- - - - Accent Interiors - - - - - - - - - What's New - - -

A Clarification of My Last Post

2011-12-07T09:54:00.001-06:00

On my previous post I said we were Wichita's only Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer, which is incorrect. There are three Showcase Dealers in Wichita, two are home based. We are the only Showcase with a store front that you can walk into and see full sized working samples of most of the Hunter Douglas products. We also have have 4 people in the store who have passed the Certified Professional Hunter Douglas Dealer Program. Go Team!

Think Windows

2011-12-03T10:40:00.001-06:00

Wichita's Only Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer

If you haven't been in to see our new Hunter Douglas Showcase please make it a point to do so. I know many of you don't want to try and update your windows this close to Christmas, no matter who's coming. Be aware though, that H-D has such a vast array of fabulous products and you might do well to take time from shopping, at our wonderful store, to start educating yourself on the many beautiful and energy efficient window treatments available. The Creme Brulee coffee is pretty wonderful too. Bill

2011-10-07T16:57:00.000-05:00

"THE ART OF WINDOW DESIGN”—A PASSION FOR FASHION Oct. 22

Nicole Scolari and I will show you how easily fashion and functionality can combine in new window treatments for your home. Bring your window problems for beautiful solutions.
Call 681-3361 to reserve your seat for this FREE 9:30 am seminar.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE! Oct. 27-29

It’s that time of year again and like everyone else we can hardly wait for the holidays! Come on in and enjoy refreshments, pick-a-box discounts and prize drawings while you see what's new for this fall and winter.

Get your holiday decorating "FIX" at our Holiday Open House!

Mid Sept. E-Newsletter

2011-09-11T07:45:00.000-05:00

Accent Interiors at theWallpaper Place

This weather is almost worth the wait!

Hunter Douglas Open House —

ur “Grand Opening” of the Hunter Douglas Priority Showcase we installed was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who turned out including everyone from WIBA (Wichita Independent Business Association) and Dan McGrath, our Hunter Douglas rep. The number of people in to see us and inquire about out free in-home window design service and H-D rebates was very gratifying.

In-store Framed Art Trunk Show — Wednesday, Sept. 14

usually try to give you a little more notice, so forgive me for the lateness of this, but… Matt Heaton of Ashton Framed Art will be here Wednesday from 10AM to late afternoon. All of our art is on sale the entire week but on Weds. Matt will have literally hundreds of full sized prints you can choose from and you can pick the frame and if necessary the matting, for a custom piece of art at 20% off. Delivery time on these one-of-a-kind pieces is usually 6 to 8 weeks, so it is perfect for the holidays.

Call (316-681-3361) as soon as you can to reserve a time slot.

No White Walls after Labor Day!

f you haven’t heard of this fashion rule before, don’t panic. To help you get past this faux pas we are putting our already discounted in-stock wallcoverings on sale. You will get 20% off of the discounted prices, even on the closeouts. Wallpaper is back and white walls are out. If your friends haven’t told you, come in and talk to us, it’s cheaper than getting new friends, easier too!

Bill’s Design Tip

ye level, mid level and floor, as someone enters your home this is where their eyes will go. This is your chance to totally remake the first impression your room gives as it is entered. Eye level is wall, window, artwork and all three are on special right now. It doesn’t get better than this, great selection, great professional advice and a great price to boot. Come on in you’ll be glad you did. Bill

If you have questions or comments please send them to bill@accentinteriors.netand I will get it. Bill

We share our mailing list with no one. If you wish to be removed send a reply tonews@accentinteriors.net with “remove me” in the subject line and we will darken your e-step no more.

Just me and one hundred beautiful women!

