Dining room furniture trends : Beachy white

In a time where relaxation is hard to come by, a tranquil feeling––such as a beach escape or cottage sanctuary––can be an enjoyable fixation. Light finishes, combined with a cottage style design, create an in-home seaside sanctuary perfect for a vacation home or everyday dining retreat.

	Riverside's Cape May casual dining room furniture collection boasts Sea Spray white paint, bringing a sense of inner coastal charm to the set. The scalloped, 54-inch tabletop extends to 66 inches with the addition of one 12-inch, self-storing butterfly leaf insert and features storage space in the pedestal base. The tabletop is constructed of poplar hardwood solids and cherry veneers and has a heavily distressed wood finish. The table height converts from a standard dining height of 30 inches to gathering height of 36 inches with enclosed leg extensions. Also shown are Cape May side chair and Cape May Duxbury arm chair (44227) in Seaspray White. www.riversidefurniture.com
	John Thomas' Simply Linen Collection of dining room furniture features a cottage-inspired dining table and X-back chairs in a creamy white painted finish. Made from Asian hardwoods, the table comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 42 inches round to 54 inches square. www.johnthomasfurniture.com
	David Lee Designs' Sheafback Laurel dining table in Antique White brings a coastal feel to dining room furniture. Made of poplar and birch, Laurel stands 36 inches tall, and is available in a variety of sizes and in more than 40 paint and stain combinations. www.davidleefurniture.com
	Part of the European Memoirs Collections of dining room furniture by aspenhome™, this counter height square leg table -- and the counter height ladder-back side chairs -- create a scene reminiscent of a Country home. Standing at 36 inches tall, 42 inches wide and 42 inches in diameter, the tabletop comes in a traditional Cognac finish with a crème fraiche base. The chairs are 43 inches tall. The European Memoirs Collection offers a server hutch, which comes in a Crème Fraiche finish. www.aspenhome.net
	A White Linen finish gives Wendy pedestal table by Russell & Mackenna a “beachy” look. Wendy comes in 33 different colors and two sizes. The table's curvy lines and classic design complement the straight lines of Nevis chair—also shown in White Linen finish. The dining room furniture also boasts Fran hutch paired with Fisher buffet, both in the Blueberry finish. www.russellmackenna.com
	Sporting a design inspired by a lifeguard stand, Summertime counter-height dining table and counter-height stools feature scalloped aprons that emulate a casual cottage. A coordinating sideboard and open deckwith two doors, adjustable shelving, three drawers and wine glass storage is shown, too. From Broyhill Furniture, Summertime Collection is constructed with pine solids and veneers, and available in either a distressed pine or antique white finish (shown). Select pieces also are available in a soft blue accent finish. www.broyhillfurniture.com
	Lexington Home Brand's Long Cove Collection of dining room furniture includes Bridgeport dining table and Glen Arbor arm chairs, both shown in Eggshell White. The table measures 68 inches long, 44 inches wide and 30 inches tall, and extends to 112 inches with the addition of two 22-inch leaves. Sag Harbor china cabinet, also part of the Long Cove Collection, features a back panel that comes in six finishes. www.lexington.com
	Part of a casual Country dining room furniture group, Hooker Furniture's Summerglen round leg dining table is available with two 20-inch leaves. Shown here with the spindle back chairs, the table is also available in a round storage dining option with a pass-through drawer and a choice of ladderback or spindle back chairs. The pieces are crafted of hardwoods and adorned with a soft antique white handpainted finish with rub-through, and offer contrasting cherry veneer tabletops. The table with two leaves extends to 118 inches long by 47.75 inches wide by 30 inches tall. The turned spindles and posts with a lattice-motif table apron convey the casual country sentiment. www.hookerfurniture.com

Furniture Design Trends 2008/2009

What are the most interesting novelties in furniture design? Which trends from recent years have prevailed and which new design trends are emerging? In our red dot trend report we are introducing the most important trends and the most fascinating innovations in furniture design.

