N.C. Manufacturers didn't take a lot of chances at the spring International Home Furnishings Market, which ended Thursday, but there are some interesting new directions in their collections. Made from a micro-denier fabric, it combines the beauty of suede with the durability and cleanability of a synthetic. She was impressed that the polish cleaned off perfectly with a solution of Dawn dish detergent and water. Whether it's a piece of furniture that could have been plucked from a Chinese temple or Ralph Lauren's elegant armoire in the Madison Avenue collection that hints of a shoji screen, manufacturers are referencing Asian influences.
Beds are as big as ever.
And they still are made in mainly two styles - four poster and sleigh. But many of the traditional four posters have been chopped down at the footboard so we can watch TV in bed without obstruction. And more sleigh beds are available with just a headboard or a low riser footboard so tall folks can be more comfortable. This lowering of footboards started to trickle in a few years ago, but this market low-rise is the norm rather than the exception. Few of us will be courageous enough to buy a lime green sofa, but color is definitely back.