Embrace the Local Advantage: Elevating Your Home with Window Treatments at Montgomery’s
March 2024
In the vast world of window treatments, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options offered by big box stores. However, when it comes to window treatments, choosing a local expert can make all the difference in transforming your living space. Choosing Montgomery’s is easy with all that we have to offer for window treatments.
Personalized Expertise At Montgomery’s, our team of local window treatment experts goes beyond merely selling products. We understand that each home is unique, and window treatments play a crucial role in reflecting your personality and meeting the specific needs of your space. Unlike big box stores, our experts take the time to comprehend your vision, guiding you through a myriad of options tailored to your preferences.
Unparalleled Knowledge When it comes to window treatments, knowledge is key. Our team boasts in-depth expertise, offering insights that extend far beyond what you might find in a generic retail setting. We’re here to answer all your questions and provide comprehensive information on materials, styles, and functionalities. Say goodbye to the frustration of being left in the dark at large retailers; with us, you’ll have a dedicated team to guide you at your own pace.
Installation Services Never feel frustrated again trying to install your hard window treatments. Trust us to ensure that your chosen blinds or shades are seamlessly integrated into your home, enhancing aesthetics and functionality. With our team, the process becomes stress-free!
Custom Creations Are you dreaming of a unique drapery or curtain for your space that perfectly complements your decor? Look no further. Our skilled seamstresses can turn your vision into reality with custom designs. A dedicated team of professionals creates each product in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Attention to Detail At Montgomery’s, we believe that the magic lies in the details. From complimentary design services and measurements, we go above and beyond to ensure that your blinds or shades are not only stunning but also the perfect fit for your windows.
In the world of window treatments, the local advantage is a game-changer. The experts at Montgomery’s are committed to providing a seamless, personalized experience that goes beyond what other retailers can offer. As the vibrant South Dakota spring approaches, now is the perfect time to refresh your home! Whether you’re looking to embrace the natural light with sheer curtains, elevate your sliding glass door window treatment, or sleep better with blackout window treatments, we have you covered.
FREE 3D design modeling creates visual representation of your room
February 2024
Complimentary design has always been a service offered by the talented team of designers at Montgomery’s. Whether you’re shopping at our location in Sioux Falls, Madison, Watertown or Aberdeen, the design team is always there to help bring the Whole Home Experience to reality. The Whole Home Experience is more than just providing a large selection of the best quality furniture, flooring, window treatments, lighting, and accessories for your entire home. It helps you create a comfortable and beautiful space that you and your family can truly live in.
Through our complimentary interior design services, the design experts at Montgomery’s offers everything from helping you pick out the perfect accessories or redesigning your entire home. The investments made in our design teams ensure that you, the customer, are better served no matter which location in South Dakota you shop at. A unique offering that your Montgomery’s designer can assist you with is a 3D design of your space.
Understanding a client’s everyday life is essential to deciding on the right furniture and renovations. To ensure the designer understands your desire and style, they will ask questions and design mock ups to showcase products so collaboration in your journey is made simple. What makes working with a designer who incorporates 3D design sketches a benefit to you?
Enhanced visualization – One of the key advantages for a customer is to see a detailed and realistic representation with a clear preview of how a space will look once renovated or designed. This allows for more informed decision-making, helping you to better articulate your preferences and make adjustments in real time.
Collaboration – Additionally, 3D sketches facilitate effective communication between the customer and the designer. This collaboration will lead to a shared vision resulting in a more satisfying home design experience.
Reality meets perception – 3D sketches provide a high level of detail, allowing designers to showcase realistic textures, colors and lighting.
Before and After Comparisons – Designers can create side by side comparisons of the current space and the proposed design. This visual representation can be compelling and exciting for you to see the transformation at awaits in your home with the help of the team at Montgomery’s.
Superior service – With complimentary design services, customers are already receiving more at Montgomery’s. Never pay for design services and have the added value of seeing your home in detail before making final decisions on flooring, lighting, furniture, and window treatments.
No matter your budget, the design team at Montgomery’s can help you find the perfect pieces to make your home comfortable, inviting and authentically you. Get started with a designer at Montgomery’s or shop now at our locations in Sioux Falls, Madison, Aberdeen or Watertown, South Dakota.
Remote worker wins room makeover that transformed home office
Original Post from pigeon605.com
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Kristi Pies’ office has been somewhere in her Hawarden, Iowa, home.
First, it was a corner of the basement. Then, it was a spare upstairs bedroom where she shared space with storage.
