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Is Anything In Our Homes Actually Timeless? We Think These 10 Things Have Lasting Power (A Few Might Surprise You)
We do a lot of talking about trends around here. Heck, it’s the nature of design writers to do so. Always looking forward, exploring exciting concepts to come. Plus, there’s a bit of an ego component of being able to “call” what’s next and then be right about it. But something I don’t think we focus on enough is the steadfast things in design and decorating. What product and material choices can you make for your home that will still look good five, 10, even 50 years from now?
That’s exactly what some of you asked me to think through earlier this month in the comment section of a post I wrote about on the opposite topic matter—2025 trends that have run their course. Honestly, I’m so glad this was requested, because it gave me pause enough to think about it. Thanks in large part to social media, we have an embarrassment of riches of visual resources to work from now, but what comes from that, at least for me, is a kind of style ennui.
We all move through looks, vibes, and trends so quickly, at least in our minds and conversations, that it’s so important to remember that our homes don’t have to flip-flop all that much in response. Pick up some fun little trendy lamp or add in some butter yellow or red? Sure! Why not, have fun. But if you want to lay the foundation for lasting design, there are 10 things I’m calling out as timeless (spoiler alert: one of my timeless picks also happened to be on my 2025 tired trends post, so…keep reading to read my thoughts on what and why).
But first, let’s talk about what timeless in design really means. Sure, time-less means time doesn’t affect the appeal of something, but what I found again and again is that the things that last visually speaking are also the things that last, physically speaking. Quality and craftsmanship are always going to reign supreme, and cheapy, synthetic things just simply won’t. Gorgeous real wood paneling and trimwork? Timeless. Vinyl or particle board “wood-look” floors or wall treatments? They likely will date as fast as that peach in your fruit bowl goes soft next to a bundle of bananas.
It’s easy to look at a timeless room (or at least a room with timeless elements), and know down in your veins that it’s something you could have happily lived in 100 years ago, or 75 years from now. Trend-forward rooms can be exciting, fun and funky, but I can feel a sense immediately that it’s of the moment and fleeting. Also of note is the fact that something that is classic may become trendy and then fall out of trend, but it’ll always look good because it works for a reason. White kitchens may have been all the rage over the last 10-15 years, but they have since been dwindling in popularity. Guess what, though? White kitchens are timeless, and as long as the elements in said kitchen are not overly modern *and* it’s made of quality materials, it’ll look good for decades.
To me, timeless design is simple, functional and familiar, the latter bringing up a thought I had that classic/traditional/timeless varies on your background. What is classic in this country and to our culture is likely quite different than in a different part of the world, especially if European colonists didn’t influence their architecture. In doing research for this post, I tried to find some information about why our tastes change over time, and found this interesting passage about our perception of art:
The Role of Cultural and Social Factors in Shaping Taste: Cultural and social factors significantly influence an individual’s visual taste. Cultural background provides a lens through which people view and interpret art, with different cultures valuing different aesthetic qualities. For instance, the appreciation of minimalism in Japanese art versus the grandeur of Baroque architecture in Europe illustrates how cultural context shapes visual taste. Social factors, including education, socioeconomic status, and exposure to different art forms, also play a crucial role. For example, individuals with a higher level of art education may appreciate more abstract or conceptual art, whereas those with less exposure might prefer more representational works.
Anyhow, I can nerd out on the whys behind this topic all day, but it’s time to go down our list of timeless picks (at least from my perspective), in no particular order:
#1: Natural Materials
Above and beyond, natural materials of quality such as wood, stone and marble are some of the most trend-proof things in our homes and buildings, specifically by not being too showy in terms of color or finish. They tend to age beautifully and are durable or, at the very least, flexible in ways that artificial materials can never aspire to be.
Natural wood in common mid-tone finishes have a way of always working aesthetically. They mix well with other trendier wood tones when they happen to pop up (remember the espresso wood stain craze of the early aughts, and of course, we still haven’t shaken the blonde wood and white oak everything from the Scandi movement), and don’t feel particularly glued to an era in particular. Cerused woods, grey-finished woods, and anything overly lacquered, for instance, do not fall into this category, in my opinion. Those are tied to a time and place.
