And Jillian Hayward Schaible, a designer in Milton, Massachuetts, also cautions clients to select the right kind of plush velvet for their furniture.
"It can add lovely depth in both texture and sheen on any piece, from furniture to accents. If you're looking for a pet-friendly, family-friendly fabric, we'd recommend opting for a performance velvet," she says.
Velvet is made of natural fibres like silk, cotton, linen, wool; less expensive versions may have a synthetic blend. Performance velvet is made of polyester.
Domino magazine's editors recently coined the name "Plazacore" for a style that nods to the Manhattan hotel that was home to the children's-book character Eloise. It's evoked by accessories like crystal, polished metallics and cushy velvet throws.
As for colour, McClain says he typically goes for light neutrals - "yes, even in a family with kids" - but that sometimes "we also love the punch of a colourful velvet. It's a statement maker."
New York City designer Gideon Mendelson says he puts velvet on sofas, chairs, headboards and, when the budget allows, walls. He likes soft greys and camels as well as "deeper tones of teal, chocolate brown, and burgundy."
HGTV's deputy home director Lora Yoon Huh sees a trend toward warm shades. "Lately, I've been seeing velvet in sunset colors like ochre and orange."
But the magazine did a recent shoot of a bed with a pale pink velvet pillow. Says Huh: "There's something about the way velvet catches the light that gives any color beautiful dimension."
And designer Nicole Fisher placed a champagne-hued, crushed-velvet bed in a home in New York City's West Village, for a sophisticated yet comforting spot. Then, in the TV room, she placed a pair of ottomans in a soft but vibrantly patterned velvet to riff off the space's sapphire-blue walls.
"There are so many ways to incorporate that cozy vibe with velvet," she says.
A look at what some retailers are offering:
For big pieces, check out Anthropologie's Juneau buffet, a statement piece with a swanky, speakeasy vibe. It could be an entertainment space with its abundant storage, Carrara marble top and brass accents. Available in blush, deep turquoise or moss-green channeled velvet.
The retailer's other offerings include the Lena Elowen chair. Antique French and Italian botanical tapestries were the inspiration for the velvet upholstery.
You'll find more comfy, stylish seating at Arhaus, Article, and Lulu and Georgia. And at Thuma, there's a lovely pillowy washable velvet headboard cover, in charcoal, fog and linen colorways.
Aerin has smart moss or dusky blue-hued velvet trays and picture frames trimmed with brass that would be chic accessories. Parachute's washed cotton velvet bedding comes in a beautiful loden green or bronze hue.
And for an unusual spin on the material, consider Artaic's stunning mosaic tile designed to emulate the look of crushed velvet. It comes in two colorways: emerald, and cabernet.
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New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.