In The Know....with Shea-Noel

A few weeks ago I was talking to a client and we were discussing how a fabric wasn't stocked in the United States.

Her comments were simple, "Nothing is made in the United States anymore."

Sad thing? She is absolutely correct. 

I used to notice the little image of our flag with *Made in the USA* on all kinds of things. Now it is just a fading image.

What once was a booming furniture manufacturing center, North Carolina is now just a speck in what many interior designers are growing increasingly frustrated with.  As an interior designer, our primary sourcing function relies on manufacturers and distributors to stock and or produce good in the states.  This speeds the delivery process to our workrooms and to other manufacturers and keeps our workflow and project progression moving along. Manufacturers are all trying to save a buck as to not go out of business and there is a majority of them now completing order fullfillment as items are ordered.

What does this mean for the end-user, our client? Extended lead times on items.

Two years ago we would get stock updates and order fullfillment percentages on a majority of our vendors.  Now, we don't.  There is not any need apparently as the items are not stocked in the USA.

What does this means going forward?

1. Start producing items in the states again.

Why this isn't happening is a simple bottom line number. Why produce things here when the cost of doing business is rising?

2. Become an all import trade industry.

This really isn't an option I don't think, but then again it sure does appear to be moving that way doesn't it.



The next time you purchase something and you call your vendor, ask then if the product(s) you are looking at are made domestically or imported. Then decide how you want to proceed.

Does your firm conduct business online? If so, it just got easier.

If not, then here is your chance.

Avaliving is a fantastic site aimed to the design community and with the addition of this new program you, as a designer, will be able to enhance your offerings and spread your firm's reach.

The process is simple, just go here Social Marketing Program for Designers and enter in the promo code Blackwell and get started reaching new clients.

The cost is low, and the benefits are huge!

Happy Designing

Christmas is around the corner, and even though you have been seeing trees, tinsel and other holiday goodies in the stores since AUGUST, chances are you intend to put that tree up after Thanksgiving.

Before our SNI team of elves show you how to have folks screaming for mistletoe around the house, we want you to be ready.
Here's our suggestion list:

1. CLEAN :: Sorry, I know. Vacuum, dust, pull furniture away from the walls, wipe down base boards and mop.  Also take this time to wipe down your staircase, clean the edges of each step and just get your entire home cleaned up.

Holiday decor will be up and collecting dust for a good 5 weeks, so no need to add to it by not preparing properly.

2. PLAN :: Where do you want trees? How many can you deal with? What do you remember liking/disliking about your decor last year? Ask yourself these questions, then be sure to purchase or find all of your decor to make it happen.

3. GATHER :: Climb into the attic and start unloading all of the loot you intend to decorate with. Get it all down and dust off the boxes.

4. INVENTORY :: If you are going to be taking advantage of the upcoming how-to blogs from us, make sure you know what you have, and what you don't.  Now, here's what you will need.

           - Tree, ornaments, family ornaments, tree skirt, lights, ribbon and other decor you are in love with.
           - Garland for staircases, chandeliers, etc.
           - Floral wire
           - Floral tape
           - Ladder
           - *ting ting*, *curly q's*, festive floral stems.  Basically accent items to *stuff* into your masterpieces.

5. SHOPPING :: While we order a lot of our things ahead of time, all is not lost for you.  Old Time Pottery or Hobby Lobby, etc. will have similar items.  Or you can always get online and pick out your things there.

6. ORGANIZE :: Once your shopping is done, organize all of your new purchases. Separate out items by where they will be going.

Now you are all set and ready to go.  We will post more in a bit on the details to make it all magical once you are past this point.



Happy Designing!

It's that time of year again.

CHRISTMAS!!!

With a firm named Shea-Noel? You can bet we are excited. Roughly translated? Shea-Noel means "Majestic Christmas" in French, and we live it every year.

This year though, you all are in for a treet.

That's right.

A TREET.

A tree decked to the T. We are ramping up to Deck the Halls in a few places this week, and will be showing you all, our loyal fans, how to do a few things on your own.

