In a recent report by the Wall Street Journal more hotel chains are following the trend and showing profitable results.   “When we look at the performance of these hotels…that are well-managed and have exceptional design do outperform,” said Bjorn Hanson, dean of the Tisch Center at New York University.

The “Aloft: A Vision of W” hotels are heavily invested in design to attract the younger crowd and have lobbies with a bar and pool tables.  “We didn’t want to take one of our brands and say, ‘This is just a lite version.’  We thought about everything from what the décor looks like, to how the talent is trained, to what the music is like in the lobby, to what the scent is,” stated Brian McGuiness, senior vice president of specialty brands of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.

Rates at a typical W Hotel can exceed $400 a night, while the Aloft Hotels start at less than $200.  Currently there are 45 Aloft hotels in the U.S. and others scheduled to open in Beijing, Brussels, Abu Dhabi and London by the end of the year.

Hospitality design makes the difference.  At Decorator Industries, our considerable experience in the hospitality industry makes us your first choice when dressing a new property or refurbishing an existing one. From affordable motels to business hotels and luxury properties our referrals tell the story of our success. We are proud of our team’s ability to meet your needs at every level.  From bed coverings to window treatments we offer an array of fashion-forward fabrics .  For further information or a quote please contact us at (866) 326-7521.

Hotels Chains Marketing Younger Customers With Design is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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NBC’s The Today Show featured a report on “glamping” complete with a luxury motorhome.   Host Kathie Lee Gifford introduced the segment with, “an alternative to camping for those of us who love the great outdoors but would rather not sleep with the snakes.”

The segment by consumer correspondent Janice Lieberman featured a lush road trip with two female friends, “not your usual RV gang,” stated Lieberman.  The tony RV rental company Allstar Coach provided a Winnebago Journey for the ultimate glamping experience. “A luxury RV complete with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom,” Lieberman said, capturing the interior.

The women traveled to Normandy Farms Campground in Foxboro, Massachusetts where they were pampered with facials and manicures but also enjoyed the traditional experience of a campfire complete with s’mores and singing.

“With this story, we targeted affluent travelers who want to be pampered, showing that RV camping can equal and surpass a five-star resort hotel experience,” said James Ashurst, vice president of public relations and advertising for RVIA who arranged the segment for the morning television show.

Get your “glamp” on with Decorator Industries‘ premier shades and blinds available in a beautiful collection of fabrics, as well as a variety of accessories and shutters for the RV industry!

With over 22 years of experience in providing superior customer service and meeting customers’ demanding schedule, Decorator Industries has a high reputation amongst the RV industry.  A strong team of professionals, a responsive customer service department and highly skilled craftsmen and women makes Decorator Industries the perfect choice for your RV’s interior.  Contact us today by calling 954.689.0370!

Glamping: The Latest RV Trend is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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A trip to the hospital, especially lengthy stays for surgeries or chemo treatments, can be a daunting visit.  Harsh lighting, faded pastel colored walls, outdated décor, a plethora of medical equipment and staff members coming in and out of your room don’t exactly offer the comforts of home when you’re lying in a hospital bed.  For patients choosing a hospital, the obvious choice is quality clinical care, but The New York Times unveiled another strong factor: amenities.

Dr. Pauline W. Chen reported a patient had switched hospitals due to the “depressing” surroundings.  The chosen hospital had more appealing qualities: ”Its lobby was decorated like a hotel, and the walls were painted in soothing colors.  Doctors and nurses moved about noiselessly on floors covered with wall-to-wall carpeting.”   The patient further proclaimed, “I’m embarrassed to say it, but even the art on the wall makes us feel good.”

Aspects such as privacy curtains, bedding and other decorative accessories are desirable amenities.  The ambiance of a hospital and patient surroundings are valid considerations according to John A. Romley, senior author and research assistant professor at U.S.C., “These amenities may be important drivers of clinical outcomes and, more broadly, satisfaction with care.”  Romley further assessed, “the happiness and joy that these amenities provide for patients over the course of what is otherwise a difficult experience is something we should respect.”

If your healthcare facility could use a “facelift” the well-trained staff at Decorator Industries can create the environment your patients deserve while meeting industry standards.  Working with you every step of the way, our skilled designers will help translate your creative vision into reality.  We provide licensed and trained installation and construction teams to build your concept from start to finish offering flexible scheduling to eliminate any inconvenience to staff and patients during installation.

If you have any questions on creating or updating your facility, please contact the healthcare division of Decorator Industries at 954.689.0370 today!

Hospital Patients Prefer Better Amenities is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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Ah, the joy of a beach vacation.  The sun is shining, the ocean mist fills the air – the tropical allure of your surroundings is exactly what you need to relax and unwind…until you open the door of your lodging and see dull, shoddy and outdated décor.

A recent report by News-Press, an online news service for Southwest Florida, found a daunting number of coastal resort properties are receiving disheartening guest reviews regarding interior design and amenities. These include individually owned condo resorts, mom-and-pop motels, and vacation homes whose interior décor remains as far back as the ’70s.

