WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28, 2022

PROJECT PROFILE: MARIE FLANIGAN

INTEGRATING CUSTOM AUTOMATED WINDOWCOVERINGS INTO HER HOUSTON DREAM HOME

DESIGNER: Marie Flanigan is an award-winning designer whose passion and achievements in design have positioned her as one of the nation’s best. Her trademark style is evident through the sophisticated use of color, texture, and light. Every home she designs receives her personal signature of timeless elegance and innovative simplicity.

HOME: 4,000 s.f. Neo-Tudor new build in a historic Houston neighborhood

AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR: Bravas Houston

SCOPE OF WORK: Weave Customization, Automation Project Management (APM), and Customer Provided Motor (CPM)

OBJECTIVE: Create custom handwoven natural shades for the home, and work with the Designer’s Integrator, Bravas, to install and automate each shade seamlessly.

 

Hartmann&Forbes sat down with Marie Flanigan to discuss the project, design inspiration, and learnings that came from this installation.

H&F: Why did you want to work with Hartmann&Forbes on your personal home?
MF: Hartmann&Forbes is such an incredibly aspirational brand. I knew I wanted to partner with H&F for my personal home because their product represents the best of woven woods, luxury, and function. Customizing shades was also incredibly important to me, and I loved that I was able to create different weaves and details depending on the room. I was able to take existing Hartmann&Forbes designs and change the fibers and/or colors, and tweak other design elements, which made for a very fun and exciting process.

H&F: What was the design inspiration for your new family home, and how did Hartmann&Forbes windowcoverings support the overall design?
MF: I am always drawing inspiration from nature, as it influences most of my designs. I knew that woven shades would be the perfect natural complement to my home, especially since Hartmann&Forbes offers beautifully unique ways to customize each shade. Hartmann&Forbes can weave extra-density shade panels with more weft and/or warp yarns to create a thicker, denser weave for more light control and/or more privacy. There is also an option to create a tone-on-tone or contrasting edge that can be woven into the shade panel; edge detail is available up to 5" wide (Grassweave Essence Collection), which made for a sweet addition to our family room shades.

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H&F: Is there something specific about natural window coverings that appeals to your design aesthetic?
MF: I think natural window coverings are a beautiful and thoughtful way to add texture and layers to a space. We use Hartmann&Forbes in most of our clients’ homes because the weave is superior and provides added warmth to any space.

H&F: How important was it for the shades in your new home to be automated?
MF: For my home, windows and natural light were an imperative design element. Windows were one of my biggest investments in the home, and I knew it would take a special partner to help me harness the natural light that I desired. That said, with so many windows throughout the home, it was very important to include automation. The shades are set to a timer making the ability to open and close the shades seamless. We have an abundance of light during the day when the shades are raised, and at night, we’re able to enjoy privacy while closed. It’s great to know that designers and integrators can drop-ship Lutron or Crestron motor components to Hartmann&Forbes finishing facility, as they will build a finished shade using those parts. The shades arrived at my home ready to install, which added efficiencies to the installation process. I also appreciate the fact that there is a 5-year craftsmanship warranty.

H&F: Tell us more about your overall experience of working with Hartmann&Forbes on this project. Did we deliver on the products and services we promised?
MF: I get to work with lots of wonderful industry professionals, and I can easily say that the Hartmann&Forbes team was one of the most gracious and professional teams I’ve had the pleasure of working with. From design to installation, it was an easy and lovely experience working on each shade for the appropriate rooms. They answered all of my questions quickly and with a wealth of knowledge. Further, Hartmann&Forbes has a technical team (Automation Specialists) that I have come to rely on for my client projects. Since window shade automation is becoming a standard in our work, we really rely on the technical team at H&F to solve A/V solutions and help integrate shades with the home. Integration was seamless, and they added the perfect touch to each space. I could not be more pleased with the products and end result.

H&F: Were there any challenges that popped up over the course of working on this project? What were the solutions?
MF: I live in the Historic Heights area of Houston, Texas, where houses are built very close to one another. I wanted to ensure privacy, so the H&F team worked with me to create custom weaves that provided privacy while allowing natural light. Adding automation to all of the shades was certainly a team effort. I was so grateful that Hartmann&Forbes APM worked with my automation integrator, Bravas, to create a seamless installation experience. Kevin, Bravas Houston, had a wonderful experience working with the H&F technical team.  All of his questions were answered quickly, and they were able to combine Hartmann&Forbes products with our Lutron system seamlessly.