All in white
Possibly the clearest trend is: white – it is not new, but very dominant and nowhere near its peak yet. In 2001 Apple launched the first white MP3 player. The iPod has sold a million times and the non-colour began its triumphant climb. The trend has spread to all areas of life – be it fashion, accessories, high-tech or cars – everything shines in the colour of innocence. In Germany alone 70 per cent more white cars were sold last year than in the previous year and the trend is upwards. In the furniture sector white is omnipresent; whether it is tables, chairs or cupboards – white is the dominant colour also in this sector. White is above all associated with lightness and clarity and is regarded as timeless and easily combinable – with other colours or tone on tone with muted shades of white and beige, and also with different material combinations. The opposing trend to the colour white consists of bright, shining colours.

All in gloss
Clearly dominant is also the trend towards high-gloss, lacquered fronts. Smooth, shiny surfaces dominate – regardless of whether its cupboards, chairs or tables. Chairs are covered with lacquered leather. In the field of upholstered furniture the combination of high-gloss elements and matt upholstery fabrics creates an attractive contrast.

The play with tradition
The borders between professional production and technical ornamentation are blurring more and more. Things that are not handmade nevertheless appear to be. Braided patterns and braided structures are reminiscent of traditional craftsmanship techniques. Sitting furniture with braided leather sides and mesh-like seating surfaces thus receive a three-dimensional effect.
Furniture designs which refer to traditional techniques and which are combined with new materials show new ways of using a material and finding a new visual language.

The play of the materials
Generally, combining materials is still a hot trend. Harmony and softness of fabrics and upholstery meet austerity of braided leather, lacquered woods and metal. These give furniture a haptic and at the same time visually interesting look.

Completely classic?
This year, the tendency to use ornamental patterns alternates with a clear purist language of forms. New interpretations and re-editions of tried and tested classics combine the familiar with the new. Just as in the automobile industry, which has combined striking designs with modern manufacturing techniques with new editions of old classics such as the Mini, the Fiat 500, the VW Beatle or Scirocco, many furniture manufacturers borrow familiar forms from the past and combine them with innovative production techniques.

Herman Miller Capelli Stool

The Herman Miller Capelli Stool was envisioned by designer Carol Catalano. It is made up of two identical laminated wood pieces with undulating “fingers” molded at the top that interlock without the use of tools or fasteners. As the surfaces between these fingers meet they turn into stops that hold each half of the stool firmly in place for an cleverly stable and strong structure. It looks fantastic. The stool separates into two halves that stack conveniently together for easy storage.

Contemporary sectionals have lower, deeper seating

Modern sectionals offer consumers lower, deeper seating and innovative functions, such as adjustable pillow backs, fabric ottomans and sleep options. The result? An open, airy footprint that brings maximum efficiency to contemporary interiors.

Palliser's Jake sectional in Havanna-Bruin leather demonstrates comfort on a grand scale, with its low, deep profile and feather-fiber topper. Interchangeable ottoman tables and a finished back allow Jake to fashionably float in an open living space. It’s part of the company’s Great Rooms® Collection.

Part of the Avantgarde Collection, TOM Furniture’s contemporary Flip sectional features an aluminum frame, allowing for easy conversion to one king-size or two twin-size beds. Flip's cushions can be reclined at various comfort levels; the seating is filled with memory foam.

Playground from Eilersen is a patented back-block, multifunctional sofa that serves as both a sofa and a bed. The cone-formed, mobile back blocks have nonslip material on the bottom, allowing them to be used in a variety of ways. The upholstered seat is filled with flexible foam; optional down throw pillows are available.

Koinor's Connect in Panda fabric features back- and armrests that can be adjusted in seven and six positions, respectively. Connect also can increase its seating surface with the addition of an optional electric motor.

