The Hot List: Home Decorating Trends from Nautical to Prairie

In this city of gorgeous denizens with perhaps more gorgeous closets, why relegate up-to-the minute style to clothing? Using runways as your guide, makeover your pad. Lest egos get bruised over an "out" list, refer to the "in" list that follows, and use a little common sense with your aesthetic vision. What's hot now? You'll be recognized as a true fashionista following these trends: Florals, Brights, Whites (modern or romantic), Ethnic Influence, Nautical, Tropical, Prairie or Safari style.

Florals
Pretty goes beyond pink. Classic wallpaper makes a resurgence. Seek opulent blooms, both live and on paper. Decorate with thoughtful, charming details: candy-colored depression glass, decorative molding, or delicate chandeliers. Think "lady" not "girly." Keep patterns from looking too precious by layering large prints with smaller tossed florals. Unexpected color combinations make this trend contemporary; mix chocolate brown with either robin's egg blue, petal pink, or butter yellow.

Nautical
Feel luxe with yacht-worthy style. To keep the palette crisp, choose either cream or white base, but don't mix. Any tone of blue is welcome. Add tailored canvas slipcovers, grommeted curtains, and striped pillows. Oversized cylindrical hurricanes hold candles for stormy nights. Focus on clean and easy living. Choose classic pieces in rich hardwoods and brass hardware which will last many seasons.

Ethnic
Oriental and Indian imports make an impact. (Even that store with the red concentric circle logo has added a line of exotic furniture.) Rich jewel tones, accented by metallic embroidery, beading, and sequins, offer lush living. Try floor pillows with low round tables for intimate dinners, scattered upholstered ottomans for party seating, and spicy candles for intrigue.

White
Whether modern or romantic, white is always right. All white bedding and towels lend the ambiance of a chic boutique hotel. Not intended for homes with children or pets! Combine sheers, quilting, and open needlework for romance. Keep clean lines for modernity, but add some patterned bedding to avoid looking severe. White shows well against dark woods and accents of polished silver. Plus, a little bleach makes everything good-as-new again.

Brights
Mod returns! Metallic powders mixed into fave paints make the walls look hip. Abstract prints can deck the walls not already festooned with novelty wallpaper. Color chunking makes everything look intentional, even monochromatic beds the garden. Italian artisan glass objets d'art will refract the light fabulously. The color of the moment: orange, orange, orange!

Tropical
Go for Thomas Crown's private island over the disheveled Jimmy Buffet. Though you might work to create the ambiance, it should reflect effortless ease. Use hemp, sand, and coconut cream as your base colors, then add touches of orchid brights. Furniture made for lounging, diaphanous curtains to let in the breeze, and potted palms complete the scene.

Prairie
Don't trash your treasures from last spring! The desert-bohemian look from runways past is still stylish for home décor. Though earth-tones give warmth, don't forget to add splashes of rich turquoise and coral. Tasseled leather, buttery suede, and Pendleton wools are always welcome. Hold back a little kitsch from the cowboy and you've got a classic look.

Safari
Wanderlust revives travel chic. Crocodile trunks and stacked luggage tattooed with labels from far away offer practical storage solutions. African animal prints will enliven the most pedestrian of spaces. Quality is key, even if the hides are faux. Using a kit, hang mosquito netting around the bed for a sexy hideaway. Invest in elegant ceiling or floor fans and vintage travel adverts to play "British abroad." Accent with tortoise shell frames and barware, silver tea service or trinkets, and your own souvenirs.

Just pop open the closet and inventory your wardrobe's fabrics and silhouettes wardrobe. It's easy to translate your fashion style to home style. After all, you spend more time in your apartment than in any date-night outfit. So, spend a little passion, and runway inspiration, on your pad.