2011-06-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

If you look at the photos to the right you will see the "rest of the story". I did a presentation for the West Wichita Christian Women's Club on Friday June 24th. The group was great as was the brunch and conversations after the meeting. Thanks to all for having me come to your event. If you have a group that is looking for a guest speaker please give us a call at 316-681-3361. Both Nicole and Vicki have given presentations, as well as me, for groups in the store and at meeting sites all over Wichita and surrounding areas. So we can and would love to do something for your organization. Bill

Happy 40th at Sake

2011-05-22T16:41:00.000-05:00

As you can see above my lovely wife of 40 years (yes I am a cradle robber) and I enjoyed the great decor and fabulous food at Sake to celebrate our anniversary. I can take no credit for the food but I will say some of the decor and design advice came from Accent Interiors. If you haven't been to the former site of Kobe in Carriage Parkway, please treat yourself, soon! Bill

You gotta get in to see us!

2011-05-16T16:28:00.000-05:00

If you haven't been in since the huge make over you need to come in soon, unless you don't have any windows in your house! If you are asking yourself, "What huge makeover?" then you haven't been in. We are now a Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer and that is a very big deal indeed. I will try to post some pictures in the next couple of days so keep apprised and click below and go to our new Hunter Douglas web site and see some of the great thinks you can do there, like see H-D stuff on your windows. Be talking to you soon. Bill
Accent Interiors Showcase

Nicole hits another one out of the park

2011-03-28T15:02:00.001-05:00

If you didn't make it to Nicole and Linda's seminar, "What Windows are Wearing in 2011" you can get a little of the spirit of it from the photos in the slide show to the right but you missed a great presentation. Click on it to see larger photos. Bill

Newest of the New for Spring Open House

2011-03-14T18:09:00.000-05:00

Look to the slideshow on the right and you will see what has just come in the back door. It is the last of the new decor items for our 2011 Spring Open House. Hope to see you in the store! Bill

Michael Payne with Bill and Nicole

2011-02-16T18:19:00.001-06:00

I know you're thinking, "Nicole must be as tall as Candice Olson!" Well not quite but as you can see both of us tower over Michael Payne, but only in height. Michael is warm, funny and extremely articulate not to mention one heck of a designer. All this is leading up to reminding you all to come in and sign up to win a $10,000 makeover with Accent Interiors, Exciting Windows! and Michael Payne. Hope to see you soon.

Why Exciting Windows!?

2011-02-14T13:27:00.000-06:00

On Friday Feb. 11 2011, Nicole and I had the opportunity, thanks to Steve and Cherie Roellchen and their One Stop Decorating Family, to meet and talk with Michael Payne. Many of you will remember Michael from "Decorating for the Sexes" on HGTV or maybe his book "Let's Ask Michael - 100 Practical Solutions for Interior Design Challenges". I can tell you now Michael is a great deal of fun to be around, as well as being a top drawer designer. He is also the voice of Exciting Windows! and those of you on our e-newsletter list should be getting his monthly design tips (If not let me know). Well I need to keep going so we can all be ready for the 2011 Women's Fair this Friday thru Sunday. Hope to see you there. Don't forget we have the "girlfriend tickets" thru Thrus. that will get 2 people in for only $11. See you there! Bill

Sake Steakhouse and Sushi

2011-01-28T13:17:00.001-06:00

We just had the privilege of doing some of the wall treatments and all of the window treatments at the new Sake Steakhouse and Sushi Restaurant at 650 N Carriage Parkway in Wichita. This was the old Kobe but this restaurant is anything but old. Drop in and check out the wonderful food (I give it 5 stars) and while you're there check out the decor. I think it's 5 star too!

Window Treatments: Balancing Function and Fashion

2011-01-27T12:24:00.000-06:00

Each Homeowner expects something different from window treatments. Some desire light and privacy control, while others value the view. Still others are concerned about energy savings.

Regardless of what functions are required by homeowners, they also expect their window coverings to be beautiful.

Fortunately, today’s window coverings do an excellent job of meeting the function and fashion needs of today’s consumer. New products are emerging with fresh colorations, patterns and textures.

Mechanisms of blinds and shades now make operations smoother, safer and easier. Child safety has been a major concern that has lead to some major innovations. There are blinds, horizontal and vertical, that are a fusion of sheer and solid fabric. Light, privacy and energy control have been presented in virtually every product type. And all this has come through with fashion finesse.