H&F: You mentioned earlier that you regularly specify automated window coverings in your clients’ homes, too. Do you have any advice for other designers about how to successfully implement automated shade systems in their projects?
MF: In our industry, experience matters, especially as it relates to windows, window coverings, installation, and automation. Automating shades is incredibly nuanced, as there is so much to consider in each install. Partnering with a window covering expert, such as a custom integrator or automated shade specialist, allows designers to incorporate automation technology into their projects while still honoring the design of a space. Integrating automated roman shades, drapery panels, and roller shades into architectural detailing is commonplace in our firm’s work. Some of my favorite ways to do this are ceiling pockets for drapery, window pockets and crown pockets for roller shades, and inside mount integration for roman shades. I knew my home would be a very large install with lots of details; however, I felt incredibly confident in the team we assembled for the measuring and installation. A lot of my windows, like the very large kitchen window, required multiple shade panels, so precision was key. With the measurements, the Hartmann&Forbes team was able to create perfect symmetry between panels, and Bravas ensured that all panels were raised and lowered equally.

H&F: And designers who are partnering with a custom integrator or automated shading specialist can take advantage of Hartmann&Forbes’ Customer Provided Motor (CPM) program...
MF: Yes! The CPM program is great as designers can still keep the decorative portion, like fabrics and drapery components, within purchasing. Then, the A/V company works directly with Hartmann&Forbes to order and integrate the Lutron motors and wiring, creating a win-win solution where everyone has a profit on the sale of the window treatments.

H&F: Any final thoughts you’d like to share about Hartmann&Forbes’ product offering for automated shades?
MF: No matter your design style, Hartmann&Forbes creates to suit. I love that they have plenty of styles that speak to different design aesthetics. The minimalist may want a sleek roller shade, while someone who appreciates transitional design desires a roman shade. However, all of their shade options have the ability to be automated, which is important when assessing the shade’s function within a space.

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT:

Hartmann&Forbes’ Automation Project Management (APM) program has in-house automation specialists to work with designers and integrators to configure and specify automated shading systems. Schedule a consultation.

Hartmann&Forbes’ Customer Provided Motor (CPM) program allows Designers and Integrators to drop-ship Lutron or Crestron motor components to H&F’s Oregon finishing facility. H&F will build a finished shade using those parts. Shades arrive ready to install and include a 5-year craftsmanship warranty. 

Hartmann&Forbes unique custom capabilities offer a broad range of design solutions with weaving and fabrication capabilities that are unmatched. Customize a weave to achieve the color or design that best fits your project – remove, change or add threads, widen the warp edge, or color-match a room detail. The possibilities are endless.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2022

JOIN US IN PARIS!

 

We’re heading back to the city of lights and would love to give you a sneak peek of our Spring 2023 products and new Designer Collaboration!

Paris Déco Off January 18-22, 2023

Schedule an Appointment

MONDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2022

THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF BANANA FIBER

Banana fiber has been used for centuries in textiles, handicrafts, and more. The fiber is extracted from the fleshy stalks of the banana plant, which would otherwise be discarded as agricultural waste. After peeling the outer sheaths of the banana stalk, skilled hands flatten the inner layer and strip off the fibers, slicing them into thin strands. This shredded material is cleaned and dried in the sun, then bundled into long, silky yarns and woven on looms.

Prized for its strength, refinement, and beautiful luster, banana fiber is also biodegradable and eco-friendly. The sustainable material has a minimal environmental impact due to the limited use of water and electrical energy in its production—much of the work is done manually—and it requires no pesticides or fertilizers for cultivation.

Explore the natural beauty of banana fiber in our newest Woven-to-Size Grassweave series – Ethereal. Handwoven of sheer banana fiber, this series expresses a delicate sensibility in four natural colorways and seamless widths up to 180."

EXPLORE THE SERIES

MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2022

NEW FROM THE H&F STUDIO: REFINED ELEGANCE, NATURALLY

A passion for handweaving, design exploration and a love of nature continues to fuel the evolution and growth of our H&F Studio Collections. 

Handwoven of lustrous banana fiber, and almost too perfect for this world, ETHEREAL is added to the Grassweave Woven-to-Size Collection for Fall’22 – striking just the right balance of texture and sheen for any modern setting.