We will be filling our blog like a stocking for you all to love and try out at home! Get out your mistletoe and get ready to shine at those parties you will hosting.  Shea-Noel is getting on the ladder and decking the halls!

GO TIGERS GO!

We were all singing the praises of the Interior Design students from the University of Memphis Last week as Shea-Noel Interiors, Inc. loaded up one of their vehicles with discontinued goodies from the SNI library.

Furthering student involvement in the field of interior design and helping to provide viable sources for their interior design projects is a practice Shea-Noel has practiced for many years. We've very much enjoyed being able to see how their projects change, grow and also to host many of thier students in both of their programs as SNI interns.

.

Yep. That's what I said.

Talk to any rep. in the interior design industry and they will tell you the same thing. Sounds a little crazy right?

Well, no. Not really. See, there is this thing called a recession going on. Seems to have been sparked by the housing industry. You know, people that bought McMansions and got "lucky" enough to not have a down payment....a $15,000 a month house note, and could use some furniture, but the milk crates from college will work as they haven't had a job since 60 days before they bought their house???

Well, unfortunately this has been the demise of smaller low to mid interior design/ decorators across the country. Why? Because this is a chance for those who have disposable income (yes, there are plenty of people like this) to get the attention of designers who are used to designing in those McMansions, and hold them captive to create unlimited luxury for them. As you may know - foreclosed homes are a deal right now - And people are taking advantage of the market.

The difference? They have the money to do their home, and do it right.

Sounds a little not like what you've been hearing on the news doesn't it? Well. It's true. Shea-Noel Interiors, Inc. has been creating luxury for a long time. And we are experiencing a tremendous thing right now.....New clients.

And because of this, I have been bringing in new wares for us to create our client's homes with. I have always been known for my use with fabrics and colors - so, let's see what you all think!




These FANTASTIC new wares are among some of the most loved our staff has seen. A new take on paisley, and embroidered silk....As you may now realize, we have a silk addiction.





Our mouths DROPPED to the floor when we caught a look at these...WOW!!!! Velvets on linen, burned velvets, and and amazing theater velvet with a large 20 inch horizontal stripe.... *sings happily*

These fabrics are running mid to high....and WILL be a hit when we put them into a design....So, just a friendly reminder - Shea-Noel Interiors, Inc. IS Life As Luxury....

Why are higher end designers doing so well you ask? Well, you see a lot of designers/decorators have been blogging about products, posting photos about the great new items they have found...We haven't just found them - we use them. And THAT is what potential clients are looking for. Use of material, installation, quality of construction. And locating designers with this experience is becoming harder and harder to find. But once they find you...they keep you!

There is a lot of talk about Quality over Quantity...The recession may have caused some people to spend less, but gone are the days you head to a local furniture store and pick up a $700.00 sofa. People have wised up to the fact that they will have to get a new sofa every 3 -4 years....and they could have just bought the one they loved to begin with for $1600.00 and saved money over the term.

If SALE is your buzz word...approach with caution. If Luxury, Quality, long-lasting, investment and beautiful are you buzz words - Call Shea-Noel Interiors. We have JUST what you are dreaming of.....

If you are a designer - creep out the cheap....It will pay off!



Until next time... :)

Recession, Swine Flu, bad economy...congrats! You have just graduated into the real world.

Yuck.

Sorry to disappoint, but you may want to call your Interior Design professor and let them know you "will not be making 150K this year" as she predicted.

No.

I am NOT joking.

Here's the deal. Most interior design programs require you to complete an internship prior to graduation. This can be a really good thing for you to do! If you haven't completed an internship - then you need to. Pay? Nope....It just is what it is.

If you are looking for an intern - You will need to be sure of a few things.