Whether your prime concern in treating a window is energy efficiency, privacy or light control, you will not have to sacrifice beauty for function. With today’s window treatments, you can have it all.

Have a Blessed and Joyous Christmas

2010-12-23T12:52:00.000-06:00

From me and mine, all of us here at Accent Interiors, I want to wish you and yours a most Blessed and Joyous Christmas and if we don't see you before then have a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year! Bill

The 24-Hour Test - Invaluable For Color Selection

2010-12-06T09:31:00.000-06:00

Since lighting affects color, it stands to reason that color changes under varying lighting situations. This can create havoc when choosing paint or wallcovering because a color appears one way in the store and another way in the room.

While in the store, check paint chips and wallcovering samples in daylight as well as under artificial lighting. Store lighting can differ greatly from home lighting.

Take home no more than three different color and wallcovering samples. Fewer alternatives make the final color decision easier.

It's helpful to tape four paint chips together because larger color samples are easier to judge. Cut off white borders, which can be distracting.

If you think the paint chips are correct, buy a quart of paint in this color. Paint a large sample card to hang on the wall. Then cut a large sample of coordinating wallcovering or borrow the sample book to take home.

Judge samples of paint and wallcovering in the room where they will be used. Stand the color samples upright to duplicate the way light strikes a wall surface. Tape or prop wallcovering samples on the walls where they will be hung.

Check your samples from time to time over the course of a 24-hour day. Notice how the color changes under varying lighting situations. If a room is most often used at a particular time of day, look at the color carefully at this time.

Indoor lighting will vary from natural daylight, which has a blue cast at midday and a warm orange tint at sunrise and sunset. Furniture, woodwork and floors reflect their own colors onto the walls. All these factors will affect the appearance of color.

By carefully selecting samples, and observing them in a room during a 24-hour period, you can make your color choices correctly the first time, every time.

Choose a Wallcovering Pattern to Create or Complement Decor

2010-11-29T12:09:00.000-06:00

When drapes, carpeting or upholstery establish the atmosphere in a room, the wallcovering should be chosen as a coordinating pattern to complete the decor.

Keep two things about pattern in mind; color and scale. Colors should be alike—scale should not. Visual variety is the key.

When a wallcovering is the beginning focus, it's easy to borrow its colors for the rest of the furnishings. A background color might be used for the woodwork, a medium range for the carpeting and the most outstanding color for accents.

When choosing a pattern, consider the size of the room being decorated. The smaller the room the more important it is that the open, unpatterned or negative space be large. If the pattern is very close together it gives the illusion of smallness and intimacy, which might be great in a medium to large room but not in a small room.

Think about the scale of the pattern itself. Will it harmonize with other design elements in the room? Does it go with the furniture?

When patterns are selected carefully, the wallcovering can work with the furnishings to create a unified, custom look. A contemporary room can get its visual energy from a vigorous geometric paper, deftly balanced by the quiet solids of the carpet and modular sofas, accented by the coordinating fabric on the chairs.

Whether planning a room around wallcovering, or planning around furnishings and tying it all together with wallcovering—a balanced, custom look should always be your result.

Wallcovering Should Reflect Your Personality and Lifestyle

2010-11-20T17:19:00.000-06:00

Wallcovering can be the start of a fresh new personality for a room—but it should also reflect your personality and lifestyle.

When choosing the right wallcovering for any room begin by deciding what's right for you, your family and the way you like to live.
Are you more, or less formal? Will you be decorating around period furnishings or a particular style of architecture?
Do you want to create an elegant and romantic atmosphere or one that is relaxed and easy-going? The
answers will help guide your choice of style and color in wallcoverings.

