It Must Be the Benite!

This weekend, Herb Paulson, president of Daly's, celebrated two milestones;

1) 60 years at Daly's

2) His 80th birthday

All we can figure is that it must be the Daly's Benite running through his veins. For years he's been telling us what a great product it is... maybe he's right!

Recognize Anyone?

This set of cartoons was used in the late-80's/early-90's as part of our marketing.
The top row were staff from our Seattle store, the bottom row were from Bellevue. Interesitngly, a number of these folks are still involved in the industry (and a few of us are at Daly's!).

Color Consultant Humor

There Is A Trade Magazine for Almost Every Industry

Here is a link to an article featuring women in the industry (including me!)
Check it out if you want to take a break from election day results.

Back Side of Daly's Wood Staining Instructions, circa 1951

and Here's the Front Side...

A Little Daly's Wood Finishes History

I received a piece of mail today from an anonymous customer. Apparently her parents have been customers of Daly's since the 50's - they even kept some of the literature from that time...
She sent us a couple old brochures and an instruction sheet. It's a great peek back into time.

Sadly, this information was sent to us totally anonymously, and I have no way to personally thank the customer.

I'd like to add that it's totally cool to see some old Daly's literature. And to think that someone saved this stuff for so long!

Speaking of Color: Men Drawn to Women in Red | Science Blog

Color perception is an interesting thing. The fact that a simple color can change your perception of someone without being conciously aware of the fact - interesting. I know that red rooms affect you, too. Red walls encourage more alchohol to be consumed, and time passes faster. That's why red dining rooms are not only lovely to look at, but great for entertaining and encourages guests to linger over dessert. I suppose if you are looking for a mate (or just a hot date) this information below can come in handy. I'm not saying that the idea of manipulating a man is somthing that should be encouraged... but if the red dress fits, wear it!
Men drawn to women in red Science Blog http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/men-drawn-women-red-17674.html

robin@dalyspaint.com sent this using ShareThis.

Would You Like To See What It's Like To Be Color Blind?

Do you know anyone who is color blind? Have you wondered how they see things compared to you? I just learned of this website that simulates color blindness. You can even try it using your own images.

I Saw it Again

One of the things we have always said about C2 Paint is that it's formulations create colors that are 'luminous'. Well. What does that mean?

Yesterday I went to a client's rather large home that is perched on a steep hill overlooking Puget Sound. The house was a very dated pukey-beige (for lack of a better description), and the clients were looking for a more sophisticated scheme. We found a color that bridges between a rich gray and saddle brown. I got to see the final results yesterday, and it is really true. The color possesses a luminosity - almost a shimmer. It plays with the changing light conditions, picking up different characteristics over the course of the day.

It also made the house feel very up-to-date and fresh.

How does a simple paint do this? A lot had to do with how the color is formulated. Lets say you want to make a brown. In the world of paint, you can get there in more than one way. You can create a formulation that uses the fewest number of colorants (or pigments) or you can make it a bit more complex by using more colorants to add up to the same color. The more colorants, the more play with changing light conditions. This is a bit simplified, but the basic concept is there.

And it makes a difference to the eye. You actually perceive the color differently. I love it when paint become more than just 'paint'. It is not a static film, but a mutable tool that can highlight and evolve. Pretty soon I'm going to think that house paint is poetic, so I'd better stop for all of our sakes... (But the house looked very pretty in the light!)

Exterior Painting in the Northwest - aka Is it Too Late to Paint My House???

Yes.

That being said, of course not. Can both statements be true at the same time? Sort of...

If you are contemplating getting the whole house repainted before the rainy season, it is most likely TOO LATE. If you need to squeeze in a touch-up area or two, go for it.

A lot has to do with the unpredictable nature of Mother Nature. Today for example, is currently misty with a rainy afternoon approaching. But tomorrow and Wednesday should be clear, so that means some good last minute exterior painting weather.

Ideally it should be at least 55 degrees and dry. What happens when its not as dry? It takes the paint film a lot longer to cure (softer paint film, more difficult to add that 2nd coat). And we don't want you painting in the direct rain - it could wash off.

By mid-October you should be finishing up your projects outside - just in time to head indoors and repaint the dining room for the holidays!

