HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Since we prefer not to be here at work at midnight tonight, we'd like to wish all our wonderful fans, customers and manufacturers a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

See ya next year!!

Merry Christmas!

According to NORAD, Santa has just dropped off to Kolkata, India and is on his way to Dhaka, Bangladesh. All of us here in Arkansas are hoping he'll bring us a white Christmas and possibly those cute new boots I saw the other day. While we all wait with anticipation for Santa to climb down our chimney (or front door or air vent, wherever he comes in at your house), we'd like to take a moment to thank you.

Thank you to all of our wonderful customers this year. Because of you we are still here, doing well and serving your design needs. Thank you to everyone who reads our blogs and to anyone who has ever been nice enough to take time to respond.

Thank you to all our great manufacturers who continually provide exceptional service to us. Our manufacturers know us by name and are always there to help in anyway they can whether it be to ship out a package in a ridiculously short amount of time or to locate that fabric that no one else can find. Everyday, our manufacturers perform miracles for us.

We hope each and every one of you takes time this Holiday season to thank those close to you. We hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

From Shelly, David, Pam, Stephanie, Crystal, Melissa, Miguel, Tracey, Bruce, Tammy, Mikel, Renee, Jodi, Shanna, Carrie and myself, Rachel, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, prosperous New Year!

Robert Allen Color Stories

Robert Allen has put together some FABULOUS color stories in their new Design Studio!

Check these out!

Robert Allen Color Stories

Here is a sneak peek!

Selecting the right upholstery fabric

Kravet Fabrics is one of the oldest textile houses around. They have classic lines, as well as contemporary - and everything in between!

They have a WONDERFUL blog with some great information!

This post on selecting the right upholstery fabric is a FABULOUS post! Check it out!!

http://kravet.typepad.com/inspiredtalk/2009/12/selecting-fabric-for-upholstery.html

Meet the Staff: Tracy

It has been a while for Meet the Staff. Since we last posted on an employee we have had a couple of staffers come and go. For the next few weeks I will be introducing everyone to our 3 newest employees.
This week - Tracy. She has been working at the Interior Mall showroom since September and while we hated to see Cady go, we are so pleased and thankful to have Tracy with us taking over things. The showroom looks fantastic and if you are ever in the area stop in and check it out and say "Hello" to Tracy.
Carrie: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Tracy: Creative juices can flow!!!

Carrie: How would you describe your personal interior design taste?
Tracy: Transitional with LOTS of whimsy!

Carrie: What's been your most fulfulling job experience since working for Interior Mall?
Tracy: Drapery Design

Carrie: How do you spend your time outside of work?
Tracy: Thinking about drapery design (I wake up in the night with ideas)...I spend lots of time sewing. I see and gather inspiration everywhere I go...when shopping or driving...its like my mind is in constant design mode...can't turn it off!! But, I do love spending time with my family....that's what I enjoy most outside my job.

Carrie: What item from the InteriorMall.com website would you like to add to your wish list?
Tracy: Anything from Jene's Unique Design, Inc.!!!! Probably the green glass candle holders we sell in the showroom are my favorite!

Pantone's 2010 Color of the Year!

Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and ajj color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

And be sure to check out all the great turquoise home decor items available at www.InteriorMall.com

New Kitchen Accessories!

Whether your looking for fun bottle stoppers, coaster sets, cutting boards or kitchen rugs, we've got everything and the kitchen sink! (We really do have the kitchen sink. Make sure to check out our new copper kitchen sinks). We've also just put up some adorable children's plate sets and kitchen aprons.

These kid's dish sets are great for last minute gifts. Each set comes with its own gift box or carrying bag. These sets are made out of durable melamine and great for eating, sipping, or throwing (not recommended). Adorable sayings and oh so cute graphics make these a must have. So quit monkeying around and finish your holiday shopping!

