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FORMDECOR OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED AS LGBT BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (LGBTBE®) BY NATIONAL LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

For Immediate Release

April 8, 2019

Washington, DC — FORMDECOR is proud to announce its recent certification as an LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE@) through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Supplier Diversity Initiative. The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community and serves as the Nation’s exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned and operated businesses.

“We are so pleased to welcome FORMDECOR to the ever-expanding network of NGLCC certified LGBT Business Enterprises and the hundreds of corporations and government agencies eager to put them to work,” said NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson and Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell. “According to NGLCC’s groundbreaking America’s LGBT Economy report, America’s estimated 1.4 million LGBT business owners, many of them NGLCC certified, add over $1.7 trillion to the GDP and create tens of thousands of new jobs. We are proud to count [COMPANY NAME] among those who prove every day that LGBT businesses are the future of the American economy.”

FORMDECOR is now eligible to participate in the NGLCC’s corporate partners’ supplier diversity programs, can take advantage of the vast educational opportunities promoted by the NGLCC, and can work to foster business to business relationships with other LGBTBEs worldwide throughout the year and especially at the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference.

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About NGLCC

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce {NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses. With more than 200 corporate partners, and 62 local, state, and international affiliate chambers, NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world.

www. nglcc.org

NGLCC Media Contact
Press@nelcc.org
202.234.9181

About FORMDECOR

FormDecor is America’s largest event furniture rental provider of authentic, iconic 20th Century furniture and accessories, especially the Modern and Mid-Century masters. A one-stop source for modern furniture rentals, FormDecor maintains a year-round depth of inventory for set designs, trade shows, weddings, and a myriad of corporate and social events. Centrally located just south of Los Angeles, FormDecor provides professional, reliable delivery throughout Southern California and a reliable network of shipping providers for projects throughout the United States.

FormDecor Media Contact
communications@formdecor.com
(310) 558-2582

19 Tips for Styling a Studio Apartment

If you currently live in or have experienced living in a studio apartment you know what it means to work with what you’ve got. Transforming a single room into a livable space that acts as a bedroom, living room, kitchen, office and more is no small task, and doing it alone can be a very arduous process. That’s why we’ve reached out to the experts in studio design from Miami to Portland, to offer their insights on how you can make your studio apartment as livable as possible without sacrificing aesthetic. So, if you’re moving into your first studio or dorm room, follow these 20 tips to make the process as simple as possible.

Recognize the power of association

The power of association for humans cannot be understated, that’s why we recommend you organize your studio apartment around three main hubs of activity, each with access to an ample amount of natural light. First is where you sleep, make sure that your bed and resting area is neat and surrounded by only the essentials, keep your electronics away! Second is where you want to be productive; some may get more use out of this space than others, but everyone should have a space for taxes, bills, serious hobbies, etc. Put the power of productivity in your hands! Lastly have a place to relax, this is where you can watch TV, read, and generally unwind; having a designated space for each kind of activity will make it easier for your brain to tackle tasks with precision and intent. – Inhabitr

Efficiency is your friend

Studio apartment living is all about minimalism and efficiency. Storage beds are a great place to keep some clothing that can help you reduce the size of the dresser or armoire you buy. Keep your paint colors neutral or bright, as a dark color will make your space feel more confined. If you can, get some barstools for your counter to reduce the need for a table in the kitchen area. Above all, declutter at least once per quarter. You’d be amazed how much space can be created with a reduction in the knickknacks you allow to accumulate! – Maureen Mcdermut Santa Barbara RE

Try to create some sense of division

My biggest tip for designing a studio apartment is to create division and designated spaces for sleeping, dining, cooking, and living. With one open space, it is so easy to see clutter and feel confined to a single box. Easy ways to create division in a space are to define zones with different area rugs, add dividing screens, create privacy walls with bookshelves that add storage, and even hanging curtain panels to create division. – Design Dudes

Give attention to negative space

Ever heard of the saying ‘Less is more?’ This also holds true when styling your apartment. Refrain from pushing your furniture up against your walls and instead work on creating mini spaces within your room. (Tip: You can also use rugs to section off areas within the same space!) Also, avoid putting your furniture too close together. You want enough space between your furniture to help you easily and comfortably move around. – Foerni Limited

No windows? No Problem!