While wood paneling is closely related to the ’70s for many people, there were a lot of awful, man-made wood-look treatments, whereas a solid wood paneling installation like the above is going to work with furniture of all types, trends, and styles for a very long time and not be triggering down the line.
The same goes for something like the wood treatment above. Sure, there are people who lean more contemporary or modernist and minimalist that would see a room covered in brown wood and shudder (or worse still, paint it all white), but the fact that this could have been installed this year, or a century ago, and it still works makes it timeless.
A natural stone such as soapstone will forever be timeless to me. It’s not showy the way some trendy heavily veined marbles are, it’s very grounding and wears so beautifully. The dark gray/black color is more lasting than the greenish soapstones out there, but honestly, as long as it’s paired with a classic cabinetry style, there will likely not come a time when this looks tired.
And yes, marble of varying colors will always be timeless. If the Greeks chiseled figures out of it, we can guestimate that the material will look good in our homes for all of time. Stick to something that’s not too over the top for the best bet at stylistic longevity.
#2: Authentic Trimwork & Classical Architecture
In the same way that natural materials are timeless, traditional trimwork, millwork, and other such classical architectural details are, as well. I think it ties into the nostalgic factor of what was present in old stately and historic buildings, and in our brains, there’s an immense value put on that that feeds our nostalgia. It’s simply something that I can’t imagine will ever feel dated for this reason, but also because craftsmanship is beautiful. Again, it may not be for everyone, as it can be too frilly or heavy for some, but not being amenable to a style doesn’t mean it’s something that is passé.
The vertical lines of this shiplap make this kind of wainscotting feel more “now,” but altogether, a bathroom like this is going to be as lovely in 30 years as it is now because you can’t really place it in a time or place.
The scroll appliqué might be a bit specific here, but a classic solid wood spindle staircase and the molding around the door frame are super timeless to me. Over the decades, I’m sure their colors will change, the rug running up the treads will be swapped out here and there, but there that trimwork and bannister will still be, looking great.
I mean, I’m DROOLING here. What a statement. What a look. Absolutely gorgeous, now and forever. Thank you, Jean Stoffer, for sharing this.
The plasterwork that was done as and around crown molding will forever be cherished for its beauty. Also of note, but not for the topic of this post: Peep the matching wall color and cabinetry hue. Feels so easy on the eyes to not have to deal with so many transitions, and lets the fireplace and crown really shine.
#3: Beautiful Windows & Doors
Next up on our tour of timeless architectural greats are beautiful windows and doors. Growing up in middle-class suburbia, all the doors we had were cheap hollow-core hardware store types, and the windows were vinyl. No one is going to see photos of my childhood home and add its details to a list of classic design elements, trust me. I understand that doors made by a carpenter or woodworker, especially with unique glasswork, metalwork, or with an arch, are far and above more costly than the more affordable Home Depot doors, but as is the case with these things, they will outlast them by decades if not centuries.
This is truly special and hard to nail when it was made. Could be new, could have been dug up under a pile of dirt and dust at an architectural salvage store. Only Scribe Studio could tell you.
Whatever I think about arches reaching a fever pitch of use, an arched door and trimwork will always captivate my heart. As I mentioned in an earlier photo, even if the tiles and cabinetry colors change over the years to meet the times, that door is going to be a star no matter what.
Dutch doors like the one above have been used in our homes since the 17th century (well…in farms as they allow fresh air in without letting out children or livestock), and they still look this good and apropos. Practically, and centuries-old design that works = don’t fix what’s not broken.
The metal frame windows of this stunning dining space by Mark Lewis are more on the modern side of the design spectrum, but they could also be from 100 years ago…and that’s the whole point of this.
Metal is beautiful, but nothing beats a traditional window like this with its gorgeous casing.
#4: Eclectic Salon Art Walls
Now, let’s move on to some more granule decorating choices, since we’ve spent a bit of time on architectural details.
