This season, life happens in shades of gray.  1. The myriad degrees that exist between black and white--charcoal, ash and smoke come to mind--are now the "hot" neutrals in our colour palette. Dark through light, our grays match well with other neutrals and trend-right colours.

Speaking of trends, our 2007 colour choices reflect a movement toward simpler, softer hues. 2. Organic and outdoor elements combine for warmer, more interesting colours, that draw you in, rather than leap out at you

The trend toward simpler continues with this year's patterns, which are lighter, more freeform and artistic. 3. No longer dense and intricate repititions, the latest patterns are more oriented toward expression of singular ideas with less pattern coverage.

The X factor in 2007 furniture design is literally that X's as decorative and structural elements are prominent, bringing a classic flavour to contemporary pieces. 4. The X motif makes a bold design statement, adding lines and definition to softer urban contemporary looks.

In the dining room, formal touches have been added to our casual sets, for a heightened sense of style. New colour offerings include metallics such as titanium. And because eventually "everything old is new again", bench seating is once again popular as a dining option 5.

Using mirrors to "expand" a room, and provide the illusion of space, is a time-honoured decorating tool. Two great ways of doing this are with large, standing- alone mirrors and by clustering a group of small mirrors. 6. Just as mirrors add another dimension to a room, a great frame adds an artistic element to a mirror.