EXPLORE THE SERIES

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

BEHIND THE WEAVE WITH LISA KANNING

REIMAGINED natural forms layered with rich organic materials to create unique textures and visual interest is the vision behind our latest collaboration with designer Lisa Kanning for Fall/Winter22. Her collection of natural window and wall coverings is detailed with intricate patterns that mimic those found in nature while maintaining a sophisticated sensibility that suits a range of settings.

We sat down with Kanning to discuss her process, inspiration, and what it was like designing this collection with Hartmann&Forbes.

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H&F: Why did you decide to do a collaboration with H&F? 
LK: Because they asked! More seriously, I’ve always followed designer/manufacturer collabs in general and appreciate how the marriage of designer innovations and production capabilities can lead to such a unique product. I have specified H&F window and wall coverings since their inception and have created beautiful interiors in conjunction with their designs. Nothing was more appealing than partnering with the talented team behind creating the products I had admired for so long. 

H&F: How did this collection come about? 
LK: I’ve always been more of a big-picture designer – as LKID specializes in new construction projects, the vision begins early and continues to build, allowing for the subtle layering of textural richness that LKID interiors are known for. Even in designing a custom one-off piece specifically for a project, it has always been a part of the whole vision. So, the collaboration with H&F involved a more specific focus than was my usual scope. Driven by my love of texture and how it can subtly change with the light, transforming from part of the symphony to the star of the show, the collection aspired to encapsulate that vision. The designs demanded the same layering impact of a broader scope in a much more compact form. This was achieved by utilizing multiple materials and techniques in each pattern, mimicking the complex organic forms of nature, and creating designs that transcend a specific aesthetic and can harmonize in many different environments.

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H&F: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the ideas come from?
LK: I have often used natural materials in unique ways to create textural focal points in my designs. We’ve installed different barks, twigs, trunks, and branches in various forms in many projects but specifically, in working with natural materials there can be limitations. One of the goals of this endeavor was to create products that reflected the beauty of these natural materials while also allowing for larger scale, continuous pattern repeats, and seamless installation. 

H&F: How would you describe this collection?
LK: Nature-driven patterns, expressing textural qualities in a more sophisticated manner. The variety of materials utilized overcomes the traditional rustic nature of the original inspirations, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to any environment.

H&F: Tell us about growing up in rural Montana and how it has influenced your work today.
LK: Honestly, I didn’t grow up in what is perceived as the typical majestic Big Sky Country of Montana. Situated close to the Canadian border, with bitter wind-driven cold on the plains in the winter, our ranch was close to a small river that could bring wind chills to arctic temperatures. We did have a small mountain range nearby that we regularly visited – though nothing compared to the grand scale of the major mountain ranges nearby. The school bus took us through an area of ‘badlands’ nearby, interesting geological formations rich with fossils, which at the time I had no appreciation for as it veered from my direct route home. I endeavored to get out of small-town Montana and into more urban environments, and my inherent love for fashion (shoes!) eventually led me into interior design. It wasn’t until my design work brought me back to Montana, the ‘pretty parts’ this time, that I began to truly appreciate the patterns and textures that I had been exposed to and incorporate them into my interiors. 

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H&F: What inspires you?
LK: Travel provides my biggest source of inspiration. Experiencing how different locales influence design is invaluable. As our work involves projects in many different environments, I feel it is important to see how different cultures, materials, climates, etc. affect the design outcome.   

H&F: During the design process were there any unexpected surprises?
LK: The only surprise was how fabulous the designs turned out! Having worked with H&F I knew their designs, materials, and quality were impeccable but as high as my expectations were, I was blown away with the pattern interpretations, intricate techniques, and sophisticated materials of the end results. The translations, whether literal or abstract, were spot on. 

H&F: How would you describe your design style?
LK: I like to think that my designs are characterized by modern comfort and timeless durability. Our clients are seeking high-end luxury design with no compromise on performance and comfort. And they look to us to provide the latest trends and innovations utilized in a timeless fashion. 

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H&F: Are there particular colors or patterns that you find yourself returning to often in your designs?
LK: I tend to build the base of interiors, including architectural elements, with textural earthy tones and add contrast colors in with the placement of accent fabrics, art, and accessories. Though the boldness of a pallet is often client-driven, the outcome typically reflects my sensibilities combined with clients’ preferences. 

H&F: What role do window coverings and wall coverings play in your designs?
LK: Not only are they a functional aspect of the design in providing sun control, privacy features, or acoustic properties, but with H&F products they play an integral part in the textural layering process of the overall design. Beautiful and practical.
 

