Consumer Currents Impacting Decorative Drapery Hardware
Trendspotting requires anticipating overlapping levels of influence from the Long term (10 years) that looks at the possible evolutions in lifestyle and technology and Mid-term (5 years) that looks at socio-cultural developments to the short term (2 years) that considers contemporary trend-setters– individuals, processes, groups, and events. What is ordinarily referred to as “trends” are usually composites of various factors, influences and behaviors. Most importantly, consumer behaviors are based on changing consumer values and desires. These constantly shifting influences form the basis of our design trends. Interior style trends are nothing more than visual interpretations of core consumer behavior trends. “Made in America” is one of those consumer behaviors manifesting into home décor trends including decorative drapery hardware.
Whether out of a sense of patriotism, a desire to help the American economy or the belief that U.S.-made products are of better quality, consumers increasingly want to see a “Made in the USA” sticker on the items they buy. Retailers and manufacturers are happily responding. Last year, General Electric began making some of its water heaters and refrigerators at U.S. factories. Wal-Mart announced plans in April to buy an additional $50 billion of American-made products over the next decade, and Orion is fabricating decorative drapery hardware 100% in the U.S. . “Made in Americ”a once embodied ruggedness and a kind of strait-laced patriotism, but recently it has morphed into a symbol of artisanal design and environmental sustainability. Fueled by a renewed enthusiasm for items sourced and produced in the U.S this locavore-tinged version of Made in America is gaining steam. There is even a startup website selling only American made goods. Dave Schiff, the founder of Made Collection, believes that the Made in the USA trend has acquired a cachet among consumers and the trend is a beacon for old school craftsmanship and luxury. Americana chic is going mainstream.
There is a shift in our culture where creative entrepreneurs are defining a new American economy. All across the U.S., people are choosing Main Street over mini-malls—supporting the local and the handmade. Makers are sparking this change by taking a leap, banking on their creativity and craftsmanship, and living their version of the American dream.
At Orion, our team of designers, skilled artisans, and crafts persons create a wide range of decorative drapery hardware and accessories in over 50 beautiful finishes. We’re especially delighted to work with you on projects that require custom design, custom parts, or a one-time fabrication task. That’s because from idea, to manufacture, to hand-painting, it’s all done at Orion, by Orion, just for you. We are always proud to say “Made in the USA”.
