Timeless vs. Trendy: The How & Why to Design a Home That Defies Time

NICE PROFILE & GOOD BONES

For me, a few things come to mind instantly, when I think of timeless design.

Timeless homes have traditional floor plans and take inspiration from the classical world. They let architecture take the lead.

Timeless rooms have symmetry and proportion. They have focal points like fireplaces and built-in bookcases. Cabinetry is designed with clean lines and the simplicity of traditional shaker doors, as in the image above.

Timeless furnishings have classic profiles and good bones. High-quality craftsmanship is key – more on that later.

TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE

In my opinion, rooms that stand the test of time are never finished all at once. Rooms that aren’t rushed inherently defy time simply because they aren’t at the mercy of trends.  

They are a mix and match of items, collected over time, which don’t necessarily correlate, but do complement. They often have deep personal meaning to the owner, or have resonated with them in some way. There are stories to be told. As such, slow decorating lends authenticity to a space.

Carefully select pieces that speak to you. Slow down and have some fun collecting – this inadvertently allows you to explore every part of your personality, and that’s not something you can start and finish in a week, or even a year…

All that to say – Be patient. There’s no rush to fill a space, just for the sake of it. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day 🙂

WANDERLUST

If you do feel that sense of urgency to “just get it done” expeditiously, I caution you to resist buying everything all in one place. If you do – you run the risk of your rooms feeling “styled”.

No offence – but if you are going for timeless – you don’t want your space look like a furniture and decor showroom. This represents a limited view and often a single perspective.

Not only will your room lack soul and personality, but it will definitely ensure that your home looks/feels trendy.

Don’t be afraid to shop around. Spend some time browsing a variety of showrooms with unique offerings, and maybe wander through several antique and vintage markets. Make a plan to seek out one-of-a-kind pieces when you travel.

THE MIX MASTER

The best rooms – rooms that defy time – are an unapologetic mix of age, styles, colours, patterns, textures.  They are full of personality.

I am sure this immediately conjures up images of cluttered spaces filled to the rafters with trinkets and tchotchkes. But no – rooms don’t need to be cluttered to achieve a masterful mix.  

Those of you who lean more minimalist can still achieve the perfect balance, through thoughtful editing. It is the act of mixing itself, that infuses the space with personality. 

Age & Style – It is important to have a nice mix of styles from a variety of eras. Older pieces bring depth and ground a space, in a way that new items never can. Antiques and vintage furniture carry memories. As pieces age, their patina evolves as well.

Further, the juxtaposition of vintage with more contemporary profiles is unexpected. It creates a bit of dramatic tension, which infuses interest into a space.

Colours – On the topic of timeless design, a common perspective is that one should “Anchor with neutral colours like whites, creams, beiges, grays, and soft earth tones for major items, to create versatile backdrops for walls, flooring, and large furniture. Then add pops of colour on easily changeable accessories, like pillows and throws.” This is not your only option – seriously!

Timeless rooms can be wrapped in colour. There is no need to hold back. However, I would opt for colours inspired by nature. Muted blues and calming greens lend a serene, peaceful, and lasting feel. 

I also recommend using tonal palettes – that is, layering different shades of the same colour, creating further depth and harmony. In terms of wood tones for millwork and flooring, medium-depth tones with minimal undertones are most versatile and don’t wane with trends.

Patterns – When it comes to fabrics and wallpaper, it is great to have some variety…from classic stripes, plaids, and toiles to more contemporary patterns, such as geometrics and abstracts. Additionally, nature-inspired prints with botanical motifs and (small doses of) animal prints never go out of style.  

Textures – Layering different textures in a space is always encouraged. Embrace natural materials like rattan, bamboo, and wicker. Fibres like wools and linens lend an organic feel. Perhaps some sumptuous velvet and a dash of leather is called for.  Leather has weight and personality that make it an excellent companion to a wide range of colours, fabrics, and patterns. For added layers of texture in a space, consider features like wood paneling or wallpapered ceilings, which add depth.

BEST OF THE BRITS: A CASE STUDY 

When it comes to timeless design – nobody does it better than the Brits. They craft rooms that span the centuries and somehow never go out of style. Albeit, they often start out with spaces that have really great architecture. However, these rooms defy time mainly because they are collected over time.

Take the quintessential English country house, for example…each generation adds, never erases. It is a slow build.

Finely crafted pieces with classic silhouettes are passed down generation after generation and stand the test of time. And even when there’s a questionable piece being handed down, Rita Konig, a British interior designer, once stated, “We keep that wretched thing and make it fantastic.”  She added, “We don’t call up a decorator and chuck out everything we have, or see something on Pinterest and overnight our home becomes something new.”

In addition to championing this perspective, I have long applauded their unwavering preference for colour, wit, and wackiness. They are brilliant curators – experts at displaying collections of objects, despite their oddness sometimes. 

They are also fearless when it comes to infusing contemporary art and decor into the mix, along with a few key furnishings that are decidedly modern. This juxtaposition keeps rooms so “of the moment” and prevents them from becoming stale.

THE INVESTOR MINDSET

So that’s the how to on creating timeless spaces. Let’s talk about why it makes good sense to do it.

It’s simple. There is inherent value in designing and investing in your home in this way. 

1. You will not have to replace pieces as trends rapidly come and go. You are investing in pieces whose silhouettes will not go out of style.

2. You will not have to replace pieces every few years because they aren’t holding up to wear and tear. You are investing in quality and fine craftsmanship. These pieces will not fall apart, unlike the fast furniture that is common today.

This should give peace of mind to those who feel they are “breaking the bank” by investing in high-end luxury furniture.

Or if high-ticket items don’t align with your budget, look to the “good old days”. There is value in vintage – scour the antique markets and vintage shops for finely crafted, one-of-a-kind, timeless treasures.

Put your personal stamp on it. Paint and fabric go a long way towards breathing life into an old piece. Or if you are lucky, you will inherit a cool piece or two that you can reimagine, and then pass down again…

Isn’t it nice to think that maybe one day the grandkids will be sipping tea on your well-loved sofa in their timeless home?

Hope you enjoyed, and see you next month!