Embroideries, a fresh interpretation of upscale quilts and coverlets were important style statements in the bedding introductions at the New York Home Textiles Market and the New York Home Textiles Show here last month.

And the aging baby boomers have made their collective voice heard when it comes to bath products as witnessed by the plethora of towel constructions designed for specific end results. Typical were the softer-than-soft cotton, bamboo or corn fibers spun into highly absorbent toweling with little ruffage.

Other attributes from eco-friendly and organic to anti-microbial to fast drying to heat and cold resistant qualities were part of the various selling features of the towel business.

Embroidered products were perhaps the most interesting and design forward with traditional motifs updated in both color and scale. Silk, faux silk, linen and velvets were the favored fabrics. The look also was translated into decorative pillows.

The entire quilt category moved upscale, a dramatic change from the oft-times kitschy looks that had been prevalent over the last several years as the look transferred from class to mass. Fresh colorations and a new scale are part of the quilt renaissance.

Coverlets, tentatively tried by a few home textiles suppliers over the past few years, apparently have taken hold and are moving to upper middle price points and fashionable looks from designer lines like Calvin Klein Home, Donna Karan Home and their counterparts.

The marketplace apparently sees the coverlets as an alternative to comforters and duvet covers, both as a fashion statement and a seasonal replacement. Across the board, elaborate quilting has been the strong style statement with vermicelli effects — faux and real — leading the parade.

Overall, velvet is the emerging style leader fabric whether in bedding, decorative pillows or window coverings, followed by silk and faux silk fabrics for a sophisticated, dressy impact.

The long-time favorite, heavily textured fabric using chenille yarns, has taken a major step down on the popularity rankings, as have heat transfer prints on textured grounds, now used as design statements for specific markets.

Balmoral, one of the beds in the new Jane Seymour Home Collection from Sommerset, is a printed tapestry design mixing English florals and plumes inspired by Seymour's home in St. Catherine's Court in England. eLink 528