What gives timeless interiors their staying power? How can you embrace the latest interior design trends while preserving an evergreen sense of style? Do you have to scrub all personality from your home to achieve timeless interior design that won’t look dated in a few years?
That last question gets a hard “no” from all of us at Weaver Custom Homes! One of our favorite jobs is helping our clients strike a balance between tried-and-true elements of timeless home construction and touches of uniqueness. In fact, one of the biggest trends of the moment focuses on timeless interior details, like exposed brick and custom built-in shelving (more on that in a moment).
In our decades of experience as one of the most trusted custom home builders in Ohio, we’ve seen tons of trends come and go. Here are some of our favorite strategies for creating a unique custom home design that will never go out of style.
Pick a Neutral Color Palette
We know what you’re thinking – but neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Case in point: the classic look of black and white interior design. Whether it’s white subway tile, a checkerboard floor tile pattern or charcoal-colored crown molding against white walls, this look always feels fresh and modern. For a softer take on it, try navy blue or deep green paired with a warm shade of off-white. Working with an expert in our Design Center, you’ll have the chance to see how these high-contrast combos create an enduring backdrop for nearly any style of furnishings. And for timeless interiors without high contrast, consider layering in various tones of a neutral color like cream or green for a sense of depth.
Embrace Symmetry
A sense of balance and proportion never goes out of style. From the moment you begin sketching out your custom floor plan design, you’ll find symmetry is key to creating timeless interiors that feel welcoming, calming and comfortable over the long haul. As you choose and place furniture, artwork and textiles, keep your eye on the way pieces balance each other out. If something feels “off” in a space, it’s likely lacking in symmetry.
Keep Linens Simple But Sumptuous
What’s the one hallmark of any timeless interior design? Bedding and window treatments made of luxurious fabric in solid, staple colors. Why? Patterns and prints tend to look dated quickly. All-white sheets instantly create a feeling of luxurious indulgence – especially in a top-quality material like cotton percale. Plus, they pair seamlessly with any trendy pattern or hue on duvets, throws and accent pillows. The same goes for drapes or curtains: Opt for a neutral color that’s just a shade lighter or darker than your walls – not a pattern – and a sumptuous material, like silk for upscale elegance or drapery-weight cotton for a more casual effect. Keeping linens simple yet luxurious allows a lasting look that frames other elements of a room, like vintage furniture or a colorful area rug.
Add Elegance With Marble
From the Taj Mahal to Michelangelo’s Sculpture of David to the Washington Monument, marble gleams with enduring beauty. Add that elegant feel to your timeless interior design by choosing marble or marble-look materials for countertops, backsplashes, flooring and accents. Porcelain tiles can deliver a convincing semblance of marble with better durability, higher resistance to stains and scratches, and a lower price tag. Take a stroll through our 3D virtual home tours to see many examples of marble’s ageless elegance in modern settings.
Bring In Organic Accents
Mother Nature is forever fashionable. Invite her into your decor to add warmth and freshness to a classic home design. Whether you opt for a pair of potted palms on either side of a sunny window, a textural jute rug grounding a conversation area or a set of rattan chairs tucked into a vintage wood dining table, organic accents bring a natural feel to timeless interiors.
Opt For Hardwood Floors (or High-Quality Lookalikes)
Hardwood flooring in a neutral shade of brown – not too light, not too dark, no obvious undertones of red, orange or blue – pairs seamlessly with timeless home construction and decor. And there are plenty of high-quality lookalikes to keep your budget in check, like luxury vinyl, wood-look tile, engineered hardwood and bamboo. Get timeless interior bonus points for choosing a chic herringbone layout that’s been a symbol of upscale refinement for centuries. It’s got a unique yet classic visual appeal that’s among the important elements to consider for your custom home.
Consider Custom Built-Ins
Think custom can’t also be classic? Home design that includes custom built-ins will prove you wrong! Cabinets, shelves and seating that are built right into your timeless home construction can make your brand-new home feel bigger and more established – not to mention the incredible amount of storage they deliver! In short, custom built-ins elevate your home design with functionality and craftsmanship that outlast all the trends.
Resist the Trendy Trends
Remember the furry boots and lace-up jeans that were popular in the early 2000s? No? That’s because they were hot for approximately one minute. Expect the same fleeting lifespan in home decor trends like geometric accent walls and Edison bulbs. They may look amazing in glossy magazine photos or the most current reno shows, but they will definitely look dated in the not-too-distant future.
That’s not to say you can’t have fun or express your personality and still have a timeless interior design! The trick is to stay a bit more traditional with the big things, then spice it up with smaller details that are easier – and cheaper– to switch out more often. For example, a room that’s anchored in luxurious hardwood flooring and neutral-painted walls becomes beautifully fresh and funky with a combination of simple and vintage furniture pieces accented by artwork, throws and pillows in vibrantly trendy colors or patterns.
Check out more examples of modern yet timeless interiors in a Weaver custom contemporary home spotlight we’re particularly proud of – and get inspired for your own custom home design! Then contact us to get started creating your version of uniquely timeless home construction.