I know there are going to be a handful of readers here who do not agree with me on this one, but I’m sorry, a very well-done “salon” wall of framed art is ALWAYS going to look good. Now, I’m not talking about a perfectly curated, perfectly spaced, perfectly styled collection of art. The galleries of home art that don’t have an expiration date on them are comprised of photos, art acquired over time, and maybe even generations. The frames weren’t all bought at the same time to match, and it looks like it grew piece by piece until it could go no further down or up.
This art wall is more tailored with a display of pencil or charcoal nude figures, but nothing is perfect or overthought. It feels like it’s showing things the person who resides here loves, it possibly evolves regularly, and not a single ruler or measuring tape was used in the hanging process. That, to me, is timeless, because it’s authentic taste versus something done for show.
I absolutely love the mismatched nature of the art here. Had the art all been selected or hung together to coordinate and check some boxes of a color palette or theme, it would age quickly (even if the individual artworks did not), but instead, it’s just beautiful art, framed in various ways, all hung together in timeless harmony.
#5: Books
I didn’t have books on my list during my first round at this, but it would have been a huge miss not to include them here. There’s not a ton I can say as to why, besides the fact that books have always belonged in our lives, and will always belong in our lives. On our nightstands, on our side tables, covering our walls on shelves, stacked in corners of rooms…just put up the books and please, for the love of god, don’t worry about “styling” them either.
Fabulous…
Homey and cozy…
Just SO DANG GOOD.
#6: Marbled Checker Floors
Alright, we’ve reached the point in this post where regular readers will stop and say, “Arlyn, did you not JUST say that checkered floors were so 2025 and we need to move on?” And to that I’d say: Yes, I did HOWEVER…
Instagram has made a checkered floor feel so commonplace, so requisite of good taste, that it makes me want to not use something I truly love the look of for fear of stylistic fatigue. Like, it looks so good in so many homes, but my god, surely there is something else, no?? Will I ever put a checkered floor in a home of mine? Yeah, probaby, because get this: IT’S TIMELESS! But I just need a little bit of a break from it, that’s all.
That said, let’s explore some beautiful, perennial marbled checkered floors because yes, they do belong on this list even if they’re trendy at the moment.
A checkered floor set at a diagonal or in a diamond shape is when it’s most classic, partly because this layout hides imperfections in square walls. Given that homes used to be built by hand without power tools, they were a little off. A squared checker pattern would highlight these flaws.
Diagonal and diamond lays are also much more dynamic and make a room look larger and more stately, a technique that works particularly well in landing zones like foyers and long stretches of hallways (below).
This is totally lovely, as well, and again, some of the detailing of the millwork might end up feeling a touch 2020s, but the floor—if marble and not vinyl—will be a solid complement to whatever comes its way.
#7: Solid Wood Farm Tables
I’m not a “Modern Farmhouse” gal, but that doesn’t mean one of its go-to components isn’t timeless. Say hello to the dining table that never said die.
It can be trestled, four-legged, or have a pedestal as long as it’s hearty, wood, and looks like it’s seen its share of dinners over the years. The more worn it becomes, the better.
You can pair a farmhouse table with equally homely chairs, something upholstered and tailored, or more pristine…it’ll still look good. It’s to the furniture world what the diamond stud is to the earring arena.
There’s something disarming about a worn and aged wood table. You’re not afraid to put your drink down on it; it’s not precious, and can handle a crayon or candle taper melt or two. That’s the kind of thing that will make us feel comfortable in our homes for eternity.
#8: Stately Armoires & Display Cabinets
I make no secrets about my love of an armoire or display cabinet, and perhaps I’m biased, but I think they belong in our homes no matter what the year is. From a practical standpoint, furnishings like these are functional clothes storage in parts of the world where giant walk-in closets aren’t a thing, not to mention where formal dinnerware and serving dishes were stashed when our kitchens weren’t these behemoth showpieces common to new builds and renovations of the moment.
