Just as things are heating up outside, the trends in local design are heating up for 2005.

Here in Reno, the Tuscan-inspired influence still is popular, but so are cleaner, more modern lines, vivid colors, and warm, inviting spaces for the entire family to share.

Cocooning is out, and instead of nesting inside the home, more people are “hiving,” or creating multi-purpose spaces where they can work, entertain, cook, and enjoy relaxing. They also are migrating handy appliances to other parts of the home, such as a “morning kitchen” with microwave, coffee maker, and sink in the master suite. Opulence with bright colors and grand accessories, and bringing the indoors outside are some of the many design trends with a big following in the Reno area.

KITCHEN & BATH:

Kitchens and bathrooms are taking on lives of their own, and there are more choices in cabinets, fixtures, and luxurious extras than ever before. Today’s baths are bigger and have more special features; and kitchens serve as gathering and entertainment spaces as well as food prep areas.

The trend in stainless-steel appliances continues, but so does the movement toward commercial-style appliances. From professional gas stoves to range hoods that become a focal point of the decor, kitchen design is practical and usable. Apron-front, farm-style sinks, sophisticated faucets and hardware, pot-fillers near a stove or cooktop, low-voltage track lighting, and Tuscan-inspired cabinetry all combine in today’s stylish and sensible kitchens.

In baths, the trend is toward bigger rooms that bring a spa atmosphere to the home. “Vessel” sinks that sit on top of cabinets are extremely popular, and so is combining different materials such as glass, chrome, and china. Beautiful fixtures are important, and so are such pampering extras as body showers.

TILE & FLOORING:

Floors are becoming a focal point in rooms, and there are so many choices in flooring and tile it’s hard to make just one or two decisions. Whatever floor you choose, from wood to cork, bamboo, travertine, or marble, radiant floor heating is becoming much more common in homes. In Reno, it just makes sense for those cold winter mornings.

FURNITURE:

There are plenty of new trends in the very soul of our homes — the furnishings. Colors in upholstery fabric are warming toward buttery yellows, rusts, and rich, soft champagnes. Leather still is extremely popular, but so are imitation suede, chenille, and other soft, cozy fabrics. Accessories, such as accent pillows and throws in these supple fabrics, also are popular. Functional fabrics that will stand up to wear are extremely popular with families and frequent entertainers.

When it comes to dressers, desks, end tables, and coffee tables, functionality is the word. The newest trend is to include small, trinket or what-not drawers in many tables and dressers. They are much more useful than large drawers, and help homeowners organize as they decorate.

Period furniture, such as art deco, glamorous ’40s Hollywood, and ’50s and ’60s retro plastic also are popular, as is the sleek Scandinavian or Asian look that eschews clutter and disorganization.

LANDSCAPE & OUTDOOR LIVING:

Plenty of Reno designers say the biggest continuing trend in outdoor living and landscaping is outdoor rooms for entertaining. These functional living spaces are even decorated like interior rooms, with comfortable seating areas, coffee tables, and eating areas created in special outdoor materials including teak, wrought iron, and aluminum.

Landscaping is getting lusher, too, with water features and lighting topping the list of favorites. Focal points, such as statuary, lighted features, or tranquility gardens are popular; and so are patios and driveways made of natural paving stones, slate, or stamped concrete.

FINISHING TOUCHES:

Finishing touches really add the final punch to an already outstanding room. This year, think opulence or old Hollywood style when considering accessories for a room. Local designers say accessories, rugs, even plants, are getting grander, with more vibrant colors. Designers are layering textures and colors to bring warmth and style to just about any room. Homeowners are seeking rich, bold pillows, area rugs, and table toppers, paired with deeper, richer colors on the walls, and accessories that complete the style of a room.

Custom touches also can add pizzazz to rooms, and they come in a variety of shapes and colors. Custom builders say closets are much more than shelves and a pole today. “Organization” is the key word, and it is common these days for closets and garages to receive a customized organization makeover.

Game and media rooms still are popular, and so is track lighting. Lighting consultants in the area note lighting design for the entire home is becoming much more popular, and so are lighting controls that allow you to control a single light or the entire home with a remote control or wall-mounted system