On-Trend and Timeless Designs
Just a few years ago it seemed every home, magazine, and HGTV reno show was saturated with that Magnolia-esque farmhouse style we’ve all come to know so well. From shiplap walls to big barn doors and a plethora of wordy décor, Magnolia farmhouse was anywhere and everywhere! But just as fast as it came, that type of Farmhouse trend left and was replaced with bold colors, transitional design elements, and modern interior stylings.
Every year there is a new batch of trends that take over the design world; each coming and going at such an intense rate that it makes our heads spin! The rise and fall of these trends are largely due to the fact that these days we value creating home designs that are both on-trend AND timeless. While Magnolia Farmhouse style is no longer at the forefront of design, elements of this trend are is still around in homes today. Just used more sparingly!
People are not as afraid of their space being “on-trend” as they are about it being “out of style”. The goal is finding a balance where you can express your personal style but also create a space that won’t look outdated in a few years’ time. On today’s blog we are going to share with you 5 tips to help you create a design that achieves that perfect balance and is both on-trend AND timeless.
1. Finding a Balance
Like we said, creating a design that’s on-trend and timeless is all about creating a perfect balance.
It’s important to be aware of trends and use aspects of your very favorite trends, but don’t go overboard on trends. Instead, rely primarily on those tried and true features/design styles you really, really love and that you have seen in your favorite designs regularly throughout the years.
For example, the reason why many people got burnt out on Magnolia Farmhouse designs so quickly is because many homes leaned TOO far into the trend. Whereas a home today could utilize the farmhouse style more sparingly to give a home that cozy, rustic vibe without it feeling overdone or generic.
We recommend choosing materials that you personally love. Your personal taste isn’t a trend, so you don’t have to worry about it going out of style. And truly excellent design is timeless so we recommend working with one of our interior designers when composing your space.
This project “Brindle” utilizes wood paneling throughout the home which is reminiscent of the Mid-Century Modern design style. What keeps this design timeless and is how the paneling is used alongside timeless design elements such as the sleek white sofa, the neutral color palette and stonework, and the traditional dining set. This gives the home balance among its design elements keeping it on-trend and timeless.
This project “Brindle” utilizes wood paneling throughout the home which is reminiscent of the Mid-Century Modern design style. What keeps this design timeless and is how the paneling is used alongside timeless design elements such as the sleek white sofa, the neutral color palette and stonework, and the traditional dining set. This gives the home balance among its design elements keeping it on-trend and timeless.
2. Start small
Incorporating trends through interior design doesn’t need to be on a grand scale.
Smaller elements like light fixtures, hardware, barstools, décor items (rugs, curtains etc.) are the perfect way to test out trends because they can easily be replaced over time as your style changes. Not only is it less of a commitment but it allows you to express your style without fear of going over your budget!
Red velvet dining chairs coupled with green curtains add pops of color to this otherwise neutral dining room. The elegant molding and traditional sconces keep this space timeless while the fun, colorful accents add personality to the space. The best part is the homeowner can change up the chairs or curtains whenever they please!
3. When in doubt, keep it neutral
If you are unsure of how to keep your space timeless, we recommend starting with a neutral color palette allows you to integrate different trends over time without it looking like you went overboard. Whites, greys, creams, and browns keep your space light and airy and are a beautiful contrast to darker colors and stains.
If you are a lover of color, you can always incorporate statement pieces in your home design such as an accent wall, a bold chair, unique art fixtures, or even a color on your ceiling!
4. Mix old and new
Some design elements have proven to us that no matter what the year, they will always be in style.
One of the easiest ways to design spaces that will stand the test of time is to base your design on homes that have already stood the test of time. Look back over the last century and you can identify which styles, layouts, materials, and decorative elements seem to transcend time.
Mixing and balancing old and new elements will ensure that your home design doesn’t look like either a vintage time capsule or a trendy space that could feel dated by next year. Timeless designs look like they have always been there but are functional and well maintained enough to feel perennially fresh and current.
It’s important to remember that trends are cyclical! While we hope that carpet in the kitchen or popcorn ceilings never make their way back into home designs, other trends will ebb and flow in and out of style throughout the years. So don’t throw away your vintage décor, it might come back in style before you know it!
From the shaker cabinet doors to the traditional layout, this kitchen design is classic and one that has been a staple in home designs for many years. What gives this classic space a modern twist is the olive-green color used on the cabinets and island as well as the pops of gold on the barstools and hardware. This is a great example of creating a unique space that will not go out of style.
5. When it comes to staple design elements – keep it timeless!
Those bigger design elements in your space are expensive and hard to replace. Countertops, cabinetry, flooring, and molding are often a focal point and set the tone for the entire home, so we recommend choosing a timeless design for these features.
These are also items that are more expensive and harder to replace making them a great area to invest in as you won’t be replacing them frequently!
It’s important to remember that what’s “trendy” and what’s “timeless” is in the eye of the beholder. While some homeowners may think subway tile is a trend that will come and go, others may believe that it’s timeless and here to stay. While we gave you tips to guide you in your design process, it’s important to stay true to you and your unique style. It’s your home after all!
Let us help you create your dream space! To meet with a designer or set up a consultation, contact us.