My favorite type of display cabinet is interesting and ornate, either by way of material (hello, mahogany or burlwood) or carvings like this gorgeous creature above. As you can see, it’s in a fairly contemporary room and feels like it’s always been there, watching the world move and change around it over the years.
A sweet little cabinet like this is also always welcome, dontcha think?
A cabinet that has layers and layers of paint with slightly off-kilter doors can also find a home just about anywhere. (I’m also just noticing the tall cabinet at the end of the walkway on the right side of this image.
It doesn’t have to be this giant thing, either. A small dresser with a hutch can also do the trick, especially in a room like the bathroom.
#9: English Roll-Arm Sofa
Of all the sofas that are still relevant today, the English roll-arm sofa is by far my favorite. Research tells me this upholstered piece was first popular in the 19th century, mostly due to how comfortable it was, but also because it looked “sophisticated.”
I think any decor item or furniture that can work with a multitude of styles, like this sofa, can make it a strong contender for the timeless tag.
It also wears most fabrics like a champ. From velvet to canvas to linen and beyond, it looks good dressed up or down.
So if you want a sofa that will look good today and in 15 years, you may want to consider an English roll arm.
#10: Mid-Century Modern Lighting
Finally, a bit of an oddball that I stand behind. Mid-century modern lighting (Italian and Danish modern being two of my favorites from this period) is something that is timeless in a way that it just looks good everywhere, all the time. A touch of funk and space-agey lines and finishes leaves every single room cooler than before it graced it.
Mid-century modern lighting can cut through more serious rooms covered in wood…
And grounds a more eclectic tableau of furniture, architecture, and art. (The Arco Lamp by Castiglioni is chef’s kiss)
See…works here, too.
Modern lighting like the Danish flowerpot lamp design is playful, comes in some fantastic colors, and always feels unexpected.
Another go-to is the Louis Poulsen PH 5 Pendant (above), which has futuristic vibes that plays nicely even with traditional spindle-back dining chairs.
—
We made it. In all honesty, my list could have been 20 items deep, but for the sake of brevity and a punchy number like 10, I’ll keep it here for now. But don’t let that stop you from adding your own timeless elements to the conversation in the comments below. I loved the chats that have sprung up in my recent posts, so let’s keep that energy going here.
Until next time, friends…
Opening Image Credits: Design by Rosa Beltran | Styled by Velinda Hellen | Photo Sara Ligorria-Tramp
YESSS. I’m glad that books and salon-style art are in the classic camp because, truly, reading and art are not trends, and there is always a place for them. I just want to add that a lot of elements that may not be considered classic could become that in the right context. I’m thinking of the Bridgerton-inspired, “romantic” interiors, for instance. As a trend, it seems like a silly flash in the pan, but you could put the most intricate Rococo piece of furniture in a minimalist interior and it would become a timeless statement by virtue of the contrast. Similarly, I think, MCM lighting in an MCM space can be considered dated, insofar as it’s a period in the past that may not always feel current to resurrect in the present. But, if there’s some contrast, like one of your Danish pendants hanging over a farmhouse table, that’s timeless because it’s not stuck in one period. In the same way, I think a well-chosen lacquer piece could function anywhere. So, I’m not necessarily disagreeing, just qualifying and complicating this list a bit. I want to especially give a shoutout to your armoire point! I live in a loft, so… Read more »
One of the few Arlyn articles that I don’t really agree with!
I think that many of these things are beautiful, and some are currently in fashion, (and some are definitely cultural- I’ve never even laid eyes on soapstone for example) but most can be pinpointed to specific eras (or if made now are essentially reproductions).
There is a current obsession with timelessness which I think is a reaction to the post-modern plethora of absolutely everything and anything which can be overwhelming.
I’m very glad that previous generations weren’t equally obsessed and embraced the characteristic designs (or trends!) of their era, otherwise we wouldn’t now be able to enjoy the delights of art deco, mid-century modern, art nouveau, Georgian etc
Beautiful things are beautiful whether they are dated or fashionable and the things that date the most are the most ubiquitous (not the most striking or trendy or different) because they become so identifiable of particular times and memories.