The Lisa Kanning Collection by Hartmann&Forbes features three Woven-to-Size Grassweave Windowcovering series and four Natural Wallcovering series.

Explore the Collection

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2022

INTRODUCING THE LISA KANNING COLLECTION

From her base in New York City, where she operates her firm, acclaimed interior designer LISA KANNING serves clients across the country. Her high-profile projects are marked by clean lines, textural contrast, and a sense of proportion. Named a Luxe Gold List 2021 Honoree, her work is frequently featured in prominent shelter magazines. Influenced by a rural Montana upbringing, Kanning’s love of organic shapes and materials informs her collection for Hartmann&Forbes. Layered window and wall coverings are detailed with intricate patterns that mimic those found in nature while maintaining a sophisticated sensibility that suits a range of settings. 

“Nature has always been an integral part of my life and has long served as an inspiration for my work. My designs are typically driven by a layering of rich organic materials to create unique textures with visual interest. It seemed like a logical progression to reimagine these natural forms and materials in my collection for Hartmann&Forbes, creating designs that are both modern and timeless.”  ~Lisa Kanning

The Lisa Kanning Collection by Hartmann&Forbes features three Woven-to-Size Grassweave Windowcovering and four Natural Wallcovering designs.

VIEW THE COLLECTION
VIEW ALL NEW ARRIVALS FOR FALL 2022

MONDAY AUGUST 22, 2022

Bringing Your Design Vision to Reality

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WOVEN-TO-SIZE GRASSWEAVE ESSENCE COLLECTION CUSTOM WARP EDGE WOVEN-TO-SIZE GRASSWEAVE ESSENCE COLLECTION CUSTOM WARP EDGE 

Grassweave Essence™ is a foundational design offered in a broad range of sophisticated colorways. Handwoven to the size of the window, a custom warp edge is woven into the design based on your custom specifications of color, edge style, and placement. Bringing your vision to life with infinite possibilities. As easy as 1-2-3!

  1. SELECT COLOR - Select from 25 Essence colors to create the perfect combination – tone-on-tone or contrasting edge design.

  2. SELECT EDGE - The custom edge can be solid or striped with widths from ¼" to 5."

  3. SELECT PLACEMENT - Custom edge can be positioned directly on the edge or inset 2," 4," 6" or custom.

The Grassweave Essence Custom Warp Edge Order Form walks you through the above steps and makes it easy for you to place your order. We are happy to help you with any questions about your custom order. Contact H&F at 888.582.8780 or hfcr@hartmannforbes.com or visit your local showroom.

Explore the Collection

MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

7 COMMON SPECIFICATION ERRORS & HOW TO AVOID THEM

LE2657 Tabaret - Lagoon | LE3012 Essence - Sand

Specification errors can be costly and lead to product delays and unhappy clients. We’ve assembled our 7 most common window shade specification errors and suggestions for how to avoid them in the future. 

 

1. Roman Shades Returned For Privacy Upgrades1. Roman Shades Returned For Privacy Upgrades

This is the most common error made when ordering shades. The majority of natural weaves are open or sheer, which makes them beautiful. However, an open weave doesn’t offer privacy or room darkening. 

SUGGESTION: If shades are being used in bedrooms or other areas where light control or privacy is required, consider this factor upfront when specifying. We offer three options for privacy and sun control: add a privacy liner, specify a dual-shade, or extra density weaving.

 

2. Roman Shade Clutch Broken From Improper Use2. Roman Shade Clutch Broken From Improper Use

The Legacy Clutch is a time-tested system that works extremely well in most applications, however, it is a delicate spear system. The most common breakage is when shades are pulled too hard in the top position as users try to pull the roman folds all the way underneath the valance of a traditional style shade, which is impossible since the folds are longer than the valance.

SUGGESTION: If shades are being used in a high-use area or in rooms where people are not familiar with operating a clutch-controlled shade, consider the new Ultra Clutch system which is a more durable tube system, or upgrade to the Newton motor system, which is slightly more in cost but delivers a significantly improved user experience.

 

3. Shades Are Mismeasured3. Shades Are Mismeasured

Unfortunately, many shades are returned for cut-downs or have to be rewoven in larger sizes due to improper measuring. This can add a significant time delay to a project’s timeline since Woven-to-Size shades are custom handwoven.

SUGGESTION: Although you can find a measuring guide at hartmannforbes.com/measure, we suggest only using self-measurement as a guide to receive a quote estimate or for self-estimating a project cost. ALWAYS use a professional installer to provide more accurate measurements for final order placement.

