9 Timeless Decorating Choices That Never Go Out of Style
By Noe DeWitt for VERANDA
“Disclosure: Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links.”
We’ve all been there – buying a trendy piece only to see it quickly go out of style. The same can happen with home decor. However, there are certain decorating choices that will always remain stylish, no matter the year. Interior designer Stephanie Sabbe believes that a strong foundation in interior architecture makes it easier to decorate, ensuring your home remains timeless.
Once you have a good base, you can have fun adding personal touches to make the space your own. According to Adrianne Bugg, principal designer at Pillar & Peacock interior design, a well-planned space that reflects the owner’s style will never go out of fashion.
Think of the following decor ideas and principles as the Princess Diana of interiors – timeless and elegant.
1. Natural Stone Countertops:
Stone countertops like marble, quartzite, and soapstone offer beauty and durability, making them a timeless choice. They are versatile, fitting seamlessly into various design styles and aging gracefully over time. However, granite lacks the unique veining seen in other natural stones.
2. Layers of Color and Texture:
A room without a mix of color and texture can feel bland. Adding natural materials like wood, stone, and metal creates a balanced, organic feel. Layering soft textures and pops of color adds warmth and personality, keeping the space welcoming and cohesive. This approach allows you to evolve the room’s aesthetic over time by incorporating new elements that resonate with you.
3. A Fireplace (Feel Free to Fake It!):
A fireplace adds charm and warmth to a space. Whether real or faux, it creates a focal point and cozy atmosphere.
According to interior designer and owner of Redd Kaihoi in New York City, Kai Kaihoi, having a fireplace in a home adds a sense of completion. Fire has always been a central element in human existence, evoking comfort and focus. Kaihoi suggests that even if your existing home, townhome, condo, or apartment doesn’t have a wood fireplace, you can still create the ambiance by opting for a gas unit. For those without a chimney flue, installing a fireplace look-alike can still provide the desired level of comfort. The key is to ensure it looks architecturally convincing, resembling a realistic firebox depth and chimney breast.
Interior designer Nick Olsen from New York City recommends a simple bolection fireplace mantel, which features a basic, curvy molding profile available in wood, stone, plaster, or mirror. He advises against choosing mantels that are overly ornate, historically inaccurate, or tacky. Olsen praises unlacquered brass hardware, which ages beautifully and suits various settings such as the city, country, or beach. Updating door hardware, cabinet pulls, or bath fixtures with unlacquered brass can instantly elevate the space.
When it comes to furniture, quality pieces from any era can stand the test of time. Making simple upgrades like new upholstery, oiling wood, sealing stones or ceramics, and polishing metal can refresh antique and vintage items. Thoughtful furniture layouts that prioritize flow, comfort, and conversation enhance the usability and aesthetic appeal of a room. Virtual tools like RoomStyler 3D Room Planner or Floorplanner can help in visualizing different furniture arrangements before making any changes.
According to Olsen, opting for leather or suede seating with elegant lines is always a good choice. He references designers David Hicks and Billy Baldwin as prime examples of this timeless style. Olsen praises the graceful lines of Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, noting that they look particularly striking in leather or suede compared to traditional silks. These chairs, with their origins in 18th-century French craftsmanship, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also surprisingly comfortable.
Whether incorporated into a modern or classic setting, Olsen asserts that these pieces can seamlessly blend in as long as they are of high quality and in proportion to the space. He also suggests that high-quality reproductions can be a suitable alternative if authentic antiques are hard to come by, humorously questioning who truly lives with museum-quality pieces anyway.
Sirna advocates for adding unexpected sculptural elements to elevate a room’s design, whether through unique furniture shapes, striking light fixtures, or dimensional art pieces. These distinctive features showcase a sophisticated design sensibility and add depth and conceptual interest to the space.
Reynal promotes the use of curtain panels hung on a rod with rings as a refined and versatile window treatment option. Unlike industrial slatted blinds or aggressive blackout shades, these curtains bring sophistication and softness to a room while enhancing its overall design. The smooth gliding rings allow for both functionality and elegance, complementing a range of aesthetics from traditional to casual, depending on the chosen fabric.
In summary, incorporating leather or suede seating with elegant lines, sculptural elements, and curtain panels on rods with rings can enhance the design and ambiance of a space, adding sophistication and versatility to the overall decor.