So when she drew the winning card in Montgomery’s 135th anniversary room makeover giveaway, the office became the clear opportunity for a top-to-bottom transformation.
“I had been in the Sioux Falls store maybe six months prior just looking for living room furniture, and it was the first time I’d ever been there,” Pies explained. “As I was walking out, a salesperson asked if I wanted to enter the giveaway, and I said, ‘Sure,’ not really thinking anything would become of it.”
She’d forgotten all about it until receiving a postcard saying she was one of 135 finalists and inviting her back to the store for a celebration and the drawing to determine the winner. In celebration of its 135th anniversary, Montgomery’s gave away room makeovers at each of its four stores, with budgets of $13,500 each.
“Montgomery’s wasn’t like any of the other furniture stores in town I had visited,” Pies said. “I was honestly a little overwhelmed at first. But we walked around and got ideas about what we’d do if we won, and they talked with me about the kind of furniture I liked.”
Her husband had a hunch she should attend the event – and he turned out to be right. Montgomery’s connected Pies with director of sales Nita Flagtwet and designer Aimee Bridgeman to begin the Montgomery’s room makeover.
“We decided to work on the office since I’m there eight to 10 hours a day,” Pies said. “I ended up going to the store and walking around while they helped me pick out different things I liked.”
With a budget of $13,500, she easily could address “the whole office,” she said. “They helped me put together the room by doing a floor plan and giving me ideas of ways to set it up.”
A piece of art Pies saw at Montgomery’s served as a focal point and inspiration in the space.
“I was super excited when Kristi won because she’s so nice and her office was just a spare room and we got to make it functional and pretty,” Flagtwet said.
The home office before the makeover
“Who doesn’t want to sit in a space all day when you’re surrounded by beautiful things? We get to do that at Montgomery’s every day, and now we had the chance to do that for Kristi.”
The artwork “is fun and a little whimsical, and the fun and the color was really good for what we were trying to achieve in the space,” she continued.
The home office after the makeover
A new desk big enough for multiple monitors and a copper-infused antimicrobial chair were designed to support the many hours Pies spends there as a marketing project manager.
“The chair has a lot of options for adjusting, including bringing the seat forward and back, which is very important for people doing remote work,” Flagtwet said.
The Montgomery’s team helped Pies select a buffet to serve as a working credenza behind her and place for her printer.
Bookshelves now provide new space to display everything from family heirlooms to her framed winning card from Montgomery’s.
A new floor lamp complements the natural light coming into the room, and an accent chair for guests features cowhide, playing off the featured artwork.
“The layout of the room makes a lot of sense, and I like Kristi’s vision of having the desk floating in the room,” Flagtwet said. “A lot of times people face the wall, and this allows for a great view and more free-flowing space. I feel like we met all her needs as far as equipment and made it really cozy.”
Pies agreed.
“It’s been great,” she said. “I spend too much time here now! And Montgomery’s was so helpful in putting it all together, from picking colors to choosing a rug. I have ideas but needed help putting them all together.”
And you don’t have to be a big winner to take advantage of that expert assistance: Montgomery’s offers this kind of free design work to all customers.
For Pies, there even was an unexpected bonus: Her anniversary makeover budget left room for some new outdoor furniture, creating an ideal setting for when she steps away from the home office.
“We added maintenance-free chairs you can leave outside year-round, and we love them,” she said. “We’ve already used them a lot.”
Ready for a home design refresh in 2024? There will be plenty of options waiting for you.
We caught up with Karli Strain, Montgomery’s visual merchandiser, trend specialist and buyer, for expert insight in how home interiors might evolve in the coming months.
Here are 10 themes to watch in the year ahead.
There are no specific trends
One of the biggest takeaways from recent furniture markets: There is no one specific trend in home furnishings.
“There are so many different styles on trend right now, you’re going to find something that works for you,” Strain said. “It’s just much more broad, which is nice because people don’t feel like they have to switch over to a new trend to stay up to date. If it suits your style, anything goes now.”
Green could be queen
Color schemes, like overall trends, are all super diverse right now, from completely neutral to over-the-top, colorful and modern.
“But what I was most drawn to was this really neutral green that is happening, which kind of goes with everything,” Strain said. “To me, green is neutral – we find it in nature – so you can use it many different ways.”
Green also is having at least a moment in cabinetry.
“I feel like green has been up-and-coming for five years, and it finally hit broadly, so now there are lots of offerings in an earthy warm, green neutral color,” Strain said. “It goes really well with caramels and beige, brown, charcoal and navy. You can put anything with it.”
