What's new in interior design is a revival of the classics -- those furniture designs that have endured the tests of time and have set a standard of excellence and recognized value.

That is exciting news for Virginians who love 18th-century furniture design. Even though the classics were the inspiration for the revival, the look was fresh and the possibilities endless.

For example, everywhere I turned at the High Point Spring Furniture Market, I saw camelback sofas, but they were not your grandmother's camelbacks. There were new curves to both the back and the arms while skirts softened the silhouette to an inviting yet graceful form perfect for any room of the home.

This year saw a successful marriage of traditional and contemporary styles, colors, textures and patterns. Familiar classic designs such as paisleys were blown up into dramatic proportions, and the effect was stunning whether the colors were brilliant jewel-tones or elegant naturals.

A new eclecticism has risen out of the flames of economic challenge like a phoenix and, with it, old is new, rustic rubs elbows with the refined and bright colors and patterns contrast with a new palette of neutrals. And that is just the beginning -- the icing on the cake is in the details: embroidered silks and silk-like textiles, embossed leathers, exotic trim embellishments, accent striping and a plethora of finishes.

After years of garish colors, I was excited to see more sophisticated color schemes that reflected nature's seasons as well as cultures from around the globe.

Instead of contrived objects, this year I saw a union of form and function as never before, proving that gadgets can be beautiful and green can be mainstream.

Every wired contraption can look great in its own special place, whether it's a docking-station accent table, a laptop writing desk or a traditional-looking secretary designed for high-tech use. And it's exciting to see furniture manufacturers embrace ways to lessen their ecological footprint and make it easier for conscientious shoppers to buy sustainable products.

With so many choices, there were opportunities for personalization, sure to please the more discriminating shopper who does not want cookie-cutter anything.
Carole Louie is an interior designer at Virginia Wayside Furniture, 10500 Patterson Ave., Henrico County. She has been a designer for more than 30 years.