Setting the Mood

Interior Motif is a window treatment and storage solution showroom that partners with legacy manufacturer Hunter Douglas. Together they distribute the most innovative and high-quality shades in the industry while also making strides to focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Stephan Elbaz, the owner and president of Interior Motif is no stranger to the window treatment industry. Born in Canada, he learned the ins and outs of the industry by working at his family’s business. With a strong desire to branch off on his own, he moved to the United States to pursue fashion. One day after consulting with a client, he was stopped at a red light in Hoboken and noticed a “for rent” sign on the window of a commercial building.  Like the flip of a switch, he took the initiative to call the number on the flyer and the rest is history. For 29 years, Interior Motif has been one of about 500 exclusive galleries for Hunter Douglas, the largest window treatment designer, and manufacturer in the world, 

The detail that distinguishes Interior Motif as a showroom is their attentiveness toward client needs and rigorous product training that allow the staff to become experts on Hunter Douglas products. This knowledge gives them the ability to support and build long-lasting relationships with clients.

Client support was exemplified during the pandemic when Interior Motif partnered with Hunter Douglas to provide professional measuring and installation services to make the purchasing experience more seamless. They also adapted through the use of Zoom to consult for home fittings. While virtual consultations and services were something the showroom staff and management never thought they would be able to provide, they now see that it offered an opportunity to go into many more homes and build more relationships with clients. “People usually never have time for home improvement projects but we were extremely busy because people were home and looked at their interiors and decided this was the right time. People realized how important their home, the furnishings, and the effect of lighting is to them,” says Elbaz. 

Though recent years have posed unprecedented challenges, one of the biggest for designers, manufacturers, and interior furnishing providers has been supply chain delays. To keep clients calm when faced with extensive shipping delays, Interior Motif keeps them in the loop through the entire design process and shares details transparently. “We’re not a company that’s going to promise you something and underdeliver so we want to make sure we manage client expectations,” Elbaz says. Another guarantee that Interior Motif offers to clients is a one-time replacement if they are not completely satisfied. Interior Motif strives to leave clients with a space they’ll feel happy and comfortable in.

Specializing in motorized shades, Hunter Douglas’ latest designs have remained technologically innovative while also being sustainable. While there is the option to buy non-motorized window treatments, the use of technology sets Hunter Douglas apart from other manufacturers in the industry. These advanced window treatments offer a myriad of options for the user to adapt their shades for any use and any room. Shades can be made to drop or rise depending on the time of day, controlled remotely, set at certain lengths, and programmed using Alexa and Google Home. Interior Motif consultants also recognize the importance of color, tone, opacity, and ambiance when it comes to helping clients find the perfect shades. “Windows are the eyes of the home so we try to make sure we’re finding the best ‘glasses’ to fit the home,” Elbaz says.

Elbaz emphasizes that while trends and styles change every two years or so, the product offerings created by Hunter Douglas are thoughtful and detailed. Many of the fabrics and textiles used in Hunter Douglas window treatments are custom and exclusive to the brand including, silk-elemented fabric, cotton-elemented fabrics, pressed-polyester fabrics, and recyclable textile products that have been introduced in an effort to pivot toward sustainability. The most popular of the shades in the showroom include silhouette shades, which are a sheer fabric that filters light but offers one-direction viewing, meaning those inside the home can look out and see what’s going on outside but neighbors can not peek into the home. Another popular shade is the roller shade or designer screen shades that are made with recycled materials as well as fiberglass and PVC. 

The most unique and energy-efficient shade is the Duette Honeycomb Shade. The product offers temperature control, to keep warmth in the home during the winter and cool air in during the summer. For 2023, Hunter Douglas, in partnership with the U.S. government and Star Alliance, will offer the purchase of Duette Honeycomb shades to be tax deductible. The window treatment industry is moving towards sustainable features like temperature control, sound filtering, and UV ray blocking, to adapt to a changing world. These insulative qualities not only save costs but help protect expensive furnishings and textiles that may become faded or damaged by sun and moisture exposure.

Finally, Interior Motif does not only focus on window treatments but also works to create custom closet and storage solutions. The team at Interior Motif consults with clients via a 30-minute Zoom call and trains the clients on how to take proper measurements of their spaces and input that information into the Interior Motif website. An assigned salesperson will put those measurements into a CAD program to create an illustration of the space and placement for customized shelving, clothing rods, and more based on their needs. The design expert also shows the client different finishes, measurements, and angles, allowing the client to pick the look they desire. Finally, an expert is sent to measure the client’s space in person and the materials are ordered soon after. With a 3-month lead time, all the orders, production, and builds are done in-house, and supplies are shipped from Arizona. Interior Motif has worked on a number of high-profile homes and spaces in the tri-state area and is known for their quality and craftsmanship. 

After such a successful tenure, Interior Motif is also working to open a new location in Short Hills, New Jersey. The goal for the second location is to continue the remote culture that they’ve cultivated and combine it with an interactive experience. Clients will be able to view their products in their space virtually, but also to come into the showroom to touch the product and see its capabilities in person. The approach is meant to allow clients more options to shop and experience the Hunter Douglas products. There’s no project that’s too big or too small for Interior Motif and with their attentive customer service and focus on quality and sustainability, window treatments and storage solutions will elevate your space for years to come.