Gray isn’t gone – but warmer tones are crowding out cools
The era of gray in home finishes might never be totally over – but it is being edged out by warmth.
“We’re shying away from the cold, gray tone, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have gray,” Strain said. “I would say incorporating warmer tones into your gray, like beiges and browns, complements it. You can tie that into a piece of art or a rug or new pillow on a sofa. So you don’t have to get rid of the grays but just warm them up with warm tones. That includes wood tones, whether it’s an accent table or coffee table with a natural wood tone.”
Same goes for the walls. If your walls are gray, consider an easy update.
“I saw people really going toward browns and beiges, even some burgundy and navy and rich salmon tones, a warm terra cotta-like pink where everything really just blends together.”
Hardware hints
When it comes to hardware, again, there’s no one clear trend.
“Black is huge. Brass is huge, especially antique brass,” Strain said. “Chrome is not as popular, but if you’re a modern customer, chrome and brighter gold is still where it’s at.”
In bathrooms, “gold is still super popular, but it’s more of a brushed finish – almost a browner gold,” she continued. “It’s a more neutral look.”
Black makes a splash
Look around newly designed homes, and chances are you’ll spot some black.
“Black literally goes with everything, so we’re seeing a lot of black accents – whether it’s your coffee and end tables, vases, pillows, your metal finish on your dining table, or bar stools,” Strain said.
“It’s easy to mix black with anything. Lots of cabinets are black now. Walls are painted black. Don’t be afraid if you have enough light in the room to paint a dark color. That’s always been something people struggle with, but it can create a lot of atmosphere.”
Black is coming into bedrooms too.
“I’ve seen some really nice black wood in bedroom furniture, and it’s a very natural tone of wood,” Strain said. “Other pieces we’re seeing are very much unstained and unmodified. It’s kind of an oak to walnut bare, natural tone that’s what’s popular now.”
Caning craze continues
Caning on chairs continues to be popular, and Strain thinks it has some staying power – at least on smaller pieces.
“I don’t think it will ever be on the back of a sofa, but the front of a cabinet door or on a buffet or the side of a wicker chair on the arms, a little goes a long way,” she said.
“I wouldn’t go crazy with it.”
Fluting fans
Anything wood in furniture is starting to be designed with some sort of fluting, Strain said.
“It almost has a channeled look, and it’s huge. We’re seeing tons of fluted wood collections, so I think it’s going to be big,” she said.
“It’s a neat way to add texture into a space without going overboard, and it’s fun.”
Her advice: “It could easily go overboard, so pick a couple pieces. Maybe a headboard or nightstand. I think people will be seeing a lot of it.”
Fabrics go cozy
The pandemic-driven appeal of staying home and curling up on the couch is still showing itself in fabrics of choice.
“The warm, comfy, cozy fabrics are really hot still,” Strain said. “The sherpa fabric is still very strong. I think people want to be comfortable in their home, and these fabrics have stuck around because of that.”
Accordingly, the look is a little more casual “and not so serious and stuffy,” she said. “More playful.”
A pop of art
Art in the home could be taking on a bit more contemporary look.
“We saw a ton of almost pop art-looking embellishments on art pieces,” Strain said. “It’ going to be more for a modern person who loves to be a little more daring, and if you like bright color, it’s a great time to do some shopping.”
Or if you’re a bit more traditional, you’ll be glad to know that “we still can’t get enough of buffalo art,” Strain said. “They’re just a beautiful, majestic-looking animal that I think everyone is drawn to. There’s beautiful imagery for sale, and we have a lot more coming.”
Horses and birds also are popular in art, “especially something with crane imagery that works well in a traditional space,” Strain said.
One to watch: The Maximalist
And finally, here’s a trend worth keeping an eye on: Collectors, your design moment finally might have arrived.
“An up-and-coming style is being called a Maximalist style, which is basically mixing and matching everything you have,” Strain said. “It’s for people who like a lot of stuff. Collectors, antique shoppers, people who are very sentimental about things, but it’s about putting it together in a way that makes sense.”
Think of a bunch of eclectic art prints splashed together on a wall, for instance.
“You might have different frame and imagery and color schemes, but you put them together, and it can look amazing,” she said.
A final word of advice: You don’t have to figure any of this out yourself.
Stop in any Montgomery’s location and take advantage of the free design services offered to all customers.
From fall to festive, how to transition your home decor to meet the season
Original Post from pigeon605.com
Is it still fall or have we already fallen into the holiday season?
The fun part is, it’s essentially up to you – especially when it comes to decorating your home.
“There are really no rules,” said Karli Strain, Montgomery’s visual merchandiser, trend specialist and buyer.
