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Weekly Intel: Your Friday Morning Reading List

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Weekly Intel

Below you will find a few fun (and informational) reads for your Friday morning. Feel free to check them out and pass them along.


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Weekly Intel: News You May Have Missed

Friday, June 5th, 2009

Weekly IntelCheck out the below links to see what you may have missed this week.

Eco-friendly roof tiles outlast traditional counterparts

Finally, a film that charts climate change

Smart thermostat that’s always online

Affordable green home products have a designers touch

Developing Appliances to Meet the Smart Grid

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Applying Rules of Fashion to Home Design

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

When it comes to fashion, experts agree on certain tips for ensuring that shoppers have a versatile wardrobe that can transition from day to night, work to play or dressed up to laid back. For instance, many clothing designers will tell their clients to have several “staples” in their closets such as perfectly tailored black dress pants that are appropriate for a job interview or dinner at a nice restaurant.

While many consumers follow these fashion tips religiously and stock their closest accordingly, people forget that a number of the same principles can be applied to their homes.

Below are three examples of fashion tips that can be applied to the home.

  1. Do not follow trends blindly – Magazines regularly highlight different trends and colors and deem them as the “new look” for the season, but this does not mean that homeowners should redecorate their homes every time a new trend is announced. Rather, homeowners should understand their sense of style and decorate their homes according to what resonates with them.  Considering that our homes are supposed to be our sanctuaries, consumers should shop for items that inspire, rejuvenate or calm them.
  2. Invest in staples – When decorating a home, it is important to invest in staples that are sure to last. For instance, investing in comfortable, durable living room furniture is a smart move because it will last for years and it can be moved from home to home as needed.
  3. Accessorize to update a look on a budget – Although it is not wise (or budget-friendly) to purchase a zebra chair and ottoman just because zebra print is in style, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase throw pillows, area rugs, artwork, lamps and other accessories that feature the trendiest patterns, color palettes or prints. By investing in staples that are durable and versatile, homeowners can spend their money on accessories that make a room feel new and energized. 

As marketers, it is essential that we understand who we’re speaking to so that we can tailor our messages accordingly. For instance, a person who rents an apartment with a small balcony is most likely not in the market for an expensive, oversized patio set. However, they may find that the patterns and accessories that come in the collection are exactly what they need to spruce up their outdoor space. 

Photo Courtesy of velocityartanddesign.com

Photo Courtesy of velocityartanddesign.com



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Industry Insider: Danfoss Talks about Benefits of Radiant Floor Heating

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Industry InsiderToday, Home Intel’s Industry Insider Series continues with insights from Regis Verliefde of Danfoss. According to Regis, many homeowners do not think of radiant floor heating systems when they remodel their homes. However, Danfoss wants people to understand that radiant floor heat is an affordable luxury that never goes out of style. 

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Weekly Intel: News You May Have Missed

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Weekly Intel

Take a look below to see what news and trends you may have missed this week.

Is Design Too Important to Be Left Only to Designers? 

A Kit for Fast Fixes

Practical Kitchen Design Tips

10 Tips for an Eco-Capitalist

Brighter Planet Rolls Out Social Web App to Lower Carbon Footprints

Your Lungs Need a Greener Lifestyle 

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New Book Features Tile Options, Resources and Photography

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

If you are looking for a Spring read about one of the most versatile building products or just need some inspiration for your home, check out Jen Renzi’s new book entitled, The Art of Tile: Designing with Time-Honored and New Tiles. Released last week by Clarkson Potter/Crown Publishers, the book features design lessons, real-life examples of installations and a catalog containing more than 1,500 choices of tiles from traditional to modern, according to Interior Design.

Photo Courtesy of Interior Design

Photo Courtesy of Interior Design

Given the fact that tile is so versatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors for countertops, flooring options, backsplashes and even decorative art, this product is perfect for adding personal style to any room of the home. As you tackle spring remodeling projects, consider using tile to add a punch of color to your space and truly make it your own. 

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Green Is the New Modern

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Trends in Interior Design

storelocator landing Green Is the New Modern

Complements of Home Depot, NYC

Though we have all celebrated that the sustainability movement is established as more then just a passing fad, when it comes to interior design the trendiest products are green.

Below are a few ways that homeowners and designers are looking to incorporate green design:

  • Alternative Materials – Stylish design elements made from recycled materials, like wallpaper made from 100% post-consumer paper, is a key criteria in green design.
  • Fabrics and texture – Natural and earthy tones and fabrics are most popular.  Trends point towards bamboo shades, woven rugs and organic cotton throws.
  • Prints and graphic design – Simple and clean yet bold prints are most popular when it comes to wallpaper and fabric selection.  Designers look to incorporate prints with a natural yet modern feel.

Accessibility and ease are key messages when marketing green interior design products.  Shoppers are looking for products that offer a quick transformation with big green value and style.

Where do they find these products?  Here’s two effective ways to enter the “greentailing” space:

  • Specialty stores – Can your product be found on the shelves of green supply stores like Green Depot?  These are the places where passionate green designers will look for their next purchase.
  • Enter the green blog community – The green blog community is on the cutting edge of green design.  Homeowners and designers search the green blog circuit for fresh ideas and to find the next hot products.

Homeowners are beginning to understand that style does not have to be sacrificed when it comes to being eco-friendly.  Capitalize on their increasing willingness to adopt green products by leading with messaging that highlights performance and clearly states where to find product.


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