I just returned from International Window Coverings Expo in Raleigh, and what a whirlwind it was. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by passionate window covering professionals — meeting new colleagues, reconnecting with longtime design friends, and discovering the innovations shaping where our industry is headed next.

This year, I had the opportunity to present on several topics that are top-of-mind for design professionals right now:

• Artificial Intelligence 
• Wellness and Window Coverings
• Global Design Trends
• the Psycharist’s Couch
• The Future of the Smart Home

The response was incredible. The rooms were full, conversations continued long after the sessions ended, and one thing became clear: designers are ready for practical strategies they can actually implement — not just inspiration. I was especially honored to have the team from Designers Today attend the session and later feature it in their show coverage. 

Here’s what they shared:

From Buzzword to Business Tool: AI That Works
By Bhavna Bhatia Roszel — April 29, 2026

AI is everywhere — and it’s not going anywhere. That was clear from the standing-room-only turnout at the session “The AI Advantage,” during last week’s International Window Coverings Expo. Presenter Deb Barrett, founder of Window Dressings, took a different approach to a crowded topic.

Instead of adding to the noise, Barrett broke AI down into practical applications across the design workflow — from discovery and onboarding to insights and presentations. Attendees walked away with real tools, actual prompts, and actionable strategies they can immediately apply using platforms like ChatGPT, Otter.ai, and Claude. The message was simple: Just start using it.

This kind of feedback reinforces exactly why I teach — helping design professionals move beyond theory and confidently apply new tools in ways that strengthen their businesses today. Because of that enthusiasm, I’ll be offering virtual versions of these sessions in the coming months. Keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming dates and registration details. Want to get on the interested list? Contact us below:

Get Ready for YOUR DESIGN ADVENTURE!

September in Provence: An exploration of the senses

Join us in Provence and discover a whole new way to look at design. With our small groups of design aficionados, we set up a home base at our spectacular bastide  giving you the chance to mingle with the locals, see out-of-the-ordinary artisans and ateliers and get to know our surroundings more intimately. We take pride in offering our guests a one-of-a-kind, off-the-beaten-track inspirational, immersive experience.

Mark your calendars and come to Provence with us September 12-19, 2026.

Here’s just a few of the things you’ll experience during our week in the South of France:

~Discover one of the most famous antiques market, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

~Practice the sport (and art) of pétanque.

~Taste spectacular wines in the fabled Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.

~Explore the world of woad with master Denise Lambert, who almost single-handedly brought this ancient color back to life.

~Experience a five-course private luncheon in the gardens of the chef’s own farm

~Create your own fashion accessory when you work with a plumassier, or feather couturier- a rare opportunity.

~Enjoy a day of indulgence as you’ll be thoroughly pampered!

We are excited to explore Provence with you this Fall. Hope you will join us!

Get all the details, itinerary and registration forms HERE…

Join us on our Everyday Extraordinary London tour May 11 – May 17, 2026. We’ll explore London Craft Week, a journey-of-discovery of exceptional craftsmanship featuring hidden workshops and unknown makers alongside celebrated masters, famous studios, galleries, shops and luxury brands. Over the past decade London Craft Week has grown into an international design event—an easier to manage Milan– with demos, workshops, studio visits, pop-up shows featured across the city. 

The itinerary contains our signature Decor Tours mix of private appointments, exclusive access, amazing discoveries, and some exceptional surprises! See what Everyday Extraordinary London is all about below; we know you’ll understand why we couldn’t wait to share it with you! Only 2 seats left.

            London Craft Week with inspiring creative experiences including demos, workshops, studio visits,and pop-up shows featured across the city.

            Portobello Road Antiques Market

            Afternoon Tea at one of London’s most fashionable spots

            A visit to the world-famous V&A, where the galleries will come to life.

            Hampton Court Palace with the option of taking a half-day class with an instructor from the Royal School of Needlework.

            Shopping at Harrod’s, Harvey Nichols and Liberty of London

            Pimlico Road Design District

Hope to see you there,

Stay Just a Little Bit Longer…

Come for the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) and stay for High Point Market. Décor Tours next design adventure is to High Point Spring Market, April  2026. DT@HPMKT offers IWCE attendees a unique opportunity to experience High Point Market with a curated full day+ tour during Spring 2026 Market after the IWCE 2026 conference in Raleigh, NC concludes. The tour’s VIP events offer window covering pros exclusive access that they normally might not be able to take advantage of on their own.

Mark your calendars for Thursday afternoon, April 23- Friday, April 24, 2026. Extend your stay; take advantage of our tour room blocks in High Point. Spend the day with a carefully curated Showroom Tour including multiple categories of furnishings, highlighting the depth of Market. Our guided experience is designed to be both educational and inspiring.

If you want to double down on design and maximize your time and travel dollars this is the tour for you.

We will take care of all of the planning, so you can concentrate on the show and on having a great time.  This tour is strictly limited to 50 attendees with places reserved on a first come, first serve basis. 

We are still hard at work fine tuning the event, more details to follow. If you are interested, fill out our interest form to save your space on our waiting list

We’re counting the days until we can be on the road again! We’re taking to heart Diana Vreeland’s mantra that “the eye has to travel” to heart. Decor Tours has been busy searching out new opportunities and finding fascinating places to explore. 2026 is shaping up to be better than ever.

Decor Tours is going to the Big Apple!  Join us in NYC  November 10-13, 2025 to discover some of the best design resources, inspiration, and build-your-business information the city has to offer. This is a unique opportunity to:

• see two great trade shows
• shop two of the best design centers in the U.S.
• visit showrooms with lines seen nowhere else in the U.S.
• behind-the-scenes insight into some of the city’s most stunning interiors
• Meet designers and artisans

Plus, you get to see the city, and have access to studios and interiors that might not otherwise be accessible. Learn MORE.

I was recently on the To the Trade Podcast with hosts Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson  I share my journey from being a buyer for a major retailer to becoming an independent design entrepreneur specializing in window coverings. She discusses her roles in design education, consulting, and content creation for leading manufacturers. The conversation underscores the importance of finding a niche and showcases the profitability of specialized fields, such as window coverings. Deb also highlights her mentoring of emerging designers and the significance of storytelling within the industry. Additionally, she presents her DECO tours, which offer small-group luxury experiences for designers, including exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access to design studios. These tours provide unique insights and foster lifelong friendships among participants. was recently on the Interior Design Community’s podcast with Laurie and Nile, you can give a listen HERE: 

For years now, we have had the privilege and the joy of leading unique tours to various parts of the globe. We started this adventure because we found so many wonderful resources on our trips that we just had to share—and the best way was to bring you along with us!

The thing that makes our tours stand out from the crowd is that our tours are not about being shuttled to typical tourist spots by a flag bearing guide. With our small groups of design aficionados, we set up a home base giving us the chance to mingle with the locals, see out-of-the-ordinary artisans and ateliers and get to know our surroundings more intimately. We take pride in offering our guests a one-of-a-kind, off-the-beaten-track immersive and inspirational experience.

At Decor Tours we take Diana Vreeland’s mantra that “the eye has to travel” to heart. In 2025, we’re bringing fresh itineraries, new discoveries, and more unforgettable experiences to life. If you’d like to be kept up-to-date on the forthcoming details or make a pre-reservation; send us an inquiry and we’ll save you a seat.

Hope to have you join us in 2025!  Let us know where’d you like to go.