And that’s not a bad thing!!!
PS As the owner of around a thousand books, I very much acknowledge that 20 years from now they will be considered an anachronism especially given how increasingly rare bookshops are!
Actually, I think in many types of decor, books have now become purely aesthetic objects. People buy in them in bulk by colour or age (leather-bound or otherwise featuring ‘patina’), so I think there will always be a demand for them, but not precisely for the reasons you and I might expect. I’m not sure how I feel about this trend, but I frequently see people on home tours showcasing their books in this way.
Erin, you can also buy books by the foot! (or yard, maybe). It’s hysterical to me, buying books by the yard.
I agree that a lot of this list is very culturally and historically situated in a specific taste. By definition, making a list of “timeless” things is a conservative — gatekeeping — project. Go to any point in history, and generally the material culture expresses desire to show status (whether ostentatious display or minimalist purity), “correct” morals (like hygiene or privacy) and connect us to our past (our literal inheritance).
If any one can get any of these things, the weight of their bonds to the “correct” past breaks.
I wonder what it would look like to celebrate less what was made, but instead perhaps how it was made? Are the beautiful plaster moldings done in an antebellum house by unfree laborers? Is the Etsy sourced marble sink from a workshop that pays its workers and protects them from environmental dangers? Maybe the newer cabinet is made from sustainably sourced wood and doesn’t have remnants of lead paint like those antiques…..
Is the look what we’re after, or a value? And what does that look like applied across the whole of our lives?
Were any enslaved people artisans? I ask because I’ve never read that they were. If so, should we erase their work? Give no credit where credit is due? I can’t help but feel their descendants would appreciate what they created and contributed, regardless of the circumstances. I believe they would have been proud of their own work and skills, if that were the case.
Of course they were artists! Check out work by David Drake. A piece of his sold a few years ago for $1.5 million at auction.
Thousands of enslaved people were artisans. Who do you think did the gorgeous millwork at the White House? There’s a museum in South Carolina with a piece of David Drake’s work – the exhibit discusses how artists like Drake were not allowed to read or write, but Dave inscribed his name or Bible verses or poetry on his pottery, as an act of resistance. I agree with you Alma that descendants of enslaved artisans might like to see remaining work from this era appreciated and honored. In many cases, this history is not acknowledged, like a ghost of an evil we’d all like to forget.
I always love choices by Arlyn, but theres is always an element that makes all choices more elegant and timeless: high ceilings, which unfortunately are impossible to add to many houses and flats.
I would like a post on how to manage low ceilings impossible to change so our house can feel more classy like, say, old world, relaxed and yet clean modern style.
I know Arlyn can do it, yes you can
As the current owner of a space with 14-foot ceilings who has lived in many homes with lower ceilings, this sounds like a great idea. I do want to point out that one quality that spaces with tall ceilings tend to lack is coziness, so playing that up in a room with low ceilings is a good idea.
Orlando Soria employs a trick where the paints the ceiling plus a little bit of the upper wall the same color, either “ceiling white” or an actual color. It really changes the space. Also, I’ve seen some really beautiful low ceilings with painted stripes and other bold effects. These are not the easiest solutions for renters, of course.
In general, though, I’d say to take your inspiration from the snug, not the parlor!
I second this!
While I don’t disagree that the first half of the list has obvious staying power, most elements boil down to “have enough $$$ to buy a hundred plus year old house full of marble and fine millwork with expensive custom doors and windows, it will hold your intergenerational collection of art and books, no problem!”
The second half of the list seems like a more critically focused list that could go into any home, and one I’d like to see expanded (maybe room by room? Or by material: what’s a timeless textile or ceramic look like to you? What is the most recent or modern element that has become timeless? Chrome, maybe? Are there timeless elements that are just now Western (bamboo?) or seemingly American (a front porch?)
Also my house has short ceilings. ;)
I LOVE this! Please do a Round 2!
