Join us in the NADRA office for an educational segment from METAPHOR. Manufacturers and Designers… pay attention! This one is for you! Ever wonder why a particular deck color was created? Learn from the folks that can see into the future for upcoming designs, trends and style.

About the class: Color, Design and Market Trends in Residential Outdoor Products: 

When: Thursday, October 23rd, 2014
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Baltimore Convention Center: Room 320
 

As a deck and patio builder are you prepared to assist your customers with their style decisions so you can put more money in your pocket? This seminar will give you well documented ideas that will help close more business, sell more trade ups and provide insights into possible new revenue streams. 

The demand for outdoor living space continues to be a growing segment as consumers discover the variety of products and accessories to fill their outdoor life style dreams. Their style visions are more sophisticated as they shop the maze of materials and furnishings and try to put it in perspective with their current interior lifestyle. 

This visually dynamic session explores the design links between building products and furnishings and offers solutions that will help you enable the consumer to visualize their new outdoor lifestyle. By leading with colors, patterns, textures and style trends and showing the connections between the built space and furnishings you can help them achieve the most fabulous place they can go to everyday.

About the Instructor:

George Gehringer is a Principle and Creative Director at METAPHOR llc a design studio serving the creative needs of the building products and décor industry.

METAPHOR llc’s recent Legacy collection in composite decking successfully demonstrates that industry advances can be made through the creative process. Extensive research of the interior and exterior markets have led to the publication of articles and conference presentations on the influence of interior design trends on the outdoor market. In 2014 METAPHOR llc published the professional report: Color, Design and Market Trends in Residential Outdoor Products. This report is the first of its kind to observe the aesthetic relationships between exterior building products and outdoor décor and the importance of color and style coordination. The report is filled with original design and style boards and is a valuable guide for builders, distributors and manufacturers.

METAPHOR llc has recently launched the Outer Limits collection of large format architectural planters for outdoor applications and is currently working on a line of outdoor furnishings, made from a unique domestically made material they designed.

George is a designer, craftsman and artist and his inspiration to follow a life in the arts started with a chance experience in ceramics, a passion he still pursues. For over 30 years he has explored, designed and created products in various materials for residential and commercial uses. He has worked as the Creative Director at Armstrong World Industries, Flooring Design Manager at Formica Corp. and Design Manager at American Olean/DalTile. He has participated in the development and implementation of several successful business ventures and has served on the board of directors of professional associations. He strives to make design a valued and recognized part of society.