Designer trends

"Fabric is back! Window coverings are getting more luxurious as silks and elaborate sheers are embroidered, dramatically coloured and embellished."
-- Lana Lounsbury, interior designer, Lana Lounsbury Interiors, Victoria

"Use recessed lighting to illuminate walls; it creates drama and makes a space appear larger. Centre lights only make a room gloomy and small looking."
-- Rob Everitt, interior designer, Everitt Design Associates, Winnipeg

"On a shady stone patio, try something easy on the toes, like a natural carpet made of mosses and ground cover. It can be cut into any shape, looks like a beautiful overgrown shag carpet, and with a misting of water now and then, it's virtually maintenance-free."
-- Sue Bennett, interior designer, Bennett Design Associates, Uxbridge, Ont.

"Shapes are a key trend. The curve breaks up the monotony of the many linear surfaces in today's modern homes. Look for curved countertops, even cooktops."
-- Debbie Travis, designer and tv host, Facelift Productions, Montreal

"If bling (think rhinestones, metallics, mirror) is your thing, this is your year! Wallpaper, pillows, china and even bathtubs are ablaze."
-- Kimberley Seldon, STYLE AT HOME decorating editor; Interior Designer, Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Toronto

"There's a strong trend toward weathered metals, like copper and oil-rubbed bronze -- and there's no better place to use them effectively than outdoors. The natural patina will grow more beautiful with time, and the metals will blend in with nature."
-- Vanessa Kiss, designer, Kiss Interior Design Studio, Toronto

"Mix it up: a formal mahogany dining table with acrylic chairs; ornate French mirrors and clean-lined leather furniture; and oversize chairs with mirrored tables. There's definitely a loosening of the design rules."
-- Jacqueline Glass, interior decorator, Jacqueline Glass & Associates, Mississauga, Ont.