Rooms of America

surveys thousands of Americans annually to track consumer decorating trends

and preferences. Recently, this quantitative research showed that 74 percent

of those surveyed believe style is "very important" to "extremely

important" in their overall decorating decisions.

In terms of

specific style preferences, 38 percent of the population decorates in

a casual style, often referred to as contemporary. Following closely behind,

35 percent of consumers choose a traditional style of decorating. Lastly,

27 percent of Americans decorate in a country theme, which includes secondary

themes such as Shaker, Country French and Mission.

These decorating

styles vary across regional areas, however. For instance, survey results

showed that traditional decorating themes are preferred in the Southwestern

and Eastern Great Lakes areas of the United States. Those living in the

Southeastern and Western states typically choose a more casual style of

decorating; and country is more prevalent in pockets of the Northeast

and Midwest.

The person behind the style

Now that we

know how Americans decorate, let's take a closer look at the person behind

the style. What type of individual decorates in a country fashion versus

contemporary? Does a certain age dictate a style? Do particular colors

influence a decorating trend? Read on to see how the characteristics of

decorators have changed over the years.

Rounding up

the largest decorating style, consumers who decorate in a casual fashion

take their direction from many sources, including the pages of Pottery

Barn catalogs or Martha Stewart magazines. Once thought of as a style

filled with black plastic chairs and combinations of chrome and glass,

this decorating theme now includes clean, simple lines, geometric shapes

and neutral colors such as beige, white and gray. Furniture and accessories

falling under this style typically include light woods, such as natural

maple.

The traditional

style of decorating hasn't changed much over the years. Its trademarks

still include rich, ornate designs and deep, dark colors a classic look

that never goes out of style. Jewel tones, such as emerald green, burgundy

and navy blue, are very popular, as are ornate detailing in polished brass

and gold. Woodwork and furniture in this style is typically made of leather,

cherry wood and dark stains.

The country

style of today no longer features the '80s look of plaids, ducks and pineapples.

Instead, today's "cool" country is very stylish a favorite of

baby boomers and Generation Xers. The trend here is displayed through

a mix of bright colors, such as lime green, bright blue and red, as well

as softer tones including some pastels and earth tones. Much of the furniture

in this style is sturdy and overstuffed, and features a crackle or distressed

painted finish to give it almost an antique, nostalgic style. It's the

perfect approach for those seeking a comfortable, "relax and put

your feet on the coffee table" feel.

Style in the bath

Many believe

that decorating trends are limited to family rooms, kitchens or dining

areas. However, that theory no longer holds true. In fact, the decorating

survey found that more than 75 percent of respondents said that decorating

themes are "somewhat important" to "extremely important"

in their master bath or powder room.

What does that

mean to manufacturers of bath-related products? According to Eric Jungbluth,

vice president and general manager of Creative Specialties International,

a leading manufacturer in the bath accessory marketplace, "Consumer

style preferences are our number one consideration when designing new

bath accessory collections. We take these survey results seriously and

even conduct our own focus groups to further substantiate consumer preferences."

According to

the survey, chrome is still the most popular bath accessory finish, but

brushed nickel, consumers' second choice, is on the rise. In addition,

other finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze and wrought iron, are also increasing

in popularity with consumers. In fact, non-chrome finishes represent almost

half of bath accessory sales.

Relying on

this extensive research, Creative Specialties International recently introduced

four new bath accessory collections designed to reflect the styles used

in today's bath. Sold under the Inspirations brand, the Kelse, Vernini,

Sienna and Westbury collections each fall into one of the three design

categories traditional, contemporary/casual or country.

"From

a 'retro' style in oil-rubbed bronze to contemporary designs in brushed

chrome dramatic wrought iron finishes and even accessories made of maple

and oak, the bath accessories category has really come to life with new

and innovative designs," added Jungbluth. "The collections totally

complement any bath dÈcor and provide the perfect finishing touch

to an overall bath design."

The finishing touch

It doesn't

matter whether you decorate in a country, contemporary or traditional

style, it's the finishing touches that can really make a difference in

any decor. For instance, simple bath accessories, such as a stylistic

open towel ring or decorative glass shelf, can add a touch of innovative

design to a powder room or bathroom.

"Homeowners

are starting to realize that bathroom decorating doesn't end with the

faucet and showerhead selection - it's really just the beginning,"

said Jungbluth. "Accessories are now manufactured in so many varieties

including those that actually match the design and finish of faucets that

they truly add another dimension to bathroom decorating."

Thinking "out

of the box" and using traditional accessories in non-traditional

ways can alter the overall feel of a room. Following are a few, simple

decorative ideas to use bath accessories as stylish additions to a room,

rather than simply as functional pieces.

To add a soothing

and intimate glow to a room, try placing small votive candles in existing

(or new) soap or tumbler holders. In a larger bath, use tall tapers to

complement the smaller candles and add drama to a room.

If counter

space is a concern, install a decorative glass shelf on a wall. Its purpose

can be more than functional place fresh flowers, potpourri, or small photographs

on the shelf to add a bit of character to the bath.

Larger photographs,

that may not fit on a glass shelf, still can find a "home" in

the bath. Experiment by suspending a picture frame with a colorful ribbon,

and hang it from a unique robe hook. Try using a frame that matches the

accessory style and finish to complete the room's look.

To add color

to a room throw away the paint brush! Instead, install double towel racks

and place a variety of towels on them in different sizes, colors and textures.

Many towels are available in whimsical prints and styles to liven up a

bath or powder room, and can be changed regularly to create a different

decor in a minute.

On a budget?

Place fresh flowers in a toothbrush holder to add a bit of color to the

bath room. Or, hang decorative robe hooks in a unique pattern on the wall

to enhance the character of a room.

And the best

advice when it comes to decorating? There are no rules. According to the

decorating Web site, decorateyourhouse.com, "Houses that are homes

shouldn't look like museums. Try out ideas and if they don't work, try

again. That's half the fun."

For more information

on bath style trends, or accessory products available from Creative Specialties

International, write 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-8022,

call toll free (800) 321-8809, or visit their Web site at www.moen.com.

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