Take a minute to check out our new kitchen aprons as well. These aprons will most definitely add some spice to your cooking with sassy sayings like "I Kiss Better Than I Cook", "Put On Your Big Girl Panties and Deal", "When I Said I Do, I Didn't Mean The Cooking", "I'll Have a Caffe Mocha Vodka Valium Latte To Go Please!", and one so sassy I can't even mention it here! Check out all our great kitchen and gift items at www.InteriorMall.com.

Monogram Mania!!

Although it's not even winter yet, our manufacturers are busy putting together the hottest items for their Spring 2010 lines. One in particular, has really caught our eye here at the office. We already carry quite a few of Mainstreet Collection's products down at our store and on our website http://www.interiormall.com/. But what they have coming for Spring has us all waiting with anticipation!

Mainstreet Collection is the leader in cute, contemporary monogram items. They carry everything including mousepads and office items, notebooks, wallets and purses, key chains, kitchen and bathroom towels, dishes and tableware, picture frames, stamps and much much more. If it's cute and it and can have a letter on it, it's in this collection!

While you wait for the Spring order to begin shipping (here in the next few weeks), take a look at what we already have in stock. We've got mousepads available in Black, Lime, and Pink on a background of polka dots or sassy zebra stripes and personalized with your choice of letter (I have a pink polka dot R in my office and I love it!). We also have personalized notebooks and wallets in pink, black or lime.

We'll be working on getting new products on our website very soon so keep an eye out for them at http://www.interiormall.com/. If you have any questions about what we will be carrying or what we have in stock that hasn't been mentioned here feel free to call 800-590-5844. One of lovely customer service reps can tell you all about Mainstreet Collection.

A New Twist on an Old Tradition

September 5th officially kicks off the 2009 College Football season. The polls are in and the top 5 teams have been predicted. Here are the predictions: #1 Florida, #2 Texas, #3 Oklahoma, #4 USC, and #5 Alabama. Now, if you ask the Interior Mall office Arkansas will underdog their way into the top 5, sweeping all the other teams and prove all the polls wrong. And while our office continues to dream let me help get the football season kicked off right with hip, new alternatives to your traditional tailgate and football party.

Here at http://www.interiormall.com/ we offer a ton of collegiate items from College Bedding and Bathroom Items, to Collegiate Lamps, Furniture, Wall Art, Rugs, Picture Frames, Baby Bedding and soooo much more! If you want to have floor to ceiling college decor, we can do it (please make sure to ask the wife first, Interior Mall will not be held responsible for fights and/or divorces). We also have all the great dishes and serving platters to help you throw the kind of football party all the neighbors worry about living up to.

For this years' parties try reinventing some of your old classics. Try substituting mini burgers for your traditional hamburger. Sick of the same old chips and dips? Try fondue and bread. Fried Raviolis and Potato Skin Boats are also high on our list. Even traditional football decor can be spruced up. Instead of using solid colored table cloths try our Collegiate Tablecloth fabric or you can even make your own. White felt strips and numbers can be glued on to green fabric to create a one-of-a-kind football field table runner. And Uncle Joe Bob won't even think about setting his sweaty drink down on your table without one of these great College Stoneware Coasters.

Let's also stay away from the infamous paper plate serving tray. We've got great Divided Serving Trays and Platters in all your favorite college teams. We even have Collegiate Mugs for the coffee you will need the next morning. And speaking of the next morning, help yourself out at your football party by having plenty of easy to locate trash bins. By having your trash bins close, your guests will be more inclined to throw their trash away themselves. Stick empty dishes directly into the dishwasher or sink once they become empty and brush away crumbs and loose foods as you prepare your own plate. This will look inconspicuous to guests but will help you in your cleaning duties later.

So here's to high hopes and dreams as our favorite college teams get prepared to start this season September 5th. As always, check out http://www.interiormall.com/ for anything and everything College Football.

Are You Ready For Some NFL Football???

