Expert Dealer Spotlight: Designer's Resource

Designer’s Resource has served the San Francisco Bay area for the last 6 years, but owner Ryo Sota has worked in window coverings for over 20 years. When he started his own company, he named it after the company his mentor owned. “He really took the time to show me the ins and outs of different shade installations and we collaborated on a lot of things – it was very generous of him to give me that time,” says Ryo.

About two years ago, Somfy worked with Ryo on an influencer project with Peter of Home Deco, a local houseplant and accessories company. The team at Home Deco wanted shades that would help their houseplant collection thrive, but offer them privacy too. “Ryo and the team at Designers Resource helped us install our Somfy motorized shades. They were easy to work with -- communicated well, prompt -- and helped us understand which options were best for our situation. We have lots of houseplants so wanted a material for our shades that let the right amount of light filter through, and Ryo helped us pick a material that we’ve been loving,” said Peter.

Ryo elaborated, saying “I thought it was really cool how they incorporate a lot of that mid-century type furniture with their plants – it felt really warm. That’s the reason we went with a woven shade, it continues that warm feeling and that glow.” Ryo explained that the corner windows that were the focal point of this project are always a bit tricky from an installation standpoint – and the homeowner said the windows were actually not even symmetrical – but the shades turned out flawless thanks to Designer’s Resource and Ryo’s expertise.

Ryo is always sure to include a smart home hub (in this case myLink) with every motorized Somfy project too, explaining that it really helps the homeowner to enjoy the full benefits of motorization and scheduling their shades to raise and lower automatically, which is perfect for morning sunlight for people and for their plants! “It really helps give the benefit of motorization where you don’t have to think about it and it’ll automatically do things for you.”

Learn more about working with Somfy as a dealer here and find out more about Ryo and Designer's Resource on their website or Instagram. 

If you're ready to start your motorized window treatment project and you're not in San Francisco, connect with a dealer in your area here.