Cool Contemporary Furniture Seating and Tables

Molecule is an ensemble of contemporary seating and tables that grabs the attention as the dark red contrasts with the stark white. The possibilities are exhaustive when you think of the uses for this furniture. I can picture Molecule being in a trendy restaurant creating a very modern look. In a home Molecule could provide a combination dining and seating area for a more open concept living space. Any way you look at it, this furniture is just plain cool. Available: here.

[via Furniture Fashion]

Kitchen and bath products that combine design trends with functionality

While the number of kitchen and bath remodels are expected to decline this year, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Outlook, consumers still are more likely to upgrade these rooms than invest in new construction. Kitchen and bath products that combine design trends with functionality are sure to top consumers' must-have lists. Here are some recent introductions that fit the bill.

Gaggenau's First Professionals kitchen package enables amateur chefs to own restaurant-grade appliances with a cutting-edge European design. Priced around $15,000, the standard package features a 30-inch convection oven, a 36-inch bottom freezer, a 36-inch gas or glass ceramic cooktop, a 36-inch wall hood, a 24-inch automatic dishwasher and optional upgrades.


Available to consumers in early 2009, Miele's CVA 5000 series built-in coffee system takes the guesswork out of making the perfect cup of coffee, latte, cappuccino or espresso. Features include an integrated milk tank that keeps milk cool for up to 12 hours, a height-adjustable central spout, an automatic conical grinder and Miele’s Clean Touch Steel™ finish, which resists fingerprints, scratches and smudges.


Stainless steel continues to be consumers' material of choice when purchasing kitchen appliances. St. Charles Cabinetry, a division of Viking Range Corp., enables homeowners to surround themselves with this easy-care metal by offering a contemporary, frameless, full-overlay line of cabinetry in brushed stainless steel, as well as in 23 colors of powdercoated, cold-rolled steel. Design trends include doors up to 96 inches tall; adjustable hinges; integrated eco-friendly lighting in wall cabinets; and 12 cabinetry pulls and knobs.


It twists. It turns. It delivers water exactly where the consumer wants it. The Kohler Karbon™ articulating faucet from Kohler Co. has five pivoting joints that offer limitless flexibility and precise height and direction adjustment. It's made from brass and carbon fiber.






Walker Zanger's Contessa Collection comprises hand-finished, terra-cotta tiles sporting Old World-inspired patterns in today's hottest design trends' colors and finishes, including genuine gold and silver leaf. Consumers can choose from 34 patterns for their backsplashes, walls, showers and other decorating projects.


Acclaimed Spanish designer Jaime Hyon's first line of bath art furniture brings contemporary baroque silhouettes and precious metals to the bathroom. Available exclusively from Chicago-based Hydrology, the collection includes Bosa ceramic sinks plated in 24k gold, platinum, yellow, black or white. The sinks come with or without a built-in mirror or lamp. The line includes a square black tub, basin stands, tall cabinets, wall hangers, towel rails, mirrors, lamps and accessories.


Like all pieces in Rohl's Wave Collection, Wave single-lever, deck-mounted lavatory faucet has no extraneous detailing, making for a sleek design that adds a contemporary twist to a bathroom. Part of the Rohl Modern group, this collection comprises a variety of faucets, a tub filler with a hand shower, an integrated shower arm and showerhead, and a shower bath panel.


Jaclo's stainless steel Quadro showerhead lets homeowners easily bring high-fashion style to the shower. Sporting a patterned, semitransparent cover that resembles a glowing lamp, Quadro fits on existing shower valves and outlets. It's part of the Lumiere Collection, which offers showerheads in several design trends and colors.



Villeroy & Boch's ongoing exploration of organic shapes continues with its Pure Stone line, introduced at the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show. Inspired by the natural formation and surface of water-washed pebbles, the collection's lavatory basins, bidets and toilets have an asymmetrical shape resembling that of a stone gradually sculpted by water. Available finish options are Grey Stone and white, with and without the company's proprietary, dirt-resistant ceramicplus surface finish.