For all you football fans out there... It has begun! The 2009 NFL Football season kicked off with four amazing games last night, just a preview of what we are to expect from our favorite teams this year. **SPOILER ALERT** Last night we had a great rematch between last years' two Superbowl teams, the Cardinals and the Steelers, to affirm the Superbowl Champ's win against the Cardinals once again. The Ravens swept the Redskins at home giving Redskin fans a bleak outlook for the season. The Cowboys and the Raiders also went head to head resulting in a Raiders win of 31 to 10. Finally, The Eagles and the Patriots squared up against each other in a major fight between AFC and NFC with the Patriots prevailing by a mere two points. Four more teams square off tonight to help die hard fans determine who's in this season and who's out.

While you're waiting for your Pigskin Pick 'Ems or Fantasy Football team to load up, check out http://www.interiormall.com/ for all your NFL necessities. We have everything as small as Bottle Stoppers to as large as NFL bedding fit for a King (or Queen or even a Twin). We have hundreds of cotton, fleece and vinyl NFL fabrics in all the major teams. Use fabrics for making blankets, bedding, bandannas, curtains, tablecloths, flags, and so much more! We even have NFL football rugs to display anywhere in your home (even at the front door to ward off opposing team visitors and their bad karma).

At the end of a long football season you can fluff your NFL pillow and climb in to your favorite team sheets with Interior Mall's great NFL Bedding. Be one of the first to outfit your bedroom in 100% NFL. We have everything your football bedroom needs from draperies and valances to accent pillows and comforters.

No excuses now, preseason has started and only fair weather fans haven't visited http://www.interiormall.com/ yet for all your NFL needs. And don't forget, for all you College Football Fans we have all your needs met here too. The 2009 College Football Season starts Thursday, September 3 with 9 major match ups. Check your local listings for times and channels and keep an eye here as Interior Mall keeps you up to date on it all!

Personalized and Just for Kids

Once again, Carrie and I have been furiously working on brand new products to bring to our customers. After working on this one, I just had to share it with all our fans. This is some of the cutest stuff that has come across my desk in quite a while and to top it all off, it's VERY reasonably priced!

Tinitikes is a new company for Interior Mall. They have all sorts of adorable children's furniture and bedroom accessories. They make sofas, chairs, toy boxes, pillows, beanbags and novelty pieces that are just for children. Each piece is completely custom and just for your little one. You choose the piece, the fabric, and the personalization. The best part is that these pieces range from $50 for a beanbag to around $250 for a sofa toy box or sofa sleeper, so there's something for every budget.

Fabrics come in a variety of colors and textures. Available options include vinyl, denim, solid cloth or printed cloth with a ton of patterns to choose from. You can even make your piece extra special by choosing their personalization option. Choose from Script or Block font. Personalization is a great way to let your child know that this piece was created just for them, or choose personalization to avoid ugly sibling fights. Either way, personalizing makes a great addition to any piece.

Too many fabrics to choose from? Not sure which one is just right? No problem! We also offer samples of each fabric so that you know exactly what you are getting, after all, you wouldn't purchase your furniture without first seeing it.

Last, but certainly not least... They also make the CUTEST dog beds! Beds start at under $60 for the small bed and once again, everything is customizable. You can bet my Princess will be getting one of these! Check out http://www.interiormall.com/ for all things new!

We Love WallPOPS!

Interior Mall has been carrying WallPOPS for a little over a year now with great success! We just got in the brand new designs for this year and we just HAD to blog about them. This year they have everything from Retro, Funky Floral, Sophisticated Black and White, Pastels, and Timeless Paisley. All the WallPOPS come in a variety of brilliant and bold colors, sure to make any room "pop".

The best thing about WallPOPS is that they can be cut to any size and shape, they're easily cleaned and they are 100% removable and repositionable. They'll never leave sticky residue or harm walls. (I know I have one from the Heart of Hearts collection on my office wall that I've moved frequently!)

Forget messy wallpaper applications and paint projects that take weeks! WallPOPS can be mixed and matched to create a unique, one of a kind decor that can be changed as often as you like and for a fraction of the cost of wallpaper and paint. Buy your WallPOPS sets today at http://www.interiormall.com/.

We Want Your Pictures!

