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Some design styles are truly timeless.
Interior design can often feel like a revolving door of trends. Maximalism and minimalism wax and wane, a new color of the year (or two, or three) surfaces annually, and there’s a “core” for just about every aesthetic you can think of—from country cottage to Barbie.
It’s tricky to untangle this web and decide which décor decisions will truly stand the test of time. While trends inevitably come and go, timeless interiors are built on thoughtful decisions, quality materials, and classic elements that won’t feel dated in a few years. Here, designers share the décor choices they believe will stand the test of time.
Meet Our Expert
- Jourdan Fairchild, founder of Jourdan Fairchild Design
- Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails
- Heather Hilliard, founder of Heather Hilliard Design
Related: 16 Green Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for a Timeless and Stylish Space
Sculptural Glass
Glass is a medium that will never go out of style, whether it’s a colorful catch-all tray, a vase, or a light fixture. “It continues to transcend trend cycles because we gravitate toward pieces where you can feel the human hand behind them,” says Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails.
In particular, Murano glass has been sought-after for decades, if not centuries. These handmade pieces fly off the shelf at antique stores, and the island’s artisans continue to make contemporary masterpieces today.
Nature-Inspired Color Palettes
It may seem like biophilic design came out of nowhere in recent years, but the truth is that designers have been prioritizing these natural décor elements for decades. “Mother nature has always been the greatest designer,” says interior designer Jourdan Fairchild. “Sure, there are plenty of greens and blues to inspire us, but there’s also deep burgundy in autumn leaves, golden fields at sunset, lavender wildflowers, terracotta clay, and mossy browns.”
So while leaning into greens and blues will always give your home a more natural look, it’s worth trying out other colors that you’d find in the great outdoors too. Fairchild recommends a warm ochre trim, a burgundy bathroom, or even deep plum upholstery: “These colors exist all around us,” she says. “They’ve existed forever, which is exactly why they never truly go out of style.”
Related: These 10 Biophilic Design Ideas Will Transform Your Home Into a Natural Oasis
Antique Furniture
Antique furniture can stand the test of time—in fact, it already has. “These pieces bring craftsmanship, patina, and a sense of history that simply can’t be replicated by mass-produced furniture,” says Fairchild. “My grandmother’s paintings and my mom’s old tapestry will always feel timeless in my home because of their depth, and because they tell a story.”
She recommends mixing old pieces with new ones. For example, start with a vintage chest in an entryway, or an antique dining table; pair those with contemporary furniture, creating contrast. “It keeps a room from feeling like a time capsule, while adding warmth and character,” she says.
Warm Wood Cabinets
It’s tempting to give your cabinets a fresh coat of paint every year. However, natural wood cabinetry will stand the test of time better than anything else. “It has an enduring quality—simple slab or Shaker profiles in natural wood have remained relevant across decades and adapt easily to changing styles,” says interior designer Heather Hilliard.
In fact, she notes, wood softens a kitchen in a way that painted cabinetry often can’t. “I usually choose cabinetry with clean, classic lines, and let the beauty of the wood grain be the focal point.”
Related: 31 Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Beautiful, Practical Storage
Organic Textures
Natural materials with organic textures—whether it’s a woven basket or a raffia rug—will always add a warm, soft accent to a space. “The most enduring interiors balance clean lines with organic texture,” says Hilliard. “The result feels warm, inviting, and unlikely to date.”
Built-In Millwork
Intentional design choices always feel the most timeless, and since built-ins are tailor-made for your space, in most cases, they’ll still look beautiful 10 years from now. “Whether it’s a window seat, bookshelves, or an integrated desk, custom millwork adds permanence, function, and personality,” says Hilliard.
As an added bonus, these custom built-ins often solve practical problems too, adding more storage, or creating a cozy place to sit. “They become part of the home’s architecture, creating spaces that feel thoughtful, effortless, and uniquely personal,” she says.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart
