Benjamin Moore 2011 Color Forecast- Free Webinar, Wednesday October 7th

Benjamin Moore will present their new color forecast through 2011 in a free webinar to be presented this Wednesday, 10/7 at 1pm Eastern. Register here, FREE.

 Benjamin Moore is calling their new forecast "BALANCE".

From the rural influences to urban application, BALANCE is supported by 4 themes for COLOR PULSE 2011: The Farm, Order, Escape, and Tribe.

Given life lately, I look forward especially to learning about the 'order' and 'escape' themes.  Can you relate? 

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The Design Minds at Hearth and Home Blog is geared to support design center staff and the new construction industry in selling options and upgrades to the new home consumer. Subscribe for updates. Contact Krisann Parker-Brown for merchandising or marketing support of your design center. She will be happy to work with you on your assortment and presentation to ensure you are on track for upcoming decor trends and your target home buyer.


Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems.


Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience.



Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.


Twitter http://twitter.com/kparkerbrown
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/krisannparkerbrown

High Point Insights You Can Use At Work

Canvas TM Linen Bedroom Chair, Shown at High Point

The High Point Market will be happening October 17-22 , and the focus is on 'different, green and value focused'. Download the free High Point Market Fall Fashion Report here.

The 2009 High Point Fashion Report brings attention to the fact that 'value' has become very important at every price point. From a designer perspective, clientele are newly focused on staying within budget numbers on home projects. High Point is seeing and predicting a return to basics, comfort, subtlety and substance. To reflect this, even the Pantone Color Forecast for 2010 has added an additional palette of neutrals for the higher dollar purchases (i.e. carpeting, window coverings, etc.)and color in the accessories. For example, we can expect to see a newer 'fresh' grey, with purple and lilac accents.

High Point is also predicting a move toward more quality goods. Given the economic times, the mid and higher range consumer mindset is turning to choosing key pieces as 'investments' rather than choosing less expensive pieces that will need to be replaced later on.

A final prediction (we have talked about it here before) is the trend of diminishing scale and size, and useful well-designed and crafted components.

Canvas TM Hand-thrown Earthenware Plate Set

If you are close to a National or regional home furnishings market, I encourage you to go once or twice a year. You will get an amazing amount of insight, and be able to talk to your consumers with authority about what you have seen. It will also recharge your display creativity and give you great merchandising ideas for your design centers and model homes.

The leading US markets are Las Vegas (especially for contemporary and transitional), High Point (traditional and transitional), Atlanta, Chicago. Even regional markets (LA, Dallas, Minneapolis, Boston) have lots to see, as the major manufacturers have at least some presentation. Subscribe to email updates from markets to hear about trends, attend training webinars, see speakers and do networking. Look for terrific educational offerings, the High Point National Home Furnishings Association will offer these seminars on everything from selling to consumer science to social networking to design and trend forcasts. Download educational schedule here. Check market websites for great articles,videos and training, to share with your team, even if you can't attend.

Here at Hearth and Home, we will absolutely have the perfect fireplace, mantel and surround to complement current and emerging decor trends for your home buyers. Fireplaces are the focal point of a home, and create an emotional connection with your home buyer like no other category. Visit http://www.fireplaces.com/ to see the newest award winning designs, or create your own personal dream fireplace with our exclusive Hearth by Design tool. Be sure to take a look at the terrific contemporary line of fireplaces, available for every pricepoint of home buyer.

Being current and knowledgeable about upcoming decor trends will differentiate your design center and models and give your home buying consumers an added confidence and inspiration. Finishes impact most categories in your design center, especially flooring, trim and cabinetry. Setting your design center and model homes apart from the rest is important in this competitive market. That won't be changing anytime soon.
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The Design Minds at Hearth and Home Blog is geared to support design center staff and the new construction industry in selling options and upgrades to the new home consumer. Subscribe for updates. Contact Krisann Parker-Brown for merchandising or marketing support of your design center. She will be happy to work with you on your assortment and presentation to ensure you are on track for upcoming decor trends and your target home buyer.

Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems.

Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience.

Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

Twitter http://twitter.com/kparkerbrown

Linked In http://www.linkedin.com/in/krisannparkerbrown

Selling Points For The First Time Home Buyer

The Wall Street Journal reports that both price AND move-in condition are important for first time homeowners. (Tips for Selling Your Home to a First-Time Buyer, Amy Hoak, Wall Street Journal) The article is educating home sellers on tips to appeal to the first time buyer while competing against foreclosures and short sale properties. As a new home builder, you can also stand out against the sea of less desireable product.

Price, Value and Service-

Of course, price is important, but not all important. The $8,000 tax credit is running through December 1st, but there is discussion of a possible extension. To entice first time buyers and differentiate from the competition, consider developing a 'match it' program or discount toward upgraded options. In addition, anything you can do to help simplify the rebate process (i.e. being a resource on the credit, pre-filling out any forms they will need to apply for the credit, providing more information on the specifics of the credit etc.) will be appreciated by this audience.


Model Homes -

While Hoak advises sellers to maintain and stage the homes, it points to how important decorated model homes are in the new construction market. Professionally decorated models fuel the hunger for a beautiful new home. Used homes on the market are often poorly decorated, cluttered and overly personalized, and cannot compete with the excitement and design you can showcase in a model.

Models are a terrific opportunity to show alternate uses for space that the potential buyer may not have considered - a staged laptop work station in the kitchen, turning one bedroom into a fitness/yoga room or a home office - Be careful of showing only one 'lifestyle' in your model series; for example not every model should have 2 'kid bedrooms'. In a well decorated and merchandised model, the home buyer can begin to think about their own life in the environment, not wonder about the life of the current occupant.

New Versus Used - Reliability and Warranty -

First time home buyers may be quite accustomed to just picking up the phone and calling the landlord when something breaks - highlight your warranty and reliability to ease their mind. Consider offering extra coverage or extended warranty coverage for these nervous buyers. In addition highlight your customer satisfaction scores regarding quality and reliability.

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Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems.

Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience.

Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

Twitter http://twitter.com/kparkerbrown

Linked In http://www.linkedin.com/in/krisannparkerbrown

Smaller Foot Print Homes - With Design That Matters

In 1973, the average home was 1,660 square feet. By the second quarter of 2008, the average home had reached an all-time high of 2629 square feet. (US Census Bureau) Now, the trend is headed the other way, dramatically. By the end of 2008, the average home had dropped to 2343 square feet.

Builders are having successes with smaller floor plans that are well planned out , and make wise use of space within the floor plan. KB Home has seen growth in their small footprint product, "The Open Series". Jeffrey Mezger, president and chief executive officer of KB Home is quoted: "With The Open Series, we are going beyond offering our buyers choices on design elements such as flooring and counter tops to giving them a say in the floor plan layout itself. The result is a line of beautiful, functional homes that give buyers exactly what they want and can afford in a new home, and nothing they do not need." KB Homes has seen a 26% increase in ordered homes.

The economy is an obvious influence, as we see consumers making trade-offs, and "doing more with less" A social movement can also be seen, as we all remind ourselves and each other to slow down and simplify life. Bert and John Jacobs founded Life is Good, a ­Boston-based apparel company that last year had sales of $120 million (Financial Times) The product line promotes an appreciation for the small pleasures of life.


The "Small House Movement" and "Small House Society" are also gaining membership and momentum, though some members take things to the extreme. Greg Johnson, of Iowa City Iowa, is considered by some to be a founder of the movement - he lives in a home of 140 square feet.

Sarah Susankah's "Not So Big House" book, now 10 years old, remains as relevant to new construction as it does to remodels.

Sarah Susankah

What does this tell us as we work to offer the new home consumer the options they want, in the footprint they need (and can also afford)? A smaller home stripped of options to gain 'price point' entry may not stand out in the marketplace from another builder's product (or even from a "home on wheels' as they like to say in the South). Consider choosing differentiating options that add value (both appraised value and perceived value) without driving a great deal of incremental cost into the product.

Last week on a sales recap call, I heard a report of a small builder who had contracted a installing distributor to add fireplaces into his standing inventory of 14 constructed homes. The homes were standing still on the market, and the builder realized that a fireplace would be the emotional touch point that would differentiate his product.

