In this follow-up to our popular March article on Turquoise [#15-5519 TCX], Pantone’s selection for Color of the Year 2010, I’d like to showcase some fascinating ways that designers and DreamDraper users have highlighted this vibrant color in their designs.

By the way, having trouble describing a color precisely to a client? On location and looking for a perfect match? Check out Pantone’s apps available for iPhone and iPod. Access color libraries, build color palettes, and automatically match colors. Wonderful for on the go (dare I say, as a companion to your DreamDraper Online?).

As a bright, exciting color, turquoise is of course used more and more for accent pieces. Our last turquoise post had an image of interesting turquoise decorations that would surely spark a conversation. The image pictured at right from Robyn Karp Interiors’ Deco Journal is a great example of how two simple turquoise vases can truly make a room.

One of our Facebook fans, Carole Willard, commented “We are painting adirondack chairs turquoise to go around our outdoor fire pit!” This is a fantastic idea! What a way to relax.

Turquoise is also making an appearance as an accent wall – a bold choice, but the perfect choice for the right client. A turquoise accent wall is fun yet classy. All 4 walls of a room in turquoise can work, too, as demonstrated by the bold room (left) featured in Jenny’s Little Green Notebook blog. Turquoise can even work as an all-over color, done right; case in point: the BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman, designed by Kelly Wearstler. Blogger Erin of House of Turquoise has compiled quite a collection of everything turquoise, including some very interesting, completely-turquoise rooms.

Turquoise is also an increasingly popular textile color theme – especially in bedding, upholstery, and YES – window treatments! Pictured right are some shades made of fabric with a Victorian turquoise pattern, featured on Momoy.com.

So get designing! And share with us the stylish ways you use turquoise in 2010.

Post on Facebook and become a fan!

Discuss on the xChange Forum!

Tweet @DreamDraper!

Looking forward to your creativity!

- Carolyn Meitzner, Marketing & Communications

In Cloud Computing: Part I, we explained what cloud computing is and how it can keep your data – and your business – accessible wherever you are. This post will give a few easy ways to get started with cloud computing, and tips for keeping your data and privacy secure while you do it!

“With the cloud comes unconstrained thinking and willingness to tinker and experiment without worrying too much about cost” – Werner Vogels, CTO of Amazon

Accessible from a web browser and stored on a server, the major cloud service providers include Google and Amazon.

Google Docs

Google Docs is the easiest way to get your feet wet tinkering around in the cloud. You can instantly make documents accessible through your Google account. Take a tour of Google Docs Essentially, Google Docs mimics Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Excel, and allows you to collaboratively edit these documents in real time.

• You can create new documents, or share documents already stored on your harddrive. Google Docs is all about sharing and collaboration.
• You pick and choose who can access individual documents.  For example, a designer could create a PowerPoint presentation of renderings for a client, give the client permission to view the document through Google docs, and make any changes in real time right before the client’s eyes.  You can also choose if others can simply view your changes, or make changes themselves, too.
• People you invite to share a document do not have to be registered on Google to view it.
• Google Apps costs extra and is home to even more business and organization applications than Google Docs. Take a tour of Google Apps

You can integrate all of your Google applications into one easy-to-use home interface, iGoogle. In the screenshot at left, you can see my personalized iGoogle has Gmail, Twitter, Google Calendar, the weather, date & time, and of course a convenient Google search bar. The applications you could add to your iGoogle are endless, and include many handy business applications, as well.

Ann K. Johnson, moderator of our forum, has had success using Google Calendar instead of a traditional desk calendar. Access to her schedule, appointments and deadlines from anywhere, at any point in time, is extraordinarily convenient!

Amazon S3 – Simple Storage Service

Allows you to store and retrieve data and is an easy-to-use, trusted source. You only pay for the amount of data that you are storing. Amazon S3, in addition to other security services, offers Reduced Redundancy Storage (RRS), which essentially stores 2 backups of your data to keep it extra safe in case of a system failure.

