As the lives of people become more complex and high-tech during the new millennium, people are increasingly placing greater emphasis on the home, a place to recharge their batteries from the world's daily distractions.

It is observed that people more often choose a transitional or eclectic style of decor--the blending of different styles of furniture into a home that expresses who they are as an individual or as a family. The furnishing in our homes are becoming collections of our lives. You might have an antique piece given to you by someone in the same room with a brand-new sofa that reflects your own personal taste. This uniting of both old and new styles gives us feelings of warmth and tradition.

Another way in which people achieve their own personal look is by the mixing of styles, materials, and price points, allowing people to express their creativity. People want their homes to look as though they put it together themselves, not the overly `matched' look that was so popular in the early 80s.

When it comes to purchasing new furniture, we experience a trend towards sleeker, less-complicated designs as well as the overscaled furniture suited for today's larger homes. The fashionable home colours of the new millennium will continue to be those that are in sync with what fashion designers are displaying on the runways.
The indicators tell that the trend-setting home furnishing in these times will be versatile pieces that can be used in a variety of ways in any room in the house. The following trends are growing in popularity:

Home offices: From an armoire that opens to a full workstation in the living room or bedroom to a baker's rack designed as a computer center for the kitchen, virtually every home today needs furniture to house office equipment. Functionality is the key to this category, now styled in every wood and finish to blend with a room's decor.

Recliners: Women no longer need to hesitate when considering purchasing a recliner for the man in their life. Long known for providing comfort, recliners are more chic and available in a myriad of silhouettes, stylish fabrics, and rich leathers.

Ottomans: Today's ottomans are for more than just putting up one's feet. This versatile piece of furniture can be used as an occasional table or as a decorative storage accessory for any room in the house.

Children's furniture: Kids need good design, too. Parents looking to purchase furniture for their offspring will find that American furniture manufacturers are offering a wide range of juvenile-themed groups, as well as more sophisticated styles in complete collections that include storage, study, and computer components.