I have always encouraged my clients to not be slaves to trends, but to keep an open mind and consider their own likes and dislikes. Afterall, what good is it to live in a home that is right up with the current trend, but within which you always feel lost or uncomfortable. Following trends can be fun, but they are certainly not mandatory.On the other hand, there are times when a major trend evolves into what I call a “shift”. A shift is longer lasting, as well as more thorough and complete. About 15 years ago when everyone was still doing the very traditional look with Queen Anne tables, Louis XV chairs, with lots of floral chintz, and swags and jabots, Baker Furniture, who personified this look, introduced Barbara Barry’s pared-down interpretation of an Art Deco inspired look. Traditional forms were simplified, pattern was eliminated, color was shades of taupe or pastel aquas and greens, and wood stains morphed into a very dark brown or espresso color. Draperies lost their top treatments and puddles and we were back with the pinch-pleats and very simple side panels. A new shift was born.In my next bog entry we’ll look at today’s emerging new shift. – Alexander Interiors, McLean, VA