At the end of the year, a sweet reader named Kim wrote in with this comment on one of our latest kitchen reveals that made my day if I’m being honest, but also got me thinking:
see the before + afters here
Beautiful! Thank you for all the detailed pics and before and afters that offer so much inspiration for our home’s renovation when we retire. Everything is bright, fresh, clean, but with a little sparkle. I am concerned for our ability to choose a timeless look that won’t need updating in our 70s and 80s! How do we choose cabinets, counters, tile, and flooring that are timeless yet not sterile? I realize accessories pack the most punch but when I think about our future space, making such permanent decisions seems daunting. We have only lived in two houses (which we gutted to the studs with much diy) in thirty years so our third and final home will be it!
Thank you for all your colorful, classy, and funny posts over the years. Remodeling while living in your space with kids is not for the wimpy! You two truly have all the talent, integrity, and grit to do it well. Your honesty and humor is so refreshing and I appreciate your generous offers for free art and ideas. You’re one of my favorite families!
Merry Celebrating and Happy and Healthy 2022!
First of all, thank you so much, Kim. That was the sweetest and means the world! I’m just always filled with gratitude {and a little surprise} that anyone reads, and it’s really kind of you to let us know! So the topic of choosing a timeless look, is a really interesting one. It’s also all about perspective for me. We covered the topic of trends last week, and I think it all comes down to good bones. But it really comes down to doing it right the first time, so that it’s not costly down the line.
Here are a few of our best tips for timeless spaces that won’t need updates:
before
1. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Go for Classic, Clean Lines.
This is probably the best place to begin when it comes to the concept of timeless spaces. Think in terms of simplicity, because that never goes out of style.
So whether you’re doing a kitchen with cabinets, or wall details with trim, all the way down to the style of your sofa… Go for classic, clean lines. I would argue for instance, that a rolled arm sofa is something that has been around for so long, you won’t tire of it any time soon. Or simple lines on your cabinets in a classic color, are a solid backdrop on which to build. They have a sophisticated look that never goes out of style, because they work with most design styles, therefore withstanding the test of time.
before
2. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Establish a Timeless Backdrop.
Building on a little of what I’ve said above, start with clean lines and choices, with your intention to have a permanent fixture of a backdrop in your home. The goal should be to create a timeless background, that you can build on with layers. That way you can change it over time in easy, simple ways to update and change out your look.
3. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Color + Pattern
If you stick to a basic rule of thumb on which to build, this will help the entire look. Try to use neutrals for walls, furniture, and large pieces. This doesn’t mean that you have to use white. We’ve taken on a beautiful kitchen with black cabinets that still read as classic. Neutrals come in many shades. But I do think that the simpler, the better when to those big ticket items that you don’t want to replace any time soon.
When you’re ready to build on that if you want to update it over time or go for more of an eclectic, collected look, think in terms of layering color and fun accents. Reserve pattern and color {and fun} for easily replaceable things.
Choose elements that can layer over time. I would even argue that paint and wallpaper are flexible to being replaced in a few years, once you tire of them, if you want to have fun, “in the meantime”. As long as the rest of the space {the pricier items} holds classic pieces, you’re allowed to venture beyond the simple, when building on it.
As far as patterns: consider patterns that are timeless in small doses. Things like stripes and florals {which also look good together because contrast} will always withstand the test of time. But a modern take on a classic, is always a fun mix too. Think bold peacocks thrown in a toile for an unexpected kick.
before
5. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Natural Materials
When in doubt, choose natural materials. They never go out of style. Repeat after me: they never go out of style. They’re a part of the earth. Wooden floors. Marble or stone countertops. They patina and just get better with time, like a fine wine.
We may not be happy with the current state of our wood floors in our kitchen because our dogs have destroyed them. But that doesn’t mean we can’t re-finish and improve them in the upcoming year. They’re classic.
6. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Attention to Detail
Think smart with your use of space. For example: Take tiles and cabinets all the way to the ceiling where it applies. In newer homes, they tend to awkwardly hang on the wall with zero attention to the little things, because homes built in bulk weren’t really given the gift of detail. In most older homes, it was all about the care and attention to the little things. The more you take the design the extra mile, the more classic and timeless it will be.
7. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Bring in Things You Love, That Have Meaning.
Unique finds are some of the best ways to establish traditional decor, because they’re one of a kind. Which by argument means: If your home doesn’t look just like all of your friends’ and your neighbor’s brothers’ girlfriends’ house… you won’t tire of it. Blending the old and the new will always be in style.
Sentimental things will never get old. Your grandmother’s old dresser will be absolutely beautiful with your clean lines on the new bed. Don’t be afraid to pair things together for a fresh new look. This is a great way to establish a timeless feel.
before
The stained glass we found at the flea market and incorporated into our build, along with the natural stone countertops and clean lines of our kitchen… will never get old to us.
8. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Say No to Clutter.
Guilty right now, since we’re currently expanding our own home and living in a lot of chaos. But simply purging regularly {I’d say at least once a quarter in different areas of your home} are a great way to stave off that stale look. You never want your home to look overly crowded… that’s a great {free} way to keep it up to date, too.
9. Tips for Timeless Spaces That Won’t Need Updates: Remember That Even “Trendy” Can Also Be Considered Timeless
I’ve never been one for trends because bandwagons. And because chevron can be found in the Taj Mahal.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen caning on furniture, modern lines, or brass, or fun flooring patterns. And it certainly won’t be the last. It’s all about doing what you love in your home, and if you do that, you should be happy. Remember it’s okay to give yourself permission to build with the classics, and replace the easy stuff as you go along.
These are some of our favorite ways to create a timeless space. Every home is different, but it helps to think through ways to make it as a part of a beautiful, timeless backdrop. We hope it helps you build the home that you love! As always, our company is available for design consults, both locally and long distance if you need a little help getting started in this arena.
Have an inspired day!
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