Good designers know that creating overly trendy spaces can be a bad idea. Just when you’ve perfected the latest look to take Instagram by storm, another snazzy fad comes along, leaving the design you worked so hard on feeling dated.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. The best designers in the business have gotten off the design treadmill by creating forever-chic interiors. Afterall, when you stick with trends that endure, you’ll be able to avoid destined-to-be-dated fads once and for all.
In this post, we give you a rundown of our five favorite future-proof interior design elements and how you can incorporate them into your next design.
1. Black and White
When it comes to color palettes, there’s none more classic than black and white. That’s why you’ll see this duo appear over and over again, no matter the era. Its blank-slate character makes it adaptable for any style, from ultra-modern to antique.
Rooms with a black and white theme typically use one of the shades as the foundational color. For example, in the room pictured above, white is used as the primary hue, covering the walls and finishings. Black is added in the form of decor, giving the space some high-contrast drama.
Timeless design is flexible. It’s able to adapt throughout the years and still look great. That’s one of the best things about black and white themes: they’re easy to freshen up anytime you’re in the mood for a change. Simply add a few boldly-colored pieces of art on the wall, or even switch out the furniture. You can regularly update accents for a look that’s always interesting and evolving. And since black and white is a neutral base, it goes with just about everything.
2. Built-In Storage
Functional design is always a winner. That’s why built-in storage units will always be highly desirable. Not only do they provide you the convenience of storage space without needing extra furniture, they also give you an opportunity to set up beautiful displays. For this reason, it’s no wonder that built-in storage shelves often become the focal point of a room.
Paint them in a contrasting hue to make them draw the eye even more, or match them with the surrounding walls to blend them in. Doing the latter will make the shelving appear to recede toward the walls, creating the illusion of a wider space.
3. Hardwood Floors
No matter the decade, no matter the furnishing style, hardwood floors have always been prized.
Like most natural materials, the organic texture of wood never loses its appeal. It instantly adds warmth to any space and can be chosen to suit rustic or contemporary designs.
Hardwood’s lasting popularity has resulted in its diversification. Now there are a wide range of hardwood flooring products to choose from, each with their own strengths and suitabilities. Solid wood planks still exist for traditionalists, while engineered hardwood flooring offers extreme durability and affordability.
The natural origin of hardwood may have you wondering, “But is it eco-friendly?” After all, nothing can truly stay in style if it’s not sustainable. Luckily, the many advancements in hardwood production has resulted in a wealth of sustainably-sourced options, even those that can improve energy efficiency.
4. Thoughtfully-Chosen Art
There’s a big difference between picking generic factory prints and selecting art that means something to your client. Graphic decals, slogans and mass-produced prints are popping up everywhere these days, but they have the potential to make spaces feel impersonal.
That’s the trouble with trendy design - it often results in a look that could lessen the personality of a room. By focusing on your client’s personality when choosing the artwork for a space, there is a smaller chance that their selections will go out of style.
As you probably know, design that’s timeless is best achieved by expressing your client’s personal style. You can successfully avoid the cookie-cutter look by only choosing art that resonates with them personally. Is it there just because it matches the decor, or because they truly love it? When it’s the latter, it shows. Art that’s been chosen with care will add warmth and character to a space in a way that will always be fashionable.
By ignoring fads and simply picking pieces your client adores, you’ll create an interior that they’ll love spending time in and showing off. Who could ask for better design than that?
5. Healthy Buildings
Healthy buildings are no longer a trend, they’re a requirement for building owners, managers and building inhabitants. Because of this, builders, architects and designers are continually striving to find more efficient ways to achieve optimal building health and reduce negative effects such as sick building syndrome and reduced productivity.
There are points to consider when you’re constructing a healthier space, including:
- Indoor Air Quality
- Thermal Control
- Access to Natural Light
- Non-Toxic Building Materials
Air quality, lighting, and chemicals all have an effect on the health of building occupants. By incorporating healthy design concepts, you won’t just be following the “go green” trend—you’ll be building a healthier, happier environment for your clients, and that never goes out of style.
