In February of each year, the Sherwin-Williams color marketing trend team convenes to begin selecting the color forecast. The color and design directions for each year are the result of a concerted effort by Sherwin-Williams as their color team pours over extensive research, materials, imagery, and color samples.

Upon reaching a consensus that the chosen hues are meaningful, relevant, and validate the upcoming year’s design trends, the color story is revealed to a cadre of design professionals throughout the valley and beyond.

The 2017 palette is no less well thought out and is a welcome respite from the vintage hues, blushed neutrals, and whites of 2016. The coming year’s palette foretells of a new spirituality, feisty self-expression, and soulful nostalgia based upon global influences and respite from fast paced lives.

• Noir

  Night is amongst our most precious commodities, a time to unwind and recharge the spirit. This mindful melancholy is fueling a new romanticism marked by medieval patterns, renewed customs, and poignant beauty. Think rich vine ripened fruits, deep ocean blues, moody neutrals, and rich yellows.

• Holistic

  Sustainable design and sweeping transparency are the new design standards. We’re in pursuit of an elusive ideal and acquiring luxury experiences is gaining popularity over the acquisition of physical things. Looking good is being replaced by “Doing Good” in the form of healing retreats and eco-travel. This journey is paved with hues of arctic neutrals, blush rose, and wild browns.

• Intrepid

  Our virtual and physical lives are becoming blurred as commerce takes the form of “office anywhere” collaboration. Identity has become fluid as we reinvent ourselves in response to social and political change. “You do you” is the mantra of a generation primed for self-expression, cheered on by social media influence, and tossing aside old restrictions. There’s a feisty energy to our present moment, arriving in fiery tones and vibrant, kimono colors.

• Unbounded

  Brands are becoming more purposeful as communities become more connected. Design is adapting as global migration is redefining borderlands, national identity, and our sense of coexistence. Overconsumption becomes passé as we invest in the best we can afford and then keep it forever. Global consciousness is a mural painted in earthy mustards, ocean blues, corals, and muds.

Assembling these thought provoking hues is only the beginning. With release of new color palettes each season, Sherwin-Williams sets upon the task of educating and arming its ever reaching cadre of design experts with fresh tools to specify colors for residential and commercial projects across the globe.

This year the investment in the design trade was as purposeful as the development of its color trends. After months of removing old and outdated colors and adding almost 200 new hues, Sherwin-Williams began releasing its much anticipated professional color kit. Sherwin-Williams’ ColorSnap is its most integrated color selection system to date.

I recently attended an event at the newest Sherwin-Williams valley store located on East Thomas Road and 42nd Street in a newly renovated former Arizona Bank Building by Ralph Haver & Associates complete with waffle ceiling and floor to ceiling windows. Within the newly renovated walls (SW7067 Cityscape and SW7037 Balanced Beige) of this historic site, Laurie Clark, Sherwin-Williams representative, dazzled us with her knowledge of each and every aspect of the thoughtful design. ColorSnap designed to complement how the designer works whether in their office, on the job site, online, or in one of Sherwin-Williams’ numerous stores does not disappoint. Allowing an intuitive and seamless transition between tools and making the art of specifying color much more fluid and quick.

Just like as in our interiors, Sherwin-Williams has set about to improve ergonomics and color wayfinding in ColorSnap’s new designer-friendly features. Each of its more than 1,500 carefully curated hues are regrouped by color family. This deliciously enhanced palette is now organized consistently across all color tools making specification fast and easy.

Less popular hues have been archived and replaced with 200 gorgeous new shades. Formulas for retired colors are still available upon requested. Besides an expansion of high-demand color families, that perfect mid-value tone has been added to all color families. My personal favorite, whites, neutrals, and subtle grays are grouped to allow for the most delicate of differences to emerge.

Besides the much expanded and revamped selection, colors are logically organized first by family and then by saturation levels. Color Names and Color Numbers have stayed the same on all existing colors with new colors beginning in the SW9000 series. Colors numbers are no longer presented sequentially within the overall palate. Instead the newer Locator Numbers have been introduced sequentially, guiding you to exactly where the color lives across all displays from fan deck to binder to store front showcase.

It goes without saying Sherwin-Williams knows its designer well. The eight tabbed binders, with clearly identified and hole-punched 4×4 color samples, make it easy to find, remove, and replace colors while keeping the palette in sequence. Laurie stressed the value of not removing the color sample but rather tear at the perforation for client presentation. She knows the design community all too well as we, although always well intended, never refile removed color samples.

