If you are tired of predictable formality or frumpy cottage coziness, consider the new hybrids of design. We call them transitional, but soon there may be a new category emerging to describe them. My suggestion is "Urban Chic" In the way that fashion makes its mark by cosmopolitan trial and error, so the urban design world goes. Yes, we want island flavor, but it needs to look right in Manhattan. Country French needs a little up town refinement for high rise apartments. Earthy is not something you buy at the flea market any more. Clay, metal, and ceramic all reach new heights of machined perfection in home decor.

Of the ethnic styles influencing home accessories, African is by far the strongest with a sub section of definitively Egyptian looking pieces. Tribal shaping is redefined by trendy materials and excellent shaping. Oriental leaning to minimalist is the leader in the green movement but can also be seen combined with European decor (typically in refined, elegant pieces). Luxury bedding with very clean lines and sophistication reflects no new developments in sewing but does reflect the modern expectation of simple perfection often mimicking the Oriental aesthetic without Oriental theme. One of my favorite hybrids is a wall hanging which marries Ancient Celtic and modern design! Dropping the hand hammered ornamentation and keeping the basic design, the look is very fresh and could take new turns!

America design is demanding a multitude of color and materials reflecting nature while style is compatible with our image of a modern age. While orange and blue command the popular market, designers are bringing in new ideas such as layers of grey and chartreuse. Sophisticated design wants to be unbound by color restraint and expectation. Bamboo, grasses, sea products, and many other materials from the earth are showcased. Lower price points display hodgepodge craftsmanship, but high design continues its flare for refined perfection of silhouette and application of materials. Some accessories take on an architectural feeling with their sharp perfect edges and smooth planes.

One of the greatest difficulties in pleasing American sensibilities is color. Traditional Europe is too soft and pastel. The Orient is predictable, and the Middle East is garish. Americans demand black but reject cobalt and bright gold as its companions. We want soft blue, but think that deep, rich colors are as fine a complement as peach. The newest trend in American color is White as the new neutral. Influenced by the fashion accessory market of the past two seasons, white and off white are available in every material from stone to glass throughout all style groups. White gives the earth toned furniture of the past 5 years a new freshness and provides a bridge to other colors.

Consider these new hybrids of transitional design for a speedy trend update! Keep in mind your overall style and design goals and look for elements common to that direction in any new furnishing. These pieces are labeled according to style listing the influencing factors in the order of the strongest to the least. If a piece has a style element your decor already has, you have found a good link to a fresh look which makes sense in an existing context! If you are starting from scratch, this analytical view of design will uncover the underlying style movements which motivate you!