We do a variety of speaking about traits round right here. Heck, it’s the character of design writers to take action. At all times wanting ahead, exploring thrilling ideas to come back. Plus, there’s a little bit of an ego element of with the ability to “name” what’s subsequent after which be proper about it. However one thing I don’t suppose we deal with sufficient is the steadfast issues in design and adorning. What product and materials decisions are you able to make in your dwelling that can nonetheless look good 5, 10, even 50 years from now?
That’s precisely what a few of you requested me to suppose by way of earlier this month within the remark part of a put up I wrote about on the alternative matter matter—2025 traits which have run their course. Actually, I’m so glad this was requested, as a result of it gave me pause sufficient to consider it. Thanks largely to social media, now we have a humiliation of riches of visible assets to work from now, however what comes from that, no less than for me, is a type of model ennui.
All of us transfer by way of seems, vibes, and traits so shortly, no less than in our minds and conversations, that it’s so essential to do not forget that our properties don’t should flip-flop all that a lot in response. Choose up some enjoyable little fashionable lamp or add in some butter yellow or pink? Certain! Why not, have enjoyable. However if you wish to lay the inspiration for lasting design, there are 10 issues I’m calling out as timeless (spoiler alert: one in every of my timeless picks additionally occurred to be on my 2025 drained traits put up, so…hold studying to learn my ideas on what and why).
However first, let’s discuss what timeless in design actually means. Certain, time-less means time doesn’t have an effect on the enchantment of one thing, however what I discovered repeatedly is that the issues that final visually talking are additionally the issues that final, bodily talking. High quality and craftsmanship are all the time going to reign supreme, and cheapy, artificial issues simply merely received’t. Beautiful actual wooden paneling and trimwork? Timeless. Vinyl or particle board “wood-look” flooring or wall therapies? They probably will date as quick as that peach in your fruit bowl goes delicate subsequent to a bundle of bananas.
It’s simple to have a look at a timeless room (or no less than a room with timeless parts), and know down in your veins that it’s one thing you can have fortunately lived in 100 years in the past, or 75 years from now. Pattern-forward rooms might be thrilling, enjoyable and funky, however I can really feel a way instantly that it’s of the second and fleeting. Additionally of word is the truth that one thing that’s traditional might turn into fashionable after which fall out of development, nevertheless it’ll all the time look good as a result of it really works for a motive. White kitchens might have been all the fashion over the past 10-15 years, however they’ve since been dwindling in reputation. Guess what, although? White kitchens are timeless, and so long as the weather in stated kitchen usually are not overly fashionable *and* it’s manufactured from high quality supplies, it’ll look good for many years.
To me, timeless design is straightforward, practical and acquainted, the latter mentioning a thought I had that traditional/conventional/timeless varies in your background. What’s traditional on this nation and to our tradition is probably going fairly completely different than in a special a part of the world, particularly if European colonists didn’t affect their structure. In doing analysis for this put up, I attempted to search out some details about why our tastes change over time, and located this attention-grabbing passage about our notion of artwork:
The Function of Cultural and Social Elements in Shaping Style: Cultural and social components considerably affect a person’s visible style. Cultural background gives a lens by way of which individuals view and interpret artwork, with completely different cultures valuing completely different aesthetic qualities. For example, the appreciation of minimalism in Japanese artwork versus the grandeur of Baroque structure in Europe illustrates how cultural context shapes visible style. Social components, together with training, socioeconomic standing, and publicity to completely different artwork kinds, additionally play an important position. For instance, people with a better stage of artwork training might admire extra summary or conceptual artwork, whereas these with much less publicity would possibly want extra representational works.
Anyhow, I can nerd out on the whys behind this matter all day, nevertheless it’s time to go down our record of timeless picks (no less than from my perspective), in no specific order:
#1: Pure Supplies
Above and past, pure supplies of high quality reminiscent of wooden, stone and marble are a few of the most trend-proof issues in our properties and buildings, particularly by not being too showy when it comes to shade or end. They have an inclination to age fantastically and are sturdy or, on the very least, versatile in ways in which synthetic supplies can by no means aspire to be.