Next, the practical considerations. Where is the wallcovering going? Will it be in for a easy life or for heavy duty in a highly trafficked area? These answers will help you choose the right type of wallcovering for a room. Your options are virtually endless: everything from moderately-priced machine-printed papers and durable fabric-backed vinyls to elegant hand-printed designs.
You can choose from wallcovering materials ranging from grasscloth to textured "strings." You can opt for wallcovering that is embossed, featuring raised areas created by impressing a design or texture into the wallcovering.
Some wallcoverings, known as metallics, are printed on foil or other metallized material. Many newer wallcoverings are dry strippable, eco friendly, stain-resistant and maintenance-free.
When it comes to wallcoverings, there is everything in the world to choose from—there is something out there to create a new personality for your room that is in keeping with your personality and your needs.

7 good wishes to the Studio Girls

2010-11-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the big "7 Ways to De-Stress..." event at Accent Interiors. So if you read this before 9AM on Saturday Nov. 13 there may be time to call 316-681-3361 and get in on this very informative, very fun event. Good Luck Ladies! Bill

7 Tips to help you de-stress and actually enjoy the Holidays!

2010-11-09T17:12:00.000-06:00

The 7 tips alluded to above is happening Saturday November 13 at 9AM. Vicki and Nicole (we are talking about 30 to 40 combined years of design experience) are hosting this wonderful event and YES there will be design ideas for you and Yes you will learn more than where to hide out until January 2nd. Exactly what is it? How would I know this is being called a "feminar" and... well the ladies are doing it and I DO KNOW if they think it is worthwhile it is! So call 316-681-3361 today and see if there are any places left. See you soon! Bill

Preview of Holiday Open House Goodies

2010-10-21T15:14:00.000-05:00

As usual I am forced to do my duty and give "all y'all" a glimpse of some of the pretties popping in the back door destined, usually, for the front. I say usually because two things can happen to stop their trip to the front. First it could be a special order like the chest and two lamps that you will only see if you are very lucky and two if someone sees these photos and comes in saying, "I want to see that (insert name of beautiful object here) that was on your web site. Get the hint? Now look at the photos to the right and see if you want to wait for the Open House on Oct 28-30. Bill

Exciting News - Exciting Windows

2010-09-29T08:12:00.000-05:00

I am writing this as we attend a very intense seminar to prepare us to become “Exciting Windows at Accent Interiors”. There is no way I have time before the next seminar begins, to tell you why we are so thrilled to be part of this tremendous organization of professional in-home window consultants. So let me ask you to go to www.excitingwindows.com and look. Within the next week you will receive your first copy of “MyHome News - Window Ideas from Exciting Windows”, please take the time to check out the wealth of information it contains including the column by design celebrity Michael Payne of HGTV's “Designing for the Sexes.” Michael started out as a client and became the spokesman for Exciting Windows. I know you will not be disappointed by the newsletter or the fantastic way we will be able to help you make your home even more beautiful – guaranteed.

Wow - There is so much to tell you!

2010-09-18T15:41:00.000-05:00

I am late as usual but it was worth it. First let me tell you that there will be a Seminar taught by me and Nicole Scolari on Saturday Sept 25th. That's right NEXT Saturday at 2:30PM in the store - Call 316-681-3361 now for details and to reserve a place. Feel free to wear your "Race for the Cure" T-shirt as most of the Accent Interiors Design Divas will be doing the same thing.
Our Customer Rewards Program is going great and when you're in be sure to add your newest purchase to your card! If you don't know what I mean, you haven't been in for a while but when you do come in, you will be pleasantly surprised. The store is Fall season ready and the colors are magnificent. So do come in soon!
There will be some huge news in the next 2 or three weeks and I will, for sure, be letting you in on it so check back. Well that's it for now. Enjoy! Bill

Holy Moly - it's been a month!