There are many affordable lighting solutions for small or stuffy apartment spaces. These come in all shapes and sizes and can be standing lamps, LED lights and ambient lights that replicate the feeling of warm sunlight. These can be hidden or if they’re visually appealing, placed somewhere as a centerpiece. Most of these options can be bought in places like Amazon or other online retailers. – Big Spoon Co.

Think maximization

When designing your studio apartment, think maximization when it comes to furniture function and layout but think minimization when it comes to visual clutter. Use materials that don’t take up visual space like acrylic or glass. Hang one large impactful art piece or use peel and stick wallpaper to create a large accent feature instead of hanging a busy gallery wall. Even consider one cohesive paint color for your walls, built-ins, and cabinetry to avoid chopping up space visually (bonus: the room will appear larger!). – Sidney Wagner Designs

Take advantage of multipurpose furniture

Make the most of every inch of floor space with multipurpose furniture pieces. A wall-mounted shelf with coat hooks adds a spot for displaying art and photographs while storing coats more efficiently in a small hallway. A Murphy desk provides a dedicated workspace when you need it, without crowding your living space when you don’t. – NY State MLS

Studio Apartments are the ultimate in self-expression in a very limited square foot space.  In order to feel as if the environment is larger than the actual footprint, several key strategies can be put in place to succeed.  First, don’t overlook multi-functioning furnishings.  These creative objects can provide several functioning purposes while taking up minimal space.   A dining settee with a mid-height back can comfortably sit for evening meals and double up as a small sofa for binge-watching your favorite series on Netflix.  Throw in a small cushion/ottoman for an impromptu meal guest and then use it to prop your feet up with the settee. – Pu’uwai Design and Build

Having a murphy bed allows you to increase your usable space during the day for your hobbies and needs. A Murphy bed is a regular bed that can be folded up into the wall. This way, your studio can also be your home office or home gym. While Murphy beds are often expensive, companies like Lori Wall Beds offer a high-quality, inexpensive alternative certain to meet the needs of even the tightest budgets. – Lori Wall Beds

Optimize your storage space

Installing frameless cabinets increases drawer storage space by 20%, compared to framed models. Also make sure to fully utilize cabinet drawer space by using a tiered cutlery divider for utensils such as forks, spoons and knives. – Brad Iseri, Senior Kitchen and Bath Designer, HPM Building Supply

Add an artistic touch

One of the easiest ways to transform your space is with art on your wall. It sets the tone for the entire space and can evoke any mood you like; from bright and playful to calm or dramatic. The right art can brighten your mood and uplift your spirits when you walk in the room and has a unique power to transport you anywhere…and don’t be afraid to go big when it comes to size! – Latitudes Gallery, Ventura

One of the quickest and the most unique ways to transform your studio apartment is by using art to create an illusion of a bright open space. There are artists, like myself who will work with you on creating a new vision for your space using a variety of materials; canvas, paintings, wall sculptures, murals, fabrics, acrylic, metal, or wood. The style of the art can be Modern, Bohemian, Traditional, Scandinavian, Shabby Chic, Hollywood Glam, or Rustic with the composition and concept of the art creating a more airy and bright space. Live the dream you envision with art. – Robin Maria Pedrero

Decide on a focal point

A well-staged room has a singular defined purpose and a focal point. Buyers scan a room from left to right when entering, much like we read a book. If you place the tallest piece of furniture in the far left corner, the room will appear larger than if that same piece of furniture is closer to the entry. Placing a large or tall piece of furniture near an entryway or door tricks the eye into thinking a space is smaller than it is, one should keep taller items in corners or eliminate them altogether. – FormDecor Furniture Rental

Decorate with intent

Only add items you love and remember to include focal-point pieces that will make a statement. Items with no installation, such as our Slimline Bio Ethanol Stove, can benefit a studio or small space with a no-fuss setup. This, and other pieces of furniture alike, means you can feng-shui your space until you are happy with the end result. – Bio Fires

Make it original

Put the ‘studio’ back in ‘studio apartment’ by showcasing the cool creative you are.  On a mid-century credenza, a flea market table topped with an Indian bedspread, or a curbside reject revived with paint (pieces that can also offer hidden storage) prop a painting, stack books you’ve read or want to read, place interesting found objects. Start the visual conversation as soon as anyone walks into the room. You be you. – Judith Fertig, Kansas City Magazine

