As we celebrate 30 years of Nfocus, we have asked our friends in the community — many of whom have been with us since the beginning — to tell their story in their own words. Throughout the year, readers will hear from those who have graced our pages and supported our stories. This month, we reached out to dear friends of Nfocus, Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw, to discuss 30 years of interior design and how trends have changed over the years.

In 1993, as Herbert Fox was breathing life into Nfocus, Nashville designers were covering homes in red, green and gold. Bob was a relative newbie at Bradford’s, and Jason was using his first degree and teaching high school English classes. New homeowners wanted designs reminiscent of what their mothers had displayed: English antiques, Oriental rugs, silver and crystal. Ultimately, they wanted a sense of heritage.

Pictured is a Junior League Showhouse, arranged by Virginia Cheek and Bob around the time of Nfocus’s creation. The walls were upholstered in red and gold pinstripe with the requisite polished chintz upholstery that was so popular in those days. Note the cluttered collections on the tabletops as well. Fast forward five years or so, and Bob Deal — now sporting a mustache — stands in a teal chinoiserie dining room featuring an antique chandelier of crystal and bronze-doré. The pickled-pine cabinetry was custom finished, intended to display china in this space.

In 2007, Legend Homes gave Bob and Jason the opportunity to design and decorate a Parade of Homes house in southern Williamson County. There is no fear of color in the kitchen. For the Parade of Homes 2010, Bob and Jason once again teamed up with Legend Homes to establish an “open floor-plan” concept. This combination space — a great room, breakfast room and kitchen — features custom herringbone-patterned beadboard cabinets and a diagonally coffered ceiling. This was the beginning of the still-prevalent gray color scheme.

After Bradford’s faded into the sunset, Bob and Jason founded bob & jason design, and they recently completed the interior of a Franklin brownstone. Featured in the design are rooms that feel current and uncluttered, adorned with antique pieces alongside acquired accessories. A neutral color palette in shades of mushroom and soft blue grays cover the walls and ceilings. Interior design has always followed the trends of women’s fashion. Whether the trend is all white, all red or something completely different, Nashville will be ready for it.