Security in cloud computing is often even better than that which a consumer can afford individually. However, you should always remember that things can happen. Keep in mind this data-safety checklist when getting your business into the clouds:

• Make sure the host server is encrypted and proven to be relatively safe from hacking
• Make sure the host server is backed up frequently and regularly, if not daily, to prevent data-loss
• As with traditional computer access, grant access to trusted employees, who won’t share your information with competitors.
• An example: Google Apps Security Services

Cloud Computing can also mean accessing software – not just files – from any web browser. Case in point: DreamDraper Online!

Want to get started now?

……..and find out how to access all of the amazing features of DreamDraper wherever you are, from any device, with a subscription to DreamDraper Online.

Basically, instead of files and programs being stored on physical hardware, everything is stored on remote servers and accessible through the Internet. This makes almost everything you need to run your business available wherever, whenever you need it, as long as you’re connected to the Internet.  Design files, proposals and invoices, MS Office documents, email, software – think about how convenient it would be to always have everything at hand.

With the Internet accessible from not just computers, but also smartphones, tablet computers (like the iPad!), personal organizers and the like, the possibilities are endless when your files and programs are all in the clouds.

Guess what! More likely than not, you use cloud computing every day. The most basic example would be your email service – got Gmail? Yahoo mail, AOL mail, Hotmail, etc.? You are accessing messages that aren’t stored on your computer – they’re stored on the big servers at Google, Yahoo and other companies that provide email services. Voila! Cloud computing. Now what if all your other files were accessible this way?

Just think about all the trouble you could save…

• You won’t have to worry as much about hardware, if at all. The only thing you need to run a business in the clouds is a good Internet connection. No more concerns like “Do I have enough space on my hard drive for this?” “Does my computer have enough RAM to run this software?”
• You’ll save money! You won’t have to sink all your hard-earned dollars into constantly upgrading your computer to keep up. Instead of buying software upgrades, the online versions of most programs give you instant access to updates. Case in point: DreamDraper Online
• Everyone involved in your business can be on the same page. Someone working from home? Don’t have an office where everyone gathers regularly? No problem – if your files are stored online, everyone can access and edit the same information, all the time.
• You can both please and impress clients. Let’s say you need a file at a client location, but your computer is back at your office or home. Instead of running back and forth and keeping a client waiting, you could use cloud computing to have instant access to what you need, right on the spot. You’ll make your client happy, and look like a technology whiz.
• You can worry less about losing your files altogether. True, a server can fail – no technology is absolutely fool-proof. But it’s much more likely that your computer or personal hard drive will implode and destroy your business. The servers where your files would be saved if you’re cloud computing would be constantly backed up, too – so even if they did fail, you will most likely not lose your data permanently.
• It’s easy! It may sound overwhelming, but a little bit of time getting yourself organized online can mean hours, days, even weeks saved in running back and forth to the physical locations of your files.

Keep an eye out for Part II of our series of blog posts on Cloud Computing! Next time we’ll give you some specific methods for getting your business up in the clouds, and keeping your data safe and secure while you do it.

Want to get started now? Step right up and learn about our newest product…..

……..and find out how to access all of the amazing features of DreamDraper wherever you are, from any device, with a subscription to DreamDraper Online.

Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about – and from – our wonderful customers. It’s so inspiring to learn what designers have done with the DreamDraper and Quick Quote software, and hear their client success stories.

DreamDraper is a valuable design and business tool – but it has also proven to be the key to client relations, a point of communication with a network of professional in the industry, and the beginning of friendships.

We still recall the beginning – when software for designing window treatments and space planning was simply nonexistent. And as we continue to develop our products and hone in on what designers need, we’ve also developed an incredible, talented community of DreamDraper users. One of the best ways to learn and grow as a designer or workroom professional is getting together with your peers, whether face to face or online.

One of the first ways we brought our customers together was through the xChange online support and discussion forum – which continues to thrive to this day. Our PictureTrail of photos is particularly popular!

**See below for specific instructions on getting signed up for the forum and setting your computer to visit daily!

More recently, we’ve also created spaces to communicate with our customers via social networks…

• You should follow us on Twitter! We tweet daily about the industry, DreamDraper news, and little tidbits to wet your appetite for design and be inspired by what other designers around the world are doing.
• You should also find us on Facebook and become a fan! Check in for information, photos, event announcements, and of course – fun conversation!

