This season, we asked interior designer, stylist and blogger Erin Gates to share her expert tips and tricks for bringing bright colors, bold patterns and rich textures into our homes. Erin Gates is the founder and principal designer of Boston-based Erin Gates Design, and the author and editor behind the popular design blog, Elements of Style. From large homes in the suburbs to small condos in the city, she knows what it takes to design gorgeous spaces that blend new and old, high and low, and modern and traditional.
Be sure to check out her first book, due out October 7, 2014. Read on for some of our favorite bits from Erin’s interview, and snaps from her design portfolio. 
Q: What’s your favorite new hue for this fall? A: After a long, long love affair with grey, I feel like tans and taupes will be back. I’m doing my new master bedroom in tan and white instead of grey and white and it feels revolutionary for me!
Q: What’s one of your favorite ways to use texture? A: I absolutely love using grasscloth on walls — it works perfectly with traditional or modern style.
Q: What are your tips for mixing patterns? A: You need to consider the pattern type and make sure you aren’t combining too many of the same- a good balance is to mix a geometric with an organic pattern (florals, for example) and then a very small scale print or a solid. Putting two geometrics together looks too busy and harsh in my book. 
Photo by Michael Partenio
This month I can’t wait to … Complete the addition on our house — it’s been a long time coming!
The item at the top of my current wishlist is … A huge, pale, faded Oushak style rug for my bedroom.
Favorite fellow blogger … Emily Henderson is both funny and fantastically talented.
Interior design icon … I think Steven Gambrel is a genius. He can decorate my house anytime.
Most prized possession … My dogs. I’d do just about anything for them.
Signature cocktail … A nice cold glass of Pinot Grigio in summer or Cabernet Sauvignon every other season! 
love it!
Great post….love to hear that your feel tans and beige will be back!! Especially after painting our foyer and great room Manchester Tan! Grey is nice but overdone I believe! I went with a white for bedroom so I change the look just with accessories !!
Regards,
Lori
Huge fan of Erin’s and follow her blog religiously…. Hoping one day she can decorate my house!
Erin is such a leader and trendsetter and I love seeing her spotlight in Pottery Barn. Her classic good taste mixes well with PB style! Thanks for sharing her with us!