Traditional and contemporary rugs always have a strong following, and a retro look with primary colors and patterns popular from the 1960s is gaining a following. But Murse says he's also seeing a tremendous fascination with the old-world Tuscany look. Colors such as antique greens, deep blues, old golds and rust palettes work well with this scheme, he says.

The Tommy Bahama island look is, of course, a perennial favorite in this part of the world, but Murse says he's starting to see the look shift slightly. Now it's gained Japanese and Chinese influences, and the resulting look, with its casual, simple lines, works well with Florida details like bamboo flooring, says Murse.

Bring Spring In

With the chill of winter far behind us-and here in Florida, the heat of summer looming-what better way to prolong sweet spring than by bringing it indoors?

Reginna Zhidov of Gunnysack and Silk Designs suggests little touches to bring in the bright colors: pile bowls with oranges and apples, fill vases with spring blooms, paint a wall a bright color or change your toss pillows to suit the season.

John Cannon Homes joins The Concession

John Cannon Homes has been selected as one of four luxury home builders for The Concession, a 1,232-acre gated community being planned in east Manatee County. The $600-million project will include 255 single-family homes priced from $1.5 million to $8 million on lots starting at half an acre. Home sites will start in the mid-$300,000s.

Located seven miles east of I-75 near the Sarasota/Manatee county line, The Concession will be built around a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course design, in association with four-time Ryder Cup captain Tony Jacklin. At 520 acres, the course will be three times the size of a typical golf course.

The golf course is expected to be in the same class as Augusta National and Pebble Beach, with the ability to host competitions such as the PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Ryder Cup tournaments.

Positano on the Gulf

Positano on the Gulf, a community of 29 condominium estates by developer Positano LLC, is the newest luxury community going up on Longboat Key, on the site of the old Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites.

Five three-story buildings will comprise the 10-acre beachfront property on the Gulf of Mexico. Residences will have three bedrooms, at least three baths, a two- or three-car garage, beachfront terraces and personal elevators. The two first-level residences within each building will have a private swimming pool and spa. Homes range in size from about 3,200 total square feet to more than 4,300 total square feet.

The community will have 750 feet of beachfront, a beachfront clubhouse with fitness center and social room, a heated swimming pool and spa, personal elevators to private lobbies and a gatehouse staffed 24 hours.

Construction is scheduled to begin by mid to late April, but 12 homes are already under contract. The average price is $3 million.

Rivo pops up downtown

Another condominium waits to raise its head downtown. Piero Rivolta, developer of Rivo at Ringling, has established a sales office across the street from the condominium site on Osprey Avenue between Ringling Boulevard and Main Street.

The mid-rise tower is slated for construction this summer, and will offer 92 two-and three-bedroom units starting at 1,500 square feet, with 14 3,000-square-foot-plus penthouses. Pricing will start in the $300,000s. Residents will have secured garage parking, a fitness center, media room, garden atrium, third-floor pool and sun deck area.

Townhouse frenzy

Gulfside Homes knew they had a great product on their hands, but were still surprised when they found themselves near sell-out months ahead of projections with their townhouse project, The Hammocks at Riviera Dunes, on the Manatee River in Palmetto. As of Feb. 1, only four of the 65 units were still available for sale.

"Some of our customers have purchased their Hammocks townhouse as investment property," says Brian Anderson, Gulfside partner. "But a surprising number of buyers plan to live there for part of the year or as full-time residents because they want to enjoy the scenic location and world-class boating waters for themselves."

Hammocks townhouses have two stories of living space over two-car garages. Floor plans range from 3,500 to 3,700 square feet. The maintenance-free community will have its own pool and cabana.