Pure wooden in frequent mid-tone finishes have a approach of all the time working aesthetically. They combine effectively with different trendier wooden tones once they occur to pop up (bear in mind the espresso wooden stain craze of the early aughts, and naturally, we nonetheless haven’t shaken the blonde wooden and white oak every thing from the Scandi motion), and don’t really feel notably glued to an period specifically. Cerused woods, grey-finished woods, and something overly lacquered, as an illustration, don’t fall into this class, in my view. These are tied to a time and place.
Whereas wooden paneling is carefully associated to the ’70s for many individuals, there have been a variety of terrible, man-made wood-look therapies, whereas a strong wooden paneling set up just like the above goes to work with furnishings of every kind, traits, and kinds for a really very long time and never be triggering down the road.
The identical goes for one thing just like the wooden remedy above. Certain, there are individuals who lean extra up to date or modernist and minimalist that will see a room coated in brown wooden and shudder (or worse nonetheless, paint all of it white), however the truth that this might have been put in this 12 months, or a century in the past, and it nonetheless works makes it timeless.
A pure stone reminiscent of soapstone will ceaselessly be timeless to me. It’s not showy the way in which some fashionable closely veined marbles are, it’s very grounding and wears so fantastically. The darkish grey/black shade is extra lasting than the greenish soapstones on the market, however truthfully, so long as it’s paired with a traditional cabinetry model, there’ll probably not come a time when this seems drained.
And sure, marble of various colours will all the time be timeless. If the Greeks chiseled figures out of it, we are able to guestimate that the fabric will look good in our properties for all of time. Stick with one thing that’s not too excessive for the perfect guess at stylistic longevity.
#2: Genuine Trimwork & Classical Structure
In the identical approach that pure supplies are timeless, conventional trimwork, millwork, and different such classical architectural particulars are, as effectively. I believe it ties into the nostalgic issue of what was current in previous stately and historic buildings, and in our brains, there’s an immense worth placed on that that feeds our nostalgia. It’s merely one thing that I can’t think about will ever really feel dated because of this, but additionally as a result of craftsmanship is gorgeous. Once more, it is probably not for everybody, as it may be too frilly or heavy for some, however not being amenable to a mode doesn’t imply it’s one thing that’s passé.
The vertical traces of this shiplap make this sort of wainscotting really feel extra “now,” however altogether, a toilet like that is going to be as pretty in 30 years as it’s now as a result of you possibly can’t actually place it in a time or place.
The scroll appliqué is perhaps a bit particular right here, however a traditional strong wooden spindle staircase and the molding across the door body are tremendous timeless to me. Over the many years, I’m positive their colours will change, the rug operating up the treads will probably be swapped out right here and there, however there that trimwork and bannister will nonetheless be, wanting nice.
I imply, I’m DROOLING right here. What an announcement. What a glance. Completely beautiful, now and ceaselessly. Thanks, Jean Stoffer, for sharing this.
The plasterwork that was achieved as and round crown molding will ceaselessly be cherished for its magnificence. Additionally of word, however not for the subject of this put up: Peep the matching wall shade and cabinetry hue. Feels really easy on the eyes to not should cope with so many transitions, and lets the hearth and crown actually shine.
#3: Stunning Home windows & Doorways
Subsequent up on our tour of timeless architectural greats are lovely home windows and doorways. Rising up in middle-class suburbia, all of the doorways we had have been low-cost hollow-core ironmongery shop sorts, and the home windows have been vinyl. Nobody goes to see photographs of my childhood dwelling and add its particulars to an inventory of traditional design parts, belief me. I perceive that doorways made by a carpenter or woodworker, particularly with distinctive glasswork, metalwork, or with an arch, are far and above extra pricey than the extra reasonably priced Dwelling Depot doorways, however as is the case with this stuff, they’ll outlast them by many years if not centuries.
That is really particular and arduous to nail when it was made. May very well be new, might have been dug up below a pile of dust and mud at an architectural salvage retailer. Solely Scribe Studio might inform you.
