Interior design trends are constantly changing. Homeowners may find it difficult to keep up with all of the latest styles when trying to put together a home they’re comfortable in. It can be much easier to choose a timeless classic style that will stand up to changes in decor trends.
However, when you attempt to decorate by following the latest trends, eventually your home will start to look outdated. To avoid this pitfall, it’s best to stay with the classics and create a timeless look that will never go out of style.
Decorating your home in a classic, timeless style simply means that you are creating a backdrop that can be molded in any way that you wish. You can add holiday decor, rotating accent colors, and decor trends without having to change everything.
You could work with a designer or the specialists at Doors Plus to get your look together, or you can follow these tips to help you create a timeless classic look for your home.
Millwork Detail
It’s the architectural details that really portray a classic, timeless look for your home. The modern designs of today still take their tone from the Greeks and Romans. Elegant millwork, wainscoting, and crown moldings will add an interesting perspective to your home and will never go out of style. If you ever want to update your look, you can always paint or stain your millwork to coordinate with the latest decor trends.
Use Neutrals
The advantage of using neutral colors is that they seamlessly create a backdrop that can be coordinated with any style or accent colors. You can change the whole look of a room by swapping out your accent features without touching your base elements when you use neutral colors. Consider whites, beiges, tans, and browns for your main colors and calmly plain textures and woods for your floors.
Avoid Trends
Every few years, another decorating trend hits the markets, and it can be tough to resist some of the innovative designs. While there is nothing wrong with incorporating a few items into your room, it’s best to avoid a total makeover. Keeping the baseline of your home in the classic style will allow you the freedom to change things in minor ways that will still make a big impact.
Create a Focal Point
Every timeless room is centered around a focal point. It is the place to which the eye is naturally drawn and gives the room its pleasing feel. Most rooms will have a natural focal point like large picture windows or a fireplace. However, if your room lacks a natural point, it can be created using furniture, artwork, or an entertainment center. Take a look around your room to determine where the best place is for your focal point. Once you have it in place you can build the rest of the room around it.
Room Symmetry
The best way to create a classic look is to consider the symmetry in each room. Once you have chosen a focal point like a fireplace or unique coffee table, pair the objects surrounding it. For example, with a coffee table, you can place matching chairs or loveseats around it. With a mantle as a focal point, you can place matching candlesticks on either end of the shelf for a balanced look. Symmetry adds order to any room and makes people feel comfortable.
Simple Functionality
A room that is functional and simple will always be timelessly classic. Choose simple yet elegant furniture, decor, and keep the clutter to a minimum. You can have eye-catching and ornate items, but keep the number to just a few choice items. Furniture that has more than one use, like an ottoman that can also be used as storage for blankets or slippers, is the perfect piece of functional furniture.
Classic Fabric Patterns
An easy way to bring a timeless look to your home is to incorporate fabrics that have a classic look and feel. Brightly colored geometrics can be very trendy and look aged once the decor fad has passed. Traditional fabric patterns like plaids, stripes, damasks, and florals will never go out of style and allow you to play with colors and textures. To break up the neutral palette of your room, using three or more patterns and colors will bring out the beauty of each fabric.
Hide Technology
Timelessly classic rooms shouldn’t be filled with obvious signs of technology. Homes from generations in the past didn’t have the conveniences and electronics that we now enjoy. To create a classic look, it’s best to hide your wires and keep the technology to a minimum. If you have a television in your room, keep it in an entertainment center with doors that can be closed, or have it on a motorized mount that can be raised or lowered into a credenza when needed.
Quality First
The most important aspect of creating a classic, timeless look in your home is investing in quality decor, furnishings, and millwork. High-quality items, including antiques and good fabrics and furnishings, have an undeniably alluring look. You don’t have to spend a fortune to deck out every room in your home with expensive items. Start with a few pieces, build your room around those items, and add to them when your budget allows. You can try visiting antique shops or second hand stores to find a few treasures that will fit with your decor for much less than at a retail outlet.
Everyone wants to live in a home where they are proud to welcome their guests, family, and friends. To create a lovely, classically timeless home, you need to start with a solid background based on neutral colors and build up from there. Consider the symmetry of each of your rooms, avoid trends, use high-quality decor and furnishings, and add simple functionality to every space. When you use these tips, your home will have a timeless quality that will never go out of style.