Bedding sources expand green offerings

LAS VEGAS — Green mattress lines are blooming in bedding showrooms at this week’s furniture market here.

A number of bedding producers are expanding their green offerings, unveiling products that utilize soy-based foams and natural latex foams, and are covered with organic cotton covers.

The eco-bedding movement is on the upswing, those producers say.

Natura, a leader in the green category, is using a waterfall and other natural elements to highlight its broad line of natural and organic bedding in its expanded showroom in World Market Center A- 950.

“As the eco-bedding category grows, Natura is the national brand that has created a one-stop shop for retailers,” said Ralph Rossdeutscher, president. “We’re committed to delivering the finest quality, natural solutions for better sleep for every bedroom in the home.”

New from Natura this market are Eco-Advantage and Eco Transcend, both designed entirely with earth-friendly materials from the sustainable hardwood frame to the 100% organic cotton mattress covers. The beds are free from chemicals, pesticides and dyes, the company said. Both models include a layer of organic Natura Grow Wool to create a temperature-controlled sleep environment.

Natura also said it is expanding its Organic Series to include pure organic cotton sheets.

Aireloom is making a major push in natural bedding this market. It is showing two eco-friendly models, Aireloom Hybrid and Aireloom Bamboo, and is also bringing out its Aireloom Natural line, which the company is billing as the finest in organic luxury sleep systems. Materials include organic cotton tickings, natural Talalay latex, certified organic wool, certified organic cotton, organic cashmere, imported horsehair, natural flax and sustainable forest lumber.

Retails for the new Aireloom models range from $1,299 to $25,000.

Strobel is showing its Organic Breathe-Easy collection, retailing from $1,799 to $3,999. The beds feature pure organic cotton stretch covers with suede quilted borders. The mattresses use soy-based visco foams and natural latex foams.

Mark Strobel, president, noted that Sears.com carries a number of the company’s organic mattresses, and said that exposure will help drive consumers to other Strobel dealers.

As its name suggests, the Anatomic Global Eco Memory Foam company is going green with various plant-based memory foam beds retailing from $1,099 to $3,499.

Also in the green arena, Land and Sky says it now features a 100% organic product line as part of its commitment to safe, natural sleep. The all-latex line has always been 100% organic, but now the company has made its Mountain View line of innercoil-latex mattresses organic as well. The new Mountain View boxtop mattress has a separate layer of latex in the top layer.

“This is the final step to take in providing customers and their families with all-natural, safe products they want in their homes,” said Ron Larson, president of Land and Sky, of the move to a 100% organic product line.

And Gotcha Covered, a sleep accessories producer, is introducing its new Pure collection of pillows and mattress protectors crafted from 100% certified organic cotton jersey, imported from Canada and fabricated in the United States. “We are thrilled to be launching the Pure line,” said Lisa Bernath, co-owner. “Our intention is to provide a 100% organic sleeping surface that is so luscious that it can be used as a sheet and protector in one. In our discussions with retailers and hotel owners, it’s also become evident how much customers value products made in the U.S.A.”

Solar energy influencing home furnishings color trends

Solar Energy, one of the eight Pantone® View Home and Interiors color palettes for 2009, captures the vibrancy and liveliness of the sun. Shades of orange, gold and greenish yellow are paired with wine, fuchsia red and electric blue for added dimension, while gray brings a calming influence to the color trends.

