We have some interesting topics to dive into today and invited Veronika Miller-Eagleson as a person “in the know”. She is the CEO of Modenus Media, a comprehensive online resource for design professionals and design enthusiasts, whether its client to designer, manufacturer to consumer, or blogger to fellow blogger, Modenus works daily to grow and enrich our design community. She is also Founder of Designhounds, a network of over 500 design influencers. Veronika is a great friend and highly respected in our industry.

Before we get started we wanted to let you know that this episode of Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole is sponsored by Helser Brothers Hardware. Several key roles play a factor in the continued success of Helser Brothers. They offer competitive and simple pricing, free shipping on orders over $100, original custom designs and a six point check and balance system to ensure clients get what they order each and every time.

I love that they are trained to patiently help designers work out solutions for difficult window configurations.

Helser Brothers makes drapery hardware for designers all over the country. A review from a designer in Denver says “For over 18 years, I have worked with Helser and I am thankful to have such a great company to work! They have evolved over the years and continue to add new styles, colors, and designs to keep up with the current trends. They offer a beautiful product and have the ability to design whatever you can create. They are my go to for providing "support" for all my creative creations! They are the best”. Visit Helser Brothers at helserbrothers.com

An interesting Forbes article was written by Jamie Gold on March 31, 2020 on how the pandemic will change our American home. The perspective of 8 thought leaders was given and Veronika was included.

2. HEALTHIER SPACES AND MATERIALS

A. Germ resistant countertops and flooring

B. Self-sanitizing door handles

C. Smart filtration systems

D. Smart toilets (pre-wiring near the toilet).

3. PANDEMIC PROTECTION

A. A greater need to store non-perishables and frozen foods

B. Bulk Storage/Smarter Pantries

C. Wine and Beer Storage

 4. MORE NATURE CONNECTIONS

A. Biophilia will move from trendy to necessary. (DEFINITION OF BIOPHILIA: the rich, natural

pleasure that comes from being surrounded by living organisms”).

i. Indoor plant schemes including lighting

ii. Green walls

iii. Indoor vegetable gardens

iv. Integrated screens/monitors for nature sounds/visuals throughout the house

v. Improved outdoor spaces

5. INCREASED SOCIAL CONNECTION

A. Easy to use tech (especially for seniors)

B. Communication options

i. Zoom

ii. Facebook Portal

iii. In Home Virtual Exercise products

1. Peloton

2. Mirror Gym

3. Echelon

6. IMPROVED HOME OFFICE SPACES AND TECHNOLOGY

A. No dining table or den

B. Designed for teleconferencing

C. Removed from the rest of the home to minimize household distractions

6. CHANGES IN HOW WE SOURCE PRODUCT

A. Markets

B. Trade Shows

7. WHAT CAN WE DO NOW?

A. Business as usual where it’s safe?

B. Reaching out to existing clients with upgrades that make sense?

8. NEWS FROM GERMANY:

A. Can you share with us some interesting news you’ve been following?