Page 10 - enLIGHTenment October 2016

enLIGHTenment
Editor’s Note

Always Up-To-Date & Online

enLIGHTenmentmag.com

IWantItMyWay

ACE H. ROSENSTEIN
Group Publisher

Tace@bravobusinessmedia.com
he era of Matchy-Matchy seems to be coming to a close. 800.774.9861 ext. 601

Not much more than 10 years ago, consumers didn’t express
con dence in selecting complementary lighting and furniture
LINDA LONGO
Editorial Director
choices for their homes, therefore manufacturers helped them by
linda@bravobusinessmedia.com
o ering “families” of coordinating lighting xtures, for example, that 800.774.9861 ext. 616
kept the design scheme cohesive. And customers were grateful for
MARK OKUN
the help.
Business Contributor
That all began to change with the emergence of DIY TV shows
mark@bravobusinessmedia.com
like Trading Spaces, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Design on
Contributing Writers
a Dime, and countless others. Homeowners started ge ing comfortable with two notions: Cindy Foster Warthen, Mike Brannon,
1) the idea of mixing di erent looks/ nishes and 2) personalizing their spaces, especially Marilyn Nason, Stef Schwalb

with objects that have special meaning either by referencing a favorite place, hobby, or that
address an aspect of their personality.
SIMONE TIEBER
Over the past several years, consumers’ comfort level has gone up a notch. Now clients
Creative Director
simone@bravobusinessmedia.com
are seeking customization beyond what they see presented in their favorite stores. While
interior designers – especially at the high-end – have always been tapped by clients to nd JASON LOWSY

unique objects, fabrics, and furnishings for their homes, today’s homeowners in all price Production Manager
segments are searching for an eclectic mix that feels “personalized” for their lifestyle.
jason@bravobusinessmedia.com

This consumer shi has led more manufacturers to start expanding options – for example, LILLIAN ANDERSON
Publication Coordinator
nishes and sizes – that go beyond the standard pale e and measurements listed on each
spec sheet. Where they can, factories are now trying to o er variations (within limits) that lillian@bravobusinessmedia.com
800.774.9861 ext 608
give the customer the feeling that a product is being made just for their space.
Bramble & Company is one of the furniture/lighting/accessories factories that has been

boasting its capability at recent markets with prominent signage that reads: “Customization JEFF DOCTOROW
Business Development
options for over 1,000 pieces of furniture.help our consumers make every piece uniquely je @bravobusinessmedia.com
their own.”
800-774-9861 ext. 618
Another lighting/furniture/wall art/mirror/rug manufacturer that does an incredible
amount of personalization for customers – both large and small – is Renwil of Montreal, DEBBIE SCHWARTZ
Sales Associate
Canada. A feature story on their business is in this issue, starting on page 58.
debbie@bravobusinessmedia.com

As manufacturers go this route, it’s up to retailers to follow through by presenting comple- MARY VALLE
mentary merchandise in vigne es and displays so that consumers quickly understand the
Sales Associate
coordination. (Note: you can still order a style as a family if you prefer, just don’t group them mary@bravobusinessmedia.com
all together on the showroom oor). Ask your factory reps about any customization that 800-774-9861 ext. 682

can be done in size or nish and be sure to pass that information along to your customers.

They are looking for a curated mix of products that speak to their speci c personality and EDWARD FREBOWITZ
lifestyle; your role is to be the style curator.
Social Media Director

ed@bravobusinessmedia.com

BRIAN MICHALOVIC
Technical Development
brian@bravobusinessmedia.com

800.774.9861 ext 605
enLIGHTenment e
the lighting content leader voL 6 | Issue 10 | ocTober 2016
nlightenmenT
LUCY MASSE
octob
Audience Development
er 2016
lucy@bravobusinessmedia.com
Subscribe to the digital version of our magazine
800.774.9861 ext. 631
(www.enlightenmentmag.com) and stay connected to

FALL
High Point
breaking news as well as experience handy access to
enLI
enLIGHTenment Magazine
trend and style information when you are on the go GHtenmentmaMARKET PREVIEW
is a publication of Bravo Business Media G.com
enLIGHTenmenTmaG.com
THE GROWING GREEN MARKET
via your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
620 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 440
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
800.774.9861
8 enLIGHTenment Magazine | october 2016