Heat & Glo's Cosmo Slim Line Fireplace

With the shift in smaller footprint, each addition needs to be thought out in terms of the space it takes in the home, the cost it adds to the home, and the value it implies to the consumer. All of these need to line up when the appraiser walks the home. (Here is my opportunity to let you know that adding a fireplace adds up 6 to 12% in home value - National Association of Realtors)
Regarding the floor space versus impact discussion, a contemporary linear fireplace can create instant emotional and design appeal, add value to the home, AND take no floorspace at all!

Cost is of course very relevant to the homes you build, and purchasing teams are working harder than ever. Consider stepping away from the core cost of the product, and looking at overall lower installed cost. In addition, work with your installing suppliers, they will be able to consider aspects of the product install that will save you additional level. For example, at Hearth and Home, we are currently working with several National builders to value engineer the placement of fireplaces in the home plan. By moving a fireplace even a few feet, it is possible to save a great deal on vent pipe and installation. Still offering a product the consumer desires, differentiating from those 'stripped down' homes on the market, and working together with your manufacturers and installation teams to get the best value.


When choosing options for your smaller footprint plans, consider:
ROI (Return on Investment)
ROE (Return on Enjoyment for the home buyer)
Differentiating your Product
and lastly

Cost (Total installed cost, after value engineering all aspects of adding the option)

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Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems.

Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience.

Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

Twitter http://twitter.com/kparkerbrown

Linked In http://www.linkedin.com/in/krisannparkerbrown

Pantone Color Forecast 2010 - Las Vegas Market Recap

World Market Center, Las Vegas

World Market Center is now the largest furniture and interiors market in the world. Attendance at last week’s Vegas interiors market was down, but I have never seen educational and developmental seminars more full. In fact, I was almost ‘locked out’ of the very important Pantone color forecast presentation! Thanks very much to my new found champion, Jason Phillips of the very hip décor line “The Phillips Collection” (available to the trade only) for helping me get in the back door and be able to report back to you on interior color forecast for 2009 and 2010. (Yes, there is a story there but perhaps one better shared in person than in print. ) (Thanks again Jason…I owe you!!) With the stiff competition trying to get in the door, you would have thought I was trying to access a sold out rock reunion tour rather than an interiors trend seminar, but never mind, I got you the goods.

Table and Décor, The Phillips Collection

I felt the freshest news of market is the continued innovation; focus on design (and also price point) in furnishings and décor. How refreshing (even at the upper end) to hear manufacturers and product design incorporate ‘providing value’ to the end consumer. I’ll have a future post dedicated to furniture, lifestyle and décor trends, with photos and links. You won’t want to miss the recap on Michelle Lamb of The Trend Curve's presentation on top stories for 2009-10. Never far from any discussion was the recession or ‘downturn’ (depending upon who was speaking) and how it would impact the consumer’s decision making process and ultimate preference for goods.

I was very fortunate to attend Leatrice Eiseman’s Pantone 2010 Home and Interiors Forecast presentation. (She said we were the first audience for the new forecast) Leatrice Eiseman heads the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training and is also executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. She conducts color seminars and develops directional forecasts. She is widely quoted in publications such as Elle Decor, Home Magazine, House and Garden, Home Accents Today, Glamour, Vogue, People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. You probably read the release this fall of Pantone’s “Color of The Year”, PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa. You also may have seen a strikingly similar shade on Michelle Obama at the inauguration. Pantone’s quote: “Mimosa Embodies Hopefulness and Reassurance in a Climate of Change”. You will notice many golds and yellows throughout the new color forecast. Click here for a copy of the forecast to print or email.

Michelle Obama, Inauguration Dress

Historically in times of recession or downturn, trends can slow. However, technology (blogs, Twitter (My Twitter profile here) and other social media) has now begun to spread design ideas and trends at the speed of light. Eiseman referred to the continued influence of fashion on the home décor and design industry. Those of us in the industry have to be even more focused on differentiation and design, rather than less…The new directional color forecast takes the economic and social environment into account, and keys on historic behaviors.

In an economic downturn, consumers are more cautious with their purchases, and may take fewer risks with larger dollar purchases. They still, however, desire ‘design’, freshness and impact, and will be savvy and smart about making their purchase decisions. Leatrice Eiseman spoke to 8 color palettes that will resonate to the consumer, even in the current downturn. Historically in a sluggish economy, the consumer will be more reserved, cautious and thrifty, but will still seek inspiration with color and design. Predictably, bigger ticket items will be neutral and safe, yet ‘smart’ and well designed. The consumer historically will seek out color and impact with accessories in brighter colors, trendier design, and lower price points.