“It’s a cloud on the horizon we’ve got to deal with,” said Ric Base, president of Sanibel & Captiva islands’ chamber of commerce.

In Fort Myers Beach, dated properties are a “big problem” said Ann Alsop, rental property manager for Tri-Power Realty.  She revealed her belief in property owners failing to plan for upgrades during better economic times and then getting hit by the recession.  “People are hurting,” Alsop said, adding: “No one wants to hear that ‘your apartment is decrepit’ – you’ve got to upgrade.”

Rick Hayduk, LXR Resorts & Hotels regional manager for five properties on Sanibel and Captiva Islands actively monitors guest reviews.   LXR Resorts stated three of their properties, Seaside Inn, Song of the Sea and Sanibel Inn are all scheduled for substantial design improvements with an estimated cost of up to $1 million.

Chris Davison, vice president of operations for Island Inn on Sanibel uses TripAdvisor to gauge customer’s reviews.  He explained his guests enjoyed the “the quaint feel” of the 116-year-old inn but “want all of the comforts of home with that.”  Due to uncomplimentary reviews, the Island Inn has budgeted $400,000 for their hospitality improvements including flooring, window-dressings and furniture.

TripAdvisor director of new initiatives Hank Hudepohl stated, “If a number of guests are sharing a bad experience they’ve had with the condition of the property, it may be time for some renovations.”

Don’t let a bad review deter future guests -keep your properties fresh and your satisfaction rate high! Whether you’re refurbishing an entire complex or single units, Decorator Industries will work with you to meet your goals for success.

For over a quarter of a century Decorator Industries has been a leader in supplying the hospitality industry with custom crafted bedding and window treatments. With our production facilities located in the Midwest and Southeast we are positioned to fabricate and deliver your product without delay. Our experienced team is ready to work with you on any aspect of your project.  Call us today at 954-689-0370 and see what we can do for you and your business!

Outdated Décor Leads to Negative Reviews for Travelers is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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Downsizing typically holds a negative connotation, and with the housing market struggling for recent years, it’s a word we hear all too often.  However, for the manufactured home industry, “downsizing” can offer greater style and comfort than what homeowners previously had with more space.

A recent article from Florida’s Treasure Coast Newspaper featured the new trend in manufactured homes: upscale downsizing.  According to the report, details such as quality craftsmanship and appealing design are attracting a new wave of buyers across the generational spectrum.

After Hurricane Frances, Nancy and Dean Hunter of Jensen Beach, Florida, built their new manufactured home certified to withstand a Category 3 hurricane.  “The construction today is so different,” Nancy Hunter said.  “They’re built stronger.  You can pick and choose what you want.”

And choose they did.  The Hunter’s home features a foyer, a large kitchen with an island and breakfast bar, peaked ceilings, a den, a master walk-in closet and three bedrooms – all in less than 1600 square feet.  Their home also has an attached garage and a deck off the living room.   With black, tropical-print window treatments inspiring the lush interior design, they have a quality built home with added style and sophistication.

The Hunter’s have all the amenities and designs of their wants and needs in their new manufactured home.   Nancy stated she would, “choose her manufactured home over a cookie-cutter condo any day.” With updated amenities, quality construction and stylish interior design, manufactured homes offer the size and price without sacrificing the perks of a traditional home.

Allow Decorator Industries to assist you with your new manufactured home!  Decorator Industries is the leading supplier of window coverings to the Manufactured Housing Industry. We supply all types of drapes, decorative panels, top treatments and shades.  We produce for all of the leading manufactured housing companies out of our two strategic locations in Haleyville, AL and Bossier City, LA. We have 37 years of experience in providing superior customer service and meeting our customers’ demanding schedule.  Contact us today at 205.486.9257 for our Haleyville, AL division or 318.742.6840 for our Bossier City, LA division where one of customer service representatives will be more than happy to assist you.

Manufactured Homes Offer “Upscale” Downsizing is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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New data has recently been released, revealing that the number of households owning recreational vehicles has grown to new heights in recent years- with 8.9 million people, or 8.5 percent of U.S households, now owning RVs.

“Today’s record RV ownership levels reflect the enduring appeal of the RV lifestyle despite economic challenges,” said Richard Curtin, a recreational vehicle industry analyst and economist. He believes that the industry looks to continue to grow and thrive going into 2012.

It seems as if there has been a particularly remarkable increase in RV ownership in the 35-54 demographic, with rates rising from 9.0% in 2005 to 11.2% today. Hopefully this will be a strong indicator that that industry’s future will be bright.

Decorator Industries is a leading supplier of pleated shades to the Recreational Vehicle Industry. We supply night shades, day/night shades, pleated doors and other accessories. We have 22 years of experience in providing superior customer service to our customers. Call us today to find out more—(954-689-0370)!

RV Industry Anticipating Bright Future is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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CEOs from some of the leading companies in the hotel business met recently to discuss the state of the hospitality industry during the New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. Hilton’s Chris Nassetta stated, “The fundamentals (of supply and demand) are the best I’ve ever seen in my career,” and the general consensus seemed to be that rates would continue to recover into 2012.