We here at Interior Mall have been thinking (we stopped quickly after because it started hurting, but we did get one pretty good idea out of the mix), we take your calls day after day and get to hear about what great plans you have for our products but we never get to see the completed project!

InteriorMall.com has been providing you with the best in fabrics, furniture, bedding, blinds and accessories for over a decade and we want to see what amazing things you have created. If you have ever purchased from Interior Mall and made something great out of one of our products we want you to be a part of our Customer Creations Blog.

We've already started getting our pictures together. (Far Right): Toteable Tote made of some of our in stock Premier Prints fabric by Shanna. (Middle): Shelly's new addition, Emma, has a posh new Nursery from Glenna Jean baby bedding. (Bottom Right): Carrie's got a new shirt from Michael Miller fabrics made by Shanna.

Send all your great Interior Mall product pictures to Design@InteriorMall.com with the title "Customer Creations". We can't wait to see what all our customers have been up to.

NEW DIAPER CAKES

I just wanted to take some time to send out a new product update. One of our fabulous baby bedding companies has just launched a line of diaper cakes.

Each cake contains: Jersey Bodysuit (1), Jersey Bib (1), Twill Mini Floral Washcloth (1), Twill Large Floral Burp (1), Washcloth Toppers (2), 40 Diapers (size 1).
If you love these make sure to check out our large selection of baby bedding.

Summer Craft Projects

Spring brings renewal and fresh ideas and summer holds warm weekends at the lake or by the pool sharing good company with friends and family. To save money, many people are looking for alternative things to do instead of going to a movie or taking a weekend trip. While these small craft projects may not last an entire weekend, they are a good start and a great way to get your creative, crafty juices flowing.

A great afternoon project that is not only fun but an excellent way to change up your dinner table or picnic table for the summer time is Fabric Napkin Rings.

Choose your favorite light weight fabric, such as a bandana or anything 100% cotton and your favorite buttons. Cut your fabric into 6 x 9 inch strips. Fold each strip into thirds lengthwise and then into thirds widthwise. Sew a button onto one end about an inch from the edge. Make sure to cut a corresponding button hole on the opposite end and voila! You have a cute inexpensive table dressing.

If you are looking for a fun way to renew that old lamp shade, cover it with your favorite fabric. Begin your project by laying a large piece of butcher paper, brown wrapping paper or wax paper onto a table. Lay your lamp shade onto the paper with the seam alligning with the end of the paper. Roll the lamp shade on the paper until the paper covers the shade completely. You should end up right back where you started along the seam. Be sure to leave about an inch extra on the top, bottom and along the seam of the shade.

Next lay your piece of paper on top of your fabric being sure to pin the paper to the fabric. Cut the fabric using the paper as your guide.

Test to make sure your fabric is a good fit on the shade. Once tested, using either a spray adhesive or fabric glue, begin by brushing it on the back side of your fabric, then place your shade with the seam at the edge of the fabric as before and roll the shade along the fabric carefully checking that the fabric is not creasing or bubbling. To make sure your fabric fits over the top and bottom of the shade, clip your fabric every half inch. (If needed, close pin in certain places while the adhesive dries.)

Lastly, for all those beach goers this summer, a custom bag might just be the ticket. Check out this bright and colorful bag that one of our customer service representatives made.

Best of all, these great fabrics can be found at InteriorMall.com.

A FANtastic Idea!

With summer creeping in on most parts of the country, Interior Mall has been working on one of our newest websites http://www.hunterceilingfanstore.com/. Here, we have everything from ceiling fans, bathroom fans and vanity lighting, portable fans and all kinds of fan accessories. You can trust that you'll get only the best from Hunter Fans, in business since 1886.

Even http://www.interiormall.com/ is preparing for a sweltering summer. We have added hundreds of new fans to our website and we have fans for every hot summer need you may have. Here's a sneak peak at just a few of our favorites.

Interior Mall has an assortment of great fans. Some of our cutest fans are specifically for children. We have everything from animal fans to airplanes and almost everything in between. Most child fans, like the one seen here, have Whisper wind motors to ensure ultra quiet comfort for your child. Most fans also come with lifetime warranties so you can let Little Timmy play as rough as he wants around his new fan.

