Of particular interest to Window Fashions readers, this article will explore shutters, fabrics, and wallcoverings. What are the specifications and restrictions associated with each category, and how will they impact the designer on the contract project? Looking towards the future, how does a residential designer build on existing skills to transition into the expanding contract marketplace?

Contract Shutters and Fabrics
Hunter Douglas is a leading industry giant in both contract and residential markets. "Most of our contract shutters are composed of plastic, not wood, which makes them easier to clean, and are reinforced with aluminum frames," says David Haseley, vice president of hospitality sales."They won't warp, chip, or fade. These are important considerations since shutters are more expensive to install than drapery treatments."

In addition to shutters, Hunter Douglas encompasses a large fabric inventory, including a new green initiative represented by the recently unveiled Habitat line. "The future of contract is in green design," says Haseley, who forecasts the fastest growing segment from clean-lined, contemporary fabrics with residential characteristics.

Haseley applauds a new Nano-tex technology, which is replacing Teflon® as a stain-repellent finish. The formula, applied during the manufacturing process, is environmentally friendly and allows fabrics to last longer. "All contract fabrics are subject to two inherent specifications," he says. "They must be flame retardant and pass a series of strict durability tests." Haseley's advice to designers who want to acquaint themselves with contract products and their application is to visit local trade showrooms.

Elaine Schroder, national sales manager for Kravet Fabrics echoes Haseley's upbeat prediction for green products. "The technology for carpets and flooring is well established, but green fabrics are still in their infancy and will continue to have significant impact," she says.

Susan DeAngelis, showroom manager for Stroheim & Romann, addresses the issue of durability. "Upholstery and fabrics are subject to the Martindale Wyzenbek rub test," she says "which requires a machine to run back and forth over its surface 50,000 times." Considering that most hotel rooms require refurbishment every three to five years, fabric longevity is a prime factor.

Avora® polyester, a well-known US trade name, refers to fabrics treated with flame retardant during the manufacturing process. "Boutique hotels have less rooms than mass chains and larger budgets which allows designers to select more expensive and upscale fabrics," says DeAngelis. "Another popular alternative is the growing demand for indoor/outdoor fabrics, which are adaptable for residential and contract use."

Contract Wallcoverings
While wallcoverings contribute an essential component to an interior's design aesthetic, they also are subject to specified codes. Scott Engdahl, Seabrook's national contract manager, states that "each must conform to over a dozen US government standards originally set up by the General Services Administration in the 1960s, and pass the Tunnel Test (ASTM-E-84) which measures flame spread and smoke development." Wallcoverings can be environmentally friendly and provide excellent enclosure and cover-up of harmful lead painted walls. Additional benefits include mildew resistance, superior cleaning ability, low VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds) relative to paint, increased energy efficiency, and a reduction in sound and glare.

"In the past, contract wallcoverings were considered bland and sedate," recalls Engdahl. "However, the invention of new printing processes has transformed [wallcoverings] former institutional image into a contemporary residential look with a multitude of patterns displaying greater saturation and use of color." Engdahl cites an example of this growing trend in the company's recently introduced Diva Collection, which incorporates scroll patterns, natural textures, faux-finish backgrounds, and abstract designs. Changing industry demands may have precipitated this new design direction. "Our largest clientele was previously health care until hospitality began to fuel sales with a profusion of new boutique-hotel openings," says Engdahl.

Making a Successful Transition
Three designers who have successfully combined residential and contract projects are Susan Nagle, principal of Bentel & Bentel, Rick Livingston, owner of Period, and his associate, senior designer/project manager, Paul Zansler. Livingston spent a decade building a successful residential design firm before an acquaintance in real estate encouraged him to accept a commission for a New York City condominium. "Our first project included design of the lobby, lounges, hallways, and sales center for the Element on West 59th Street," says Zansler.

The firm was enlisted to soften the structure's hard edges in order to attract a wider audience of purchasers."Each building is marketing a lifestyle," says Zansler. "We selected limestone marble offset against walnut woods to add warmth to the entrance, along with furniture that establishes a comfortable residential ambiance." Expansive lobby windows are adorned with shimmering Jack Lenor Larsen sheer fabric to highlight the building's elegant glass facade.

Period's newest project is a smaller scale eighteen-unit condo located in a refurbished West Village landmark. "Learning about the contract market has expanded my residential design options," says Zansler. "Recently, I chose a durable contract fabric to withstand the wear and tear inflicted on a residential family room."

Although Nagle's firm specializes in hospitality, they remain committed to at least one large residential project each year. "The major differences between residential and contract design are economics and attention to details," she says. "Since many of our contract projects reflect a residential look, I feel fortunate to work in the best of both worlds."

Bentel & Bentel's accomplishments include penthouse suites at the Red Rock Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, NV, along with a refurbishment of the Pulitzer Hotel in Amsterdam, Holland, and the redesign of restaurants for the Museum of Modern Art. "Beautiful materials are an important component of our design style," says Nagle. "Within the past five years there has been an evolution in the range of contract products available to designers. Contract no longer means that it is not aesthetically pleasing."

A successful design, in residential or contract, is related to problem solving and finding the best solutions for each client's project. Whether it's the creation of public spaces or the intimacy of private interiors, savvy designers should consider widening their specialties to incorporate and bridge the gap between both aspects of the industry. The benefits of developing multiple skill sets will increase versatility and expand their business, while continuing to enhance professional credentials through the complex challenges and changes of the 21st century.