A fresh take on classic patterns and textures summarize the home trends for Fall 2008. It is a fact that people prefer neutrals for big furniture pieces. So designers rely on vibrant accessories to enliven muted pastels on walls and sofas.

Updated versions of classic Indian, Moroccan and Greek patterns are popping everywhere; even the baroque patterns are still going strong. What makes them fresh are the bright colours and bold scale like you see in the Ogee Pillow cover and Grid Print cover available for less than $30 from Pottery Barn.

The Henna pillow exhibits a complex crewel-stitch Moroccan pattern. Stitching is another technique that we see over and over. I also noticed a movement towards updating the grandmother’s look as shown here on the bohemian-styled Bloom Shade.

The love for textures continues with quilted patterns and basketweave knitting appearing on everything from fabrics, throws, and home accessories up to wall coverings. Here, a simple basketweave throw and a couple Kumi pillows from Crate & Barrel update the look of a beige chair.

Fall 2008 revives the cowhide, but the current look has nothing to do with living on a ranch. Designers have found a way to fuse patchwork with cowhide in a truly modern way. Just look at these pillows and the Sunrise Hide rug from Horchow.

By Kim Vallee, Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert who runs a daily blog: At Home with Kim Vallee.