If this year’s High Point Market proved anything, it’s that homeowners are embracing spaces with more personality. Mary Caroline Dansky with Dixon Smith Interiors spotted everything from color-drenching to custom details while on her trip to Dallas market, making for interiors that feel collected and personal.

Keep reading to see her favorite trends from market and tips on investing in them.

What trends did you spot at market?

“The biggest theme I’ve noticed is drenching. Color drenching is back, and there are lots of saturated and layered colors. Layering patterns is at an all-time high. Also, layering has extended into texture and shape as well; trim and new ways to apply trim on pillows, chairs and wrapped around furniture bases. Caterpillar trim, fringe, patterned tapes and contrast welting are everywhere and being mixed, matched and layered together to create truly custom pieces. And of course, the mahjong table is making an appearance in almost every showroom. In-home card rooms, golf simulators and moody cocktail lounges are all the rage, and the showrooms are picking up on it, offering tables and adjustable furniture arrangements to suit and accommodate these trendy hobbies and multipurpose spaces.”

Do you have any favorites?

“I’m absolutely drooling over the layering of textures. I’m seeing lots of two-toned furniture pieces, such as sofas with one fabric on the exterior and cushions in a different texture or pattern. Even in a neutral scheme, multiple layers of texture create so much impact and subtle detail. I’m also loving the fully upholstered pieces, with fabric or leather wrapping around the entire piece and base. There’s a lot of furniture wrapping happening with rattan, leather, mohair and fabric. I saw one spot ottoman with a mohair base and a leather top all in the same color family, and it looked so rich.”

Since trends are constantly changing, are there any that are more worthy of investing in versus others?

“Invest in things you truly love: art, rugs, antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces. Treat good upholstery as your base. Trends come and go, but I’ve learned what goes around comes around. Start with a timeless base and then start collecting and layering in pieces that you love as you find them. Layers are great, and the key to a design that can evolve and grow with you and your personal style. The most impressive homes, to me, are the ones that feel fresh but collected and rich in personality.”

What materials, colors or textures seemed to dominate this year’s market?

“I’m seeing so much patterned tape and fringy trim, as well as napped and textured fabric. There’s always a lot of green at market, but this year, in addition to green and blue, there have been a lot of deep pinks and purples. Also, I’m seeing more yellow or ochre than I have in the past. Everything is feeling rich. And of course, there’s always lots and lots of blues. I always tell people blue is one of my favorite neutrals; it will never go out of style. But seeing all these other saturated colors and patterns mixed in is so fun.”

Are there any trends from previous years that you’re seeing evolve or make a comeback in a new way?

“I’ve seen a revamp of plaids, stripes and suiting materials; they resurfaced a few markets ago. When they first made their comeback, plaids and stripes still felt masculine. But I’ve seen a lot of lighter and really interesting color combinations that give them an airy feel, allowing them to be mixed in with more feminine styles, which has been fun to watch. I’ve also seen a lot of lines bringing back retired pieces and giving them a revamp and some new life, like fresh takes on classics.”

Were there any trends you were surprised by this year?

“I was surprised at how much burled wood and retro textures I’ve seen. It’s always been around, but I feel like I’m seeing all of the companies highlight it in their showrooms and on social media right now. Burl and really rich, warm wood tones mixed with other textures and finishes, like rattan. Lacquering also seems to be coming back, and mixed with all this tried and true texturing, I’m here for it.”

What’s your favorite part about market?

“My favorite part of market is the people. With the internet, there is so much access to seeing new designs all year long, but seeing your sales and customer service representatives in person and getting to talk and catch up outside of an email is so rewarding. The bond we have with them is so important because it takes a village, and as a designer, I could not do my job without them. I also love to see all of the customization options in person at market. No details are spared: unique skirts and bases, and seeing all the ways that you can alter a custom piece to make it truly one of a kind. It feels like a designer’s playground.”

Learn more about Dixon Smith Interiors on their website here.