Traditional — sort of — back in style

Trends come and go, but what seems to have been around in the interior design business for quite a while now is the transitional look. That is a combination of traditional style, old-world style and contemporary with an up-to-date look.

Some people are enamored with the truly contemporary look -- all sleek, smooth and business-like -- but still want more comfortable furniture. Others are still in love with the past and the richness of the traditional look, yet desire a more current décor.

Furniture manufacturers have been paying attention. The "new look" is here and is taking charge. The chrome look, for example, is popular; just not in the same way as in the '80s. It has taken on a softer image, with a brushed effect instead of the old polished look. Glass tops, whether on cocktail tables or dining tables, are still very much sought after in the design field. The difference is that the bases now are natural wood or stone instead of metal, high-gloss wood or mica.

The stiff, high-back and all-wood dining chair that was such an attention-getter has mellowed over the years into a lower back height with curved lines and upholstery on at least the seat and, in some cases, on the inside of the back. Wood is used more and with more wood exposed than upholstery. Also, more armchairs grace the dining tables these days, if they fit. It used to be only the two heads of the table used arms while the rest were armless.

Bedroom furniture is still "anything goes." The styles haven't changed much as far as popularity is concerned. You will still find the tall beds that need a step in order to be able climb into it and you can still even find the low-profile bed where the mattress practically sits on the floor. Then there is everything in between.

Leathers are and probably always will be in vogue, particularly the soft-touch leathers. There are some interesting chairs being made that are mostly wood but have backs, seats and arm tops covered in luscious leather. One reason leather is always popular is because it calls out to the senses. There is something invitingly tactile about leather.

In the upholstered furniture field, regulation sized furniture is in ... with regulation meaning normal size. There was a time when overstuffed was the only type of furniture we seemed to see in the design-type furniture stores. Even though you can still find that look, it isn't overwhelming the store vignettes these days.

Clean, open, spacious and neat, though not exactly buzz words, are good descriptions of the traditional look that is abounding in homes these days. All in all, it is a kinder, gentler look.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color."