Abstract
This paper discusses purchasing decisions of brand vs. quality for the interior design and home decoration sector. The paper looks at factors shaping consumer buying decisions and at the special meaning that brands have for consumers. The paper also presents a research design to measure purchase choices.

From the Paper
"This report presents a research plan for determining whether consumers shopping for interior design and/or decor are most highly motivated by the variables of quality or brand name. Drawing upon literature describing the factors shaping consumer buying decisions and branding as well as issues in the highly competitive field of interior design/decor, the study presents a data collection and analysis strategy to test the research hypothesis that consumers are more likely to be..."

Tags:interior design, home decoration, brands, purchase, consumer, research design

Abstract
This paper explains that art is an aesthetic object that is created by skill and imagination, while decoration is defined by its function as an ornament. The author points out that when looking at the aesthetics of art in the individual home it is important to consider that art can also exist as a decoration. The paper concludes that the private world of art can take many forms, from the purely individualistic approach of the young person's home to the collaborative approach of the older couple who have lived together for many years.

From the Paper
"The function of the home is diverse, and this is an important consideration for many individuals when they choose decorative and artistic elements for their home. For example, the use of the washroom for showers makes it difficult to store objects that are easily damaged by water in the bathroom as a work of art. Further, many decorative objects may be chosen more for their functional aspects than their artistic or decorative function. For example, clocks may be chosen based on large hands for easy viewing, rather than simply for their aesthetic value."

Tags:function, ornament, imagination, collaboration, individual

Abstract
This paper explains that this company, which sells South American art and decoratives, wishes to market to hotels, restaurants and interior design agencies located in areas, such as the European continent, where the South American culture is considered exotic. Next, the author reviews the company's main competitors and develops a marketing strategy, which includes setting up the central office and showroom in San Diego. The paper discuses the promotion plan especially the use of the internet.

Table of Contents:
Marketing Segmentation
Main Competitors
Marketing Strategy
Promotion
Future

From the Paper
"On the other hand, the fact that there are many import partners, as well as more than one distribution center presents a very difficult challenge, that of coordination. Not only do all these company segments have to communicate on a daily basis, but the operations must be supervised and coordinated in order to make sure that the company functions as a whole and that synergy is achieved. The office is placed in San Diego so this will present the challenge of properly managing a communication process which implies partners working on another continent."

Tags:relationships prices, distribution network, e-advertising magazines

Abstract
This paper begins with a look at what sparked the great interest in Orientalism beginning with the 19th century and continuing until the 1930s. The paper also describes the influence that Orientalism had on American tastes in decorative arts and explains that this interest in Orientalism was no doubt encouraged by the opening of the Suez Canal which had the effect of providing artists with abundant and seductive new motifs for their work.

From the Paper
"Although Bonaparte had had the idea years earlier, it was in 1854 that the French diplomat, Ferdinand de Lesseps persuaded the Viceroy Said of Egypt to grant him the concession to cut a 100-mile long canal across the isthmus of the Suez. DeLesseps had cultivated the Viceroy Said even when the Viceroy was a young man and De Lesseps was the French ambassador to the Egyptian court" (African Business 2003, p. 64). "The creation of the Suez Canal captured the imagination of people around the world, and its opening in 1869 was a party to end all parties. As the champagne flowed, it was hailed as a symbol of progress that would serve to unite the world. You might even call it one of the first adventures in globalization-an infrastructure project designed to strengthen links between Europe, East Africa, the Middle East and the Orient" (African Business 2003, p. 64). In hindsight, of course, it did not work out as the great peace- and commerce-maker some may have had in mind."

Tags:austen, henry, layard, iraq, museum, greece, orient, arab, lands, mediterranean, turkey

Abstract
The paper explores how minimalism can create a new direction in the interior design field and how interior design and minimalism will complement each other. The paper examines how minimalism in interior design would be marketable and how this type of interior design would work for a commercial setting. The paper discusses how the 'Minimalist' method holds great promise for interior decorators in applying their talents as well as in gaining work due to the lower costs involved. The paper also reveals that the marketability of minimalism in today's world market holds great promise in today's environmentally-conscious world.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Interior Design and Minimalism in a Working Relationship
Minimalism and the Creation of a New Direction of Design
Marketing Minimalism in Interior Design
Minimalism in Commercial Interior Design
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The first step in attempting to research and ultimately answer the questions posed in this research is to apply a definition to specifically what is meant by Minimalism in Interior Design. According to Gilbert Brownestone, a curator in Palm Beach, Florida and Paris: "Minimalism is simple to the point of complexity...It evokes a spiritual response from the viewer." (Kim, 2003) The definition applied in the edict of Mies van der Rohe is: 'less is more', Minimalism in architecture is a working method in which aesthetic force and capacity are employed to create an effect that astonishes without the aid of superfluous elements. Its essence ...and its intention is to accommodate life simply but beautifully." (Minimalist Space, 2006)"

Tags:costs, savings, green, color, basics

From the Paper
"Byzantine Influences: Church Decorations in Areas Outside Byzantine Control


Among the churches outside the territories of Byzantine political control, many show some degree of the Byzantine style of church decoration, as well as some alterations due to local influence. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss in detail six works of art from outside of the areas of Byzantine rule and the degree of Byzantine influence and departure from it.