“I know some people who like to have their Christmas decorations up as long as possible, and others who are still enjoying their pumpkins.”
The first thing to note, though: Halloween is over, “so it’s time to get rid of the carved pumpkins and put away the spiders and the spooky-season stuff,” Strain said.
“Just keep out the pumpkins – there are all sorts of velvet stuffed pumpkins that are great for tabletop decorating, as well as glass ones – but just leave the fall colors and maybe do some pine sprays to start transitioning into Christmas and give a little more wintery vibe.”
Montgomery’s has many accessories to enhance your fall home design.
“The color schemes right now in general are rusts, dark greens, beige tones, warm tones. They’re all very popular and look great for fall,” Strain said. “We’ve got pillows, we’ve got vases in those colors that feel warm and inviting, and we have tons of natural sprays made with wheat grass and other flora, which are super popular this time of year to decorate.”
If you’re hosting this Thanksgiving, “I would keep it very fall-themed and Thanksgiving-feeling because I think that’s what the season calls for, and after that, you can go all into Christmas,” she said.
Not feeling like making a big leap toward December with your decor? Strain suggests easing into the season by adding some greens or lit trees without ornaments to start to transition your home.
“I always put trees up as soon as possible after Thanksgiving and then wait a little bit to put up the decorated tree with glitzy ornaments,” she said.
Here are more of her holiday decorating tips:
Bring on the light
Shorter, cooler days definitely demand a little extra light in the home.
“Lots of warm light is key,” Strain said.
“Maybe add some extra lamps, extra candles. Christmas lights can be used for that in various ways, including on your fireplace. With the darkness coming so quickly, it’s nice to have warm light in the house. LED lights have come a long way. It’s not just an icy blue tone. You can pick the color you want, which is great.”
Decorate in stages
While the candles and bare trees can make an early appearance, Strain suggests spreading out your holiday decorating.
Your nutcracker collection or Santa-themed decor? Bring them out as Dec. 25 approaches, and put them away shortly after Christmas.
“And then, you can transition back to just lit trees with no ornaments and lots of candles and pine sprays, bowls on tabletops,” Strain said.
“You can use rust and a more neutral green, but really color schemes for Christmas are all over the place. I also like just gold – it’s absolutely classic and will never go out of style.”
Fluff it up
Pro tip: Most garlands or greenery aren’t ready for prime time right out of the box.
“Fluff your garlands, fluff your greenery, fluff your trees,” Strain said. “If you buy something from a store, it’s not good to go. You have to fluff it to make it look more natural. You can make even an inexpensive garland look great if you fluff it and put a ton of light in it and add some sprays or picks for volume.”
A lot of greenery can be skimpy, so don’t be afraid to wrap two together.
And don’t forget: Refreshing some furniture or even accessories can give you a new look just in time for holiday hosting or relaxation at home.
When dining at home, keep these design tips in mind
Original Post from pigeon605.com
From upcoming holiday meals to colder weather and darker days, there are lots of reasons you might be dining more at home in the months ahead.
Whether it’s a daily dinner for your household or a special occasion you’re hosting, the right attention to your dining setting can make any meal more complete.
“Dining spaces can be a lot of fun to design, whether you’re building a new home or refreshing your current one,” said Kayla Hathaway, a design consultant at Montgomery’s.
“Especially as people have moved somewhat away from dedicated dining rooms, we’re seeing them explore all the different settings where you can eat and drink at home.”
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you consider design for your own dining spaces.
The table itself
Of course, the dining surface itself is the foundation of a dining room, whether it’s open to your kitchen or in a dedicated room off of it.
“We are seeing more and more table tops with interesting surfaces – glass tops with different colors or mosaics, textured metal that can be hammered or distressed – and it can completely bring a different look and become a highlight of the room,” Hathaway said.
“Of course, we also still sell lots of solid wood tables, but we seeing more interest in the different surfaces.”
Integrating with a kitchen in an open floor plan is key, she added.
“When I help clients, I’m looking at the cabinetry selection, the lighting, the flooring, because I want everything to flow,” Hathaway said. “Especially with moving away from a formal dining room, a lot of times the dining space opens to a larger family room, so we want all those pieces to integrate with the furniture.”
In older homes that might have small stand-alone dining rooms, “we have great options for tables with self-storing leaves where they can open up to expand the table as needed,” Hathaway said. “I’ve also done bench seating that I might put in an entryway but with the idea that it can be pulled into the dining room for additional seating, or I’ll tuck extra dining chairs into a home office.”