Arlyn, I love your informative posts. As someone else commented I like the midcentury light over the farm table- the juxtaposition creating interest.
The one styling I do not think I will ever get into: Is a coffee table with stacks of books and items where guests have no where to put their glass or you have to find the appetizer on one of the stacks. Or, I watch my host clear off sections of the table prior to placing down the appetizer and making room for our glasses. The photo by Laurawjenkinsinteriors is case in point.
As a person who has lots of books and art in their home, I cannot remember the last time I walked into another person’s house and saw books.I feel that the current obsession with gray and minimalism comes from a place of fear. If there are no indicators of personality in a home then it becomes impossible to judge a person for their taste or lack thereof. It feels as if are so scared as a society in general right now and it leaks into our design choices. Don’t get me wrong, I love gray and minimalism, even though it is impossible for me to maintain with pets and a child. But I wonder sometimes what the drive towards lack of personality in our architecture and our personal spaces says about where we are as a society.
In the US at least, property ownership is seen very much as an investment, on the one hand, and not necessarily a longterm commitment, on the other. Think about how real estate agents talk about “the biggest investment you’ll ever make” and the idea of the “starter home,” for example. People are encouraged to be in awe of the money spent, protect their investment by making decisions that will support, defend and enhance it, and trade up when they hit their next milestone. There’s a lot of pressure, specifically from all kinds of experts, to not hurt resale value, which can result in a lot of bland choices, out of fear, as you pointed out. [This may well connect to other types of fear we collectively feel, too.]
This begins to veer off topic, it I can’t stop thinking about something I think I read in Ezra Klein’s “Abundance” about how the wild housing prices in the US are out of proportion compared to other developed countries in large part because in very few (if any) other countries do most people’s net worth rest almost entirely in their homes. It leads to many problems: A constant need for the market to keep rising and rising, the fact that in order to SPEND the money you must sell your place of residence, etc.
In addition, in most developed countries the social safety net takes many costs off the table, so even though wages are generally lower, healthcare and education costs are covered and pensions still exist; as a result people are primarily working to pay for housing and food/necessities. PLUS in many countries people don’t move around as much as here, so homes tend to stay in families more frequently. It’s just been on my mind as yet another structural barrier we’ve built for ourselves here.
This would maybe make for a great separate post, specifically how that relates to interiors in different countries! My husband and I live in the US, though I’m not an American, and our realtor was palpably frustrated that we were looking to buy just a little place that fits our current needs, without various extra areas like a mudroom, guest room, home office [and I work from home], etc. We were not interested in spending as much as we possibly could AND we were looking for a forever home. The frustration was due to the agent’s anticipated commission, of course, but we also exhibited a different kind of thinking than the norm here. In fact, from the reactions we’ve gotten, I get the sense that our decision is sort of frowned upon or at least makes people suspicious.
I DO believe you can see the result of that kind of thinking reflected in the interiors.
I read 125+ books a year but they have electronic and audio books now. You should try it, it’s fabulous!
I do read electronic books and think it’s a fantastic resource. But I have books that I love in physical form. I don’t want my kid to have to look up a digital trail to figure out the things that I like to read in every circumstance. I feel it is healthy for people to gain insights about what I am into if they are invited into my home. I get the notion of not wanting clutter but I have seen way too many houses where everything is gray with no personality. And don’t get me wrong, minimalism can absolutely be done with personality. The interiors I’m describing feel like displaying personality in a home while you are living in it is somehow too much of a risk.
Would love a part 2 with the next 10 items of your 20 items deep list!
I love this post and it resonates (for me) with the recent post about the slow evolution and plan for the carriage house. Long-term thinking kinda things are satisfying to read – I appreciate them.
And just a shout out for books as beautiful and useful. I moved into a 100+ year old house 6 years ago and have DIY’d built-in shelving in three different rooms to hold my (arguably) too many books. My first grownup job was working at a book store; I’m a writer (in work and leisure); and I’m solidly in my 40s. As a result, I have tons of books, many of which I’ve read, some of which are beautiful and valuable, but most of which are just janky random paperbacks that mean something to me.
