Merchandising and interior design from the heart

2009-04-05T21:02:00.003-04:00

Retail and interior design go hand in hand when there is heart. Being an Interior Designer who also owned a retail store, my perspective on merchandising has always been a bit different. I stocked an ever changing selection of what I called “collected eclectic” in my store. The heart felt items in my store came from the USA and around the globe. Really loving the items your retailing comes thru when you have a passion for the product. Knowing that Rugmark rugs are child labor free, Fair Trade Products pay living wages or that FSC products are from managed forests can make you feel good about selling them and your customers will also feel good about buying them. Not all products in your store may have these affiliations, but many will give back to a charity, manufacture responsibly or are partially recycled. Featuring these items in a special way is something that I have found customers will positively respond to.

Remembering to incorporate local and handmade items is another way to sell from the heart. Your items that have a great story of the art or the artist have resonance with buyers. The item may be manufactured in an interesting way and this may be something to feature as well. You can not tell everyone about everything in your store, so I’ve found that posting it near the item is another way to let your items sell themselves.

A really great example of an item with a story is the Isabell Bloom sculptures I carried in my store. Growing up I would visit her studio with my mother and grandmother. Located in a small village on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River we spent the afternoon shopping and eating. Now on the East Coast my connection to that happy time and place really shines thru when I talk about the sculptures and the place they are from.

Hospitality basics are another way to merchandise from the heart. Having worked for Disney in two countries I realized that eye contact, a smile and a thank you in any language goes a long way. Learning your more frequent customers by name and remembering what they last bought also impresses them and shows you care.
Lastly do not overlook the importance of trade affiliations or town business associations. They can help you connect with other successful retailers and keep you informed of local events. Merchandising from the heart starts with you, the retailer.

Color can transform a room

2009-04-05T20:54:00.003-04:00

Color is a wonderful tool for creating an effective space in your home. It can help you create an interesting, personal environment that highlights your existing furnishings, artwork and objects of importance as well as develop some continuity in your home from room to room.
When it’s right, it can:

· Modify perceived temperature—make your space feel warmer or cooler
· Transform perceived space—make your space feel larger or more cozy and intimate
· Illuminate dark areas
· Enhance feelings of health and well-being
· Create mystery and romance in dull areas
· Energize static areas.

Before planning color in your personal environment you need to do a little self-analysis. Make a mini-questionnaire and poll yourself and your family. Your answers are 50 percent of the project because your color choices depend on them for direction.

· Where is the room?
· How many windows are there and which direction do they face?
· Is there landscaping outside that will have an effect on the colors in the room?
· Who will use the room, and what will they do there?
· Is it private or community space?
· Will it be a sociable and active place, or a peaceful place? How do I want it to feel?

River Edge Design Studio

Merchandising and interior design from the heart

Color can transform a room