Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Down and Down Alternative

Have you ever bought a pillow or a cushion only to ask yourself, “what kind of down is in this?” There is a difference between down and down alternative; it all depends on how much you are willing to spend on the material and how comfortable you want the soft product to be. Here are some of the differences between real down and down alternative.
Down is great for being naturally insulating without being heavy – perfect for comforters and outdoors clothing. It is also ideal for pillows because they are soft and very comfortable, something that is not common with down alternatives.
With a variety of types, down provides you with different levels of comfort, weight and warmth. Pillows that are made with down tend to last longer because it is easy to fluff them up and get them back to their previous condition. However, you do have to have down materials dry-cleaned so that it can stay in pristine condition.
Down alternatives are cheaper than the feather down. It might be a good alternative for people that suffer from allergies because they are filled with cotton, polyester or tweed. However, they do not last as long as down and tend to get flat very quickly and you cannot fluff them up the same way you can with a down soft product.
You are able to wash and dry down alternative in regular washer and dryers, giving you an easier cleaning solution for the product. People that need support in their neck or back can benefit greater from down alternative because it offers better support than down does.
Knowing the differences between down and down alternative can be what solves those restless nights and help you to sleep more comfortably. We offer a wide variety of options for all of your soft product needs!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

150" Poly Silk Wrapped, High Resilient, Medium Density Foam Cushion


Today we delivered a 150" high quality cushion to Cloth Constructions in Boulder, Colorado -www.clothconstructions.com. This is the last of four giant cushions we have custom-made for them.  After final upholstering, the cushions are being installed as window seat across the back of a beautifully constructed newer home in the Boulder area.

Custom manufactured in our Henderson, Colorado factory, the cushions are made of medium density high resilient foam for the core, wrapped in 100% cotton ticking filled with Poly Silk down alternative fiber.








Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Timeless Simplicity


Inside beautiful…

By Paul Terlizzi



Annie Morris


Annie Morris didn’t figure on becoming a Home Stylist in addition to her more than full-time work at Morris Design, a creative agency located in Basalt, Colorado that she runs with her husband Alan Morris.  And more than anything, her work as a home stylist can be better described as creating beautiful and comfortable home environments for her clients from the exterior gardens to the tissue box covers and jar of pink sea salt tucked away in the cupboard. 

Annie studied fashion and began her career in New York merchandising and sourcing apparel and accessories for major retailers before moving to Basalt, Colorado with her husband and family to embark on a new career in Advertising, Design, and Sourcing unique Promotional items for their clients.  She has a natural affinity for the selection of fabrics having travelled throughout the world searching for unique and beautiful cloths and materials for wearables.  She has an amazing eye for details; nothing escapes her vision when she has the opportunity to create.  Annie and Alan recently sold their family home in Basalt and their realtor noticed that the value of their property was in the details and he asked her “Annie can you make this house a home?”  Annie jumped right in with plans from an architect and began working with the contractor on every detail of what was to become this man’s… a home for him and three young sons’.

Annie is working on her next project transforming the interior space of a two-bedroom condominium for an investor group as part of a team in the concept phase of a renovation project. Of course she is still working full-time at the agency currently sourcing a unique cork cosmetic bag for a local golf club’s member’s gift bag.

“I take every project I do very personally, my clients become part of my life” She is in constant communication with her clients, is available any time of day or night and on weekends. 

Annie has incredible vision.  When approaching a project, she can “see” the results before beginning the search for every last detail.  This makes the sourcing of decorative items and finishing touches far reaching because her inspiration is coming from within rather than from printed media or established decorator lines.  Annie admits…“I tend to chose items I love and things that speak to me”.

“I am fanatical about schedules and budgets” says Annie; she literally lives and breathes the project.  Nothing waits until the last minute and she can stay within a budget because of her creativity and vast knowledge of sourcing.  “I am the gatekeeper.  I keep everyone on task and on budget” she says with a coy smile.

“I make extensive use of the internet to source and to illustrate to my clients what I am envisioning for their space”.  In the condo remodel, Annie wanted to re-use the “dated” globe light fixtures from throughout the 1970’s built property and put them in the kitchen.  Her clients could not “see” this until Annie, while sourcing lighting for the rest of the house came across a kitchen design featuring the “vintage” light fixtures.  That’s all it took to communicate her vision to her clients who now love the design.


annie@morris-design.com
970-963-8828

To find out more about Annie Morris, visit her page on LinkedIn, check out www.Morris-design.com, or give here a call.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Material Things


Inside beautiful…

By Paul Terlizzi



Wendy Lami

wendy@wendylami.com
www.Wendylami.com
303-679-1587




Summarize the business…
Offering quality, creative, design solutions from window coverings, bedding, pillows, and most things fabricated for the home. Wendy has a broad range of clientele and strives to provide her clients with one on one attention, and the latest fabrics and technology. She is also a Hunter Douglas Alliance Dealer.

How things came to be as they are…and what goes on day to day
Wendy studied Fine Art and Fashion in college. She has been sewing since she was a teen, starting with clothing – and eventually designing and sewing home goods. Friends and family took notice and began hiring her to design and fabricate creative “Material Things” for their homes. Word of mouth spread and along with the boldness to knock on doors of well known interior designers.  She has also showcased her work in several Parade of Homes. Today Wendy works with both Interior Designers and the General Public.

What is your greatest accomplishment or honor…
The repeat business of her clientele is her greatest honor. She also enjoys travelling out of Colorado to work on her client’s second and third homes.

What makes it convenient for clients to work with you…
Located just 30 minutes from Central Denver in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado.  She frequently visits the design district to shop for clients needs. Wendy is available to her clients at all times; including weekends if that is what it takes!  Starting with an initial consultation and then step by step she is involved with all design decisions – from measuring to all installations. Wendy is very visible and hands on with every aspect of each project.