Enjoy your new professional color tools and in parting, here is some interesting trivia. In 2002 the Sherwin-Williams color system, COLOR, came out with 1200+ colors all named by Linda Trent & Becky Ralich (both retired) from the Sherwin-Williams Color and Design team. These ladies passed on their color wheels and thesaurus to Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing, who named an additional 194 colors in late 2015 that now comprise the new color system, ColorSnap. When flipping through the fanciful names think of the monumental task these ladies had in coming up with the perfect words to describe so many perfect hues.

Sherwin-Williams new ColorSnap has 1500 colors to choose from and offers professional designer tools to make selection easy. You can see all that ColorSnap has to offer at www.sherwinwilliams.com or directly at www.colorsnap.com.

What color trends are you visit web looking forward to seeing in 2017? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Sources: Images: Sherwin-Williams website; modernphoenix.net/haver/arizonabankthomas.htm

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Like many other luxury service providers there is no typical fee for services provided by an interior design professional but rather, the compensation is tied to the scope of services agreed to between the designer and the client. The scope of services, spelled out in the contract, sets out precisely what services a designer will be performing for the client on a project, setting the groundwork for the fee structure.

Accordingly, costs associated with hiring an interior design professional will vary quite dramatically from job to job due to zoloftanxiety the size, type, and complexity of project; state to state due to market conditions, and even range between designers. Fees will also fluctuate due to the economic climate of supply and demand, often lowering during recessions and increasing during booms.

Consistently however, most design professionals will charge using one of the following fee structures or utilize a combination of components dependent on the project:

Cost plus

In the cost plus method the design fee is based on a percentage markup on the items the designer purchases for the job. Specifically, a designer identifies specific materials, furnishings, and services (e.g., carpentry, drapery workrooms, picture framing, etc.) at wholesale and then sells them to the client at the designer’s cost plus a set percentage increase. Typically the client is charged retail rates or sometimes slightly less than retail rates, to compensate the designer for their services.

Fixed fee (or flat fee)

In the fixed fee or flat fee method the design fee is based on a specific projection of the cost of the job. The designer calculates a specific sum they feel will cover all costs, exclusive of reimbursement for expenses. The fixed fee applies to the complete scope of services, from conceptual development, through proposed layouts, specification, and ultimately, final installation of furnishings.

Hourly fee

When the design professional charges on an hourly fee they are charging for the actual time they spend planning the project as well as executing the project, this can often include travel time. The hourly rate is set by the designer based on variables such as their level of education, years of experience in the field, client demand, and their reputation of practice. For example, a signature designer might charge more than one that is newly qualified.

Per square foot

When calculating a fee structure on a per square foot basis, the design fee is based on the actual size of the project. The designer determines the square footage and then charges a fixed rate on the square footage of space. The factor used to determine the rate is subjective and is typically based on the designer’s experience on past jobs and the cost of materials, furnishings, and services as they know them and as they deem appropriate for the project in order to meet the client’s needs.

Percentage of project fee

Compensation to the designer for a project can also be assessed as a percentage of the project. This is similar to the cost plus method in that a percentage markup is used. In this instance the markup is applied to the total project cost, including the furnishings and services purchased or specified on behalf of a client. Other determinants of the percentage markup might be anticipated repeat of the work, such as multiple units in a complex, and/or bespoke elements of the design.

The percentage fee can also be affected by the length of the programming/planning of the project. A longer programming time prolongs the period of time in which the designer may be required to attend meetings and respond to requests for information from the client. Accordingly, percentage fees for a longer planning period will tend to be higher.

Retainer fee

A retainer fee is not a method of payment; however, it is worth mentioning in the scope of the design fee discussion. Oftentimes, the client will be asked to pay a sum of money up front to the designer for design services. The retainer is customarily set forth in the fee agreement and is paid upon signing the contractual agreement. The retainer fee is typically handled in one of two ways.

• It can be held on account and applied to the last bill. This ensures that the designer receives full payment for their services rendered. Any overage will be reimbursed to the client.
• The retainer fee can be drawn upon as bills are rendered. At such time as the retainer amount is depleted, work may be paused until such time as the retainer is replenished.