The panelists also agreed that the road to expansion lies abroad. Many of the companies were accused of being strictly “North American” brands, and, wanting to distance themselves from that narrow mindset, they highlighted the importance of penetrating emerging international markets. Kathleen Taylor of Four Seasons Hotels said, “Any expansion effort must take into account the needs and preferences of the local culture.” It is essential to discover and embrace the ins and outs of a particular market in order to develop any sort of brand presence there.

Decorator Industries has supplied quality window treatments and bed coverings to the hotel industry for over 20 years. Internationally recognized hotel brands depend on Decorator Industries’ services and design solutions for their hotel room décor.  To meet your needs, our expert decorating team is available around the clock to provide quick quoting, custom-tailored design and efficient installation. Call Decorator Industries today for more information on how we can enhance your hospitality brand—954-436-8909.

Road to Hotel Expansion Lies Abroad is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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It seems quite clear that the values of some types of properties have rebounded at a much quicker rate than others. This is most evident when taking a look at luxury hotels in major metropolitan areas that accommodate business travelers, which will recover much faster than resorts. Resorts are where people, particularly families, will go to vacation when they have the extra cash, which is not usually on hand during a recession. Also, hotels still in the early stages of construction will take much long to recover due to limited access to funding.

There are several buyers looking to take advantage of the promising market by acquiring hotels and resorts: some who had taken a step back during those rough few years and others who continued to trade regardless of the economic state. KSL Capital Partners LLC, for example, plans to target and renovate distressed resorts. KSL’s founder, Michael Shannon, said, “This is the beginning of what we believe is several years of slow but steady recovery [for resorts], accelerating as income levels get higher.”

With statistics forecasting a brighter future for the hospitality industry, the experienced team at Decorator Industries is ready to work with you. Decorator Industries has been a professional presence in the hotel industry since 1985, and is a leading provider of bed coverings and window treatments to major national and international brands. If you are building or remodeling your hotel, call Decorator Industries today for more information on how we can enhance your hospitality brand—954-436-8909.

Slow but Steady Recovery for Hospitality Industry is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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3. Decorator Industries at Hospitality Design Expo 2011 in Las Vegas

Joseph N. Ellis – a board member since 1993 founded LaSalle-Deitch in 1963, a distributor of productsfor the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, and served as its President, ChiefExecutive Officer and Chairman until his retirement in 1992.

Thomas L. Dusthimer – a board member since 1997 served as a consultant and director to Key Bank(Elkhart, Indiana District) until his retirement in 1992.

Ellen Downey – a board member since 1997 was employed by Ryder System, Inc. serving in variousfinancial positions until her retirement in 1993.

Mr. Johnson, President, stated:

“I know this was a difficult decision for these directors but with the reduced sales and desire to reducecosts they felt it was the in the best interest of the Company if they stepped down at this time allowing the Company to reduce the overall size of the Board to five members.

“The Company greatly appreciates all of their contributions and efforts over these many years. I personally would like to thank them for their guidance and wisdom during this difficult three year period.

The above action created a vacancy of one seat on the Board of Directors which was filled by appointingChris Sansone of Robotti & Company. Chris has been a Research Analyst at Robotti & Company since2003 and has closely followed the manufactured housing industry. He is also the general partner andportfolio manager of Sansone Partners, LP, a fund launched in July, 2007. On April 27, 2011 Chris also joined the board of EDAC Technologies Corporation, a manufacturer of components for the aerospace industry. He holds a B.S. in Economics from Pace University.

Mr. Johnson, President, stated:

“Robotti & Company has been a long time investor in our company as well as the overall manufactured housing industry and we welcome their representative Chris Sansone to the board. I know Robotti & Company believes just as I do in the long term prospects of the manufactured housing industry and theyhave demonstrated this by continuing to invest in the industry.

“Adding Chris to the board brings another manufactured housing industry perspective needed but moreimportantly provides the insight needed for raising capital as we grow the Company again. I look forward to working with Chris and know he will make an impact on the board just as his three predecessors did.

“Again, I would like to thank the three departing board members for their many years of exemplary serviceand thoughtful contributions.”

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Decorator Industries represented Booth #1454 at the event, displaying our line of window treatments and bed coverings for the hospitality industry including bed spreads, comforters, duvet covers, linens, drapery, drapery hardware, blinds and shutters. We had a great showing at this successful event. See pictures from the show below! For more pictures, check out the Decorator Industries Facebook page.

Decorator Industries, Booth #1454 getting built at Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas!

Our bed displays at Booth #1454 at the Hospitality Design Expo.

Dan Hannula, Director of Hospitality, and Lynette from Choice Hotels at Hospitality Design Expo 2011 in Las Vegas.

Decorator Industries has been providing high quality bed coverings and window treatments to the hotel industry for over 20 years. The hospitality design market is always changing, so Decorator Industries continues to provide beautiful custom-designed solutions for nationally and internationally recognized hotel brands. For your hospitality design solutions, contact our expert decorating team at 954-436-8909.

Decorator Industries at Hospitality Design Expo 2011 in Las Vegas is a post from: Decorator Industries Blog

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