WCMA Product Awards: Judges Review

Each year for the past 22 years, the WCMA (Window Coverings Manufacturers Association) has hosted an annual awards program to celebrate innovation and design in the world of window coverings.  This year there are over 80 entries which need to be reviewed and reviewed by a panel of judges this Friday who choose the standouts in each category as well as the Product of the Year.  

As the only interior designer on the panel of judges, I try to focus on the style and trends in the design, but also look for ease of use for the customer, safety and welfare, hardware innovation and technological advances while we are all collaborating.  This panel of judges looks for the gold standard, representing their field for the entire US and Canadian markets and the awards, which are presented at the IWEC Vision 13 (International Window Coverings Expo) in April 2013 are a treasured seal of approval for window covering manufacturers.  

The 2012 Product of the Year was Hunter Douglas's Silouette window shadings with LiteRise lifiting system - a cordless system of raising and lowering window shades. I recommend this shade to my clients regularly, especially those with young children for the cordless feature.  Its look and ease of use are superior to other treatments on the market and pure luxury.  This piece along with the Alustra collection are among my favorites of the Hunter Douglas lines.  

 I look forward to seeing what new advances have been made for 2013 and helping to shed extra light on the products that promote innovation in the industry.  This whole experience is such a great process and I truly enjoy it!  I can't wait to share this year's winners.