Plum, Chocolate, and Technology?????

"But up in that tree sits a chocolate cat,
And a ginger bread dog prowls below-

And this is the way you contrive to get at

Those sugar-plums tempting you so...."

THE SUGAR-PLUM TREE

By Eugene Field

Now that September has arrived, we all know what follows next.....and quickly. Yes, the HOLIDAYS! I find myself mentioning that often to my clients, and not as subtly as I probably should..... but I do not feel like encountering the last minute, need-it-next-week deadlines this season. Therefore, I am preparing my clients ahead of time that decorating "times-a-currently-wasting!"

One of the more popular color trend we've been seeing this year in our drapery projects is the varying degrees of purple and its deeper "plum" cousin. I do believe this wonderful plum delight will follow us right into the holiday season of Christmas with it's also popular companions of chocolate brown, warm grays, and red-cast blues. (photo to the left courtesy trenddirector.net)

I see pink/plum and gray/silver sparkles adorning ornaments, smell plum puddings being baked, hear the lilting music of the "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy", and have "visions of sugar plums dancing in my head"! Well, at least at my house that is what will be happening! My granddaughters will see to that!!

Another very popular trend we've been encountering in 2010 is the demand for motorization options in window treatments. This is an issue we find that people tend to shy away from due to the technical knowledge that is required. After all, who keeps abreast of which intelligent motor control will be needed for remote, keypad, or automated operations???? Well....we do! From the simplest of Hunter Douglas PowerRise battery operated shades to the more intricate control options of sun sensor controls that integrate with your home's automation system , we will assist you with educating your client and acquaint them with the working displays in our showroom for better visualization. Technology need not be avoided! "Technology is everywhere!" says Jamie Robinson, The Chic Geek. "It's in your garden. It's in your home. It's in your kitchen. It's in your car. There really isn't anywhere that technology isn't!" We heartily agree with Jamie and join with her in making technology approachable, fashionable, and fun. Fully automated homes and businesses are on the rise, even in the tight economy of the West Michigan area. Leed-certified homes & businesses are demanding integration of all systems; lighting, air conditioning, heating, audio-visual, windows, and security. Please don't hesitate to contact us and allow us to help you use this new technology to your benefit.

And before you know it, we will be plunging into 2011 with coral, turquoise, fushsia and orange, with royal purples and yellow greens and, yes.......with technology.

It is all around us... just as color is and is becoming as important in our projects. We will incorporate this new aspect of design into our presentation boards along with the texture, color, floor plans, and sketches....with our usual flair and confidence!

"Some people worry that artificial intelligence will make us feel inferior, but then, anybody in his right mind should have an inferiority complex every time he looks at a flower!" Alan C. Kay