If you haven’t already, check out the blog on our recently redesigned DreamDraper.com website – new posts are added every week! You’ll find instructions and case studies on neat ways to use DreamDraper and create even more fabulous renderings, tips for improving your business, and more.

Of course, as always, we welcome questions and content suggestions from everyone. After all, we want you to get the most out of being a part of the DreamDraper community! Just shoot us an email at info@dreamdraper.com . Looking forward to hearing from you!

Getting on the xChange:

A great place for visitors to start on our xChange is this post by our moderator, Ann Johnson, as she explains ways to maximize your use of the forum. The forum is constantly developing valuable archives of DreamDraper instructions, creative uses for DreamDraper, and pertinent industry discussions on marketing, fabrication, vendor sources, etc.

Just one minute of your time now will allow you to visit the forum daily with just two clicks of the mouse! The ‘New Posts’ button searches the entire forum and brings up only those posts which you have not yet read.

Just follow these quick steps:

• Click this link to go to the xChange portal.
• Log in to the xChange. Type your user name and password. Before you hit enter, click on the ‘remember me’ box. Then enter. Your computer will remember you on this computer. You will not have to enter your user id or password again, unless you clear the cookies on your computer.

• Now, click on Add Favorites or Add Bookmarks. My computer images are for a Mac. Yours might be slightly different. You can name the button whatever you choose. I chose DD xChange. Click on the drop down menu and select Bookmarks Bar to place the button. This might be slightly different on a pc. Click on Add.

• Your button is added to the browser bar at the top of your screen. Each time you open your internet browser, you can simply click on that button and the xChange will open. And, because you set the ‘remember me’ button, you will not have to enter a user id and password. One click and you are in the forum.

• Each day, click on your favorites button. Then click on ‘New Posts.’ The forum remembers you and remembers when you last visited. It will list only those threads that have had new activity since you last visited. That is click number two. You do not have to search the forum – we do it for you! Usually, there are only one or two threads to review and you are on your way.

We love when our community of users shares with us the neat things that can be accomplished with DreamDraper. The xChange is a great place for designers and workroom professionals to interact and share tips, methods and inspiration! Be sure to visit daily and click on “New Posts” to see what is new since your last visit. We add information and tips daily to maximize your skills and enhance your business!

“I just wanted to share a before and after rendering I recently did for a designer. I created several renderings and the fabric ultimately chosen was a plaid by Calico Corners for Kingston valences and panels.

We both agreed that the rendering just did not truly represent how the fabric would fall for a Kingston. I played around with DD and the final result I think is great.

I manipulated the colors/shapes in the valance to give the feel of real movement and increased the scale of the plaid too. I was even able to change the placement of the colors in the valance to make sure the red stripe was on top.

When I finished this I really felt good about using my DreamDraper!!”

How did she do it?

“I added the plain valance drawing and scaled it on the picture. Then I copied it.

With the copy I played with creating four shapes – one on top of the other. They look like point to point swags. Used the Bezier Curve tool.

Then I added the colors (in the order the designer wanted) from the panels that had the actual face fabric imported.

I then put the plain valance back over the shapes and increased the stroke width to bring out the lines.

P.S. a tip – I saved a copy of the valance in a separate file called “Kingston Template” so the next time I can just pull this up and just fill with color.”

- Jeanne McDermott

At Your Service

Belmont, MA

Thank you, Jeanne, for a fabulous DreamDraper tip! We love it!!

Her second entry had to overcome a funky wrap of fabric hanging in the client’s window. She didn’t let it get in the way of designing on a photo in DreamDraper: her solution was to use a window rendering from the Design Library to overlay the original window in the photo and cover the distracting treatment. She then made the window transparent enough to let light and color from outside shine through for a natural effect.

The end result is brilliant in that you need to look close to even realize there is a DreamDraper-rendered window on that wall; it might as well be the original window! And the fabric in the window has been flattened and dulled to the point where it does not distract from her beautiful design. Thanks, Heather, for demonstrating that DreamDraper does not just dress windows, it creates solutions.

Good luck to all designers who may use this helpful tip!

Move over Mimosa Yellow. Turquoise is in town.