The fresh turquoise and glowing orange backgrounds of Marimekko’s Kevätjuhla fabric emulate Pantone's Mandarin Orange and Blue Radiance color trends. The fabric, which was designed by Miina Äkkijyrkkä, features calves rushing through fields in springtime and pays homage to spring and freedom. www.marimekko.com

Shine Home's Essex medium table lamp in Sterling Silver evokes a color value similar to Solar Energy's Ash hue. Made from lacquer resin and topped with a silver silk shade, Essex's design was inspired by architectural elements found on a building in Hong Kong. www.shineeveryday.com




Surya's LUX1007-4107 hand-tufted area rug was inspired by popular fashion and features a young, hip colorway — the background shade is similar to Pantone's Celery tone—that appeals to today's teens. It's part of the Luxe Collection, a licensed line by Cosmo Girl and Seventeen magazines. www.suryarugs.com




Slink retro chair in Wine & Roses Ultrasuede® fabric evokes a color value similar to Fuchsia Red in Pantone's Solar Energy color trends palette. This low-slung seat from American Leather features a comfy, hammock-style design detailed with a diamond-stitched pattern. www.americanleather.com

Eco-decor: Not your Grandma’s throw pillows

There may come a time when you find yourself desperately in need of something you were pretty sure you’d never desperately need: the ultimate throw pillow. That’s right, throw pillows.

Emma Gardner Designs, LLC Deep into 2008, Marisa Belger finds that throw pillows are anything but dorky.

Available in an endless variety of sizes, colors and textures, the square, rectangle — even cylindrical — cushions can turn the average couch or bed into a lounging extravaganza. Make a bit of effort to outfit your home with eco-minded options (those constructed and stuffed with organic cotton or reclaimed materials, colored with toxin-free dyes and so on) and you will take your pillow experience to the next level.

I admit that it took me some time to come to terms with my need for these seemingly frivolous home accessories (at first utter there is something deeply uncool about the term “throw pillow”), but I recently purchased an extremely bare new couch and can’t deny the furniture’s calling for pillow accoutrement. I’ve been researching my options for months and have discovered — aha! — that deep into 2008, throw pillows are anything but dorky. In fact, they’re incredibly exciting mini-canvases that showcase the creativity of some of the world's best designers. Really.

I’ve yet to commit to a single pillow, but these are the ones that have me — and are keeping me — inspired. And why stop at the couch? A throw pillow can provide some essential lumbar support on a desk chair or, if significantly sized, extra seating on the living room floor.

I dig the handcrafted look and feel of Balanced Design’s 16” x 16” pillows (this is probably because they are actually silk-screened by hand). The simple graphic prints are dyed with water-based inks in blue, brown or green and are available in an eco-conscious hemp/linen blend or 100 percent linen. I'm partial to “Shade,” a design that looks like an abstract take on leaves. While you’re picking out a pillow, don’t miss out on the organic cotton totes — one of these can serve as a snazzy upgrade to the average beach bag.

Emma Gardner scores extra green points by designing striking (hot pink, teal, red — no pastels here) pillows made from "Sensuede," a synthetic suede made from 50 percent recycled polyester. I’m not sure where Gardner gets her material, but it’s fun to imagine a butterfly-collared shirt from the ’70s reincarnated into a sexy throw pillow.

Want to go more DIY? Make the throw pillow of your dreams with a quick visit to Freddy & Ma’s customizable pillow page. Pick your shape (12” x 12” x 4”; 12” x 17”; or 17” x 17” x 4”), choose your pattern and then see how they work together before purchasing. Playing with the patterns (kelly green with navy anchors? Red-and-blue tie-dye?) is reason enough to visit Freddy & Ma’s site, but the pillows’ eco-friendly filling is motivation to buy. Each pillow is stuffed with kapok, a fiber from the silk-cotton tree that’s a natural alternative to synthetic fillings and a great substitute for people with allergies to down.

Those who would readily choose a good old sleeping pillow over a throw pillow aren’t without eco-options. I’m completely smitten with Polver Organic’s dual-sided organic cotton pillowcases. Polver’s fabric is block-printed by hand, which makes every inch unique. Look for playful combinations like brown leaves and confetti (a different pattern on each side of the pillow) or yellow roses and blue waves. You have my blessing to throw these pillows anywhere.

