Flower Love
In addition to black clothing and branded watches, there are three other things that never go out of style: comfort, sophistication, and simplicity.
It’s a very sensible way to go when developing an interior design solution. While some of us struggle to keep up with the latest trends (and stay on budget for future renovations), others are thinking of creating a timeless interior design that can be legacy for many generations to come.
Then what do you think of a home that will never go out of style?
Designing a timeless interior isn’t that difficult, especially if you carefully go through the following guidelines:
Forget the fads
Image source: Hard Brownlee & Associates Interior Design
The rule to start with timeless interior design is to get rid of fads that are only meant to last for a certain period of time (a few years or even a few months).
What we mean by fads are trendy ceilings, single wallpapered walls, misappropriated alternative furniture and everything else that you won’t see around you in the distant future.
Modern interior design ideas are a trap that you need to be careful with. If you’re not sure how to do it, think about the house you wanted to have 20 years ago. What other functions would you like?
Timeless means classic
Image source: Joni Spear interior design
And classic means enduring. Classic houses are inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, which means they have solid columns, statues, moldings, strips or other elements that take you back in time at first glance.
So choose your favorite elements and play with them. Instead of a strenuous and expensive process, interior design will be a game of details: imagine your home is a mannequin and try different ideas while a mannequin tries out clothes. We bet you will come across some unique solutions!
A timeless home should also use natural fibers and resources. This means that you have to limit your usage list to cotton, linen, wool, wood, stone, marble, and brick.
A good question is: why should you go for a classic home? The good question has good answers: you want your home to stand the test of time, defy the need for constant updates (unless we’re discussing new accents and outdated accessories), and save your money.
The ultimate goal is always an elegant, functional and comfortable home.
Keep the design in line with the architectural solution
Image source: Alexander James Interiors
When we talk about classical architecture, the first things that come to mind are drawn ceilings with wooden beams, arched doors that are reminiscent of Roman architecture, stone walls, large fireplaces and an incredibly intimate feeling that connects them.
Classical architecture has its own recognizable patterns, textures, and accent instances, which means you need to be extremely careful with both matches and contrasts (e.g. smooth wood floor versus rough ceiling joists).
In summary, it can be said that classical architecture has its own color palette, which is largely neutral and combines elements to form an image of astonishing and timeless beauty.
Focus on functionality
Image source: JLB Property Developments
One of the best things about timeless interiors is that they are both meaningful and functional. Timeless houses are houses that you can rely on and of which you can never get enough.
For this purpose, evergreen solutions are well scaled and precisely proportioned. They are equipped with high quality furniture that suits every room and style.
They’re modest in size, shape, and color, but they manage to grab attention even without an overpowering look.
Let’s summarize the rules of timeless decor: you need to avoid oversized items and balance between furniture that is too puffy and too slim.
Image source: Burnham design
Exaggerated decoration is a no-no, as are playful patterns, geometric motifs and unusual shapes. Color should be chosen with care: logically, neutral colors would be best.
You may be the biggest fan of a particular color, and the color may go well with your space, but one thing is certain: it will be out of date. Therefore, you only have to incorporate these colors through small details and accessories.
Choose neutral palettes
Image source: Live destination
A timeless look usually means harmonious and well connected places. What better connection tool than a single color palette?
The recognizable choice for almost any classic home is a neutral scheme, as peaceful and mellow colors are known as homely, traditional choices that don’t overwhelm the space.
Our suggestion is to use whites, creams, and grays; and to contrast them with natural darks such as wood and stone colors.
The key to a durable range is to get as far removed from current trends as possible. There is nothing wrong with bright colors and strong contrasts, but they will surely tire you after a while.
Image source: CWB architects
If you want a classic look, cover the base surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings) with neutral colors and apply a natural and pastel-colored finish to protect them from the ravages of time.
You can also choose black or dark shades of green and blue, complemented by your natural scheme. Mostly they are used as the only trendy solutions that can peacefully coexist with traditional color schemes.
However, be careful not to overdo it with them (they are not meant to set the overall tone of your room, but rather to enrich it).
Combine ornate pieces with neat decor
Image source: Michael Abrams Limited
Is there an amazing piece of furniture you want to use that seems too “overwhelming” for the design theme being used?
Guess what? You can still have it! Ornate elements should be the focus of classic houses. So you should think about how to combine your other elements with them, not the other way around.
Personalize your accessories
Image source: Melinamade Interiors
You wouldn’t believe it, but the finishing touches are just as important as simple furniture. If you want to get a classic home, align it with your furniture.
We recommend soft Persian rugs for hard floors and an impressive pop of unexpected color. Green is also welcome to add a breath of refreshment.
Other tricks that you can use to your advantage include carving cabinets, adding wood stains, or simply decorating with metal accents or the recognizable European handcrafted paneling. This is the most timeless your home could ever get!
Natural interior
Image source: Andrew Howard interior design
If you want a timeless interior, replace artificial trendy designs with real-time natural materials. Take out the laminate and put real wood in it.
Do the same with your solid surfaces and use granite countertops instead. Put stone on the ground. Long story short – keep it real!
Furniture is a serious investment – why buy less durable parts that you’ll have to change in a few years when you can get an heirloom that will last in your home for generations?
What we do know is that items like this are absolutely worth their price, offsetting perfect accessories and bold statement-makers (and these are absolutely worth your money!).
Antique furnishings
Image source: Elizabeth Gordon
Do you have a treasured antique or at least a good replica? Why not make it the centerpiece of your home?
It all depends on the space, but in general it is recommended to use country tables, hardwood tables, claw foot bathtubs, or amazing crystal chandeliers. In fact, anything that looks like a direct link to the past is a good idea.
consistency
Image source: Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.
You need to make sure that the properties of the different finishes applied in your home are consistent. What you don’t want is to surprise guests with a completely different decorating feel when moving from one room to another.