Jean: Happy early Valentine’s Day, Richard. Richard: Happy early Valentine’s Day, Jean. Jean: What if we discuss something about your favorite holiday? Maybe dark chocolates? Richard: Jean, you might be the daughter of a life long Hallmark exec… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, I enjoy reading your column because it is one of the few things in the paper that is not all doom and gloom. Are you ever concerned that your design advice has little merit with all the country's economic troubles? --sign me "Worr… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, I’m interested in home fashions. What are some of the latest design trends that you have noticed? –Mary, Hendersonville Richard: Hi Mary, good question! A lot of people don’t realize what a fashion industry interior desig… more »

Jean and Richard just returned from a buying trip to the fall High Point Furniture Market, where they also visit key vendors and scope out the latest trends created by the international home furnishings community. What do professional designers talk abo… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, I recently visited a home that had custom floors and a finished interior in the garage. In another time, even rich people kept their garages simple. Are you ever asked to design a garage interior? Jean: Well, it’s true t… more »

  Dear Jean and Richard, We can’t decide which shade of green to use in our den. Do you have any advice on how to go about choosing a good paint color?  --Lorri, Lake Toxaway <b>Jean:</b>  Well, you might work for around 25 years as an int… more »

Dear Jean and Richard: Where do we start when choosing fabric for new upholstered chairs and sofa? RICHARD: If you are purchasing new furniture at a store, they will show you select options from that furniture manufacturer’s fabric line. If you ar… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, We’re thinking about remodeling our kitchen, but there are so many options we’re not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips on balancing style with efficiency? Harry and Susan, Lake Toxaway Richard: Hi Harry and Susan.… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, Every time you share your thoughts on color, I look for specific suggestions, but you’re always talking about coordinating one room to the next or about reading swatches. I want to know what colors go best in what rooms. Thanks –Su… more »

Dear Readers: What’s new in home furnishings? Several people wanted to know what we found at the international High Point Furniture Market this Spring. So here’s our semi-annual take on trends that may or may not be coming to local retail stores later in… more »