Interior Design with Kandrac and Kole

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Guest Speaker: Diane Kaufman of Mermaid Cottages Feb 20, 2019

Show notes

As we continue our discussion about the design, marketing and unique assets of certain vacation rental properties we thought we'd bring to your attention a special area of the U.S. that we have both vacationed at and loved and that is Tybee Island, GA.

However, if we are going to talk about Tybee Island, we absolutely must bring your attention to the adorable cottages to rent thru Mermaid Cottages. To help us tell you all about it is our Guest Speaker today, Diane Kauffman. Welcome Diane!

A little background to our fascination (Kelly)

Years ago I was looking for a unique place to host a sisters weekend for my 2 sisters that live up north. Friends had recommended Tybee Island here in GA so I started my search and found Mermaid Cottages who's tagline is "Cozy Cottages and Happy Homes". That was right up my alley. I started to browse the website mermaidcottages.com and was instantly smitten with a little cottage called "The Shrimp" that was painted shrimpy coral on the outside with all the décor on the inside being fresh white, coral, lime green and turquoise.

DURING THIS EPISODE WE ASK DIANE:

What is the average age of the cottages?
How do you come about having each cottage or home in your mermaid cottage family?
Are there particular cottages that are always booked?
Is Paula Deen a regular on the scene?

DESIGN

Most of your cottages have a very signature crazy colorful, bright and happy look – how did this come about? Do you feel like you have the original patent on this aesthetic in the area?
The designs in the homes seem very comfortable and relaxing – just like home. Do you have to refresh constantly to keep that look?
What products have you been particularly successful with for their longevity and durability?
Your cottages have painted floors, cabinets, fences, etc. in bright, seaside colors. Do you have some favorite paint colors?
What are recurring requests you get from your guests? Or services/amenities /décor that are important for you to offer in each cottage?
What are recurring requests you get from your guests? Or services/amenities /décor that are important for you to offer in each cottage?

MARKETING

You do a great job of marketing mermaid cottages. Are all the pictures shown on your website taken by a professional photographer?
The videos of each cottage is a great idea. I imagine you get a great response from those.
When did you embrace social media? How has it helped you?
We know from personal experience that it takes a lot to constantly engage on social media AND write a blog as well. How has the blog helped you market mermaid cottages?
What is the best thing you ever did with one or more of your cottages?
What as the worst thing?

COMMUNITY ACTION

It's obvious from your website and from knowing you personally that your activism is near and dear to your heart. Kandrac & Kole is the same way.
Talk a little bit about how you pay it forward in Tybee and how that has affected your business.

Secrets of a Successful Vacation Rental Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

We started the conversation about VRBO, AirBNB and vacation rentals in our last Episode 44. We talked about what "big business" this has become and are very excited about how we are working towards having an impact for owners, managers and the general public.

The varied offering of rentals is quite fascinating! You can go down a rabbit hole when searching, but it is really fun.

A. Luxury Rentals

a. Santorini - luxuryretreats.com – go to the search and type in 120744 It is called the Nafsika Estate - $5,800 to $10,000 per night

a. Perched above the cliffs b. Includes airport transfer (or you can use the villa's helipad to arrive) and welcome basket c. Pool, lounging areas, built in barbeque d. Maid service twice daily e. 2 fully equipped kitchens f. Transportation to the beach

b. California – Redondo Beach/Los Angeles - go to luxuryretreats.com and type Redondo Beach Luxury in the search bar - $3,900 per night

a. 7,800 square feet. b. 7 bedrooms, 6 baths c. Beachfront – sitting on a hillside d. Waterfall features e. Swimming Pool – pool heating charge of $200 if going in winter months f. Theater g. Fully equipped kitchen h. Fire Pit i. Basketball court j. 10 miles to LA airport

B. Unique Rentals:

a. Secluded in-town Tree House – Downtown Atlanta - $375/night

a. 329 5 Star Reviews b. #1 Most Wished-For Listing Worldwide c. Featured on The Today Show, Architectural Digest, Travel and Leisure and many others d. Retreat is for 2 people e. 3 separate rooms – connected by rope bridges f. Mind, Body and Spirit

Mind: Sitting Room, antique furnishings and artifacts including 80 year old windows of pressed butterfly wings, a plaster cast of Siberian Tiger Paw, fossils and has a balcony overlooking an acre of lush woods
Body: Bedroom: World's best bedding – Parachute, check out parachutehome.com, 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton and pure linen. Bed is equipped with wheels that can either be inside or rolled out.
Spirit – Hammock deck – open to the elements and immersed in thick greenery, the deck surrounds a 165 year old Southern Short-Leaf Pine tree the largest of the 7 trees that support the tree house suite.

