Some News About Trends

Mayer Russ, editor of Interior Design magazine, singles out intriguing decor as the most significant design trend of 1997. The interest in the unusual is underlined by the top 20 products favored by readers in 1997, reported in the December issue.

“Translucent materials were really big this year,” says Andrea Loukin, senior market editor. “We have all seen sheer curtains and room dividers, but how about translucent hardware?”

Products include furniture pulls and doorknobs made out of blown glass and softly colored translucent acrylics.

“Hardware is a relatively inexpensive way to contemporize and dress up the home or office, and we believe it will become even more popular as a decorative accessory,” said Loukin.

Surprising materials are also important. Among them, Loukin singled out bathroom sinks made out of glass; drawer pulls of river-washed stones; and synthetic tiles that look like real copper, bronze, brass or nickel at a fraction of the cost and weight. Or how about cork upholstery fabric for furniture and walls?

Among furniture items, a worktable on wheels and a bathroom piece that combines a sink, storage drawer and mirror in glass, solid surface material and perforated metal epitomize the trend toward multifunctionality in home furniture.

Trends that Russ sees in home decorating include a growing interest in casual living and rooms and furnishings that offer flexibility.

“Kitchens and bathrooms have become far more important to residential clients,” the editor said.

“People want kitchens where they can socialize informally, and they want bathrooms that are larger and more luxurious, rooms in which to take a long relaxing bath or perhaps to exercise.”

Rooms and furniture that can be used for more than one purpose are popular at home, but flexibility has been elevated to its highest level at the office. The tricky goal here, Russ said, is to be able to shrink or expand quickly as the work force goes up and down in response to market conditions.