Elements of a Timeless Space
A question that often comes up when starting a remodel or meeting with a new client is, “How can we create an updated space that feels new and exciting while still keeping it timeless?”
Timeless (definition):
Not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion
Not restricted to a particular time or date
When done right, A timeless design should be able to span years without needing to be replaced - subtle updates like trading out accessories and accents should be enough to give a new life to a timeless space. So, how can you incorporate features and elements to ensure your space is timeless? Let’s dive in:
1. Create a Functional Space Plan: Conscientious space planning is at the heart of timeless design. This is crucial because flow and circulation (or how people move in a space while using it) is key to a design standing the test of time. If you cannot enjoy the daily activities of your lifestyle, such as lounging, cooking, getting ready and entertaining according to your style and storage needs, then you will always feel the urge to re-imagine and re-decorate your spaces.
2. Go Basic on the Big Items: One of our most suggested tips is to keep your major anchoring items such as flooring, kitchen cabinets, and large furniture subtle. We like to suggest using organic materials- like wood, stone, and cotton- in neutral colors (think off-whites, beiges, grays, plus some historic classics like black, navy and dark green.) More adaptable elements include accessories, draperies, pillows, hardware, and art work. These smaller items can play off of what is currently trending and more often than not, will look great against your more subtle “Big Items”- plus, smaller items will be less of an investment if you decide to swap them out in the future when your trendy items cycle out.
3. Mix Old with New: Combining traditional styles with contemporary elements helps to blur the time-stamping effect of a particular “time period” and create a desirable curated look that seems collected over time. An example would be pairing an antique wood dining table with modern upholstered chairs under a contemporary statement light fixture - by using a combination of multiple items from different eras, a timeless design is effortlessly, yet intentionally pieced together.
4. Get Personal: Family heirlooms, meaningful knick knacks, souvenirs collected from your travels, or really anything that resonates with you personally can always be a part of a timeless design. For example, you probably won’t tire of the cuckoo clock that reminds you of your beloved grandmother’s house, however, you may find yourself ready to swap out that Homegoods paperweight after a month of it sitting on your shelf. The moral of the story is your meaningful momentos will never go out of style.
5. Play Off of What is Existing: With a truly timeless space, the design inside highlights the architecture of the home giving a sense of consistency from the curb all the way to the kitchen. If you've studied design, you know that Fallingwater, a masterpiece in organic architecture designed by legendary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, is a perfect example of this. Surrounded by natural beauty, he created a home that incorporates nature-inspired materials and the interior mirrors this theme perfect. Can you imagine how jarring it would be if the interior space was designed using a Modern Farmhouse style? So, our final tip in a timeless design style is to pay homage, even embrace the inherent structure and surrounding area of the home.
Although this feels like a long rulebook to follow, a timeless space should be a space that YOU love, these are mere suggestions. At the end of the day, there are no rights and wrongs in design as long as your home is a place you feel proud to have created!