Trends come and go—and designers each have their own aesthetic—but successful design outcomes are about marrying client needs with the results of the decor according to panelist Leyden Lewis. Can you aim for timeless? Yes, says Erika Kelsey Worth, Co-Chair of the Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse. Clients are influenced by trends and showing them the trends they want to see is part of the design process in any project. But, if you dig deeper into the client’s needs and visual preferences, you can get beyond the trends.

One of the trends everyone is talking about these days is luxury. There are many definitions, but panelist Jessica Ball views luxury as personalization which can be done in various ways such as colorful appliances, unusual hardware choices or panel ready options. Appliances can be beautiful and can elevate the look of the kitchen. That said, a range hood can make or break a kitchen design. The panelists agreed you can’t go wrong with the classic all-white kitchen. But, white and beige can also be seen as a response to the fear of being judged—or the fear of commitment. Don’t be afraid to show clients bold options that might give them pleasure and generate a sense of empowerment.