Contest Winners of "Show Us Your Howard Elliott" Season 6
Howard Elliott Loves Our Design Partners!
“Fresh off the 6th annual Show Us Your Howard Elliott contest; it is nice to review all the entries our celebrity judges scrutinized. It never ceases to amaze me how creative our design partners are. Kenneth Ludwig Chicago (Chicago) won the Retail Design Showroom award this year utilizing Howard Elliott artwork, accent tables, and pillows.” - Brian Berk owner of The Howard Elliott Collection
Nimbus Nine Interiors (Cincinnati) won the Interior Design installation award featuring a Howard Elliott accent table and mirror. Visualizing our clients’ creativity with our products is what this business is all about!
Our talented Design Partners bring the passion and inspiration from our product development team to a completed installation for a client.
As lifestyles and trends change the way we live. Howard Elliott’s mission is to create exceptional products that finish a room. This is why our experienced industry judges chose Nimbus 9 interiors and Kenneth Ludwig Chicago for the best of Show Us Your Howard Elliott Season 6.
We wanted to know more about their design process and selection from our vast selection of decorative mirrors, accessories, and accent furniture.
Nimbus 9 Interiors
Contest Winners follow up questions on their creative process
Q: Can you let us in on the creative process on how you put this all together?
A: The developer wanted the tenants of the apartment complex to feel like they are living in a high-end resort, so we designed as if it were our dream living space!
Q: Can you tell us more about where you found inspiration to pair the items you did?
A: We started with the abstract art that you can see on the transom in the photo. We loved how the black and the gold metal detailing on the cocktail table pulled out the black and gold colors in the art.
Q: Clearly, you love incorporating Howard Elliott in your designs. Is there an early designer memory of your first introduction to The Howard Elliott Collection?
A: We love the puff chairs and the wall pixels! We first saw them at market years ago. We were intrigued by their unique, fun look and great function. We also love the unique designs of the mirrors!
Q: We’re not the only manufacturer you work with. Can you tell us how you decide on the vendors that you purchase from?
A: We look for vendors with unique, inspiring items that have high-quality and great functionality. We design with function in mind and want to make all of our spaces strikingly beautiful!
Q: What was the biggest challenge that you encountered during this project?
A: We were blessed with the team on this project and came across limited issues! We had done several projects with the developer on this project, so they trusted our design decisions and our process!
Q: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is looking to enter the design side of our business?
A: Lead with passion. Let your inspiration and creativity flow freely, and seek to find team members that perpetuate and build upon your ideas!
Kenneth Ludwig Chicago
Contest Winners follow up questions on their creative process
Q: Can you let us in on the creative process of how you put this all together?
A: We just walked our showroom ( as we carry lots of the HEC on our floor ) to build the vignette. We were just completing our fall window update when the contest was announced. It was perfect timing.
Q: Can you tell us more about where you found inspiration to pair the items you did?
A: We are obsessed with the large-scale paintings from HEC. They make such a statement in our showroom. We chose that one, and then build the vignette around it. Since HEC carries all categories, it's also easy for us to add in decorative accessories and small furniture.
Q: Clearly, you love incorporating Howard Elliott in your designs. Is there an early designer memory of your first introduction to The Howard Elliott Collection?
A: It goes way back to when HEC acquired Chicago Textile Corporation. While we were buying mirrors from Howard Elliott, it was exciting to expand with textiles, furniture and accessories. This was probably over 12 plus years ago.
Q: We’re not the only manufacturer you work with. Can you tell us how you decide on the vendors that you purchase from?
A: It's about the relationship with the line. We like to make partners in our business for not only growth, but for the promotion of our brand. We love our HEC family. Amazing customer service, exciting designs and resources, hospitality at markets with amazing showrooms ( and cocktails ) and fast reliable shipping.
Q: What was the biggest challenge that you encountered during this project?
A: Limiting the amount of HEC product to use....LOL
Q: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is looking to enter the retail side of our business?
A: Learn your resources, and make your partnership with them. Focus on a core group of vendors and support them.
