Research conducted by Creative Specialties International, a division of Moen Incorporated; and Rooms of America, a consumer research organization, have found that consumers typically decorate in three primary thematic approaches: country, casual/contemporary and traditional.

This quantitative research showed that 74 percent of those surveyed believe style is "very important" to "extremely important" in their overall decorating decisions and it does vary across regional areas.

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.

Consumers who decorate in a casual fashion include furnishings with 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 still includes rich, ornate designs and deep, dark colors. 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.

Today's "cool" country is very stylish 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.

Chrome is 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. Non-chrome finishes represent almost half of bath accessory sales.

Fitness Trends

Here are the top 10 fitness trends for this year, as predicted by the American Council on Exercise. The council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction.

1. Workouts and exercise programs will respond to the need for efficient workouts in a short time. Trainers will provide simple programs using readily available tools (chairs, steps, even walls) that overcome the common barriers of time and access.

2. Mind and body programs will blend with traditional workout sessions. Many clubs, personal trainers and group fitness instructors will infuse elements of Pilates and Yoga into workouts, programs and club offerings for a holistic approach to wellness.

3. Functional fitness will become more important. Focusing on exercising several muscles and joints together, functional fitness results in people being able to perform their daily activities and recreational pursuits with greater ease and less discomfort.

4. More lifestyle and performance coaching. Phone and Internet now make this highly effective service affordable, using heart rate monitors, and other measurement tools, that allow downloadable, and real time feedback.

5. More health-care providers and companies will provide (and, at least, partially subsidize) programs aimed at preventing diseases caused by obesity, smoking and other lifestyle conditions and habits. These programs will "follow" employees using the Internet, instant messaging, etc. to promote adherence and long-term success.

6. Manufacturers will make fitness equipment that will measure and provide feedback on everything from lactic acid accumulation, to adjusting workouts for stress and preparing for an athletic event. Basic, highly portable equipment will help those who need to exercise while their babies sleep, while they are in an airport or even in an empty conference room at the office.

7. More clubs will offer pay-as-you-go pricing instead of long-term contracts.

8. People will go back to basics for weight loss and nutrition. Millions of Americans who have followed various restrictive diets have not experienced long-term or lasting success. Fitness professionals will be perfectly positioned to provide these individuals with an option that works -- regular exercise and sensible eating.

9. Exercise will continue to become preventive care for seniors. Clubs and trainers will focus on balance, stability and strength training to discourage declines in health and fitness.

10. There will be increased emphasis on simple programs aimed at unseating the sedentary. Many states and cities will have walking programs, and communities will be adding sidewalks, walking trails and parks to make it easier for people to be physically active.

One final thought

"The new hero is the innovator, the person who can translate information and ideas into positive change ... the best way to predict the future is to create it."

~Alvin Toffler

Published: March 29, 2004

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Kathy Lamancusa is a trend strategis, professional speaker and author who tracks the forces that impact our lives. Over 1.6 million copies of Kathy's books are in print, and she has appeared on numerous television and radio shows including Oprah! She is a public speaker who can offer organizations entertaining and enlightening peeks into what is coming and what is shaping change so that they can better reach their own customer bases.