Introducing Handley Drive Furniture! New On The Scene in Codarus Showroom

Good Morning Readers!  I have a treat for you today!  I recently discovered a new furniture line called Handley Drive.  As a designer, I am always thrilled to find a new resource and Handley Drive really delivers on the goods.  This new line is being represented by Codarus showroom so if you are in Las Vegas at Market make sure you mosey on over and check them out.  While you are there give Cody the owner of Codarus a kiss for me!  

Handley Drive is the brainchild of industry moguls Rick Janecek and Sheila Butler who have a combined home industry experience of over 50 years.  Separately they have helped created some of the most celebrated home furnishing brands in the home decor industry.  Handley Drive is sure to be a success as it fulfills the need of designers to add a little jewelry to the home.

Click Here to continue reading and see this new collection ...

Branding + Interior Design by Kim Kuhteeubl on Monday Book Review & A Giveaway!!

Hello Readers, I'm excited to say that I'm back for another Monday Book Review.   I got off track with my "Monday Book Reviews series "during the holidays as I didn't have time to read much less post about anything.

  Today book won't appeal to everyone but if you are a designer, it is the perfect book to kick off your new year.  I would go a bit further and say it is a "must read" if you are a designer and haven't read this book.

Branding +Interior Design by Kim Kuhteubl  is a book chocked full of advice for getting visibility and building a business strategy for interior designers.

Wondering why you should read this book or if it is right for you?

Click Here to Continue Reading & Find out Why You Need this book

I'm At KBIS This Week! Follow Me on instagram to See What I'm Seeing Here in Orlando!

I'm currently pursuing the halls of the Kitchen and Bath Show in Orlando.  Join me today at the DXV Booth to view the Design Panel vignettes.  They are amazing! We are going to have so much fun!  

I'm also doing a designer takeover on instagram for Traditional Home Magazine and DXV Luxury, so if you are on instagram make sure you follow those two accounts as well as @lisamendedesign to see all that I am seeing at KBIS2017!

Click Here to Keep reading and find out What I'm Seeing....

What To Do At KBIS 2017!

Are You Going to KBIS in Orlando?  If you don't know, KBIS is the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show which is held annually.  This year the show is in Orlando, Florida January 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center. 

From the KBIS website:

"KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies. KBIS is the voice of the kitchen and bath industry and has been for 50 years".

 Is this your first time or are you a veteran?  Wondering what to do there? 

First off, make sure you check out the two halls of over 500 leading brands in the kitchen and bath industry.  There will be over 100 new companies this year exhibiting.  You will find the latest and greatest in products, design, and technology.  This is a one of a kind event for anyone interested in kitchen and bath design.  Look at the top brands up close and in person.  Compare products side-by-side and talk to the people who are knowledgeable about the products = the people who make them.

Click Here to See Which Companies Are Exhibiting

KBIS offers learning opportunities such as The NKBS Learning program which applies to all areas of the industry and is designed to foster professional growth as well as the Voices from the Industry series which allows the designer to hear the best presentations from your fellow colleagues in the kitchen and bath industry!  Next, make sure you take advantage of the special events.  There are parties, receptions, and special events which will take place on and off the show floor.  Check out the events here!  The Bash on Wednesday night is back by popular demand.  Don't miss it!  Will I see you there?

KBIS will once again co-locate with the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) for the fourth annual Design & Construction Week® giving you access to two shows in one!

And if that isn't enough, don't forget about the unlimited networking that goes on during events like this!  If you haven't made plans to come what are you waiting for?  Book a quick flight and join us!  Use this as an opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas and gain valuable knowledge in the kitchen and bath markets.

 Here are my a few of my suggestions!

First of all, I would suggest that you look at the exhibitors and make a list of all you hope to see so that you don't miss anyone, then access the floorplan here and plot out your days!

What are the Don't Miss Booths At KBIS?

Check out:

Don't Miss the Opening Ceremony at 8am on Tuesday Morning with former NFL football star Peyton Manning!  Rumor has it my friend and fellow designer, Young Huh will be on stage with Peyton and others performing a don't miss skit!  I wish I was going to be there early enough to see this!

NKBA State of the Industry - Wednesday Jan. 11th - 9:00AM- 10:15AM South Hall, Room S210A

Key Booths to Visit:

Thermador Home Appliances: W1345 It is no secret that my favorite appliance brand is Thermador and their booth is always a highlight!  If you haven't looked at Thermador lately, make sure you check them out!  They have such amazing products and the Thermador team is second to none! I cannot say enough about their products, you will have to see them for yourself.  Real products for real cooks!

