THE "IN'S" & "OUTS" OF HOME DEISGN.

Perhaps the dawn of the new year is inspiring you to consider a redecorating project. Or maybe refreshing the look of your home or a particular room would lift your spirits out of the winter doldrums. Surely you don't want to follow the pack and be overly trendy because that's too predictable and a tad boring. Yet, who doesn't want to sneak a peak at some new looks and get inspired to breathe new life into an old space or jazz up an area that's look has fizzled.
    If you think this is simply one of those articles about what's in and what's out for 2009, you might be surprised to know that leading designers say home design and décor in the first decade of the new millennium isn't so clear cut. To put it in design terms, it's not strictly a black and white issue (although black and white seems to be a timeless look), but has some gray areas (and gray, by the way, is coming on strong as one of designers' top colors.)



    "Nothing is 100% in or 100% out. It's what works for you," says Carrie Puckett, an interior designer at Tassels. But she and other designers are excited about fresh, new approaches to design and about plethoric selections at recent furniture and accessory markets.
    "I hesitate to say anything is out, out, out except the ordinary," says Mark Eliason, of Jenkins Eliason Interiors. "On a recent trip to the Chicago Merchandise Mart we were blown away by one-of-a-kind pieces, some painted and some stained, that were gorgeous and made a major statement standing by themselves. Some of the newly introduced chandeliers were dazzling and exciting. Forget the brass of the past. Now they're all glass...maybe black crystal, or a color such as fire engine red.
    Eliason says that the idea of decluttering and decluttering again is making a huge design sweep across the country. "Cleaner and simpler seems to be more appealing than lots of stuff everywhere. Even looking around my own house, I see too many accessories. It's time to take away, to give away," he says.
    Shane Pearson, of Dwellings, agrees. "The cliché less is more is becoming a new design mantra. I like straight lines and simplicity, but am careful not to go overboard and end up with a bare and cold room. I'm trying to pull in the sleeker look without completely redecorating. I'm doing what I advise other people to do---deciding what's important and getting rid of the rest. I suppose you could think of it as editing. Then I'm bringing in some new things that will update an older look," he says.
    Colors seem to come and go in home design just as they do in fashion. "The popularity of the combination of robin's egg blue and brown is quickly dissipating. Now we're doing browns with other colors, such as pink. Some people will be glad to know that jewel tones are creeping back into style," says Dennis Tapp, of Designs by Dennis Tapp.
    The term "mousy gray" has unfortunately given gray a less than appealing image. But designers are getting beyond the mouse reference and thinking of gray in much more stylish terms. "Gray is hot, especially when used with orange and fuscia," says Pearson.
    While appreciating anyone's fondness for a particular color, Carrie Puckett is quick to respond to the question of what colors won't be showing up any time soon on many walls or in design publications. "Mauve and country blue, thank goodness," she says unapologetically.
    Mention small prints to Dennis Tapp and be prepared for a good natured grimace. They look old, outdated and tired. Go for bold geometrics or large scale patterns. They're fresh and modern and exciting," he says. Eliason is equally candid about tiny prints when he says "I hate them." What to do if you have them? "Burn them or paint over them!" he suggests.
    Because designers are decidedly individualistic, they usually have their own take on most any design topic. But Tapp, Pearson, Eliason and Puckett are all in agreement that metallics are the hot look of 2009. Golds, silver and lots and lots of copper will be shimmering in high style this year.
    Designers also are of a similar opinion that leather will be a big design newsmaker this year. In addition to the rich looks of traditional black or brown, there are colorful options in colors such as unexpected pink, blue or orange, and a wide ranging selection from ostrich to crocodile to sharkskin. Eliason reports that the Chicago Merchandise Mart featured sharkskin tables in purple, pink, gray and black. He thinks they would look great paired with Biedermier furniture or could also be used in a traditional room such as a library or office. Don't be surprised it you see leather that's shiny next to leather with a totally different distressed appearance. And there are sofas, chairs, tables and plenty of accessories in various patterns of stamped leather.



    Whatever your decorating style, animal prints will probably fit right in. Flipping through books of fabric will reveal a jungle of animal print choices. But they're not confined to fabric. They're also popping up on wallcoverings and flooring.
    Over the top window treatments are coming down in favor of less elaborate ones, although Puckett suggests coordinating two fabrics in one treatment. She also says that even though window treatments may not be as fancy as in the past, tassels and fringe are still finding their way on Louisville's best dressed windows.
    "One of the coolest things out there is patterned tile. Some of it looks like natural stone, even carved wood. You can't believe it is porcelain. It's extremely versatile, allowing it to be used in the shower or outside. I love it in smoky gray, black or taupe," says Eliason.
    The design tipsters have even more ideas for a home makeover or a slight décor "redo":

SHANE PEARSON

Anything "green", environmentally, that is. If you want to stay green you'll have plenty of choices in every category of home décor. You'll be amazed at the variety of natural textures such as linen and silk. There are also are many biodegradable wallcoverings, fabrics and flooring.

Don't be shy about monogramming silver, crystal, towels...most anything to which you want to add a personal touch. Initials and ciphers are definitely aucourant.
   
Mirrored furniture adds a splash of glamour to any room.

It's design déjà vu. The '70s look is coming back, bringing with it acrylic and even flocked wallpaper. (Okay, you may want to test the water before you gocrazy with the flocking!)

DENNIS TAPP
   
Large patterns and geometrics
   
Patent leather wallpaper
   
Jeweled fabrics
   
Feathers


Sheer fabrics with jewels, lace,
embroidery and velvet appliqué

MARK ELIASON
   
Textures of all kinds. If using silk, use a nubby, not a polished silk.

Upholstered headboards that look like a sofa

Unusual hanging light fixtures of Venetian glass and clustered beads

High gloss, grained wood

Unusual shaped ottomans, perhaps with legs covered in leather

Round or square dining tables, instead of rectangular, that will seat eight to ten people. They're versatile and transitional, not super traditional.
 
Upholstered dining chairs

CARRIE PUCKETT

Nail heads are replacing some of the fringe and cording on furniture.

Distressed wood finishes and painted wood finishes are wonderful. Adding one piece to a room can work as a fabulous accent and can really change the look of the space. But don't use more than one or two in a room. Any more would be overkill.