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.

European Kitchen Design Review

Mix of Natural Wood With Stainless Steel and Laminate - Zurich

Many of you know about my recent trip to Europe, including Amsterdam, Zurich, Lucerne and Milan. I brought back photos of kitchens that emphasize some common design elements. Enjoy!

Stand outs to me included:

• Mix of man made/technical materials with organic naturals
• Clean Lines
• Smaller footprint
• Use of graphic elements emanating from nature
• Key focus on great lighting

Graphic design elements and terrific lighting

Graphic design elements - etched glass room divider

The jury is out on this chandelier...

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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 the upcoming decor and lifestyle trends.

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.

Options Magazine Article - Selling Through Experiences and Connecting With Your Customer

Options Magazine is one of the respected trade publications for the home builder design center audience. In the new edition, check out the article on page 20 that reviews selling through experience, and the differences of shopping patterns by gender. In the home design center environment, we must adapt our selling style to best meet the needs and buying behavior of the homebuyer.

Read the article here by clicking on the cover image of the new edition. Subscribe to electronic mailing of new future editions here (free of charge). For those of you who received a printed copy this week (hopefully few of you in this green focused environment), the issue went to press with several editing errors, you will find a clean copy of the article on line for printing and forwarding.
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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 the upcoming decor and lifestyle trends.

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.

What Happened To The Jones' ?! - Selling Options to the 'Simplifier'

Hello all - This post is coming to you from Europe, where I am taking great photos to show you design influences from Amsterdam, Zurich, and tomorrow, Milan.... New post very soon!

Perfect for the Simplifier Consumer Interested in Experience and Design

Heat & Glo's Contemporary Fireplace

Red 40

The October Harvard Business School review features an article by Harvard professor John Quelch on the new breed of consumer – the middle-aged Simplifier.

This new consumer can be recognized by her refusal to ‘buy-in’ to the conspicuous consumption so popular in the 90’s and early 2000’s. John Quelch calls out the following characteristics:

Downsized- The simplifier perceives that they have more ‘stuff’ than they truly need, and looks to downsize and simplify.
Experiences- The simplifier seeks to add to life through rich experiences, not possessions. Dining out, foreign travel, spa experiences, learning a new sport, activity or hobby all fit the desires of this emerging consumer group.
Possessions– They are embarrassed by their possessions, especially those flagrant indicators of their wealth.
Wealth– Although this group is self assured in their wealth, they remain comfortable leasing their car, renting a vacation home, and no longer feel it necessary to amass possessions.

John Quelch tells us empty-nester baby boomers make up a large portion of this group, already trading in their large SUV’s for a Prius. They seek detail and architectural character in their new homes, and even special spaces to display a few carefully chosen items from their life ‘experiences’, be it travel, or painting lessons. They seek low maintenance, smaller spaces. From a design perspective, we see this consumer seeking clean, modern minimalism.

While this consumer is downsizing, they are not downscaling, and they value quality over quantity in goods. High end finishes and new home add-ons such as wine storage, closet organization, and luxury spa bathrooms will reach this consumer. Adding additional fireplaces in the home add to the ‘experience’ for this consumer, be it in the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Sarah Suzanka’s now 10 year classic “The Not So Big House” becomes even more of a guide in creating a finely crafted and well designed home interior that will satisfy this consumer.

John Quelch points to EBay and the internet as the high tech equivalent of a yard sale allowing these consumers to rid themselves of unnecessary things and start fresh.
The October 2008 issue of Details gives well to do, style conscious men tips on how to minimize the showy appearances of wealth and status in these uncertain times. A recent Wall Street Journal article discusses the same, as well as John Quelch’s article in The Economist, “Too Much Stuff”.

When selling to this consumer, speak to quality, design, durability and green aspects of features and upgrades. This consumer may be more willing to upgrade in interior experiential home options rather than status exterior home upgrades. Think outdoor living rooms, luxury shower heads, art niches, fireplaces and top end granites. The important thing to this consumer is quality without showiness. The Jones’ be damned.
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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 the upcoming decor and lifestyle trends.

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.

101 Fresh Colors Inspired By Nature

Apartment Therapy had a great piece referencing House Beautiful's recent published color palette inspired by the elements. In 4 slide shows, House Beautiful showcases colors inspired by Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

(This is close enough to "Earth, Wind and Fire" to hook me into a mental earworm of "Shining Star" and "Boogie Wonderland" - "Honey, you... are... my shining star...")

"Fire"

The New Cosmo Modern Fireplace by Heat & Glo

Back to color - There are 101 colors in the presentation, within the following inspirational groupings: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Click each of these links to see a slide show of paint colors. It makes sense that within each element, the colors work beautifully with each other. The swatches shown here are Apartment Therapy's top picks from each palette.

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?

Paint is cheap.
Maintaining design credibility with the home buyer with current minimal staff and budget? Priceless.

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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 the upcoming decor and lifestyle trends.

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.