Yes, turquoise has been anointed as the color of 2010, most notably by eminent color-pickers Pantone.

Pantone picks their colors more scientifically than others; but it seems they’re not the only ones who have decided turquoise will be popping up everywhere this year. Many have settled on the color more subjectively. After all, turquoise has always fascinated people, from being a fashion theme to having deep cultural meaning.

Turquoise represents both reality and mystery – like the ocean and the sky. Turquoise as a stone has been used for protection and warding off evil spirits; many cultures from distant parts of the world have traditionally found a protective, healing quality to the stone.

Best of all it goes with almost everything; I dare you to think of a color that won’t look right next to turquoise in some capacity. (Even Mimosa Yellow looks great!) But especially attractive pairs include neutral colors (for a splash of fresh color), browns, reds (think: redwood) and, in the line of upcoming fashion trends: yellow-green.

The color really is what you decide to make of it; is it part of an elegant design, or a funky design? A Southwestern or European interior? Modern or Victorian? No limits here.

If your clients are looking for a place of relaxing sanctuary this year, some turquoise in your design might just help. It’s calm, like many blue tones, yet exciting and unique, like many green tones. As Pantone put it, “turquoise transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times.”

Can you feel the breeze from the beach yet?

Unless you’re looking for a really loud design, bright shades of turquoise are used quite well as an accent color – this is how they really shine the most. Because it’s so great as an accent color, it’s great to consider the happy hue not just for window treatments but also for smaller pieces, like those found in our Bedding and Furniture Collections. Use it to brighten, freshen, renew – or invoke a cool, breezy ambience (outdoor furniture, anyone?).

So, what will you do with turquoise this year?  Share your ideas with us and our community of designers!  We love learning from each other, and feel inspired by the creativity of our customers.

Post on Facebook and become a fan!

Discuss on the xChange forum!

Tweet @DreamDraper!

Have a bright and creative 2010, everyone!

- Carolyn Meitzner, Marketing & Communications

Take the time to get online!

The possibilities of getting your business on the web are endless these days. Having an online portfolio or website will increase your visibility tenfold. Even if you know nothing about web design, there are dozens of simple portfolio and website templates available that you can easily customize with your information and – of course – stunning photographs!

The Internet might be endless, but search engines have been vastly optimized to provide localized information. Make sure your business information shows up in Google or other search engine results for local businesses. Last year, 46% of people looking at local search results ended up visiting the place of business, and 38% called the telephone number listed for information. Over the next year or two, these numbers will only skyrocket more as Internet users turn to search engines instead of yellow pages. What could be better than someone asking “what are local interior design or custom window treatment businesses?” and having your company’s information be the (local!) answer?

Remember to always keep sensitive personal information protected safely on the Internet, and separate business from personal online.

Leverage your online presence with social networking.

You’ve heard the buzz. Social networking isn’t just for 16-year-olds anymore! Chances are, you’re already Twittering or Facebooking your way to success. Just as clients are searching for businesses on search engines, they’re connecting with them through social networks.

Create a Facebook fan page.

The best part about these pages is that they are viewable even to non-Facebook users, and can include as much multimedia content as you wish. You can post photos and videos of your work, connect with customers, and start conversations with them in the context of your business. This is great if you don’t have another portfolio or website available online! Check out the DreamDraper Fan Page for some inspiration.

Create a LinkedIn company page.

Create both a personal profile and company profile on LinkedIn to maximize the great benefits of this social network.  LinkedIn is specifically for professional use, so you can be sure that every contact made on the site will advance your career in some way – whether for acquiring new clients, keeping touch with past clients and other professionals in the business, or just mentoring with others in the industry.

In addition to more general information on your company profile, clients and other professionals in the industry can “recommend” your work, and their statement about how great your work is will appear right on the profile. Your LinkedIn profile may even appear in search engine results, increasing the exposure of your business.  Optimize the LinkedIn company and personal profiles with keywords related to your industry, specialties and local area.  Start and manage a group to keep in closer touch with your network of other designers or workroom professionals.

“Google” your company and see what people are saying.

