What “Timeless” Really Means & Why It Looks Different in Every Home

Timeless. We hear the term everywhere, from fashion to home design, and though it typically has a positive connotation, it can feel impossible to define broadly. Why? Well, I think it’s because timeless means something different for each of us.

We all have a favorite piece of clothing in our closets that feels like it just stands the test of time. We always love it, and we always feel good wearing it. Like a great leather jacket, it pairs effortlessly with a million different outfits. It just always works. 

To me, that is timeless. Something that brings personal joy, sparks confidence and comfort, and can evolve with you over time. And it translates beautifully to the way we design our homes. 

Timeless Doesn’t Mean Old

Timeless elements are often rooted in history and are still relevant for a reason. Take acupuncture, for example. The practice is over 2,000 years old, yet it’s still effective and used worldwide today. It’s not relevant simply because it’s old, but because the principles behind it are fundamentally sound.

The same rings true for design. Whether we’re studying ancient Japanese tea rooms or designing your home, they aren’t timeless because of the specific elements within the space. They’re timeless because they’re inspiring, because of the way they make you feel, because they’re designed specifically for the people who will use it.

Timeless Design is Not an Aesthetic

If you do a quick internet search for “timeless interior design,” you’ll get a laundry list of elements including neutral colors, natural wood and stone, furniture with simple lines, and more. They all feel like safe design elements, don’t they? I’d say that “timeless” itself is a safe word that so many designers use to describe their style. And many of their clients would agree!

That’s the beauty of it all, though. Timeless is not a one-size-fits-all descriptor. If it resonates with you, even though you may not understand why, then it fits within your own personal brand of timeless. When I discuss what “timeless” looks like with my clients, their answers, and resulting designs, are typically very different. For example, for our Lincoln Park client, bold and colorful felt timeless to her (below, left), vs. clean and crisp for our Logan Square client (below, right).

Trends Aren’t the Enemy

No conversation about timeless design would be complete without discussing trends. There’s a general understanding that trends and timeless elements are polar opposites. In fashion, we follow trends so that we aren’t viewed as outdated or uncool. Remember how quickly we discarded our skinny jeans for straight-leg style, and now wide-leg is all the rage?

I look at trends in design differently. They’re often fun, and they might spark a new interest or a new sense of creativity. For this reason, I don’t think they should be completely ignored. Sometimes they show you something you didn’t know or expect. 

In design, however, current trends can feel timeless in the moment. Think back to the millennial gray and all-white kitchens of the early 2010s. Back then, they felt like timeless design choices, but now, we immediately see them as outdated. On the other hand, I recently proposed a tiled countertop for a bar because it felt modern, current, and a little trendy paired with some traditional cabinetry. I realized quickly that style was very 70s/80s, so trends can also be cyclical. 

Can trendy elements be incorporated into timeless design? Yes, if thoughtfully done. For example, our Downer’s Grove clients like the wildly popular mid-century modern design but didn’t want to commit to a full room in that style. We decided to incorporate a fun mid-century light fixture in the dining room and pair it with more traditional items. The result? A space with personality that brings them joy but is balanced with enough restraint that they will love it for years to come.

“Safe” Isn’t Always the Best Choice

Just as trends can feel timeless in the moment, they can also feel safe. So many other people are implementing these trendy elements in their home, so they must be acceptable, right? The truth is, “safe” does not equate with personal meaning.

I recently met with a client who moved into a new-build condo with a lot of generic, bland finishes. Perhaps the builder thought they were timeless, but the result was flat and basic. The laundry room was oddly-sized, and our client thought she should add cabinetry and storage, not because she needs or wants it, but because that’s just what people do. 

Trends aren’t always patterns, colors, or textures, but they can be function-driven, too — for her, this was just another safe design option. Instead, I’m proposing some bold wallpaper and a fun light fixture to transform her space into a jewel room that will truly spark joy.

Timeless Means Investing for Longevity

Timeless design should always begin with your style. I believe that very few people completely change their style drastically, and the first step of our design process is to deeply understand you. To pinpoint what timeless means for you, personally, we ask a variety of questions, including, “Describe a room from your past where you felt completely at ease,” “What color makes up a lot of your wardrobe?” and “What is an outfit that makes you feel completely yourself?”

Gaining a firm grasp on your personal timeless style means we can thoughtfully create a meaningful design that is you at its core, and one that will grow and evolve with you.

Good design must be supported by good materials in order to physically stand the test of time. For both timelessness and longevity, we recommend investing in high-quality upholstered and casegood furnishings. They can last for so long and can take on new life down the road through reupholstering and refinishing if the bones are good. Wools, linens, cotton, and natural stone are timeless materials that will last, and investing in high-quality rugs and cabinets is always worthwhile.

If your style does evolve over time, paint colors, wallpaper, lighting, and even backsplash tile are easier and more affordable elements to update.

Discovering What Timeless Means for You

It’s often easy to look at pictures of interiors and say, “Oh, I like that.” It’s much harder to pinpoint why. Fortunately, that’s where a designer comes in. I’m here to guide you through the process of uncovering what timeless truly means for you. What elements align perfectly with your own personal brand of design? That work we complete upfront is incredibly valuable, and results speak for themselves… spaces that truly spark joy and enduring comfort, spaces that will grow with you over time.

If this approach to design resonates with you, I’d love to connect and discuss your goals for your home. Reach out here and let’s begin the conversation.

Warmly,
Kristen