b. Old Smock Mill – England – oldsmockmill.com – click amenities - $175 to $380 Euro - An old windmill built in the 1800s.

a. A romantic place for 2 guests, b. Large heavy beams and high ceilings. c. Nearby castles and gardens d. Train station with a fast link to London in under an hour. e. The owners welcome you with fresh flowers picked from their amazing garden and a basket filled with a selection of produce in season, including fresh brown eggs from their friendly organic chickens. You HAVE to go to the site and look at the inside!

c. The Ark – Lake Lanier, GA – arkonlakelanier.com - family owned business and ministry. $4,000 to $5,000/night - $31,000 per week.

a. Great for large groups b. 14 bedrooms, 12 baths c. Sleeps 45 guests in the main house and 3 cabins d. Hot Tub e. Pool and separate pool house f. Large fire pit g. Full size lighted volleyball court h. Basketball i. Billiards j. Ping Pong k. 16 seat home theater l. Large chef's kitchen m. 3 Full size refrigerator/freezers n. They partner with several ministries throughout Atlanta. I was happy to see they also support orphan prevention in Guatemala.

C. What We've Noticed

a. The Good

Responsiveness – Customer Service
Good Reviews
Quality (professional) and honesty of photos – lots of them
Cleanliness
Comfort (beds/furnishings)
Large TVs
Security
An "experience"
Local Knowledge
Location
Internet/WiFi
Pet Friendly
Parking
Airbnb Plus – (higher end tier of Airbnb. It lists homes that have been evaluated by in person inspectors according to a 100 point checklist.

b. The Bad

Photography - should be professional
Dated furniture
Bad paint colors
Lumpy furniture
Bedrooms seem like they are "forgotten" and not given as much attention as the main spaces

D. What is Lacking?

a. Wellness spaces

Exercise Rooms
Saunas
Massage Tables

b. Experiential Amenities – things you can help organize and make available

Cooking classes
Wine tasting
Yoga classes

E. What do People Look for Besides Location and Price? – We asked this question on Facebook and here are some responses we got:

a. Proximity to restaurants b. Quality of kitchen c. Cleanliness d. Security e. Privacy f. Uber availability g. Newly Renovated h. Nice Décor i. Reviews

Our Advice to Airbnb & VRBO – Part 1 Jan 23, 2019

Show notes

Today we are talking about how the websites AirBnB and VRBO have completely revolutionized the travel industry and put hotels on notice that they need to step up to their competition. We find this phenomenon fascinating not only because we travel a lot but more importantly because we are consistently appalled by the interiors of the spaces being rented.

1. What exactly are these sites?

A. AirBnB History: The story behind how AirBnB got started is awesome. It was started by 2 guys in 2007 who were living in San Francisco. They couldn't afford their rent and came up with the idea of renting air mattresses in their apartment during a time when a big conference was going on in town and hotels were scarce. They whipped up a website and called it Air Bed & Breakfast. After many attempts to target guests during events like the Democratic National Convention, increase cashflow thru bootstrap marketing techniques and putting their idea in front of angel investors and startup accelerators, they have become a $25 billion company!

B. How Does it Work? Airbnb is an online marketplace which lets people rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests. Airbnb takes 3% commission of every booking from hosts, and between 6% and 12% from guests. You can now find a place to stay in over 192 countries worldwide!

C. VRBO History: VRBO was started before AirBnB in 2004 in Austin Texas. They are a little different in that their site doesn't include home sharing and room rentals and isn't doesn't rely as heavily on reviews. They do however have 2 million rentals in 190 countries.

