Friday, January 29, 2010

1-29-10

Thanks to everyone who attended our Alustra event yesterday! We had a great turnout, and to our surprise, everyone received a gorgeous totebag with matching portfolio binder, AND a full set of memos samples and sales tools for the entire Alustra collection. It was like Christmas! We all learned a great deal from Deb Rubin, and I know that Alustra will be in the forefront of our minds when presenting Hunter Douglas products.

Please note the special events coming up. If you would like more info on the Spirit Awards go to www.designsfordignity.org. This organization was founded by local designer Susan Fredman. They are a non-profit organization that provides pro-bono design work for area non profits.
D$D utilizes excess product from the design industry to benefit the non profit organizations that they serve.

Babies are a hot topic of conversation at CDT. In addition to Andrea and Mike's little boys, Camille will become a first time grandma in May!!!
Andrea works closely with all of our designers and we know that many of you love her as much as we do. So, if you would like to be a part of this fun evening, mark your calendars and wait for the details!
Wildcat Territory Bedding

Well dressed bedrooms are a must for today's sophisticated consumer. However, custom bed ensembles are often out of reach financially, and the "Bed bath and Beyond" route may seem to obvious. Wildcat Territory provides the perfect happy medium. These beautiful vignettes for the bed are less pricey than custom, but have the same attention to detail that you would expect from a custom design. Silk, linen, applique, embroidery and beautiful fabric combinations make these bed ensembles truly show stopping.
Some customization of size is available, so you can make this work for any client. Speaking of work...hardly any for you!!! Remember to check this HOT PINK Wildcat Territory binder next time you visit CDT!
Hunter Douglas Tax Credits and Rebates

If you are selling or have sold Architella shades this year, your client may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit up to $1,500!!! We NOW have the forms at CDT. There are some restrictions so make sure to check on the form. This is retroactive to January 1, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2010. What a fantastic selling tool!

Promos!!!
Free LITERISE on Vignette Tiered Modern Roman Shades through 2/28

February 1 Through April 15:
Duette Architella: $25 per shade rebate
Silhouette With Power Rise & Platinum Technology: $100 per shade rebate
Luminette Privacy Sheers with Power Glide 2.0: $100 per shade
Artifacts Promotion

Running now through March 31, 2010, Artifacts is offering a great deal on upgraded finishes: You can choose any finish (including B, C or Premium) for the price of an A finish!
What a great opportunity to present this magnificent collection to your customers.

Sincerely,


Vicki Martin and Camille Sullivan
Chicago Design Team

Save the Date
Design's for Dignity
Spirit Awards
May 12, 2010
Advance tickets at a discounted price are available at the CDT showroom. Order by Feb 17 and get your tickets for $100 intead of $150.
Contact the showroom for further details.


Andrea's Shower
Wednesday,
April 14
5:50 p.m.

As most of you have noticed, our Andrea is expecting TWINS!
Help us celebrate with her. All of you are invited to share in the fun. Save the date, details will follow in a couple weeks.

Please RSVP for all events so we can plan for seating and refreshments!
(847) 394-1800





WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CUSTOMERS

Bette Grossman
of
Interna Collection

Gina Nunes
of
Designed to Live

IFDA
The International Furnishings and Design Association has a very active chapter that meets regularly at places of interest to suburban designers. The focus is on networking, developing new sources and designers helping designers. CDT is proud to be a sponsor of IFDA. Copies of the membership application are in the showroom.

ASID
CDT is also happy to be an ASID Industry Partner. They have an excellent suburban chapter. For membership information, visit their website: www.asidillinois.com

1-23-10

Another week has flown by, so we are that much closer to Spring!
Camille and I were at the Gift Show yesterday. We saw lots of transitional and contemporary items, with more silver than ever before. Lots of traditional items, like mercury glass and vintage looking pieces. Lots of rustic pieces with glitzy touches. We are happy to see that we are on the right track here at CDT! More accessories have arrived, and we have added some Charleston Forge tables to the floor. We plan on ordering lots more accessories and accent furniture in the coming weeks. These type of things are in big demand for those customers who want an update, but cannot totally re-do a room. Come take a look!

