CHICAGO, IL–(Marketwired – July 17, 2014) – Refined Haystack, an online source for local design, launches with the debut of its Chicago-based website, refinedhaystack.com. The interactive site aims to streamline the design process from start to finish by providing a curated network of local design resources, allowing designers, homeowners, showrooms and stores to more effectively and efficiently connect and collaborate.
Through a unique user-experience platform, simple navigation and industry-specific tools, Refined Haystack enables a fluid relationship between local design professionals, storeowners and showrooms. It also gives homeowners an unprecedented insider’s look at the vast design resources available in Chicago.
The site acts as a marketplace of local design — from top design professionals to the best in local design and décor sources — and provides users with enhanced opportunities for engagement, interaction and exchange of information, ideas and recommendations.
“We’re excited to be launching in Chicago,” notes Sabrina Vodnik, Refined Haystack founder and CEO. “Refined Haystack was established as a way for all parties involved in a design project to work together in a truly collaborative manner. Because of its status as a top destination for design, Chicago is the perfect location to launch.”
Refined Haystack features detailed information about local interior design stores and showrooms, including designer reviews. Each store is added to the site at the recommendation of local designers and according to established criteria. Additionally, the site offers access to designer profiles, firm websites and their respective social media platforms. Public albums, where designers can openly share portfolio and installation images, feature how items from their favorite stores are presented within a completed space.
“Refined Haystack not only offers a vast selection of local design resources but also showcases the expertise and talent of design professionals,” adds Vodnik. “As a comprehensive design portal, the website intends to become the qualified and trusted source for design in Chicago.”
One of Refined Haystack’s most distinguishing features is the Private Album, which works in real-time to facilitate the design process by creating practical efficiencies for designers when making recommendations and selections. Boasting various features and functionalities, including image upload and tagging capabilities, the Private Album is a shareable tool that allows for a one-on-one exchange of ideas between the designer and the client and/or team member. The Private Album feature also provides the ability to comment and quickly discuss specifics on any given design project and can only be accessed by the designer and intended recipient.
Chicago-based designer Hunter Kaiser has utilized Refined Haystack since its inception and relies on it as a tool to develop and maintain his online presence as a designer.
“Refined Haystack is a next-generation tool that fills a void in the design community,” notes Kaiser. “As a designer, a robust online presence is becoming increasingly important. So is being knowledgeable, accessible and hyper-connected. Refined Haystack allows designers to promote our work, engage with storeowners and effectively communicate with our clients. It’s doing a lot of the work for us,” says Kaiser.
In addition to being available online, Refined Haystack is also mobile responsive.
For more information, please visit (http://www.refinedhaystack.com/).
Refined Haystack is a home interiors source, where local stores and designers connect and collaborate. Using the power of technology, Refined Haystack showcases local resources via an easy-to-navigate functionality, presenting the city’s vast design offerings and providing simple tools to help manage and promote design businesses. In an effort to streamline communication within Chicagoland’s design industry, the site was designed to serve as a resource connection point for sharing local home interior sources. Refined Haystack is a marketplace of local design — from top design professionals to the best in design and décor sources. The website also acts as a tool for the design professional and showrooms/stores to utilize as they work together and support each other. The goal for Refined Haystack is to act as a one-stop-site where designers, showrooms/stores and homeowners can communicate and explore; it is a place that thoughtfully supports everyone’s interests. Please visit http://www.refinedhaystack.com/ for more information.
Media Contacts:
Kimberly Ecker
kimberly@jochicago.com
262.844.9379
Leslie Friebert
leslie@jochicago.com
917.841.0560
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