Marisa Belger is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience covering health and wellness. She was a founding editor of Lime.com, a multiplatform media company specializing in health, wellness and sustainable living. Marisa also collaborated with Josh Dorfman on “The Lazy Environmentalist” (Stewart, Tabori, and Chang), a comprehensive guide to easy, stylish green living.

Benjamin Moore's color trends for 2009

For interior designers and fashion-conscious furniture retailers, its essential to be up on the latest color trends so you can know what your customers will be craving well ahead of time.

Luckily, Doty Horn, Director of Color & Design at Benjamin Moore, thinks ahead. Two full years ahead, to be exact. Every year, Horn and her team at Benjamin Moore analyze shifts in fashion, pop culture, world events and more to determine what hues will be hot among homeowners in the near future.

Although the annual Color Pulse forecast is produced by a paint company, Horn said the color trends report identifies colors that will be popular in everything from cars to products to home accessories and interior design.

According to Benjamin Moore's Color Pulse 2009, there are four main color trends that will be dominating the landscape next year.

Raw: Horn says this palette is derived from the push toward minimalism, pairing life down to its most authentic. Horn said this palette is derived from unfinished wood, cinder blocks and other "make-do" materials and includes shades of white, sand and gray.

Benjamin Moore's "Raw" colors include: Chantilly Lace OC-65, Mascarpone AF-20, Collector's Item AF-45, Fossil AF-65, Frappe AF-85, Hush AF-95, Jute AF-80, Tucson Winds 1024, Sterling 1591, Storm AF-700, Steel Wool 2121-20, Gray 2121-10

Urban Silence: Horn said this group of colors reflects the changing delineation between life in the city and life outside the city. "This is where the trees become houses and the houses become trees," she explained.

As more urban buildings incorporate rooftop gardens and shipping containers are converted into living spaces, the city becomes a softer, more livable place. Horn said this palette reflects these changes by mixing the gray tones of urban living with vibrant, organic colors like green, rust and terra cotta.

Benjamin Moore's "Urban Silence" colors include: Shadow Gray 2125-40, Lapland AF-410, Yellow Tone 370, Wasabi AF-430, Winding Vines 532, Old Gold 167, Glen Ridge Gold 301, Rattan AF-375, Rustic Taupe 999, Abbey Brown 1225, Bronze Metallic Bronze-30 (Studio Finish color), Copper Metallic Copper-40 (Studio Finish color)

Simplexity: To understand this color palette, think about the pixels that make up a computer screen: thousands of tiny dots in different shades that come together to make a whole. These are colors that have more to them than meets the eye.

"The colors here are very complex, they have a lot of depth to them, but they’re easy to use, so that's the simplicity part of that," Horn says. For example, she said, think of a color that looks black, but it's really purple. "It's almost black but it has an undercurrent of blue and red running underneath it and it just has a rich texture and a rich landscape, and the way that the light hits it, you start seeing the nuances of how those colors flip underneath it."

Benjamin Moore’s “Simplexity” colors include: Thunder AF-685, Meditation AF-395, Amsterdam AF-550, Carob AF-160, Caponata AF-650, Merlot Red 2006-10, Arroyo Red 2085-10, Dried Mustard 2158-10, Majestic Violet 2068-10, Hidden Falls 714, Buttered Yam AF-230, Gargoyle 1546

Private Identity: With the “Private Identity” palette, Horn said she and the other color trends experts were thinking about how we express our individuality in such an overwhelming, populated world. Here, the colors are bright, bold and unexpected.

"You're your own person so you’re going to put together a personal statement color," Horn said. "You could do a bright red mixed with a powder blue and put a bold gold against it. So you’ve got this contrast of very bold color and then a very light color and that gives it an unexpected twist."

