The Rural Voice, 2000-01, Page 42Home Decorating
What will our homes be like in new millennium?
By Patti Robertson
What will our homes be like for
2000 and the early millennium years?
Truthfully I do not expect any major
changes.
• The stylings in furnishings, window
and wallcoverings are at a peak with
numerous themes and collections
available and readily acces§ible.
Furnishings will continue to provide
the latest motion and action featured
pieces along with durable
serviceability and comfort at the
forefront. So in other words home
furnishings will serve us and our
family needs rather than us serving
them!
As far as home convenience we
already have furnishings and home
entertainment centres to "Wow!"
anyone from the old school. Not only
do our chairs recline, we now can
purchase recliners and beds that raise,
elevate and support any area of one's
body that may require special or
specific attention — all this at the
click of a button or flip of a switch.
We can be cradled in warmth and
vibrated to a soothing relaxation at a
variety of speeds.
How about the bath faucets that are
timed to turn on at a preset
temperature, affording one the luxury
of coming home to a filled tub? Or
how about the bidet that not only
cleanses one's privates but'dries one
with warmed air! Really, talk about
convenience and decadence!
We have loveseats and sofas that
recline, rock, convert to a bed, etc.,
tables that convert from dining table to
cocktail table height, tables that
convert to a desk at the flip of a lever,
and how about the size and
convenience of Targe -sized home
entertainment centres.
Textured tactile fabrics for furnish-
ings, window and wallcoverings are at
a paramount and
are being
generated in
serviceable and
easy -care
materials.
Floorings are as
varied and
numerous as ever
before. We're
being offered a
retro style trend
with natural
products at the
forefront ...
Beautiful
ceramic and clay
tiles, slate,
We already
have many
wow! items
hardwood and products simulating
these natural effects all with an easy -
care attribute.
Colour schemes are coming at us
fast and furious. Never before have we
been offered such a glorious wide
range of possibilities. We're being
served concoctions in neutrals,
naturals, sienna tones, sage greens
with old gold, tape, red and mauve,
yellow with blue, yellow with lime
green, yellow with white, retro -'60s
colourations and patterns along with
Barbi-Brights and a retro -look with a
'50s flair. It's all available!
I attribute this mega smorgasbord
in style, versatility and colouration to
our fascinating multi -cultural and mass
media lifestyle of the millennium and
onwards. We're not looking back
we're carrying old favourites ahead
with us.
PATTI ROBERTSON'S
m
faii.
/*rim,
Unique Residential and
Commercial Interiors
135 Victoria St., WINGHAM
3.57-2872
• Custom-made Window
Fashions, Bedspreads
& Accessories
• Fine Domestic &
Imported Fabrics
• Select Wallcoverings
• Furnishings, Lighting
& Artwork to suit
any interior...
38 THE RURAL VOICE
With all this variety at our
fingertips we'd all be well advised to
be as informed and educated a
consumer as possible. As I've always
stated it costs the same amount of
money to decorate one's home
whether it's done correctly and to
specification or not. Thereby it
becomes even more necessary to
become informed as to what's
available, what's correct for us and our
decorating budget. We need to become
aware as to what our personal needs
are and what will serve us in our own
chosen lifestyle.
To undertake this self -educating
process, you may choose to use the
Internet, go to your local library, take
night school courses, or hire specialists
in design and architecture. All of these
sources will assist you in getting that
which will work for your individual
lifestyle.
Now in all this resource material
and product knowledge, we have
accessible to you, you'll note that
never once are you encouraged to use
home decor products, just like your
mom, your sister or your neighbours
have. Nowhere is it written that the
styles, colour and budget must be
geared to, and in tune with, your
neighbour. As yet I have not come
across any teacher or article to state
that "This is what you must buy and
this is how it must look." Thank
goodness!
Do you realize the tremendous
freedom this gives everyone from
homeowner to apartment dweller. To
be able to authentically create and
achieve what works for us personally!
To live where and how we can afford,
surrounded by colours, textures and
objects that empower us and our
family. To make ourselves feel safe,
protected and cared for after a hectic
day spent out there in the rat race.
So my advice is to enjoy the bounty
and accessibility of all the products
available for your own choosing. Just
be very aware of what you are
purchasing and how it will work best
in your situation. Home will always be
the place where you hang your hat and
your heart resides! Wishing you a
peaceful and prosperous year.0
Patti Robertson operates Classic
Interiors in Wingham.