Bring it home! Fab looks for your domain

Memorial Day means more than sizzling swimsuits, weekend getaways and the unofficial start of summer. It’s also the time for major home furnishings sales and a perfect weekend to think about a new look for your own domain. Whether you're up for a quick fix or a major change, it’s all right here in this week’s home edition of The Trend Report.

Rizzoli Books

Road trip
Forget about sightseeing. The new trend is to lasso your best friend — a la Thelma and Louise — and go on an organized road trip. For women who love antiquing — and the thrill of the hunt — a new and unique book charts more than 52 prime U.S. antiquing destinations. From shabby chic to early Americana to formal European furnishings, "Antiquing Weekends" by Gladys Montgomery is an ideal way to jump-start your summer excursions. Who knows? You may luck out and find everything you want in one weekend — and at the right price!

Trend tip: Study up on your favorite styles before you go so you can spot the real steals and deals. Plus, you'll minimize the chances of making an impulsive mistake!

AnnSacks.com

Tile style
Tiles have come a long way, baby. In addition to classic mosaic designs, modern materials such as colored glass and new, ultra-cool tiles in wood and leather make your choices more interesting than ever. The latest trend? Modern and contemporary — that is, crisp edges and flat, monochromatic surfaces. Best bet: Run to Ann Sacks (there are stores in 17 cities and online) for top-of-the-line quality and service.

Trend tip: If you’re willing to go for a pricey plunge, make it tile. Yes, it will cost you, but it is something that will last forever. If you’re not sure and just want to get your feet “wet” (no pun intended) Ann Sacks publishes the definitive book of tile choices and designs for just $20.

Waterworks

Bathing Beauty
All women know how important the bathroom is! Luckily, small changes can make a big difference — consider colorful towels in great seasonal colors, a plush, new rug or bath accessories. Want to go full steam ahead? Give your bathroom a face-lift by replacing your bathroom hardware with new choices in polished chrome or nickel (the crème de la crème of bathroom metals). Across the country or online, our favorite one-stop shop is Waterworks. And for anyone living or visiting the Northeast on June 10, Waterworks is having their annual sale in Danbury, Conn. Prices drop 50 to 65 percent so run, don’t walk!

Trend tip: Quick fixes for an outdated bath: Remove nasty old wallpaper and select a great paint to give your bathroom a fresh look. And, a new shower curtain can add texture and color, making the space feel alive — besides looking totally different!

Knoll.com

Gotta go retro
Just like fashions, home furnishings are influenced by “mid-century” designs — yes, think the ’50s. Whoever thought the Eisenhower decade would be so hip? But it is! Modern-day home decor fanatics love Eero Saarinen’s collection, especially the dining, coffee and side tables, all of which were introduced in 1956. They’re as popular as ever, so don't hesitate to bring it on home and update your look with a retro classic design. Our favorite piece is the large, round marble-top table with a sleek black or white base.

Trend tip: There’s nothing old-fashioned about the finishes on these tables and bases — marble tops are coated to help eliminate stains; bases are coated in abrasion-resistant finishes. The good news is that your furniture will be long-lasting.

Fritz Hansen

Have a seat
You style yourself in the latest fashions from head to toe. The same theory applies to home furnishings. The most stylish complement to your Saarinen table? Go beyond matchy-matchy and opt for another classic ’50s design — the Series 7 chairs, which were designed in 1955 by Arne Jacobsen. The flagship piece of Fritz Hansen’s collection, these chairs are the ultimate in cool. They are available in about 20 colors, including up-to date 21^st century hues such as metallic silver. If you want to “pop” color — reminiscent of the ’60s, go for high-gloss color in lime, orange or red.

Trend tip: You can always tone down a sleek, modern look by choosing wood finishes such as cherry, walnut, maple, ash, beech or dark-stained oak — all of which make a subtle but “wow” kind of style statement.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to http://www.firstview.com/ for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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