FROM OUR EDITOR

Be it tassels or terrazzo, a trend has undeniable star power. Shiny and new, it dazzles, commanding attention. Some manage to hold the limelight indefinitely, joining the decor vernacular as classics. But most are on a 15-minutes-of-fame timer, destined to peter out, or – worse – become a “what were we thinking” moment in our collective aesthetic past. We can make our best predictions, but the truth is none of us knows which au courant items will stand the test of time. And to me, that’s half the fun.

Decorating is an act of self- expression. My home is a canvas, and every time a fad appears, I view it as something akin to a never-before-seen paint colour. Each time, I ask myself, Is this new hue me? It’s exciting – what possibilities! After all, an interior should reflect the personality of those who inhabit it.

Perhaps you’re a cautious creative like style maker Monika Hibbs – who starts fashion-forward elements small (think: toss cushions) and works her way up (think: built-in furniture) at her classic coastal abode in Fraser Valley, B.C. (see “Best Trends Forever,” page 74). Or maybe you’re a daring decorator like Toronto-based designers Jordy Fagan, Alana Firestone and Lisa Lev, all of whom shirked traditional space planning in favour of modern floor plans that cater to contemporary family living (see “Best Laid Plans,” page 66, and “Full House,” page 44). Whatever your trend tolerance, follow your heart, and a tailored timeless space will follow.