Wallpaper

Recently we moved to a new home, and I've been thinking about what to do in my daughter's room. For some reason, painting the walls seems a bit bland and predictable. I've been toying with wallpaper.

Now, most people don't even think of papering anymore. I think we have this image in our heads that wallpaper is old fashioned and worse, difficult to handle.

The last time I hung paper, I was seven months pregnant and yes, it was challenging going up and down the ladder all day. I don't necessarily suggest that as a decorating plan (however, it's equally difficult to stand in the way of a woman who is nesting!). Swollen ankles aside, the results were very pretty - and impossible to achieve with paint alone.

Now we are in a very contemporary home, and so the idea of wallpaper takes on a different tone. Unless you are aiming for design irony (a trend I find interesting. Usually pursued by people in their 20's who never lived through the era they are exploring), wallpaper in a contemporary space can veer into 1970's-land unless there is very careful planning.

I have been in too many homes that were plastered with paper from the 70's (a very good decade for both disco and flocked paper) that all we want to do now is rip it off. A sort of horrid fascination with the tastes of the day linger around, sort of like a bad hangover.

Back then, the more paper, the better. And one room did not necessarily have anything to do with any other room. Patterns could be wildly different. And bold. Nowadays, we tend to 'flow' with our colors - not so much then.

In my daughters case, I want to use the wall treatment to create a sense of openness and airiness. Plus she's a very modern girl with her own developed style (how'd she get that at seven?). Whatever we decide, I know that while walls will never do! Or pink. I'll keep you posted.

Just Added A Couple Things to the Blog

I have no idea who all of you are... but I just added this "Followers" gadget on the sidebar of the blog. It would be fun to see you too, so add yourself! While I can't make you do it, how sad if NOBODY did (sniff, sniff!).

Also, I've added a video that will probably be interesting only to C2 Paint partners, but you can see for yourself why we are unique in the paint industry. Uh.... yeah, 'unique' should cover it!

So Much is Happening Right Now

And I don't mean the tanking economy... and although the economy is cause for concern, decorating must go on!

So to enable our Eastside clients in their design pursuits, we are in the midst of negotiating a lease for a new store in Bellevue. Did you know that there's been a Daly's on the same block since 1961? That's a long time. We've relocated 3 different times since then, but always on the same block. Way back when (or so I've been told...), there were 5 different paint and decorating stores within a 3 block radius.

Both the industry and the neighborhood have changed. Many of our earlier competitors are gone and downtown Bellevue is COMPLETELY different. Where there was once a small outdoor mall, there is Bellevue Square. Arby's is now the location for a huge apartment complex. Safeway - gone. Etc, etc, etc... The face of downtown Bellevue is lovely, cosmopolitan and simply no place for a paint & decorating store these days.

But far from being upset at the prospect of moving, we are so excited! We will be moving near some great retailers like Pande Cameron, Ambiente Tile, Fireside Hearth & Home, ecohaus and others. So shopping will be more convenient with more options in the neighborhood. Even more paint stores (but we won't go into THAT!)

Once we get the legal paperwork out of the way, I will let you know where we will be located, and I'll be giving you regular updates on our build out. We are estimating the new store to be up and running around May 2009.

It's Never Too Early...

... to begin using quality paint products for your projects!
Pictured here is a worm bin decorated by the students from Crystal's kindergarten class at Thornton Creek Elementary School in Seattle.
We love to help schools with their projects - best of all, we love seeing what they create!

Standing Out - Like an Accent Color

I have a great job.

Its (mostly) fun; we make and sell things that can actually make your home better, and we give people answers to their needs. All in all, pretty cool.

I also get to delve into a larger scale world by my involvement with C2 Paint - with the added bonus of being one of the people who actually gets to NAME those paint colors! Again, pretty cool.

Recently I had the honor of being interviewed for an article in one of the independent paint store trade journals (betcha didn't even know there was more than one of those magazines out there, did you?). The topic: the changing role of women in the paint industry.

Over the years, I have met (and worked with) women at all levels; chemists, CEOs, store managers, sales staff and receptionists . Some of us have been on a more traditional trajectory, while others of us have not. Interestingly, even though there are many, many women in our industry - apparently we are still a bit unusual. Or perhaps not so unusual anymore, but our roles have evolved and that makes us stand out, even today.

I don't mind standing out. Like I said, I have a great job.

Help! Stain On the Tile!

