Design Trends 2007

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Color

• Colors are “not so deep, not so muddy” as the Tuscan yellows, golds and reds that have been popular, Bryant said. Today’s colors are “cleaner. They’re crisper.” She pointed to turquoise, chocolate brown, Tiffany blue and shades of red as stylish choices.

• High-end whites, smokey blues and ginkgo will be popular next year, Richmond said. Colors are softer than in the past, but they’re not pastels.

• Raspberries and bright reds are out, Taylor and Davis said. Softer colors, like paprika, are in.

• Purple is supposed to be big in 2007, Davis said. Reds will be influenced by Central America, India and the 2008 Olympics, to be held in Beijing. “They’re leaning toward orange,” Davis said.

• Within the contemporary realm, you will find “all kinds of bright colors,” Marwin said. That includes lime greens, oranges, yellows and purples. She suggests keeping the walls of a room neutral and adding color with pillows, blankets and artwork.

Patterns

• The expected popularity of the global look will prompt “more mixing of patterns, of modern and traditional,” James said. Damask, a classic pattern, and polka dots will be popular. You’ll see fewer florals, more geometric shapes.

• Contemporary patterns with stripes and geometric shapes such as circles and squares will be popular, according to several local designers. The style is reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s.

Fabrics

• Natural fabrics are being combined with leather, Taylor said.

• Chenilles and silks are big, according to Marwin.

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.......CNN money weighs in

Use bolder, deeper colors for trim.

Get engineered stone for your countertops.

Choose wrought iron over chain link.

Go glass with tile.

Get drawer-type refrigerator/freezers.

Research exotic and reclaimed woods.

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Kids colors

Top furniture buys for 2007