"Cocooning" is now more than a decade old, and more than a passing fad. According to lifestyle expert Faith Popcorn, who coined the term, the trend toward seeking a haven at home is here to stay, and the home furnishings industry is rising to the occasion.

In her latest book, "The Popcorn Report: Faith Popcorn on the Future of Your Company, Your World, Your Life" (Doubleday), Popcorn says, "Leave our cocoons? Forget it. . . . Cocooning has moved into a newer phase."According to the National Home Furnishings Association, comfort and simplicity continue to be the driving forces behind today's furniture, and the excess of the 1980s has been replaced by a new, down-to-earth sensibility. Says NHFA President Bernie Moray, "Manufacturers and retailers are making it possible to realize the adage `my home is my castle.' "

How does this translate into home furnishings trends for 1992? Industry leaders with their pulses on the market see the following trends, which you can see for yourself in local furniture stores:- '90s simplicity. House Beautiful editor Margaret Kennedy cites a swing back to "the new simplicity," referring to a '90s lifestyle that will continue to be predominantly casual. As a result, casual and country furniture will be among the most popular looks in both the low and high price ranges as Americans strive to uncomplicate their way of life.

Jim Krusinski of La-Z-Boy, long a leader in comfortable motion furniture, predicts that with a higher percentage of working couples and people seeking more home-centered lives, the entire decade of the '90s will be one of comfort.

- Classics. According to Harley Shuford, president of Century Furniture, "More and more, people are looking for comfortable designs that are easy to live with and last. Whether eighth-century, oriental or neoclassic, furniture styles must combine value and quality as well as retain style over time."

- Youth furniture. Children's furniture is rapidly growing in importance as people expand their families. Thomasville, Lexington Furniture Industries and ROSALCO are among the companies that offer juvenile furniture with character and variety.

"This is essential in order to meet the demands of children who have stronger opinions than they did in the past," says Jeff Silverman, president of the Kids Furnitureland store.

Practicality is of paramount importance, too. According to designer Lynn Hollyn, "Youth furniture must incorporate more design excitement than in the past. That which does will set the pace."

- Dining rooms. The dining room takes center stage again, with a proliferation of styles from Shaker to country French to contemporary.

"Behind its popularity is the new mentality that encourages people to use the dining room for all occasions, not just special occasions," according to Thomasville Vice President Jim Adams.

A sidelight trend spotted by retailers is kitchens with dining areas and furniture to fit those spaces.

- Rustic America. Often called the lodge look, rustic styles such as those offered by Bassett, Broyhill and Bob Timberlake from Lexington are among the most popular furniture today. Joe Meadors, senior vice president of Bassett, says, "Our back-to-our-roots lifestyle has accelerated the popularity of such rustic looks."

In addition to a proliferation of rustic and American realist furniture designs, Santa Fe and Navajo looks are still strong. Still popular are Western fabrics, including ethnic and geometric patterns and cowboy accessories. One retailer states, "Cowboy influences will be felt well into 1993."

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(Additional Information)

Check for value, quality when buying furniture

When making furniture purchases, keep in mind that value and quality are of utmost importance. To be sure that you get them, remember these tips:

1. Read labels and hangtags: Those on upholstery list significant features such as flame retardancy, stain and spill resistance and care instructions.

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2. Study wood finishes: Check for overall smoothness, inspect the inside surfaces, and make sure drawers are sturdy, fit snugly and open and close with ease.

3. Test for durability: Check upholstery frames for sturdiness. Fabric should be well-matched and smooth, and cushions should fit snugly.

4. Test for comfort: Sit in it, lie on it, curl up in it. If it doesn't "fit," don't buy it. An uncomfortable piece of furniture is of little value.

5. Rely on your local retailer: Ask your local furniture retailer to show you what is available, make suggestions and give you advice about your selections.

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