What types of fee methods do you utilize in charging for your design services? Share your experiences with us in the comments.

https://www.asid.org/content/how-interior-designers-charge-their-services#.V1tWl_krJaQ
http://www.about-home-design.com/cost-per-square-foot.html

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Art from a seasoned perspective.

Discover and follow engaging creative projects and people in art from around the world through the eyes of an art curator. +Art reflects on an intimately curated ensemble of experiences, projects and products that unanimously stand for beauty, craftsmanship and sophistication.

Trends that drive the market.

Explore topics on a selective, editorialized, and curated perspective on fine art from private showrooms and dealer collections as well as travel, and fine dining. Topics surround beauty and inspiration. Open your eyes and mind zoloftanxiety.com to see the beauty everywhere without even trying.

At the recent launch party of a new digital magazine, Sources for Design, cellphones were being wielded at a furious rate. Both floors of the fabulous two-story Design Within Reach Scottsdale showroom had people snapping selfies, solos, and group shots.

Maybe we need to open the conversation to cellphone and tablet security. Your cellphone or tablet not only contains pictures taken throughout the evening but, if you are like the majority of smartphone users, it contains your personal and confidential business information. If your cellphone and tablet are not encrypted they are vulnerable to data theft. Don’t be a potential victim of digital data theft. Follow these quick easy steps to protect the contents of your cellphone and tablet from unwanted hacking.

Encryption sounds like a hard thing, but it’s really easy. It will take you less than a minute to do it right now.

iPhone and iPad Encryption

To encrypt an iPhone or iPad, simply set an unlock code. Go to the Settings app, tap Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode depending on which device. Scroll down to Turn Passcode On, tap it, and follow the remaining instructions.

Android Device Encryption

If you have an Android device running Android 2.3.4 or newer, set up a passcode, then go to the Settings, tap Security, and then tap Encrypt phone/tablet.

It may take some time for the system to encrypt your devices, so do this when you can leave it plugged in and won’t be using it for a while.

Living with Encrypted Devices

101meds

Once you turn on encryption, you don’t have to use your phone or tablet any differently then you did before. In fact, you can probably even forget you encrypted your phone because your device your device will automatically decrypt files as you need them. You are not required to do anything different in order to access or share your files with other people. It does not affect your email. The only files that are unreadable are those that an unauthorized person is trying to access.

For the complete article on Weekend Project: Encrypt Your Phone and Tablet

Then lucky you! The new Rolls Royce Dawn marks the first time the 110-year-old brand enlisted an interior designer to outfit a car.

Barclay Butera, west coast design icon known for his maritime-inspired interior designs, used a Midnight Sapphire bonnet over a simply stunning Arctic White body for the car’s exterior. With smartly displayed nautical-themed colors cialis price per pill typically associated with yachts and the oceans they sail upon, the new Rolls Royce has the appearance of a yacht on wheels.

Of course Butera didn’t stop at the exterior color choices. The sumptuous interior consists of custom fabrics, finishes, and wood paneling. And since what yacht (or Rolls Royce for that matter) lacks for extravagant comfort, decorative pillows embroidered with the double R’s for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars are prominently featured on each seat.

Ahoy their matey, this can be yours in 2017.

For the full article and images: Barclay Butera’s New Rolls-Royce Dawn Is the Ultimate Yacht on Wheels

Have you ever asked yourself whether you should have a company page on LinkedIn? Okay, so it hasn’t been at the forefront of your thoughts. But it should be.

It is true that personal profiles and groups provide far more functionality and visibility than company pages. But don’t give up on the much less followed, static company page.

If a potential client is researching you, they might like to know more about your company as part 101meds of obtaining the complete picture about you and your business. I do. When I am trying to get a feel for a business it’s another source of information that gives me a little more insight into the individual and into their business.

Not only that, but consider it a marketing brochure that has the ability to drive traffic to your official website. Now imagine your efforts expanding exponentially when your employees add your company to their personal profiles.

So what should you do? Make it a little easier for potential clients to learn more about your business. Create a company page on LinkedIn. It’s only a few short clicks away.

What are your thoughts on a company page on LinkedIn? Share your experiences with us in the comments.

There’s a new kid in town.