It seems that the effects of the economic downturn are still spilling over into our industry. As you have no doubt discovered, no one is carrying the inventory they used to. A couple months ago, another mill closed. This has resulted in tons of discontinued fabrics. Today we received a list from Fabricut of collections affected by a vendor that is restructuring. These trims will have limited availability until further notice. We are marking the Fabricut trim displays. However, it is imperative that you check stock on anything that is critical to your job before you sell it.
Robert Allen and Duralee have excellent websites that will enable you to do this easily. Our memo room will be happy to check on your Fabricut items. We must all be proactive to protect ourselves from unnecessary work. So, take the time to get familiar with your fabric websites. The time invested now will pay off later.
Henredon

Just a friendly reminder that Henredon is now a part of the Chicago Design Team product mix. This perennial designer favorite has a wonderful collection of case goods, occasional and upholstery.
We would be delighted to show you their beautiful catalog, fabrics and finishes.

Scroll Down to the bottom of the newsletter for a special coupon on Henredon Upholstery!!
Top Ten Party - January 22, 2010



Freezing rain gale force winds and bitter cold did not stop out 2009 Top Ten designers from enjoying a beautiful evening in their honor. They arrived, champagne in hand via limousine at the 4 Diamond rated Le Titi de Paris where they were our honored guests for an evening of celebration. The food was exceptional, and the conversation and camaraderie was even better. From all reports, a great time was had by all. Congratulations to all of them. Above, L-R from the top: Sharon Miller, Dagmar Obert, Camille Sullivan, Lori Vieceli, Valerie Vesely, Barbara Hafner, Vicki Martin.
Front row: Paula Schumacker Tara Gruber, Kelly Guinaugh, Carolyn Lewis.
Not Pictured: Cynthia Keltz and Katie Campise.

Hunter Douglas Alustra Presentation...ETC!

Meeting the demands of increasingly sophisticated clients requires vision, focus and an understanding of what it takes to stand apart from the competition. The Alustra Collection is perfect for clients who cherish their homes, have a passion for design and want the best. Alustra's attention to detail and focus on design excellence offer understated elegance that enhances the surrounding decor.

So, Designers, Mark your calendars for January 27. Our new rep, ChrisAnn Komosa has informed us that our upcoming Alustra presentation will be led by Alustra Brand Manager Deb Rubin who will be in the area that week. We are honored to have this opportunity to welcome Debbie, who was instrumental in developing the beautiful ALustra collection. Debbie and ChrisAnn will teach us what we need to know to sell the gorgeous Alustra collection. Topics include being able to answer the question: "Why Alustra?", understanding the difference between Alustra and other products and undemanding the Alustra consumer. As a designer, your clients expect you to be on top of the latest looks at a higher style than they would find at a retailer. Alustra is available ONLY at a few carefully chosen establishments. CDT is delighted to be part of that elite group. There is no one more knowledgeable than Deb Rubin when it comes to Alustra, which has become her passion. Take advantage of that fact and attend this seminar!

In addition, we will be serving LUNCH at noon following the presentation for those in attendance. Don't forget to RSVP!

If you are selling or have sold Architella shades this year, your client may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit up to $1,500!!! We NOW have the forms at CDT. There are some restrictions so make sure to check on the form. This is retroactive to January 1, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2010. What a fantastic selling tool!

Promos!!!
Free LITERISE on Vignette Tiered Modern Roman Shades through 2/28

February 1 Through April 15:
Duette Architella: $25 per shade rebate
Silhouette With Power Rise & Platinum Technology: $100 per shade rebate
Luminette Privacy Sheers with Power Glide 2.0: $100 per shade
Artifacts Promotion

Running now through March 31, 2010, Artifacts is offering a great deal on upgraded finishes: You can choose any finish (including B, C or Premium) for the price of an A finish!
What a great opportunity to present this magnificent collection to your customers.

Sincerely,


Vicki Martin and Camille Sullivan
Chicago Design Team

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

1-8-10

Happy New Year!

Thank God 2009 is over. I know we are all looking forward to a fresh start in 2010. We challenge you to get on the phone and contact all--ALL your clients, past and present. Many folks who were not deeply affected by the recession are beginning to come out of the woodwork, itching to update their homes, complete projects that were put on hold or left unfinished. Let's all capitalize on the pent up demand! Lets stimulate the economy! Let's all make money in 2010!

Char tells me we have tons of discontinued memo and rack swatches available to the first people who come to claim them. Just pull up to the memo room door and they are yours!

