Key Takeaways Discovered from IWCE Raleigh Shaping the Future of the Industry

Color, Reimagined: Designing with Depth and Emotion

In her session, Elle Cole of Elle Cole Interiors challenged designers to stop playing it safe and start thinking more intentionally about color. The message was clear: color in 2026 isn’t about a single pop, it’s about layered harmony, subtle tension, and unexpected pairings. From deep browns and mossy greens to muted pastels and bold combinations like plum and olive, today’s palettes are designed to evoke emotion while maintaining livability. Cole encouraged designers to confidently guide clients toward more adventurous choices, layering tones across fabrics, finishes, and architectural elements to create spaces that feel both refined and personal.

The takeaway: great design isn’t just about what looks good, it’s about building trust and helping clients embrace color in a way that feels bold, balanced, and enduring.

From Buzzword to Business Tool: AI That Works

AI is everywhere and it’s not going anywhere. That was clear from the standing-room-only turnout at International Window Coverings Expo for “The AI Advantage,” where Deb Barrett took a different approach to a crowded topic. Instead of adding to the noise, she broke AI down into practical applications across the design workflow, from discovery and onboarding to insights and presentations. Attendees walked away with real tools, actual prompts, and actionable strategies they can immediately apply using platforms like ChatGPT, Otter.ai, and Claude.

The message was simple: just start using it.

Where Craft Meets Cause: Inside the Artisan Atelier

There’s no shortage of inspiration on the show floor at International Window Coverings Expo, but few spaces are as dynamic—or meaningful—as the Artisan Atelier. Running throughout the day, this hands-on hub brings creativity and craftsmanship together for a cause. Designers are transforming donated materials into four travel-inspired vignettes—A Passage Home, Pretty in Plaid, Textile Tales of Marrakesh, and La Côte Royale—all of which will be auctioned to benefit The Green Chair Project, the event’s designated charity.

Beyond the displays, the space is buzzing with live demonstrations and workshops. Attendees can learn how to perfect pillow edges with flanges and mitered corners, explore the art of layered bedding and custom comfort through tailored techniques, and even get hands-on with traditional British hand-sewing methods for curtains.

As one presenter shared, “Everything we do is custom—the sky is the limit.” That spirit is on full display here, where every stitch, layer, and detail reflects the creativity and individuality of the design community—while giving back in the process.

Rockin’ All Day: Live Music, Happy Hour & High Energy at Mermet

If there’s one booth bringing serious energy to the show floor, it’s Mermet USA.

Back for their fourth year, Mermet is once again leaning into what they do best creating an experience. This year’s theme? Rock and roll. According to Digital Marketing Specialist Courtney Myers-Brown, the idea came together organically. “We said we were going to be rocking and rolling into Raleigh,” she shared and the concept stuck. From rock-inspired details (yes, even the socks) to a full photo booth designed like a concert stage, the booth invites attendees to step in, strike a pose under the ring light, and channel their inner rockstar. The energy doesn’t stop there—Mermet is also hosting a happy hour from 1–4 PM, complete with a live music artist who will quite literally be rocking the stage.

After taking home Best Booth Experience and Best in Show in prior years, Mermet is clearly aiming to keep the momentum going bringing a mix of creativity, fun, and immersive engagement that’s hard to miss.

Touch, Feel, and Experience: Inside the Springs Window Fashions Booth

The Springs Window Fashions booth is striking a balance between hands-on product discovery and high-demand engagement. Featuring both Horizons Window Fashions and Draper Inc., the space invites attendees to experience products in a tangible way. Horizons is showcasing its latest fabric collection, released in October 2025, through an interactive display designed for visitors to touch, feel, and explore the materials up close.

On the other side, Graber is drawing a crowd with complimentary customizable embroidered bags so popular, they’ve created a two-hour backlog. Attendees are lining up not just for the giveaway, but for the personalized experience.

Together, the brands are creating a booth that blends product immersion with meaningful interaction, connecting with dealers eager to explore what’s new and what’s next.

Selling the Smart Home: Making Motorization a No-Brainer

In a session led by Somfy product experts, attendees learned how to turn motorization into a powerful—and natural—sell.

The approach centers on three steps: discover, demonstrate, and propose. Look for signs a homeowner is already using smart tech, demonstrate motorization in real-life scenarios like privacy or light control, and make the value tangible. As emphasized in the session, the goal is to “make the magic of motorization tangible.”

Beyond the sales strategy, the session covered when to specify technologies like RTS vs. Zigbee and shared practical tips to simplify installation and troubleshooting.

The takeaway: motorization isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a smart, scalable way to drive revenue and elevate the client experience.

Written by:

Bhavna Bhatia

Sr. Director of Marketing

BridgeTower Media