Windows are “the hottest thing in the...

Windows are “the hottest thing in the stores right now,” according to Ron Robertson, executive vice president of the Western Decorating Products Assn. in Concord, Calif. “The window itself is becoming a fashion statement. Soft materials and textures that scarcely existed even five years ago are now common.”

There also has been “almost a rediscovery” of floor-covering materials since the heyday of wall-to-wall carpeting, Robertson said. “Floor covering has always been there, but not in the variety (of materials) available now.” Tile, too, is making a comeback, he added, along with natural wood flooring accented by throw rugs.

“People tend to be treating each room individually these days,” Robertson said. “Each room is being treated almost as an entity.”