Today’s trends are what you make them. Create a highly personalized room that really works for you and your lifestyle, and you’ve just created your very own trend.

I call it “democracy in design” because it’s all about freedom - freedom to surround yourself with things that reflect nothing less than the wonder of you. So let loose. Throw out the so-called design rules and find your inner fabulousness.

How do you spot your own personal trends? Open your closet and look around. What colors to you feel great in? What fabrics and textures do you love? What accessories do you wear with what? How do you mix it all up? All these things hold clues to your personal style. You can use these trends as a jumping off point to creating a look and feel for your home. And, you can do it without breaking your budget.

Maybe red is your signature color. If red makes you happy, who says you can’t have red in the kitchen, too? Start with a grounded color for a backdrop, and then introduce splashes of bold color to give the space some oomph - as if you tossed a glorious red shawl over a charcoal gray dress. Maybe dark wood cabinets, interesting woven rugs, brushed nickel hardware - then throw in something totally un-serious like a red refrigerator. It’s a great example of what can happen when style, function and affordability collide.

So go ahead. Declare yourself free. Spot your trends and run with them.