Dressing up your home for fall

Just as September heralds new designs in fall fashion, it also means fresh shapes, colors, and textures for home furnishings. We talked to the pros and came up with a list of the top looks at stores and on Web sites.

The forecast? Asian-inspired home accessories, paler paints, anything with a mirror finish, metallic upholstery, and an avalanche of more eco-friendly designs.

"What's driving a lot of the fall introductions are colors from nature and an Earth-friendly approach to living," says Cynthia White, Macy's vice president of product development and fashion for the home.

As always, consumers will vote with their credit cards. Read our suggestions, then scout your own sources to fit your rooms and budget.

Laser-cut designs. The trend was launched by London-based designer Tord Boontje, who uses lasers to craft designs in fabric and steel.

Lisa Versacio, president of Brocade Home, says new laser technology in manufacturing allows designers to cut sharper and more intricate patterns. Lasers continue to influence the crisp cuts of pillows, furniture and rugs in her catalog.

"As a technique, it really seems to be expanding," says Rob R. Anderson, assistant director of marketing for the retail division of the Museum of Modern Art. Flower placemats in red or black felt are $32 for a set of four at the MoMA Store, 800-447-6662 or www.momastore.org.

Shiny objects. The glamorous metallic looks favored by fashionistas have found their way home, literally.

"I think for the fall and going into the holiday, we are seeing a lot of bling," says Phil Lancaster, director of merchandising for the home-furnishings catalog-retailer Ballard Designs. "Lots of glitter; lots of shimmery, shiny metallics."

Wallpaper, paint, tile, upholstery and accessories are finished and polished in silver, platinum, champagne, gold, aluminum, mercury, copper and nickel for this season. If the idea is intriguing and inspiring but also intimidating, try a pillow first. Or a round leather ottoman in silver, $299 from West Elm.

Exotic Asian. Among popular design motifs, this is gaining even more momentum. Favored for clean lines, natural elements, and cultural flair, Eastern-influenced furniture, fabrics and accessories can accommodate all decorating styles, from ultramodern to über-traditional. This fall, iconic foo dog figures loom large.

"The Asian aesthetic is very beautiful and appealing," says Kate Mulhearn, spokeswoman for West Elm. "Sometimes, it's just that simple."

It's still a jungle in here. Animal prints are acquiring "dressier" textures, says Jan Jessup, communications director for the Calico Corners chain. New upholstery jacquards are "woven to look like silk, with a lustrous appearance."

Williams-Sonoma Home mixes two trends in fashion accessories, patent and croc, with $128 shiny faux-croc patent-leather pillows (see them at www.wshome.com), says spokeswoman Meredith Mazur.

But gentler flora and fauna rule this season's trends in embroidery and crewelwork at www.calicocorners.com. As life has become more high-tech, Jessup says, "we like these high-touch fabrics."

Through the looking glass. You'll see tables, lamps, chandelier shades, room dividers, chests, bar carts and trays in mirrored finishes clear or distressed. "Mirrored furniture is making a big comeback because it works in any setting, contemporary or traditional," says Bette Kahn, a spokeswoman for Crate and Barrel.

Persimmon, cranberry, cherry and beet. Three fruits and a vegetable, but also the different names retailers are using for the color you'll be seeing a lot of this season: red. Forget about reserving it for the holidays; this potent color in any shade will be the perfect pop with the neutrals and classics that will be abundant this fall.

Go green. When Ralph Lauren does, Mother Earth takes notice. The ubiquitous maker of classic style has produced his first collection of organic home designs in 100 percent pure organic cotton. The Lauren Home collection includes sheets, towels and bed coverings in eight earthy shades. Available in mid-October at Bloomingdale's.