When selecting decor, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of using the latest and hottest trends in home design. But these choices often don’t stand the test of time and cut into your savings over time.
To add value to your home — and avoid the hassle and financial burden of constantly redecorating — it’s important to understand the difference between timeless and trendy designs.
Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your home’s interior design with a blend of timeless and trendy decor.
Go classic with your overall design
When selecting a theme for your home’s overall design, you can’t go wrong by favoring classic finishes and touches. This includes everything from colors, materials, and finishes. Not only will this make the home more comfortable for you over the years, but if you decide to sell your home, buyers tend to favor homes with more timeless designs and fewer customizations.
Instead of painting your walls the color of the year, select neutral tones that favor the home’s natural architecture. That doesn’t mean painting your home completely white, but choosing from an array of grays, beiges, and creams. When it comes to paint finishes, stick to the classics and avoid extreme textures that may be hard to cover in the future.
Look to your home’s natural architecture when selecting materials. A Victorian home and a mid-century modern will want vastly different kitchen counters and cupboards. When in doubt, remember that hardwood floors, subway tiles, and granite or quartz counters have stood the test of time.
As a general rule of thumb, favoring function over fashion will give your home a timeless look. Pick a floor plan and layout that allow for a natural flow of motion. Choose pieces that are comfortable to use.
Pick timeless designs for big-ticket items
Select timeless designs as you make major renovations or purchases, such as redoing your home’s kitchen or buying a living room furniture set. When spending tens of thousands of dollars, it’s best to choose high-quality pieces in classic designs that will last for decades.
As with wall colors and the materials for home finishes, select pieces of furniture made out of natural finishes, such as wood marble. For fabric, choose neutral colors, including grays, browns, and creams. Avoid fabrics in heavy patterns and choose pieces that aren’t overly stuffed or so linear they’re uncomfortable to use.
If you have children or pets in your home frequently, look for materials that will withstand everyday wear and tear for long periods of time.
Accent with trendy pieces that are easy and inexpensive to update
Although sticking to an overall timeless design will give your decor more staying power, you can still incorporate trendier elements in your home — but with a gentle touch. By incorporating smaller, less expensive items, you can embrace the latest design trends without having to worry about the cost and labor involved in changing them out.
Your home’s bedrooms are a great place to incorporate more trendy designs. If you’re in love with the “Color of the Year,” consider using it in your bedding or throw covers. To extend the life of items, such as throw pillows, consider using pillowcases that can be easily and inexpensively traded out as fads go in and out of design.
You can also incorporate trendier design elements in your kitchen with small touches, such as serving platters and dishes. Create centerpieces for your dining or living room table, or use small pieces of artwork on your walls that can be changed with little fuss over time. Keep in mind, the phrase “less is more” often applies with highly decorative, trendy items.
Think carefully before making big, permanent changes
In the era of home improvement and DIY shows, it’s tempting to see a newly renovated kitchen or bathroom on TV and want to duplicate it in your home. But before rushing to the store or hiring a contractor, take careful time and consideration before making any big decisions. Take extra caution before making any selections that can permanently alter your home and make it difficult to sell down the road.
Before making any major renovations, ask yourself:
- – Can I afford to replace this item or redo this room in the next five years?
- – Is this a permanent change?
- – Will this negatively impact my home’s value?
- – Am I making this change because I love it, or because I want to stay on trend?
If you find yourself having any hesitation after asking yourself these questions, it’s probably best to skip this latest decorating trend in favor of something else.
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