Trends
6 Questions with Michelle Anderson
Michelle Anderson is Western Washington’s go-to source for carpeting. Since joining the Bentley team in 2016 as the sole representative in Seattle, Michelle has grown market share over 500%.
Her hard work has recently led to several awards, including the Rise-Star award in 2018, the Pinnacle Award for the Western Region in 2019, the IIDA NPC Industry Professional of the Year 2020 and the Bentley Mills Salesperson of the Year Award for 2020.
Now Michelle faces the challenge of selling in a unique market during very unique times. In this Q+A, Michelle discusses how her approach has changed since the pandemic, what makes Seattle such an exciting market to sell in, and some of the secrets to her sales savviness.
Palette Series No. 8
Sunset is not simply a daily occurrence, it’s also a state of mind. It’s calming moments that end the hours behind us, while at the same time preparing us for the new energy of the night. It’s the brightness and warmth of the sun expertly blended with the rich, darkness of the horizon. No matter where you are in the world, sunset is a magically and mysterious transition that envelopes the senses and sets the stage for the dawn of a new day.
Bentley’s 2019 Color Forecast
From keeping us in order (red means “stop” and green means “go”) to conveying structure (think maps and color-coded lists) to expressing our moods – color is a powerful influence in our everyday lives. We live and breathe fashion, color and interiors, and we’re always looking ahead to what’s next. We provide designers with colorways that enable them to unleash their creativity, while still delivering a trendy – or timeless – aesthetic that their clients will adore.
Three Cuts Make a Roll: Sales Master Wendy Jorgensen on How to Stay Resilient
Not everyone is cut out for sales. Even superstars are challenged – by competitors, market conditions, customer demands. But according to Bentley’s 2017 Sales Person of the Year, attitude is everything. Wendy Jorgensen, saleswoman extraordinaire from the bustling Big Apple and a finalist for this year’s Interior Design HiP Seller award, is a true believer in mind over matter. It’s what keeps her resilient – and successful.
8 Questions with… Tracy Hiner, LA Artist & Entrepreneur
Inspiration is everywhere. But it’s people who intrigue and influence us most – especially those who are so passionate about what they do and why they do it that it’s contagious. You can’t help but be moved. At Bentley we surround ourselves with people just like this. Often purposefully, but sometimes, by chance. Being part of the big but small world of design is helpful in that way. But we like to think being in Los Angeles gives us an added edge.
Let’s Get Real: The Demand for Authenticity in Life and Commercial Design
The systematic shift away from overly perfected or curated design continues into 2017. It coincides with a major movement within the creative community toward more artisan, handcrafted approaches to products and interiors. But the phenomenon isn’t just about design. It’s about life and business, too. We’re craving authenticity – and even commercial carpet is responding to the call.
Beautiful Chaos: Transforming Commercial Spaces through Texture and Color
Texture and color are two of the most important tools in every designer’s toolbox. Unfortunately, in most design projects, you typically sacrifice one to achieve the other. Not anymore. Make your interiors sing – or whisper – with the transformative yarn composition and limited color choices of our latest carpet tile: Disruptor™ + Teleport™.
Commercial Design’s New Beginnings in 2017: Color Palette Predictions
Tis the season for new year predictions. Right now, the design world is all abuzz about the color palettes expected to define 2017. Paint powerhouses Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore recently named their colors of the year: Poised Taupe, a weathered neutral, and Shadow, a moody amethyst. But it’s the pick from the color forecasting authority Pantone that really has us talking.
The Art of Interpretation: Defining Good Design
Art and design surrounds us. Both influence us in more ways than we’ll ever know – our thinking, our decisions, our mood. And each is at the heart of so much of what we do here at Bentley, from product design to marketing collateral. Yet, many would argue that art and design are distinct crafts, unique in form and function so we thought we’d take a closer look at both.