Fashions come and go, and what is cool and trendy today might look outmoded or dated in just a few years. In order to get the most out of your home's interior design, the best choice is to go with timeless looks that will remain contemporary for years to come.
While no one can predict what the future will bring, here are a few guidelines to creating elegant, modern homes with a timeless design:
As far back as the Ancient Greeks, philosophers have noted that humans really love symmetry and balance. One of the best foundations for a timeless design is by using decorating styles that emphasize harmony and balance.
Keep in mind, however, that the most pleasing symmetry is one that is close to perfect yet not quite perfect. A little bit of variance will actually emphasize the balance in a room.
Right now, trends such as the Mid-Century Modern Style are in vogue. But how can you incorporate a trend like this while designing for a timeless look? The answer is in the careful use of accents.
For example, consider easily replaceable pieces such as prints, throw pillows, and rugs that fit with current fashions rather than investing in a big piece like a bed, sofa, or central table in the current style. Then, as your tastes change, you can easily incorporate new looks without having to completely redecorate the entire room.
The hardest things to replace are often quite expensive as well, meaning flooring, big pieces of furniture, and cabinetry. For these items, go with something neutral that can easily withstand the test of time.
Note that a neutral palette for your home does not have to mean boring. Neutral is both a state of mind as well as a palette of colours that allow for more creative flourishes in the way of wallpaper, paint colours, and accent pieces.
A leopardskin rug might have been the height of fashion a few years ago, but today, it would look wildly out of place. The best way to create a timeless design is to stick with classic patterns such as stripes, plaids, damasks, and floral designs, especially in muted or neutral colours.
If you look at a photograph taken in a home just 10 years ago, one of the first things you'll notice is just how fast the technology has changed. Rooms that once proudly boasted VCRs, bulky TVs, and DVD players now rely on flatscreen TVs and digital recording devices. In design terms, these gadgets often work (intentionally or not) as a focal point, serving as the complete opposite of a timeless look.
The best way to create a timeless design is to minimize the impact that gadgets play in a room. Designs that incorporate ways to hide away (or store) technology have a much more timeless look. With a little bit of work, it's easy to find ways to integrate technology or camouflage it so that the timeless aspects of the room are what stand out.
Timeless designs for your home need to be able to last for years, so that means investing in very good quality furniture, fabrics, and accessories. Trendy items tend to be produced rapidly and in bulk, meaning that they soon wear out and begin to look faded.
While you don't have to invest in expensive, vintage pieces to create a balanced, timeless look, it is essential to focus on quality first. This means choosing well-made fabrics that will add a sense of character and purpose to the space and furniture built to last.
Even if you like a particular design style now, such as a rustic look, achieving this is easy when you have a solid base to work with. This also means if your choice of style changes, it's easier to remove and replace layers without having to completely start over.
Items that are worth spending more for quality include dining room tables, flooring, beds, living room sofas, and kitchen cabinets.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to add a timeless element to any room is with the strategic use of art. Prints, photographs, and other forms of art make a statement about the room that also reflects on the furniture, fabrics, and accessories.
Although it has a subtle effect, remembering to incorporate clean lines is one of the most effective ways to create a timeless look. Clean lines refer to the physical space, making sure that everything is oriented symmetrically, but also the way that the room feels.
Take a step back and look at the room as a whole, making note of whatever stands out, feels cluttered, or doesn't fit in with the rest of the room. By eliminating these items and creating a smooth, overall look, you'll be on your way to creating a truly timeless design.
Interior design trends change with the times, but the designs with the longest staying power are those which incorporate timeless elements such as quality furniture, classic fabrics, neutral colours, and a pleasing symmetry.
As mentioned, with your foundation of timeless design, you can still incorporate trendy elements you love. Take a look at what's in and what's out for 2018 interior design and let your imagination soar! Following our tips can help you blend styles in a way that's complementary and easily changed.