Inside Design With Kandrac & Kole

1. Intro As of today, we have (19) projects in the works all in different stages of completion. They range from an upcoming consultation, proposal stage, design phase, waiting on product phase, complete and waiting upcoming install phase. No day is the same at K&K so we thought we give you some insight and story lines behind a few of the projects we are currently working on. 2. A Color Happy Sunroom and Kitchen Refresh A. Our color crazy and pattern brave client wants to redesign her sunroom which is off her kitchen to be her personal space to read a book, relax and have wine with her girlfriends. i. Recovering (4) Stanley chairs with a colorful Thibaut patterned fabric ii. Console for serving food iii. Statement light fixture B. Custom made kitchen table to fit a tight space C. Painting of all cabinetry and new hardware 3. A New Build From the Ground Up A. A repeat client with (2) teenage daughters and busy medical careers are overwhelmed with the volume of details that need to be addressed. i. Selection

1. Intro – What is the furniture market? A. The largest home furnishings trade show in the world. i. 10 million square feet ii. 2,000 Exhibitors iii. 180 Buildings iv. 75,000 attendees v. April and October vi. We walk about 15,000 – 20,000 steps per day! B. Who Attends i. Furniture store retailers ii. Interior Designers iii. Bloggers iv. Buyers v. Press 2. Social and educational Events A. Seminars – Color, what to charge, new product licensing, Instagram and Social Media for Business B. Showroom breakfasts, lunches and dinners C. Showroom parties D. Style Spotters – track the latest trends and post to their favorites to Pinterest boards E. Design Bloggers Tour – 10 Bloggers sponsored by showrooms  - share their insights and discoveries from market. 3. A Typical day for Kandrac & Kole A. Agenda – a laminated list of parties, buildings and alphabetical listing of vendors. B. Plan the day – (by location) C. See key upholstery manufacturers to sit in new pieces, take notes and lots of photos D. View new produ

1. Intro – how we jumped in feet first A. All the legal stuff – Tonya’s boxer advise about the coaches in your corner i. Business License ii. S Corp filing iii. Buy Sell Agreement iv. Life Insurance v. Liability and Errors & Omissions vi. Bookkeeper and CPA B. Our office i. At home ii. Turning lemons into lemonade during the recession – moving to Acworth then Kennesaw iii. Hiring our first sub contractor (now employee) and a slew of interns 2. Software A. Excel and QB to Studio Webware 3.  Setting up our office A. Efficiency of operations  - our client binders and accounting files – neat an orderly B. Our office set up C. Meeting with clients in a professional atmosphere – our conference room 4. Building relationships A. Manufacturers B. Artisans C. Operations – receiving, delivery, installers, workrooms D. Most of all -our clients! 5. Our client process A. Qualifying – Amy B. Consultation C. Design Proposal (aka the contract) D. Getting to work E. Preso Day F. Install Day 6. Our commitment to social medi

Join Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole as they answer all your questions regarding design, business, travel, etc. 1.  Design related question: A. Christine from Marietta, GA a. I love your work and I love your show and wanted to ask a question about pairing different elements within the same room.  Do you have any tips on how best to mix design elements that normally wouldn’t be paired together, for example, antiques with modern pieces? 2.  BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP QUESTION: A. Michelle from Atlanta, GA a. It’s Michelle with a quick question regarding your partnership.  Since you are a team how do you divvy up your time and your responsibilities when it comes to office work as well as projects? 3.  Selecting the Right Sofa: A. Sarah Beth Wright from Dahlonega, GA a. We are searching for the perfect sofa for our living room.   We are looking for something that is both functional and beautiful.  How on earth can we combine both?  We want something that is comfortable and that we won’t be embarrassed to sit on when we ha

What is a blog?  Join Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole as they share why they started the Kandrac & Kole blog back in 2009 and how it has benefited them and their business. 1.  Why? A. Attracts an audience Decide what type of person you want to attract Create topics and articles that your audience will find interesting B. Great marketing tool It costs relatively nothing Your blogs can be shared and “lives” online forever You can “advertise” yourself without it sounding like an ad C. Tells your story It is your voice Be authentic Be honest D. Makes you an authority on a subject or subjects Talk about mistakes and what you’ve learned Give examples Give your audience a reason to come back E. Creates opportunities Brands will reach out to you Guest blog – portray yourself in front of another audience and gain followers Blog Tours, DIY projects, get free product F. You can make money from it Affiliate Marketing – earning a commission by recommending a product or service to your followers Blogging for br

Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole have learned a lot in 13 years so join them as they share what they know.  They’ve seen the same issues time and again in house after house and they've shared many of their tips in Part 1. Join them as they share even more tricks that everybody can use in their homes. 1.  Intro We had so much to discuss during Part 1 of this series that we thought we’d just continue sharing some designer tricks we’ve learned over the years. But first, let’s discuss Joann’s Italy trip for a few minutes….. 2.  Buy the right size! A.     Shower curtains and tricks to lengthen B.     Coverlets – supersized C.     Art – follow the 2/3 rule D.     Lamp Height E.     Pillows and forms 3.  How to stylize a bookcase A.     Varying heights and layering with books and acrylic stands B.     Varying the shelf heights C.     Frames – make it personal D.     Books tell your story E.     Bigger is better – don’t clutter F.     Change the hardware G.     Light it up – sconces over the top 4.  How to dress a bed A.

Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole talk with Tasha Elrod from MODA Floors and Interiors (https://www.modafloorsandinteriors.com) about how to make selections for a new build. 1. FLOORING A. What is the difference between Hardwoods and Engineered Hardwoods? i. Different kinds of species of woods – Oak vs. Hickory vs. Maple etc. ii. Is there a big cost difference? iii. Is one better than the other (say in a basement). B. What is Luxury Vinyl? i. Where is this best used? ii. Cost?  C. Tile that looks like Hardwood – Hilton Head and Chattanooga projects  i. Is this a big trend? ii. Cost? iii. Sound issues – especially with pets nails? 2. STONE VS. TILE A. What can be used on a floor vs. on a wall? B. What are you seeing as the most commonly used in backsplashes? C. What size tiles are you seeing used the most on the floor? In a shower? D. Grout colors – the forgotten detail 3. TRENDS – SELECTING WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND – CHOICES THAT ARE CURRENT AND INTERESTING BUT WILL LAST A. Concrete tiles for backsplashes B. Subway

Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole have learned a lot in 13 years so join them as they share what they know.  They’ve seen the same issues time and again in house after house so during this episode they will share some tricks that everybody can use in their homes. 1. HOW TO MEASURE – GO BIGGER THAN YOUR COMFORT ZONE A. Keep your measurements in your bag at all times with a small tape measure   B. Art above a sofa - Should be ⅔ the width of the sofa C. Rugs – Dining room – 36” wider on all sides to allow chairs for easy pull out – consider layering D. A chandelier over a table E. Pendants over an island – 36-40” top of island to underside of   fixture F. Bar vs. counter height stools  - 24-26 counter, 30-32” bar G. Window treatments – where to mount your hardware H. Swivel chairs with tables I. Arm height J. Distance between edge of seating and coffee table – 18” 2. HOW TO INSTALL A GALLERY WALL A. Minted.com B. Potterybarn.com C. Museum glass 4. PRODUCTS A. FLOR rugs B. Etsy  - custom products of all kinds – our li

1. Intro a) Using your talents to help others is a rewarding experience. Helping those less fortunate to have a sense of home has been a goal and mission for Kandrac & Kole. b) Starting with a “princess room” for Emma and onto Room Service Atlanta, Dwell with Dignity and Guatemala mission trips, our deeds have been varied and purposeful. 2. Making Generosity Part of our Growth Strategy a) EMMA – child of a 25 -year old mother who was a victim of domestic violence and had to move in with Grandparents.  She was 2 and her brother was 11 months old. We were asked by family members if we could help with bedroom.  That was back in 2011. Read blog titled “My Good Deed”. i. Reaching out to family members, vendors, clients and colleagues to help us with our mission. ii. Jay Scott and Joan Looney – original art on walls iii. The closet factory – bookshelves iv. Family – Brother and Sister in law – Cinderella Carriage Bed v. Others – books, beanbag, growth chart, and monetary donations b) ROOM SERVICE ATLANTA – Laun

Every design project has a challenge (or sometimes several). Some are fun and challenging to deal with and some are not so fun. Join Kelly and Joann as they share stories from their many client projects and what they’ve learned over the years. IN THIS EPISODE: 1. Intro a. Every design project has a challenge (or sometimes several) some are fun and challenging to deal with and some not so fun - but in the end, we are always learning – even after all of these years. b. Some challenges are presented by a client and some are inherent to the project and the reason why we are being hired.  We thought you’d get a kick out of the inside scoop on our world. 2. Design challenge #1 – The dreaded recliner a. Client “Please redesign my dated awful family room but oh BTW, my husband’s nasty burgundy recliner must stay.” 1. New recliner options 2. Sofas with dual recliners b. The “angled” space plan so that every person can see the TV. 3. DESIGN CHALLENGE #2 – TV Placement a. Not everybody will be able to see the TV b. Symm

