Remember those pastel drawings you made as a kid? Whether it was a landscape scene or your favorite cartoon character, those chalk-like crayons always imparted a beautiful, soft and dreamy effect. According to Traditional Home Magazine, pastel shades can also bring a unique beauty to interiors, if done correctly. Barely-there hues can also serenely set off furnishings and architectural details. Click here to see how designers used pastels to make a dynamic statement in three showhouse rooms.

As a heat wave moved through Tulsa, Okla. this month, renowned horticulturist Dan Heims provided locals with refreshing insights into one of his favorite topics: Perennials.

Heims, a noted plant breeder, author and co-owner of Terra Nova Nurseries, lectured for a standing-room only crowd at the Linnaeus Teaching Garden 5th anniversary celebration in Tulsa June 4. After having hunted the globe for new perennials and plant species as well as co-owning one of the world’s top breeding labs, Heims gave the more than 350 attendees a humorous and informative look at the “World’s Greatest Perennials.” According to staff, it was the highest attended lecture the garden has ever hosted. Click the slideshow to view some of the event highlights. And, if you are interested in having Heims speak at your event or be a guest expert on your television or radio show, shoot us an email or post your comments here.

The National Hardware Show, which annually features more than 150 product categories, took the breath out of Las Vegas last month with an amazing overview of products. While there was no shortage of remarkable items, the ECPR team discovered a few stand-outs to share with our readers for the 2011 “Best of Show” series. Learn about two of the products that topped our list this year below and if you missed the show, scroll down the page to find our show recap entitled “National Hardware Show Yields Attention-grabbing New Products and Revealing Industry Trends”, as well as Part II and Part III of the National Hardware “Best of Show” series, where you can learn about several other show-stoppers.

WeedBlaster Pro garnered a lot of attention at last month’s National Hardware Show from retailers, trade professionals and media members’ eager to learn about a safer and easier way to tackle weed problems. The product, from Concept2Reality, Inc., offers an innovative solution to the age-old lawn care problem: How to effectively spray weeds without harming nearby flowers and plants. The WeedBlaster Pro encloses both the weed and spray inside a protective shield. Inside the eco-shield, herbicide is applied directly onto the offending weed and can’t blow back on the user or drift onto nearby plants, even on windy days. The lightweight product also features a comfortable “stand tall” design to eliminate bending and stooping—a great feature for gardeners with hand, knee or back problems. To learn more about how WeedBlaster Pro works, visit www.weedblasterpro.com.

Remember, you can enlarge the photos simply by clicking on them.

* To vote for your favorite “Best of Show” product, add your “Comments” below. Be sure to indicate the name of the product in your comment. At the end of our article series, the product with the most comments will be awarded the top “Best of Show” status. Voting will end by early July.

We know you’re all on the edge of your seats, wondering who the “Best of Show” winner is for the New York Architectural Digest Home Design Show. The wait is finally over, the votes have been tallied, and the winner is…it’s a tie! Congratulations to The Grothouse Lumber Company and Ethan Allen for receiving the most comments and votes from show attendees, exhibitors, ECPR fans and media members on our blog page.

The Grothouse Lumber Company’s award-winning designs have been featured in a number of magazines, books and on one of our staff’s favorite television shows, “This Old House”. The company is most known for crafting wood sinks, fine custom wood countertops, butcher blocks, tables, and bar tops. With company owner and founder Paul Grothouse’s extensive knowledge and background in woodworking and engineering, it is no surprise this company was one of the front runners for the “Best of Show”. Visit www.glumber.com for more information.

Ethan Allen’s five new signature lifestyles certainly made an impression on our readers and voters. The company’s new lifestyles, Romance, Modern, Vintage, Explorer, and Elegance each reflect a distinct design vision to stand apart from the crowd. Designed to help consumers choose their own interior design style preferences, Ethan Allen has created these new signature lifestyles to match various buyers’ personalities. For more information about Ethan Allen’s new signature lifestyles, visit www.ethanallen.com.

ECPR would like to thank all companies who submitted their products to be considered for the “Best of Show”. We were honored to be part of the New York Architectural Digest Home Design Show and hope to work with the show’s management team and exhibitors next year. In case you may have missed the show, be sure to read our show recap post entitled, “The Best of Beautiful Design from NYC”.