2. Personal experience

A. VRBO – Oxford Condo

B. AirBnB – Murray Christmas Reunions in Annapolis, MD, Rosemary Beach, FL, W. Palm Beach, FL

C. AirBnB – Rome, Italy

D. Chicago – Emory

E. Joann – experiences?

3. What we love about it

A. Price

B. Variety of options

C. Great for large events

D. Choose a host language

E. Immerse yourself in an area not suitable for a hotel

4. What makes us squirm – marketing of these rentals!

A. A picture says a 1000 words! Invest in the photography and styling!

B. What matters when marketing?

i. Paint colors

ii. Lighting

iii. Simple furnishings

iv. Interesting artwork – local to the area

v. Comfortable bedding

5. What renters want

A. Direct communication with owner or management company

i. Rome – calling us a cab/ Making restaurant reservations

ii. FL – Offering ideas for charters and pottery painting locations

B. Feedback from other renters

i. Guest book

ii. Reviews

C. A fully stocked kitchen

D. Necessities for at least 2 days – tp/paper towels/coffee/ trash bags/salt & pepper/ dish washing liquid

E. Extra towels, blankets and pillows – GREAT bedding

F. Amenities – bike, balls, cards, games, grills, pool toys

6. Our future in this industry – for years we've threatened to crash the medical services industry and start a design revolution in doctors offices. However, given our love of travel and our high standards in the hospitality arena, we feel like our advice is better suited for the vacation rental industry.

For Part 1 of our vacation rental advice column we've got some quick, valuable advice for all those hosts out there:

A. Our top fave 10 paint colors for a bright, fresh rental

B. Our top 10 Sunbrella performance fabrics for long lasting durability of upholstery

Guest - Sherwin Williams Director of Color Marketing – Sue Wadden Dec 19, 2018

Show notes

1. Intro – Kelly and I have always been huge fans of Sherwin Williams so we are thrilled that Sue Wadden, the Director of Color Marketing is our guest today

2. Sue Wadden's background

A. Where she grew up B. Where she attended college C. Her working career and how she landed at Sherwin Williams and became Director of Color Marketing D. Someone that has inspired or encouraged her and why

3. Colormix Forecast 2019

A. The process B. The participants on the team C. How long it takes D. The reason for 42 colors E. A quick rundown of the 6 "themes" F. Sue's favorite G. Who uses this information other than interior designers and the general public

4. Things people would find interesting about Sherwin Williams

The Pros and Cons of Online Furniture Shopping Dec 12, 2018

Show notes

The landscape of the interior design business has been altered over the last few years. The days of buying home furnishings through a designer that were considered "trade only", meaning items could only be purchased from a designer, have changed.

Manufacturers almost exclusively sold to designers and brick and mortar furniture stores. There was generally a set retail price and designers either sold "at retail" or offered a discount. Furniture stores generally could purchase the items at a better price due to volume but didn't normally sell things as "customized" as a designer would.

Fast forward a few years and here are some changes and/or misconceptions:

A. Interior Design has gone digital

a) The "in-person" designer/client relationship is not necessary.

b) E-Design: A client can send photos/measurements and a designer can create a space plan and links to purchase furniture on their own.

c) Space planning software – you can upload a photo of a room and a user can see different room arrangements.

d) Social media advertising – Furniture can be received quickly at a great price and free shipping.

B. The Pros:

a) A time saver

b) A wide Range of product

a) You may see a style you weren't aware of b) You may see things mixed together that you would have never thought of

c) Easy Comparison

a) You can look at multiple vendors b) Having a manufacturer and product number can help with the search

d) Ease of Accessibility

a) You can access your computer from your living room, while waiting to get your oil changed or while lying in bed.

e) Sales/Discounts

a) Competition is fierce – you can find great deals

f) Reviews

a) You will hear the good and the bad and this can help you with your decision

C. The Cons:

a) Seeing something on a screen is not necessarily how it will look in person

a) It's hard to tell the quality

Is the seat comfortable?
Do the drawers open smoothly?

b) It's hard to judge the color

a) All computer screens are different b) If it's described as "navy blue" that can mean royal blue, indigo blue, etc.

c) You're not dealing with a real person

a) A designer will know the manufacturers and what their strengths and weaknesses are and will ask you specific questions to help you get exactly what you want and help you avoid mistakes.

d) Delivery issues

a) Many of the "free shipping" options are curbside delivery b) Drivers are not able to assist you c) The item may come in pieces and need to be assembled – this can cause hours of time and frustration d) You have large amounts of packaging and cardboard to dispose of e) It can arrive late f) It can go to the wrong address

e) Less freedom of customization

a) You have to pick the furniture that is on the site

f) Sizes/Measurements

a) Most people don't have the skill required to design a space

Scale
Proportion
Types of quality – 8 way hand tied
Performance Fabrics
Making it Personal

g) Reviews

a) You can't always trust these – someone may not have the same standards that you do

D. Popular Online Sites:

a) Wayfair b) Birch Lane c) All Modern d) Joss & Main e) Perigold f) Houzz g) Amazon h) World Market i) Modsy j) One Kings Lane k) Lulu & Georgia l) Lex Mod

Designers understand how spaces flow together, how to combine fabrics and how furniture placement affects conversation. Impulse buys on furniture and accessories that you think may work in a room can add up and cost you more in the long run. To combine ideas in a cohesive way that is collected and pulled together takes experience talent and insight. That's what designers do well.