The seating
Even more so than tables, dining chairs offer a way to deliver a fresh look in multiple spaces.
“We help clients look at chairs with upholstery that coordinates with a nearby sofa or bar stools that match dining chairs,” Hathaway said. “We’re using metals in bar stools that complement the lighting features. I want everything in a home to look like it was put there on purpose.”
It can make a huge difference.
“I had a client the other day who came in thinking she needed a whole new dining set, and as we looked at the shape of the table we ended up keeping it and just getting new chairs that coordinated with the sofa and created better use of space,” Hathaway said.
“Sometimes, it isn’t that you have to buy entirely new, but we can look at your existing furniture and find something that works with it a bit better.”
As more kitchens have integrated counter seating and islands – or even double islands – it has shown how fun bar stools can be to select, she added.
“We have so many options,” Hathaway said. “We have some great, fun, gold finishes and even some velvets – which you’d think would be a really scary fabric on a bar stool, but there are new materials out that are incredibly durable even if you spill on it.”
Lower-level entertaining
Fall and winter are great times to update the lower level of your home, creating ideal spaces for game-watching gatherings and movie nights.
Think pub tables, counter seating and, again, bar stools.
“I’ve been in homes recently with six to 10 bar stools that have become the main eating area,” Hathaway said. “It’s become a lot more popular, and I don’t think people realize how many options there are as well as opportunities to customize. We have products rated for up to 400 pounds, and they’re not going to get wiggly, so you can sit on it and feel safe.”
Montgomery’s even can help you with the bar itself – with a fantastic selection of bars, bar cabinets and carts.
“There are some very stylish options to create a bar area or to supplement one with a cabinet,” Hathaway said.
Finishing touches
Lighting and accessories complete a dining experience and shouldn’t be overlooked.
“We’re seeing smaller lamps coming into table settings and more moody lighting in dining spaces,” Hathaway said. “You used to just see one large chandelier, and now I’m seeing dual chandeliers or three hanging fixtures, so those have been fun to see.”
And whether it’s a routine meal or holiday feast, centerpieces always complete the experience.
“We can help with a floral centerpiece and create something that reflects the season if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving or holiday meal,” Hathaway said. “There are great designs using arrangement in the middle of the table, so you can still talk over it, and it gives you kind of a more updated look.”
If you’re looking to complete your dining upgrades before the holidays, there’s still time.
“We’re always going to have inventory in stock and available,” Hathaway said. “If you’re looking to customize, it’s about eight to 12 weeks, which is back to normal and pretty amazing for choosing your own colors and finishes to be made in the U.S. and delivered to your door.”
Outdoor dining
Fortunately, it won’t be all that long before you’re back to dining outdoors again too – or even sooner if you have a multiseason enclosed room. So it’s not too soon to think patio season.
“It’s actually been kind of crazy how many requests we’re still getting to look at patio furniture,” Hathaway said. “If you haven’t stopped in recently, there are so many advances there as far as products that can stay outside and hold up in the weather, things that can get wet and don’t blow away, that they’re meant for South Dakota seasons. It’s really cool how much has changed.”
And remember – Montgomery’s design services are completely free when you purchase Montgomery’s products.
“One of the things I like to stress as you work with a designer is that you don’t have to do the whole project now,” Hathaway said. “Maybe we’re looking at a table, chairs and rug, and you only want the table now, and in six months you come get the chairs. Having us show you what it can look like gets your mind toward that goal, and then we can work with you as time goes on and you’re ready to complete the design.”
Ready to start enhancing your dining space? Stop in, or schedule an appointment with a Montgomery’s designer.
Let the light shine: How design updates and technology are enhancing home lighting
Original Post from pigeon605.com
The daylight is dwindling, making this fall an ideal time to rethink how you light your home inside and out.
“We offer Whole Home Lighting – the whole package, from new construction or home remodels to helping with individual lighting selections within your home,” said Paula Kruetzfeldt, senior interior designer and lighting specialist at Montgomery’s.
“People can do their whole project at Montgomery’s with complimentary design assistance.”
Whether you’re looking to outfit an entire home with new lighting or just add updates here and there, keep these options in mind:
Exterior lighting
Extend your outdoor living season or enhance your curb appeal with updates to your exterior lighting.
“From my experience, a lot of people put on exterior lights when they build and then forget about them, so it’s once and done,” Kruetzfeldt said. “But there a lot of new fixtures on the market, including those with LED capabilities that have numerous advantages.”
Here’s a big one: No more bugs.
