Valencich discusses Quick-Step at Century Tile events

Valencich and Quick-Step regional sales rep John Hettlinger at the Naperville, Ill., store’s event.

Quick-Step’s designer partner Erinn Valencich recently presented free Decorating & Design Seminars at Chicago-area Century Tile retail showrooms. During the seminars, Valencich taught attendees how to stay within a budget and still create beautiful living spaces. The free seminars were held at Century Tiles’ Naperville and Mundelein, Ill., retail showrooms and were co-sponsored by Quick-Step laminate and its retailer partner Century Tile.

Century Tile’s vp Elaine Carlson greets attendees at the Naperville, Ill., store’s event.

“Although consumers continue to be value conscious this year, they are still looking for ways to express their personal creativity and make their homes more beautiful – while staying within a budget,” Valencich said. “One of the most popular national mainstream interior design trends right now is the room lift. Rather than trading up to bigger, better homes or embarking on expensive, whole-house remodels, today’s consumers simply want new ideas on how to ‘refresh’ their homes -- quickly, easily, and affordably.”

Quick-Step president Matt Kahny (l) and Century Tile’s president Fred Schmidt (r) present a free Quick-Step floor to the Mundelein, Ill., store’s winner.

Attendees were encouraged to bring photos of a room in their home that they wanted to refresh. During the seminars, Valencich worked one-on-one with attendees to give them free, personalized design advice on their rooms. Also during each seminar, a drawing took place for a free Quick-Step floor, compliments of Century Tile.

Quick-Step’s Patrick Warren, director of national accounts, (l) and Quick-Step’s senior director of marketing Paij Thorn-Brooks (r) present a free Quick-Step floor to the Naperville, Ill., store’s winner.

“Consumers can feel so intimidated by the thought of selecting a new floor that they sometimes abandon the idea before even beginning the process,” said Elaine Carlson, Century Tile vp. “Erinn’s seminars offered very tangible design advice that showed attendees how doable and fun it can be to embark on a room refresh project, which includes the addition of a new floor. Century Tile’s experience and expertise then makes the selection and installation of this new floor easy and enjoyable for the consumer.”

Throughout the year, Quick-Step’s designer partner Valencich supports the brand by providing Quick-Step customers with design tips and style inspiration, promoting Quick-Step’s unique products. In addition, she assists Quick-Step in the development of future new programs.