Our Designer for a Day Program Nov 21, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

Two years ago, we realized that we were turning away qualified, legitimate clients because they didn't fit into our model for an ideal client needing full service design – that was just foolish on our part. We had to find a way to help these potential clients. Thus, our designer for a day program was born.

2. WHAT IS IT?

Designer for a Day Program is basically a 4-hour concierge service where we are at the beck and call of our "mini" client. We can tackle anything requested - designing a room from A-Z, selecting a full interior or exterior paint palette, installing a family gallery - anything at all that is challenging that client. We are generally at the clients house from 10am-2pm and the cost is $1500.

3. WHAT CAN THE CLIENT DO TO PREPARE?

A. Speak openly and honestly with all family members about what the desired outcome is B. Be honest with your budget. This is an investment even though it's a DFD. C. Prepare an ideabook via Pinterest, Houzz, magazine cut outs, etc. to illustrate your taste or at a minimum what you gravitate towards.

4. WHAT IS A TPICAL DFD LIKE?

A. Walk thru the latest Wansky DFD (with all retail). B. Walk thru the Howe DFD

5. WHAT WE PROVIDE THE CLIENT

A. Keynote B. Link List C. Floorplan D. Help from our local contractors if requested E. Custom window treatments if applicable

6. EXAMPLES OF RESOURCES REQUESTED

A. Furniture B. Rugs C. Lighting D. Art E. Paint colors F. Tile G. Fabrics H. Bedding

7. RETAIL SOURCES WE OFTEN USE

A. Ballard Designs B. Pottery Barn C. Restoration Hardware D. Lamps Plus E. Overstock.com F. Wayfair G. Perigold H. Birch Lane I. Frontgate J. Etsy

8. TESTIMONIALS

A. From Melanie: I had Kelly and Joanna over for a design consult today and I couldn't be more pleased with my result! They helped me design a basement complete with all new finishes and furniture. They were punctual, professional and extremely efficient. I can't believe what they accomplished in four hours! I am already looking forward to having them back for help with my next project.

B. From Amy: f you're looking for home decorating assistance you must contact Kandrac & Kole. We recently built a house that was contractor quality. I wanted to transform my house into a home, but after making independent purchases soon realized I needed expert advice. This was my first experience with a home design team and am more than pleased. I expected nice items, but the quality of their selections for my home exceeded expectations. The art, light fixtures, and pillows in addition to their recommendations were exceptional. When questions arose their responsiveness was without delay. I chose design for a day and couldn't be more happy with the quality of service. When I come home each evening my first thought is....how nice my home looks and how happy I am with the outcome. This was an investment and money well spent.

High Point Fall Market Trends 2018 Nov 07, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

Unfortunately Kelly and I were unable to attend the market in High Point this fall. In several years of attending markets, we have only missed one or two. This is our time to see what the latest and greatest items that will hit the retail market in 6-9 months. This is a great way for us to stay ahead of our industry and find great product to bring to our clients. It also gives us a chance to find new vendors, create and maintain relationships, attend parties, see design friends and be inspired!

Since we couldn't attend, we decided to lean on our great design friends and vendors to give us a brief rundown of what they saw to be trends and what was happening at market.

2. OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Elizabeth Scruggs - Tennessee
Linda Holt - Massachusetts
Robin Barbaree - Georgia
Christy Davis – South Carolina
Carla Aston – Texas
Jeffrey Johnson – California

3. WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT

A. Individual styles

B. Color

C. Case Goods

D. Upholstery

E. Metals

F. Wood

G. Color Combinations

4. PINTEREST

A. Check out our Pinterest pages for all the latest trends!

Preserving Travel Memories in Your Home Oct 24, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

I'm just back from a trip to the Mediterranean Coast where my family and I spent 2 weeks in Spain, France and Italy. I am a professional shopper so of course I have an innate eye for certain things that I know I would love to commemorate my trip but I wanted to discuss ways to preserve memories if shopping does not come naturally to you.

