Long before the boat goes into storage and the down comforters come out, you can start adding stylish updates to your home for the cooler months. It doesn't take a lot of doing to crank up the style dial-and have it done well before the first frost. Five style trends for Fall 2007 will get you started in the right direction. 

1. Green-Inspired and Fashion Forward Everyone is talking about "going green!" Not only is it good for the planet and good for your health, but it's good for your sense of style. Designers are creating cutting edge recycled and organic goods that are stylish as well as practical. Beautiful new furnishings can be made from sustainable materials. Bamboo takes many forms from window treatments to furniture to rugs. It grows fast and requires little pesticide or fertilizer. Cork and palm are rapidly renewable trees that yield handsome and sturdy furniture and flooring. Reclaimed lumber from old buildings and lake bottoms is widely available and can give your home character that new wood cannot imitate. For a contemporary addition to your home, add modular components made from recycled stainless steel or plastic to provide sleek, functional storage for books and office supplies.

2. Earth Tones - Shift from Neutral to Overdrive! "Earth tone" doesn't mean tan or green anymore. For color inspiration look to nature, across the globe! Choose tangerine, amethyst, dill, bittersweet, blackberry, or pelican as accent colors or your central theme. Try a splash of color on just one wall to update a great room the easy way. If you're a true aficionado of traditional neutrals add some kick with brilliant pillows, candles, or pottery. For a mantel makeover display three oversized vases in mustard, teal or garnet. Then add a few stems of ornamental grass to one of the vases. You get the idea-just a few thoughtfully placed and color- charged accessories can enliven any room. Turn up your sense of style for fall with a fresh palette and unexpected design. The fall days pass so quickly-just a few simple updates, with a keen eye toward color selection, will help you enjoy the fall season in comfort and style.

3. Hand-Crafted Goods With Heart and Soul There's something warm and soulful about hand-crafted goods, whether you buy in boutiques or galleries or make them yourself. Give your home that unique human touch... hand-thrown pottery lined up on your kitchen island ... an African textile displayed along a stairway ... a chunky hand-knit throw at the end of your bed. It's a great way to set your home apart and support the work of local and global artisans. Try to work at least one of these ideas into your fall update and you'll enjoy it all winter.

4. Heavy Metal for Warmth and Substance To take a room quickly from "cookie cutter" to classy, add some heavy metal. Stunning railings, metal sculptures, planters, chairs, and lamps can be used center stage or as accent pieces. Browse the galleries and art fairs for unique pieces. You probably have treasures in your closets, too-bring out your copper, bronze, nickel, and wrought iron pieces to add luster, warmth and substance to your home in the colder months. Try pairing massive iron candlesticks with citrus-hued candles. Fill a copper cauldron with eggplants or lemons. Add architectural interest to your powder room with new or reclaimed nickel faucets and lighting. And don't just store those brass goblets. Take them down and pour a few sips of cabernet! 

5. Loft Contemporary - You Can Do It! Who says you can't add a bit of urban chic to your lake home? Look for clean lines in a club sofa, a modern trestle table, or a threesome of cubes used as cocktail tables. A contemporary rug in earthy tones (think cinnamon, graphite, or cobalt-not beige!) can energize even the most traditional room. Or go for table linens with crisp geometric or abstract patterns to lend unexpected pizzazz. Who can't fit a few city-slick touches into their lakestyle home?

By Joni Danzl