2010-07-10T14:37:00.001-05:00

I am always amazed by how quickly time flies and it's worse when there is a time stamp on it. I swear it seems like a week or maybe two since I posted last. Sorry! At least this is a very good thing to post about. To the right you will see some photos labeled "Summer Clearance". Take my word for it and click on them to see them full screen or whatever because you will want to catch the Sale tags on every photo. The ladies said it was time for a Summer Clearance Sale and I said fine and they went crazy. Come in and see if you don't think they've gone way too far. Why stuff I've never even seen before is already clearance priced. It's Crazy! Bill

THANK YOU WICHITA

2010-06-14T11:54:00.000-05:00

I want to say "THANK YOU" to everyone who was in for our 32nd Anniversary Event. We saw lots of familiar faces and new faces but mostly we saw happy faces! You know as I sit here typing it occurs to me that one of the BIG reasons I love Wichita is partly because of all the happy faces I see. Wichita is an easy place to live and to a very large extent you can make your life what you want it to be. Thanks again for 32 years of your patronage!

Vicki's New Blog

2010-06-10T11:24:00.000-05:00

Great new site for everyone to try, our head designer and very long time employee Vicki Flores has a new blog and if you are into interior design you will like it a lot. Go to http://swatchesandsnippetsfromthestudio.blogspot.com/2010/06/magic-room.html#more and enjoy! Bill

2010 - 1978 = 32

2010-06-09T16:30:00.003-05:00

That's right we have been open 32 years or we are starting our 32nd year, either way it has been a great ride. For me it is particularly satisfying to see wallpaper reclaiming it's place as a primary tool in the interior designers bag of tricks. I have, and my design team has, always been quick to use the huge varieties of backgrounds available to us as a budget stretcher for our clients. Other designers spend thousands of their clients dollars on faux finishes that could be almost exactly recreated with wallpaper for hundreds. Well that is my tirade for the month. Come on by the store and check out the new stuff coming in like the few I've shown on the right. Bill

Is it May 13th Already?

2010-05-12T17:28:00.000-05:00

Hey, there everyone! As usual I have put off this update way longer than I can justify but such is life. I think you will like the photos Debi snapped for me, hopefully showing up just to the right of this missive. It's all on the floor right now so don't be too disappointed if it's already gone when you get here, unless you hustle. See you soon! Bill

Spring 2010

2010-04-01T13:28:00.000-05:00

I am loving the new products coming in to the store, including accessories, furniture, drapery and wallpaper. The pictures over there on the right are, honestly, just a hint of what is really happening. The new looks, the colors, the new feelings of Spring 2010 are making me crazy to redo a room or two at my place. The transitional nature of many of the new products are giving us an opening to start the move from what was cool to what will be. If you don't care at all about fashion you have found the wrong site... move on. If you are into fashion come on by the store and spend an enjoyable 30 to 45 minutes re-energizing your inner designer. Bill

Here is my newest design video. Enjoy!

2010-03-20T15:52:00.005-05:00

Boring or Beautiful is a video I've made to visibly show
the amazing change in a room when nothing more than
the background is changed from boring to beautiful!

Click on the link below and when you're finished click
on the back arrow in the left hand corner to return here.

Boring or Beautiful

Feather Your Nest - Special Happenings

2010-03-10T16:06:00.000-06:00

Our Annual Spring Open House, themed this year's as "Feather Your Nest", starts Thursday March 11 at 10 AM and ends Saturday March 13 at 5 PM. Between those times and dates there will be a lot of new market items leaving the store never to return. Why? Because we believe 2 each of 50 items is much better than 50 each of 2 items. Is this the cheapest way to do things? Heck no, go to any of the big box stores and you will find the cheapest way to do things. We just think our way is the best! Don't forget you can pick a colored egg and get a 15 to 30% discount during our Open House.
Another thing we believe in is "the more the customer knows, the more they appreciate what we do". So our very own Debi Abood will be having another of her semi-famous free seminars. As usual it will be in the store on Saturday morning an hour before we open, in this case Saturday March 20th at 9AM. For 45 to 60 minutes you will be informed, enlightened and entertained. Trust me, Debi's seminars fill up quickly so call 316-681-3361 today and see for yourself why we call Debi the "Accessory Queen"!

