ART Talks Digital – AI in Your Business

ART Talks are a popular session during our annual conference. ART Talks Digital will appear throughout the year and feature conversations with industry professionals about challenges and hot topics all of us are facing. Click on the video below for AI in Your Business – a conversation with Shelia Butler, Jola and Jason Phillips, Phillips Collection.

Podcast featuring Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan of In Detail Interiors

Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full-service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer.

Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take you on a roller coaster of discovery, considering success from a different lens, breaking free from groupthink, and encouraging you to embrace your own authentic designer self. There is not much they will not say “out loud”. You’ll find no room for conformity as they shatter the mold of one-size-fits-all business practices. If you’re seeking a dose of inspiration, a splash of unconventional wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on the entrepreneurial world, the Damn Good Designer is your go-to podcast.

Listen here

Podcast featuring Matt Rowan, Dominion Lighting

Is your showroom fine-tuned to be as profitable as it could be? While the idea of overhauling your business might sound daunting, it doesn’t have to be. From your customers’ first touch points to the products you sell, Matt Rowan of Dominion Lighting sits down with Liz and Raelle of ALA to share actionable steps you can take, whether one-by-one or all at once, to reimagine your showroom business and improve sales.  

Matt Rowan began his work with Dominion Lighting as part of a team tasked with updating the company’s brand and reimagining their business. Matt has more than 25 years of experience in the design industry and has helped brands collaborate to create seamless user experiences and unified brand impressions. His work with Dominion Lighting has allowed him to couple his life-long passion for lighting with his expertise in brand development.

Listen to the podcast

Uttermost in Partnership with City of Hope

Pink Sea Coral Mirror Project 

Supporting breast cancer research

We are proud to introduce our NEW, Pink Sea Coral mirror (09955) in partnership with City of Hope to help bring awareness to breast cancer and make a positive impact on breast cancer research!
Our hope is that this item not only brings beauty to interior spaces but also warmth and comfort to individuals, families and communities that are affected by this disease. A mirror doesn’t just provide a place to put on your makeup or check your outfit, it is a true reflection of who YOU are – inside and out. We hope this mirror always reminds you of your internal and external beauty and strength!

All proceeds from the sale of this mirror will be donated to City of Hope.

Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

City of Hope Mission:
City of Hope is transforming the future of health. Every day we turn science into practical benefit. We turn hope into reality. We accomplish this through exquisite care, innovative research and vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes:©

“City of Hope means so much to many of us here at Uttermost. We are excited to partner in this way and to give back to such a noble organization. Many within our Uttermost family have been affected by breast cancer and this is a special way to honor them.”  – Mac Cooper , President/CEO

Event Information:

Join us for a pink champagne toast and mingling to celebrate the launch and to honor those currently battling breast cancer and celebrate survivors!
Date: Sunday, October 15th
Location: Uttermost Showroom – IHFC – C448
*Front of the showroom. Make a sharp right turn at the entrance.
Time: 3:00 PM

Websites:
Uttermost.com
CityofHope.org

Show us your Howard Elliott – Season 7

Unleash Your Creativity: Enter the 7th Season of the “Show Us Your Howard Elliott” Design Contest

Calling all designers and retailers with an eye for innovative design and a passion for interior decor! Howard Elliott presents the eagerly awaited 7th season of the “Show Us Your Howard Elliott” Design Contest. This thrilling competition celebrates artistic expression and challenges participants to create captivating designs that spotlight Howard Elliott’s exceptional products.

The Focal Point: Howard Elliott’s Products

At the heart of the contest lies Howard Elliott’s remarkable range of products. From elegant mirrors that amplify space and light to stunning accent furniture that adds character, Howard Elliott’s collection is a playground for design aficionados. In this contest, these products take center stage, in your Showroom, Design Projects, Event Décor, or Hotel Installations. Beckoning contestants to craft designs that showcase their uniqueness, versatility, and transformative power.

How to Participate

Participation is easy and open to both designers and retailers who are passionate about interior design. Here’s how to throw your hat into the ring:
1. Create Your Entry: Howard Elliott’s product needs to be the focal point of your design.
2. Multiple Entries Welcome: Each customer can submit up to 5 unique entries, increasing the chances of your creativity being recognized.
3. Submit Your Entry: When your designs are ready, submit them via email to marketing@howardelliott.com. Remember to use “contest” in the subject line to ensure your entry is properly categorized.