St. Mark's in Venice dates from the years of 1063 to 1095. Its architectural plan is that of the cruciform--one dome at the crossing and one on each of the arms of the cross, one of the most important plans for churches developed by the architects of Justinian (Rice 98). The St. Mark's is the most important surviving example of this cruciform type of architectural design."

Abstract
This paper will examine three general approaches in modern feminist art by three feminist artists. It will be argued that these feminists assume radically different perspectives with regard to their mediums and objectives. Under the general categories of "the Body Politic" (feminism and politics), "the Body Social" (representations of the human body as a site of conflicting social values) and "Decoration vs. Abstraction" (hierarchical double standards with regard to "male" abstraction and "female" decorative arts), it will be shown how these differences in part reflect the shifting phases of modern feminist art, but more importantly signify the diverse multiplicity of modern feminist art.

Abstract
This paper focuses on the traditional wedding cake, outlining its evolution as related to cultural traditions, famous cake designers, and decorating techniques. By way of history, the paper explains that the origin of the wedding cake is generally accepted to have been in the Roman tradition, in which each guest brought a small cake to the wedding. The cakes were then stacked on the table in levels and layers, the paper continues, and if the bride and groom could manage to kiss over the top of the levels of wedding cakes, then it was said to be good luck. The paper adds that the American culture in regards to the wedding cake is much like the British custom in that the wedding cake is actually a prop for the wedding part. The paper concludes by outlining the decorative elements of the traditional wedding cake.

Outline:
Introduction
The History of Wedding Cakes
The First Wedding Cakes (Ancient Rome)
Medieval England
19th Century
Present Day
Cultural Customs and Traditions
International Customs
American Customs
Famous Cake Designers
American Cake Designers
Duff Goldman
Colette Peters
Decorating Techniques
Icing
Decorations
References

From the Paper
"Goldman was trained as a pastry chef at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and later worked for the French Laundry restaurant in Napa. He was also the executive pastry chef at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa in Colorado. Goldman baked bread for Todd English's Olives in Washington D.C. as well. However, it was the cake business which Goldman began in his home kitchen that he is famous for and this is likely because his primary "cake making implements" include "a drill press and arc welder." (LaFleur, 2008)"

Tags:matrimony, tradition, pastry

Abstract
In this paper, the writer presents a thorough SWOT analysis of high-end retailer Nordstrom's and provides a series of recommendations to the company based on a complete analysis of the company. The writer notes that today the company operates a chain of stores both across the U.S. and internationally, selling men's, women's and children's clothing, accessories, shoes, luggage, sundries and home decorating products. The writer maintains that Nordstrom is an excellent example of a company that has turned their culture into a strong competitive advantage and differentiator.
The writer concludes that while the company has challenges with growth in the future, their key metrics of performance, customer loyalty, customer lifetime value, and sales per square foot continue increasing due to the prudent and insightful use of pricing, supply chain, and product information.

Outline:
Introduction
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Recommendations
Summary
Appendix A Fiscal Year-based Financial Analysis
Appendix B: Complete SWOT Analysis
References

From the Paper
"Fundamental structure of the company is based profiting from execution across the entire retail value chain. The company operates in four segments as of 2008, which include the retail, credit, direct sales and ancillary, other businesses. Best known for its retail operations Nordstrom now operates 155 stores in the United States throughout 27 states, 99 of which include full-line Nordstrom stores, 50 discount Nordstrom Racks, two clearance stores that operate under the name Last Chance, and one free-standing shoe stores.
Nordstrom has concentrated on being the financial intermediary for transactions originating in their stores and this is a major competitive strength from a financial standpoint. The credit segment of the company offers a private label Nordstrom Visa credit card, in addition to offering debit cards offered on accounts at Nordstrom fsb, a wholly-owned federal savings bank the company launched. Nordstrom's strategy with regard to its credit card and investing in their own bank is to become more vertically integrated in the shopping process, regularly offering discounts on apparel and merchandise ordered online via Nordstrom.com and shipped from the company's fulfillment center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa."

Tags:retail, chain, stores, revenues

Abstract
This paper explains that the Great Exhibition, an international exposition or world's fair, held in London in 1851, was a major influence on interior design. The author points out that the exhibition was a world exhibition in the modern sense. The paper describes that the exhibit incorporated objects from a variety of cultures, particularly eastern and middle eastern cultures, which was copied in the decorating of private homes.

From the Paper
"One eloquent expression of the optimism and confidence that Britain felt during the mid-Victorian period (1848-70) was the World Exposition, sponsored and spearheaded by Prince Albert in 1851. This ambitious project was, in fact, representative of several things, including the expansion of Prince Albert's official role beyond that of the Queen's husband and toward that of a leader in culture and public education. This was a world exhibition in the modern sense; participation from the international community, particularly from countries in which Britain had a colonial presence, was actively solicited, and this produced a truly international project with samples of cultural objects from a wide variety of cultures."

Tags:architecture, interiors, victorian