Do you want your home to feel classy and sophisticated but also cozy and inviting? If so, it may be time to focus more on incorporating ‘timeless’ interior design elements into your space.
When I mention the term “timeless” in regards to interior design, what do you think of? For me, I think of wallpaper, neutral undertones in paint colors, showy wall trim, checkered floors. What do all of these things have in common? How have they been able to stick around in the design world over literally centuries and still look amazing?!
Today, we’re going to chat about a few of the principles of timeless design style and how you can incorporate them into your home in your own way.
What is Timeless / Traditional Interior Design?
“Timeless” interior design refers to a style that transcends trends and fads, remaining relevant and appealing over an extended period. It often incorporates classic elements, neutral colors, and enduring design principles. That’s the basic definition. Seems a bit stuffy to me.
What I want for my home is for it to feel good. I want it to ooze sophistication and comfort simultaneously. Kind of like walking into your grandma or favorite aunt’s house after being away for a while. Just being in their familiar space feels kind of like a hug, ya know?
That said, timeless interiors would prioritize longevity, functionality, and a sense of enduring elegance that will withstand changing fashion and design trends. To achieve this look in your own home, you’ll need to focus on quality materials, well-proportioned furniture, and a balance of elements to create spaces that feel relevant and inviting to anyone entering your home. Be it Nana or your 16 year old niece, they’ll likely both be able to appreciate your home style.
As trends fade in and out, there are just certain elements of design that will never go out of style. If you want to create a classic look that will stand the test of time make sure you (at least loosely) follow these 6 principles of timeless design. As subtle as some may seem, the principles in this post will help you stay on track for a solid foundation for your home design. Add your own flair on top but always keep these in mind!
1. Symmetry
When creating a classic look, one of the main things to consider will be symmetry. The human eye is drawn to symmetry and balance which means that no matter what happens with decorating styles, symmetrical rooms will always be pleasant to look at. Keep in mind when utilizing this rule, that not everything has to be a pair. You’ll still want a single focal point, but you’ll want to accessorize that focal point with pairs. For example, you may only want a single sofa, but it will look more balanced to place matching chairs in front (or on either side). The idea is to more or less create a mirror image on each side of the room, or at least balance what’s on one side with what’s on the other.
You’ll want to be mindful to not be too “matchy” with the items or furniture pieces you decide to use. Aim to achieve a balance with items that are alike but not exactly the same. This will give your space an organic, lived in feel. Unless of course, the aim is to create a formal sitting area or other such space. For formal environments, matching pairs would be the way to go. Symmetrical rooms naturally create a sense of balance, so let your eye dictate where things should go.
2. Create a Focal Point
A strong focal point is important in any room, and timeless rooms are never without them. Much like symmetry, focal points are important because they’re pleasing to the eye and give it a place to rest. Take a look at the photo below. This room gives great examples of both symmetry and focal points! Sometimes focal points occur naturally in a room, such as with built-in mantle pieces or large picture windows, but if your room doesn’t have one don’t worry.
Focal points can be created with artwork, architectural elements, or pieces of furniture such as a large hutch or vintage sofa. Have a look around the room and get a sense for where your eye naturally wants to go and then create the focal point in that space. Once you’ve decided where you want it to be, make sure that all the furniture is arranged around it. With this bit of homework be sure to pay attention to all aspects of the room. If you’ve got more than one main focal point it can make the space feel cluttered and overstimulating. Always be mindful of this when creating timeless designs in your home.
3. Use Classic Patterns
Part of what gives a room timeless style is the use of classic patterns such as botanicals, stripes, block prints, and plaids. As a general rule, it’s best to stay away from trendy prints such as chevrons, animal prints, and strong geometric features. That’s not to say they can’t look beautiful in traditional spaces when thoughtfully administered, but there’s no guarantee that these trendy prints will stand the test of time. In fact, they likely will not!
4. Stay Away From Trends
Trends can be SO FUN to hop onto and incorporate into our homes but I suggest doing so in small doses! This can be a bit tricky, especially now in the current decade of design we find ourselves living, as the current “trends” are really pulling from more traditional roots. Elaborate wall trim, chunky moldings, stained woodwork, murals, wallpaper – all of these things could be considered both timeless and currently trendy.
5. Use Quality Items
Without a doubt, the number one thing you can do to create a timeless room is to use good quality furniture, fabrics, and accessories. That’s not to say you need to spend your life savings decorating your home, but you should always buy the best quality you can afford. Low-quality furniture isn’t just likely to fall apart in a few years, it will give your room an overall shabby quality.
Pro tip here: always always check Facebook Marketplace or antique shops in your area before spending a fortune at some place like Pottery Barn or Article. The solid built, heirloom quality furniture you find secondhand is typically far superior to anything you’ll find in stores today and at a much more reasonable price point!
Likewise with cheap fabric. It gives the entire room a low-quality vibe. High-quality items, on the other hand, will last for many years and will give your room a strong sense of character and purpose. If your goal is to create a look that’s timeless, filling it with cheap things is not the way to go. You can certainly still include vintage and secondhand pieces – in fact I encourage this! – but always keep quality in the back of your mind. I may not be able to afford the $3000 couch that I want right now but if I can find the same item on FB Marketplace for a fraction of the price…. That is most certainly the route I’ll be going! Be on the lookout for my FB Marketplace shopping tips post coming soon.
6. Hide the Technology
If you really want your room to look timeless make sure you hide those cords. The most challenging and prominent item of technology to hide would typically be your TV. Even though it does seem people are using them less and less, they still pose a problem if you want to achieve a timeless feel. The problem is, not only do they need to be visible but more often than not they actually become focal points. And what’s worse, people are actually intentionally making them the focal point by placing them above fireplaces or pointing all of the furniture towards them.
If this is an issue in your home you’ll want to learn how to decorate around the TV in order to camouflage it and keep your room looking timeless and sophisticated. A gallery wall is a great way to incorporate the TV in your design plans and make it look very intentional! I’ve done this in my bedroom and would love to work on the living room wall as well some day. It really does help!
For other electronic items, try to keep things behind closed doors as much as possible. Use covers on any cords trailing the walls and paint over it to help it blend into the wall.
Keep It Classy
No matter what your preference is when it comes to color and style, it’s possible to decorate in such a way that your home will have a timeless quality. Follow the above rules and you’ll be set for years to come!
For more info on decluttering made simple, check out this post:
Or, if you’ve honed in on your timeless design style and are ready to start making changes in your home, start here!
Let me know if there are any particular areas of interior design that you’re having trouble with deciding trendy or timeless. Leave a comment below and lets chat about it!
See you lovely ladies again very soon!
Olivia
