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Dovecote Design
Perhaps it's because of the recent project I completed, but I'm noticing more grey being used by designers.  And not just with pale blue as part of that "icy chic" look--which, frankly, is overdone at this point.  In this picture it's mixed with chartreuse (that's the fancy way to say bright green) for a fresh look.  Over the summer, I stopped into Lignet Roset's showroom where they had grey paired beautifully with lilac, orchid and some white lacquer pieces.
 
 
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I wrote the other day about using color to reinforce a focal point within a room.  But that much color is not for everyone.  There's a reason why tan, off white and beige are the most popular colors for paint and upholstery--people like them (or are afraid of the alternative).  There are a few tricks to making a neutral room work. 
 
 
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I am, generally speaking, a linear gal.  I have quite the collection of striped button down shirts for work and a penchant for argyle that borders on shameful.  My interior design taste, fortunately, makes room for paisley and florals.  Not giant cabbage roses (though if that's what you want, I'll make it look great), but a more modern intrepretation of florals. 
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This is why I find Suzani textiles so appealing.  The word derives from Uzbekistan in Central Asia and means needle.  Traditional suzanis were large embroidered textiles in floral or plant motifs, given as dowries upon marriage. There's been a revival of these prints and now you can find them just about everywhere.