nousDECOR Launches as First Start-to-Finish Online Destination for Decorating Any Space, Regardless of Time, Budget or Expertise

SAN FRANCISCO, March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- nousDECOR^™, a new company led by two early YouTube veterans in partnership with acclaimed, celebrity interior designer Mark Cutler, today launched the first ever start-to-finish online destination for decorating any space, regardless of budget, time or expertise.

Unlike other home decor sites or apps, nousDECOR provides more than inspirational images and product links, but also all the resources and community support needed to translate dream interior designs into reality, including:

• Proprietary intelligent search tools that enable you to search across retailers for products by dimensions and color
• Automated recommendations for "Same Look Different Price^™" alternative furnishings and decor items from popular retailers such as CB2, as well as flash sale and one-of-a-kind sources such as Etsy, One Kings Lane and Touch of Modern
• Tools to create, share and view moodboards depicting multiple interpretations of the same room or design look
• Ability to upload images of your own DIY projects, personal items and any images guiding inspiration in your own home
• Exclusive expert content and guidance from Chief Designer Mark Cutler and others
• A "Get Help" feature to seek advice and feedback from members of the nousDECOR community

"The current online decor journey is fragmented and frustrating.  There's an endless amount of inspiration out there, but beyond that, you're on your own," said nousDECOR Founder and CEO Heather Gillette, who conceived the idea for the company when she was challenged to find an affordable match for an expensive chandelier she inherited. "To bridge this gap and help solve this problem, we created a destination that brings together all the critical resources – from the tools you need to translate an ideal decor look into accessible items, to advice from design experts and the community – in one vibrant and social environment."

Celebrity Designer Mark Cutler Aims to Make Professional, Personalized Design Accessible 
The Bay Area-based, female-led startup has signed an exclusive partnership with award-winning, Los Angeles-based professional designer Mark Cutler. One of Robb Report's Top 40 Designers in the U.S., Mark has appeared on TV shows such as HGTV "Designer Challenge" and A&E's "Makeover Mamas" and works with many A-list Hollywood stars. In his role as Chief Designer for nousDECOR, Cutler advises on product evolution and design, identifies designer partnerships, and creates exclusive content for the site, including a weekly "Master Class" series detailing important insider tips and techniques for decorating spaces. In the near future, he will begin providing video tours and tutorials for nousDECOR users to bring the design experience and his philosophy and vision to life, as well as serving as a brand spokesperson with lifestyle media.

"I joined nousDECOR because I think the company's community-powered, technology-enabled approach to opening up the world of beautiful design is revolutionary, and I wanted to be a part of the revolution," said Cutler, whose work has appeared in high-end design magazines such as Architectural Digest and House Beautiful. "Heather and I are united in the belief that design can change lives and that some of the most extraordinary designs incorporate a mix of high-low elements like a unique antique mixed with pieces from popular retailers and DIY items. nousDECOR is the place where all of this comes together, from inspiration all the way to execution."

Until this week's public launch, nousDECOR had been operating in private, VIP invitation-only beta mode, conducting select and targeted outreach to influential decor enthusiasts from social media and popular design blogs. The reception has been highly positive.  

"The enthusiastic early reception to nousDECOR within the home decor and design communities just reinforces our confidence that we are filling a niche in a huge and growing market," said Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Dorothee Fisher. "Overall sales of home decor and furniture are predicted to reach 700 billion by 2017, and by then 10 percent of all retail sales will be online. In addition, sales of goods via social networks are predicted to reach $14 billion within the next year. We believe community curation and engagement will play a big role in this shift."

According to "Our Blog Around the Corner" editor and early beta user Kimberley Holiver, "nousDECOR created the ideal space for people to be able to browse looks and combine the perfect combinations that make up their style and taste, in an affordable way! It's like our very own interior designer right at the click of a mouse."   

About nousDECOR
nousDECOR (www.nousdecor.com) is the first online destination that brings together in one place everything you need to decorate a space, regardless of budget, time or expertise. Unlike other home decor sites or remodeling apps, nousDECOR provides much more than beautiful images and links to products, but also all the resources and tools you need to translate dream designs into reality. From intelligent search tools that enable users to search for decor items by dimension, color and category, to recommendations of "Same Look Different Price" decor items, to tools for creating moodboards using found and existing images and products, nousDECOR offers a start-to-finish interior design solution that mimics the way we decorate our homes in the real world. In addition, the site offers a host of exclusive expert content from celebrity designer Mark Cutler, as well as an active community of design enthusiasts and other design professionals to seek out for advice, inspiration and collaboration. For more information about the company or access to press assets like photos or industry stats, please visit our press room: nousdecor.com/press.     

SOURCE nousDECOR