1950s-1960s: interior design experienced something of revolution during the 1950s.

the 1950s was characterized by exciting new technologies, bright, space-age colors and forwarding-thinking edgier design. These combined characteristics fell under the label of revived Modernism, a movement celebrated by a post-war generation defined by aspiration. there were three major color trend in the 50s; pastel ;modern and Scandinavian. Popular Pastel colors were. Moreover, Modern colors included Vibrant yellow, electric blue, orange, red ,black and white. The modern color scheme desired result was to create contrast between colors. The Scandinavian color scheme was sophisticated and heavily influenced by nature. The Scandinavian color palette included shades of brown, cream, gray and green. For the first time ever in the 50s, paint colors were available in any possible hue. (A 50s advertisement for Colorizer brand paints declared that their paint was available in 1,322 colors!) Black, white and red as a color scheme was huge! Turquoise was extremely popular. Fabrics in the 1950s had bold designs such as stars, strips , checks and polka dots. It also had atomic graphics inspired by space and science such as planets, galaxies and famous boomerang patter. These all were used on wallpaper , tablecloths, curtains and furniture fabrics. Fabrics with fruit, flowers and abstract designs were everywhere. A heavy, tightwoven cotton fabric called bark cloth became available in a range of modern designs (like the atomic prints, but also in floral and tropical prints), and was used for furnishings like curtains, drapery and upholstery. Furniture in the 1950s ranged from comfortable upholstered traditional furniture, to Scandinavian with light colored woods and clean lines, to space age , organic shapes. In 1950s linoleum flooring was restyled by manufacturers like Armstrong , to be more colorful and dynamic. It was made available in bright, trendy colors and patterns and was promoted for use in nearly every room in the house. Hardwood was still a popular flooring material. Although carpets have been popular for ages, installed wall-to-wall carpet was something new and became available in a wide range of colors and textures. Among the things that could be found in a 50s kitchen were chrome appliances, pastel plastics, enamel-coated or stainless steel canisters and bread bins. Colorful

Melamine and melmac dishware and bowls, as well as Tupperware storage containers, were very popular. Lamps were no longer just for practical purposes, but became interior decorating statements with dynamic shapes that were sculptural (shaped like animals such as poodles and gazelles), as well as geometric and abstract (think atomic). These lamps were topped with fiberglass parchment or fabric shades in solids, atomic or geometric prints. Characteristic of 1950s design are clean designs with a Scandinavian influence, space and atomic age-inspired shapes, also known as Mid-Century Modern. This now traditional style continues to be popular, but is achieved today with new materials. Also hugely popular was the Western look, TV heroes like cowboys Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, as well as western movies. Even then, Western style dcor was usually relegated to little boys rooms and family playrooms.

1960s-1970s: Life in the 60s focused on self-expression and home dcor was just the place for people to make their individual statement. A conservative 1960s color palette (source: Kohler) Colors Colors were inspired by nature. Green, gold, orange and yellow were very popular and could be found on everything from clothes to home dcor, and even cars. Previous eras had similar popular colors, but in the 60s they were pumped up to vibrant hues. Psychedelic colors played off one another for maximum impact. Combinations such as fuchsia pink and tangerine orange were placed side-by-side. Bright and metallic vinyl wallpapers are used. The desired effect was to create maximum impact for a striking, provocative look. Fabrics Tie-dye, psychedelic, paisley and floral fabrics were popular. The more colorful the fabrics, the better, seen with larger sized, stylized flowers and brighter colors than ever before. Neon colors created a very modern look. The hippie look consisted of ethnic prints like Indian fabrics made of cotton. Indian saris were used as bedspreads, curtains and wall hangings. Furniture Flat pack furniture, S and pod-shaped chairs made of space age shapes and materials were the look. Furniture was made of metal, glass, wood and PVC, and sometimes combinations of these. New technologies allowed furniture to be made from molded plastic and formed into organic or space age shapes. A lot of furniture was designed to be disposable and temporary. Open shelving in the Danish style was often used as room separators. Styles were fun and witty overall. Homes were now being built with casual family rooms or dens in addition to having just a formal living room. The TV became the focal point of the family room. TV trays were designed so dinner could be eaten where the family gatheredin front of the television. In the 1960s, ethnic decor was popular. Flooring