Utilize vertical space

If a space is small, I try to utilize vertical space as much as possible. Perhaps a floating shelf around the perimeter of the top 2′ of the wall for books and plants. Large scale art to create an illusion of grandeur and make a focal point. Paint the ceiling the same color as the wall so the eye doesn’t stop and everything just FEELS more spacious, well designed and FREE. – Spark Vintage Rentals

Less is more

In studios or small apartments, minimalist style is the key. Keep the decor simple and straightforward. I advise you to decorate only with basic furniture. Do not use any furniture pieces or objects that have no specific purpose. This decoration will give a greater sense of space and depth. With fewer elements, space will gain in personality. – Noelia Unik Designs

Make good use of your available space

Living in a studio is really about making good use of every inch of the area while not creating a jam-packed feeling. You may consider including convertible furniture in your home. For example, I have seen a work desk that can be folded and mounted to a wall when not used. It can be displayed as decoration and help to save space tremendously. Another one I have seen is a small coffee table that can be opened up into a big dining table. – Jacob Coleman at RealEstateCareerHQ

Keep it light

Stick with light colors for wall paint and even lighter on the ceiling to draw the eyes upward and to create an illusion of higher ceilings, as well as light-colored flooring. Invest in good lighting to brighten everything up. If you are installing kitchen cabinets, go all the way up to the ceiling so that you can get in more storage and avoid wasted space. Consider a Murphy Bed with built-in shelving/night table space (they make extremely comfortable and attractive ones these days) to enable you to hide your bed during the day. With furnishings, focus on items that have multi-purpose uses, such as a small island that doubles as a kitchen table/workspace, or an ottoman that functions as a coffee table or as seating. Items with built-in storage are helpful to keep clutter at bay. – Team Hatvany

Originally published on Redfin on February 17, 2021 by Mike Cahill

Set Design According to Clayton Ford

As we’ve kicked off month one of our DesignDare 2020, and dive into reimagining Classic TV show sets, we talk to Art Director and Set Designer, Clayton Ford of Local 800.

Clayton has designed sets for a variety of TV shows and films including Brother Season 22, Chasing the Crown S1 & S2, and ESPN Sports Humanitarian Awards 2019, to name a few.

“A good set design tells a story. It can be “invisible” to the viewer, meshing so well with the characters’ personalities that we barely notice it, or it can create a striking dissonance, revealing a deep discomfort. The secret lairs of heroes and masterminds are decorated with hi-tech gadgets and their favorite creature comforts. A basement setting with a concrete floor, wood-paneled walls, and grandma’s old floral sofa feel like the perfect space to hang out with our best high school friends. Add some details like Pink Floyd albums, board games, and some smoldering cigarette butts in an ashtray and your set becomes the story!”

~ Clayton Ford, Art Director (Local 800)

Connect with Clayton on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Would YOU like to be featured in our Set Designer Series? Contact us!

Our Pledge to You

FormDecor's Quality Control Process
As we respond to COVID-19, the safety and wellbeing of our customers, employees and partners is always our top priority.

We are closely monitoring the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Our goal is to meet our customers’ needs while doing our part to take proactive measures to help keep everyone safe. 

In order to maintain a safe environment and address customer concerns:

We have enhanced the process and frequency used to clean our furniture before and after each rental. We are paying special attention to touch points such as chairs, hard surfaces, lamp switches and upholstery.
 
We continue to have our delivery teams clean and disinfect our product thoroughly upon arrival with additional focus given to surfaces and high touch areas. Each delivery team member will be equipped with face mask, nitrile gloves and adhering to CDC guidelines of 6’ distancing, including clients.

We are cleaning our facilities frequently with recommended sanitizing products.

We are taking steps to ensure the welfare of our employees by following CDC recommended personal health practices.

Christopher Murillo / Design Dare / Episode 3

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Meet Christopher Murillo, Set Designer/Decorator

Christopher Scott Murillo is a southern California based set designer and set decorator.  Over the course of his career, he has designed sets, costumes, and props for a wide variety of theatrical productions, live stage shows, and reality television.  He holds an MFA from the UCSD Department of Theatre and Dance and a BA from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television.  He is currently part of the design faculty at Cal State Los Angeles.

Most recently, he has been the set decorator for The Real Housewives of Orange County and Beverly Hills reunions and his theatrical work has been seen at the Hollywood Bowl and the Getty Villa in Malibu.

Christopher is drawn towards a “modern glamor” aesthetic, combining eclectic and industrial styles with modern bold colors.

