the new traditional: well-used, not just well-aged

Washed linen fabrics, nail-head trim, well-worn finishes... one of the warmest (ok, hottest) trends for home draws on the weathered looks of French Laundry and French country style.

The growing popularity of this look suggests that traditionally-designed furniture of the future may not just rely just on reproductions of traditional period styles.

Twilight Bay, by Lexington Furniture, is one of the best examples of this new look. Infusing French Laundry and French country styles with a casual American influence, the look is as fresh and simple as it is sophisticated.

The collection invites an easy pairing of unique pieces, tied together with a soft layering of neutral colors, natural materials and nappy textures. The look includes slip-covered tailoring and fabrics that look softened by well-laundered use, rather than age. Antique linen, driftwood and chestnut wood finishes are easily mixed to create a personal style.

Slip-covered tailoring and a warm chestnut-colored cocktail table inspire a beachy living room furniture arrangement... a weathered bar stool with iron accents and steel-topped bistro table with nail-heads inspire comfortable kitchen color ideas... driftwood Louis XVI chairs in washed linen inspire a softly tranquil dining room interior design... and a mix of shapely furniture styles in faded colors inspire tranquil master bedroom decorating ideas.

See more home decorating design photos from this new furniture collection in this month's issue of roomplanners magazine!