“They don’t generate the same kind of heat, so they don’t attract bugs like older lights do,” Kruetzfeldt explained. “Plus, the newer fixtures are more energy-efficient. You’re likely going to go from using 60 watts in a bulb to only drawing 4 or 5 watts, which adds up to a huge energy savings.”
The outside of your home “is your first impression,” she continued. “We do a lot of exterior consultations and have a vast variety of lighting styles to choose from.”
That includes your outdoor living space. Do you have a three-season room, outdoor kitchen or favorite patio? There’s likely updated lighting for it.
“We see everything from traditional to very modern. Some of our clients own lake homes, and given the unpredictably of our weather and winds, we’re able to help you make selections that will hold up in the elements,” Kruetzfeldt said.
“Remember to think of Montgomery’s for your exterior lighting.”
Living in light
As we approach 2024, lighting inside the home is all about adapting to how you live.
“Lighting in homes today is moving toward switching from task-oriented light when you need it to calming or wind-down light later in the day,” Kruetzfeldt said. “It’s a switchable technology, but it actually involves the color temperature of the lightbulb. So it can go from bright, intense light to a different color in the evening.”
Many lights in your home can be updated in small ways that can make big changes.
“Think about your kitchen pendants, a bath light, maybe a hall light you walk by everyday,” Kruetzfeldt said. “Just changing one or two fixtures gives the home a personality change and can become something you build off of as you’re inspired to do more.”
Areas with focal points for lighting include foyers, kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms.
“There are fun ways to change a fixture’s personality with just changing the lightbulb,” Kruetzfeldt added. “Some are shaped like marshmallows or spheres, crystal cut or lipstick shaped. We can accent-detail even more by switching out a lightbulb.”
Bathroom light tips
Technology can be your friend in a big way with a lighting upgrade in your bathroom.
“Again, LED is leading the way because it doesn’t produce as much heat,” Kruetzfeldt said. “There are several options for bathrooms. You can choose a bathroom bar light, ceiling light, sconces, pendants lighting and LED mirrors that will light up your space.”
Her advice: Layer your light with an LED mirror, sconces on the sides and a light behind you.
“This lighting gives a perfect environment for getting ready, with very little heat produced,” Kruetzfeldt said. “And there’s something for everyone – whether you want a minimalist look that’s functional or something with personality and design flair.”
Chandeliers shine
The coming year is showing a shift for chandeliers – literally.
“Several of the fixtures we’re seeing for 2024 are adjustable,” Kruetzfeldt said. “Shades that can move and twist and turn and angle different. So there’s movement in the fixtures.”
The sleek lines and warm tones that have gained popularity are still sought-after, plus “we’re seeing more mixed metals and leathers – a lot of detail, a lot of personality,” she continued.
Think two- or three-toned colors with sleek detail.
“Chandeliers often become a building block for a room, and they can really be pieces of art or a focal point in a design setting,” Kruetzfeldt said.
“It’s an easy way to update a room too, especially if you already have electrical. We’re also seeing moves away from bare lightbulb industrial and clear glass to a softened look with milky glass or alabaster glass, again because LED light doesn’t produce the heat, allowing us to use these appealing materials again. With the evolving technology in lighting, I foresee a lot of remodeling because people will want to incorporate these aspects into their home.”
Lamps make a statement
Lamp lighting is another way to bring a statement to a room. These smaller purchases can pack a design punch.
“We’re seeing a lot of sculptural lighting, very unique and architectural, with strong lines, marbles and mixed metals,” Kruetzfeldt said. “These are smaller purchases, and you often can move them from room to room and create more design excitement.”
Montgomery’s offers a large selection of lamps with styles for every taste, she added.
“You’ll see everything from whimsical to organic, simple and ornate. We also have minimalist and smart lighting that are very popular as well,” Kruetzfeldt said.
Beyond the showroom
While a visit to a Montgomery’s showroom is a great place to start – or get inspired – with a look at lighting, the options go beyond what you’ll see in the store, and designers are there to help you each step of the process for free.
“Our electronic catalog is an exceptional tool,” Kruetzfeldt said. “It’s very detailed. We can zoom in so you can see the finishes so clearly that it’s almost like you’re touching it. Additionally, we are able to filter by size, finish, price point, making it an easy shopping experience, saving the customer time and money.”
Within the store, various lighting styles are shown in room settings, “so you can stand back and see the scale and details and not be overpowered by having all the lighting displayed in one area,” she continued.
“You are able to better imagine it in your space. Just as importantly, we offer to consult within your home to ensure your selections are going to fit. You’re not making costly mistakes by choosing a fixture that’s too large or small for your area.”
