I admit I haven’t bought furniture in quite a while. In fact, half the furniture in my living room is inherited — leather-topped cherry tables, a mahogany breakfront with built in table, and crystal table lamps — passed down from family through the ages.

But my house is eclectic, and I am always seeking news about current furniture and accessory trends. Therefore, it was with great interest that I read recently Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s naming of the top furniture trends of 2012.

Here is a sampling of what the retail furniture giant had to say:

• Sectionals grow in popularity. “Durable, high performance fabrics and leathers make sectionals appealing in 2012, along with versatile pieces, such as a chaise ottoman that can flip to either end.”

• Now sleek, storage beds move into the master bedroom. “For 2012, many of them will include enough storage to reduce the need for both a chest and dresser, or add much-needed extra storage for shoes, off-season clothing, linens and more.”

• The console loveseat becomes affordable. Once considered a luxury product, today’s console loveseat is “perfect for small spaces and budgets, it's as fully loaded as home theater sofas and sectionals, including cup holders, storage console, plush arms, head-rest and chaise-style ottomans, multiple comfort positions and power.”

• TV stands make a comeback. A sports fanatic, I admit to having a 60-inch TV in a small-size living room. And I’m not the only one who likes the big and flat TVs. Ashley Furniture HomeStores says that in 2012 the “vast majority of those TVs will be housed in or on furniture rather than hung on the wall. Look for better-designed, better-quality TV stands (that look like real furniture), along with clever places to store components -- and taller, multi-purpose versions that double as a drawer chest.”

• Servers and sideboards see new popularity. “For 2012, look for servers with as many drawers as doors, integrated power bars or moisture-resistant tops,” Ashley says.

• Writing desks  blend with other furniture pieces. “For 2012, it's all about compact workstations, with a simple table in a bedroom, hallway or behind the sofa. Look for warmer styles that blend with other furniture pieces.”

• As more people stray to eating on the sofa rather than at the dining table, look for bigger coffee tables to emerge. “For 2012, look for pop-up coffee tables for eating or working in front of the TV, storage drawers or shelves and deeper sizes scaled for sectionals.”

• Ashley Furniture HomeStores says “unique stand-alone accent furniture will add storage, flexibility, and plenty of character in 2012 -- satiating our appetite for something fresh, new or daring when budgets don't allow a full room makeover.

What trends do you see emerging — or disappearing — in 2012? I welcome your insights.