Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media platforms have fuelled a world of ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ designs. Today’s approach to home design is more trend-driven than ever before, and the result is a series of ‘micro-trends’ that are big in terms of buzz, but lacking in terms of longevity.
The way forward is a move back towards timeless design. Spaces should not only look immediately fantastic and eye-catching, but they should also stand the test of time when it comes to impact. This means designing dynamic spaces that have the potential to look great years down the track and will transition well with future lifestyle changes.
Timeless design strikes a balance between what is fashionable and what’s considered a classic style. Accent pieces and accessories can be used to introduce trendy features into a room, but they can be swapped out and replaced when/if they become outdated. Timeless design means getting the foundation right so you can spice up classic design according to your tastes.
Why is timeless home design important?
Timeless home designs have staying power. They are relevant today but they remain relevant tomorrow and beyond. A timeless interior exudes a quiet sense of confidence and it’s sophisticated, yet exciting and inviting. Timeless design is neither over the top nor boring and it dances between feeling lived in and being carefully curated.
To achieve a timeless look in your home you should consider your floor plan, focus on functionality, be inspired but not bound by trends, pay homage to the classics, stick to a neutral palette, modernise with art and decorative elements, avoid overcrowding and mix old with the new. Some ideas to try include:
1. Investing in high-quality pieces
Durable furniture is the key to a timeless home design. Put simply, high-quality furniture lasts longer and looks good for longer. Low-cost options that get shabby over time can quickly bring down the wow of any room, so don’t be afraid to invest in quality. Avoid plastic-based materials like bonded leather or melamine, MDF, and laminates. Instead, look for natural materials like timber, marble, stone, hardwood, and natural fibres.
2. Opting for white linen in the bedrooms
White is a classic colour that has soothing qualities. White linen is crisp, clean, and minimalistic, forming a great base for any short-term design trends you’d like to incorporate. White linen makes dressing up and dressing down a bedroom a breeze, and it’s neither feminine nor masculine. It’s convenient and easy to clean and white linen can help to brighten a room.
3. Considering built-in shelving
Built-in shelves can contribute to the sophistication of a room while adding versatility, depth, and practicality. Whether they surround your entertainment centre, flank your home office desk, or fill a boring nook, built-in shelves add classic character and solve storage issues. Built-in shelves are known to be a great return on investment and they form a base for displaying short-term trends.
4. Marble kitchen counters
Marble kitchen counters are a desirable addition to any home and they never go out of style. Marble is a natural stone which makes it extremely durable and resistant to general wear and tear. It’s one of the easiest ways to refresh any space with a touch of flair and a whole lot of class. It’s sleek, bold, elegant and versatile.
5. Decorating with organic accents
Natural materials like rattan, wood, and stone feature prominently in a timeless design. They’ve been about throughout the ages and they add visual interest, warmth, and depth to interiors. Organic accents that focus on craftsmanship provide bespoke settings and a little goes a long way. Choose a handful of decorative accents to display and give each accent room to breathe.
6. Stylish window fittings
Nothing deters the eye when you invest in quality window fittings and retractable screens. Functional components are designed for minimal expression and modern tracks, cassettes and handles can provide beautiful classic aesthetics and sleek finishes. Invest in high-quality window fittings and doors and combine both looks with performance.
7. Embracing enduring trends
Trends aren’t always short-term. Some trends remain year after year. One example is geometric wallpaper, which can be as glamorous or as simple as you like. This trend has stood the test of time because it provides value - it’s eye-catching and detailed and adds an instant wow.
8. Personal style
If you know that you’ll be in your home for years to come, then reflecting your personality is not something to shy away from. There are elements of your personality that will never go away, so find out what these are and use this to fuel your design ideas. Pieces that show your character and tell your story will never go out of style.
What timeless design is?
Timeless design is neither avante-garde, fussy, ornate, or opulent. Timeless design is quietly understated, simple and sophisticated and yet it’s not bland or boring.
Timeless home design is a style that belongs to both its space and its environment. Items from yesterday, today, and tomorrow can be brought in to add flair and personality, creating a sense of balance and order. Function is an important element of timeless design.
Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media platforms have their place in the world of design but they need to be used carefully. Create a background that’s neutral, emphasise clean lines, and shape your home’s natural architectural features and you’re well on your way to a home that will wow its guests for years to come. You’ll also feel at home, always.
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