 

4. Shades Returned To Add Motorization 4. Shades Returned To Add Motorization 

The user experience with motorized shades is much better than with manual shades. Users find the simplification, sophistication, and overall ease of use to be greatly enhanced. Often when shades get partially ordered in manual and motorized, the customer sends back the manual shades to be motorized once compared in the home. 

SUGGESTION: Consider reviewing the budgets carefully with the client and help them understand that the initial cost of a motorized system will be worth the investment over time since the user experience is greatly improved and shades are generally operated multiple times per day. Learn more about H&F Shade Automation.

 

5. Side Returns Changed5. Side Returns Changed

Side returns on outside mount shades help to conceal componentry when viewing shades from the side. 

As methods of operation get more sophisticated they get larger and require deeper headrails, which exacerbates the need for side returns and makes them a much larger design feature of the shade. 

SUGGESTION: In general we always suggest the shortest side return possible. When specifying, be aware that the larger the method of operation, the more the side return needs to be studied and reviewed prior to ordering. Ordering a structured valance, removing the valance from the shade, and installing the shade inside the structured valance is a great option when using motors or full automation.

 

6. Old Style Roman Shade Changed To Traditional Style 6. Old Style Roman Shade Changed To Traditional Style 

An Old Style roman shade is aesthetically more modern and clean, however, the control mechanism is located behind the shade fabric, making using the shade with manual Methods of Operation more challenging. 

SUGGESTION: Consider a motorized or automated Method of Operation when specifying an Old Style shade, or specify a Traditional Style.

 

7. Roman Shade Changed To Splitview Style7. Roman Shade Changed To Splitview Style

Often shades are sent back to be changed to a Top-Down/Bottom-Up or a Top-Down only Splitview configuration to give greater privacy in homes that have windows with privacy concerns.

SUGGESTION: In bathrooms, bedrooms, and locations where privacy is critical consider a Splitview upfront when initially specifying. 

 

We are happy to help you avoid any specification errors. Contact H&F at 888.582.8780 or hfcr@hartmannforbes.com.

THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2022

INTRODUCING THE NEW 2022 REFERENCE KIT

Each time we create a new Reference Kit we consider it a labor of love – we thoroughly review and edit products and specifications to bring you the best nature-inspired, artisanally made products in the marketplace. It took us a while, but the 2022 Reference Kit is printed and ready to ship. 

The kit features our complete natural collection and provides design inspiration and a step-by-step system for specification. And of course, being named one of Oregon’s Top 100 Green Workplaces in 2022, rest assured, we printed with only low energy and UV inks on FSC-certified paper.

The kit Contents:

PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Features inspirational photography, weave images and weave details worthy of showing your best client.

STYLE GUIDE
Provides visual examples of each style, specifications, and design considerations along with available options and upgrades.

PRICE LIST
Provides measuring instructions, complete fabric detail, and pricing.

We would be thrilled to walk you through the new Reference Kit in person or through a zoom call – contact us to set up an appointment, or you can download a complete list of changes. The kit is available in your local showroom or order online. The updated price list is effective July 1, 2022.

Order Your Kit Here

THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2022

TEN CONSECUTIVE YEARS AS ONE OF THE “100 BEST GREEN WORKPLACES” IN OREGON

We are incredibly honored to be recognized for the 10th consecutive year, remaining at the #6 spot, as one of Oregon Business Magazine’s “100 Best Green Workplaces.” Passionately committed to drive change within the industry, we continue to work diligently to reframe the context of responsible design by making products in ways that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

“Embedding sustainability in strategy is not only essential to a better future, but to one’s well-being. By infusing organic objects into our interior spaces, we can create a restorative human experience,” explains Michael Jones, Hartmann&Forbes Founder. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be leading a company that is so intricately intertwined with our natural world and to be recognized for it.”

Handwoven and crafted with natural fibers including ramie, water hyacinth, and abaca fibers, each Hartmann&Forbes product begins with the careful examination and selection of premium natural fibers. By cultivating unique natural fibers from well-managed ecosystems and weaving near the source, we ensure authentic craftsmanship that leaves a smaller environmental footprint. 

Congratulations to all the companies in Oregon who earned this accomplishment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT H&F SUSTAINABILITY

Pictured: President Scott Howes receiving award along with other members of Project Green. Left to right: Kim Leagjeld, Heath Strode, Scott Howes and Menna Mourad.

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