You may have heard of a “conversation sofa,” a deep, over-stuffed curved sofa with fitted ottomans that is popular for use in media rooms. The first thing I think of when I see these sofas is a billion popcorn kernels spilling in between the seat cushions each time the home team scores a touchdown.

But here’s a seating group that’s sure to stimulate face to face contact, if not the NFL variety:

Say hello to the LC2 Petite Modele Armchairs from Le Corbusier. I love this 21st century take on the traditional parlour setting. Let’s start a new trend, shall we, where our guests settle in for a nice evening of hors d’oeuvre,  drinks (I like pomegranate juice and soda with a lime twist), and the gentle art of conversation. And yes, do buy one chair in each color. That’s what makes this setting fun! $2560 and up, from www.dwr.com .

A lamp can be (and should be!) so much more than just light.

Its base can be a decorative marvel, bringing texture and interest to a room. The light can be ambient, a warm background glow for a party. A tall lamp with a 3-way bulb can make reading a joy.

But best of all is a glorious lampshade. Take a look at this one:

"Celestial Leaf Lamp" by Janna Uzone and Justin Thomas

 This archival printed handmade paper shade is inspired by the artists’ interest  in astronomy. The canopy of the shade is a celestial map complete with small piercings that “twinkle” like the night sky when the lamp is turned on. Finishing touches include a satin-brushed copper stem with hand-cast satin pewter detailing and a custom-mined sage green Vermont slate base. $360 from www.artfulhome.com .

Here’s a new look for an interior design classic: the porcelain garden stool.

This is one of the most versatile pieces you will ever own. 17 1/2″ high, it serves nicely as a side table for drinks or an extra seat for a party. You can even pair them up for a unique coffee table that you can rest your feet on!

The cheery floral vine and bird motif blends beautifully with any decor. Just looking at it warms my heart despite today’s cold north wind and 38 degree temps. $385 from www.gumps.com .

“Bringing the outdoors in” is a phrase you hear often in interior design, and for good reason. There’s something cozy, warm, and inviting about the look of nature for an indoor space.

Now I’m not talking about using $9.99 fake greenery from Garden Ridge everywhere. A good-quality silk plant or two adds softness and texture, but that is just a start.

Take a look at these bird and butterfly pillows. They are just the thing to add a “flight of fancy” to make up for the lack of the real thing this time of year.

The linen/cotton blend has a lived-in quality that makes it seem like you’ve had these pillows since forever. Instant heirloom! $49-$69 from www.potterybarn.com (pillow covers only.)

I’m still getting used to pink as the 2011 color of the year (see our previous COTY blog ) but it’s starting to make an impression on me. Take a look at this chair:

 This is the Pink Slink available from Contempo Designs. It would add a wonderful pop to any sitting area, including a bedroom. It’s a comfy “relax-the-back” style that looks very sinkable to me (and I mean that in the best possible way).

Pink is a real transformation color, an adreneline charge of courage and optimism. Just imagine the feel of instant excitement when this color is used in an otherwise neutral setting (beiges, browns, creams). This is what good design is all about: an oasis of calm offset by bursts of fun and energy.

So next time you’re shopping, think pink!

What could be more cheery than a winter wonderland in your own home? One that is complete with a roaring fire, or at least a comfortable thermostat setting…

White-on-white is always right — this room may be white as snow, but it has a warm coziness that sets just the right temperature on a cold winter’s day. A white slipcover on the sofa and inexpensive natural sisal rug plus some of your patio plants that “winter” indoors are all you need to capture the essence of this look. Do you still have one of those oak coffee tables or side tables — you know, the one you bought right out of college? Spray paint the base and sides a shiny white and go over the oak top with a little Orange Glo for a clean, fresh look.

(Furniture and accessories above from www.potterybarn.com )

During the next few weeks, we’ll be blogging your winter blues away with 2011′s best trends and how they will transform your life (or at least the way you feel about your home).

Who doesn’t want to come home to an inviting, welcoming, pulled-together space? That’s what design at Metamorefix is all about, and we’ll show you some great new ways to get it.

Here’s a room featured recently in Elle Decor magazine that embodies everything we’ll be talking about:

Notice how the crisp, clean lines and sunny, natural design transforms a dreary winter day. The striped side chairs even have a “cabana” feel about them that evokes a summer day at the pool. Just move that ottoman, add a warm fire, close your eyes and imagine the tiki torches surrounding a Hawaiian luau!