Are you interested in what’s in store for home decor? Here are some  of the top interior design trends predicted by design pros for 2012.

In case you haven’t heard about it yet, there’s a brand new, simple-to-use digital thermostat called the Nest Learning Thermostat that allows you to access it remotely from your iPhone or iPad using an app, online, or manually, the conventional way. (Disclaimer: I have not personally tested Nest.)

A good thing in a small package

Not only can this hockey puck shaped thermostat sense when you are near it – which will wake the unit up – it also has sensors for humidity, temperature and ambient light. The Nest was primarily developed to help save energy but there is one thing this little beauty will not save: money. It has a $249 price tag. Price aside, there are lots of very worthwhile features that can make it easy to justify the expense.

If you would like to learn more and pre-order it, visit Nest.com or BestBuy.com. Nest will become available in mid-November. Or read the review by Ed Baig in USA Today. This cool cutie is going to be hot.

Wishes do come true… if you wait five years. For some reason it seems to take that long when it comes to home furnishings.

Fifteen years ago I remember thinking, “Gee, why aren’t there more stylish and durable coffee tables on the market?” At the time, the choice was limited to delicate glass-topped and wooden rectangular tables with pointy corners that required drinks coasters to protect them. Most were impractical and unexciting.

Arhaus cylinder - Lots of space for serving and display, and good Feng Shui, too.

Macy's multi-functional cocktail table.

Then, ten years ago, leather ottomans that tripled as cocktail tables, storage pieces and footrests appeared, as well as distressed wood coffee tables with drawers; oval wooden tables with shelves in lots of finishes, round hammered metal tables, tables on casters, drum style tables – lots of options became available that were durable and really interesting.

Five years ago, I found myself wishing for more interesting table lamps. Most of the lamps were pretty boring. Flash to the present: I’m happy to say that today there are lots of really good-looking lamps on the market. This is exciting news because there’s nothing like a great pair of lamps to add balance and a bit of style to any room.

Finally. Anthropologie's stylish lamp collection with some edge.

Have you seen the fab new collection of lamps from Anthropologie? Check out this group. 

The Cleo Lamp from Crate & Barrel.

I like this one from Crate and Barrel, also. There are lots of stylish options everywhere, both online and in stores. Yay for more and better design alternatives!

Are you hoping for something to improve? If you could have more choices for a particular piece or design element, what would you wish for? Put it out here. Perhaps your dream will come true, too, and you won’t have to wait five years.

Arhaus cylinder cocktail table:http://www.arhaus.com/furniture/living-room-furniture/coffee-tables/35VALCOFGR/

Macy’s multi-functional cocktail table:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=472705&CategoryID=35423#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D173

Isn’t it great that more and more homeowners are having their outdoor spaces turned into “rooms?” I love that people are creating stylishly designed areas and are ‘using what they have’ so that more of their property is functional. That’s why I nearly swooned when I saw this particular Bridgehampton (Long Island), New York outdoor kitchen.

Beautiful, practical and dreamy

The concrete counter tops and sink from Trueform Concrete are stylish and practical and, paired with the stainless steel elements, give the kitchen a cohesive look. The rough fieldstone wall is the ideal counterpoint to the smooth concrete and metal. And, in case the smart yet simple design isn’t enough to make your eyes happy, the property overlooks a beautiful bay. Don’t you just love it? Can you imagine entertaining your friends and family here? All together, now: “Yes!”

(Photo: TrueformConcrete.com)