A popular flooring trend of the 60s was shag rugs. Also, brightly colored textured rugs and rugs made in India and Morocco were trendy. No-wax vinyl floors were coming into vogue, replacing harder to care for linoleum. Dcor Accessories Popular design elements were Siamese cats, mushrooms, roosters, daisies and owls. Copper and other metals were very popular. Pop art inspired by comic books and popular culture (think Andy Warhol and his Campbells Soup painting) were great for kitchens, living rooms and family rooms. Modern art with geometric shapes and vibrant colors decorated homes, as well as psychedelic prints and op art. This look was referred to as Mod. Posters became an accepted, inexpensive way to decorate, and lighting was exciting with lava lamps and fiber optics. The hippie look created a contrast to the modern techno look, with more muted colors and ethnic patterns. Hanging beads and leather fringe added to the hippie style. New Technologies Satellites allowed for transatlantic television, which contributed to Europes (especially Great Britains) influence on American culture. Lucite and colored plastics were used for furniture and home accessories. Tupperware, although having been around since 1946, was in nearly every home and was available in an array of colors. There was an emphasis on entertaining, and a multitude of kitchen appliances were created to make gatherings easier and more comfortable. Some of these appliances included electric coffee pots, electric skillets, toaster ovens and fondue pots. Electric ranges had been around since 1882, but were becoming a lot more popular in kitchens in the 1960s. Overall Look The overall look of the 60s was clean and open. Modernism and abstract expressionism began to take hold the traditional past was rejected and new trends and points of view were celebrated. Most importantly, design became a means of provoking emotion and reaction. Minimalism, as a form of Modernism reduced design to only the most essential elements. In contrast, the flower power and Hippie movements were more decorative and ethnic in nature.

1970s-1980s:

Amidst an oil crisis and rising inflation, American interior design changed to reflect a new regard for nature and an awareness of environmental concerns. Design also reflected an Asian cultural influence as people sought answers in their spiritualist teachings. The anti-establishment trend that got its start in the 1960s continued and was expressed in home dcor through the use of innovative designs. The 1970s Mod look was impacted by these factors, in addition to the continuing inspiration of Space Age technologies and the availability of new materials. The result was the creation of many stylish and innovative design trends that are popular again today. Colors Trendy colors were bright green, turquoise, sunshine yellow, orange and brown. White was used everywhere in furniture as well as for backgrounds to offset brighter colors. Strong uses of black and white were often accented with a bright color by use of pillows, accent chairs and other fixtures. The post-modern palette of the 1960s and 1970s included many creams, yellows, oranges, greens and blues. In the 70s, brighter colors were more common. (source: California Paints) Some color combinations that were hugely popular were bright green and blue, black and white, yellow and white, pink and purple, yellow and orange, yellow and green and pink and green. Red, black and white were used together to create a color scheme with a huge impact. Flowers were a big hit in bathrooms and bedrooms. Fabrics and Wallpaper Bedspreads were adorned with large, bright flowers or graphic patterns. Paisley and abstracts were common and chenille bedspreads were popular. Mushrooms, flowers and geometrics were popular themes and were always printed in bright or bold colors. Furniture Popular materials were Lucite, glass, vinyl, and leather, as well as metal, chrome and wood. Chrome and glass created a clean, space age look. Plastic became an acceptable material for furniture, and beanbag chairs became a trend for relaxed seating. Furniture design ranged from stark, Scandinavian and Bauhaus to organic shaped plastics, vinyl and fabric chairs. Faux fur was used as a radical new material for upholstery. Wicker furniture and rattan peacock chairs were the rage when going for a more hippie, bohemian look.

