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23 · Friday, May 21, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Spring Home and Garden What will 2010 look like in our homes? By Mary Dobson, The wheel of fashion turns, constantly, and we should be glad it does. Would you want to wear the same clothes, see the same movies, hum along to the same tunes and look at the same walls year after year? I enjoy my work as a designer and guest expert on Citytv's CityLine, but what I like most is the excitement of discovering new styles, and helping other people enjoy them too. So ­ we've just dipped our toes into a new year. What's ahead in the home for 2010? For the last few years it has been green, green, green. That's still here, but in the background. Now, the focus is more on us, ourselves ­ our respect for the past, our need for direction in our lives, our longing for simple things, and the pleasure we take in simplicity. First up, a traditional look, made more interesting now by mixing vintage pieces with organic elements. It makes use of rough textures in wood and fabrics, but blends them with the classic lines of elegant furniture. We're calling this look Reclaimed Refinement, and in terms of window fashions I'd say translucent romans provide sensitive management of natural light while contributing to the traditional aspect of this subtly balanced look. Comfortable Contemporary will fill a need for many. Until now "Contemporary" has often meant hard, cold, and engineered. This 2010 look keeps the clean lines, but adds warmth. Man-made materials now express natural motifs and feminine curves. As for window fashions, natural fabrics and woven shades fit right in. I'm thinking of PanelTrac to define large spaces, roller shades in all their many patterns for lightcontrol duty. One way we build our own interiors is by storytelling. The souvenirs we bring back, the family photos we treasure, the artwork on our walls are all part of a story that says who we are. Hence Collector Chic, a look that answers the question "Can vintage and modern pieces work together?" with a resounding "Yes!" Here we see a blending of masculine and feminine; new and old; glass, metals and ceramics; rich textures and bold patterns. Between you and the light outside I suggest two extremes ­ the slick modernism of cellular blinds close to the window, covered by the exuberance of fulllength, even hobbled, roman blinds in any fabric that turns you on. Lastly we have a blast from the past, Mid-Century Modern. You may call it the Mad Men look, your elders may think of Sputnik and Explorer. But for us it's not a time capsule, it's teak and metal combined, leather and linens, clean lines but with a softer look than back then. In your windows we suggest wood blinds once more, teamed with flat romans using heavily textured linens. A closer look at many of these window fashions is available online at www.Levolor.ca. www.newscanada.com European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 WE SERVICE & CARRY PARTS FOR: TD LAARS, JANDY, HAYWARD, RAYPAK, PENT AIR, MINI MAX, STA-RITE POOL HEATER REPAIR R MANUFACTURE ICE TRAINED SERV TECHNICIANS Solving Problems Since 1982 905-845-0701 Experience is the difference! Email:scott@gasfix.ca Escape to paradise It's in your nature kend of Last wee bration Lilac Cele Blooms are early this spring. p g Renovate · Decorate · Celebrate Lilac Celebration Lilac Celebration Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday, May Monday May 22 to 24; to 24; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Arboretum b t Discover the Lil Dell, the world's Di th Lilac ll th ld' largest collection of lilacs, and enjoy entertainment, food and more. Time is Precious, Mistakes are Costly and Decorating is complicated. Iris and Peony Celebration Saturdays and Sundays, t d d d May 29 and 30, June 5 and 6; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Laking Garden Explore the iris and peony Explore the iris and peony collections, perennial borders, Barbara Laki H itage Garden b king Herit d and the hosta walk. Enjoy live music, guided tours, Discovery Cart, d d activities for the kids and more. BECOME A MEMBER Memberships has many benefits. Buy or renew at www.rbg.ca DAILY ADMISSION -- Adult: $12.50; Senior/Student: $9.50; Child (age 5 to 12): $7.25; Family: $32.25; Child under age 5 and RBG members: FREE Inquire about your Personal Design Consultation At Fitz by Design we are committed to creating breathtaking, functional spaces that are unique as the individuals living in them. RBG Centre 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington 905-527-1158