The Internet is making its mark in the world of design. I often spend my evenings checking out the latest content, posts and pins. Don’t get me wrong. I still love the printed page…sitting down with a cup of coffee and thumbing through shelter magazines. I still tack the pages I tear out to an old-school bulletin board above my desk. I love it when clients bring me pages they’ve torn out, too. But the Internet has streamlined the process of swapping and sharing ideas. And it’s made it easier for design enthusiasts to find everything, from a photo that sparks their imagination to a sofa that matches their style.
Sometimes it’s information-overload. And sometimes you have to sift through the weeds to find real beauty, lasting value, and sound advice. That’s why I’m so excited that two of my most-trusted online sources — ELLE DECOR and Dering Hall — have just announced a new partnership. For those not familiar, Dering Hall is an online marketplace for design experts and home furnishings. I’m a big fan because the platform focuses on showcasing high-end design, top talent and quality furnishings, which is refreshing.
The recently launched ELLEDecor.com shopping portal provides visitors to that site with access to over 30,000 pieces home furnishings, curated by Dering Hall’s team, along with some selections hand-picked by ELLEDecor.com editors. The shopping hub includes furniture, accessories, lighting and textiles.
As an interior designer, I am particularly excited about Phase II of the collaboration… a browsable directory of qualified design experts on ELLEDecor.com. Starting in May, site visitors will be able to search for pros by location and specialty, through Dering Hall’s index of designer profiles. I appreciate that both sites recognize and value the role that designers play and are committed to matching homeowners with experienced pros.
Both sites offer meaningful design content, too. Dering Hall’s Journal posts, or daily features, typically assemble compelling images from designers across the country, on a range of topics from art to upholstery. In one post, 50 Ways Designers Incorporate Eye-Catching Artwork, A. Houck Designs was honored to have two spaces featured, the hall we created for the 2013 DC Design House and the family room below.
And for another recent post, Dering Hall selected our clients’ serene Arlington, Virginia, living room as the feature image! The topic du jour: 40 Glass Wall Lights.
An ancillary benefit of the new partnership will be increased sharing of Dering Hall’s content on ELLEDecor.com. I was thrilled when ELLE DECOR picked up a Dering Hall post, 30 Best Open Floor Plans for Life Without Walls, featuring — again! — our clients’ vibrant, art-filled family room.
You can expect to see more of this type of curated content syndicated on ELLEDecor.com.
We are so fortunate to have amazing clients who invite us into their homes and allow us to create these beautiful and personal living environments. Believe me, that’s reward enough! But it’s always an extra thrill to be recognized for our work. So, of course, we were over the moon when Dering Hall featured A. Houck Designs recently in their Design Professional Spotlight.
For those of us passionate about design, the Web offers a wealth of information and inspiration. You just have to steer to the right places. What are your favorite online sources, tools and platforms?
Navigating the Design-Build Selections Process