DXV by American Standard - W1547 I got a sneak peek at some of the new products DXV will be unveiling and wow, are they fab!  Make sure to pop in and see them!

Thompson Traders S5824 -  This company always produces eye candy for KBIS, so cannot wait to see what they have in store for us this time! Remember that killer brass console sink I shared on Social Media last KBIS?  It was theirs!  

Cosentino W1971 - Will be fun to see what Cosentino introduces at KBIS.  Rumor has it there is a new fabulous countertop that everyone is going to die over.  Cannot Wait to SEE!

Hafele W729 - Make sure to stop in here to see an innovative lighting product in partnership with Woodmode Cabinetry!  

Don't Miss The Design Trends Press Conference Tuesday at 1:30. The NKBA compiles enormous amounts of data to tell designers what is selling and what products are predicted to be more popular in the 2017!  

So many great products and companies to see!  It is sure to be a great show!  I'm currently planning the kitchen and bath renovations in a new house so I will certainly have my eyes and ears perked up!  Cannot wait to report all the new products and trends I find.  

Make sure to follow me on instagram for instant sightings of new items.  I'll share everything I see I love.  also, Follow me on Wednesday as I take over DXV's instagram!  

Click here to follow DXV so you don't miss a thing! 

or click on hash tag #DXVdesignfinds

Want to see what everyone is posting about KBIS?

Click on #designhounds  or @modenus or

#KBIS2017 for pics of great products, companies and more.

I hope to see you there!!  It's going to be epic!!!

Show Floor Hours

Tuesday- Thursday Jan 10th-12th  9am - 5pm

Announcing Lisa Mende Design Info Products Series Launching February 1, 2017

Do you remember this photograph of the gentleman's dressing room Traci Zeller and I designed for the Traditional Home Magazine show house "Adamsleigh" in 2013?

  It was the first showhouse Traci or I had participated in as designers.  Since that time, I have participated in six designer showhouses across the nation.  I am preparing to participate in my seventh in Raleigh in March with DJF Builders.  

 I have learned so much about the process it is mind boggling.  I constantly get asked by other designers to share my knowledge about things like designing show houses, how to style photo shoots, building public relations for your design business, connecting with brands, how to get published,  and more.  I have decided to share my knowledge! 

 I will be offering early bird discount rates for the initial kick off!  

 If you are interested in being the first to know about these products please email me at lisa@lisamende.com to be put on the list. 

 Want to know how to source items for a showhouse?

I'll tell you!

Interested in learning how to style a photo shoot?

I'll tell you!

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

I'll be sharing all kinds of information that I have learned 

the past 20 years as an interior designer, blogger and also 

about social media, PR and more!  

Remember email me at Lisa@lisamende.com to get

 on the list and receive the early bird discount!  

Information to be emailed directly to you!

Hiring A Designer....Who is The Ideal Client And Designer & Why This Matters!

I'm sitting home today working a little on my computer and watching the snow comes down.  It is a beautiful winter wonderland in Charlotte.  I love the solitude the snow offers.  Snow seems to stop the world in the south.  Everyone retreats to their homes after frantic grocery store trip the day before the "big snow" which typically ends up being only a few inches. 

We like to act like it is a big deal even if it isn't.  I have been using the time refining my contract which was much needed and all my business paperwork.  I'm getting organized and ready for 2017.

Click here to continue reading....

Do Your Homework When Hiring A Designer & 12 Reasons Why You Should Listen to Your Designer Once You Hire Them

Remember this black and white kitchen I designed for the Traditional Home Showhouse in High Point?  It was published in Traditional Home Magazine, and since that time, I have been told by designers across the country that clients tore it out of the magazine and brought it as the inspiration for their "new" kitchen project.  I must admit, it is one of my all time favorite kitchens I have designed.  Since it was a show house, I was able to have "free reign" in design.  Which brings me to why I am writing this blog post. 

Often when clients hire designers they try to control the process.  It is strange to me as to why anyone would do this, so I decided to write a blog post and explain why it is important to hire your designer carefully and then trust them to do what is right for your project.  It isn't because we are trying to spend the most money possible.  In fact, it is often the opposite.

Click Here to see more and find out my thoughts on working with a designer....