Fall Forecast

Books

Washington coffee tables will have to make room for first design books by two of the city's top interior designers, Darryl Carter and Barry Dixon.

Dixon and Carter, though both traditionalists, take different paths. Dixon's look of rich textures and exuberant palettes taken from nature (think pumpkin and chocolate) is evident when you flip through the pages of "Barry Dixon Interiors" by Brian D. Coleman (Gibbs Smith, $40). Eleven homes, including Dixon's Warrenton estate, are featured. Catch Dixon at two book signings: The first is Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. at the Washington Design Center, 300 D St. SW. RSVP required; call 202-646-6114. The second is Oct. 3 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at John Rosselli, 1515 Wisconsin Ave. NW. To RSVP, call 202-337-7676.

Carter's maverick approach to traditional decorating with a restrained, modern touch is earning him a national reputation. He wrote "The New Traditional: Reinvent, Balance, Define Your Home" (Clarkson Potter, $45) to encourage readers to let their rooms reflect a strong sense of self. Carter will sign his book Oct. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Thomasville, 12995 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax. To RVSP, call 703-222-1500.

Jura Koncius

Nailhead Trim

Nailheads are everywhere again! The silver or brass-tack trim looks like jewelry roped around a piece of furniture. It has been spotted on the arms of sofas and chairs and as a detail on a bed frame.

This season, Crate and Barrel is wrapping silver nailhead trim around velvet club chairs. It's especially fitting on a wing chair, even one draped in ivory leather or Scottish tartan plaid, as seen from Williams-Sonoma Home. West Elm has paired nailheads with undyed jute to create an upholstered headboard that's appealing to both traditional and contemporary tastes.

"Nailhead detail is a classic design that mixes very well with modern looks," said Kate Mulhearn, a spokeswoman for West Elm, which is also selling a nailhead linen window panel. "Nailhead is incredibly versatile. It creates a look that is sophisticated and relaxed at the same time."

Liz Seymour

Kitchens

The kitchen backsplash is getting more colorful, but it has nothing to do with tile.

Back-painted glass is a big trend, says Bethesda-based kitchen designer Jennifer Gilmer. This style, in which the back of installed glass is painted, is a popular choice because of its contemporary look and the seamless shot of color it provides, she says. Her showroom window currently features a glass backsplash painted a bright orange. "People like the non-interruption," she says. "No grout lines."

Gilmer also reports that kitchens are simplifying and that more folks are requesting fewer cabinets and more wall space.

Floating shelving can be installed to counter a lack of cabinetry. This type of open storage works best for often-used dishes and glasses. If there's no need for extra storage, the shelving can be used to display collections or artwork, making the space more personal.