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It’s getting dangerously
close to spring. Have you noticed? The northern states are getting to
the tail end of what has been a mild winter; the same goes for most of
the rest of the country as well. Warmer than usual days this early in
the year can have only one effect: Spring Fever.
This is the time of year when everyone’s creative juices start flowing.
Homeowners will begin thinking about refreshing a room or two with new
window treatments, replacing some tired and worn furnishings and splashing
a wall or two with the latest colors. Dealers and decorators need to be
ready for this redecorating onslaught. Got the mid-winter blues? Try some
Rosa Roja or Snappy Orange—that’s the cure, or so the Color
Marketing Group predicts (see page 19).
But let’s not forget neutrals. Beige isn’t boring if handled
properly. This month, in the first of two articles on color, Karla Nielson
tackles “The Beauty of Neutrality” (see page 26). These hues
are forever, she says, and our Portfolio this month (see page 30) will
show you how to do it right.
Other homeowners will begin looking ahead to summer and making use of
that outdoor deck or patio. Rose Riggins of Inside Outlook Inc., this
month’s cover feature (see page 22), says many of her clients are
spending more money on their homes. They want to be surrounded by beauty
and comfort and create more welcome and usable spaces. “They’re
spending a lot more money on designer patio furniture,” she advises.
Riggins’ answer to this need is with awnings—not the fixed aluminum
awnings of decades ago, but with motorized retractable awnings now featuring
the latest designer fabrics from Europe where awnings and umbrellas have
been popular items for years. This is the time of year when the remainder
of last year’s orders is installed and this year’s awnings are
sold. In today’s competitive marketplace, every advantage is important.
But beware—selling awnings is not for everyone.
If there ever was a lull between Christmas and Easter, it’s quickly
disappearing. Believe it or not, it won’t be long before the end-of-the-year
rush is upon us again!
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