Montgomery’s designers will sit down with your blueprint and go room by room to help choose lighting for a newly built home and even do a walk-through on an existing home.
“We can help produce a complete package. No detail is overlooked, down to making sure you have the right light outputs and bulbs in your fixtures,” Kruetzfeldt said. “Our job is to make sure our clients feel educated and comfortable. We ensure every lighting decision is a special reflection of our clients’ personal style.”
Ready to add a little light to your living space? Schedule an appointment with a Montgomery’s designer.
Custom furnishings in time for the holidays? It’s possible with this approach
Original Post from pigeon605.com
Let’s say you’re looking for a new sofa.
A green sofa.
When you walk into the Montgomery’s showroom, you’ll likely see a sea of sofas.
But what you won’t necessarily know is that nearly all could be green.
“Actually, most of the sofas you see on the floor are available in green,” design consultant Kayla Hathaway said. “We’d be happy to pull out some fabric samples and show you.”
At Montgomery’s, customization is incredibly common, and an expert design team is waiting to help you make it happen.
“Nearly any of our furniture can be customized,” senior interior designer Emily Meyer said. “And a lot of people don’t realize all we do. We quite literally can come to your house and then help you customize everything from flooring to drapes, curtains to bedding and, of course, furniture.”
Looking for a 19-foot dining table?
“We have the resources to do that,” Meyer said.
“We can also take old tables and have new granite or stone tops made for them, or side boards. You don’t have to give up a favorite piece just because it’s aging or you’d like it to have an updated look.”
Updating or designing a bedroom?
“There’s an incredible variety of pieces,” Meyer said. “Many of our vendors might have 10 nightstands to choose from, or you can pick the wood, the color, the knobs.”
Custom touches even extend to the finishing touches of a room.
“We can customize rugs, drapery, pillows, essentially anything you can think of,” Hathaway said.
“We really take a customer-first approach. We want your whole home to be beautiful, whether you’re shopping with us for a single lamp or a whole home renovation.”
Even better: Montgomery’s design services are complimentary.
“Don’t be afraid to talk to us,” Meyer said. “We know the questions to ask, and as we’re getting to know each other, we’ll figure out more what the customer wants. A lot of times, the customer knows what they don’t like. They might not know what they like, but people tend to know what they don’t, so then we can begin eliminating options.”
Working with a designer also helps you learn what’s possible in your home, Hathaway added. And at Montgomery’s, that often means a lot of options.
“We have all the tools we need to build and create your custom project,” she said. “We can walk through what is offered for each brand. For instance, with one fabric vendor, you can only change the color of the fabric. With another, you can change the depth, height, seat cushion construction and more.”
“We have more and more vendors utilizing those tools, so it’s very helpful because a lot of people have trouble visualizing how pieces or fabrics will look,” Meyer said.
And unlike recent years, when longer-than-average wait times made some hesitate on customization, things are getting back to normal, the designers said.
“Every brand is different, but we’re right at one to four months for most custom pieces,” Meyer said. “Before, it was generally one to two months, so things are definitely normalizing.”
Special offer
Start planning now for holiday gatherings and guests. During Montgomery’s Labor Day sale, choose from a selection of sale-priced custom-order beds, sofas, sectionals and dining room tables that you can have in your home in time for Thanksgiving when you order by September 11, 2023.
Stop into any Montgomery’s showroom to get started.
Celebrating 135 years in business, Montgomery’s gives back to employees, communities
Original Post from pigeon605.com
A fifth-generation family business doesn’t reach its 135th anniversary alone.
It arrives at that milestone thanks to longevity at all levels – team members who joined the business as entry-level employees and worked their way up to becoming key leaders.
People like Dean Gehrels, who joined Montgomery’s in 1994.
Or Nita Flagtwet, who has been part of the team for 21 years.
“And so many other names in between,” said Eric Sinclair, owner and president of Montgomery’s.
“We are the company we are not only because of our family’s ongoing commitment but truly because of the people who have been part of our team and become part of our family along the way.”
For Gehrels, a Montgomery’s career began with a role as a management trainee in Madison. At the time, it was the only Montgomery’s location.
“I needed a lot of help when I started, but they gave it to me,” he said. “They were patient with me, and while the plan was I would divide responsibility with someone else in the Madison market, when he left, I was left fully in charge.”
He ran the Madison store and then became more involved in the merchandise side of the business instead of daily operations. He now serves as merchandising manager while still helping with sales training and pitching in as needed to cover management shifts at various locations.