Built-in desks, beds (including bunk beds) and seating were very common, as well as floor pillows for comfortable seating on the floor. 1970s modular dinette set Kitchen dinette sets with plastic, metal and vinyl organically shaped high-back chairs on wheels, very often upholstered in bright neon vinyl, emerged. Rec rooms appeared in the basements of homes, and were usually equipped with a built-in bar. Flooring Fluffy shag and llama area rugs contrasted with the modern lines and materials used for furnishings. Linoleum and wood flooring were used throughout the home, and ceramic tile was common for bathroom floors. Indoor/outdoor carpeting became popular for rec rooms and sunrooms leading to outdoor areas. Flooring appeared in all of the bright colors of the 1970s palette. that are listed above. A bright yellow linoleum floor would have been considered very fashionable, as well as hot pink or neon green wall-to-wall carpeting. Dcor Accessories Lighting was innovative and new design solutions included the lava lamp, arc floor lamp in chrome and large, white globe lamps. Chrome and plastic were the most popular materials for lighting. In contrast, accessories made of macram were also fashionable, such as hanging plant holders and wall hangings. Potted trees and floor pillows became popular in the 1970s. 1970s wall dcor was modern, with abstract paintings and sculptures being preferred. Paneling was used on the walls of family rooms and rec rooms. There were also unexpected outdoor materials used for interior walls, such as brick and cedar shingles. Bold, foiled wallpapers adorned kitchens and bathrooms. A single large wall may have been covered with a wallpaper mural depicting a scene from nature done in natural colors, creating a contrasting backdrop to the modern furniture and accessories in the room. New Technologies Kitchens were larger and functioned more efficiently with abundant storage and state-of-the-art appliances. The dishwasher was no longer considered a luxury. Laminated kitchen cabinets and Formica countertops, as well as appliances and cookware, were typically in the very latest harvest gold or avocado colors. Overall Look

The general look was bright, sunshiny and Mod. The Jetsons were on television and their influence was felt in 1970s home dcor. The most modern homes looked more like space capsules. But even the more modest homes saw the 1970s influence with pops of bright color and plastic and vinyl furnishings. 1980s-1990s: The world of 1980s interior design is a richly complex one. From metallic accents to striking angles and curves, many 80s motifs are surprisingly moderneven timelessmaking them easy to integrate into todays design. People who dismiss 80s decor as tacky or outdated are missing the magic of this era. Excess isnt always a bad thing, especially when constructed of glass and chrome. And those over-thetop pieces may be just the answer to that one focal point a room is missing. This week Mirror80 takes a look at the wonder of 80s interior design. Proving theres a little something for everyone when it comes to 80s decor, here is our breakdown of 1980s interior design styles: 80s Modern In the 80s, a modern look often reflected the less is more approach, with minimalist spaces showcasing clean-lined furniture. Reflective surfaces, achieved with materials like mirror, chrome and glass, were used to visually enlarge a room. Gray was a popular unifying hue, as colorful artwork popped on gray walls, while dark, muted colors could combine with gray tones to reinforce a stark, modern look. Contemporary lighting fixtures added finishing touches to a modern space. This 1980s design style is likely to make a big comeback, as it seamlessly blends with todays modern finds, from glossy Hollywood Regency revival pieces to industrial IKEA selections. 80s Modern Decor 80s Modern Photo Credits: Leftphoto by Michael Dunne; Top RightIce Diamonds wallpaper, photo by Ian OLeary; Bottom Rightphoto by Brigitte Beart/Vision International; All images from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt Memphis-Milano This is the high-end modern stuff, the designer collectibles that auction houses cant keep in stock. When you view a Memphis-Milano piece, you suddenly realize the inspiration for that Swatch Watch you once owned. Fearless color and form combine in a display nothing short of art. The Memphis-Milano movement challenged the status quo. Italian designers like Ettore Sottsass and Michele De Lucchi took boldness to a new level with shocking geometric choices in furniture, textiles, tabletop decor, and even jewelry.

Twenty-year collector Dennis Zanone, also a professional photographer, has documented his amazing stash of Memphis-Milano showpieces (photos shown above). This is the way they were meant to be viewedimpeccably arranged in a home of black-and-white checked tile and sandy-toned hardwood floors. If youre interested in collecting Memphis-Milano pieces and are lucky enough to score one, it can be the conversation-starting centerpiece of a room, shelf or tabletop. View Dennis Zanones Flickr photostream here, and join his Facebook fans here. Memphis-Milano Decor Memphis-Milano Photo Credits: Bottom LeftJumping Beans Memphis-Milanoinspired wallpaper, photo by Ian OLeary, from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt; All other photos by Dennis Zanone 80s Deco In the 1980s, an Art Deco revival occurred in the realm of graphic design. Cleanlined fonts with modern curves were prominent, but angles and 20s/30s-inspired arches also infiltrated the world of interior design in a style we call 80s Deco. Art Moderne-style artwork, ceramic curves on 80s modern vases, and rounded furniture abounded (think circular mirrors and black lacquered headboards with gold trim). Glass block, mini-blinds and potted palms were other 80s Deco staples. You may think this look belonged only in high-end spaces, but there was something darkly glamorous, even mysterious about it. Which is why it flourished in 1980s seedy crime dramas, like the hit television series Miami Vice. 80s Deco will no doubt make a comeback with design enthusiasts who love Art Deco, and with collectors who enjoy the glammy, even kitschy quality of 80s design. Add some neon wall art, and youre set! 80s Deco Decor 80s Deco Photo Credits: Top and Bottom Leftphotos by Mirror80; Middle Left Art Deco wallpaper, photo by Ian OLeary, from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt; Rightphoto by Bruce Wolf, from Decoration and Design for the 80s by Pamela Ferguson 80s Southwestern The 80s Southwestern room thrived on shades of turquoise and mauve. Native American motifs on textiles and stair step-edged furniture completed the vibe. While this 1980s look is often labeled outdated, hipsters have welcomed its patterns and references in the realms of fashion and music. From 80s