1. They need you.
2. There is a potential you could be hired after the intern is over.
3. You have a well-rounded portfolio to show to the firm.
4. You dress professionally *moving birkenstocks to top shelf in closet*
5. You show up on time.
6. You need to make an impression of "I really want this".
7. Leave your cell phone in the car.
8. Don't admit to your twitter or facebook addiction.
9. Appear well groomed...Put yourself in their shoes - would you hire yourself?
10. You have a copy of your resume handy.

I know I have been reluctant to have an intern on board...Until - She walked into my office. Now, I must admit I am in a special place that allows me to have a laid back office setting to keep up with high demand, but this isn't always the case.

I did ask her a few questions - You may want to listen up to this very important question.....Ready?

Question 1: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Answer: Well, I would like to be working with you. I know of your firm, it's reputation, and the work you produce and I couldn't think of a better place to be.

My reaction: *smiles*

What was good about it? Well, for starters, she didn't tell me she wanted to own my firm, or her own firm, and that - is the kicker for me. I have worked hard to get to where I am, and no thanks on trying to move in on my territory.

Then - after her portfolio, I get this comment: " I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. Everyone says such great things about you, and now I know why! This is a great place to be!" Then? she pulls out this....



I was somewhat stunned she had personalized water bottles....and a personalized pen...But....Does it matter??? I mean - not really....she's here today, second day as a Shea-Noel Interiors, Inc. Intern....

So, if you have just graduated from interior design and can't find an internship? All is not lost. ASID has just launched a new Real World Design Week for the upcoming fall. This is an excellent chance for you to connect with one or more professionals in your area. It is self registration, so go there and do that!

I hope this helps in the quest for you to create for the world....And sometimes a little work for free - will open up a door!

Will I hire her??? Time will tell....So far, so good...




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Protecting the Health, Safety and Welfare of Consumers...

Sure, that sounds fun. But, what is it? It's simple. TIDC (Tennessee Interior Design Coalition) is a representation of Interior Designers across Tennessee that are working with legislators to produce a bill to pass into law - effectively creating a regulatory situation for the practice of interior design. No, not ONLY regulation...but a standard of recognition so the consumers can take note of the "real" interior designers and not those that are out trying to just make money with no education or experience behind their names...

I used to think all of this didn't matter. Seriously - who cares right? WRONG.

The last time you were in a hospital, and looked at the ugly vinyl covering on a chair you probably thought - "Wow! That's ugly..." And it probably was. But, it's vinyl (enough here - can be a whole post!) But, what you don't see is the fact it is protecting you. Depending on where you live, different fire codes and life safety codes are adhered to by anyone creating a space for the public.

For instance....You have heard not to put your small child in anything that isn't fire retardant while they sleep, right? This is an example of code/life safety. Protection through regulation.

In Memphis, there are countless numbers of folks acting like "interior designers" that are actively pursuing work in a hospital setting...the end user doesn't know better...They just hired someone whom they believe must be legit. Well, SHOCKER...."she isn't". You know who you are if you are reading this...

What does this mean for you? Well, not a whole lot. Unless someone has bled, released bodily fluids, or threw up on the chair you were sitting in....or better yet, unless the hospital burns down....Um. So, I guess I should have said that it means a lot to you. And it does. Depending on your local code - the coverings, the frames and the finishes on commercial/hospitality furnishings will either not catch fire, not put off toxic smoke if lit...effectively saving you and those around you if anything should go wrong.

There has been a lot of controversy and mis-leading information on the bill in question in the TN House, but if you ACTUALLY READ THE BILL...you will quickly realize that IF you do have education, experience, and have/have not been tested, you can register/grandfather in under this bill and be recognized as the professional you actually are. It doesn't put anyone out of work, Tennessee is a right to work state! If you are interested....www.TIDC.org

This bill has actually been pulled from the House committees until all of the "opposition" sits down and comes to an understanding. Which I like too. If you ask someone what they are against in the bill, they don't know! Legislation works when everyone understands the protection it can bring - not only to the public, but also to the industry.... Have a great day! And hire a professional Interior Designer when you decide to remodel, built or create something fantastic...Your project will be forever altered and the outcome? Amazing!






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