Timeless Trends: Interior Design Choices That Stand the Test of Time

Interior design is a fascinating blend of art, function, and psychology. It shapes the way we experience space, influences our moods, and (let’s just be honest about it) determines whether or not we regret our choices five years down the road. While some trends burst onto the scene and disappear faster than you can say “open concept main floor,” others have an enduring appeal that keeps them firmly in the design hall of fame.

As an interior designer, I’ve seen my fair share of trends come and go, some with more fanfare than they deserve (*cough* looking at you, grey "wood" flooring *cough*), but there are certain elements that have stood the test of time. Today I wanted to talk about some of those elements and discuss why they continue to work even after decades.

1. Neutrals Never Fail

Classic, neutral color palettes have always been an interior design staple. Thankfully, the mustard yellow and green “neutrals” of the 1970s are more or less behind us now, but the idea of complimentary colors being used throughout the home has endured. These days, the neutrals tend to be more in shades of beiges, blues, and earth tones, but even with a palette of earth tones or brighter colors, you can still create an amazing and elegant feel in your home that never feels outdated. This works because a neutral color palette provides flexibility. You can introduce color into a room by painting a wall purple or covering the floor in a bright pink rug, but if you keep the base of the space more neutral, you have a lot more room for a variety of complimentary colors in accessories, artwork, and fabrics. (Pro tip: neutral palettes are great for increasing the resale value of a home because they appeal to a broad audience.)

2. Function > Form

I often see people create spaces that are breathtakingly beautiful, but then everything breaks down as soon as you try to use it. It won’t matter how beautiful your home is if it doesn’t function in a way that works for you – all that will do is irritate you. Using well-thought-out storage options, multi-use furniture, or hidden cabinet space can help maintain a specific look in a space while also ensuring it functions the way you need it to. Thoughtful and intentional interior design bridges the gap between form and function, so your home not only looks functions well to meet your needs, but also looks beautiful.

3. Room Jewelry, aka Statement Lighting

Lighting is a practical necessity but that doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Great lighting has always been a defining element of good interior design because a well-placed, eye-catching light fixture will transform a room from mundane to marvelous. When selecting lighting, a few things to keep in mind are the type of vibe you want in the space (moody or lively and bright), the size of the space (a huge chandelier over the table in a small dining room just never looks right), and what the space will be used for (rooms for socializing can have more ambient lighting, whereas rooms used for art or play should have a brighter effect).

4. Natural Materials

White lacquered cabinets might seem like all the rage and give you a clean silhouette in your kitchen, but they’ll also show every single fingerprint. Vinyl flooring is less expensive than hardwood but scratches like nobody’s business. Natural materials like real wood or concrete for flooring and countertops, or linen and wool fabrics continue to be sought-after materials not just because of the longevity that makes them a sound investment, but also because of the warmth and depth these materials lend to a space. As these natural materials age, particularly real wood, they grow into their environment in really beautiful ways.

5. Architectural Details for Dimension or Storage

One of the easiest ways to add timeless character to a home is through architectural details. Crown molding, coffered ceilings, and wainscotting have been used for centuries to bring elegance and sophistication to a space. Built in bookshelves can instantly elevate the look and feel of a space by providing an accent area and storage for books or décor items, and as a bonus, they help keep a home organized (which always adds to the elegance). Small touches like these can give even the most basic builder-grade home a customized look and feel and can even be seamlessly integrated into older homes to upgrade and modernize them without losing that vintage charm.

Good Design Last Forever

Interior design is constantly evolving, and while it’s always fun to experiment with new ideas, it’s important to incorporate design choices that will always remain classic. Great interior designers know how to balance trends with timeless elements and will help you create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortably functional.

Whether you’re planning a new interior design project or just dreaming of a home refresh, consider incorporating some of these timeless trends into the project. You’ll be happy you did!