What’s hot in home décor – and what’s on the way out as the calendar flips to 2013?

We asked members of The Charlotte Observer Design Team to give us a peek at the latest trends and to share a trick or two to help the budget-conscious among us make what’s on the way out in again.

Wallpaper, metals of all sorts (and mixing ’em up to make a statement) and bold color are in, as are eclectic looks in furnishings and accessories that give your space that curated-over-time feel.

The No. 1 out? Fussy, meticulously matched or themed décor.

More important than being a slave to ins and outs, our designers say, is to create a space that tells your story and reflects your passions.

“Unless you want to be constantly playing ‘catch up’ to what is the newest direction in design …  keep your design direction true to what suits your own lifestyle, image and needs,” says Ed Starr of Gastonia, a designer for 45 years.

Chevron and showers

Rosa Plaza Dest, Rosa Dest Interiors, Charlotte

IN: Chevron is definitely in, and in a big way. From wall coverings to fabrics to floor coverings, you are seeing it everywhere.

OUT: Gold-framed, glass-enclosed master bath showers. A sure way to make a huge visual impact is to replace framed showers with frameless glass. Not only do you get an updated bath, they’re also much easier to clean.

Go graphic

Erin Cook, Two Story Cottage (design blog), Waxhaw

IN: Bold, colorful accents such as wallpaper are being paired with globally inspired accessories for a graphic, modern look. Brass is making a comeback, along with calming neutrals and weathered wood.

OUT: Matching furniture sets are out. Break up furniture groupings and mix pieces with what you already own or replace an end table with a garden stool for a layered look.

Earth-friendly and appropriate

Ed Starr, Design Consultant, Gastonia

IN: Seek materials and furnishings that are environmentally appropriate whenever possible and keep in mind the impact on our environment.

OUT: Overly opulent and ostentatious design. Hopefully, the days of the “McMansion” are gone, and no matter how much we can afford, we will only find it appropriate to create an environment that meets our specific needs and lifestyle.

Welcome Art Deco

Lori Zannino,LZ Design Consulting, Charlotte

IN: Mixing bold jewel tones and neon brights with muted grays and beiges. Also in: textures (wide knits, burlap, wood grains, etc.) and mixing metals and woods in furniture and decor items. Art Deco style will see a resurgence, with mirrored furniture and decor with strong angles.

OUT: An all-neutral color palette. Make this “out” an “in” by adding pops of color in your accessories.

Personal and essential

Jodi Paige Kines, Plan.It Design LLC, Belmont

IN: Allowing our spaces to evolve as we collect, display and surround ourselves with items that tell a story about the people who live with, love and use them.

OUT: “Excess-orizing” our spaces – that is, filling our floor plans, walls and shelves with a formula of items just to “finish” a space. If you look around and your space feels busy, cluttered or even a bit impersonal, eliminate things that do not have meaning to you, reflect your personality and lifestyle or help tell your story. Fill in any gaps with more personal items. Think beyond “off-the-shelf” items and reach for a stack of old family photographs that have been crammed in a drawer, or consider displaying souvenirs from travels or memorable moments in your life.

Less is more

Cindy Meighan, Designed Interiors, Charlotte

IN: The new year will bring soft, sophisticated, nature-inspired neutrals, with grays leading – from light silver to deep charcoal. White stays strong in all areas. Wallpaper is back, showing its sexy side with large geometric prints, often just on an accent wall. Fabrics – from soft, textured neutrals to large, bold prints to tribal looks – are all strong. Sheers are back and gorgeous, especially in the bedroom.

OUT: Say bye-bye to matching furniture sets. Try upholstered chairs in leather, linen or an exciting print to liven up your dining room. Big, overstuffed chairs and sofas are out. Look for sleek, angled backs, curved sides and slim legs.

Don’t scream ‘money’

Bobbie Cox of Dragonfly Designs, Charlotte

IN: Cinema-inspired color tones and accessories; i.e. lab bottles used as vases, old movie reels on bookshelves, etc. Also in: menswear-inspired fabrics and accessories. And repurposing items to create something new and functional.

OUT: Overembellished window treatments – go for simple and clean lines. Also out: the unused room; turn it into something the whole family can experience. Gold-gilded furniture or items that just scream money are being replaced with items that can be used every day.