Southwestern-themed press-on tattoos at Urban Oufitters to a wolf art revival on both canvas and T-shirt, the look is back. And the more over-the-top, the better. Furniture in natural wooden tones blended well with this style in the 1980s, as did white pieces, sometimes in stone. See Ugly House Photos for some awesome examples of rooms with 80s Southwestern flair! 80s Southwestern Decor 80s Southwestern Photo Credits: LeftIndian Motif fabric, photo by Ian OLeary; Rightphoto by Michael Dunne; both images from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt 80s Traditional Traditional decor is what most people grew up with in the 80s. While it wouldve been awesome to live in a high-rise in New York City with a room full of brand spanking new 80s Modern pieces, the majority of families integrated newer styles with items they already had, such as antiques. In her design-fabulous article Decor Time Machine: The 80s (which is accompanied by many wonderful pics), Apartment Therapy writer Catrin Morris recognizes that when it came to interiors in the 80s, few kids were living the Less Than Zero lifestyle. While we love the high-end minimalist modern decor of that film, the majority of 80s homes took a less cutting edge approach. In fact, antique- and country-inspired furniture and accents were often the norm in the 80s, with more formal spaces incorporating details like Persian rugs and Asian details, such as ornamental vases. Traditional decor even veered into modern territory when glossy finishes and metallic detail were welcomed into a room. Floral-print upholstery and bedding were 80s traditional staples: 80s Traditional Decor 80s Traditional Photo Credits: Topa still from the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally; Bottom LeftIrises wallpaper, photo by Ian OLeary, from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt; Bottom Rightphoto by Peter Vitale, from Decoration and Design for the 80s by Pamela Ferguson 80s Country Ah80s Country! If you had a Laura Ashley comforter, you were a participant in this fad. While there were some designers reveling in a minimalist, rustic country lookthink neatly arranged brown medicine bottles and earthy plank floorsthe majority of 80s Country living rooms likely boasted too much mauve and dusty

blue, an over-abundance of wicker and dried flowers, and enough ruffles to gag a scarecrow. But there was something quaint about that country look, and when done well, elegance even crept in. As the 80s turned into the 90s, country enthusiasts may have held onto their oak furniture, but they likely changed an outdated wall color or worn throw pillow, transitioning the look to reflect new charming trends, such as Shabby Chic, which encouraged a painting and distressing of wooden pieces while continuing to revel in the wonders of floral fabric. 1990s-2000s: No single look defined interior design in the 1990s. Styles were influenced by everything from minimalism to the Arts-and-Crafts movement; professional interior designers and American consumers alike drew on regional styles, historical trends, and personal tastes to create dwellings that were highly individualistic. Minimalism, as the name suggests, highlighted the absence of decoration. Walls and doors were white, windows were bare, and furnishings were spare. Critics thought it sterile and impersonal; proponents, on the other hand, found the design style calming and said it focused attention on the quality of the few pieces that were visible. A passion for antiques balanced minimalism. Americans gathered all sorts of collectibles at auctions, flea markets, and yard sales to help create homes that looked as if they had been in their family for generations. A renewed interest in art deco and the simple, clean, and almost futuristic lines of the 1950s also helped designers create interiors reminiscent of the past. Meanwhile, the Arts-and-Crafts movement brought to prominence regional furniture makers whose specialty pieces featured fine workmanship and individual designs. Another trend in the 1990s brought the outside indoors: wall colors mirrored natural shades, while large windows and skylights let in natural light. Designers also focused on the environment when choosing materials; they looked for wood that came from renewable sources, such as plantations or natural forests certified as sustainable. Restorers reconstructed antiques without using toxic chemicals. Some manufacturers used recycled plastics or wood to create new home and office items. Still, there was no shortage of materials found in showcase interiors: homes and offices featured every-thing from stainless steel and glass to granite and woods of all sorts.

