Get with the times

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If you want to be one step ahead in terms of the latest trends, look out for metallics and vibrant colours, which the experts are forecasting to be hot in 2007.

Sarah Beeny, designer from UK home furnishings retailer Dunelm Mill, says: “Metallic finishes will accent multiple colour palettes with a strong focus on warm metallics in coppers and golds.

“Also, teal and chocolate will be given a more luxurious edge with the introduction of warm copper sheens, while soft neutrals and raw linen tones will be accented by sparkly silver and gold metallics, as well as lustres and mother of pearl.

She adds: “Classical, ethnic design will inspire detailed embellishment for a touch of understated luxury.”

Sarah says we will also see flushes of vibrant colour coming back into the home, from bright yellow through to soft cornfield yellow hues. The brightest yellows will be teamed with the darkest browns and married with high gloss finishes.

At the softer edge of the yellow palette, however, we will see much more classic styling blended with linens and natural oak wood finishes. Bright raspberry pinks are also set to invigorate the senses, teamed with vibrant orange and pale naturals, bringing a new dynamic to the stark palette of naturals, which have dominated for several seasons.

Lounge
Make your lounge more comfortable and inviting by accessorising with soft furnishings. For an instant re-vamp, it’s easy to scatter a selection of new cushions and re-dress your windows.

Linda Barker, designer and TV presenter, is a great fan of cushions, which she says can create a sense of mood and atmosphere that can be changed according to time of day or event.

The latest trend is to put on the glitz with an opulent mix of sheeny satins, metallics and sparkly sequins. Linds says, “Sequins add glamour and can really dress up a plain fabric sofa. Mother of pearl adds a luxurious effect, particularly if piled up with lots of plain, ivory silks and creamy calico ones.”

She advises that cushions will be big news in 2007, particularly those that dare to be different, innovative patterns and interesting fabrics.

It’s easy to change your soft furnishings with the seasons, says Joanna Whitworth, co-founder of Cover My Furniture. Colour is the essence of spring – think duck egg blues, perfect pinks, fuchsias, and greens – these incorporated into the home will freshen up any space.

Cosy, thick rugs look just right in winter. But when the temperature rises, it’s time to roll them up and replace them for spring cotton alternatives in light, cool colours.

When buying curtains, start by choosing a heading style. Pencil or pinch pleat curtains offer a more traditional look and can be used on tracks or poles. Tab top curtains have loops of fabric stitched to the top of the curtains – they can be used with curtain poles, as can eyelets, which hang in soft wide folds, says Emily O’Mahony, from the curtains buying office at John Lewis.

Always measure generously for width so that your curtains close over each other easily and look full. “A big trend for this season is nature and we are seeing a lot of bold, nature-inspired prints,” says Emily.

Bedroom
The fabric used to dress your bed can really make the difference between a good and a bad night’s sleep. The more sumptuous and soft, the more inviting and restful your sleep will be. Use plenty of pillows and fluffy duvets rather than heavy, flat quilts. Cotton allows the body to breathe naturally, has a crisp, cool feel and is easy to care for. In terms of choosing bedlinen, Wayne Clarke, interior designer from And So To Bed, says: “There are different grades of cotton, so go for good quality – a minimum of 200 threads per square inch. Cotton percale has been tightly woven for a smoother finish and Egyptian cotton has a reputation for being the best, while cotton sateen has a high thread count and a special finish with a luxurious shine.”

Tim Drake, from Mandarina, recommends natural silk as it doesn’t draw moisture from the hair and skin in the same way as other fibres. Silk has many health promoting properties – the building blocks of silk are similar to those of human DNA, one of the reasons why silk is much less likely to aggravate the skin than other types of filling.

Tim has noticed that those who buy silk pillowcases because of their beauty benefits tend to convert to a full set of silk bedding, including silk-filled duvets.

Bathroom
Mix and match textures, colours and patterns, and incorporate print or decorative towels to create a luxurious feel in the bathroom, says Stephanie Brocklehurst, marketing manager at Christy.

“The best way to judge the quality of a towel is to touch it and imagine wrapping it around you after a hot bath,” he advises. “Look for a soft, velvety texture and good weight, as it will last longer and withstand continual washing and drying. Have a colour scheme and a decorative focus in mind.

“Towels can be the centrepiece of any bathroom. Work with the colour palette of your bathroom and don’t be afraid to go bold,” adds Stephanie.

Floor coverings
There is nothing more luxurious than walking barefoot on a deep pile carpet. Unfortunately, carpet receives plenty of wear and tear that affects its appearance and texture.

David Cormack, marketing director, Cormar Carpets, recommends fitting a quality underlay to cushion it from constant traffic. In terms of colour, he says neutrals accentuate a feeling of space and brightness and he suggests that we should avoid deep shades that can make a room seem smaller.

Andrew Frith of GH Frith, a leading importer of traditional and contemporary rugs and carpets, says: “One of the quickest and easiest ways to transform a room is with a rug. For those who prefer a traditional look, a bold Chinese or Indian design will provide exactly the right mood in a period home.

“For something more contemporary, go for bright colour and bold geometric designs. The key is drawing the eye directly to the main luxurious item and keeping the rest of the room as a mere backdrop to your pièce de résistance.”