CHRISTOPHER’S LINKS:
FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / WEBSITE


The Design Dare team challenged Christopher Murillo VS Ruben Gomez to compete scenically at the FormDecor warehouse. Each designer had a 10′ x 15′ space, 1 hour, 2 FormDecor team members and the entire FormDecor inventory to choose from!

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Ruben Gomez / Design Dare / Episode 3

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Meet Ruben Gomez, Designer

Los Angeles native Ruben Gomez brings passion, and a keen eye for design. Inspired and educated from FIDM and The Interior Design Institute as well as experience working within various creative arts industries has established him as a diverse designer and account executive.

Ruben is know for his work in production and event design which include XBOX E3 Sales Conference, Reebok CrossFit Games, ABC Oscar Party and Shirley Temple Estate Restoration.

Ruben has a clean and minimalistic design style with pops of color or mid century modern.


The Design Dare team challenged Ruben Gomez VS Christopher Murillo to compete scenically at the FormDecor warehouse. Each designer had a 10′ x 15′ space, 1 hour, 2 FormDecor team members and the entire FormDecor inventory to choose from!

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Karen Weber / Design Dare / Episode 2

Meet Karen Weber, Production Designer

Karen has worked as an Art Director for well over 15 years, drawing on her background in theatre, fine arts, design and photography. Her current work is primarily in television and commercials.

She has a keen eye and an ability to move effortlessly from design software to crafting one of a kind objects, focused on supporting the project at hand.

Karen Weber is known for her work on Last Comic Standing, The Queen Latifah Show, America’s Next Top Model, Yahoo Santa Monica Studio Design and a variety of talk shows, reality shows and game shows.

With an eclectic style, Karen likes to play with textures, colors and loves textiles.

Visit Karen Weber’s website here


The Design Dare team challenged Karen Weber VS Meredith Greenberg to compete scenically at the FormDecor warehouse. Each designer had a 10′ x 15′ space, 1 hour, 2 FormDecor team members and the entire FormDecor inventory to choose from!

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Meredith Greenberg / Design Dare / Episode 2

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Meet Meredith Greenberg, Art Department Coordinator/Set Decorator

An Art Department Coordinator/Set Decorator for the film/tv industry by day and inspired interior designer & DIY blogger the rest of the time!

Meredith is known for her work on American Horror Story: Hotel, Big Brother and The Ellen DeGeneres Show but most of all her blog (artsandclassy.com)

With an eclectic style, Meredith likes to mix in the old and new.

Visit Merideth Greenberg’s Website Here


The Design Dare team challenged Meredith Greenberg VS Karen Weber to compete scenically at the FormDecor warehouse. Each designer had a 10′ x 15′ space, 1 hour, 2 FormDecor team members and the entire FormDecor inventory to choose from!

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Heidi Miller / Design Dare / Episode 1

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Meet Heidi Miller, Set Decorator

Heidi Miller is best known for her work on Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, The Man Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

With over 20 years in the industry, Heidi is a 2-time Primetime Emmy nominee and winner for “Best Art Director for Multi Camera Series”.

Heidi loves “rustic glamour”, Kelly Wearstler and 1940s glam design.


The Design Dare team challenged Heidi Miller & M. Schmidt to compete scenically at the FormDecor warehouse. Each designer had a 10′ x 15′ space, 1 hour, 2 FormDecor team members and the entire FormDecor inventory to choose from!

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M. Schmidt / Design Dare / Episode 1

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Meet M. Schmidt, Production Designer

A graduate of the Hamburg College of Architecture, M. Schmidt’s career as a production designer for film, commercial and television was preceded by her work as a stage designer at various theaters in Hamburg/Germany.

She formed her own set design and construction company EXPOSITION STUDIO in Los Angeles in 2003. M. Schmidt has worked as production designer on feature films, TV shows, commercials and music videos as well as events and sets for stage productions in Europe and the United States.

M. Schmidt is known for her work on Thy Neighbor’s Wife, Rachael vs Guy, Beauty and the Geek, Scream Queens and a variety of Food Network shows.

M. Schmidt’s favorite design periods range from 50’s style to Mid-Century Modern, but when it comes to work projects, she likes to put just about anything on the set.


The Design Dare team challenged M. Schmidt & Heidi Miller to compete scenically at the FormDecor warehouse. Each designer had a 10′ x 15′ space, 1 hour, 2 FormDecor team members and the entire FormDecor inventory to choose from!

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Comedy Central by John Calkins

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