Color, shape meld modern to traditional style

Mention the term "new technology," and most of us think first of computers or other digital devices that have such a profound effect on the way we live now.

Interior design has also been transformed by technology in recent years, although its impact isn't quite so obvious. We may actually take for granted that much of today's furniture lasts longer and provides greater comfort than was the case, say, 50 years ago.

Advances in manufacturing technology account for these improvements. The machinery introduced in furniture factories has made a huge, if unheralded, difference in the look and quality of the American home.

Q: I'm shopping for new lounge chairs for our family room. They will have to complement some traditionally styled built-ins and a table, but I do like furniture with a contemporary look --- as long as it's not way-out modern. Will I be able to find chairs that meet these specifications?

A: It shouldn't be too hard. Lots of lounge chairs now on the market will fit your stylistic requirements while also providing proper seating comfort.

You can pair contemporary chairs with the traditionally styled elements in your family room by aligning their color, shape and fabric.

Many lounge chairs designed in the past few years do have a sleek and pared-down look that won't readily complement older pieces. That's when fabric can be deployed on the chairs to soften their appearance. Materials engineered by means of new technology can be useful in this case as well.

The lounge chair shown in the accompanying photo features partially exposed hardwood arms with a walnut-type finish. The structure of the chair itself is covered with abaca, a harvested vine. New technology allows for the fusion of multiple materials in a single piece while also making the chair appear new and different but not the least bit outlandish.

The beige color actually gives this Savannah chair from David Francis Furniture an appropriately conservative look in a room with wood paneling. The seat seen here is covered in a cream-colored microsuede. You need not be quite so sedate, however; the cushion covers could be in a bright color found elsewhere in the room.

Rita St. Clair is a syndicated columnist with Tribune Media Services Inc. E-mail general interior design questions to her at rsca@ritastclair.com.