No matter I take into consideration arches reaching a fever pitch of use, an arched door and trimwork will all the time captivate my coronary heart. As I discussed in an earlier picture, even when the tiles and cabinetry colours change over time to fulfill the instances, that door goes to be a star it doesn’t matter what.
Dutch doorways just like the one above have been utilized in our properties for the reason that seventeenth century (effectively…in farms as they permit recent air in with out letting out youngsters or livestock), they usually nonetheless look this good and apropos. Virtually, and centuries-old design that works = don’t repair what’s not damaged.
The steel body home windows of this beautiful eating area by Mark Lewis are extra on the fashionable aspect of the design spectrum, however they is also from 100 years in the past…and that’s the entire level of this.
Steel is gorgeous, however nothing beats a standard window like this with its beautiful casing.
#4: Eclectic Salon Artwork Partitions
Now, let’s transfer on to some extra granule adorning decisions, since we’ve spent a little bit of time on architectural particulars.
I do know there are going to be a handful of readers right here who don’t agree with me on this one, however I’m sorry, a really well-done “salon” wall of framed artwork is ALWAYS going to look good. Now, I’m not speaking a couple of completely curated, completely spaced, completely styled assortment of artwork. The galleries of dwelling artwork that don’t have an expiration date on them are comprised of photographs, artwork acquired over time, and perhaps even generations. The frames weren’t all purchased on the similar time to match, and it seems prefer it grew piece by piece till it might go no additional down or up.
This artwork wall is extra tailor-made with a show of pencil or charcoal nude figures, however nothing is ideal or overthought. It feels prefer it’s exhibiting issues the one who resides right here loves, it probably evolves commonly, and never a single ruler or measuring tape was used within the hanging course of. That, to me, is timeless, as a result of it’s genuine style versus one thing achieved for present.
I completely love the mismatched nature of the artwork right here. Had the artwork all been chosen or hung collectively to coordinate and verify some packing containers of a shade palette or theme, it will age shortly (even when the person artworks didn’t), however as an alternative, it’s simply lovely artwork, framed in varied methods, all hung collectively in timeless concord.
#5: Books
I didn’t have books on my record throughout my first spherical at this, however it will have been an enormous miss to not embody them right here. There’s not a ton I can say as to why, apart from the truth that books have all the time belonged in our lives, and can all the time belong in our lives. On our nightstands, on our aspect tables, masking our partitions on cabinets, stacked in corners of rooms…simply put up the books and please, for the love of god, don’t fear about “styling” them both.
Fabulous…
Homey and comfy…
Simply SO DANG GOOD.
#6: Marbled Checker Flooring
Alright, we’ve reached the purpose on this put up the place common readers will cease and say, “Arlyn, did you not JUST say that checkered flooring have been so 2025 and we have to transfer on?” And to that I’d say: Sure, I did HOWEVER…
Instagram has made a checkered flooring really feel so commonplace, so requisite of excellent style, that it makes me wish to not use one thing I really love the look of for concern of stylistic fatigue. Like, it seems so good in so many properties, however my god, certainly there’s something else, no?? Will I ever put a checkered flooring in a house of mine? Yeah, probaby, as a result of get this: IT’S TIMELESS! However I simply want a bit little bit of a break from it, that’s all.
That stated, let’s discover some lovely, perennial marbled checkered flooring as a result of sure, they do belong on this record even when they’re fashionable in the mean time.
A checkered flooring set at a diagonal or in a diamond form is when it’s most traditional, partly as a result of this format hides imperfections in sq. partitions. Provided that properties was once constructed by hand with out energy instruments, they have been a bit off. A squared checker sample would spotlight these flaws.
Diagonal and diamond lays are additionally far more dynamic and make a room look bigger and extra stately, a way that works notably effectively in touchdown zones like foyers and lengthy stretches of hallways (beneath).
That is completely pretty, as effectively, and once more, a few of the detailing of the millwork would possibly find yourself feeling a contact 2020s, however the flooring—if marble and never vinyl—will probably be a strong complement to no matter comes its approach.
#7: Stable Wooden Farm Tables
I’m not a “Trendy Farmhouse” gal, however that doesn’t imply one in every of its go-to parts isn’t timeless. Say hiya to the eating desk that by no means stated die.
It may be trestled, four-legged, or have a pedestal so long as it’s hearty, wooden, and appears prefer it’s seen its share of dinners over time. The extra worn it turns into, the higher.
You may pair a farmhouse desk with equally homely chairs, one thing upholstered and tailor-made, or extra pristine…it’ll nonetheless look good. It’s to the furnishings world what the diamond stud is to the earring area.
There’s one thing disarming a couple of worn and aged wooden desk. You’re not afraid to place your drink down on it; it’s not treasured, and may deal with a crayon or candle taper soften or two. That’s the type of factor that can make us really feel snug in our properties for eternity.
#8: Stately Armoires & Show Cupboards
I make no secrets and techniques about my love of an armoire or show cupboard, and maybe I’m biased, however I believe they belong in our properties it doesn’t matter what the 12 months is. From a sensible standpoint, furnishings like these are practical garments storage in elements of the world the place large walk-in closets aren’t a factor, to not point out the place formal dinnerware and serving dishes have been stashed when our kitchens weren’t these behemoth showpieces frequent to new builds and renovations of the second.
My favourite sort of show cupboard is attention-grabbing and ornate, both by means of materials (hiya, mahogany or burlwood) or carvings like this beautiful creature above. As you possibly can see, it’s in a reasonably up to date room and feels prefer it’s all the time been there, watching the world transfer and alter round it over time.
A candy little cupboard like that is additionally all the time welcome, dontcha suppose?
A cupboard that has layers and layers of paint with barely off-kilter doorways may discover a dwelling nearly anyplace. (I’m additionally simply noticing the tall cupboard on the finish of the walkway on the fitting aspect of this picture.
It doesn’t should be this large factor, both. A small dresser with a hutch may do the trick, particularly in a room like the lavatory.
#9: English Roll-Arm Couch
Of all of the sofas which are nonetheless related in the present day, the English roll-arm couch is by far my favourite. Analysis tells me this upholstered piece was first well-liked within the nineteenth century, principally resulting from how snug it was, but additionally as a result of it regarded “refined.”
I believe any decor merchandise or furnishings that may work with a mess of kinds, like this couch, could make it a robust contender for the timeless tag.
It additionally wears most materials like a champ. From velvet to canvas to linen and past, it seems good dressed up or down.
So if you would like a settee that can look good in the present day and in 15 years, you might wish to take into account an English roll arm.
#10: Mid-Century Trendy Lighting
Lastly, a little bit of an oddball that I stand behind. Mid-century fashionable lighting (Italian and Danish fashionable being two of my favorites from this era) is one thing that’s timeless in a approach that it simply seems good in every single place, on a regular basis. A contact of funk and space-agey traces and finishes leaves each single room cooler than earlier than it graced it.
Mid-century fashionable lighting can lower by way of extra severe rooms coated in wooden…
And grounds a extra eclectic tableau of furnishings, structure, and artwork. (The Arco Lamp by Castiglioni is chef’s kiss)
See…works right here, too.
Trendy lighting just like the Danish flowerpot lamp design is playful, is available in some improbable colours, and all the time feels surprising.
One other go-to is the Louis Poulsen PH 5 Pendant (above), which has futuristic vibes that performs properly even with conventional spindle-back eating chairs.
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We made it. In all honesty, my record might have been 20 gadgets deep, however for the sake of brevity and a punchy quantity like 10, I’ll hold it right here for now. However don’t let that cease you from including your personal timeless parts to the dialog within the feedback beneath. I cherished the chats which have sprung up in my current posts, so let’s hold that vitality going right here.
Till subsequent time, associates…
Opening Picture Credit: Design by Rosa Beltran | Styled by Velinda Hellen | Picture Sara Ligorria-Tramp
