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 trying 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 assume we deal with sufficient is the steadfast issues in design and adorning. What product and materials selections are you able to make to your house that may nonetheless look good 5, 10, even 50 years from now?
That’s precisely what a few of you requested me to assume by means of earlier this month within the remark part of a submit I wrote about on the other 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 sort of model ennui.
All of us transfer by means of seems, vibes, and traits so shortly, no less than in our minds and conversations, that it’s so necessary to keep in mind that our houses don’t need to flip-flop all that a lot in response. Decide up some enjoyable little fashionable lamp or add in some butter yellow or purple? Certain! Why not, have enjoyable. However if you wish to lay the muse for lasting design, there are 10 issues I’m calling out as timeless (spoiler alert: one among my timeless picks additionally occurred to be on my 2025 drained traits submit, so…preserve studying to learn my ideas on what and why).
However first, let’s speak about what timeless in design actually means. Certain, time-less means time doesn’t have an effect on the attraction of one thing, however what I discovered time and again is that the issues that final visually talking are additionally the issues that final, bodily talking. High quality and craftsmanship are at all times going to reign supreme, and cheapy, artificial issues simply merely gained’t. Attractive actual wooden paneling and trimwork? Timeless. Vinyl or particle board “wood-look” flooring or wall therapies? They doubtless will date as quick as that peach in your fruit bowl goes delicate subsequent to a bundle of bananas.
It’s straightforward to have a look at a timeless room (or no less than a room with timeless components), and know down in your veins that it’s one thing you possibly can have fortunately lived in 100 years in the past, or 75 years from now. Development-forward rooms may be thrilling, enjoyable and funky, however I can really feel a way instantly that it’s of the second and fleeting. Additionally of observe is the truth that one thing that’s basic might grow to be fashionable after which fall out of pattern, but it surely’ll at all times look good as a result of it really works for a cause. White kitchens might have been all the trend over the past 10-15 years, however they’ve since been dwindling in recognition. Guess what, although? White kitchens are timeless, and so long as the weather in stated kitchen should not overly trendy *and* it’s product of high quality supplies, it’ll look good for many years.
To me, timeless design is easy, useful and acquainted, the latter citing a thought I had that basic/conventional/timeless varies in your background. What’s basic on this nation and to our tradition is probably going fairly totally different than in a unique a part of the world, particularly if European colonists didn’t affect their structure. In doing analysis for this submit, I attempted to seek out some details about why our tastes change over time, and located this fascinating passage about our notion of artwork:
The Function of Cultural and Social Components in Shaping Style: Cultural and social components considerably affect a person’s visible style. Cultural background offers a lens by means of which individuals view and interpret artwork, with totally different cultures valuing totally 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 schooling, socioeconomic standing, and publicity to totally different artwork types, additionally play an important function. For instance, people with the next degree of artwork schooling might respect extra summary or conceptual artwork, whereas these with much less publicity may desire extra representational works.
Anyhow, I can nerd out on the whys behind this matter all day, but it surely’s time to go down our listing of timeless picks (no less than from my perspective), in no explicit order:
#1: Pure Supplies
Above and past, pure supplies of high quality equivalent to wooden, stone and marble are a few of the most trend-proof issues in our houses and buildings, particularly by not being too showy when it comes to colour or end. They have a tendency 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 widespread mid-tone finishes have a means of at all times working aesthetically. They combine nicely 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 part from the Scandi motion), and don’t really feel notably glued to an period particularly. Cerused woods, grey-finished woods, and something overly lacquered, as an example, 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 therapy above. Certain, there are individuals who lean extra modern or modernist and minimalist that may see a room lined 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 equivalent to soapstone will endlessly be timeless to me. It’s not showy the best way some fashionable closely veined marbles are, it’s very grounding and wears so fantastically. The darkish grey/black colour is extra lasting than the greenish soapstones on the market, however truthfully, so long as it’s paired with a basic cabinetry model, there’ll doubtless not come a time when this seems drained.
And sure, marble of various colours will at all times be timeless. If the Greeks chiseled figures out of it, we will guestimate that the fabric will look good in our houses for all of time. Stick with one thing that’s not too excessive for the very best guess at stylistic longevity.
#2: Genuine Trimwork & Classical Structure
In the identical means that pure supplies are timeless, conventional trimwork, millwork, and different such classical architectural particulars are, as nicely. I believe it ties into the nostalgic issue of what was current in outdated 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 will not be 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 strains of this shiplap make this sort of wainscotting really feel extra “now,” however altogether, a rest room like that is going to be as beautiful in 30 years as it’s now as a result of you may’t actually place it in a time or place.
The scroll appliqué is perhaps a bit particular right here, however a basic 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 working up the treads will likely be swapped out right here and there, however there that trimwork and bannister will nonetheless be, trying nice.
I imply, I’m DROOLING right here. What a press release. What a glance. Completely attractive, now and endlessly. Thanks, Jean Stoffer, for sharing this.
The plasterwork that was completed as and round crown molding will endlessly be cherished for its magnificence. Additionally of observe, however not for the subject of this submit: Peep the matching wall colour and cabinetry hue. Feels really easy on the eyes to not need to cope with so many transitions, and lets the hearth and crown actually shine.
#3: Lovely 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 store varieties, and the home windows have been vinyl. Nobody goes to see photographs of my childhood house and add its particulars to a listing of basic design components, 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 inexpensive Residence Depot doorways, however as is the case with this stuff, they’ll outlast them by many years if not centuries.
