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 design really is, but it’s not like apparel or automotive designs that depend on you to replace products on a regular basis. We submit that good design is always in fashion, regardless of the latest fad. In the end, it doesn’t matter what the trend—or fad—may be. The choices for your surroundings have to feel right to YOU.

Jean: Well said, Richard. Sometimes, lifestyle influences help determine a new direction. Until a few years ago, where to put the flat-screen TV was not a concern. A few years before that, no one thought about the need for a computer room, let alone a media room. But high-tech doesn’t determine good taste, so to address your question we’ll concentrate on fashion.

Richard: If you see predominant fabrics on the runway, six months later you’ll see it on upholstery. As for color trends, gentle greens, deep browns, grays and taupes are the new neutrals, rather than beiges. Jean is happy about this direction—she’s always saying green is Mother Nature’s neutral. Accent colors tend to be less primary—for example, reds are more vibrant, leaning toward oranger tones. And you often see turquoise and chartreuse mixed with that.

Jean: The combination of lime green and brown remains prominent, and high-end fabric and wallpaper companies are continuing to embrace them. We are still receiving new sample books with a shelf life of three to five years featuring those colors.

Richard: I’ve noticed a lot of emphasis on bling. There’s a continuous return to glamour, often with a hint of Deco and Old Hollywood. Mirrored furniture and lighting is still hot, and silk, linen and velvet are being used on upholstered goods and drapes. Lots of embroidery, beading, fringes—generally, a lusher look. Even the chandeliers seem grander. Brass is making a comeback in lamps and hardware with a new finish that has a hand-rubbed, waxed treatment that gives it a more aged look.

Jean: You mentioned upholstery—faux furs, plush down or blend-down cushions, and more extravagant throw pillows are popular these days. For more contemporary tastes, textures are dominating that landscape, too. Wool, corduroy, chenille, tweed—all help to make those sparse, sleek lines more friendly and comfortable. High end men’s suit fabric is showing up everywhere. Think tactile. And recently there’s been a trend toward mixing contemporary designs with antique furnishings, which I think is an extension of today’s more casual lifestyles.

Richard: And just like the girls on the runway, stay away from bulky, puffy or marshmallow furniture. Think lean and serene.