Regarding styles, Eiseman advised that traditional never really went away, but the new look would be modernized, and offer contemporary touches. Eclectic combinations were directional rather than the matchy-matchy of the 80’s. This chair from Robert Allen is a great example of a traditional silhouette and detail (upholstery brads) in a clean, fresh and unexpected patent leather.

Robert Allen's Patent Wing Chair, Traditional Yet Modern

The recently empowered and educated HGTV audience will seek out color as an accessory and statement. Remember that ‘green’ (i.e. inspired from earth and Mother Nature) will be newly considered as a neutral. And as Leatrice so eloquently put it, even in times of down turn, purchasers will still fantasize about ‘feathering their nest’. In the downturn, Eiseman quipped, feathers may look more like a feather duster and less like a feather boa.

Willow Green's Reclaimed Green Décor

Indicators point to the consumer being more mindful of resources and the environment, and sustainable materials: appropriate woods, bamboo, and recycled felt, for example. When money is tight, we can predict the consumer “burrowing”(today’s version of hiving or cocooning), turning to at home diversions such as entertaining, cooking, eating healthier, and focusing on the ‘hub’ of the home (family room/kitchen)~Do I really need to mention the importance of a fireplace here??!!

Birmingham Large Format Fireplace, From Heatilator

Use of recycled or eco-conscious materials will be the newest status symbol. ( Can a handbag made of auto seat belts really retail for $98 -$178? ) Yes, and Dana Harvey’s Original Seatbeltbagsbags are very often sold out or have a waiting list at boutique retailers.

Harvey's Original Seatbeltbag

DK Living's New Neutral Organic Pottery (Brown? Grey?Black?)

Pantone’s Color Forecasts for Home and Interiors 2010

Tinged Neutrals

Michelle Lamb titled her fresh neutral’s “Chameleon Neutrals” and both titles are apropos. Neutrals at market had grey/brown and even blue and violet tinges. Some changed shades depending on viewing angle or lighting. These weren’t your typical 80’s oatmeal’s and beige's. Because we in the interiors market are closely tied to fashion, it is interesting to watch what is going on in that market. Women’s Wear Daily listed hottest 10 colors, number one was “Iron”, a practical yet rich color of black/brown/charcoal grey. OPI cosmetics are always one of my favorite color barometers. A ‘best seller’ for fall/holiday was "You Don't Know Jacques", a beautiful charcoal grey/brown neutral. (Yes, I have it and love it, and wear it often - thanks for asking…) OPI will be reissuing it due to buyer demand.

OPI's "You Don't Know Jacque"

Greenmarket

Think urban farmers market with a focus on upscale, sustainability, cuisine and style – The Alice Waters influence, perhaps??
Tozai Home Vase

Resourceful
Speaks to natural resources, and the importance of their management, conservation and preservation.
Most original in the way the colors are put together- they will command the attention of the consumer. Imagine all the colors of the Arizona and New Mexico mountain landscape at sunset.

Murray Feiss Lighting

Transformations

Historic influences, but not the 80’s burgundy and hunter. Original in the quirkiness and sense of fun, yet strongly influenced from traditional style. Think traditional hounds tooth check, yet blown up to a huge scale, and interpreted in fresh colors.

Ambiance

Takes into account the client who loves color but may be impacted by the economy. Colors are muted, like the steel blue grey, light grey, and pinks, pointing toward historic ‘glamour’….

Lighting From Arteriors Home

Gatherings

A fresh take on African and tribal influenced design, Yellows in mustards and dijon’s become very important. Leatrice described the grouping as exotic yet sophisticated.

Galaxy
Galaxy is a grouping that speaks to the colors in the night sky, and dusky colors of earth. Yet another gold resonates as the center of out universe, the sun.

Tozai Home

High Definition

High Definition Is a glamorous and refined palette that draws on both a classic and modern feel. Think Marlene Dietrich’s boudoir, with a base of silver, grey and peat, and romantic touches of the rose, purples and golds.