2000s-2010: Clean lines, boomerang shapes, starbursts the simple yet dynamic design motifs of '50s modernism have returned in the '00s, especially seen in furniture, fabric, dishes and even silverware. "You see a lot of geometric shapes," says Mark Nelson, associate professor in the UW-Madison design studies department. Wood tends to be in "big chunks," and furniture and decorative items are "sculptural it's pure shape rather than applied ornament." Stylized depictions of birds, flowers and leaves seen in '00s design can be reminiscent of the 1950s-1970s. One difference between '00s design and the '50s design that inspired it is a much more neutral color palette, says Nelson. "Things were much more colorful in the 1950s," he says, although we may remember that decade in black and white due to television and photography. Why the popularity of modernist design now? Nelson thinks it's because the '50s was the last time that houses and household objects were strongly designed. During the '60s and '70s, "designer stuff became about the name, not the design." As we move out of the '00s, Nelson sees an interesting opposition between lowornament modernism and "over-the-top stuff coming out of youth and DIY culture," with tattoos, paisley and a gothic influence. He looks for trends to start on the fashion runways, then filter into interior design several years later. On the runways these days, he's seeing "very rich textures and colors, almost Victorian, signaling a whole new direction." Starbursts Perhaps the most widespread revival of any 1950s design is seen in the starburst clock. Originally designed by American modern designer George Nelson (19041986), versions are now made by Umbra, Vitra and Cupecoy, to name a few. (Cupecoy starburst clocks, Pop Deluxe, $50-$60.) Bubbles & flying saucers Another mid-century classic that's surging in popularity right now is the ceilingsuspended bubble lamp, also originally designed by the prolific George Nelson. A more elliptical version is the saucer lamp (as in "flying saucer"). The originals are in the Museum of Modern Art, but current versions are made by Modernica and others.

An even more extreme and streamlined version of the saucer lamp is the 1960sstyle Sinus lamp (Century House). Geometric shapes Even mass-market Corelle has gotten into the act with its line of square dishware, spruced up with simple geometric lines or stylized flower motifs. (Available at Shopko and other retailers, set of four for under $50.) "Boxes" wall sconce from CB2 (pictured above, top right, $50) borrows the '50s penchant for geometrics and 3-D wall hangings and pairs it with the 1990s love of tea candles. Stylized flowers, birds and nature motifs Stylized, silhouetted or abstracted, nature in 2000s design is simplified, reflecting the modernist preference for lack of ornament. Bird silhouettes are one of the top motifs in 2000-era interior decor. Polypropylene floor mats from Koko feature simple bird or twig motifs, can be used indoors or out, are easily washed by hosing them down, and are also suitable for wall hanging! (www.gardenwinds.com, $40$50). Decorative pillows from Target adopt a dove silhouette and the decade's top color pairing, brown and blue ($25). The Wagami rug from CB2 combines a bold circle geometry with abstract flowers, leaves and cherries in a '50s color palette of brown, green, red, yellow and beige (pictured above, top left, $300). trends for 2010 focus on a brighter more eclectic style of interior decor. Here are a few of the key trends to look out for in the coming year. A socially-minded focus on the environment and sustainability will see the use of natural materials, such as woods and metals, become a popular choice for furniture. Alongside this try using an earthy colour palette mixing greens, browns and beiges to create a calming atmosphere. In 2010 Grey will emerge as a staple colour to compliment any room of your house. When teamed with vibrant colours such as purple or yellow it creates an unexpected and stylish effect. Identified by colour forecasting specialists Pantone as a must have colour for this year, Turquoise can be used in many different ways. Try it as an accent colour to brighten up a room filled with muted beiges and natural tones, or use it alongside other shades of blue to achieve a cool and tranquil space. Texture will be a trend that affects all aspects of interior decor. Look out for furniture items such as rugs, carpets and cushions that have interesting textures or have been developed from unusual materials. This trend can be extended to your choice of paints and wallpaper as well. Try combining matte and gloss paint colours to achieve a textured effect, or use a textured wallpaper to create a cosy atmosphere.

