The big news in kitchens is stainless steel. This look is appearing across the board in kitchen products. Also, the word is ‘traditional’ and ‘footed’ in styling of kitchen decor, with cabinets and appliances that look like furniture, complete with feet.

‘Faux’ everything is HOT! We want the ‘real’ thing -- in a faux version. We want the feeling of comfort and connection with the past as we give colors of all types an artificial aged look.

Bean bag chairs, a 70’s classic, are making their way back and with a combination of nostalgia, and pure comfort will certainly see their way into the new millennium. The shiny vinyls of the original design have been left behind for soft, comfortable fabrics such as denim. The beans are now being encased in an internal pillow leaving the outside able to be washed or dry cleaned. Watch for interesting new shapes and sizes including the top three sellers from Eazy Bean, a San Francisco based company, the apple, pear, and eggplant. Nike has commissioned bean bag chairs in the shape of soccer and basketballs

Letters, words, and calligraphy are appearing on consumer home interior designs and products. This provides a subtle ‘deeper’ message and allows consumers to get to another dimension as they enjoy the look.

New looks for ancient batik designs are making their way into fabrics. These hand-dyed fabrics are on the pricey side at this point, however, they are being extremely well received on the consumer level. The watercolor blends of color create a new look, but the batik designs featured are reminiscent with a cultural feel.

Viagra Gives Plants a Lift

Reuters News Service reported that an Israeli researcher says a dose of the popular impotence drug Viagra could double the life span of plants, fruits and vegetables and keep them standing tall. After months of study, Professor Yaacov Leshem, a plant physiologist at Bar-Ilan University, found that two or three milligrams of Viagra dissolved in plant water slows the emission of ethylene, the gaseous hormone that causes fruit, vegetable and plant ripening, aging and eventually, spoilage. Researchers believe the findings could revolutionize produce packaging and storage. One drawback is the cost .

My question is . . . what about side effects on the people who eat these fruits and vegetables?

Editor's Note: Realty Times columnist Kathy Lamancusa has been invited to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show on Thursday, November 4. The segment will feature Kathy talking about her upcoming book, Flowers Are Forever. The book, published by Simon & Schuster will be released in February, 2000.

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Published: November 3, 1999

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