Michigan Design Center Launches New Consumer Web Site

Sept. 13, 2009 - PRLog -- Michigan Design Center (MDC) today announced it has launched its new consumer-oriented Web site, www.MichiganDesign.com. The site allows design conscious consumers direct access 24-hours a day, seven-days-a-week, to the Troy-based Center’s showrooms, designers, products and online resources.

“Inspired by decorating programs on television and online exposure, today’s consumers are particularly savvy and prefer to do their “homework” before contacting an interior designer, and visiting our showrooms,” said Susan Zinger, executive vice president and general manager, Michigan Design Center.  “Our new Web site will provide customers with the tools they need to easily conduct an online search for that perfect drapery fabric, chair or that “just right” rug for the living room. We invite everyone interested in fine home furnishings to visit our site and find what we believe to be an outstanding design resource.”

Consumers now can view quality furniture, lighting, carpeting, textiles and wall coverings and, very soon, kitchen, bath and tile products by simply visiting www.MichiganDesign.com. The site offers design-related event listings and tips and trend updates from industry professionals. Showrooms update products daily.

Added Zinger, “We have enhanced the Web site with more search categories, so consumers can quickly move around with fewer clicks. A feature that’s sure to please will be the ability to save favorite products or design concepts into an idea folder for later reference. Visitors to the site can email selections to designers, family and friends to view. It is like an ‘online wish list,’ reminiscent of those people who used to cut photos out of magazines and keep them in a box.”

Types of searches that can be conducted through the Web site include: Keyword, Product, Manufacturer, Period Style, General Style, Lead Time, Brand and Designer. Multiple criteria may be used simultaneously in many instances.

Among other advantages of the new site will be expanded portfolios of featured interior designers. Showcasing their talent and individual creativity, the portfolios will offer direct links to designer’s individual Web sites, the opportunity to explore their design philosophies, areas of specialty and more. The featured designers, who have long-standing relationships with the Michigan Design Center, were selected by MDC’s showrooms as “examples of our region’s best and brightest in the industry,” explained Zinger.

Through the site, consumers will now also be able to take advantage of MDC’s Design Connection, a special outreach program created to help connect prospective clients with area interior design professionals and all of the exclusive brands and products found at MDC.

Planned for the site by October 1, visitors will have access to an online sample sale.  Consumers will be able to view designer quality home furnishings at clearance savings from the MDC showrooms.

Consumers are encouraged to come in and explore the products and resources available locally at the Michigan Design Center, which has 215,000 square feet of showrooms, designers’ offices and products all under one roof. An MDC staff member will greet consumers with a welcome package, identify their needs, and guide them to the appropriate MDC services and resources. The Michigan Design Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1700 Stutz Drive, Troy, Michigan 48084 (North off Maple, between Coolidge and Crooks rds). Visit www.MichiganDesign.com, or call 877.393.0330 for more information or directions.

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Based in Troy, Michigan Design Center (MDC) is the premier resource for interior home furnishings and design consultation referrals. Serving design professionals for more than 30 years, everyone is welcome at MDC. The facility features more than 30 showrooms that are filled with the finest names in furniture, fabrics, flooring, wallcovering, tile, rugs, lighting, kitchens, artwork, accessories and more. Visit www.MichiganDesign.com for more information.