A timeless interior is one that stands the test of time, and will never go out of style. It involves selecting classic elements that are not subject to trends, and are adaptable as time goes on. It raises the question, how do you create a timeless interior?
Timeless, by definition, means “not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion”. This is particularly important when considering your home because furniture upgrades can be expensive if you end up changing things every few years. By having a timeless interior, you can easily switch out accessories to give it a new lease of life.
But how does timelessness translate into interior design, and how can you apply this to your home? Let’s take a closer look!
Neutral Colours
Creating a timeless interior is all about having the right foundations in place. And by using a neutral colour palette, you can be assured that your home will stand the test of time.
Use colours like beige, cream, grey, white, and even black, to create a timeless colour palette. These colours can easily be mixed and matched together, while also providing a good background from which to build a more comprehensive interior scheme from.
Neutral colours are calming and can then be accessorised with colourful artwork, and other home accessories to inject personality and life into the space.
Classic Furniture Pieces
When I say “classic furniture”, I’m not referring to something from your grandparent’s house. I’m actually talking about furniture pieces that have a clean and simple design. This is to ensure that they won’t go out of style.
Sofas, armchairs, beds, and even dining chairs, are worth keeping simple in design, as eclectic pieces are not considered timeless.
Quality Materials and Finishes
The materials and finishes you choose for your home have a big impact on its timelessness. Poor quality materials will look dated more quickly, and need replacing regularly which can add up.
Always choose good quality finishes where your budget allows. Flooring, worktops, natural stone tiles, and luxurious fabrics are always worth investing in! They can last for decades, and will always look elegant and timeless.
Focus on long lasting durability, rather than fleeting trends.
Simplicity
It is important to keep your spaces uncluttered. This can be difficult for families with kids and pets, but good storage solutions will help you to keep clutter stored away out of sight.
Aside from clutter, avoid overloading your space with too many design elements and keep it simple to ease the eye. Clean lines throughout an interior helps to make it feel timeless.
Balance and Versatility
The key to creating a timeless interior is balance and versatility.
There should be a balance between form and function. Where possible, each piece should have a purpose while still looking aesthetically pleasing.
Consider versatile and adaptable pieces. This could be through decorative accessories, which can be easily switched in or out of the space. Can you update your room with new accessories or colours without the need for completely overhauling the space? If the answer is yes, you’ve got yourself a versatile and well balanced room.
A Word on Trends
This point may seem controversial because I am an interior designer, and part of that role is keeping abreast of new and upcoming trends. But I’m a firm believer that trends shouldn’t always be followed.
However if there is something that you absolutely love, and happens to be a current trend, I believe you can make it work in your home for as long as you need it to.
Take interior design trends with a pinch of salt, be aware of them, and embrace what you love. I would avoid incorporating larger furniture items – like sofas – into your home, as they can be more difficult to make work further down the line.
If you can start to apply some of these tips from this blog post, you’ll be able to easily create a timeless interior in your home! And one that you will love, for many years to come.
