Fast-Changin g Homefront (NAPSA)—Flexibility may well be the defining word for the first decade of the new century as design trends constantly evolve to reflect a rapidly changing world, especially on the homefront. Yesterday’s kitchen nook is today’s home office, the guest room becomes the nursery almost overnight and the family room is transformed into a hometheaterin quick order. “No one’s life is static these days, and furniture is expected to be as multifaceted as the people who use it,” says popular design leader Lynette Jennings, host of the Discovery Channel’s highest rated TV show, Lynette Jennings Design. Jennings has teamed with Sauder Woodworking, North America’s leading producer of ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, to develop a modular furniture system that can be reconfigured almost effortlessly to meet the changing needs of every room in the house. Offering seven cube, shelf and feet components, the QBits collection can shift roles as quickly as the need arises, serving equally well as an entertainment center, a wall divider, a reading bench or even a computerdesk. “A cube is inherently versatile,” Jennings says, “and a modular cube system allows people to create and recreate their home environments with ease and a sense of fun.” Jennings suggests several ih . = mt a al Modular furniture systems provide effortless decorating flexibility for every room in the house. decorating tips for fashioning a stylish home environment with built-in flexibility. “Look for multi-purpose furnishings designed to solve a variety of decorating problems,” Jennings suggests. With modular units like the QBits system, consumers can stack, scatter or connect various components to meet their changing needs. For example, a CD tower can be expanded to a full-blown entertainment center, while an expansive wall system can be deconstructed into satellite storage cubes scattered throughout the house. That awkward space can finally boast its own custom-fit arrangement based on what is needed now— and then it can be rearranged to match future needs. Increase flexibility by choosing do-it-yourself units that are easy to use. Sauder’s QBits system can be connected easily in a host of combinations, thanks to clever interlocking hardware that attaches each component to the next. “The idea is to make new configurations simply and quickly,” Jennings adds. For example, in a matter of minutes, two or more cubes can be connected to shape a tower or an arresting stair-step arrangement for storage or display. The addition of a shelf unit instantly cre- ates an extra table, entertainment center, student desk and more. * Use accommodating,all-purpose colors that can hold their own amidst other changes. For example, soft neutral, pastel or nature-cued shades on walls and woodwork adapt readily to modifications in decor. Timeless furniture finishes, such as QBits’ dark alder, light maple, sleek metallic and go-anywhere white, provide long-range appeal. The newcollection includes translucent door inserts and nickelfinished feet and hardware for added versatility. “Change is a routine part of modern life,” Jennings says, “and a modular furniture system gives people the tools they need to meet change with grace and a spirit of adventure.”