From Jody and Andrea: If you order a cutting and do not receive it within 7 business days, please call us and we will order another one. Also, if you receive a CFA and are not able to use it, please call and cancel it. Some other designer may need your yardage. Vendors are not stocking the quantities that they used to so let's all help each other get what we need.
Big Fish Art - Art Match

Big Fish Art has come out with an interesting new approach. They call it Art Match.
Choose from 200 images and 150 colors. Your image will be printed in that color. This is a great way to add color to a room. We love the transitional look this gives simple botanicals. A number of them are available with clear glass matting.

Be sure to check out the Art Match prints on display here at CDT.

Hunter Douglas Alustra Presentation...ETC!

Meeting the demands of increasingly sophisticated clients requires vision, focus and an understanding of what it takes to stand apart from the competition. The Alustra Collection is perfect for clients who cherish their homes, have a passion for design and want the best. Alustra's attention to detail and focus on design excellence offer understated elegance that enhances the surrounding decor.

So, Designers, Mark your calendars for January 27. Our new rep, ChrisAnn Komosa has informed us that our upcoming Alustra presentation will be led by Alustra Brand Manager Deb Rubin who will be in the area that week. We are honored to have this opportunity to welcome Debbie, who was instrumental in developing the beautiful ALustra collection. Debbie and ChrisAnn will teach us what we need to know to sell the gorgeous Alustra collection. Topics include being able to answer the question: "Why Alustra?", understanding the difference between Alustra and other products and undemanding the Alustra consumer. As a designer, your clients expect you to be on top of the latest looks at a higher style than they would find at a retailer. Alustra is available ONLY at a few carefully chosen establishments. CDT is delighted to be part of that elite group. There is no one more knowledgeable than Deb Rubin when it comes to Alustra, which has become her passion. Take advantage of that fact and attend this seminar!

In addition, we will be serving LUNCH at noon following the presentation for those in attendance. Don't forget to RSVP!

If you are selling or have sold Architella shades this year, your client may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit up to $1,500!!! We NOW have the forms at CDT. There are some restrictions so make sure to check on the form. This is retroactive to January 1, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2010. What a fantastic selling tool!

Promos!!!
Free LITERISE on Vignette Tiered Modern Roman Shades through 2/28

Through April 15:
Duette Architella: $25 per shade rebate
Silhouette With Power Rise & Platinum Technology: $100 per shade rebate
Luminette Privacy Sheers with Power Glide 2.0: $100 per shade
Promotions

Running now through March 31, 2010, Artifacts is offering a great deal on upgraded finishes: You can choose any finish (including B, C or Premium) for the price of an A finish!
What a great opportunity to present this magnificent collection to your customers.

Henredon is offering 5% on all Henredon Upholstery from January 15 through February 17. This includes items in the Leather Select program.

TOASTING THE TOP TEN - 2009

Chicago Design Team is delighted to announce the 2009 Top Ten!

Congratulations to:
Barbara Hafner
Cynthia Keltz and Katie Campise of Cynthia Keltz Designs
Dagmar Obert of Dagmar D. Obert Interiors
Sharon Miller of Interior Design Inc.
Kelly Guinaugh of Interior Enhancement Group
Paula Schumacker of Paula M. Schumacker Interiors
Carolyn Lewis of Rare Additions
Tara Gruber of Tara Gruber Interiors
Valerie Vesely
Lori Vieceli of Vieceli Designs


Sincerely,


Vicki Martin and Camille Sullivan
Chicago Design Team

Save the Date
The Alustra Difference
Wednesday,
January 27
10:30 - 12:00
Gain confidence and knowledge that will increase your Alustra sales. Alustra brand manager Deb Rubin from Hunter Douglas shares her passion and expertise.

A light lunch will
be served.

Please RSVP for all events so we can plan for seating and refreshments!
(847) 394-1800





WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CUSTOMERS

Sue Paasch
of
Epco Paint, Wallpaper and Blinds

Nancy Laytin Design

Elaine Klein
Interior Design





IFDA
The International Furnishings and Design Association has a very active chapter that meets regularly at places of interest to suburban designers. The focus is on networking, developing new sources and designers helping designers. CDT is proud to be a sponsor of IFDA. Copies of the membership application are in the showroom.

ASID
CDT is also happy to be an ASID Industry Partner. They have an excellent suburban chapter. For membership information, visit their website: www.asidillinois.com