Whether its a unique piece of furniture or just a souvenir from your last holiday, inject a bit of personality into your home this year. Items that display evidence of craftsmanship or individuality can make your home feel more personal and welcoming. Look out for sustainable ethical items that will last you a lifetime. Finally, 2010 will see the wallpapered ceiling emerge as a forward-thinking take on the wallpapered accent wall. A wallpaper that compliments the colour scheme of your room can create even more of a design statement when applied to the ceiling. It can work to draw attention to architectural features and unusually shaped rooms. It can work equally as well to add a touch of eccentricity to a more conventional fourwalled room. If using wallpaper throughout the room, try to choose different patterns for the walls and ceiling and make sure they are broken up by other elements such as wooden panelling. This will avoid making the room feel boxed in, and will make sure your home is on trend for 2010.

2011-2012: The emphasis on green continues to gain momentum. While most people are well aware of the built environments impact on our planet, less is known about how it relates to human health. Its hard to believe that the indoors are more polluted than the outdoors. But they are and we spend 90% of our time inside. In fact, the EPA currently lists indoor air pollution among the top five environmental health concerns. Expect to see more prominence put on home design features that can help improve indoor air quality. For instance, windows, when positioned positioned and operating properly, allow for naturally occurring cross currents of air that result in proper ventilation of indoor spaces. I highly suggest opening your windows and vacuuming at least once a day. For those of you who do not employ a full time cleaning crew, check out I Robots Roomba. 2. THE GENTLEMANS LOUNGE Leathers, tweeds, flannels and other menswear inspired fabrics are popping up all over furniture. Icons of high style like Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Andrew Morgan have turned their attention to interiors. Everything from master bedrooms, media room and living rooms, both indoors and out will be dominated by fabrics traditionally seen on Saville Row. The look evokes a sense of luxury embodied by a life well traveled, a meal savored, a professional respected and a bed never empty. Its a style that wears well on both male and female, allowing the occupant to invite elegance and permanence into their interior spaces.

In residential and hospitality expect to see tweeds in camel and cigar browns; hounds tooth checks in black, green, red and blue; richly hued plum and tangerine silk paisleys and sultry shades of grey pinstriped, flannel wools. And peacock- that male struttin bird will be seen everywhere for some time to come. 3. AMERICANA SUPPORTING MADE IN AMERICA Thirty years of sending our manufacturing overseas has culminated in jobs lost forever and a nation left wondering where it all went wrong. Consequently the Made In America label has a brand new cache. People are finding strength in returning to American values and traditions, whether its comfort food , an old pair of Levis or the design of their homes. At Sothebys and Christies for example, American antique furniture and objects of art recently sold for record high prices. Manufactures who produce locally like Milgard Windows have been high on the must have lists of my clients. American handmade accessory items are also in demand like Cheryl Sheehans gorgeous table toppers. Consumers want quality products that support the stability of our communities, states and nation. Expect to see red, white and blue in every room in the home. 4. SMALLER SPACES, QUALITY MATERIALS DOING MORE WITH LESS Gone are the days of cheaply produced mega mansions. Today design is about smaller, well planned spaces made with quality materials that will last a lifetime. Dollars are being focused on fewer, but higher end products and materials. These new products have a common thread in the sensuality of their composition, an almost handcrafted feel. Expect to see a re-connection with nature, more wood and metal in design. Because interior spaces are being made smaller, there will be an explosion in the design of well adorned outdoor rooms that visually create a large living space. 5. TECHNOLOGY WITH GREATER PURPOSE- FOCUS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY, DURABILITY AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN Technology and beauty havent always gone hand in hand, but in todays Apple infused world of style and function, it is now more expected than ever-even in home design. Cutting edge technology is enabling design oriented manufacturers such as Creation Baumann to produce stylish products that are also durable and easy to use. The company recently updated its technology in its century old mills to transform polyester into dreamy silk like fabrics that dont compromise indoor air quality, produce little waste in manufacturing and are machine washable. New technology such as the Smart Touch lock is fusing style and performance. The exclusive design from Milgard makes windows much easier to use as we age and was the first window manufacturer to receive the Arthritis Foundations Ease of Use Commendation. Expect to see more attention put on products and home improvements that offer more style, performance and comfort. The retirement of the Baby Boomers, in particular, has made Universal Design one of the most important areas in design.