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What will the trendiest homes look like this season? Think swaths of ikat prints, generous injections of chocolate and a touch of the surreal

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1. METAL BEDS This fall, metal bed frames are all the rage, reflecting just how far industrial style has penetrated our homes. But metal beds can skew cold. To soften the look, pile on the pillows, comforters and throws or choose an ornate frame. 19th Century Keyhole Metal Square Bed, $1,295 to $1,695 at Restoration Hardware (www.restorationhardware.com).

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2. IKAT CHIC Ikat, an Indonesian dyeing technique, has really taken off this season, adorning not just accent pieces but larger elements, too. If you’re using ikat on a major piece, consider an understated pattern. And if the print is the centre of attention, offset with neutral sidekicks. Ditte Sofa in Agave Ikat, $3,298 (U.S.) in U.S. Anthropologie stores (www.anthropologie.com).

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3. DIY KITCHEN DESIGN It’s all about control in the kitchen right now – even customizing once-static appliances to suit your needs. Case in point: GE Monogram Customized Integrated Refrigerators, which can be configured into any number of iterations from a range of door-panel options, colour choices and interior functions. $7,899 to $10,098 at appliance dealers across Canada (www.monogram.ca for retailers).

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4. UPDATED MODERN What becomes a legend most? A new coat of paint, for one thing. Herman Miller’s limited-edition recasting of its Eames Wire Base Low Tables in three colours pays homage to Ray Eames on the 100th anniversary of her birth. In Orange-Red, Cobalt Blue and Golden Yellow, $294 each at Herman Miller dealers across North America (www.hermanmiller.com).Handout

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5. HOOKED ON CLASSICS Sure, Greece is a financial basket case at the moment, but its rich and illustrious history is a point of reference for many of this season’s savviest decorators. Witness how star designer and Globe Style columnist Sarah Richardson conjured some classicism for an Ontario client with curvy reclaimed balusters and a piece of honed marble. Opa!Stacey Brandford/The Globe and Mail

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6. HIGH-STREET SURREALISM In a topsy-turvy world, it should come as no surprise that topsy-turvy design should resonate. At the higher end, the mind-bending oeuvre of BC Barcelona Design includes its Black Label Bracelli “lamp-sculpture.” But even the most mainstream retailers have also embraced the surreal life.

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7. COOLER BRITANNIA The success of the London Olympics also helped restore some of the shine of tarnished Brand Britain. The Union Jack is flying high again in well-appointed rooms, lending graphic punch to everything from upholstery to rugs. Is this a case of the Empire striking back? Union Jack pillow, $24.99 at HomeSense (www.homesense.ca).

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8. HOT CHOCOLATE Sure, there are 50 shades of grey (at least) to choose from this season, grey being the neutral du jour. The hottest statement colour, however, is umpteen degrees warmer. Indeed, the Quality Canadian Furniture network of homegrown manufacturers has pegged chocolate as one of the colours for fall. Manhattan sofa bed in chocolate suede, price on request at Barrymore (www.barrymorefurniture.com).

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9. MANLY LOOKS Blame man-cave creep, the continuing interplay between fashion and design or the undying appeal of Mad Men, but a masculine aesthetic – especially the trappings of men’s fashion – is all over decor this fall. All that’s missing is Jon Hamm stuffed and mounted. Valentin chair in grey polyester/cotton (available in November), $249 at EQ3 (www.eq3.com).

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10. GRILLS GONE WILD If you have the nagging sensation that designers are being cagey this season, you’re not imagining things: Bars, grills and cages are prevalent motifs, defining everything from table lamps and hanging fixtures to side and cocktail tables. Soren Rose Studio’s Park Avenue Ottoman for De La Espada, $3,190 at Livingspace (www.livingspace.com).

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