Dana Bryant and Eric Berkey, veterans in the interior furnishings and lighting industries, have recently joined forces to open up shop on 68th Street in the Scottsdale Design District. Under the appellation of C.A.I. Designs this dynamic duo brings to the valley a multitude of lines with countless options for custom sizing and configurations.

C.A.I. also showcases a complete collection of lighting available to the design industry as well as unique decorative objects and one of a kind furniture from around the world.

Dana has managed several successful showrooms over the years and from my personal experience, brings the utmost of professionalism and creativity into the design experience.

I can say no less about Eric with his extensive background in design. He got his start in interior design quickly realizing his passions were realized in lighting design. A true talent and your go to person for all things lighting.

Stop in anytime Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm at the Scottsdale Design District to see this beautiful showroom in person and discover unique treasures for your next project. Mention you heard about C.A.I. Designs on LuxePros!

Trade Only.

CAI Designs

2716 North 68th Street
Suite #4
Scottsdale, AZ 85257

T: (480) 565-3775
F: (480) 565-3776
scottsdale@caidesigns.net

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2016 clearly marked the final shift of photography to smartphones with the new iPhone and Google’s Pixel camera. Our image focused culture documents and shares experiences, actions, portraits, and the smallest details of our lives. 90% of these photos are taken with a smartphone and are stored and shared online competing for attention.

With such fierce competition for digital attention, brands can no longer simply rely on smartly crafted words and go-to stock images to sell product. So, what visual content is expected to resonate with 2017 image focused consumers?

90s nostalgia

Children of the 90s have become a major target audience for brands and the use of social media imagery has aided in helping them become brand ambassadors. This generation is educated and are driving digital consumer demand as their purchasing power increases.

What appeals to these up and coming consumers:

• Sincere, candid, and close-to-life images.
• Polaroid-like snapshots, flash photos and bold, colorful style.
• Add a personal touch to photographs with film filters associated with the 90s, delivering a storytelling effect.

Emotions and movement

Demand for original, candid, and authentic images continues to be popular. Visual consumers no longer react the same way to photos with posed models found in sterile stock photos.

Viewers connect with:

• Emotions, flaws, the grit of life, and real people in action.
• Relatable photos that personalize a story and capture a moment.
• What a character sees when doing chores like getting kids ready for school, driving to work, buying groceries, and choosing movies to watch.
• Imperfect, messy and hasty daily routines.

This rings true for photos of food, objects, and interiors – viewers want real-life, candid, and editorial looking content.

“People are still wanting well composed (or at least interestingly composed) images, but don’t want the sterile stock photos that we have seen so often. The challenge is to capture real life looking images – images that don’t appear set up. Captured in a way that appears natural and candid, yet has refinement enough to make the image interesting.” ~ Tyler Olson, Professional photographer, one of the top contributors at Depositphotos

Color takes center stage

Unusual color combinations can immediately ignite interest and excitement in a campaign. Whether they are overwhelmingly beautiful or exquisitely ugly, the powerful manipulation of color stops us in our tracks and demands attention.

Virtuality trend

Rather than looking at an image, we are now in the image. We’re not simply seeing the moment, but we are experiencing the moment.

Bold, documentary-style

Unfiltered imagery opens dynamic, honest-to-the-extreme methods of storytelling which make consumers sit up and take notice. Brands who dare to be different and add a raw, spontaneous edge to their story telling will resonate powerfully, especially with Gen Z and Millennial audiences.

Global world

Flexible cultural identity is becoming increasingly complex. The Global Neighborhood trend is about embracing this state of flux. Identities are less about where we live and more about what we believe and how we feel.

Weird and unpolished

Spontaneous and playful images, not necessarily “on brand,” that are somewhat offbeat. These images garner attention because they make people laugh.

Moody, minimalistic landscapes

A minimalist lifestyle is trending across the world and it is finding its way into blogs, brand images and mood boards. This year will be all about landscapes; deserted nature, unusual patterns, mist, rain, and quiet stillness. Austere Scandinavian panoramas and mid-season monochrome scenery.

Drone photography

Drone photography brings limitless possibilities. From impressive cityscapes and coastlines to new angles on architecture and travel pictures.

Video domination

Video content is exploding into social media, corporate sites, and brand advertising. According to Syndacast, by 2017 as much as 74% of all internet traffic will be video content. Tip, incorporate original, high-res, candid stock footage in your campaigns.

To read the complete articles see DepositPhotos and Getty Images.

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