There are many ways to make a living, but few are so focused as the home accessories industry on the actual quality of life. Living well, based on the character of our home and its core role, is the goal for us and for our customers.
As we offer new designs, we need to focus on our end customers and their preferences. In the current challenging economy, we need to realize shoppers are more cost-conscious, more aware of value and perhaps more interested in adding accessories rather than major furniture purchases to brighten their homes. Changing a lamp or adding a handsome vase can give shoppers a lift without guilt over spending too much money.
While designers always strive for new, dramatically different and innovative looks, I believe we need to remember some basic tenets. Truly unique as a concept is always valid, but in small doses.
I try to keep these concepts in mind as I design product:
COLOR: ‘More color’ is an often used phrase, but if color gets too bright or solid, it can intimidate the consumer. Does she really want that strong a color in her home every day? I favor rich complex finishes with many tonalities of color, or a naturally textured material, or even a simplified color range. This is less assertive and more at ease with the furniture and other accessories on the retail floor, and at home.
MATERIALS: Natural materials and textures have taken on real strength, and will continue to flourish. Metallic finishes and highly polished or richly distressed materials are always a key category when it comes to defining a feeling or space with individuality.
CLASSICS: Innovations of classic shapes and textures, freshened and evolved, are always wise and popular choices, and are the mainstream of ongoing styling. This is particularly important in the fast-moving world of accessories. There is a reason traditional shapes and textures have lasted – customers feel comfortable with them. They are the ‘easy and instinctive’ choice of most core items in a home.
I hope as you shop my designs in the IMAX showrooms that my interpretations of these concepts are pleasing to you and help make you successful with your customers. That is my goal.
