enthuses. Proving struggle can be stylish, young families and professional couples are using vivid colors and richly textured fabrics to create a mood and reveal their personal styles. But Kivi admits it takes an education for younger customers to understand slip- covers. "The less it looks like a slipcover, the more willing they are to accept it." Twenty-somethings aren't the only ones using slipcovers, People who grew up with them are returning to the sense of familiari- ty they provide. "Slipcovers make furniture more inviting," says Barbara Giemsky of In- teriors by Design. "They have a comfortable look that begs you to curl up and read a book" Great for preserving the magnificence of a fa- vorite piece of furniture, slipcovers are very versatile. Choose taut-fitting or the looser, Eng- lish-style slipcovers. Or, change the skirting and show a little leg on a piece with great woodwork. While almost anything can be slipcovered, they are not a panacea for every design dilem- ma. "People here do not understand slipcov- ers," explains Minas, of Minas Upholstering. "They think they can cover a broken arm or holes in their furniture and that's it." Minas contends that slipcovers are not used here like in Europe. "In Europe, slipcovers were made to protect good upholstery." And while they do extend the life of furniture — up to five years, depending on the fabric — the slipcover debate about practicality does continue. Arlene Kass of Colony Interiors, specializ- ing in contemporary, eclectic and non-tradi- tional furnishings, has not had any requests for slipcovers. She reasons that "many clients who want to celebrate a change of seasons have summer or winter homes." She does feel slipcovers are great for a "quick color change or change of mood," but her clients usually prefer to invest in a good piece of new furni- ture, rather than rejuvenate something old. Reason and practicality, however, do not always win in home decorating. Slipcover a sentimental piece to put in a guest bedroom. Salvage comfortable, yet unsightly pieces that no longer match your decor. Restore the el- egance and flair of a faded room. Slipcovers only take about two to three weeks to have made. And if you still need practical, cover ex- tra dining room chairs to use in front of a bay window. Remove the slipcovers when you have extra guests for dinner. Couples with young children love slipcov- ers because their kids (and other domesti- cated animals) can jump all over an ottoman or couch, and they just remove the cover and throw it in the washer. End of problem. And A SPECIAL WEDDING COUPON COMPARE AND SAVE!! ❖ LARGEST SELECTION IN DETROIT ❖ BEST SERVICE AND FIT • S CONVENIENT LOCATIONS ALL THIS AT THE BEST PRICE "YOU'LL NEVER LOOK BETTER" NOVI West Oaks II 12 Mile & Novi Rds. across from Twelve Oaks FARMINGTON HILLS Hunters Square Orchard Lake at 14 Mile SOUTHFIELD Southfield Plaza Southfield Rd. at 12-1/2 Mile MADISON HEIGHTS Campbell Corners 1401 W. 14 Mile LIVONIA Laurel Park Place 6 Mile & Newburgh 344-1590 539-3125 559-8260 585-1115 462-5851 * •• •• • • •• •• •• •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • •• •• •• •• t • • • VALUABLE COUPON • • • • • • • • • • • • • RV ~ tuxedos TUXEDO RENTALS s 599-5 PLUS FREE SHOE RENTAL • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • II • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • For Entire Wedding Party FREE GROOM'S RENTAL • • • • • • • • ASK FOR DETAILS • •• •• Expires June 5, 1993. Some restrictions apply. • • • • •• • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • •• •• • • • •• A Shop Specializing in 18th and 19th Century Furniture and Accessories From England, The Continent and the Orient 700 North Woodward Avenue. Birmingham, Michigan 48011 10:00 A.M. To 5:30 P.M. Tuesday - Saturday ... Other Times By Appointment Full Interior Design Services Available By Appointrdent 313-644-8090 STYLE • SPRING 1993 • 67