~ECPR

Continuing our “Best of Show” series from the National Hardware Show, ECPR thinks you will find the next set in the series of value and interest. Additionally, in case you were unable to attend the show, scroll down or page back to read our show recap entitled “National Hardware Show Yields Attention-grabbing New Products and Revealing Industry Trends” as well as Part II of the National Hardware Show’s “Best of Show” series.

The GreenWorks 18” 24V 2-in-1 self-propelled mower from Sunrise Global Marketing’s GreenWorks Lawn Tools Collection caught the attention of not only the ECPR team but also retailers, media members and trades people who attended the show. The mower has a durable steel cutting deck and is capable of mulching. Additionally, the 2-in-1 mower has an 18” cutting path, 7” front and rear wheels as well as an easy cam lock on the handle which allows for effortless folding and storage. According to the EPA, an estimated 54 million Americans mow their lawns every weekend, using approximately 800 million gallons of gas each year. Imagine the damage by pollution. Alternatively, the GreenWorks Collection of electric and cordless products offers an environmentally friendly and Energy Star approved substitution. GreenWorks Tools are one of the best choices in gas-free yard care. Retailers, this is an ideal product for the environmentally conscious consumer. For more information on the 18” 24V 2-in-1 self-propelled mower, visit www.greenworkstools.com.

The 2-IN-1 Fertilizer & Deer Repellent Kit™ from Encap, LLC is a sure way to protect beautiful gardens and landscapes from deer. The fertilizer contains miloranite, a slow release fertilizer and fortified bloodmeal, which triggers the “flight” or “escape” response in deer and other herbivores. Encap’s 2-IN-1 Fertilizer & Deer Repellent Kit™ works by taking advantage of deer and other non-predator animals’ instincts. A deer’s sense of smell is 20 times better than humans and can pick up a scent from ¼ mile away. The deer repellent kit leaves a scent that deer are afraid of so they avoid the area altogether. Retailers, to learn more about how the 2-IN-1 Fertilizer & Deer Repellent Kit works and what it can do to boost summer sales, visit Encap LLC’s website at www.encap.net.

The Solar Attic Fan from U.S Sunlight Corp is a revolutionary new product designed to reduce heat build-up in attics during the hot summer months and aids to remove moisture during the winter. The product was exhibited at the National Hardware Show in May, capturing the attention of retailers, media members, and trade professionals. The Solar Attic Fan’s commercial grade, heavy-duty construction offers 25% more power than other fans on the market. Additionally, the product allows for better circulation and improved airflow in attic spaces up to 1350 square feet. Most notably, by lowering the temperature in an attic space, a homeowner gains the ability to run the air conditioning unit less frequently. This results in lower costs and a more energy efficient way of cooling a home or office space. Also, running the Solar Attic Fan all year can reduce condensation and prevent mold growth.

The Solar Controller, which allows users to take control of the unit, is an accessory to U.S. Sunlight Corp’s Solar Attic Fan. The controller is pre-programmed to monitor the temperature and relative humidity as well as adjust the fan’s operation. The primary benefit of having the controller is genius; it enables the Solar Attic Fan to be connected to a house’s electricity source, allowing the unit to run with minimal electricity at night or when solar power is unavailable. The Solar Controller comes with a remote control, which permits the user to manually control the unit, providing obvious ease-of-use and access. To learn more about U.S Sunlight Corp’s new and innovative Solar Attic Fan and Solar Controller, visit the company’s website at www.ussunlight.com.

Keeping checking back for the next set of the “Best of Show” from our product and trend findings at the National Hardware Show. Remember, you can enlarge the photos simply by clicking on them.

* To vote for your favorite “Best of Show” product, add your “Comments” below. Be sure to indicate the name of the product in your comment. At the end of our article series, the product with the most comments will be awarded the top “Best of Show” status.

The National Hardware Show housed exhibitors from around the globe. Products from a variety of industry categories captured the attention of show attendees. ECPR had the privilege of conversing with companies and discovering new and innovative products to feature in our “Best of Show” series. For a show recap, please read the first part of the National Hardware Show “Best of Series” entitled “National Hardware Show Yields Attention-grabbing New Products and Revealing Industry Trends.” Thus, the ECPR team would like to share the second part of the “Best of Show” series with our friends and followers now.

