Five days and 1000 pictures later…

There is a lot going on here at Soicher Marin, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves for SM2 (yes we are still developing, it never ends) and big changes happening in general. We will be sharing it all soon and you guys are going to love it! So for now, while I am off working on the next big project (we have a new licenced collection coming out with a HOT HOT HOT designer) please enjoy these pictures of SM2 as it keeps pumping out from the factory. My favorite thing about working here is actually seeing the things I have stared at on my computer for hours and hours on end actually get printed and framed, that is when it becomes real, and there is a lot of that happening around here right now. I’m giddy with excitement to look through the stacks of art all around the office!

-tracy

Ok, so as you all probably know, we are busy working on SM2 for the upcoming fall High Point Market. We are now in the process of printing and framing the samples that will go to the showroom. I wanted to share some of those pieces with you as we get them framed. This is just the beginning of a huge line that I think you all will LOVE when you see it in person. I wish I had a bigger house to hang it all in! I am so excited and am trying to figure out which pieces I want for myself ,  it is such a hard decision!!! This is the first round that have come out of the factory many, many  more to come!

Enjoy!

-tracy

We have been super busy around here getting the SM2 line ready for the OctoberHigh Point Market. I know it might seem a little early, but we still have a lot to do! We have to finalize all the sizing, make sure all categories are covered, create test prints, start framing, enter everything in the database, price, catalog, build a website, re-work weak ideas, and finally decide what makes the cut for High Point and what doesn’t. Now all of that wouldn’t be a problem if it was the only thing going on, but thankfully we are really busy with projects and orders on top of that so we are all running around trying to get everything done and consuming lots of coffee (well at least I am). Luckily we have a great team around here and I get a lot of help from my fav digital ladies Allison and Amanda !!(they did most of the stuff you see below)Woo Hoo!! So lets get to the good stuff…here are some more SM2 previews. I hope you all enjoy!!!

-Tracy

From time to time we get asked for advice on proper hanging technique and arrangement of art. Although there are a few standard rules, they are often open to interpretation based on the given space and style of art. Here are a few simple tips to remember that should make most hanging project a breeze. And remember, the greatest artists were never afraid to paint outside the lines.

Proper Hanging Height

In most situations art should be hung at standing eye level. Of course this varies, but on average this is typically 55 to 66 inches. Depending on the ceiling height of the given space, such as high vaulted ceiling, you may choose to hang slightly higher. For a lightly furnished room with low hung ceilings, you may choose to hang slightly lower.

When hanging above furnishings, such as sofas or case goods, 10 to 12 inches is recommended. Remember, you art and framing should serve as a compliment, or extension of the furnishings you decorate with. Hang too high, and you disrupt the eye with competing objects. It is also best to limit your width to no more than 75% the width of the object you are hanging above. Too wide, and you will create a sense of awkwardness, or imbalance.

Size and Orientation

Size selection is critical to your successful display of art, and your overall room design. Large open walls will typically call for larger scale works or groupings. Smaller walls will call for more moderately sized works and small groupings.

Vertical and horizontal orientation is always an important consideration when selecting a proper location to hang a work of art. On narrow walls, you should avoid hanging strong horizontal works. Instead, select a single vertical piece, or vertical grouping, that provides sufficient space on either side.

Illusion is important in making the most of your projects. Selecting strong horizontal works and groupings can seem to lengthen the appearance of your room, giving an increased sense of depth. Conversely, selecting strong vertical works and groupings can give you an increase sense of ceiling height, making your room appear taller.

Look for more tips on hanging technique and group design in upcoming posts of soichermarinsays.com. And, if you have any specific questions you would like addressed on this topic please feel free to comment.

Much Success! -AG

We  make scores of decisions every day: what shows to watch on T.V., whether to watch T.V. at all, or read a book, what to eat, what to wear, whom to  have as friends. The choices are limitless, yet we sort them quite efficiently based on a value system we adopted long ago. Is there such a mechanism at our place of work?

Core Values within an organization, large or small, are the commandments of all behavior. Whom to hire, what to sell, what to represent as an entity, how to treat employees, social responsibility, and on and on. Too often these values are posted on websites as a menu of ethics, when indeed, they should be private and for a company’s internal consumption. After all, we don’t walk around with our [personal] code of ethics pinned to our backs. We teach it to our kids, share it with our closest friends and in general, live by them.

On April 3rd, we launch a new feature on this Blog: Stores we Love. In our editorial meeting we discussed what our criteria should be. Many opinions were rendered, discussions ensued, tears were shed, fists were thrown (just kidding). Armando looked up from his silence and simply said: “candidates should embody our Core Values.” We were stunned by the simplicity and elegance of his utterance. Of course. The criteria is self evident as we reviewed our own values that are posted boldly in our main conference room. This meant of course, that a Store we Love and want to feature, may not necessarily be our customer if we are true to our values! We love Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen. They are not our customers.

In the coming weeks we will share with you (mostly, but not exclusively) retail Furniture & Design Studios that bring something genuine, meaningful and fresh to the table. Stores who live by the laws of integrity and innovation, who care about pleasing their customers, have impeccable taste and are passionate about what they do. We hope you love them too.

-EM