If you’ve done a particularly great job (or had an unfortunate experience), a client might have already written about it online. If it’s a local review site with commentary, respond to these reviews and show these dedicated clients that you appreciate their good word – or try to resurrect a negative situation (reply with a future discount or consultation!). To that same effort, if you have a website, set up some sort of forum for customers to provide feedback (and praise your work!). People will appreciate that you listen to their feedback and care about their opinions.

Find Local Business Directories – many offer free listings.

Yahoo! Local is a major provider of free basic business listings. Your local area or region might even have its own directory of businesses.  Craig’s List is burgeoning in popularity for local classifieds; find your city or region and put together a post describing your services for hire.  Angie’s List is useful, too, for maintaining an online image for your company; however, because this site is based on consumer reviews, you should carefully monitor what your clients are saying and respond appropriately.

Make clients and business contacts aware of your online presence.

Absolutely refer everyone to the address of your website or online portfolio.  Playfully ask clients to become fans on Facebook, or to follow you on Twitter.  Get LinkedIn with business contacts and clients.  Handing out business cards, brochures and other print materials? Make sure your email address, website and presence on any social networks is included so they can easily access your company information online.

The # 1 tip?

Be confident, be creative and make it a goal improve your marketing this year!

Good luck in 2010!

Best of luck,

Carolyn Meitzner, Marketing & Communications

Ann Johnson, Author & xChange Forum Moderator

To help your business run more efficiently, some of the new QuickBooks features for 2010 include:

• Enhanced document management saves time by organizing and managing client documents directly within QuickBooks.
• Easier and faster capability for adding and editing multiple list entries.
• Improved report center allows you to quickly scroll through full-size sample reports to make sure you are getting the information you need.

Written for designers by a designer, this easy reading and abundantly illustrated guide shows you how to tap the power of QuickBooks.

Now on sale for $89, save $40!

**The Survival Guide is also included in the DreamDraper Quick Quote program for estimating custom window treatments, and several of our money-saving bundles.

the best marketing tool is a satisfied client!

• Send hand written notes to former clients thanking them for their business – include a business card or some other reminder of your services, but keep the note genuine. Clients will appreciate a warm reminder of how great of a job you did more than a sales pitch!
• Ask them to remember you when neighbors, friends and relatives are looking for a designer.
• If there were other jobs they had mentioned at the time, suggest you could work on them now. Offer a free consultation. Better yet, send a DreamDraper rendering with a suggestion or a tip on a current design trend that would work in their home!

Because it can be such a personal business, successful marketing in interior design must incorporate a very personal touch.  Moreover, success is more likely to come to you and your business if you put your personal design touch forth in almost everything you do!

Tell everyone what you do.

Every meeting is an interview – whether a chance meeting at the grocery store, a contractor in your home or a networking meeting with the local Chamber of Commerce. Either tell them directly what you do or remind them by mentioning a current project. Make them curious in what you do.

Become the local expert.

Write a short informational article for the local newspaper, etc. Give presentations to local groups. It is not always easy to ‘pitch’ yourself to others. Develop confidence in your talents and your selling style. (A great read on this topic is “Pitch Like a Girl” by Ronna Lichtenberg.) Take these public opportunities to market yourself while spreading your love for design.  Studies show that customers have a vastly improved opinion of companies that improve their communities. This is a great way to genuinely contribute to your community.

Most importantly – take the time to sit down and think about your personal brand.

What is unique about you or your business? It doesn’t always have to be a particular service – differentiation can come from a particular style you design well, knowledge of current trends (i.e. which blinds are most eco-friendly), or something else that touches on the emotional side of doing business in interior design. Get past the insecurity and fear of selling yourself.  Learn to value yourself and your talents. Learn how to sell based on your personality and your client’s. Your brand can act as a theme to carry through your marketing efforts, and execute in every job you work on. You will be sure to be remembered!

Always, always have a readily accessible portfolio of your best work.

Even if you are not on the web, you should still use your past work to generate new business! Design a nice flyer or brochure and have it printed professionally. Include before/after pictures and DD renderings, testimonials from satisfied clients, a list of the services you provide and your contact information. Watch the newspaper listings for home sales in your area and mail a hand written introductory note with the brochure.

This brings us to the next point… Read Part II