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THE home is somewhere to relax, entertain and escape. It’s also highly personal and we all want our homes to make a statement about us.

This means the home is more influenced by fashion trends than ever before,” says Sally Bendelow, Head of Design for Home, Marks & Spencer.

The easiest way to introduce new fashion looks is by adding key accessories such as vases, cushions and throws. “Creams and greens are big stories this season,” says Sally.

The Desert Living range from Marks and Spencer is inspired by nature. A colour palette of cream, beige, copper and green is mixed with contrasting highlights of teal and turquoise. Wood, feather and leather feature strongly and the mood created is calm and organic.

The detailed finishes and animal themed patterns are perfect for any living space. The must-haves are the cow-skin rug, chunky wood furniture and wooden vases. Mix these up with beaded cushions and highlights of teal and rust ceramics and glassware.

When it comes to the bedroom, think glamour and opulence. Oriental inspired bedding, silk bedcovers, art deco style accessories and mirrored furniture are very much in vogue. “Our Courtesan range is a fresh, modern take on a classic vintage style — heavy embroidery, patchwork, ruffles and volume, with strong metallic accents and a palette of pastels, in mauve, cornflower blue and teal,” says Sally.

Once again, wallpaper has come into vogue. Leading trends include murals, coverings with an aged elegance or gentle worn look, and especially textured looks. Others are adding all sorts of tactile dimensions.

“The trend for covering one wall means you can be more adventurous in your choice of wallpaper as it’s not as daunting as papering a whole room. You can make a feature of a wall or enhance a focal point, such as a sideboard or painting,” says Patrick Moore, buyer for Atlantic Homecare.

Lacquered and polished wood, plastic, glass and metal will continue to be strong materials for a contemporary look in 2007. “On the other hand, the natural interior will have lots of bamboo, slate, hardwood and other natural materials,” according to Elaine O’Connor, Homeware buyer for Atlantic Homecare. “Detail makes a huge difference to the character of a room. A piece of quality artwork, a light fixture or even the trimmings on a curtain introduce a feeling of quality. Well-designed rooms are about finding the ‘wow factor’ in combining seemingly disparate styles, materials and textures in new ways.”

- Hilary Fennell via : www.independent.ie