b'apartment livingLeft and above Interior designer Jennie Dunlop says that during the past two years, the trend for interiors has leaned towards glamour, which tendsto happen when theres an economic downturn. People want to surround themselves in comfort, she says. This apartment uses Resene Wan White from the Karen Walker range.did you know. Avoid fly spots on ceilings with Resene Fly Deterrent. Designed to discourage flies from landing on the painted surface, it reduces the appearance of unwanted fly spots.ReseneWhite ThunderReseneWombatmaterial palette. If youre using concrete, you dont try to hide it.Natural materials like stone, concrete and glass anchor many of the more sophisticated interiors today. And timber, especially sustainable timber, is in favour for its warmer feel. Painted walls enhance those natural materials. You dont want too rich a palette as it gets heavy and the elements start to compete. Jennie says that during the past two years, the trend for interiors has leaned towards glamour, which tends to happen when theres an economic downturn. Luxurious fabrics like velvets and linens are apartment. Ill get home help and move to a place thats like a housepopular and glazed, crunchy chintz drapes have replaced sleek rollerbig, comfortable and well-designed.blinds. People want to surround themselves in comfort, she says.Flexibility of spaces is important with, for example, second bedroomsShannon says that when people buy apartments, they like to add being used as an office or TV snug.theirownpersonality.Nobodylikestobecontrolledbytheir environment. You need to look at the architectural features to see if Going natural theyre compatible with your taste and lifestyle. Youre paying for the Thechoiceofmaterialpaletteandhowspacesaredetailedisdesign, so make sure it works for you.important. For example, says Shannon, you need a decent kitchenWithout spending a fortune, Jennie says, you can improve your living bench that will serve a couple as a table and bedrooms that open outenvironment with nice furnishings, colour and lighting. to a courtyard or balcony.Communalareasareimportant,saysShannon.Manycomplexes The slick urban feel of earlier apartments has been replaced with anowcomewithsharedgreenareas,swimmingpools,saunas more grounded, natural palette and use of natural materials.andgyms.Thesearepossiblypitchedattheyoungermarket The underlying design, says Shannon, is clean and crisp, true to itsbecauseaccordingtoJennie,olderpeopledontusethem. 35'