The Element of Timeless Design

As new materials, fixtures, and technology continue to push the boundaries of interior design, there’s one thing that will always stand the test of time: timeless design.

There’s a simplicity and subtlety to timeless design. You know it when you see it. Have you ever picked up a magazine and seen a room that looked like it belonged in another decade? That’s the difference. Rooms and homes designed using a timeless technique won’t ever look dated—instead, they exhibit a certain air of elegance.

As you consider your at-home style or a possible home renovation, consider these timeless design strategies: 

1. Keep maintenance in mind.

Design that holds true year after year follows a certain intentionality. Materials are proven, craftsmanship is superior, and the execution is well thought out. Preserving timelessness is about more than just cleaning. You’ll want to continue to care for your home and the materials within it. For example, every three years you should consider re-caulking standing trim and moldings and adding on a fresh coat of paint.

2. Focus on natural materials.

Wood, stone, brick, and natural fibers all contain a certain quiet confidence. These are some of the best materials on Earth and utilizing natural elements will offer your design the ultimate staying power.

3. Explore the idea of “open concept.”

Open-concept design depends on how you function in your home and how intermingled you want the public and private spaces to be. Someone who likes to listen to music on Sunday morning and someone who would rather watch TV each need their own space to enjoy time at home. Play around with design, space, and style to see what feels right in your home.

Photo Credit: Ken Linsteadt Architects

4. Capitalize on lighting.

If you’re planning a renovation, get the grunt work done first. Lighting placement and layering is easiest done when the walls are open. Be thoughtful with switches and placement. Over time, it’s easy to update fixtures. Keep in mind that banks of light switches can be cumbersome—these will date your renovation.

5. Transform your kitchen into a living space.

Kitchens are more than just the room where people cook food—they’re true gathering spaces. Create continuity throughout your home by tying together paint colors, hardware finishes, and wall covering that repeat through the adjoining rooms and spaces.