Embracing the Enduring Beauty of Classic Design
As a designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the timeless qualities of certain home styles and decorative elements. In a world where trends come and go at a dizzying pace, there’s something incredibly comforting about designs that seem to transcend the whims of fashion and remain relevant year after year, decade after decade.
Architectural Digest recently explored this idea, scouring their archives and consulting modern designers to uncover the hallmarks of truly timeless interior style. From the classic blue-and-white color combination to the enduring appeal of exposed brick, these design elements have stood the test of time, becoming beloved staples in homes around the world.
As the founder of https://ilivinghomes.com, a custom home building and renovation company, I’ve seen firsthand how embracing timeless design can create spaces that feel both classic and contemporary. In this article, I’ll dive deep into the world of timeless home styles, exploring the origins, versatility, and lasting appeal of design icons that have captured the hearts and imaginations of homeowners for generations.
The Enduring Charm of Blue-and-White
One of the design trends that Architectural Digest highlighted as a true timeless classic is the beloved blue-and-white color combination. This classic pairing, which dates back to the 14th century in China, where blue-and-white porcelain was first developed, has continued to captivate design enthusiasts throughout the centuries.
“As Oscar Wilde put it,” shares designer Elizabeth Pyne Singer of New York firm McMillen, “I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china.” This enduring color duo has graced the tableware, tile work, and interiors of stately homes and cozy country cottages alike, forever associated with a sense of refined elegance and timeless charm.
What is it about blue and white that continues to captivate us? Perhaps it’s the soothing, uncomplicated nature of the palette, which helps to keep visual stimulation to a minimum. As designer Elizabeth Muraro Hague explains, “Soothing, uncomplicated white helps keep visual stimulation to a minimum.” This perfectly complements the rich, deep tones of blue, creating a harmonious balance that feels as fresh and calming today as it did centuries ago.
The Allure of All-White Spaces
Speaking of the power of white, another design trend that has truly stood the test of time is the allure of all-white spaces. Whether it’s a serene bedroom with crisp, white bedding or a gleaming kitchen with pristine white walls and countertops, the minimalist beauty of an all-white palette has always been a design darling.
Ariel Kaye, the founder of the Parachute lifestyle brand, notes that while white bedding has always been popular, the consumer embrace of minimalism has made it ever more so. “A minimalist design is about peace of mind and focus,” she explains. “In today’s busy world, it’s nice to unwind in a bedroom that feels fresh and serene.”
The timeless appeal of all-white spaces extends beyond the bedroom and into other areas of the home as well. Marble countertops, for instance, have long been praised for their practical and luxurious qualities, with AD100 designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard declaring, “Marble to me is the ultimate material for bathroom and kitchen countertops. I love the natural beauty of stone. No two pieces are alike, and as such, no two homes are alike.”
Embracing the Charm of Natural Textures
While clean, white spaces undoubtedly possess a timeless elegance, there’s also something to be said for the enduring appeal of natural textures and materials. From the rustic warmth of exposed brick to the comforting coziness of woven accents, these organic elements have a way of imbuing a space with a sense of timelessness and craftsmanship.
Traditionally found in old-school flooring and the palatial columned homes of Venice, terrazzo has been reimagined in recent years, showing up in a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors on tabletops, entryways, and other unexpected surfaces. “That’s what makes it special,” says Italian designer Alberto Bellamoli, who produces many of his terrazzo pieces in Verona. “From a wicker bed frame in a girl’s bedroom to hanging light fixtures, natural woven straw—which dates back to as early as 8000 BC in Egypt—has many creative applications. ‘It’s more than a trend,’ says designer Nina Freudenberger. ‘It’s a material that has been used and tested through time to add warmth, interest, and a sense of craftsmanship to a room.'”
The Enduring Allure of Decorative Textiles
While natural textures and materials contribute to the timeless quality of a space, decorative textiles also play a crucial role in creating a sense of enduring style. From the lush, botanical prints of chintz to the pastoral charm of toile, these textile designs have a way of evoking a sense of history and romance that never goes out of style.
The vibrant, large-scale florals of chintz, which trace their origins back to the early 1600s, have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent decades, finding their way onto everything from wallpaper to china to upholstered furnishings. As designer Patrick McGrath observes, “Chintz looks great if you are going for that sort of lived-in Bunny Mellon look in a country house or prewar apartment.”
Toile, with its European-inspired pastoral scenes, is another textile that has truly stood the test of time. “Toile always carries with it romance and a flavor of old-school charm,” says AD100 designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. “And it’s one of the few fabrics you can commit to absolutely—more is always more in the perfect way.” Designer Josh Greene echoes this sentiment, noting that toile “brings a sense of history and classicism to any space.”
Timeless Furnishings: The Enduring Appeal of Upholstery
Stepping beyond textiles, another design element that has remained a constant in the world of timeless interiors is the enduring appeal of upholstered furnishings. Whether it’s a cozy sofa, a plush armchair, or a inviting daybed, the notion of “usable furniture” has been a hallmark of classic design for decades.
As Will Cooper, partner at New York design and development firm ASH NYC, explains, “The notion of actually usable furniture is something that has stuck with interiors for decades. There’s something classic about a living room that actually works, filled with comfortable upholstered pieces.”
This emphasis on form and function aligns perfectly with the timeless design philosophy, where pieces are chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal, but for their ability to enhance the everyday experience of a space. After all, what’s the point of a beautiful room if you can’t truly relax and unwind in it?
Enduring Architectural Details
While furnishings and textiles play a crucial role in creating timeless interiors, the architectural bones of a home can also contribute significantly to its enduring style. From the rustic charm of exposed brick to the classic elegance of built-in bookshelves, certain design elements have a way of elevating a space and imbuing it with a sense of timelessness.
Candace Campos, Soho House’s US design director, notes that the “beauty of exposed brick is that it’s an architectural building material, so its purpose is core to the space. That in itself gives it integrity. Brick always carries a part of its history, and history won’t ever go out of style.”
Similarly, the classic subway tile backsplash, which first gained popularity in the late 19th century, has continued to grace kitchens and bathrooms around the world, its simple, rectangular form transcending the whims of fashion. As designer Liz Caan points out, “Subway tiles always look classic and go with literally everything.”
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As I reflect on the enduring design elements highlighted in this article, I can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the way in which timeless style honors the past while embracing the future. By incorporating classic materials, textures, and patterns into our homes, we’re not only creating spaces that feel inherently beautiful and comfortable, but we’re also tapping into a rich, centuries-old tradition of design that has withstood the test of time.
At https://ilivinghomes.com, we firmly believe in the power of timeless design. Whether we’re working on a custom new build or a comprehensive renovation, we always strive to incorporate design elements that will stand the test of time, creating homes that feel both classic and contemporary. By embracing the timeless, we’re not only ensuring that our clients’ investments will retain their value, but we’re also contributing to a larger movement that celebrates the enduring beauty of good design.
So, as you embark on your own home building or renovation journey, I encourage you to keep an open mind and a discerning eye. Look beyond the fleeting trends and focus on the design elements that have captivated homeowners for generations. Whether it’s the soothing elegance of an all-white kitchen or the rustic charm of exposed brick, by honoring the past and embracing the timeless, you’ll create a home that will truly stand the test of time.