I just got an email from Texas, apparently she accidentally ended up getting some oil-based stain on the bathroom floor tile - wanted some advice. What would you do? Here's what I suggested:


Okay. Stain on tile. Is the tile sealed or unsealed? Does it have a glazed finish or is it more porous? The reason I ask is that we want to take the approach of doing the least amount of harm possible to try and remedy the situation, and believe it or not, but an unglazed tile might actually fare better in this situation.

I am guessing that good old soap and water did nothing. So, the next step is to try a product called Krud Kutter. This is my favorite miracle product. You might see some de-glossing of the finish - that is always the risk, but this stuff can work wonders. I use it for a myriad of cleaning tasks - and its non-toxic.

If that doesn't work, your next option is to try paint thinner. Again, we are starting from least harmful steps first. A nylon scrub pad and the paint thinner might be just the ticket.
If THAT doesn't work, you could try lacquer thinner, but you will definitely be affecting the tile itself. So I would avoid this if possible.

Finally, keep the lights low and don't look too close!

If I hear what happened, I'll let you know.

Had a Great C2 Moment Last Night

Yesterday I was on a color call and we were creating an exterior color scheme for a house built in the early 1900's. The facade has lots of fun detail to play with; stucco, lap siding and tons of trim. It's going to look great.


As I was walking down the street back to my car, I noticed a very attractive house. The color wasn't dark or moody, but light while still looking rich. It just so happened that the owners were standing outside, and I couldn't resist complementing them on it.


The first thing out of his mouth, "Have you heard of this paint company C2?"


I held up my C2 Designer Kit, still in my hands from the color call, and said "I am C2!"


"The color is C2's Outback"


"No way!" (It looks completley different outside)


They were very gracious, gave me the Grand Tour of the house (great art, fabu kitchen and great paint colors!) and were even kind enough to send me photos of their home. How cool is that?

What is the Ideal Way to Choose Exterior Paint Colors?

Every day I see it happen - people wander in looking for paint colors, but they don't really know how to go about doing this. Soon their eyes glaze over after looking at the chip racks, they grab a bunch of chips or brochures and leave. Ack.

Unless you have a very clear idea of what color you are looking for, it can be a very stressful exercise to search for the perfect exterior paint color. The outside of your house is so darn visible to the rest of the world, so the pressure to not make a mistake rises. Plus, it's not like you are picking up a gallon or two to redo a room, but likely fifteen or twenty gallons are needed to complete the job. So the cost adds up.

Here's what I do:
When it gets near the time for me to repaint the house, I start touring neighborhoods of similarly built homes. This way I can see what other people have done, and take inspiration for my own abode (or avoid the mistakes that someone else has already made!).

You can even bring a fan deck with you, so you can make color notes of different color schemes you see along the way. Or snap a few pix.

Next, go to the store armed with a few color concepts that you'd like to try. At this point, you probably don't have anything set in stone, so think about being open to new color combinations and ideas that the staff might suggest.

When I am looking at exterior colors, I ALWAYS bring the chips outdoors to look at. Find an area out of the direct sunlight, though. The direct sun is not ideal for looking at paint colors - it lessens the contrast of colors and strains the eye. Yes, I know that the house will be in direct light for much of the time, but when looking at colors, go for indirect light.

Look at your colors in combination with each other. If you are choosing a body color, trim and accent, you'll want to view them as a grouping. Color is all about relationships, and individual colors can be very influenced by the way they are used together.

Here's another tip: Choose the body of the house to be deeper that you might think you want. Color is reflecting out into the atmosphere (as opposed to an interior space where the color reflects upon itself), and lessens in intensity outside by about 2 full shades. So, go a bit deeper. Otherwise, it'll look wishy-washy once its painted.

Once you have pulled together a scheme or two, its time to test the color at home. Those small chips you see in the store? Won't work. You need real-scale samples of the color to see what is going to happen.

Many paint companies offer sampling programs, often times I even suggest investing is a few quarts. You'll want to paint the color on more than one side of the house, and view it in many different lighting conditions. How does the color look in the morning compared to the evening? The sunny side of the house versus the shady side? What does the postman think (mine was very ready with an opinion!)