Join Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole as they discuss fabrics and their performance, best uses for different fabric types, and designing with pets and kids in mind. IN THIS EPISODE: I. Intro a) What are considered “performance” fabrics b) Properties of Crypton and Sunbrella c) Designing with pets and kids in mind d) Beach House Rental e) Outdoor products II. Performance a) “Performance can mean many things: abrasion, stain resistance, light fastness, flame retardance.” b) Abrasion:  The Wyzenbeek testing method is the most common abrasion testing method in the U.S. A fabric is stretched onto a machine and rubbed back and forth, with signs of wearability checked every 5,000 rubs. c) Stain Resistance – Crypton, Indoor/Outdoor/Microfiber d) Light Fastness - To evaluate fade resistance, a strip of fabric is placed in a large device with part of the fabric protected by a card. The remaining fabric gets a 40-hour blast of light exposure, and results are measured from 1 to 5.  A score of 4 is generally considered good f

Join Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole as they share paint color trends, especially reflected in the automobile, fashion and interior design industries. IN THIS EPISODE: I. Intro a) Color trends – The major playersb) Our favorites NOWc) Our favorites over the yearsd) Our Not so favorites II. Pantone – What is it? “As individuals around the world become more fascinated with color and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands are turning to companies like Pantone that forecasts global color trends for all kinds of seasonal trend forecasting, corporate branding, palette recommendations etc.”   a) Pantone Color of the year for 2018 – 18.3838 Ultra Violet – a bluish purple “Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.” -- “Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionali

Join Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole as they share their insights on their recent trip to the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville and their thoughts on antiques in today’s world of design.   Plus you’ll learn how Joann pulled her antique finds together to style her screened in porch. IN THIS EPISODE: I. What we saw at The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville - Celebrating it’s 28th year this show is the longest-running, largest and most prestigious event of its kind in the country.  It consists of 150 exhibitors , 15,000 attendees a.  Furniture – fine antiques  - you can purchase locally or through One Kings Lane, Chairish, Everything But the House and 1st Dibs. b.  Collections – museum bees, vintage bathing suits c.  Art – Charleston Artist Collective d.  Jewelry – old coins, pins, watches e.  Unique Items – Southern Beasts f.  Concrete planters, Plants, flowers, succulents II. FURNITURE a. Why the millennial crowd doesn’t like brown b. Fine Antiques - Grandmother’s sideboard c. Kelly’s daughter Emory’s dres

Join Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole as they share their insights on how working with a professional designer can save money, help you avoid costly mistakes and how you can take advantage of a professionals buying power. Plus they’ll share their Top 6 Reasons why you should hire an interior designer. What professional help do you pay for already that you may or may not be able to do yourself? a. Financial Planning/CPA/Taxesb. Landscapingc. Paintingd. Plumbing/Electrical e. Car Maintenance and Repairsf. Physical Trainersg. Kelly’s HAIR☺ Dispelling Mythsa. Designers are snobby b. Designers will rip you off c. If you tell a designer what your budget is, they will either ignore it and go over your requested amount or use every penny of it. Our Top 6 Reasons why you should hire an interior designer and how we can relate 1. Save Money -- Avoid costly mistakes -- Take advantage of our buying power Professional, Honest Advice-- We are looking at your home with fresh eyes -- We will be straight up honest with ou

KBIS is really the voice of the kitchen and bath industry. Hear about their third trip with Modenus – the first being to Salone del Mobile in Milan and the 2nd being to KBIS in Las Vegas.  Modenus Blogtour is run by Veronika Miller. She and her team hand select interior design bloggers from around the country to travel to international design events to bring their readers the latest interior design trends. The event is paid for by Sponsors who are leaders in the kitchen and bath industry. Thermador – http://www.thermador.com 1. Home Connect – using technology with your appliances 2. Entertainer’s Dishwasher Wilson Art – https://www.wilsonart.com - Laminate and how it’s changed – 1.  Colorful graphic patterns, wood grains 2.  Virtual Design Gallery Mr. Steam – http://www.mrsteam.com - Health and wellness benefits – 1. What is required for installation 2.  Benefits 3. Technology Sink Faucets – unique finishes like Matte Black, Carbon Bronze and Satin Brass American Standard -  Spectra Collection showerhead with

Inside Design with Kandrac and Kole is hosted by two nationally published Atlanta Interior Designers, Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole. These energetic women are also world travelers, charity givers and bloggers with a wealth of information to share and stories to tell about the interior design world. Join them every week for a lively conversation about the latest trends, travels to industry events, current design projects (the good, the bad and the ugly), do’s and don’ts, product recommendations and more. Just a warning - this is going to be fun and not too serious! After all, they do still have an interior design business running at full speed.  IN THIS EPISODE: Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole introduce you to their world of design as they share their background on what brought them to this place and why they are doing a podcast to share their wealth of information about design, life and business to the world! Hello World! Basic intro of our Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs office in Kennesaw –