A Comfortable Comeback

Home fashion aficionados, take note: A radical change is under way in interior design-a revolutionary revival of solid, classic furnishings with clean lines and exquisite details.

That's according to Kris Kolar, vice president of Robb & Stucky Interiors, the nationally recognized interior design/home furnishing retailer and one of House Beautiful's "Top Five Furniture Stores" in the United States.

In an exclusive interview, Kolar shares insider secrets on the newest trends, along with easy elements homeowners can introduce to capture the essence of Florida living.

Describe the newest trends in interior design for 2006.Throughout the market, there's an abundance of good, solid furnishings with clean, traditional lines and a contemporary look and feel. By contemporary I don't mean "edgy" or "odd;" it is soft, sensual, comfortable and inviting. The scale is now very human, not oversized.

Is there an underlying theme? This year's theme emphasizes a minimalist approach to decorating. The days of excess-rooms filled with accessories and shelves above kitchen cabinets brimming with decorative objects-are gone. There's a renewed emphasis on pretty, individual pieces that must each stand on its own merit.

How are these new trends reflected in the furniture market? Furniture designs are clean and classic, with fewer seat cushions and great lines accented with dark wood. With the disappearance of skirts on sofas and chairs, furniture legs have become a new point of interest. Many of today's pieces also have straight, narrow arms instead of the fat, rolled arms that were popular in the past.

What colors are captivating interest this year? The overriding color is green, from soft sage to a brighter, more contemporary yellow-green. Blue is also a wonderful companion to the neutrals that have been predominant throughout Florida for the past 10 years. Very soft shades of blue can easily freshen up a neutral room.

And fabrics and textures? Patterns are passé, with solids and textures dominating the market. Microfiber-a new generation of easy-to-clean, sun-resistant Ultrasuede-is available in wonderful colors. The biggest news in fabrics, however, is leather, now seen in rosy pinks, greenish-yellows and creamy whites as well as blues and reds. Buyers have discovered that leather no longer has to be brown, and is now as much at home in living rooms as it is in studies, family rooms and great rooms.

Explain the renewed emphasis on detail. This year it's all about details, from trim on draperies and upholstered sofas to metal beading with fringe and pleating on chair backs. With less square footage per room in Florida homes we see more floating furniture, so it's essential that the back of each piece looks equally appealing.

What's new in lighting? While there's always a place for recessed lighting, chandeliers have become increasingly important, especially in unusual places, such as small bathrooms. And make no mistake: it absolutely matters how gorgeous they are. Table lamps continue to be very important, providing a "sexiness" you just can't get from ceiling lights. Like other furnishings, they're simpler and more contemporary in design.

What is the key to accessorizing the home this year? Less is more, so it's essential that each piece counts. Using a few large, strategically placed items rather than collections of smaller items, or group similar items together instead of scattering them throughout the room. Large, classic platters are especially popular, and there's always room for ceramics, pots, and lots of natural fibers and wovens.

What is the most important change homeowners can make to embrace the newest interior design trends? Start with the piece that looks out of place or dated. Traditionally, upholstery makes a room look like yesterday's news, so the classic answer is to replace your sofa. Opt for a skirtless piece in a solid color with straighter lines and interesting textures and details. It's the beginning of a brand new look-and offers more bang for your buck-if you first change your upholstery.