Balancing Trends and Timeless Design
When designing a space, one of the key goals for our team is to create something that feels cohesive and timeless. But what exactly makes a design timeless, and how do you navigate the ever-changing landscape of trends while still creating a space that won’t feel outdated in a few years?
Explore with us what makes a space cohesive and how you can embrace trends without losing sight of a timeless foundation.
What Makes a Space Cohesive?
A cohesive space feels harmonious—everything works together rather than competing for attention. Here are a few elements we take into consideration when designing a cohesive interior:
1. Color Palette: A unified color palette creates connection throughout a space. Whether you’re using soft neutrals or bold colors, consistency across rooms ensures the design feels intentional. This doesn’t mean you need the same color everywhere, but shades should complement one another rather than clash.
2. Balance of Materials: Mixing materials like wood, stone, metal, and fabric can add depth to a design. However, it’s essential to find balance. Too many competing textures can make a space feel chaotic, while a limited but thoughtful selection brings a sense of harmony.
3. Consistent Style: Choose a design style that aligns with the architecture of the building and your personal taste. Whether it’s modern, mid-century, or industrial, consistency helps maintain cohesion. A hodgepodge of competing styles can lead to a confusing, fragmented space. You can learn more about how to determine your interior style on our blog post “What is your Design Style?”.
4. Functionality: A well-designed space is functional. Cohesion isn’t just about looks; it’s about ensuring the space works for how you live or use it daily. Thoughtful layouts and attention to the purpose of the space keep it feeling grounded.
WHAT MAKES A SPACE Timeless?
Timeless design is all about longevity. It’s design that looks just as good in 10 or 20 years as it does today. Here’s how we achieve that:
1. Focus on Quality: Timeless design prioritizes quality materials and craftsmanship. Invest in well-made furniture and materials that will stand the test of time, both in durability and aesthetic.
2. Simplicity Over Complexity: Often, timeless spaces are built on the principle that “less is more.” Instead of overloading your home with intricate details that may feel overwhelming over time, stick to clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle textures that offer visual interest without feeling overbearing.
3. Classic Elements: Incorporating classic design elements—like subway tiles, marble countertops, or hardwood floors—ensures that your space won’t be tied to a specific trend or time period.
The Role of Trends in design
Trends can be exciting! They introduce new ideas, colors, and technologies into the design world. Embracing trends in small doses is an excellent way to keep your space feeling fresh and current. Here’s why they can be helpful:
1. Experimentation: Trends allow you to play with new ideas without committing to a complete overhaul. This could be adding a trendy color through accent pillows, using statement lighting, or trying out an interesting wallpaper on an accent wall.
2. Keeping the Space Current: Incorporating trends in small ways keeps your design feeling up-to-date without sacrificing timelessness. It’s a way to let your space evolve and feel modern without losing its core essence.
Why It’s Not Always Good to Follow Trends
While trends offer excitement, they can also be risky if overdone. Here’s why you might want to approach them cautiously:
1. They Can Feel Dated: What’s trendy today might be out tomorrow. Bold trends, especially ones tied to specific time periods (like the all-gray interiors trend of the late 2010s), may quickly feel dated, leaving you with a space that no longer feels fresh.
2. They’re Not Always Practical: Trends can sometimes prioritize aesthetics over function. For instance, while open shelving in kitchens became wildly popular, it’s not always practical for those who prefer to hide clutter.
3. Expensive to Redo: Large-scale trends, like installing terrazzo floors or painting all your cabinetry in the color of the year, may require significant investment to change once the trend fades.
How to Balance Trends in Design
Use Trends Sparingly: Incorporate trends in easily changeable ways, like with textiles, accessories, or small décor items. This allows you to refresh the space as trends come and go without the need for major renovations.
Focus on Timeless Foundations: Keep the larger, more expensive items (like sofas, built-in furniture, and countertops) in neutral tones and classic materials. These foundations will stand the test of time, allowing the smaller trendy accents to take center stage without overwhelming the space.
Stick to What You Love: Trends may come and go, but your personal style will endure. Choose designs, colors, and materials that resonate with you and reflect your personality rather than simply following what’s popular.
Creating a cohesive and timeless space doesn’t mean you have to ignore trends. Instead, it’s about finding a balance between what’s current and what has lasting power. By focusing on high-quality materials, maintaining consistency throughout your space, and choosing trends that resonate with your personal style, a home can feel fresh and modern for years to come.