The Esteemed Panel of Judges
Entrants will have their designs evaluated by an illustrious panel of judges, each a luminary in our industry:

Kenneth Ludwig: Kenneth Ludwig helms the acclaimed Kenneth Ludwig Chicago showroom in Roscoe Village. With 33 years in the design industry, Kenneth curates an eclectic showcase featuring products from 65+ renowned lines. Blending retail, interior design, and To The Trade sales, the showroom appeals to design-savvy consumers and top interior designers alike.

• Cindy Hodnett: Cindy Hodnett, Executive Editor for Bridgetower Media’s Home Furnishings division, brings a wealth of experience from editorial, marketing, and communications roles across diverse industries. Her expertise spans home furnishings, gifting, real estate, healthcare, and various media realms on national, regional, and local levels.

• Robin Baron: An award-winning interior and product designer, Robin Baron seamlessly transitioned from fashion to interiors, embodying her motto “Confidence Begins at Home.” Her comprehensive design firm, established in 1990, has evolved into a lifestyle brand encompassing lighting, hardware, accessories, and more. Robin’s work has graced HGTV, Bravo, Architectural Digest, and other prestigious platforms.

Key Details and Deadlines
• Contest Deadline: Submissions must be received by September 22nd, allowing you ample time to refine your designs.
• Judging: Judging will take place September 25th – October 6th.
• Grand Prize: The ultimate honor awaits the Grand Prize winner for each category- a reward of a $250 Amex Gift Card that acknowledges their exceptional creativity and design prowess.
• Runner-Up Recognition: A runner-up from each category will receive a $100 HEC credit, an exciting opportunity to indulge in Howard Elliott’s incredible collection.
• Announcement: The winners will be announced on October 13th, showcasing the brilliant designs that have caught the judges’ eyes.

Ignite Your Creative Spark

The “Show Us Your Howard Elliott” Design Contest’s 7th season promises a platform to ignite your creative spark and breathe life into innovative designs that marry Howard Elliott’s products with imagination. This is your chance to shine!
Capture the essence of Howard Elliott’s products, infuse them with your unique perspective, and join us in celebrating the art of design. Remember, the last day to submit your designs is September 22nd. Get ready to dazzle the judges and showcase your design finesse!

Member News – Jola & Hubbardton Forge

May 2023 –  Jola Interactive, a renowned industry leader in website development, applications, and 3D solutions for the design industry, is proud to announce its recent distinction with two prestigious Web Excellence Awards, a leading international interactive web awards competition. The accolades commend the outstanding design, functionality, and originality showcased in the Hubbardton Forge and Verellen websites, representing excellence in home renovation and interior design categories.

Hubbardton Forge, with its headquarters in Castleton, Vermont, is one of America’s oldest and largest continuously-operating commercial forges, admired for their skilled design and production of hand-forged lighting and furniture, all of which are proudly American-made. Their dedication to excellence is also reflected in their award-winning website, which received the 2023 Excellence Award for Best Home Renovation and Interior Design Website. This lauded website was designed and developed by Jola Interactive, a specialist in eCommerce websites and 3D solutions for the home furnishings sector, based in Westchester, NY.

In this high-tech digital world, the role of creative artists has become essential in every domain. Whether it’s developing a website or mobile app, working on social media campaigns, or producing videos, the contribution made by these creators cannot be underestimated. Their dedication and creativity are commendable, from designers to creators, freelancers, creative agencies, and entrepreneurs worldwide. With this idea in mind, the Web Excellence Awards brings one of the most prestigious competitions to promote excellence on the Web and applaud the remarkable works of creative artists. Like every competition, the Web Excellence Awards are thrilled to have received hundreds of entries from all across the world and are now announcing the winners.

The 9th Web Excellence Awards competition set a record by receiving over 1,350 submissions from 29 countries worldwide, including 38 US states and other countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, India, Turkey, Sweden, the Netherlands, Iran, and more. The Web Excellence Awards winners are selected by marketing gurus, advertisers, communications specialists, and web experts. These experts base their evaluation on the innovation, creativity, implementation, and impacts of all the projects submitted.

The Web Excellence Awards primarily aim to acknowledge and promote creative ideas, business models, and innovative technologies on the Web. The Excellence Awards winners are chosen from six categories: website, advertising & marketing, video and podcast, apps & mobile, social media, and printing. Each category then includes themes ranging from activism to health and beauty, fitness, sports, travel, and more. These winners inspire millions to think outside the box through their work and innovative approach. Due to the ever-evolving nature of digital media and the emergence of distinguished artists, the task of choosing the winners has not only been challenging but also remarkable. For more information, visit the Web Excellence Awards online: https://we-awards.com/winners/.