That is actually particular and exhausting to nail when it was made. Might be new, might have been dug up below a pile of filth and mud at an architectural salvage retailer. Solely Scribe Studio might let you know.
No matter I take into consideration arches reaching a fever pitch of use, an arched door and trimwork will at all times captivate my coronary heart. As I discussed in an earlier photograph, even when the tiles and cabinetry colours change through the years 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 houses for the reason that seventeenth century (nicely…in farms as they permit contemporary air in with out letting out youngsters or livestock), and so they nonetheless look this good and apropos. Virtually, and centuries-old design that works = don’t repair what’s not damaged.
The metallic body home windows of this gorgeous eating house by Mark Lewis are extra on the fashionable aspect of the design spectrum, however they may be 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 attractive casing.
#4: Eclectic Salon Artwork Partitions
Now, let’s transfer on to some extra granule adorning selections, 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 few completely curated, completely spaced, completely styled assortment of artwork. The galleries of house artwork that don’t have an expiration date on them are comprised of photographs, artwork acquired over time, and possibly even generations. The frames weren’t all purchased on the identical 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 that resides right here loves, it probably evolves usually, 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 completed 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 examine some bins of a colour palette or theme, it could age shortly (even when the person artworks didn’t), however as a substitute, it’s simply lovely artwork, framed in varied methods, all hung collectively in timeless concord.
#5: Books
I didn’t have books on my listing throughout my first spherical at this, however it could have been an enormous miss to not embrace them right here. There’s not a ton I can say as to why, in addition to the truth that books have at all times belonged in our lives, and can at all times belong in our lives. On our nightstands, on our aspect tables, overlaying 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 comfortable…
Simply SO DANG GOOD.
#6: Marbled Checker Flooring
Alright, we’ve reached the purpose on this submit 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 ground really feel so commonplace, so requisite of fine style, that it makes me need to not use one thing I really love the look of for concern of stylistic fatigue. Like, it seems so good in so many houses, however my god, certainly there’s something else, no?? Will I ever put a checkered ground in a house of mine? Yeah, probaby, as a result of get this: IT’S TIMELESS! However I simply want somewhat 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 listing even when they’re fashionable in the meanwhile.
A checkered ground set at a diagonal or in a diamond form is when it’s most basic, partly as a result of this format hides imperfections in sq. partitions. Provided that houses was constructed by hand with out energy instruments, they have been somewhat off. A squared checker sample would spotlight these flaws.
Diagonal and diamond lays are additionally rather more dynamic and make a room look bigger and extra stately, a way that works notably nicely in touchdown zones like foyers and lengthy stretches of hallways (beneath).
That is completely beautiful, as nicely, and once more, a few of the detailing of the millwork may find yourself feeling a contact 2020s, however the ground—if marble and never vinyl—will likely be a strong complement to no matter comes its means.
#7: Stable Wooden Farm Tables
I’m not a “Fashionable Farmhouse” gal, however that doesn’t imply one among its go-to elements 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 through the years. The extra worn it turns into, the higher.
You possibly can 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 enviornment.
There’s one thing disarming a few 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 sort of factor that may make us really feel snug in our houses 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 houses it doesn’t matter what the 12 months is. From a sensible standpoint, furnishings like these are useful garments storage in elements of the world the place big 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 widespread to new builds and renovations of the second.
My favourite kind of show cupboard is fascinating and ornate, both by means of materials (hiya, mahogany or burlwood) or carvings like this attractive creature above. As you may see, it’s in a reasonably modern room and feels prefer it’s at all times been there, watching the world transfer and alter round it through the years.
A candy little cupboard like that is additionally at all times welcome, dontcha assume?
A cupboard that has layers and layers of paint with barely off-kilter doorways may discover a house 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 need to be this big factor, both. A small dresser with a hutch may do the trick, particularly in a room like the toilet.
#9: English Roll-Arm Couch
Of all of the sofas which can be nonetheless related right now, the English roll-arm couch is by far my favourite. Analysis tells me this upholstered piece was first fashionable within the nineteenth century, principally as a consequence of how snug it was, but additionally as a result of it appeared “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’d like a settee that may look good right now and in 15 years, it’s possible you’ll need to think about an English roll arm.
#10: Mid-Century Fashionable Lighting
Lastly, a little bit of an oddball that I stand behind. Mid-century trendy lighting (Italian and Danish trendy being two of my favorites from this era) is one thing that’s timeless in a means that it simply seems good in every single place, on a regular basis. A contact of funk and space-agey strains and finishes leaves each single room cooler than earlier than it graced it.
Mid-century trendy lighting can reduce by means of extra severe rooms lined 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.
Fashionable lighting just like the Danish flowerpot lamp design is playful, is available in some unbelievable colours, and at all times feels sudden.
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.
—
We made it. In all honesty, my listing might have been 20 objects deep, however for the sake of brevity and a punchy quantity like 10, I’ll preserve it right here for now. However don’t let that cease you from including your personal timeless components to the dialog within the feedback beneath. I liked the chats which have sprung up in my current posts, so let’s preserve that vitality going right here.
Till subsequent time, buddies…
Opening Picture Credit: Design by Rosa Beltran | Styled by Velinda Hellen | Photograph Sara Ligorria-Tramp
