Dear Jean and Richard, How do you feel about painted furniture as opposed to wood stained furniture, and do you ever mix the two? –Deloris, Waynesville Richard: Hi Deloris, I assume you mean do we ever mix a painted piece among wood pieces or vi… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, I’m struggling with whether to upgrade my home to totally suit myself or with an eye toward resale. Should I play it safe with neutral color choices and more conventional surfaces to be sure it’s more marketable? Karin, Atlanta… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, What is the best countertop to choose for our new kitchen? There are so many choices I feel confused. –Debbie, Naples Richard:Dear Debbie, choose the green one. Just kidding! I know what you mean about so many choices, and… more »

Dear Jean and Richard: There seems to be quite a range in lamp prices and quality. Style aside, can you tell me what to look for in a good lamp? –Becky, Ashevilleichard: Hi Becky. I’m glad you know there is more to look for in a lamp than style! We may… more »

Dear Jean and Richard: I read in the paper about attendance at the High Point Furniture Market being down. I don’t care how many people were there—I want to know what new products or trends were introduced. Did you go? -- Norma, Hendersonville… more »

Dear Jean and Richard: I read in the paper about attendance at the High Point Furniture Market being down. I don’t care how many people were there—I want to know what new products or trends were introduced. Did you go? -- Norma, Hendersonville src="htt… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, Could you define some of the basic fabrics you use in your work? Suzanne, Fairview Richard: Hi Suzanne. This is much more exciting to look at and feel than to describe…this one is yours, Jean. Jean: Lucky me! Suzanne, fabr… more »

Good quality trumps latest fashion when investing in home interiors more »

Dear Jean and Richard, In a recent column you were talking about staging a home and suggested “subtracting.” I don’t plan to sell my home, but I admit when I look around it falls into the cluttered category. How do you determine how much is too much deco… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, I want to paint my house in different colors, but don’t want it to look like a carnival. How do you choose different colors for different rooms? -Harry, Black Mountain Jean: Hi Harry. I recently had a call from a potential… more »