Valencich and Quick-Step regional sales rep John Hettlinger at the Naperville, IL store's event

Dallas, October 14, 2011 – 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. Her presentations equipped attendees with effective design techniques to achieve “big style through small changes”. The free seminars were held at Century Tiles’ Naperville and Mundelein, Illinois retail showrooms and were co-sponsored by Quick-Step laminate and its retailer partner Century Tile.

“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,” advises Quick-Step designer partner Erinn Valencich. “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.

“Part of my seminar message is that a very effective design technique to achieve ‘big style through small changes’ is the addition of affordable, easy to install Quick-Step flooring,” said Valencich. “With its patented Uniclic glueless installation locking system, covering up worn-out vinyl or tearing out old carpet and putting in a brand new Quick-Step floor is within the skill level and budget of most homeowners. Because Quick-Step is available in all of the hottest styles and colors, consumers can use a Quick-Step floor to easily and affordably breathe new life and design flair into any room.”

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.

“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, vice president of Century Tile. “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 expert design tips and style inspiration, promoting Quick-Step’s unique innovations and technological advantages, and validating the end-consumer’s decision to buy Quick-Step. She is woven throughout the Quick-Step merchandising program providing design insight and helpful hints to assist consumers during their selection process. She has also selected some of her favorite Quick-Step products to recommend to consumers as “Designer’s Choice” products. Valencich is featured in point of sale materials, catalogs, displays, web initiatives, and co-op advertising, and at retailer events. In addition, she assists Quick-Step in the development of future new programs.

“Having a designer attached to the brand is just another point of differentiation for Quick-Step over other flooring competitors, helping retailers sell more Quick-Step product,” said Paij Thorn-Brooks, senior director of marketing for Quick-Step. “Quick-Step supports our superior product line with an effective merchandising program, equipping our retailers for success with Quick-Step products.”

About Erinn Valencich
Erinn is known for her elegant, glamorous, contemporary style. She has hosted several specials for “HGTV”, has appeared on “The View”, and has been featured in many design publications, including House Beautiful, Home, and Better Homes & Gardens. Erinn has designed rooms for numerous celebrities and owns a multi-faceted design company in California.

About Quick-Step
Quick-Step is a market leader in flooring, providing solutions for a wide variety of interiors. Quick-Step is a registered trademark of Unilin Flooring, a Mohawk Industries company. Mohawk Industries is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is a Fortune 500 company. To find the nearest Quick-Step dealer or for additional information, visit quickstepstyle.com.

About Century Tile
Century Tile is a premiere floor covering retailer, offering the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. Century Tile’s 12 locations feature ceramic tile, natural stone, glass tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and carpet in over 10,000 styles and colors. Family owned and operated, Century Tile’s experienced and knowledgeable sales team has served Chicago for over 60 years. For more information, visit century-tile.com, or call 1-888-TILEYOU (845-3968).