The Dallas Market items are arriving and Spring Open House is on the Horizon

2010-02-15T18:15:00.002-06:00

Check the What's New Pic's to the right. Sorry it's been so long but I am out of control as is everyone else here getting ready for the Spring Open House. I'll have more on that soon.

The Dallas Market is over and Spring is on the Horizon

2010-01-30T13:50:00.004-06:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last post but there is and has been lots going on at Accent Interiors/the Wallpaper Place. Most pressing is my " It's Really Wall Decor" mini session. I will be teaching this as a new class at the WSU School of Continuing Education, in the spring. I will, however, be doing a free, Reader's Digest version of my class on Saturday February 13 or 27 at 9AM at the store. Seating is limited and is first come... so call us at 316-681-3361 to reserve a spot.

The Studio Girls at Accent Interiors are back from the Dallas Market and charged up like the Energizer Bunny about the new design trends. We are putting together our Spring Open House Events even as I type, so stay tuned. Better yet sign up for our Accent Interiors E-Newsletter and we will send you info on all the new goings on. You could also sign up as a fan at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wichita-KS/Accent-Interiors-at-the-Wallpaper-Place/107376716889 and all the newest will e-wing it's way to you. Whatever works for you makes us happy. Later all - Bill

For the 30th + time THANK YOU WICHITA!

2009-11-19T16:41:00.002-06:00

Half way through Holiday Open Housse '09

2009-10-23T13:52:00.001-05:00

Almost exactly half way through Holiday Open House '09 and I would say that I personally have sold the last one of a dozen or more items. If you want a good selection of home decor items for the Holidays at a sale price you better hurry. I had four ladies in this morning who found out they all live within a three block area on the far West side of Wichita. One lady had just moved here from Michigan, she said this kind of weather is "balmy" there. Our Holiday Open House brings people in from all over. I had two ladies in from Mulvane. Hope you can make it in. Be sure and say you saw it on the web! Bill

New Stuff not Christmas 10-09

2009-10-15T12:16:00.003-05:00

These items arrived 10-13-09. I wonder if they will still be here for the Holiday Open House on the 22-23-24?

WOW Sept. came and went at a blazing pace.

2009-10-02T14:32:00.003-05:00

I feel bad because I didn't post any "new product" photos in Sept. but most of what is coming in is Christmas stuff and by golly it's too darned early to be showing Christmas stuff, even though we have a very small "sneak preview" area in the store showing a few of the new holiday items. We will be getting in our new art work for our framed art trunk show and sale and I will post it ASAP so you can get an idea of why you should come in next week when all our framed art is 20% OFF or make an appointment to meet with Matt Heaton and order a custom piece also at 20% OFF. Anyway back to work and hopefully I'll have some new photos for you on Monday! If you are thinking of seeing the hundreds of prints Matt will be showing and the huge group of frame styles his company has call 316-681-3361 soon Matt will be here one day only 10-7-09

August is a Busy Month

2009-08-15T10:58:00.003-05:00

Accent Interiors at the Wallpaper Place is having our annual Fall Decorating Open House on Thursday August 20 through Saturday August 22. We will have our draw for a discount but this year it's on one regular priced in-stock item (as always) AND if your total ticket is $200+ it will be on all qualifying products. This applies to candles, lamps, wallpaper, furniture virtually every non-closeout item we have, so the saving can be HUGE!

If you haven't been to our web site recently check out www.accentinteriors.net and while you're there sign up for our newsletter with our monthly design tip.

Debi is back with a "Color Up for Fall" Seminar with limited seating. Debi's seminars are ALWAYS filled so there is no use my wasting space here, except to say;
CALL 681-3361 Now and hope there are spaces left.

Accent Interiors is forming a team for the upcoming Race for the Cure on Saturday, September 26, 2009. We are calling the team "Design Divas"! We would LOVE it if you would join our team! It is simple- just mark "Team" and write "Design Divas" in the spot for the team name on the registration form. We have the forms in the store! See you there!

Well it's back to the grind and hope your month has been as full as mine!

The Background changes everything!

2008-12-13T14:33:00.001-06:00