Ask the designer

Q My six-year-old apartment is starting to look a bit jaded — what are some of the key trends for 2012?

A. In the current climate, modern interior design is all about finding new comfort in old rooms. 2012 will see the rise of simple, sophisticated elegance at home. Cosy browns, creams, golds, greens and yellows are among the top colour trends for spring. Large wall mirrors, mirrored furniture and beautiful wallpaper with Swarovski crystals that reflect more light into the room will also be big. Luxurious fabrics, such as silk, velvet and wool will be contrasted against natural stone, metal and wood surfaces. In the interior design world, the trend is being known as ‘Liberation’ think gender-neutral homes that are comfortable but exotic.

Q. I just bought my first home, before Christmas — do you have any helpful hints for bagging a bargain on furniture in the sales?

A. You can make big savings on furniture in the January sales — but like anything else, never go shopping for big ticket items on impulse. Start by making a list of the items you need and establishing a budget. Be sure that it’s a genuine sale rather than just a gimmick. With furniture you see blowout sales all the time — so watch for sample or clearance sales, instead. Familiarise yourself with the real value of the item, shop around and don’t be afraid to haggle, even if the piece is already on sale. Remember to ask about the warranty, tax and delivery charges.

Q. I’ve read that ‘tufted’ furniture will be big in 2012 — but what is it exactly?

A. Tufting is when the upholstery on a piece of furniture is threaded and secured with a knot or button — creating dense clusters in the fabric. In the old days, it was used to secure cushions to the seat and back of chairs, but, nowadays, is more ornamental. Tufting has been making a comeback in recent years, but I predict it will be huge in 2012. Although a vintage technique, it looks great on modern pieces — watch for tufted headboards, sofas and arm chairs. Some advantages are that it’s comfortable and adds drama to textiles, like leather, by casting shadows. However, deep tufting can be a little trickier to clean than plain upholstery.

Q. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to be more punctual — but how many clocks is too many to have in my home?

A. Between TVs, microwaves, mobile phones and computers, we’re surrounded by devices that tell the time – yet still run late! Most homes have a wall clock in the kitchen, wall or mantle clock in the living room, table clock or even grandfather clock in the hallway and alarm clock in each bedroom. But to help keep your New Year’s resolution, you might want to consider a bathroom clock too. You don’t need a clock in every room — just close enough to take a quick glance at. Before choosing a clock, remember to consider the size and décor of the room.

Left and top: tufted headboards; above a Fjord chair €839 from Marks & Spencer; left interior design trends for 2012.

*Interior designer, Marion Ormond, of Ken Jackson Interiors, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork City. Email: [e-mail]