6 minute read

ARCHITECTURE

Next Article
Halls_TodayKC

Halls_TodayKC

ARCHITECTURE words by ERIN HENKLE

Advertisement

Timeless Interiors.

In a time when Pinterest, Instagram, and renovation television shows have become ubiquitous, it can be difficult not to be swayed by the trend of the moment. After all, whether we realize it or not, we’re inundated with spaces that look eerily similar at every scroll.

Trends aren’t inherently bad – they’re just tricky. Trends in architecture and design rise to popularity because they are good. They’re inspired by patterns, shapes, material choices, and even floor plans that have captured the imagination of a generation. The challenge comes when we incorporate trends without considering if they work for our home or lifestyle.

PROTECT THE PROCESS

The most important thing that you can do to ensure your home is timeless? Don’t rush the process. Everyone wants a TV-timeline renovation with Instagram-worthy results. But the reality is that those timelines don’t leave much time for the real, messy, and wonderful design and discovery process that ensures a timeless home rather than regurgitated trends.

We start each project with this discovery process. We ask questions. We explore inspirational images. We talk about functionality and the nitty gritty of life. We zero in on what matters to you. Sometimes those are words – “accessibility,” “comfort,” or “hospitality.” Sometimes they are concepts – tailoring your home around hosting or optimizing functionality for a young family. From there, we define the scope – the actual ins and outs of the project and the spaces we will touch. When we embrace the process, we get clarity of vision that becomes the driving force for a project, making it easier to avoid trends that don’t fulfill your core desires.

DESIGNING REAL HOMES FOR REAL LIFE

After clarifying your vision, whether working with a designer or on your own, take a moment to pause. Build time into your project schedule to reflect on options and consider your priorities. We all tend to lean on what we’ve seen most recently – what’s trendy – when forced to make quick decisions.

Next, remember you are designing a home for real life. Your life. Design moves based on trends that are all encompassing or more permanent tend to be those you’ll regret. For example, if you’re feeling swayed to decorate your home aligned entirely with an of-the-moment style, like modern farmhouse, it might be worth investigating further.

Ask yourself what specific design elements of that style resonate. Is it the way the space feels? The typical floor plan associated with it? The casework or details typically incorporated? These sweeping design moves or commitments to one style tend to age a home – unless, of course, it is authentic to the architecture and history of the space.

The same thought process applies to trending floor plans. While the open floor plan has become hugely popular, it doesn’t work for every family. The kitchen tends to be a place where trends flourish and where space planning can be particularly challenging. We love a large island as much as the next person, but it isn’t always practical or prudent. If you’re willing to look beyond a trending kitchen layout or expansive floorplan, you might open yourself up to possibilities that are both beautiful and functional – whether that be an eat-in kitchen, a practical peninsula, or a charming galley.

SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR TIMELESS INTERIORS

Even if you’re not doing a large-scale kitchen renovation or reimagining your floor plan, there are simple and practical ways you can ensure a timeless space and avoid the trend trap.

Be cautious. First, use a light touch with some of the popular trends we’re seeing today. A stone backsplash in a kitchen, checkered patterns, curved furniture, and art deco details are everywhere at the moment, but if used too heavy handedly, they will likely feel dated.

Select natural materials. While materials that mimic the look of natural stone might get the reputation of being more durable, natural stone countertops, like marble, patina beautifully and stand the test of time.

Focus on classic details. It’s helpful to look at inspiring spaces from the past for inspiration for today. Mosaic tile floors and marble wall tiles were incorporated into homes 100 years ago. A century later, the functionality of these choices – mosaic tile is great for creating a slip-resistant floor and marble is durable, shatter resistant,

and reflects light – still make them excellent choices for a bath and ensure a timeless space.

Invest in authenticity. Authentic materials, versus reproductions, are essential to creating a timeless interior. For example, if you’re set on a patterned tile, consider investing in a handcrafted version produced with traditional methods instead of a printed version. Instead of hardware with a gold finish mimicking real brass, consider incorporating unlacquered brass hardware and fixtures that develop character over time.

Invest in soft furniture. You’ll sit on the workhorse pieces in your home every day. Invest in high-quality manufacturers and high-performing, neutral fabrics for your key soft seating, including couches and chairs.

Mix old and new. Mixing textures, eras, and sources for furnishings is critical to creating a balanced look. Consider giving new life to high-quality vintage pieces. Heirloom furniture with traditional lines can easily fit into a modern space with the right fabric choices.

Do your research. If you love pattern, do a bit of research or consult an interior designer on what patterns stand the test of time. Many manufacturers have patterns that have been around for decades and will continue to age well. Incorporate them in modern ways specific to your personal style.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution that results in a timeless home, these investents can help create a space that feels elevated, established, and authentic – and will be sure to stand the test of time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Erin Henkle is an interior designer at id|bp, a full-service interior design and build firm serving clients across Kansas City. Leveraging her deep experience working on diverse project types, Erin embraces the opportunity to help clients create spaces that result in lasting memories at home. idbp.net

This article is from: