Design Decisions That Stand the Test of Time
When you invest in your home, you want the decisions you make to feel right for many years. Trends come and go, but thoughtful design choices stay beautiful for the long haul. Over my thirty years, I have guided many clients through the process of selecting finishes and furnishings that reflect their style while standing the test of time. Today I’m sharing five important design decisions that help create a timeless home.
Before you ever think about colors or finishes, you need to focus on how the space will function for you each day. In this kitchen, we remodeled a home that was over 30 years old. We reworked the layout to create better flow, added storage where they needed it most and opened up the space to make cooking and gathering easier. Getting the function right is always the first step toward a timeless design.
Once the layout made sense, we layered in classic materials that will stand the test of time. Flooring, cabinets and counters are more expensive to change, so we kept those neutral. The light blue backsplash adds just enough color without feeling trendy and gives the all white kitchen some much needed personality. I also love using unique lighting, like these over the peninsula. Classic hard finishes is one of the design decisions that truly stands the test of time.
Keeping your major furniture pieces neutral is another design decisions that stands the test of time. In this dining room, we selected neutrals for all the furniture, which are the pieces that stay in place for many years. Instead of bringing in color with the chairs, we added it through the wall color and artwork. These elements are much easier to change as your tastes do. By keeping the foundation neutral, the room can easily be updated with new colors over time without the need for a full redesign.
Layering in personality with fabrics and accessories is another design decision that stands the test of time. In this beach house family room, we kept most everything neutral and brought in color through pillows and accessories. These are so easy to change and come in so many price points. Texture also plays an important role. The mix of woven materials add so much interest to the room without relying on trendy patterns.
Finally, investing in quality is one of the most important design decisions that stands the test of time. The pieces you touch and use every day like cabinetry, flooring, upholstered furniture and even your mattress deserve extra attention. They have the biggest impact on how your home functions and feels over the years. Choosing well-made, durable pieces helps avoid replacements later. It also allows your home to age gracefully. When you combine thoughtful function, classic finishes, neutral foundations, layered personality and smart investments in quality, you create a home that continues to feel like home for many years to come.
If you are ready to make thoughtful updates to your home but feel unsure where to start, I would love to help. Contact me to schedule a consultation and let’s create a home that stands the test of time.