When using the term “practical", it’s important to think more along the lines of a “useful" practical than a “sensible" one, that is, something that has a purpose and doesn’t waste anything (including time and money). There are a few things that have fueled this change, including an uncertain economy, global warming and environmental issues, increases in fuel costs, and terrorist threats around the globe and in our backyards. The results? A subtle trend that people feel safer at home; so they stay there and invite friends over for dinner parties and barbeques, have family movie night at home instead of driving out to the theater, and are buying more environmentally-friendly products made from renewable resources.

Long gone are the days of mono-seating in the family room, unless of course the chair is one of the high-tech, surround sound home theater devices with all of the latest doo-dads like cup holders built-in. Matching ottomans provide not only a place for you to put your feet up, but handy storage compartments for remotes, DVD’s, and other paraphernalia used in this recent trend.

As far as the materials of use, they’re leaning towards practical and environmentally friendly, too. Tropical woods that quickly replenish themselves are the definite choices over wood found in the colder climates. Take bamboo, for instance: It’s tougher than steel, sturdier than concrete, and if given the right measurements, it could hypothetically hold an 11,000-pound elephant! This “miracle wood" actually replenishes itself in just 1-year. Since it grows there naturally, bamboo has been the wood of choice for thousands of years in southern Asia, as some of the first suspension bridges in China were built with this durable material. And thus the use of bamboo continues today.

Stainless steel is another durable material that you’ll find as the base for many contemporary furniture pieces, including extra long couches and sofas to easily accommodate the whole family. Convertible sofas, which are quite similar to futons, add the in-demand, additional sleeping space that people have been searching for, while adding a newer, contemporary feel to their abode.

Fabrics are following in the same footsteps as the base materials, as again we see practicality meeting contemporary. The number-one material for the extra-long sofas and home theater chairs is micro-suede. This man-made version of its pricey counterparts has an elegant look and feel without the worry over spilt milk destroying your furniture, as this fabric is completely washable! Leather, as always, is a good choice, coming in a close second for fabric choices in contemporary furniture.

Of course, the preceding are just a few of the trends in modern furniture; the biggest trend is variety! So don’t settle for anything that’s not your taste—pull up a web site, and browse around until you find the items that say “you" on them.