minutes Matter & Studio gift certificates!!

I may be stopping by the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Charlotte on March 27th for their open house weekend.

A big thanks to the great editors over at Drapery & Design Professional Magazine for using my Angelica fabric as the background for this years calendar. If you didn’t get your copy be sure to subscribe today!

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Trend Report: Limed Wood

The second most dominant trend that continues to gain steam at the international markets is limed, bleached, natural, or white washed wood. It was everywhere shown in hundreds of different subtle hues of grey, tan, taupe, and white.

Patinas were boldly distressed, sleek and shiny, and everything in between. Virtually every vendor highlighted some shade of grey or mushroom wood with oak and teak being the raw material of choice.

I know, white washed oak !! – it makes me shiver just thinking of my old pinkish whitewashed kitchen cabinets that I hated with such a passion back in the 80’s! But this new oak is tinted in sophisticated shades of dove grey, tin, gunmetal, lichen, frost, and many others that lend a sophisticated edge to the rough luxe movement.

Pale woods in all hues of whites and creams were also abundant, many mixed with the color of the moment – mauve.

Grayed woods mixed with bright bluish purples were also on display in many showrooms.

This photo shoes the range of tints available at this vendor of teak furnishings.

Kitchens were shown decked out in grey distressed woods that gave them almost a menswear vibe. The perfect compliment to the soapstone countertops and farm sink!

Grey and mauve were the accompanying colors to this new pale wood.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into classic lines -

or a more contemporary aesthetic, the palette is the same.

White on white was also a popular combination with lots of play on texture and sheen for variety.

Super rustic was still on view but for the most part a more sophisticated take on the rough woods was the norm.

This roomscape was the piece de resistance of the show, combining rustic finishes, gilded accents, limed case goods and that fabulous real fur throw as a centerpiece. For me this room really summed up all of the trends at the show in one well designed package. Pale vertical stripes on the walls gradiated from a deep grey to a light lavender at the ceiling. Many subtle variations of grey on the chairs all on men's wear inspired wools welted with patent leather in bright shades of purple and fuchsias. A super pale bleached out repurposed carpet (another trend here) was the base of the display. Wish you could have all been there in person because it was spectacular. My photography does not do it justice! ( I had to sneak this one and actually got thrown out of this show room for taking pictures even with a press pass)

Photos: Guadarte, Provence & Fils, JVT

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Home From Paris & Germany - What a Trip!!!

Sue, me, Tammy & Sarah on the rooftop at The Galleries Lafeyette

Just got home late last night from Paris and my three week whirlwind design trade show tour. To say it was the trip of a lifetime would be an understatement. I had an absolute blast with a great group of designers and workroom professionals who really reminded me why I do what I do.

The first day I ran into technical difficulty when I tried to use my hair dryer with my electric current converter which I have used many times before. I plugged it in and my dryer started smoking, sparking and then blew itself out. FRIED like a chicken! Needless to say the converter was well cooked to so I had to get another one from the hotel. It didn't accommodate a three prong plug so using my laptop was out of the question! No blogging for moi! I never did find another three prong adapter so please excuse my lack of posts while I was away. I will make up for that now!

Beth Hodges and Sue Sifakus at the Potterton Books booth Heimtextile - along with a shameless plug for my books

Heimtextile in Frankfurt was amazing and absolutely huge. I live in a city that puts on some large conventions and this place dwarfed anything I've seen in the US. It was eleven halls packed full of textile based product in every type, variety, material, construction, design, imaginable. The creativity and innovation is just fantastic. It took us almost fifteen or twenty minutes just to walk through the halls to the press center everyday from our hotel. I have never walked so much in my life! The overall impression of this show is in the professionalism and quality of the show, the vendors, and the convention space. It was absolutely first rate and showed an amazing range that just is not available in the US. I was also struck as I always am when in Europe with the way the people dress. Style rules the day and the men look fantastic in their fine suits ( boy how I wish we would bring back the suit here!) and women were dressed to the nines all in fantastic boots and furs. Black was the new black and I was glad that it was all I grought because anything light or colorful would have stood out. It is such a shame that we have lost the concept of dressing for success here in the US.

Sue Safikis, Beth Hodges, Deb Barrett, Dick Gentry, Jackie Von Tobel, Sharon Woodward, Gentry

Here is our Germany group having cocktails with Dick Gentry and his lovely wife from Wesco Fabrics. Dick had recently broken his leg skiing with his young grandson and it was quite ironic that we were meeting in a very badly decorated bar that was covered in fake snow ( cut up quilt batting) with an even faker miniature mountain on the wall. There was also a small igloo in the corner and our tables we're meant to represent snow or ice. Stunning!


The train ride from Frankfurt to Germany was absolutely beautiful. We traveled along the Rhine river which is dotted with castles and fortifications. It was snowy and cold but still a treat for the eyes. I love traveling by train in Europe because around every turn there is something amazing to see.


Cologne was fantastic and it was a tiny bit warmer than in Frankfurt and not snowing. We walked for miles every day in and out of the shows.


Here are our fearless leaders Susan Schultz and Deb Barrett planning our route back to the hotel after a long long day of walking the city streets viewing showrooms and vendors. This type of planning usually called for a nice glass of beer or wine and a snack at a local bar!


This was my usual view in Cologne. Me bringing up the rear of the trudging line as we searched for whatever gallery or showroom we were hunting for. It was great fun and even better exercise.


The Maison et Objet show was a 40 minute train ride out of Paris but worth every minute. Here I am at the entrance to one of the halls. The place was huge and seemed to cover miles of ground.



There were long lines for everything but our group was lucky enough to have VIP status
(Thanks to Deb & Susan!) so we had access to the private VIP lounge called Le Club. It was lovely and they served free drinks including champagne in the afternoon and snacks. We enjoyed Mimosas every afternoon. It was exhausting but devine!
I organizerd a few bloggers who were attending the show to meet up one night and we had a blast. Maryanne from Beadboard Up Country and Melanie from Cabinet de Curiosities we're so much fun and absolutely delightful. It was one of the highlights of the trip for me.


We also had a great opportunity arranged by Deb & Susan to meet with the staff from Maison et Objet to discuss the differences in US and French design market and got a private tour of the trend vignettes. They were incredibly hospitable to us all and provided us with complete access to the show including press credentials which allowed us to take pictures on the show floor which is expressly forbiddden to anyone without credentials. I'll be showing you many of the photos over the next few weeks.


Of course the highlight for all of us was this adorable Laduree sales cart. Here is my buddy Octive Healey buying macaroons after a long day of walking the floor. This was the one of the most popular places at the show. There was always a long line.

Another shamless plug - Octive and I showing off my books at the book store at Maison. I think the booksellers thought I was crazy taking pictures with books!

We had the great pleasure of meeting with Susan Hornbeak Ortiz, owner and designer of Shine Home one of my favorite furniture lines and her new social media representative Leslie Carothers. They were one of a handful of American vendors showing there and there booth was gorgeous.

Now that I'm home you'd think that my trade show adventure would be over but that is not the case. I have to get over to the Las Vegas World Market winter show which is running this weeek along with the Surfaces Show. I'm going to meet Juan Montoya tonight att he LVWMC , one of my design idols at a reception in his honor. Can't wait!!!!

Pictures of some great stuff from the trip next post - stay tuned......

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