No Place Like Home -- Karen Wight

The ebb and flow of home fashion is fickle. What’s “in” one year may

be “out” the next. If you are a trend watcher, you know that style is a

continuous evolution. The big items for 2002 reflect an environment

that’s casual and family friendly with a big dose of artistic balance.

Here are a few of the “hot” trends straight from the marketplace to

you.

Minimalism moves over for a more comfortable, cozy environment.If

we’re going to stay at home, we’re going to appreciate the amenities of a

snug nest.

Casual and elegant move closer to each other on the style spectrum.

Ritzy china, embroidery upholstered chairs and fine artwork move into the

family room.

The timeless appeal of chinoiserie continues as a fundamental element

in all styles of decorating.

Say good-bye to a bland melange of beiges. Color comes back with a

vengeance, even if it’s only on one wall to make the artwork “pop.”

Anything flouncy and bouncy goes out the window. Skirts on furniture

are straight and plain -- if there is a skirt at all. Pillows get right

down (literally) to business. They are soft, functional and free of their

ruffles.

Big poofy sofa arms will be traded in for a more tailored look. Comfy,

yes. Swollen, no.

The magic is in the details: covered buttons, silk frog closures,

manicured pleats and dressmaker minutia make a stylish, understated

impact.

Bold patterns move over and tone-on-tone and texture take over the

upholstery spectrum.

Eclectic is out. Style with integrity is in.

Bare windows get a cover-up. Even if the make over is only an

“eyebrow,” like a valance, finish them off.

Sconces are the lighting choice du jour. Add a pair above the mantle,

on both sides of an important piece of art or light up a framed mirror

with a stylish light source.

Replace the user unfriendly seagrass rug with a soft wool alternative.

The new wool carpets have a great look and can’t be compared on the

comfort level; they’re over the top in wearability and being cushy.

Chandeliers are still making a big style statement. They don’t have to

be drippy with crystals, as long as the style and scale are right for the

room, hang ‘em up.

Anchor your bed’s place in the boudoir by using a headboard: wood,

steel, fabric and cane -- as long as it sets the tone of the room.

Need a technology make over? One word: flat. Flat screens for

computers and televisions are the wave of the future and make sense from

a design point of view.

So, the wrap up for 2002: make it soft, make it beautiful and make the

most of your home, sweet home.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs Sundays.