Benjamin Moore's "Private Identity" Colors include: Desert Rose 2094-50, Mango Punch 154, Perennial 405, Pacific Palisades 762, Tricycle Red 2000-20, Blushing Red 2079-20, Thunderbird 675, Lucerne AF-530, Fire and Ice 1329, Black Satin (High Gloss) 2131-10, Silver Metallic Silver-20 (Studio Finish color), Gold Metallic Gold-10 (Studio Finish color)

Complete Color Pulse 2009 reports are $75 and are available through benjaminmoore.com. You can also view most of the colors mentioned by using the interactive “Paint a Room” tool on their Web site.

(The symbols after the colors listed above indicate their collection, so ones with an AF mean that they are part of the Affinity group of colors, OC stands for Off-White Colors and the ones with numbers are in their regular group of classic colors).

The next color trends forecast from Benjamin Moore, Color Pulse 2010, will be released in September.

Modern Contemporary Decorating Ideas

All to often confused with modern, contemporary decorating merely shares similarities, while keeping it’s distance. Literally, contemporary means coexisting; certainly an inviting way of thinking about styling your surroundings.

How is Contemporary Decoration Identified?

Perhaps because of an emphasis on clean lines and order, contemporary decorating will always draw comparison to modern and minimalist approaches to explain differences.

We won’t change that here either.

Contemporary features softer lines and an emphasis on comfortable texture to set it’s distinctive mood. Color, while not elaborately used is warming, even rich in the mid range, and never stark in the neutrals. More inviting than modern while remaining clean. Clean not sterile.

Modern Contemporary Decorating With Color and the Proper use of color

Rid your mind of any idea this color palette can be boring. An infusion of vibrant color can come from an accent wall of a different color, vivid accessories such as cushions, contemporary area rugs, and pillows, bold works of art. Let a prime piece of contemporary furniture, a sofa perhaps, be considered art and go uncharacteristically bold.

Let simplicity be your driving force in working a living room Contemporary plan

You will be looking to create a good relationship between the environment your home provides and it’s user.

Here the word stark might come to mind again. It is a common fear but avoidable if you focus on putting visual order into your life. Order can be comforting and comfort is tranquility. Move forward with that thought in mind.

Surfaces and Putting Contemporary Texture to the Test

A modern lifestyle needs modern surfaces that are both functional and practical. On floors that means smooth.Choose Berber over cut pile where there are carpets. Flush fitting, durable finish hardwoods over v-grooved, waxed strip floors. You’ll need to avoid intricate detail on all surfaces, including moldings, furnishings and accessories. Not only do these interrupt objective softer lines but, maintenance and cleaning is more difficult.

Wood surfaces such as tables, shelving units and flooring can be dark toned or light but should remain consistent throughout a room. The choice of wood types and grain are open to your preference. But, don’t break from the consistency and continuity of your design concept mixing wood tones.

To add some depth to vertical lines where needed, a wall can be covered in a fine textured linen modern home wall paper. Don’t use anything with an elaborate pattern. Once again, remember you want to avoid intricate details.

Added texture can come from choices of upholstery fabrics and window treatment. Offset sleekness and smooth lines with linen, wool or raw silk. Focus on texture and color over elaborate patterns which might confuse the overall contemporary look.

The law of order

It is worthy of emphasis to stress the need to keep clutter minimal. In a busy household this isn’t always an easily attainable goal. But clutter can be kept out of sight so as not to confound all the order your decorating work will accomplish.

The use of multi-door, flush mount cabinets along the length of a wall can be incorporated easily into the furnishing decor theme. Let this generous amount of space with multiple divisions serve as a handy depository for your secret stash of papers and games, magazines and knick knacks, table linens and props, and everything else inappropriate to the view.

Distinguishing materials

Bright metals are a material of important application and prevalence in Contemporary decorating. Chrome, nickel and stainless steel is incorporated into the design of many furniture pieces, decorative accessories, lamps, and stand alone art. Versatility of the material cannot be denied but, the beauty in these metals is beheld in the addition of sleekness to the decorating purpose.