What about the paint itself? You get what you pay for. There really is a difference in high quality paints compared to their lesser brethren. The best paints include high quality resins and raw materials that means a better paint film is left on your siding. Plus the color retention is better, too. So it will look better and last a whole bunch longer than the cheap stuff, and the price difference isn't that much compared to what you are getting in return. At our store, we sell mostly the good stuff, so naturally I suggest this. But some of my favorite customers are those who have had experience with inexpensive paints first - because once they try a quality product they NEVER go back!

Good paint won't spit on you either. It actually spreads easily. And stays on the house, not on you. Paints without fillers means the film weathers better. Who can complain about that?

Flat or Eggshell sheen?

It depends. I love the look of flat painted houses, and I love the durability of eggshell-sheen homes. If you live nearby a busy road, go for eggshell, by all means. That's what I did, and it was so easy to hose off. But if you have a home that's all about drama, then flat might be your choice.

When it comes to trim I like a Satin or Semi-Gloss sheen. I LOVE front doors in GLOSSY sheens. It adds that extra touch. Varying the sheen levels also creates some visual interest, even in a monochromatic scheme.

At our store, we have a color board that we have created to help get the conversation started. It shows a number of different color combinations ranging from the tasty taupes to the racy greens. We have Color Consultants who make house calls - and that is the best. It helps us to see your home, its surrounding and understand the lighting conditions. Then we work with you to create your ideal color scheme right then and there. All told, it takes about an hour to an hour-and-a-half for the consultation and then you are well on your way. Helps take the stress out of the process.

Color is very important, and we understand the need to make the best choice possible. I love arriving home and being greeting by my house - and the combinations of colors can do a lot to create that 'curb appeal' or even camouflage 'character' issues. Not an issue to be taking lightly is it?

Great Website that Digs into Color Theory

I found this great website that spends a lot of time on color theory - and even though it's summer break, I thought you might enjoy some 'Color 101'.
Unfortunately the page isn't transferring to the blog, but it's totally worth it to click on this link to get there and get the full information.

Hammerite Question

A former Daly's customer emailed me today from Hawaii - her local paint store wasn't giving her the answer she was looking for, so she emailed us.

She wants to know if she can combine 2 different colors of Hammerite to make a custom color. Hammerite is this great direct to metal, rust covering, thick as a milkshake paint that has a hammered metallic look. I did a little digging, and the Hammerite United Kingdom website says its not recommended. But no reason given as to why not!

My guess it that is has to do with the metallic particles suspended in the paint not inter-mixing very well. But now I want to know why!?! (And the rebel in me wants to do it anyways, and see what happens)

Ah. Living life on the decorating edge...

Know Anyone Who is Looking for a Great House in Seattle?

Our old house is 'officially' on the market as of yesterday - This house is in the heart of the Ravenna neighborhood - walk to Third Place Books, go around the corner to grab a slice of pizza at Zeeks or a bagel at the Bagel Oasis. Take the kids to the community center, just down the alley. Total neighborhood lifestyle. The greatest neighbors, too! We miss them a lot!Updated kitchen. Gas range, convection oven. TONS of storage. Quality cabinetry, custom sized.

Cute!
This is probably the BEST basement update I have ever seen (really.) The ceilings are full height, we repoured the concrete pad - so it's a solid 4 inches thick, it's earthquake retrofitted, stained concrete floor in the utility room and bath. Sniff, sniff - it was had to give up this space!

Here's the MLS number, if you want to see more: 28117333

Check out the listing on www.windermere.com

Feedback Frenzy

I just LOVE feedback from our great customers!!!!:

"Just wanted to thank your company for always being so responsive in sending me paint supplies when I ordered over the internet. Your website is very well laid out. Also, the people at Daly's have been very courteous and helpful when I have called. Today, I just wanted to get a little advice on color choices for C2 paint, and Nedra was very kind and very helpful in helping me. Actually, I guess that I wanted some assurance from an expert that I was not too off base in the choices that I have already made. I feel much better after talking with Nedra.

Normally, I do not like to take people's valuable time, but I do feel better for calling.
It is amazing how the desire to find the right paint colors can become almost an obsession. However, it is so important, because the choices will impact the quality of my home environment. In any event, your company made the adventure a little smoother.

Good luck in the continued success of your business."

