Finding design at IMS

By Kim Yeager, Star Tribune

February 12, 2008 at 9:29PM

Finding design at IMS In a move designed in part to improve service to non-design professionals, International Market Square (IMS) said it has named Mary Kinney to a new position as Design Connection manager.

Although IMS is home to retail kitchen/bath and remodeling showrooms open to the public for direct purchase, its furniture and textile showrooms are primarily for trade-only purchases. Currently, consumers can call the Design Connection program at 612-338-6250 or stop by IMS to be paired with an on-call designer for purchases and services. Now, Kinney is also available to meet with consumers beforehand to find the designer whose design and communication styles are most appropriate to the consumer's needs and decorating style. As before, the first 45 minutes with the designer are free.

"As I am not a designer, consumers realize that my mission is to assist by listening." she said. "I'm trying to give them the best options that I can." Kinney said she plans to expand and diversify the list of designers who work with the Design Connection from 19 to 50 by the end of 2008 as she familiarizes herself with them and their portfolios. A former showroom manager for Schumacher and Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Kinney spent 14 years in IMS, and has directed development for William Beson Interior Design and the Design Studio at Gabberts.

Notes Target continues to barnstorm through the design world, signing partners. This week, a line of tabletop linens by Dwell Home Furnishings hit the shelves; six patterns of modernist bedding are due in stores Feb. 24. Table and kitchen linens start at $2.99 for a dinner napkin and go to $12.99 for a reversible table runner; bedding ranges from $19.99 for a pillow to $89.99 for a full/queen comforter set. The DwellStudio for Target venture introduced a baby collection, including cribs with built-in storage beneath, at the end of January.

The Winter Sale at Nola Home runs through Saturday, including savings of up to 60 percent on vintage Indian tables, trunks and cabinets; 20 percent off Oly furnishings and accessories, and 25 percent off all sizes of sisal, abaca and seagrass rugs. 404 Penn Av. S., Minneapolis, 612-374-4066.

about the writer

about the writer

Kim Yeager, Star Tribune