Pastiche
Influenced by Japanese anime and menga (illustrated comic series with cult followings) and Japan, pastiche pairs unexpected color combinations and clever contrasts. The colors remind me of a colorful ice sherbet case on a Paris street – hard to choose just 2 or 3, but the whimsy of the colors will bring light and life to the viewer. Great for accent colors or children’s rooms.

Artists Guild of America 40"x50" Painted Canvas', $98

Eiseman advised those of us in the trade to “LOSE YOUR COLOR JUDGEMENTS”, as we start to see color combinations that are at minimum, non-traditional, and most, challenging. Directionally in 2010, she sees dark colors being combined with “pops” of color. Even in a retail setting such as your design center or on a website, she advised to show pops of bright color as a must-do to catch the eye of the consumer.

Consumers will begin using paint even more as a statement accessory, and as the most value oriented design update. For your home options sales, consider adding color (not just quality) upgrade options in your paint option offerings. Absolutely show color pop walls in your models and design centers. Color is the first element of design that is noticed by the viewer. It is also the least expensive update in merchandising a retail space as well as a home. In your design centers and model homes, where could you update a wall or room with color to create more visual impact, bring your presentation more 'current' and 'fresh', and connect to your home buyer?

All colors referenced above are included in the PANTONE FASHION + HOME color system, a component of the PANTONE Textile Color System®. Consult current PANTONE Color Publications for
accurate color. PANTONE® and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc. © Pantone, Inc., 2008. All rights reserved.

The Eiseman Center for Color Information & Training is offering “Color Expert Training” in July in the Seattle area. The Color Design course includes:
• Advanced color training for industry
• Information on professional color systems
• Color naming and specifying
• Workshops on color combinations
• The how-to's of color forecasting, sources and guidelines
Call 206-842-4456
leiseman@nwlink.com
www.colorexpert.com

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Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

Free Professional Builder Design Trends Webcast - February 26th

Blu Dot's Desktop Clock Images

'Design' has become even more important to the consumer; manufacturers and retailers who lead are faring better than the masses. Target's "Design For All" campaign, IKEA's presentation of versatile, well designed case goods at a great price, and Design Within Reach/Blu Dot's positioning of owning original designs at accessible prices have helped these parties continue to stand out in an otherwise dismal year in interiors.

Blu Dot believes in democratization of design so much they offer a download for a spiffy desktop clock - click here.

'Differentiation' has become even more important to home builders, as we discussed at IBS. Although most of us are interested in design as it relates to the home industry, many of us are working with a smaller staff (some National builders have eliminated design leadership or design centers entirely) and simply lack the time or opportunity to stay as current on trends as we would like. In times like these, your model homes and design centers need to stand for "Design Leadership" at a competitive price.

Blu Dot's Buttercup Rocker, $849

I am excited to share with you a free webcast on trends hosted by Professional Builder. Register on line to get updates on trends and design.

Professional Builder Presents:

"Design Stars: Winning Homes from the Best in American Living Awards"

Design Stars: Winning Homes from the Best in American Living Awards
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009
Time: 3:00 PM ET/ 2:00 PM CT/ 12:00 PM PT
Duration: 60-minutes

Register now for this LIVE Webcast highlighting the latest design trends in residential construction and featuring the 2008 Best in American Living judges Grey Lundberg, Jack F. McLaurin and Christy Scanlon and moderated by Senior Editor of Design Susan Bady.

Michael Graves Design™ Whistle Keeper Teakettle
$24.99 TARGET

Also watch out for my upcoming recaps from Las Vegas Furniture and Gift Market, happening next week at World Market Center. I am slated to attend the newest color trends seminar and well as design trend presentations, and new furniture launch receptions. I will recap in a future blog post, please email me if there is any specific information or trend you would like me to research or capture while at market.
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Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

3 Key Messages From IBS - Can you afford not to know them?

Jenn-Air New Oiled Bronze Suite

Having just finished the IBS show last week, it is fresh on my mind. Attendance was down, but I noted that everyone I spoke to had a compelling reason to attend. The mood of the show attendees was positive, optimistic, yet realistic. Builders were searching for solutions to support differentiating their homes, increasing their profitability, and better meeting consumer needs. It was the most 'consumer-centric' builder show I have ever attended. And maybe that is a good thing...