I have to agree - finding the right color EASILY can move one into the obsessive category. But that's totally okay, it just shows us how important our home and surroundings are. I have always said that color is a universal language that we ALL speak (granted, some people have different accents) so it makes sense that finding the right color becomes important to the home improvement project.

Speaking of home improvement projects, one of the new terms I have seem bandied about lately is "Stay-cation". In other words, you stay near home for vacation instead of traveling. I wonder if anyone sees painting projects as a desirable stay-cation activity? Hmmmm...

I few days ago, I was poetically (if you can call it that) praising Krud Kutter for it's performance. Apparently the folks at Krud Kutter found the blog post, and they liked it too. While I'm pretty sure I'll keep my day job and leave the world of poetry to those who actually posses some degree of wordsmithing skill, it was great fun to receive a letter from them (and the handy cup koozies/t-shirts!). Thanks Peter and Allison at Supreme Chemicals of Georgia!

More Fabu Customer Feedback!

Regarding Richard (again!):
"Just a quick note of thanks to tell you how delighted we were with Richard Cunnington's service. Your in-home consultation is one of the best kept secrets in Seattle. As someone who spent a month buying paint samples all over town, only to score a series of 'near misses' for our exterior job, I was thrilled with how quickly Richard was able to get to the right answers, and to develop solutions we had not previously considered."

An Ode to Krud Kutter

A single squirt is all it takes
To make me look like I worked all day
Painting woodwork, walls and doors
When what I really did was sponging chores
Smeared with fingerprints, dust and grime
Getting the house on the market, who has the time?

Step in Krud Kutter, tho spelled so wrong
It makes we want to bust into song!
Non-toxic - and biodegradable to boot
It makes my house look good and it’s good for me, too
A favorite tool to rely upon
My secret weapon to help me along

My only wish, if truth be told
Is that it be packaged in a style less bold
Perhaps add a scent to make me happy
While I slog through the grime that looks so crappy
But branding aside, I’ve one final thought
I really love Krud Kutter a lot!

Great Daly's Customer Feedback!

Nothing makes me happier than hearing from our fabulous customers about their positive experiences with our staff. Here are a couple quotes from two letters that arrived yesterday (Two in one day! How cool is that?!?!?!)

This one is about Richard Cunnington, one of our Seattle designers:
"He listens so well, gives advice thoughtfully, is practical, unpretentious and, most importantly, enthusiastic, fun and positively brimming with good ideas.
Actually, we miss seeing him! We'll have to find another project!"

I think we shall have to start calling him 'Saint Richard'!

Here's another excerpt from a letter praising Bill Davis, our Seattle Contractor Sales manager:
"I recently experienced incredible follow through and service at your store."..."I wish to thank Bill for his attentiveness and assistance. Bill's approach and expertise exemplifies what I expected when I went to Daly's. I always prefer to do business with a local store like Daly's and felt comfortable going there based on a recommendation from my contractor"

That's high praise, indeed.

Almost All WHITE Walls!

Lately, I've been distracted with a new adventure - we are buying a new house (well, new to us) and the walls are almost all painted white! Okay, one taupe wall in the main living area - but it's not what you would call 'risky' in its taupyness.

I have made a decision about this... I am going to embrace the white. Currently, the only thing white in our old house is the trim, so this is a complete shift in thinking.

Not only that, but the architecture is contemporary, the house is filled with great angles and ceiling lines. Interestingly, the home was designed, built and inhabited by the single-owner architect couple, so the space feels very pure - maybe white won't be so bad after all.

I wonder if anyone is taking bets on how long it will be before the white is gone...

Sophie the Stylish Daly's Dog!

Sophie the Dog comes in to work a couple days a week with her human Courtney. So when it was time to order spring shirts for everyone, of course she was included!
Sophie has three different Daly's outfits, so she can mix it up a bit depending upon her mood.

C2 LoVo Fun

I wast to share a couple cool C2 LoVo pix of my friend Mark Robinson's new Smartcar for Robinson's Paint & Wallpaper in Collington, Ontario.

LoVo Your Walls!

Just a few weeks ago, C2 Paint introduced LoVo - luxurious Low VOC paint.

It has all the features and benefits of the premium C2 paint; it's available in all 496 colors, it's infinitely customizable (custom colors are even available in 16 oz. Sampler pots), it has the unique color system that nobody else uses in North America, 18x24" Ultimate Paint Chips made from real paint, etc, etc, etc. - and now these colors are available in Low-VOC. How cool is that?

