April 6, 2020

Everyone has the same outlook for the next few weeks – or months – and that sense of the unknown is in some ways bringing out the best in humanity. The interior design industry is a part of this. Some of the core principles of the business involve creating happiness, solving problems and ultimately serving fellow humans. Here is some of the good news the interior design industry has brought to light during this dark time.

Small Firms Sew Masks for Donation

More than one firm is using extra time to contribute to a good cause. Westford, Mass.-based designer Judee Secontine, owner of Curtain Call Interior Design, is using her extra time from the business slowdown to make masks for healthcare professionals and others in need. Houston-based designer Sarah-Jayne Smith of Magpies & Peacocks has established a sewing team and aims to make more than 600 masks from donated shopping bags. Sheri Yeisley, an Easton, Pa.-based designer at Beautiful Interiors, is working with her local sewing community to supply between 10,000 and 15,000 facemasks to local health care professionals.

Canceled Fair Transports 545,000 Masks to Italy

Even though Salone del Mobile.Milano – the furniture fair and the bi-annual location of EuroCucina – has been postponed until April of 2021, the Milan-based fair partnered with its Shanghai organizers to collect 545,000 masks at the Italian Embassy in Beijing. These masks – including surgical masks and types of the FFP2, FFP3, KN95 and N95 masks – are being delivered to the Italian Red Cross for delivery to health facilities across the country.

Home Builders Institute Offers Complimentary Online Classes

The Home Builders Institute has announced complimentary access to online learning alternatives for local schools and training programs. The material does not require textbooks or workbooks and is meant to accommodate self-paced online learning. Through these free classes, students will learn fundamental knowledge and skills, such as safety, communication, social media presence and interviewing techniques.

Manufacturer Offers Commercial Refrigerators at Lowest Competitive Price

Families – especially those sheltering with immunocompromised or at-risk family members – are searching for any possible way to lower their exposure at grocery stores. To help with this, True Residential is giving homeowners and clients the ability to purchase large-capacity commercial refrigeration models from its commercial arm at the lowest competitive price possible. Orders are processed within one to two days, and delivery can be expected within three to 10 days depending on location.

Italian Ceramic Companies Donate to Hospitals

In spite of the strict safety precautions stifling Italian manufacturers, Confindustria Ceramica, a ceramic company based out of Bologna, Italy, donated 200,000 euros to the nearby Sassuolo Hospital Foundation. In partnership with the local health authority, this money is going to hospitals to provide more intensive care beds.

Designer Offers Free Online Business Seminars

Denver-based designer Gail Doby of Gail Doby Coaching and Consulting is providing free business advice to interior design professionals through 10 complimentary online seminars. Each seminar focuses on a different topic and deals with managing and growing design businesses during turbulent times. The series of seminars is offered live and with a downloadable recording.

Furnishing Factories Unite to Manufacture Masks

Designer Jean Liu, whose family owns Woodard Furniture, spearheaded the idea that the factory’s automatic cutting machines could be used to cut much-needed masks. After reaching out to contacts and even competitors, several other furnishing companies came on board to maneuver their factories into doing the same or to donate fabric. Participating companies include Century Furniture, Michael Thomas, Kravet, Shenandoah, Sherrill and Huntington House, among others.

Spanish Stone Company Gives to Local Hospitals

Neolith, the sintered stone company, has donated 300,000 euros to hospitals in its local region of Castellón, Spain: Hospital General Universitari, Hospital Provincial and Hospital Universitario de La Plana. Neolith is also appealing to the locality and wider Spanish population to behave in a civil manner to help overcome the coronavirus pandemic as soon as possible.

Tile Company Releases Coloring Book for Children and Adults

Nemo Tile + Stone has unveiled a coloring book flush with tile patterns for adults and children to help reduce stress. With patterns for pages, the coloring book  aims to help families in their time together and give them a creative outlet.

More Positive Thoughts from Designers and Manufacturers:

“There is always some good that can come from any setback. In my opinion, this will drive the market to be more prepared for the next time a serious illness comes about. Also, after a period of so much prosperity in the industry, it is a good reality check for suppliers, partners, etc., to cherish their business relationships. Essentially, it is humbling.”

– Tyler Paskach, EuroWood, Omaha, Neb.

“I think this global pandemic is going to be a game changer on so many levels, and every business is going to have to look at its current structure, current business model, current manufacturing and make changes – using new technology, new manufacturing facilities and new innovations that we will integrate and thus introduce to our clients.

– Sheryl Steinberg, Sheryl Steinberg Interior Design, Bethesda, Md.

“I believe we will get through with strength and compassion by supporting one another through communication and the desire to build each other up. We can share wisdom, relationships and insight about what is working and helping us in our businesses to be the best for our clients, employees and our own families. We are an incredible industry with people who truly care about each other and our communities!”

– Corinne Enslin, Revivals Design, Manhattan Beach, Calif.