You will want to create a timeless look to make the most out of any renovation or interior design upgrade. Otherwise, you will likely need to redecorate every few years to keep up with the latest looks and styles. We’ve all been in spaces that feel super stylish in a way that will be everlasting because of their classiness. When you are working with an interior designer, be sure to highlight to them the importance of timeless design for your project. Along the way, they will employ strategies like the following 10 tips to create a living environment that is beautiful and comfortable.
1. Choose a neutral color palette
Neutral colors will not dominate the room, which means you can allow the furniture and décor to make a statement. Whites, greys, and creams have always been in style and will likely always be in style, so centering your design around neutral tones will give you the best chance of setting up a space that will remain in style for the long term. This is why black and white tiling, cream-colored couches, and white walls are seen in spaces across decades—they speak to a classic look free from time and place.
2. Prioritize natural materials
Building materials go in and out of fashion. Think of the resurgence of wallpaper, previous trends with linoleum, and more. When in doubt, stick with natural materials to ensure your space achieves a timeless look. That means wood flooring, cotton, leather, linen textiles, wood, metal, or stone furniture, and more. Along this same theme, incorporate natural elements, including plants and flowers, whenever possible. They give life to the space, brighten a room, and serve as timeless decoration pieces.
3. Invest in high-quality furniture
So many fast furniture brands are available today, with particleboard pieces that will last you only a couple of years at best. These items tend to follow trends rather than staying true to a timeless look. So, when in doubt, choose high-quality furniture that won’t break and has been trusted for decades. Think about the long-lasting appeal of the Eames Lounge Chair, which is simple wood and leather and has been in style since it was first created.
4. Set up symmetrical spaces
Create your layout with symmetry in mind. This is a foundational visual concept that brings balance and simplicity to a space. Whether it means having two chairs opposite the couch, end tables on either side of the couch, or a piece of art centered on the wall, this visual composition can elevate your space and has been a preferred way of styling for most of history.
5. Mix old and new
Bring in pieces from different decades to add variation and prevent your space from looking like a snapshot from a single moment in time. Add antique details, like a refurbished bookshelf or console, juxtaposed with contemporary lighting fixtures and modern artwork. This blend of time periods will help your space feel eternal and allow you to express your specific taste by handpicking items that show your style.
6. Don’t make your decisions based on trends
It’s easy to see videos and images on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok and immediately want to buy the product. Try to refrain from doing this as much as possible so that you don’t fill your space with temporary trends. The latest pattern or cute rug may look outdated in just 1-2 years, forcing you to buy a new one to replace it. Find inspiration from longer-lasting sources and designers so you don’t fall into the trap of fast fashion cycles and styles that fade in time.
7. Use built-in storage to hide technology
Technology is one of the fastest-changing industries, with new developments coming out at an unfathomable speed. Try to avoid making your space heavily feature technology, as it is a quick path to looking outdated. Think of rooms that have built-in speakers hanging from the ceiling at a time when we now have thin sound bars and tiny Bluetooth speakers that can achieve the same result. Hide your speakers, TV, and other tech items in built-in storage units so your space isn’t immediately dated by the year those items were released.
8. Pick patterns that have stood the test of time
New patterns come and go—but stripes, checkers, dots, and other basic graphics have lasted for generations. Choose those textile patterns or accents whenever possible to avoid jumping on that fast-fashion bandwagon. Think of how cheetah or leopard print has gained and lost popularity. Graphics and patterns are often specific to a moment in history, so you will want to avoid focusing on those elements.
9. Design around the architecture
Make sure you are designing your space with the actual space in mind. Use natural elements of your home as a centerpiece, for example, a fireplace and mantle. Organize your layout around those items and use them as inspiration when you look to establish symmetry. Fighting against your space’s natural layout will only make your design feel awkward and forced.
10. Understand the importance of lighting
Lighting sets the tone for the whole space, and it is important to incorporate various light sources to make the room feel like an intentional space. Foster as much natural light as possible, as well as sconces, accent lights, and lamps. Avoid too much overhead lighting, as it tends to make a room look flat and washed out.
If you are looking to elevate your interior or renovate your home, reach out to us at 5Blox to schedule a consultation call.
