This is just a simple blog to establish what is new with Hunter Douglas for spring of 2019.
Hunter Douglas Applause Shades
Hunter Douglas Duette and Applause are being re-done with some good adjustments.
- The color ways are being updated to coordinate with current trends.
- Price adjustments are being made to some of the features. For example, the cost of adding DuoLite is being lowered to make it a more cost effective option.
- The Duette line of Hunter Douglas is bringing back the EasyRise option, which is a continuous cord loop. It has been redesigned to be a better and smoother option.
- The Applause and Duette books have been made to coordinate a bit better than they did in the past.
- Enery efficiency ratings will again be a part of the technical information that will be available to help us determine which products are best for your windows.
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Custom Draperies will be available from Hunter Douglas
Hunter Douglas Design Studio is being expanded and launched late this year.
- Hunter Douglas will be introducing a complete drapery line.
- Drapery hardware will be available as part of the program.
- The drapery hardware is very limited.
- Motorization will be part of the traversing drapery hardware.
- The fabrics are done through Carole Fabrics, a division of Hunter Douglas.
- The fabrics will be available “By the Yard” for more custom treatments.
I felt like the fabrics that have been displayed have been very attractive. There is a custom collection of fabrics too, that have been designed by a great NY designer.
Commentary on New Hunter Douglas Spring Release
When I listened to the speakers at the overview, I was underwhelmed. There is nothing truly new about the Spring 2019 Hunter Douglas release. I’m glad that we are getting new Duette and Applause Honeycomb samples. Staying up to date is important in any field of design and these new books will accomplish that.
Kempler Design has been doing draperies for its clients since 1994. We’ve seen all kinds of our suppliers dabble in drapery. I’m curious how this will go. The problem isn’t with Hunter Douglas, but with their dealers. Many of them are used to “hard window coverings”, like blinds, shades and shutters. Drapery design is very different. I’ve talked to so many dealers who have tried drapery design. The majority give it up after realizing how technical and complicated it can be. So, I’m curious to see how Hunter Douglas tries to simplify this process.
The one weak spot I noticed in the Design Studio Drapery program is the drapery rods. They seem to be very entry level. Of course, we can always use more custom drapery hardware for our clientele if desired. They only offer 2 finials and two rod colors. Also, the hardware is not very sturdy, in my OPINION. Keep in mind that they aren’t releasing this until Fall of 2019, so they may make some adjustments between now and then.
We can check back next year around this time to see how the new release will pan out.
About Us
Kempler Design is located in Reno NV and serves the northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe regions with a mobile design showroom. Paul Kempler, its founder is considered a window fashions expert. Kempler Design has been featured in many prestigious projects, including the HGTV dream home in Lake Tahoe. Kempler Design works with homeowners as well as interior design firms looking for a local contact in the Reno/Tahoe area or is available for travel.