“I just really like working with the Sinclairs,” he said. “It’s a great fit for my personality, and we have a like-minded sense of wanting to get things accomplished. I love working with a family business. You’re accessible to top leadership. Anybody can have a great idea, and we’ll study it and put it into play if it makes sense.”
For Flagtwet, a sales manager role originally drew her to Montgomery’s in Sioux Falls. Five years later, she became director of sales.
“The ownership always says if you take care of people, the rest happens, and they’re not wrong,” she said. “Whether it’s your employees or your customers, it’s the people that make your business strong, and it’s a fun culture here. People are always willing to help out, and our owners will help wherever needed. If there’s garbage outside, they’re picking it up.”
She enjoys a lot of longevity on her team too.
“I have people on my team who have been here 10 or 15 years, and in retail, that says a lot,” she said. “It’s not an easy job, but here we’re as family-friendly as we can be. We care for our people, and we’ve had a lot of fun and growth.”
The Sinclairs embrace change and education, which has contributed to the business reaching 135 years, Flagtwet added.
“We have education for the team in our store one day every week for an hour to 90 minutes. And it’s happened as long as I’ve worked here,” she said. “We work very hard on being educated in our field, and that doesn’t just benefit our customers but our employees because we’re investing into them through that training.”
While Montgomery’s has been celebrating its milestone anniversary all year, the past month has been especially powerful.
The company held an employee appreciation week, including notes of gratitude, games, treats and a big party with food trucks, camping and more prizes.
“Every year, we take time to celebrate our staff for an entire week, but because this year is our 135th anniversary, we changed things up a bit,” director of merchandising Jessica Clayton said.
“Every day during the week, we focused on a category we offer. Each day was themed around that category with trivia, activities, treats and raffle prizes.”
In an especially memorable moment, all employees were recognized in a “graduation ceremony” and introduced along with their years of service, while receiving a $135 gift.
“It was super cool, not like anything we’ve done in the past, and it was really nice that every employee at the celebration was called out and personally recognized,” Flagtwet said.
“But we care about those milestones. At a one-year anniversary, employees are taken to lunch with their supervisor. There are other recognitions at five, 10 and 15 years, and often our owners will stop and congratulate employees or email or text them.”
Another core company value is giving back. So in addition to appreciating the team, recent weeks were filled with philanthropy:
The Madison store raised money for the Domestic Violence Network’s build-a-room campaign.
The Sioux Falls store raised money for the Active Generations All Access east-side campus campaign.
The Watertown store is raising money for the Human Service Agency Detox & Rehab facility.
The Aberdeen store is raising money for Meals on Wheels.
“We continually look for ways to give back to the communities that have made us who we are today, and that’s especially true in this anniversary year,” Sinclair said.
“It shows what a perfect cultural fit our employees are that they immediately rallied behind this effort with us, and we’ve been able to make significant contributions to multiple valuable efforts.”
Montgomery’s even was honored for its commitment to the state recently by the South Dakota Hall of Fame, with one of the organization’s Acts of Excellence awards, reserved for extraordinary individuals and organizations who are serving their communities in meaningful ways.
Gehrels views it simply – this is just a reflection of the culture that has helped him at Montgomery’s for nearly 30 years.
“People just do the right thing and treat everyone right,” he said. “That’s the internal cultural. Everyone moves in the right direction and focuses on how to improve. It just makes life as a retail employee a lot easier. I just love the fact that the No. 1 most important thing is to treat customers and treat each other like you’d like to be treated. It’s pretty simple, but it makes all the difference.”
Family-owned businesses have a unique advantage when it comes to making a positive impact on the communities they serve. With a shared sense of purpose, deep-rooted values, and a strong connection to local communities, there is great potential to create lasting change. The ripple effect of giving back can lead to a more compassionate and supportive community where people work together for the greater good.
At Montgomery’s, we encourage our staff to get involved, and that was evident when we asked for their input on nonprofits to support in the months of July and August. From kids to senior citizens to dogs and cats, numerous suggestions were made from their hearts and personal experiences. We are pleased to align ourselves with the following nonprofits by asking you, our customers, to consider a donation when you’re in our stores. We’ll match dollars 1:1, up to $5000. Think of the impact that will make on your community and maybe even someone you know.
July 10-15 Domestic Violence Network in Madison July 24-29 Center for Active Generations in Sioux Falls July 31-Aug 5 Human Service Agency Detox & Rehab in Watertown Aug 7-12 Meals on Wheels in Aberdeen
As we are more than halfway through our year-long celebration of 135 years in business, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for continuing to support local businesses and South Dakota communities.