Stay tuned for the next set of the “Best of Show” from the National Hardware Show. Remember, you can enlarge the photos simply by clicking on them.

* To vote for your favorite “Best of Show” product, add your “Comments” below. Be sure to indicate the name of the product in your comment. At the end of our article series, the product with the most comments will be awarded the top “Best of Show” status.

The ECPR team is proud to announce our newest social media client, Ligne Roset. We are excited to work with the company’s New York City and Miami marketplace teams to develop new forms of interfacing and engagement with interior designers, local organizations and consumers. With social media now a top means for marketing, the New York- and Miami-based Ligne Roset retailers are advancing community and customer relations with a bold new face, via Facebook.

Ligne Roset, makers of high-quality contemporary interior furniture, is a French company with several store locations across the United States. Our goal is to help transform the current New York City and Miami Facebook pages into informative, interesting and interactive fan pages for interior designers, consumers and media members. The two markets’ Facebook walls and applications will be used to educate and enlighten fans about Ligne Roset as well as share information of value and interest. Topics will include interior decorating ideas, tips and trends from the company’s design experts, photos and profiles of furnishings / accessories, and local store events and insights.

Ligne Roset has been embracing online interaction for quite some time. For example, interactive software allows designers and homeowners to design customized living spaces online through, not only the national website, but also individual store websites. Users can access the easy online tool to choose room layouts and furniture pieces, such as the Ottoman chair or the Exclusif Sectional featured in this blog, based upon their unique living spaces. This makes it possible for essentially anyone to select Ligne Roset pieces to transform ordinary rooms into sleek, modern living spaces.

More and more companies are adopting social media and interactive forums like this to help drive traffic to company websites and to retail locations. This is a result of changes in consumer buying habits; A.K.A. “Click to Action.” In short, motivators that drive customers to make purchases for their homes increasingly stem from social networking. The ECPR team is available to answer your questions or host online webinars, sessions or comments regarding social media and how to measure its ROI. We will be glad to also provide information about Ligne Roset to our fans, followers and readers upon request.

In closing for now, our team is looking forward to working with Ligne Roset and is excited to use these revolutionary methods to spread the word about the company’s amazing collection of contemporary furniture. For current information about Ligne Roset’s New York City and Miami store locations, visit www.lignerosetny.com or www.lignerosetmiami.com. And, stay tuned for more posts in the coming weeks, as we will be sharing and featuring the links to the enhanced Ligne Roset New York City and Miami Facebook pages soon.

~ The ECPR Team

The National Hardware Show has come and gone, leaving a trail of excitement and positive feedback. This year’s highly successful and sold-out show featured exhibitors from all over the world. Ranging from lawn and garden products, hardware and tools, outdoor living, paint and accessories, plumbing and electrical, the National Hardware Show had it all.

Before the show began, the ECPR team had the privilege of writing a “Sneak Peek” series for the show. Exhibitors were able to submit product information and photos to be featured on our blog and linked to nearly 200 media outlets. Now that the show is over, we are beginning the “Best of Show” series. Each product featured in the series has unique and innovative characteristics, earning them honorable mention. In addition, the series will include a look at several trends our team uncovered at the show, giving retailers, contractors, builders, and media members a chance to be informed about current product and buyer evolution.

The first of the “Best of Show” series features ErgoDig. Makers of high-quality ergonomic lawn and garden tools, the company has set a new standard in lawn and garden care. The company’s new collective line of Ash Wood handle tools was the talk of the show. Media members and retailers flocked to ErgoDig’s booth to test out the new products. Our team at ECPR was even able to obtain national television coverage of the brand, which was filmed by the producers of the DIY Network during the show. Each of the 40 garden tools in the line features a distinctive wooden handle with an angle at a degree consistent with the human arm. The angled handle is designed to relieve stress on the wrist and back, allowing a person to work in the garden pain-free. The launch of the collection encompasses a full line of tools utilized for pushing, pulling and lifting items such as soil, leaves, mulch, pine straw, debris, and other aspects of lawn and garden maintenance. Knowing that inventory of high-end tools with premium design and manufacturing is only part of reaching success for retailers, Rogers and his team have created a branding program to support the launch of the line. Beginning with brand standards to unify a stylish look for the collection, the ErgoDig logo is stamped in kelly green on every handle. The specific green color differentiates the products from others on the market and signifies the idea of grass, freshness, the environment, and ergonomics. ErgoDig has plans to become an all-inclusive lawn-and-garden product resource. As the brand grows during 2011 and beyond, the company will expand into other handle materials such as bamboo, fiberglass, and a variety of woods and metals. To learn more about ErgoDig, visit the company’s website at www.ergodig.com. 

