Here’s a surprising statistic that should command your attention for a wee while; the building and construction industry makes up about 40 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, according to a report by the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF), as reported in Business of Home Magazine.
Hang on, we haven’t got to the surprising part yet. That is, as the report outlines, that ‘’Over the course of an average building’s life span, the carbon footprint of its interiors will equal if not exceed that of the structure’s construction.’’
Trends come and go, that much has always been true. But in recent years, an increase in ‘fast furniture’ as a response to those changing trends has only contributed more to landfill, with the problem only set to worsen.
The solution? In terms of both sustainability and style, is to seek out durable, long-lasting furniture that’s timeless and trend-proof. Here’s how to do just that.
Use A Grounding, Neutral Colour Palette
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re not being swept up and away on the flow of fleeting trends is to maintain a neutral colour palette at home.
Doing so enables you to change the entire room’s vibe by changing the accents and décor pieces, without having to invest in a slew of new flatpack furniture items each and every time you fancy an aesthetic shift.
Using neutral colours, such as whites and greys for walls, floors and larger pieces of furniture, makes redecorating and refurbishing much easier, creating a blank canvas of sorts, ideal for further flashes of inspiration, but without introducing a colour scheme which could quickly become dated.
Generally speaking, more than three different tones in one room can be overwhelming (unless you’re going for a maximalist vibe), so try to stick to just two shades at most. A formula of sorts, for the mathematically inclined, could read: cream sofa + white chair = one tone.
Remember that if you’re struggling with inspiration for your colour palette, pick up some free paint samples and give them a trial run on the wall before making any more finite decisions; it’s much cheaper than an entire tin of paint but gives a good representation of how things might look.
Read: Throwback interior design trends that have stood the test of time
Don’t Make Your Television The Focal Point
Let’s be honest here; a truly timeless interior design wouldn’t feature a TV at all. In the modern world, particularly in the living room, that’s not quite so feasible.
The answer? To conceal your TV in place, or have it wall-mounted so it becomes less of a focal point.
Some people will install furniture items like cabinets with doors that can hold a TV. Others may use recesses in the wall and cover them up. A third option is to disguise your television when not in use by getting it wall-mounted behind a sliding cabinet door that can be closed to hide the television.
Deploy More Natural Materials
The vast majority of furniture items that fall under the fast furniture umbrella are made from synthetic materials, so if you want your room to feel classy and timeless, then you might want to look to the natural world to provide the answers.
The added bonus, of course, is the longevity of such materials. Real hardwood floors and furniture made from high quality wood will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and being trend-proof, whilst granite countertops also look and feel the part.
If you have stone walls, you may even choose to expose them to let their natural appeal shine out onto the rest of the room, unimpeded, which is both on-trend right now, and timeless in its appeal.
Embrace The Subtle Power Of Neutral Wall Art
Incorporating neutral wall art is a key strategy for creating a timeless and trend-proof interior. Opt for artwork that features neutral tones such as beige, white, black, and grey, which blend seamlessly with a neutral color palette and complement any room. Abstract art, minimalist line drawings, and monochromatic photography are excellent choices that add sophistication without overpowering the space. Additionally, consider pieces that incorporate interesting textures and materials, like a textured canvas, framed fabric art, or wooden sculptures, to add visual interest and depth.
Mirrors with simple, elegant frames in neutral tones can also enhance natural light and make a space feel larger, contributing to the overall timeless appeal.
When hanging wall art, balance is crucial. Avoid overcrowding a single wall and instead spread pieces evenly across the room to create a harmonious look. Tailor your wall art to the function of the room; for example, a large statement piece above the sofa in the living room, a calming piece above the bed in the bedroom, or a series of smaller, cohesive pieces in the dining room.
A gallery wall featuring a collection of neutral art pieces can become a focal point, allowing you to showcase your personality while adhering to timeless design principles. By thoughtfully selecting and arranging neutral wall art, you can enhance the enduring elegance of your interior design, ensuring your home remains stylish and inviting for years to come.
Classical Balance & Symmetry
Sure, a quirky, chaotic space may look funky and ‘now’, but we’re here to consider timeless styles, and let’s face it, a certain amount of symmetry can look pretty nice, too.
The latter can be achieved by dividing the room into either two parts or four parts and then balancing the elements in each part. This creates visual depth and stops one piece from becoming too overwhelming. For example, try balancing out a floor to ceiling window with a large, floor to ceiling cupboard or closet.
Indeed, timeless room designs have one, overriding thing in common – balance. This can be achieved by employing clean lines and not overcrowding a space. This applies to maximalist aesthetics, too; balancing out all your trinkets, keepsakes and miscellaneous items is the key to avoid an overly cluttered look.
On the other hand, with no balance present, your room can feel too bare! Balance enables the eyes to rest and stops you from becoming overwhelmed within a space, and this poised, almost regal aesthetic is as on-trend as it ever was.
The Enduring Power Of Natural Light
Dark, dingy, and depressing? It’ll never catch on.
Indeed, perhaps the most enduring interior design trend of all is that which embraces natural light, promoting its flow and maximising its potential. For more on doing just that, check out our tips on how to allow more natural light in your home. You won’t regret it!