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The Shade Store and Business of Home spark inspiration in San Francisco
People & Parties
The Shade Store and Business of Home spark inspiration in San Francisco
May 15, 2024 | San Francisco | ComePlum Photography
The Shade Store and Business of Home spark inspiration in San Francisco

Interior designers from the San Francisco area convened at The Shade Store’s Fillmore Street showroom on May 15 to embark on a morning of inspiring conversation and networking. Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen led an illuminating panel discussion featuring local designers Alicia Cheung of Studio Heimat, Michael Hilal of Studio Michael Hilal, and Katie Monkhouse of Katie Monkhouse Interiors. The conversation delved into the intricacies of business development, offering valuable insights into each designer’s operational strategies and how they communicate their value to their clients.

Energized by the exchange of ideas, guests explored the showroom following the panel, immersing themselves in the displays of custom window treatments offered by The Shade Store and perusing samples from the brand’s extensive selection of more than 1,200 in-stock materials. Attendees also mingled and savored light refreshments while gaining deeper insights into how The Shade Store can be their go-to resource for projects nationwide.

“While Michael, Alicia and Katie each have a distinctive approach to their work, they all place so much value on helping their clients understand the design process,” said Petersen. “I’m so grateful to the three of them for breaking down the how’s and why’s of finding a process that worked for their firms—and there was a lot of laughter as they shared the ideas that didn’t work for them, too! That willingness to share best practices and past pitfalls is how we all grow, and I’m so appreciative of The Shade Store for fostering community conversations like this one to move the industry forward.” 

“I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of Business of Home’s and The Shade Store’s event,” said Hilal. “We had a great crowd, insightful, lively conversation, and Kaitlin is a pro moderator. I’ve been a long-time client of The Shade Store. Their San Francisco team is amazing, so it was a treat to partner with them.”

“The best part of the whole panel was connecting with the other panelists and the folks who came out,” said Cheung. “When we are able to share candidly, it helps each of us! I certainly took away some gems, like talking about art early in the process with our clients.”

“The Shade Store has been part of the San Francisco design community since 2009, when Fillmore Street was the first showroom we opened outside of New York,” said Kara Marmion, senior vice president of marketing and communications at the company. “We love coming back to the Bay Area to meet new designers and reengage with old friends of the brand. Hosting these events with Business of Home allows us to open our doors and give designers an opportunity to learn from one another, while also learning about all the ways The Shade Store can be a true partner to their businesses.”

Katie Monkhouse, Kaitlin Petersen, Alicia Cheung and Michael Hilal
Katie Monkhouse, Kaitlin Petersen, Alicia Cheung and Michael Hilal
Katie Monkhouse, Kaitlin Petersen, Alicia Cheung and Michael Hilal
Kara Marmion, Katie Monkhouse and Travis Reinke
Kara Marmion, Katie Monkhouse and Travis Reinke
Kara Marmion, Katie Monkhouse and Travis Reinke
Lauren McGuier and Gerry Jue of Bamo
Lauren McGuier and Gerry Jue of Bamo
Lauren McGuier and Gerry Jue of Bamo
Michael Hilal, Katherine Nelson and Anthony Luna
Michael Hilal, Katherine Nelson and Anthony Luna
Michael Hilal, Katherine Nelson and Anthony Luna
Front row: Travis Reinke, Dusty Brinsmade, Anna Kubly, Anthony Luna, Steve Jones, Chelsie Thompto and Fabian Scrivani; back row: Justin LeVake and Neil Thein
Front row: Travis Reinke, Dusty Brinsmade, Anna Kubly, Anthony Luna, Steve Jones, Chelsie Thompto and Fabian Scrivani; back row: Justin LeVake and Neil Thein
Front row: Travis Reinke, Dusty Brinsmade, Anna Kubly, Anthony Luna, Steve Jones, Chelsie Thompto and Fabian Scrivani; back row: Justin LeVake and Neil Thein
Guests took their seats for the panel discussion
Guests took their seats for the panel discussion
Guests took their seats for the panel discussion
Attendees eagerly waiting for the panel to begin
Attendees eagerly waiting for the panel to begin
Attendees eagerly waiting for the panel to begin
Attendees anticipating the panel discussion
Attendees anticipating the panel discussion
Attendees anticipating the panel discussion
Kara Marmion introducing The Shade Store team and welcoming attendees to the showroom
Kara Marmion introducing The Shade Store team and welcoming attendees to the showroom
Kara Marmion introducing The Shade Store team and welcoming attendees to the showroom
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Katie Monkhouse, Alicia Cheung, Michael Hilal and Kaitlin Petersen
Attendees enjoying the panel discussion
Attendees enjoying the panel discussion
Attendees enjoying the panel discussion
Kaitlin Petersen
Kaitlin Petersen
Kaitlin Petersen
After the conversation, the audience participated in a Q&A session with the panelists
After the conversation, the audience participated in a Q&A session with the panelists
After the conversation, the audience participated in a Q&A session with the panelists
Michael Hilal answering questions during the Q&A
Michael Hilal answering questions during the Q&A
Michael Hilal answering questions during the Q&A
After the panel discussion, guests were invited to ask questions
After the panel discussion, guests were invited to ask questions
After the panel discussion, guests were invited to ask questions
Kaitlin Petersen (left)
Kaitlin Petersen (left)
Kaitlin Petersen (left)
Guests browsing the showroom
Guests browsing the showroom
Guests browsing the showroom
Attendees enjoyed light bites while perusing the showroom
Attendees enjoyed light bites while perusing the showroom
Attendees enjoyed light bites while perusing the showroom
Attendees left with a gift bag from The Shade Store
Attendees left with a gift bag from The Shade Store
Attendees left with a gift bag from The Shade Store