We asked the buyers from @home and @home livingspace some questions on décor and design trends in 2008.

Here are their answers:

What are the dominant trends for homes in 2008?

This year we see an exciting juxtapositioning of old meets new. Classic shapes from the 18th century are now reinvented using high-gloss lacquer or contemporary bright prints in upholstery.

Excitement lies in mixing smoky-black glass with high-pile plush velvets for sheer opulence in the home. The look is sophisticated and incredibly decadent and can be dressed up for a glamorous turn of the century feel, or down for a more comfortable, but sleek interior.

Main looks here are velvet and Chenille upholstered high-back sofas, deep-pile buttoning in chairs, sofas and headboards are crucial, as well as smoked and black glass.

For this look, wallpaper is a must to lift the neutral palette of charcoals and milky whites and bring some visual excitement through with the patterns used.

Like in furniture, more traditional damask patterns are re-invented for a very contemporary look.

In lighting the key is classic-styled chandeliers with a slight retro twist, completing the Parisian-inspired look in totality. Balustrade floor lights, updated in very funky bright lacquers and coupled with contemporary fabric shades complement the interior space well.

High-gloss lacquer also dominates the home this year, with white becoming very clearly the new black. Strong geometric shapes, with a retro '70s feel starts taking centre stage, with the focus being very much still on contrast and texture.

With tables we see smooth white lacquer coupled with dark wood veneer. Woods such as Kyatt and walnut re-enter to take over from where dark woods such as Wenge have dominated for so long. The warm tones from these woods are gentler and couple better with the bronzes, yellows and oranges that start coming through.

Lines are very clean and angular, bringing a striking simplicity to the home.

The main look for winter incorporates metallic tones which underpin colour themes.

Candleholders are always popular in winter and at @home we have a big range of different types of candleholders for the season ahead. Glass-mirrored candle holders are a KIV item for the season and come in a various shapes and sizes.

Colours for the year?

First half colour-trends include black, white and grey — underpinned by metallics in bronze and silver.

Colours that dominate in the second-half of winter are: yellow, orange and brown — underpinned by bronze and gold.

The third look includes pinks, purples and reds with an oriental feel, while the fourth look incorporates bold blue and white with a touch of green.

Is there a move away from minimalism to more homely décor?

We have two clear looks dominating the home this season. On the one hand we have a very decadent opulent look coming through, where 'more' is most definitely 'more'!

Due to the soft fabric used, this look definitely creates a more comfortable feel — with a style that is very much about layering texture upon texture.

However, later on this year, we see the look cleaning our slightly with a less-is-more approach. The key focus here is very much about keeping things simple and having interest come through in contrast of both finish and colour and interesting shapes.

In any home, it's about taking the key elements that are on trend, that you like, and reworking them to make them right for both you and your space.

In terms of windows, what's going to be popular?

Eyelet curtains are gaining in popularity. Textured, matt, natural curtains remain popular. For summer, the trend moves towards light and airy colourful voiles.

Can you comment on outdoor décor?

This season the focus is still very much on creating an indoor-outdoor look. Outdoor wicker is coming through even stronger for the upcoming season, with the focus being mainly on white. For outdoor décor it's all about colour and fun, bringing your outdoors to life in a more carefree and light-hearted way.

As with your interior space, accessorising outdoors is as crucial. Use fairy lights or bright paper lanterns to soften the area at night for entertaining. Adding floating tea lights with bright flower petals to your water bowls, your fish pond or pool, is also a quick and easy way to transform your space. Use bright cushions and pots to also add life to you space and inject a little bit of personality.

The kitchen and bathroom — what would you say is happening here?

Bamboo is big this season and we have a range of bamboo storage baskets and bathroom accessories. The marble bathroom range in grey is a very strong look returning to natural feel.

Anything else?

The must-have item for winter is most definitely a three-seater crushed velvet sofa with padded back. It's not only the most comfortable sofa you will ever buy, but certainly the most stylish and decadent item for any space.

And, if you can't completely revamp your home with the upcoming trends, then simply add a chandelier into your kitchen or lounge — for an old-meets-new stylisation.

Visit www.home.co.za for more information.