2. CELEBRATE REGIONALLY

A. Don't get sucked in to purchasing items you can purchase at home. Invest in the artistry of the area you are in – example – The Rippled Olive Tree Cutting Board from the Tuscany Region. B. Soaps in Marseilles France – a great gift to bring home to friends – keep the packaging and grab a business card. C. Florence – authentic leather – searching out the San Lorenzo market – staying away from tourist traps. D. Food – Eat locally to really experience the area – be brave and try new things – i.e. veal stew with polenta or wild boar

3. SEARCH OUT ARTISAN WORK

A. I am constantly on the hunt for one of a kind anything – something made by hand. If possible, I'm always interested in talking to the artist themselves. The story will solidify your memory of that visit. i. Artists market at the Cotton House Hotel in Barcelona – Art, jewelry from local vendors ii. Artist on the street.- a young girl from India studying at the Accademia iii. Stone navity scenes in Cinque Terre – hand man by an old man in the hills iv. Weaving of the women in Guatemala – hammocks, handbags, Teysha shoes

4. CURATING YOUR FINDS

After making thoughtful purchases that will bring you a lifetime of memories, how do you keep them alive in your home?

A. Create a gallery of original art – mini's are easy to find when traveling and a great way to start a collection. Get 3-4 up on the wall and then grow the gallery over time. B. Jars of Sand C. Photo albums – Shutterfly, Snapfish, Mixbook albums – a great present after the trip D. Flytography – Professional photography on the go – flytographer.com E. Frame it! A textile, a menu, a ticket stub, a playbill – add it to your gallery or your bookshelf. F. Join a Wine club – finding the wines that we drank on our trip G. Tiles - Casa de Kole in our courtyard – numbers, your name, etc. H. Start or build on a collection – salt/pepper shakers, steins, napkins (table top items), something simple like matchbooks I. Collecting shells with the kids – painting clam shells as ashtrays J. Coffee Table books from the region – i.e. Gaudi

Everything you need to know about rugs! Oct 17, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

We are happy to have Lauren Jordal of Surya Rugs as a guest today. Lauren will tell us a little about herself and how she became the resident rug expert at Surya.

2. SURYA'S DIVERSE RANGE OF LIFESTYLES AND BUDGETS

Some of these styles are familiar, some of them not. Lauren will explain.

A. The Young Traditionalist B. The Duke & Duchess C. The World Traveler D. The Urban Sophisticate

3. HANDMADE RUG HISTORY

A. Traditions B. Artisans

4. TRENDING RUGS/STYLES/CONSTRUCTIONS

A. Textural B. Traditional Hand Knotted C. Moroccan Designs D. Hide and Sheepskin E. Traditional Medallions (Bright and Vintage) F. Tonal Geometric and Painterly Abstract

5. WHICH TYPES OF RUGS TO USE IN DIFFERENT SPACES

A. High traffic B. Low traffic C. Kitchens D. Kids

6. HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE RUG

A. Bedroom B. Dining Room C. Entry D. Runner

7. BENEFITS FOR DESIGNERS

A. Swatch Program B. Pantone Colors C. Surya Spaces D. Custom Size Options

8. SURYA'S ONE STOP SHOP FOR COORDINATING ACCESSORIES

A. Lighting B. Pillows and Throws C. Accent Furniture D. Wall décor E. Accents F. Bedding

9. SURYA'S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

A. Project Mala B. Akshaya Patra C. Pain Free Patriots D. March of Dimes E. City of Hope

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Podcast! Oct 10, 2018

Show notes

INTRO

In our very first podcast named "Who We are and Why We are Producing a Podcast", we gave you some background on how our podcast came to be. Had it not been for Traci Deforge of "Produce Your Podcast" randomly reaching out to us, we would not be here today.

As a recap, Kelly and I went to a design mastermind in Las Vegas where Phil Pallen, a brand strategist, said we would be great doing a podcast. We liked the idea but didn't have any idea how to make it happen. That's where Tracie Deforge and Russ Riba come in. They are co-founders of a company called "Produce Your Podcast".

We are happy to have them as our guests today and they will be telling us about their backgrounds, how and why they got started in this business and how they can help you!

A. Traci Deforge:

a. Her background

B. Russ Riba:

a. His background

C. Podcast Statistics

a. How many podcasts are out there?

a. Typical length of a podcast

b. How many people listen to podcasts?

a. Age?

b. Gender?

c. Household Income?

d. Location?