There’s the classical American Colonial look, the opposite of the current modern furniture style.    Descended from the days when a four poster was a bed, not a set of large photos of rock bands on the walls, it is still a great choice. Stunning headboards are carved from exquisite oak or maple. A cloth canopy with draperies is often added.

It is surprising that the post-Revolutionary style of ordinary merchants now is the style of the elegant and well-heeled bedroom of today.  But whether it’s a chest containing a down comforter or a chest of drawers that matches the rest, this style says ’solid American values’.

Early in the last century, Asian design gained in popularity and continues on today. For good reason: they incorporate ancient elegance with modern esthetic ideas of efficiency and minimalism.   They also make possible a range of colors that few other choices can encompass. The Asian color palette has gorgeous hues such as beautiful reds, vibrant greens, and the colors of the sun and sky.  Modern design even incorporates aspects of Asian design, as in the noguchi table.

An armoire of slick black lacquer, inlaid with mother of pearl is one possibility.   But even a simple jade or ceramic bowl on the dresser used to hold jewelry and coins can add a touch of Asia to the bedroom. The result is both cool and hot, both sexy and stylish. By integrating the concept of yin and yang, Asian bedding and furniture brings both an exotic flair and cultural elegance associated with Asian culture.  What could be more comfortable than a set of pillows in Mandarin red stuffed with goose down? Try spreading a stylish and functional area rugs with an Asian flair across the hardwood floor. That’s the Asian way.

In the 1950s Scandinavian, Swedish in particular, became all the rage. The popularity of the design hasn’t waned in the intervening years. And who would question why? Swedish design features clean lines and gorgeous yet simple elegance.

The hallmarks of Shaker style are reflected in this design, it’s main features simplicity and peace. In this tumultuous era of living, this style is appreciated and valued.  Additionally, it reflects the simple lines and somewhat “futuristic” design of modern high tech. With this setup, you can integrate easily with other styles in the house, while maintaining a place of refuge from the world. What more could you ask for, to have the best of both design worlds?

No matter the style you choose, it is easier and easier to find gorgeous furniture and accents to set off your design.  Considering that you spend about one third of your life in your bedroom, it makes sense to invest in beautiful furniture and accents.

Technorati Tags: area rug, modern furniture, noguchi table

In the history of design, the term retro often conjures up the funky styles of the sixties and seventies; however, it falls within the style of modern furniture that can date from the twenties all the way to the seventies. Whatever the decade, retro furniture has very recognizable traits. Identifiably, retro is about the form: clean lines, organic shapes, and modular capabilities. Too, because of the materials that became readily available after WWII, it often incorporates non-traditional materials such as fiberglass and synthetic lacquers.

Retro coffee tables were often designed because families were adopting a more casual atmosphere into their homes. People wanted to have innovative forms and materials that were not as formal as their parents’; they wanted a home that was more open and inviting for adults and kids alike. Luckily, designers understood this and were fortunate enough to have new technology and materials such as plastics, chromium-plated steel and plywood at their disposal. Designers were able to mold these materials into new and interesting forms, and manufacturers were able to mass produce furniture yet still keep them durable.

The ubiquitous Isamo Noguchi table, designed in the forties, is comprised of a “free form” glass top supported by two identically sculpted pieces of wood pinned together at an angle to form the base is a well-known retro coffee table. Another is by Harvey Probber, called the Nuclear Table, and it is a good example of the casual lifestyle that families desired to incorporate into their homes. Designed as a modular piece, its basic circular form is actually two half circles that can be rearranged into a snake-like form by lining them up, can be stacked on top of one another, or can be put at opposite ends of a sofa. The well-known Tulip Table by Eero Saarinen is another innovative retro design. Its lacquered steel base is a pedestal form and was designed to reduce the “clutter” of legs that typical tables have.

Contemporary furniture produced today is often reflective of some of retro coffee tables being offered by antique dealers. For instance, Paul Frankl’s Big Foot coffee table from the 1940’s, with its amorphic shape, is reminiscent of Zaha Hadid’s futuristic designs. Retro coffee tables come in many shapes, materials and sizes and they are a welcome addition to a room that needs a simple, yet interesting and fun, solution to one’s living room décor.

Technorati Tags: eileen gray table, modern furniture, noguchi table