Hamburg  - Pillows in colourful patterns, curtains in the most varied styles, new tablecloths and linens in fresh colours: these are examples of textiles that can give a home a facelift without great expense and in no time at all. The selection this season is practically immeasurable.

The solid-colour trend in home textiles has long since been surpassed, said Barbara Schmidt-Zock of Germany's association for the home textile industry in Wuppertal.

"Many styles are successfully being placed next to one another and courageously mixed," she said. The important thing is to ensure that nothing looks cheap, even if it is, said interior designer Sandra Lebedies of Finsterwalde.

"Many customers value modern, low-maintenance material," said Lebedies. "If you work full time or have children, sofas, blankets and rugs get a lot of wear and the material they are made from should be washable without having to go to a great amount of trouble."

Purple tones are the big hit in terms of colour this season, Lebedies said. Ilex Ness, a lifestyle specialist from Hamburg, confirmed the colour's popularity, saying no collection in 2009 is without violet. It's appearing in every thinkable nuance, she added. The second colour trend is chocolate tones. From milk chocolate to dark chocolate, it can be wonderfully combined with fresh accents such as pinks, pastel green and turquoise.

Bright colours are in demand among the younger generation. Esprit, for example, has based its entire home collection on a bright colour palette. The New Spirit line, for example, includes patterned linens in pink, orange and yellow. Rugs in large pastel plaids and shiny chair covers in bright yellow and purple also are available in the line.

The clothing chain H&M, as of this year present in the home textile market, is also selling colourful items: Fleece blankets, pillows, shower curtains and bath and kitchen towels sold at H&M feature wild patterns and colours.

Cilla Ramnek, who designs home textiles for the Swedish company Ikea, got her inspiration for her collection Lusy from crocheted pot holders. Colourful circles and simple floral patterns give her pillows and fabrics a cheerful face.

If such bold colours and patterns are too much, classic designs are an alternative. Maritime stripes, waves and zigzag patterns to romantic florals and twining leaf patterns are the most commonly found on home textiles. The Dutch textile maker Chivasso, for example, is offering noble florals. Among its curtain line are baroque prints on heavy silks and tender pink blossoms stitched into light white material.

Patterns often are being coupled with different structures: Plaids and circles, which are stamped onto the series Moon from the Germany maker Pad of Donauwoerth, are something to see and feel.

"The number of fabrics with structured surfaces is increasing," said Ness. Wide threads and special weaving techniques along with features such as pleats give pillow cases, rugs and also curtains a special look, she added. (dpa)