Some view traditional furnishings as a reflection of our colonial heritage. According to Russell Bienenstock, editor of Furniture World magazine, traditional furniture s refined architecture and timeless look create a matchless style. With graceful, detailed elegance, traditional pieces garner a dedicated following simply because people like the look and enjoy the style, says furnishings expert Sharon Ellis. Most of us gravitate to things that are comfortable. As most of us grew up in homes predominantly furnished with traditional-styled furniture, we will naturally gravitate to that furniture as well.
Environment also plays a part.
The furniture industry is regional, Bienenstock says. Urban areas lean toward contemporary furnishings, while suburban areas are more likely to favor traditional tastes. Once an area latches onto a style, he says, it tends to become representative of that region. While personal taste dictates colors and finishes, they also are affected by geography, Ellis says. The Northeast gravitates to a very traditional look, dark wood such as cherry or mahogany.