Among the exhibits that were well received, there were some common themes that builders seemed engaged in - The big 3:

Innovation - (Including the categories of Green, Energy Efficiency and Health such as Indoor Air Quality)
Aesthetics - (Design and Differentiation)
Emerging Consumer Markets - (Including Multi Family, Affordable Housing, Custom/Urban/High Rise and Mixed Use Developments)

Innovation was everywhere with the big product brands; focus on green, high efficiency, easier installation, increase in product features...In the Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire booth key standouts included the Quadra-Fire EDGE, the first ever pellet fireplace, which was profiled on Apartment Therapy and HGTV. We had plenty to discuss with builders in AFUE rated product and high efficiency options, as well as patented IPI pilot technology, which saves a home owner $15 monthly on the gas bill by only lighting when needed versus a standing pilot.

The Quadra-Fire EDGE Pellet Fireplace, with contemporary front

Direct-Vent gas fireplaces also were the preferred product discussed by builders interested in earning LEED points or building to NAHB Green Building Standards. Watch this short video about Fireplaces that Green the Home.

Progress Lighting was showcasing tons of innovation in design, Energy Star fixtures, and new LED versions. The Westin series had recently received the 2008 Lighting for Tomorrow award - the 15w fixtures are ENERGY STAR qualified – the mark of quality for energy efficient, green friendly lighting and have a lifeline of 10,000 hours. The clean lines of this collection were appealing, well designed, and should be a great product for upgrade and option sales. The Progress booth was beautiful!

The Westin Lighting Collection from Progress

Aesthetics were also keenly on the mind of the builders I met. This had a great deal to do with the competitive buyers market right now, and the continuing consumer focus on design.

In the upper end, there were many ground breaking products that took your breath away - Whirlpool's launch of the Jenn-Air Oiled Bronze Suite was a standout. The warm copper and bronze tones had a striated finish and a lovely texture.

Jenn-Aire's New Oiled Bronze Suite

Heat & Glo showcased a number of unique contemporary and transitional looks. The move up and custom builders seemed very engaged in the new see thru large format Escape See Thru direct-vent gas fireplace, shown with a new texture and color in a beautiful Macchiato cast surround, (surround available in Summer 09).

Heat & Glo Escape See Thru Large Format Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace

Contemporary design was in demand by the upper end builder, the Heat & Glo RED 60" direct-vent linear fireplace was very well received. (Available Summer, 2009) We showed it wrapped in Absolute Black Granite, a very clean and compelling statement.

Heat & Glo Red 60

Emerging Consumer Markets were a common discussion point for agile builders seeking to capture the upcoming Gen Y market, as well as those building and developing mixed use, upper end urban multi family, active adult and even affordable housing. Heatilator had a terrific response on the Aveo Fireplace, which has a terrific price point and frames in less than a foot. Because storage is a great selling point with multi-family, we show cased the Aveo in an available optional shelving surround. (Isn't it adorable?!)

Heatilator Aveo Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace, frames in 11 1/2"

All in all, it was a terrific show, with the focus in the 'right stuff' that will help builders (and manufacturers) position themselves for success in Innovation, Design and with Emerging Markets.

I enjoyed meeting many of you who sought me out at the show. The 'Profit Solutions' Presentation that I presented at the show was well attended, by builders, design and architects. Click here to watch a short webinar if you were unable to attend. (yep, that's my voice...)

I also had several interviews, including this impromptu 30 second interview by Jim Adams of NewHomesDirectory.com. Yikes - could you sell your product in 30 seconds? Sometimes that is all we have! A little lipstick could have been helpful, but considering no notice, not bad. :)

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Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

Finding Profitable Solutions at The International Builder Show

The International Builder's Show will be held January 20th -23rd in Las Vegas. The focus this year for every builder and design center will no doubt be "How can I increase the number of homes I sell, increase the average dollar of upgrades and profitability of my business?"

I am very excited to announce the Hearth and Home series of seminars designed to help you do exactly that.

In addition, you won't want to miss the newest cutting edge product that will help differentiate your homes and commercial projects from the competition. We have a terrific solution to show you, no matter who you build for.