The Juwel NovaPlus Rotary Clothes-line from Exaco Technologies aims to bring European ingenuity to the United States. Showcased at the National Hardware Show, the NovaPlus caught the attention of the ECPR team. The product stand is constructed from high-quality airplane aluminum, while the clothes-line is made from “Twaron” high-tension fiber, the same material used in bullet-proof vests. Needless to say, this product is durable and sturdy enough to hold 4-5 loads of laundry at one time. Most notably, this environmentally-friendly, energy- saving product, allows homeowners to cut down on extra costs due to fewer drying loads. The NovaPlus comes assembled and ready to use out of the box. This product is ideal for homeowners looking to bring a little European flare to the U.S. Retailers, market this item by informing consumers about energy-savings that can result from hanging clothes outside for a “fresh air” smell. For more information about the Juwel NovaPlus Rotary Clothes-line, visit www.exaco.com.

Click on the photos to enlarge them, and keep checking back to this blog for many more “Best of Show” features and trend insights we gathered from the show floor. 

* To vote for your favorite “Best of Show” product, add your “Comments” below. Be sure to indicate the name of the product in your comment. At the end of our article series, the product with the most comments will be awarded the top “Best of Show” status.

~ECPR

The room will be filled with everything from vintage and new furniture to artwork this weekend, and the sounds of hopeful prospectors vying for the best deal. Among the finds will be Brazilian terracotta pots and a mahogany 19th century secretary bookcase.

This Sunday, May 22, is Englishman’s Fine Furnishings European-style auction in Smyrna. The event celebrates the company’s U.S. business anniversary. Englishman’s Fine Furnishings has made high-quality European-style antique reproduction furniture and accessories available to customers in the U.S. for 30 years.

The ECPR team recently had a look at some of the roughly 500 items up for grabs: home furnishings, antiques, tapestries, terracotta urns and planters, water features, artwork, lighting, rugs, and decorative accessories are samples of the impressive selections appearing on the auction stand.

Whether you want to partake in the bidding action, or are curious to see one-of-a-kind items, mark this event in your calendar. The bidding starts at 11 a.m. and doors open at 9 a.m.

Find more details about the event below, and to see photos and descriptions of the items available, visit www.englishmansfurniture.com.

Atlanta European-style Auction hosted by Englishman’s Fine Furnishings   

What: European-style Auction
Where: Englishman’s Fine Furnishings, 4874 S. Atlanta Road, Smyrna, Ga. 30080.   
When:
Preview Days:
Monday, May 16 – Friday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Preview Party:
Friday, May 20, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 
Auction:
Sunday, May 22, 11:00. Doors open at 9:00 a.m.   
Cost: FREE entrance and open to the public

J.T. Burke  – “Beautiful Landscape II – Homecoming” 2010

The Artist Project show ran concurrently during the New York Architectural Digest Home Design Show this past March. The Artist Project, otherwise known as TAP enables talented artists from all over the world to showcase extraordinary pieces of art. Whether you were a first time buyer or well established art collector, this year’s show offered a little taste of heaven to everyone.

Among many artists exhibiting at TAP was J.T. Burke. His compositions at the show attracted many show goers, the ECPR team included. His unique style captures intangible human desires and philosophies by creating fantastical compositions from unprecedented inanimate objects from the physical world deemed most important to the human soul. Using photographic and digital manipulation, Burke creates wildly erratic and colorful pieces.

Each composition begins with photographs of items Burke has collected. Despite having a general concept in mind before beginning a piece, Burke allows his intuition and instinct to guide him rather than working from a cookie-cutter layout. While influenced by artists and mediums such as Kandinsky, Bosch, medieval illuminations, contemporary pop surrealists and many more, J.T. Burke’s compositions are one of a kind.

As seen in this blog, Burke’s latest series of work, Beautiful Again, was showcased at the TAP show. Inspired by human’s obsessions with the concept of paradise, this series certainly made a lasting impression among show goers. To see more compositions from J.T Burke, visit his website at www.jtburke.com.