Consumer Articles From the HFC - Off-Season Style Keeps The Living Easy

Furniture World Magazine

A scrubbed wood floor, a slip-covered sofa, a bowl of beachglass on the table: it's clean, uncluttered, summer style, and it's too good to let slip away with the change of seasons. With a little imagination and a splash of design sense, you don't have to, says the Home Furnishings Council. Cozy, cocoon-like rooms do have their place when the cold sets in. But maintaining even one "off-season" space, filled with light and geared for easy living, can be as invigorating as a breath of salt air. To do it right, color is key. "Blues and greens and frosted, ocean colors give you a beach house feeling right into the winter," says Keith DeRose, with the contemporary furniture maker Curvet/Zeritalia. "We have some colorful aluminum chairs and wall units with glass insets, for example, that really brighten up a room." Slouchy, slipcovered silhouettes keep the mood casual and inviting. "You can't change the color of your walls every winter, but you can make a real seasonal change with slipcovers," says Tom Jordan, with North Carolina-based Michael Thomas Furniture. "We do them on even the most traditional pieces." While the obvious choice for slipcovers may be white, a snowy expanse of sofa can start to look bleak and steely in winter light. Look for washed florals and textural fabrics in other natural patterns. "Relaxed, sun-drenched florals are in tune with an outdoor theme," says Zack Taylor with North Carolina-based Valdese Weavers. " We have a very simple summery collection of soft colors, a lot of blue, terracotta, yellow, shades of rose. And all very natural, nubby textures." An airy sense of space is another essential, particularly when you're spending long days indoors. Keep clutter to a minimum--stow entertainment equipment in a weathered armoire, or look for a handsome trunk to house games and papers while doubling as a coffee table. A few final ideas: Get with the grain. Exposed wood and distressed finishes are naturals for the cottage look. Fiber for the feet. Natural fiber rugs of wool or cotton or synthetic sisal bring the outdoors underfoot and are easy to clean. Windows on the world. Make the most of any view--opt for sheer scrims that can be swept aside during daylight over fussier treatments. The Home Furnishings Council, a national, nonprofit organization of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers, is dedicated to providing inspiration, information and guidance for consumers in furnishing their homes. Consumers can call 1-800-52 1 -HOME to learn where they can pick up their free copy of the latest edition of HAVEN®: Planning a Comfortable Home decorating guide.