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 Jean: Well, you might work for around 25 years as an interior designer, b… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, I’ve seen sticks in a vase used as an accessory, but when I try it, it looks silly. Do you ever use found materials in your interiors? –Esther, Mills River Richard: I confess my yard might not yield much in the way of natura… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, We are planning to buy a new home, and want to make sure it is a good choice for resale. What interior treatments might ensure its selling appeal? – Isabelle and Oliver, Atlanta Jean: Wait a minute. Are you already planning… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, Do you have any tips for staging a house before putting it on the market for sale? –Ed, AshevilleRichard: Hi Ed, and thanks for asking, because we have some strong opinions on this subject. First, the term “staging” sugg… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, I admit that I have trouble with the idea of hiring interior designers to decorate my home. With great furniture stores around—many with FREE design help, why should anyone hire an outsider to do the same job?” Jan, North Asheville… more »

Dear Jean and Richard, We’re thinking about making the inside of our home more contemporary. What key design elements should we be considering? –Kathy, Asheville Richard: That depends on what contemporary means to you. Very different in WNC than… more »

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 »