In our 'Profit Solutions' presentation, we will lay out 8 innovative ways to increase your sales of homes, drive more option and upgrade sales, and improve customer satisfaction, no matter who you build for. The presentations will run continually throughout the show.

I will be discussing ways to earn more profit through your design center, design trends in mantels and surrounds, and what the customer will be seeking in 2008 and beyond. Come join us and sit by our fire! In about 20 minutes, you will learn 8 different ways to make more profit with fireplaces. Every attendee will receive 20 minutes off of their feet, and a $5 gift card from your favorite coffee retailer!

Bonus Seminars on Housing trends from industry experts will be offered once every morning and afternoon.

“9 obvious (and not so obvious) trends in housing”
Presenter: Tom Miller

“The Mortgage Industry Perspective on 2009 Builder Profits: 8 Points for Success”
Presenter: Charles Perry

Find the Hearth and Home technologies booth in the central hall
Central Hall, Booth C5643 , near Kohler and Whirlpool. Look me up, I am looking forward to seeing you!

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Stop by and meet Krisann at IBS, in the Hearth and Home Technologies booth.

International Builder's Show

Las Vegas Convention Center

January 20-23, 2009

Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Krisann is a member of the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

Opening Our Eyes to the Possibilities of 2009

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust

2008 is almost over. Can I hear a 'hellya'?!

"Fresh Eyes" ~ Although painful, the challenges we have been presented in 2008 have helped us all approach each day a bit differently, and with purpose. In the home building industry, we are all 'Doing more with less'. We have eliminated the unnecessary, and raised our eyes to focus on the biggest opportunities and the fastest returns. I would venture to guess we are all smarter, leaner and more efficient, and absolutely more customer focused than we have been in a long time. That can't be a bad thing in the long run.

"Leaders keep their eyes on the horizon, not just on the bottom line." Warren Bennis


2009 will bring continued challenges ahead for us in the home building industry, but also a great deal of opportunity. The bottom line, we have hopefully all learned from Albert Einstein, who defined Insanity as "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

2009 Opportunities include approaching existing home buyer groups differently; from how we sell to female and Hispanic home buyers, for example, to the product offerings and options we offer to differentiate your home from the next builder's. Green building products and practices and indoor air quality will continue to become more important as the consumer becomes more educated.

Emerging home buying groups, like the graduating Generation Y multi-family group and Move Up but Scale Down baby boomers will offer new opportunities for those of us who can change our approach, our product offering, our option catalogues and the fundamental way we relate to the home buying consumer.

"You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." Mark Twain

The biggest opportunity for all of us is to continue challenging ourselves: reinventing, focusing on what is most important, and keeping our eyes up. In yoga, we are told that our posture and our body will follow our gaze. After learning all we can from 2008, let's turn our eyes forward, and upward, to make the most of 2009. We are all smarter than we have ever been. We can do this!

Thanks so much for your readership this year. Congratulations on everything you have learned and applied and on your personal and professional growth in 2008.

Happy New Year.

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Stop by and meet Krisann at IBS, in the Hearth and Home Technologies booth.

International Builder's Show

Las Vegas Convention Center

January 20-23, 2009

Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Krisann is a member of the Institute of Store Planners, now the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.

'Green' and Baby Boomer Women - Free Phone Seminar Monday 12/8

The National Association of Baby Boomer Women is hosting a free phone seminar on Monday, 12/8/08 at 3pm EST. Diane MacEachern, author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, will be offering listeners tips and guidelines for reducing their environmental impact during the holidays. She'll also cover topics such as green gifts to consider, holiday lighting, going organic--and not just for your foods, but for wines, beers, and other beverages. This teleseminar covers your entire holiday season, right down to the Christmas tree, and of course, the post-holiday season. There will be something for everyone searching for ways to be "eco-friendly!"

Monday December 8th, 3pm EST

Call 1-712-580-7706

Conference Code 1735162

The female baby boomer is the single most powerful group in US purchasing power. Listening in to the seminar may drive thoughts about better ways to speak to green in the new home sales process, and to meet the needs of this consumer in general.

The Big Green Purse is designed as a resource guide, guiding women how to 'Use your spending power to create a cleaner, greener world." Great resource, great reading!

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Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Krisann is a member of the Institute of Store Planners, now the Retail Design Institute. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537.