We also have outdoor ceiling fans and outdoor table and floor fans available. They have the sleek designs of a regular indoor fan but are UL Wet Listed to endure the outdoors. Outdoor fans have a no rust construction and make a wonderful addition to any backyard party. Once the party's over, you can feel free to leave your fans outdoors. (Fans should not be left outside in severe weather.)

If traditional isn't your thing, Interior Mall also has some interesting and Unique Fans. These fans range in size and shape, and make for an interesting conversation piece. These fans, like the one shown, are handcrafted metal and can be purchased from http://www.interiormall.com/ for under $100.

Finally, for the rough and tumble working man, we have heavy duty Jobsite Fans. These fans have 3 speeds and 150W halogen lights to brighten your work area. These fans can carry up to 200lbs of gear to your jobsite and come with a rugged wheel construction. Jobsite fans come with a 5 year warranty.

No matter what your style, or what your need, Interior Mall has a fan to keep you cool this summer.

Mother's Day Countdown

Officially, there are only 9 days left until Mother's Day. And in case anyone has ever wondered here's a bit of history on where Mother's Day actually came from.

Mother's Day goes back all the way to ancient Greece where Rhea, the Mother of the God's was praised. Later, early Christians used this day to honor the mother of Christ, Mary. This holiday would later include all mothers and would be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Cakes were brought as gifts to mothers but lack of time once the Americas had been settled led to a declining participation.

After the Civil Way the celebration was re-introduced and later, on December 12, 1912 the Mother's Day International Association was born. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May to be observed as Mother's Day in honor of all mother's.

Like many others, we've all been scrambling around the office for great, one-of-a-kind gifts to honor some of the greatest women we know. We thought our beloved readers would love to know what we've come up with.

We found these great sweet smelling DIY sachets on the Martha Stewart website. All you need are four 4-in squares and a little sewing knowledge. Cut the squares out of your favorite printed or solid fabrics, we suggest some of our new Michael Miller cotton prints. Place fabrics right sides facing and sew sides together making sure to leave a 1-in opening. Turn fabric right side out and fill with lavender, cedar or any of mom's favorite scents.

While we were there, we also came across some beautiful and easy homemade earrings. Grab some unique tassels and earring backs that can be obtained from any craft store. Use pliers to open the loops in the earring backs and insert the tassels. Bend the loop back and you've got a unique set of earring any mom would love.

For those not inclined to crafty things, http://www.interiormall.com/ has some great gifts for mom for under $25. Also consider, a custom initial bottle stopper or a beautiful Olivia Riegel photo frame. Whatever the route you choose, crafty or otherwise, make sure to stop in for all the latest and greatest products from Interior Mall.

Love You Mom!

We Make Life Easy!

Carrie and I have been working like crazy putting up some great new products. After she put up Alexander Henry fabrics, she started working on beautiful children's bedding sets from Olive Kids. Bedding sets range from pirates to cowboys, flowers to cupcakes and all the dinos and trucks in between. Bedding sets are around $169 for comforter and sheet sets and the accessories start at only $9.00!

Meanwhile, I have been consumed by drapery rods and hardware. And by consumed, I mean I had a dream I was being pulled by a traverse rod last night! Besides my drapery nightmares, we have some amazing new products going up on our website http://www.interiormall.com/.

One of my favorites now, is the EasyPull Traverse Rod System. These traverse systems come in over 25 colors in single rods and double rods. They are one of the only decorative traverse rods that is still heavy duty, holding 8 lbs. per foot. These systems come with the track (from 4-12 ft.), decorative wood fascia, brackets for mounting, and snap in rings and glides. These systems come standard with a 72in cord drop which uses a unique pump action spring mechanism that allows a pull and release action that operates draperies with ease. The great news is that you never have to restring these! A right or left draw is already built in.

These are just some of the great new products Carrie and I are putting up daily. Check back at http://www.interiormall.com/ for more awesome new products!