I am so excited to report that LoVo now constitutes 24% of our interior paint sales. And in only 10 days of sales. Who doesn't want to feel good about doing good? And look good at the same time?

I See Orange Everywhere

Orange. It must be the new 'hot' color - bright, knock-your-socks-off orange.

I stopped at the University Village this morning (I am ADDICTED to Jamba Juice smoothies, and I seem to need one for breakfast at least twice a week) (They are so good!) (I like them for lunch, too), and the display designers over at Crate and Barrel were busy painting some window walls orange.

"Hmmm...", I thought. "Who knew?"

I remember when orange was the color of change at Nordstrom a few years ago, and it kinda flopped. It's Clinique's Happy perfume, too.

Then I noticed that the outdoor umbrellas (the U-Village is a high-end outdoor shopping mall) on tables scattered about were also, guess what, orange. And, the awnings on another storefront. Thank goodness the Apple store had a display that featured a pink flower - must be a hangover from Mother's Day.

I do think orange is a color of excitement and newness. It says 'let's mix it up and be different'. No more staid, boring burgundy! Or safe navy. Or bankerly green. Nope, orange.

I like that we can communicate through color - as I've said before, it's a language we all speak. Personally, I wouldn't invest in large orange objects or even clothing that I plan to keep for long periods of time. I would use the color in changeable items, like placemats, scarves or accent pieces. Unless of course you are Jamba Juice, and you want to keep it fresh!

Earth Day Birthday: LoVo Paint!

It's official now - LoVo is on the shelves!

Quality Paint Equals Better Coverage

Today at a staff meeting we somehow got on the topic of paint coverage (if you think THAT's thrilling, you should see us get excited over dry time variances!). Anyhow - here we were discussing paint coverage - and it occured to me that I have never really shared with you a little fact: Quality paint actually goes further.

If you are using an lower grade finish, you can expect to get about 300 square feet of coverage from a gallon of paint. Better paints will give you about 400 square feet. So even if it costs a bit more - you get further.

Nice!

First Day of Spring Increase

I have heard there is power to using the correct keywords in the headline of your blog... and now I have seen it firsthand. Last year I had a post titled the First Day of Spring. Well this year I had 100 times the amount of hits I usually do - but just on that day.
Wild!

What a Nightmare!

Someone sent me this image in an email... this DID NOT happen to us! However, I couldn't help sharing!

Neither Rain, Nor Snow...

I just heard a great story about a lodge restoration going on somewhere in Idaho. Apparently Daly's BenMatte is one of the only approved wood finishing products that can be used on the structure - and because this lodge is in the middle of almost nowhere, guess how they product has to be delivered to the lodge by the retailer?
By snowmobile.
6 gallons of product strapped onto the snowmobile for a 35 mile trip, to be exact!
I think this is cool - it's a great visual, and it reminds me that not every place has been homogenized to pieces.

New Product Coming!

A few weeks ago, I was back East (remember how thrilled I was to tour a paint making facility?). I saw a line of area rugs at a friends paint store - and they really caught my eye: Company C.

Interestingly, the colors in these hand-tufted rugs coordinate beautifully with the C2 Paint palette. Not only are these all natural fiber rugs, they are hand-tufted and hand finished on the edges - plus cotton-backed. But the coolest thing is that they are primarily made in factories in India where no child labor is allowed, and the factory provides schooling for the employees kids.

So not only do the rugs feel good to your toes, you feel good knowing you are buying a product that doesn't give you a 'bargain' to the detriment of someone else.

The pricing of these rugs is very comparable to pricing I've seen in catalogs and in stores - plus the designs are not cookie-cutter, they have a very unique design perspective with their products.

As a bonus, they also make decorative pillows and bedding. Nice!!!

I'll let you know when we are up-and-running with these. The rep was showing us the samples yesterday, and we had customers ripping them out of our hands, wanting to get going. That's a good sign.

We Just Can't Post It

One of the fun things the staff has been doing lately is come up with creative headlines for the reader-board on the Seattle Daly's sign. Being a creative staff, the sayings aren't always... shall we say, 'tasteful'. The challenge is to use a C2 Paint or Daly's Products reference in the headline.

