Home decorating trends tend to come and go. However, this does not necessarily mean that you can no longer achieve your goal of having a timeless design for your home.
Keep in mind that there are several home design elements that will never go out of style. If you want your home to have a classic and timeless design capable of standing the test of time then here are 10 important rules to consider. This post contains affiliate links.
1. Create a focal point
Ensure that your chosen focal point is strong enough that it can immediately attract attention. Without a focal point, you may have a hard time making your home or a specific room look timeless.
Focal points are among the most vital aspects of home decoration as these can attract the eyes and capture attention. In some cases, you can see these points occurring naturally within a room, like huge picture windows or mantle pieces already built in. You can create a focal point by replacing your old, inefficient windows with stylish vinyl windows. Home Pro America is fantastic option, if you’re considering replacing your windows.
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If you don’t have a focal point, don’t worry. You can always create a new focal point. It could be a piece of art or an architectural element. It could also be a faux fireplace or timeless furnishings such as handmade furniture pieces with classic designs.
Let your eyes wander around your home so you will have an idea about the specific spot where the eye wants to go naturally, and then build your focal point based on that. After deciding on the specific spot where you intend the focal point to be, arrange all your furniture in such a way that the pieces surround it. Make sure that you only choose one focal point as more than one can make the room seem too busy.
In my house, the built-in china cabinet at the far end is the focal point, even though there is a pretty island in the center. Because the island is narrow, the two main points of interest don’t “compete.”
2. Pick traditional colors
If you are looking to create a traditional and classic theme for your home then you may want choose for neutrals for walls and furnishings. Neutrals are perfect for accentuating a specific room or space without the risk of overpowering it. In classic homes, off-white, gray, and beige shades also have a strong presence. Neutrals look beautiful against the bright and crisp white architectural moldings and trim around arches, doorways, and ceilings of older homes.
These shades are usually great choices for walls because they create the ideal backdrop for colorful artwork, decorative accents and formal furnishing, too. However, not all homes with a timeless or classic design must have neutral walls.
Other classic choices are dark green and navy blue. You can also complement these colors with the neutrals. Furthermore, you may want to add hints of trendy colors. Just exercise caution when adding these trendy shades, since they tend to date quickly.
3. Integrate natural elements
You can also make your home look timeless by integrating natural elements either through furnishings or floors, bathroom and/or kitchen walls and countertops. These natural elements have longer staying power in home decor. Aside from wood, brick, stone and marble are beautiful and classic natural elements for kitchens and baths.
Even if you love traditional decor, you may want to modernize your style. Natural elements can provide a contemporary look while still having the benefit of excellent staying power. Of course wooden floors are timeless and look great no matter what the overall home decor style may be. Brick floors are also a great choice.
4. Focus on symmetry
A strong foundation for achieving a home with timeless design is balance and harmony. One effective tip that can help you promote symmetry is to balance statement pieces or focal points in pairs, such as matching candlesticks on a mantel or matching armchairs. Still, one of the best design tips for styling bookcases, mantels and shelves is to use odd numbers of items for visual interest.
One example is to balance an attractive mirror with a side table that also seats matching lamps and vases, among other items. Another example is if you choose a sofa to serve as the focal point in your living room then you can add symmetry by pairing it up with matching chairs. When integrating symmetry, remember that the most attractive ones do not have to be perfect entirely.
5. Use artwork strategically
This rule is simple but it seems to have a strong impact when it comes to making any home bring out its timeless appeal. You may use photographs, prints, or any other pieces and forms of art designed to make a statement. Be sure that your chosen pieces also reflect your home’s existing fabrics, accessories, and furniture and your personal interests.
As much as possible, choose pieces which complement and balance the remaining decorative or design elements in a room. If you already have some pieces of artwork then you may also want to look for original and creative ways to reuse them.
6. Add variety
One thing to remember when trying to create a timeless home is to integrate variety to keep things interesting. Stay away from using too many new matching pieces from a decorating box store. To keep variety in your home’s timeless design, use a combination of different textures, wood tones, colors, materials, and textiles. Vintage and antique pieces will give your home a truly timeless look.
This type of transitional style prevents a room from becoming dated. Try mixing vintage and antique pieces together with new and modern furnishing, too. This can help your space look even more collected over time. The use of variety is also the key to creating an inviting and warm space that has plenty of visual interest and attractive classic elements.
7. Integrate clean lines
Clean lines only have subtle effects when it comes to home decora. However, it is still important to integrate them into your final design if you want the result to be timeless. Clean lines define the physical space, ensuring that all the things you put in there are symmetrically oriented.
To integrate clean lines, spend time looking and examining the room you are planning to decorate in its entirety. Take note of anything that stands out. You should also observe which items do not fit with the remaining rooms’ decor and which rooms feel cluttered.
8. Avoid displaying the technology
A room will look even more timeless with minimal hints of technology. However, this rule does not necessarily mean investing in costly integrated pieces. Instead, simply avoid putting technology and media pieces at the center or front part of a room. In homes with timeless style, a television might not be the best choice for a focal point, unless the it will be hidden when not use.
Technology has become more streamlined and although some items, like speakers, TVs, game consoles, and stereos did not disappear completely, they are surely getting obsolete or smaller. Hiding the TV can make a huge difference in making your home look timeless.
Of course now there are Samsung art frame tvs that are real game changers. With an art frame tv you can have the best of both worlds.
9. Apply classic patterns
Create a timeless look by incorporating classic patterns on textiles and furnishings. Great choices are stripes, plaids, checks, damasks, and botanicals.
10. Choose high-quality home decor, furniture, and accessories
Undeniably, the quality of all the items you decide to integrate into your home contributes to showcasing its timeless design. Spend time checking out the quality of fabrics, furniture, and any other home decor and accessories before investing in them. Aim for the highest quality that fits your budget.
The good thing about investing in quality items is that you have an assurance that they will last for several years and add character. Quality should also be prioritized, especially if you have plans of including up-cycled and vintage pieces in your decor.
The trends in interior design continue to change with time. However, you can prevent your home from losing its classic and timeless design appeal by choosing elements that have the longest staying power. You can always still add hints of your preferred trendy elements to keep things looking refreshed.
Best of luck in creating a home filled with timeless design! Thanks for visiting today!
Amber
1 Comment
I want to decorate my home in a nice antique way. It makes sense that I would want to get some antiques for each room and then set them up as focal points. That way, I can ensure that the antique aesthetic has attention drawn to it.
March 24, 2020 at 10:48 am