Welcome to the WCAA Charlotte Chapter Blog

Keep up with our members, meetings and events right here. We welcome workrooms, designers, installers, window retailers and any window treatment professional in the Charlotte Metro area.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Introducing our Member of the Month...Margaret Fergusson!

Margaret Fergusson is the C.E.O of the House of Andrachelle, a “Boutique “ Trade Showroom located in Charlotte, NC.   A native of London, England, Margaret relocated to the USA in 1995, opening the House of Andrachelle after the successful reign of Andrachelle Interiors in Kent, England.

The House of Andrachelle supplies innovative products to the design trade which include custom weaving of fabrics, tassels, trimming and tie backs, window hardware and workroom accessories.  Some ‘special editions’ have included 16’ long tiebacks made with crystal. Special commissions can be undertaken. H.O.A, for example has created, designed and produced a custom ‘ British American Plaid’, for the British American Business Council.  If your client would like his or her own 100% wool or cotton plaid, the showroom can help you in this endeavor.  The showroom has over 120 shades of colored lining, various weights of English Bump and unique printing capabilities.

For the last five years H.O.A. has focused on developing new products that increase energy efficiency and make less negative impact on the global environment.  Our fabrics are Global Organic Certified  (G.O.T.S) and carry LEED points.  There is a large customizable range on view in the showroom.
HOA has introduced new fabrics, pillows and comforters to the marketplace, supplying textiles that are luxurious and sensuous without the use of toxic chemicals.  Using fabric that is ethically produced and sustainable, but indistinguishable from conventional textiles, H.O.A. works with partners who support environmentally benign practices, power sources and materials from raw materials to final product disposal.

Only high quality, natural fibers that have been grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers are selected. Since growing even organically certified cotton, one of nature’s thirstiest plants, can contribute to the desertification of the world, we emphasize the use of other natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, flax (linen) and abaca.   Although agencies are not certifying these fibers as organic, all the fabrics in our Eco line are grown responsibly.  No panda bear habitat bamboo is harvested.

H.O.A. is very pleased to be able to use a bamboo viscose fabric, which has been produced with no deleterious environmental effects.   Almost all of the bamboo fiber on the market is made using the viscose process (non-viscose bamboo cannot be spun into yarn). The process uses sulfuric acid, which most manufacturers do not handle properly because the process is so laborious and expensive.  Nevertheless, when our mill returns the wastewater to the nearby bay it is safe to drink, and the sulfuric acid is sequestered and neutralized using bacteria (a very, very expensive process). The result is zero adverse environmental effects. 

You can find bamboo, sheets, shams and fabric, along with bamboo velvets, organic cotton and Ingeo comforters and inserts.
Stop by and enjoy a cup of afternoon tea, peruse the shelves and see if there is something unique and special we can assist you with for your clients.

 Above, some of our custom printed fabrics; all organic, certified and printed with low impact dye.

House of Andrachelle Looped Header Tape.
Small loop shown in Natural, also available in Gold and Buff

British American 100% wool plaid designed and produced for the British American Business Council, registered as an authentic plaid with the Scottish Authority, shown on the left.   A custom fabric, produced for Tigerlily Designs through Gina Willis of Classic Creations


 Baby Pillows or Wall Hangings available in pink or blue, with the baby’s name and family tree printed.  The baby’s name is printed on the reverse of the pillow. Additional printed yardage is available. Parents, Grandparents and Great Grand Parents are listed.

Custom trimming available in many options.
 

The House of Andrachelle
1230 West Morehead Street, Suite 106
Charlotte, NC 28208
T 704 342 3106   F 704 847 3429

Email; showroom@houseofandrachelle.com

WWW.houseofanrachelle.com

www.inhabiteriors.com

Friday, October 14, 2011

What a ride!!!


After too many planning hours to count, the Carolinas Windows of Excellence Expo was a HUGE success!! We thoroughly enjoyed all the vendors, and Michael Payne was absolutely charming!  
We'll let the pictures do the talking!!  
ENJOY!!
 




























Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Introducing our Member of the Month...Nancy Ringering



Nancy Ringering- Owner of NR Designs





NR Designs is a company that has specialized in custom window treatments for over 25 years.




Owner, Nancy Ringering, initially began her business in IL -- first as a home-based business; then eventually, a storefront that enabled the company to have an in-house workroom.


Due to her husband’s job transfer, NR Designs is currently located in the Charleston, SC area; operating a workroom for interior design firms, such as Ethan Allen.



In the last 3 years, Nancy’s love of interior design has broadened to include designing a unique and avante-garde line of custom drapery hardware. The inspiration behind this collection was to create sculpturally organic pieces that provide function and ’art’ to the custom window treatment. These sculptural pieces may be used in a variety of ways, such as: finials, poleholders, holdbacks, etc. The various finishes offered can make these pieces versatile for different room decors.


NR Designs Sculptural Drapery Hardware pieces all have hand-rubbed finishes, and are made in America. We also offer all of the necessary hardware components (poles, brackets, rings, etc.), which are also available in our custom finishes.




Please visit our website for other design styles --- introducing new designs, Fall 2011.

NR Designs
www.nrdesigns.org
T. (843) 814-0631
F. (843) 856-3716
Email: info@nrdesigns.org



Welcome to the WCAA Charlotte Chapter!

The WCAA, Window Coverings Association of America, is an organization for workrooms, interior designers, window treatment retailers, trade partners, vendors and installers. Our goal is to promote education, professionalism and aid in the success and profitiablity of our members.

The Charlotte Board

The Charlotte Board