So in that spirit, here is my favorite saying that you WON'T be seeing on the Daly's sign:

We Don't Take "Shiitake" From Nobody

See what I mean?

Getting Ready for LoVo

This past weekend I had the opportunity to tour the paint factory where C2 Paint's LoVo will be made. LoVo is C2's Low-VOC offering - set to launch around Earth Day in April.

From my perspective, one indicator that I'm probably in the right business is that I was actually looking forward to watching paint being made! Yes, that's right up there with watching paint dry in some people's book, but this was cool.

This factory, located in Massachusets, was even designed with input from MIT. As I understand it, it is considered a no-waste facility - meaning they utilize, recycle and incorporate every ingredient that enters the plant into the products they produce. Truely state of the art facilities, and really- if we are going to the effort to make quality, environmentally sound product, it just stands to reason that the facility should operate under the same guiding principles.

They even have a dust collecting system, so that any particulates that aren't blended into an architectural coating are recollected and used in industrial products. They use the dust in air!

Made me feel good to know that LoVo is in good hands. And, no, you can't make any snarky comments on the 'stylish' safety glasses!

Design Drama, Act 2

Blogs are amazing. They really do work sometimes. Find a topic that means something to someone, and you get feedback.

I posted my feelings about this bill last night before going home, and already I have received feedback. I want to share this comment with you, because I think it helps further the conversation along.

If the information shared below is true, then I certainly can't find any logical objection. My objection all along has been about the work we do with our customers and the threat of not being able to provide our services wherever the need is.

Creativity and design takes on so many guises and roles. As I said earlier, I think there should be room enough for all of us.

Hi Robin,
As a board member with IDCW, and a designer focusing mostly in commercial design this type of bill would impact the type of work I do on a daily basis. We definitely understand the diverse nature of the interior design industry and realize that not everyone wants to reach the highest level of certification in our field or offer public/commercial design services. We've had quite a challenge to make sure the bill language does not intentionally put designers in our state out of business. Unfortunately to most, the bill language is confusing so let me attempt to show you that the design services your staff participates in would still be allowed under the practice act. You would not be limited to offering services within your business or office; rather you would still be able to meet customers in their homes.

Direct from the current bill language: [Sec. 10 (2)]This chapter does not apply to an employee of a retail establishment providing consultation regarding interior decoration or furnishings on the premises of the retail establishment or in the furtherance of a retail sale or prospective retail sale, providing such persons do not refer to themselves as a registered interior designer.This chapter does not apply to a person who provides decorative services or assistance in selection of surface materials, window treatments, wall coverings, paint, floor coverings, surface-mounted fixtures, and loose furnishings not subject to regulation under applicable provisions of jurisdictional codes, regulations, or the jurisdictional fire codes, providing such persons do not refer to themselves as a registered interior designer.

To sum that up, as long as the design services you offer do not need to be submitted/reviewed by the building department, you do not need to be a Registered Interior Designer or have a Registered Interior Designer on staff to perform those services.

If you have additional questions or comments, feel free to contact me directly. khanna (at) gglo (dot) com
Thanks,
Kristi Hanna
IDCW VP of Allied Organizations

Design Drama

Lately there has been a kerflap over legislation proposed here in Washington State regarding the professional licensing of Interior Designers.

To catch you up:
Designer have often battled a reputation as 'Dolly Decorators' when, in fact, the truth is quite different. The outdated image of a rich housewife who has a 'knack' for decorating is long gone.

Designers are involved in many different facets of work that affects both residential and commercial situations - which often requires years of training and experience.

Here's what's happening:
The ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) is proposing legislation to licence the profession of interior design.

They feel that other professions, like architecture, accounting, doctors, etc. all require this and that design should have professional practices and standards also that require testing and peer acceptance and continuing education.

Who can argue with that?

Unfortunately, I am. Why? Because I feel they are going much too far in their restrictions, and it affects the kind of service we offer our customers here at Daly's. There is no room for compromise the way the bill is written, and that's the problem.

For example, Daly's would no longer be able to offer in-home services. We would be able to help customers choose paint colors, window treatments, etc. only within the confines of our doors, but we wouldn't be able to meet our customers in their homes, under their own lighting conditions, to help them make appropriate choices.

And that is a problem for our customers and having the ability to give them the best service we can.

There has got to be room for us all.

