Mary Dobson's 5 Trends for 2007
By Sarah Bromberg

Ever wonder how you can possibly keep up with trends, decipher fads and still express your own personal style, all the while staying in a budget?

Well, it's actually easier than you think!

"Trends in home fashion move quickly," says Dobson. "But overall styling stays the same." That means those afraid to follow a trend or movement don't need to fear spending fortunes every year just to stay in the "now".

At March's Edmonton Home and Garden Show, Mary Dobson, designer and home economist, sets out 2007's design trends to help guide your decorating hand, while not breaking the bank.

"With the five trends for 2007, I'll give people budget options. I'll show them how to get what they want if they spend $200 or what they can do if they spend $2000."

So, what does Dobson forecast for 2007?

Trend #1: Metro-Mod
Metro-Mod is all about the urban loft look. It's defined by contemporary finishes and clean lines. Stainless steel, blond woods and shiny finishes are what define this look.

Trend #2: Casual Couture
This trend is for those eclectic at heart (and style). Call it Shabby Chic…Refined, with no hard and fast rules, in Casual Couture anything goes. Mixing traditional with contemporary with Asian and every other defined style, Casual Couture embraces the "everything has a story and everything belongs" mantra.

Trend #3: Global Fusion
Global Fusion is exactly what it sounds like. Taking elements from different cultures, global fusion is all about mixing cultural treasures together under one roof. That amazing bamboo lamp from Kuala Lumpur mixed with your Moroccan area rug and Tunisian carved masks will create a perfect multicultural/global look. Think dark, warm and rich colors. Think combining a world of cultural artifacts together. Think global fusion.

Trend #4: Classic Creations
Traditional is no longer considered old school. In fact, traditional styling, defined by dark, rich woods, burnished metals, damask, opulence and deep colors like burgundy, is a growing trend for 2007.

Trend #5: Eco-Chic
Eco-Chic is the newest trend in home decorating. With the public's growing concern for the environment, people are looking for ways to do their part to reflect their concerns in-home. Bamboo flooring, sustainable products, durable fabrics, environmentally-friendly goods, and products built to last-think long-term purchases-are some elements that define this trend. It's about being fresh, clean and sustainable.

Dobson warns that while these are decorating trends for 2007, your own individual style is not to be ignored.

"Decorating is personal. What you want should always be right. I'm just here to give people advice."

And advice is exactly what she'll be giving out at the Home and Garden Show.

"Bring your questions…and bring as much [information about your room] as you can with you," she says. "I'm happy to chat." And help, too!

Mary has worked as a designer, demonstrator and source of information with fabric producers, among which, Robert Allen and Waverley. She was part of the Benjamin Moore Design Team that produced a series of best-selling design project books, such as Paint a Great Impression and Room Recipes: Cooking Up Style with Colour. She has also been a contributor to many of Canada's home design décor consumer magazines. Mary is a regular guest expert on Canada's most popular network lifestyle show, CityLine, and is a frequent home show headliner.

As spokesperson for Levolor Window Fashions, in Canada, Mary is always ready to share her insight in using window treatments as a key feature in home décor.