Lighting fixtures and use of light in contemporary design is an element of extreme importance. Think of it in that way –an element– when you put light to use and your project will finish in the right direction.

Illuminate and draw attention to key features. Beam streams of pure clean halogen light over focal points such as the central coffee table of a seating group. Flood softer light tight to and along walls.

Look for well designed track lighting to bring power to ceiling areas where power is unavailable. Opt for pot lighting where you can and directional spot fixtures where needed for reasons of utility. Floor lamps are preferred over table lamps. Include these bright metal “sculptures” as a part of your metallic accent and accessory program and accomplish usable lighting with the same stroke.

You should be able to fill a room with light when needed or as you wish, be able to work the lighting for affect in much the same way a stage production crew might do in theater.

A final thought

Absolutely nothing in the decor package and design should be overpowering or try to make a solo statement. Make your personal statement through the appearance of the project in it’s totality.

[Via : Home Decorating Reviews]

Design by the numbers for greater comfort

Here’s a big word for you to spend 30 seconds trying to pronounce: Anthropometrics. 28, 29, 30. OK, now what does it mean? It is the study of human dimensions.

Who cares? Well, furniture manufacturers and interior designers, to mention some. If you’ve ever wondered how much space is needed between the sofa and the cocktail table, you have touched upon an anthropometric question. I’m sure you’ve run across a dining table base that hits your knees because it was not "anthropocentrically" proportioned.

How long has this study been going on? For a long, long time. In the first century B.C., a Roman by the name of Vitruvius wrote about proportions of man and, later, Leonardo Da Vinci created his famous drawing of the human figure, based on the Vitruvian norm-man. Here are some interesting Vitruvian statistics.

• The measure of the open hand from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger is one-tenth the size of the height of the body.

• The length of one foot is one-sixth the height of the body.

• The distance from the sole of the feet to the top of the head is the same measure as the breadth of the body when measuring fingertip to fingertip when the arms are stretched out.

Paradoxically, a chair that is anthropometrically correct may not necessarily be comfortable as well. So, you ask, much ado about nothing? The answer is an emphatic no! All the fuss is worthwhile. We know that when sitting, about 75 percent of the total body weight is supported on only four square inches. That’s a heavy load distributed over a relatively small area. We also know that the center of gravity of the upright-seated body is located outside the body — about one inch in front of the navel.

With this knowledge, we create thick, supportive cushions for the tush. We also design chairs that make you sit back or sit upright, depending on where you want the center of gravity to be located. For lounging, you will want the gravity to pull you back, so the seat is slightly inclined in that direction, and for dining or working at your desk you will want gravity to work with you in a slightly forward motion.

If the seating surface is too high, the underside of the thigh becomes compressed. Further discomfort appears if the soles of the feet do not touch the floor as body stability is weakened. If the seat is too low, the legs may extend forward which is fine for lounging but not for dining.

Here are some figures that should help you when choosing furniture:

• Seat height for dining chairs should be at least 18 inches.

• Seat height for lounge chairs and sofa should be at least 16 inches, though some European styles are 15 inches high.

• Knee space under a dining table should be a minimum of 12 inches, though 14 inches is better.

When arranging furniture in your home, you should be aware of these minimum spacing requirements:

• Allow at least 24 inches between the side of the bed and the wall so you can get in to make the bed and change the sheets.

• A dresser and the foot of the bed should be at least 42 inches apart so you can open the drawers easily.

• 16 inches to 18 inches between the sofa and the cocktail table will give you enough space to get around the table as well as be able to reach it for access.

• A hallway created by a wall and the back of a sofa should be 30 to 36 inches wide.

• Give yourself 36 inches from the edge of the dining table to the wall for easy access in and out of the chair.

All right, now go "anthropomize" your home.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, a Naples interior designer, is the author of "Mystery of Color," available at www.amazon.com and at www.barnesandnoble.com. For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest@aol.com.