I also think that there are many consumers of home and design products that do not feel comfortable hiring a 'credentialed' designer - or even need their services. Overkill, if you will. Why is the act of choosing a paint color or making some window treatment decisions requiring an accredited professional? This would most certainly cost the consumer more money and effort to hire them, as well.

I find this very upsetting, because I don't disagree with many of their viewpoints, just the sledgehammer approach - I do think professional standards are important, especially in commercial situations. And I do think that those designers who want to reach the highest level of recognition in their field should have those professional options available to them. But the argument of safety just doesn't fly with that type of design my staff participates in! That's the rub.

Well, the designer fur is sure to fly!

Interesting reading:
http://www.wa-ppdf.org/
www.idcwashington.org/

Announcing.... LoVo!

In December I had the opportunity to go to NYC on behalf of C2 (with partner Shaun Clark from Waters & Brown and PR Rock Star Jill Logiudice) to meet with magazine editors at some great design publications to introduce C2's latest paint development: LoVo.

What is LoVo? It's C2's wonderful Low-VOC paint. Being from Seattle, we get inquiries ALL THE TIME from consumers who are looking for a 'green' product (although Seattle is no longer the place of Birkenstocks and fleece - we do have a bit more fashion sense!)

LoVo will be debuting in April (on Earth Day), and I can't wait! Just like the rest of the line, it will be unlimited in color offerings - You will be able to get every single C2 color, in all typical finishes.

Not only that, but we will be offering LoVo in 16 oz Samplers, too. So you can try out the product (in any color, even custom colors) and see for yourself what a great Low-VOC paint is like.

Most of us feel better using a product we know will have less of an impact on the Earth... and I am soooo pleased that we are doing this with C2!

Here are a couple images from our NYC trip:

These are the LoVo 16 oz. Sampler pots that we shared with the design magazines. You should have seen us tromping along the streets of New York, hauling Samplers, a portfolio of UPCs and color tools. Since most magazines are located within the same geographic area, it was so much faster to go by foot than by hired car or taxi. Let's just say these boots were made for walking!

Oh, and we stayed an the Hotel QT. Your 'hipness quotient' goes up just by staying there!

I know it's rather silly, but we were so excited to be visiting these great magazines - so we simply accosted strangers and made them take our picture at these different places. Some tourists go for Times Square, were were thrilled with Conde Nast.

... and Domino magazine was cool.

This Takes Downsizing To a New Level

I couldn't help but share this...

Toronto's Smallest House is Up for Sale!
This house, located near the intersection of Dufferin Street and Rogers Road is believed to be Toronto's smallest house. Occupying what used to be a driveway, it's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house that sits on a parcel of Land 7.25 feet (2.2 metres) wide and 113.67 feet (34.6 metres) long and has an interior area of just under 300 square feet (under 28 square metres).The asking price is $179,900.!!!!

And my thought.... Imagine how spectacular this space could look with the creative use of COLOR. Who wants to live in a white box? Color could be judiciously used to help define space and make the rooms more visually interesting. Especially the Living Room, don't you think?

Off and Running with 2008

It's been a busy time.

In the world of retail paint sales, this is definitely the slow time of year (take note: if you don't like to wait in line, now is the time to come by). But behind the scenes, we are a busy company.

Housekeeping issues are addressed - We are FINALLY getting rid of the 1980's wallpaper in the reception area of the Seattle store! Goodbye 'varicose vein' marbleized vinyl! While it was a soothing peachy thing with soft violet and green veining, we aren't gonna miss ya. At all.

Instead the walls are being painted 'Beachbum' and 'Sea Salt'. Tasty and updated.

My husband Daren officially started his new role at at Daly's last week. While we have co-owned the company for a good eight years, he is now here on a daily basis to help us grow. He comes to Daly's with a lot of experience in finance and operations, so it will be interesting to see how we will apply these skills to our own little universe.

And, yes, for those who are curious, I am THRILLED he is here. We have complimentary skills, not competing. And combined with our partner Herb's experience (about 50 years at the company) and Daren's financial acumen, I think we will be creating some fun momentum in the future.

Bellevue, where our other store is located is rapidly changing. We are looking to relocate the store in the near future. I'll keep you posted as we learn more...

I took a little trip for C2 Paint in December. NYC at Christmastime. Pretty sights and very cold!