Specifically what do you do and what is your unique point of view…
Wendy’s design offerings include… Drapes, Bedding, Cushions, and Pillows. She has extensive knowledge in Fabrics and Color, and Drapery Hardware, and Hunter Douglas Products. Wendy has the experience and knowledge to really know what works for a particular environment.

Anything special about your creative approach…
“I am able to shift gears to accommodate the clients taste and concerns” says Wendy.
She approaches her work with an open mind and loves the challenge of working with different and varied styles. And with regard to window treatments Wendy tells…”I work very closely with my installer from the beginning or concept stage of the project.  I consult with him on the most challenging aspects of window intricacies”.

Going above and beyond for clients…
As a member of iDEA, Evergreen and Conifer’s association of home improvement professionals, Wendy collaborates with her client’s home improvement professionals or can bring in the right team of experts and craftsmen for any home decorating project.

Contact Information

To find out more about Wendy Lami Designs, visit her website at www.WendyLami.com, send her an e-mail at wendy@wendylami.com, or call 303-679-1587 to set up a consultation.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Patti Harrell Hoech and Patrician Design


Inside beautiful…


Artfully serving the community of Albuquerque, NM and beyond for over 30 years.
By Paul Terlizzi

Patti Harrell Hoech




The fun and adventure of creating interior spaces has always been a passion for Patti Harrell Hoech.  Her love of art and enthusiasm for meeting with people became instantly evident to me when I visited with Patti in her vintage storefront, office, and art gallery this past November…

Patrician Design
216 Gold Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-242-7646
email@patriciandesign.com
www.patriciandesign.com




Summarize the business…
Patrician Design is a full service Interior Design Firm practicing residential and commercial design housed in a vintage storefront in downtown Albuquerque, NM which also comprises an art gallery and gift boutique.  It is a gathering place for creative enthusiasts from all walks of life…

How things came to be as they are…and what goes on day to day
Patti is professionally trained in interior design and visual arts.  A Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, Interior Design Major, a Licensed Interior Designer, and 10 years of Professional Design Experience form the foundation that in 1984 marked the “leap of faith” for this visionary to become the marvellous entrepreneur she is today.  While sub-leasing the back of an architectural firm’s space in downtown Albuquerque, Patti Harrell Hoech was running out of room for her expanding source library of fabric samples, catalogs, and workspace.  Loving downtown, she secured a space and transformed a dated and neglected beauty salon within a vintage early 20th century building.  The space hasn't changed in nearly 30 years yet looks relevant today among the urban lofts, retail spaces, and other commercial concerns; a testiment to her timeless sense of style. It includes the cost effectiveness of exposed ceiling and mechanical systems, salvaged hardwoods floors, and many other design elements that comprise a classic look today.

Her business then evolved and grew over the years as a reflection of her personal style and relationships with people from the surrounding community.  One of the first recipients of Albuquerque’s prestigious Bravo Awards, Patti has been and continues to be a strong advocate of local artists- incorporating their work whenever applicable to her interior designs.  Patti was then approached by the newly organized Albuquerque Art Business Association and was asked to become a Member Gallery.  Viola -- An Interior Design Studio and Art Gallery!  A few years in the community and several inquiries from fellow business owners inspired Patti to begin stocking unique gift items, greeting cards, and home accessories.  Thus today, Patrician Designs is an exceptional Art Gallery, Gift Emporium and Interior Design Studio, engaging its visitors and clients in a sensory collage of art and design, where you can enjoy the mood created by the soft background of jazz, fragrant candles and bath and body products, original art, jewelry, and a myriad of decorative accessories. 

What is your greatest accomplishment or honor…
Patti’s work has recently been featured in Tucson Lifestyle Home & Garden – October 2010:  La Casita de Colores, and she has numerous other featured works in publications both locally and nationally. She won Albuquerque’s Bravo Award for her work with local artists.

What makes it convenient for clients to work with you…
Located downtown Albuquerque, her studio is convenient to the major population centers of New Mexico and a community resource, where Patti’s team of artists and crafts persons supports her creative vision.  Patti is personally involved in each client’s project, providing an opportunity for open communication and creative expression; hers is a very personal approach.  Don’t live in Albuquerque?  No problem, Patti works on projects throughout the United States.

Specifically what do you do and what is your unique point of view…
Patti’s approach is to “get inside the head of my client and extract their vision and needs” rather than impose trends on them.  She interviews clients thoroughly:  from an hour’s color consultation to an afternoon rearranging a space to a master plan from scratch, Patti’s creativity, caring, and inventive point of view are sure to solve problems, diminish dilemmas and make the process a lot more fun!

Anything special about your creative approach…
“I listen first… I am there to solve problems and introduce things to people that they wouldn’t have thought of”.  She has played in integral role in shaping the budding trend of taking an interior design perspective to the outdoors; yet another element of her business Patrician Designs Exteriors.  Similar to landscape architecture, the planning and execution of comfortable outdoor spaces incorporates plantings along with furnishings to achieve the serene and comfortable feelings that can only be attained in the fresh outdoors.

Going above and beyond for clients…
Patti collaborates with her client’s home improvement professionals or can bring in the right team of experts and craftsmen for any home decorating project.

And of course, your favourite American Down & Feather product
Throw Pillows in 10/90 Down and Feather Blend.  “It’s pliable and holds its shape well” says Patti Harrell Hoech.
  


Contact Information

To find out more about Patrician Designs, visit her website at www.patriciandesign.com, or call 505-242-7646 to set up a consultation.




Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Welcome to American Down and Feather

Thanks for taking the time to view our new website.  Please contact us today to let us know how we can help you.

Thank you and have a wonderful day.
AMERICAN DOWN & FEATHER