Admit it. We all went a little overboard with the damask accents back in 2010. But we aren’t alone in our love of trendy home decor and ensign. Remember our parent’s love of shag carpet during the 70’s? 

Each year there's a new set of home trends hitting the market, from “millennial pink” everything, to eye-catching terrazzo flooring. With new trends coming out every year, it can be difficult to design a space that’s both fresh and timeless—and doesn’t cater to the latest trend.

It can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Instead of caving to today’s equivalent of shag carpet or terrazzo flooring, try these tips for creating a timeless home that will last for generations. 

Let’s start with identifying some classic design elements with true staying power.

Material matters

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Put your money towards quality materials that will last a lifetime. A great source of inspiration is traditional homes from the 19th and early 20th century. Regardless of whether or not you love the style of the home itself, the materials used to construct these spaces are the reason those homes stood for generations, and may still be standing today. 

Whenever possible, prioritize the same natural materials you’d see in those old homes: solid wood, real marble, natural stone, and nothing plastic. Remember, the use of man-made materials, like corian or laminate come and go as technology and manufacturing processes change, but  natural elements  remain timeless.  

When considering exterior home design styles, certain materials, such as stone, cast stone, brick, and cedar shake siding are resistant to extreme weathering and passing trends. They’ve been proven to stand the test of time, both functionally and aesthetically, making them popular choices that appeal to all types of homeowners and tastes. 

Stay neutral 

The beauty of neutrals is that they blend into the background and let the space itself take center stage.  If you keep the bones of your space in a neutral color, then your backdrop will be timeless and will coordinate with the rest of your space. 

Since neutrals coordinate with a wide variety of colors, you can update the look of your space by simply changing the trendy accents and furnishings without having to do a rebuild. You can also add colored pillows, window coverings or area rugs to add a pop of color. When it comes to walls, fireplaces, trim and flooring think beiges, whites, or natural wood.

Focus on function

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The most successful interiors that withstand the test of time are those that consider the functionality of the home. It may not be glamorous to prioritize energy efficient appliances, long-term storage needs, or durable finishes, but it will pay off in the long-term. 

 Regardless of whether you’re building your forever home or intend to sell in the future, consider these more functional elements an important investment worth just as much as the shiny and beautiful design elements. 

Lastly, timeless interiors are also ones that are scaled perfectly and in proportion. Think about how large or small a room needs to be in order to serve its intended purpose, including how well your furniture fits within the space. A well-proportioned interior will use furniture that isn’t so large that it makes the room feel cramped, or so small that every piece seems to get lost. 

Let’s get started

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Looking for the right team to help you create a beautiful, timeless home? We’re here to help. Contact us today for assistance finding the best local professionals for your job, and make sure to use our free online calculator to start planning your budget!

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