Lately, I’m noticing how much fruition is fruitioning (midlife is a trip) and seeing all these books around me is a favorite thing. I’ve read them. I’ll read them. I know stuff and will know new stuff. They ground the house and they ground me. I’m glad younger me got so into books right at the outset.
I am so appreciative of all you offer is so inspiring and helpful. but I cant comment as you dont have any pictures just blank boxes with links to IG. Is it possible for you to give a credit link but actually show the pictures as I see others do? I come here to not go on to IG ( I do of course think it good to link!) and again thank you for all you do offer !
That has to do with your privacy or cookie settings. The blank boxes are where the pictures should be displayed.
I am an avid reader, but because I lack wall space most of my books are in boxes – and sadly, I’ve taken to Kindle. Books add so much interest and depth to a room – but only if they’re for actual reading! The trend to use books based on color kinda irks me, and the idea of displaying books so that the spine isn’t showing (for aesthetics) is lost on me.
I see that trend of hiding the books’ spines as a dead giveaway that a book lover doesn’t live there..
Such a thought-provoking post! I was trying to think of a unifying theme for these interiors and it seems like many of them have a mix of elements from different styles and eras. Maybe that’s the key–don’t lean too hard into any one style/era and it will never feel dated (at least that’s my hope, because it’s basically the way I’ve styled my own house). For example, the photo from akindofhome with the gallery wall has very formal architecture and mouldings, but it’s tempered by the colorful art and modern furnishings. Similarly, I appreciate a well-placed piece of “brown furniture” in an otherwise modern/minimalist setting.
I want to see what the next ten are, Arlyn! Let’s keep going with what “timeless” is! I love all of these.
As an American having lived in different parts of Africa for more than a decade, I wish we could see some other foundational design items from different continents (other than Europe) that might be considered timeless like stools, or weavings, wall indents (I know that’s not what their called, but you know the little nook built ins) or kinds of painting techniques. There is so much in this world that we take for granted.
As usual, thank you Arlyn for your “timeless” posts. They are evergreen with their richness and research!
As an American who spent seven years in the Middle East, I feel the same way! My first thought was a good Persian rug!
Arlyn, these posts are great, and I love the comments, too.
Many beautiful interiors showcased here, but I’m not sure about timeless. As someone else noted, many of these appear to be old, stately homes; to restore or replicate would be costly. And, I most would not fit with the modern colonial (i.e., ubiquitous suburban) home I live in. Maybe pared down—we added crown molding and taller baseboards, but anything more elaborate I think would seem odd.
Also—materials. When we redid our kitchen, we thought a lot about what we would like now and 20 years from now. Our countertops have a marble-like veining but they are quartz. Not a natural material, but looks great and functions great. Doesn’t design evolve along with technologies and as new materials are invented?
I personally, love hand-crafted textiles, and find them timeless.
Yay for books! :)
What a great idea for a post, Aryln! We recently built a house in India and have quite a few of these elements in our house.
Oops, sorry, Arlyn, for spelling your name wrong!
I’m not fond of anything here except for the unpainted woodwork. Everything else just feels out of place. Way too much white and I don’t like any of the kitchens. It’s incredibly sad how people ruin old homes like this. If you want this type of decoration then buy a brand new house and leave the old houses to those of us who love old homes and want to restore not destroy.
Is this comment on the correct post? I’m not seeing what you’re describing at all.
Nailed it, absolutely agree, and I’m loads older than you. Excellent job!
THIS
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EVERYTHING
Does anyone know the name of the golden brown sofa shown in the post by laurawjenkinsinteriors in the section on mid-century modern lighting? I love the curved back and the bench cushion.
Yes, it’s the Nickey Kehoe Curved Sofa in COM. Sorry, I don’t recognize the COM fabric.
Thank you!
I love this list! I cackled when I got to the last item because I am just wrapping up the kitchen part of a massive renovation, and I went quite classic with the cabinets and counters etc etc since the house was built in 1892, but then I felt like it needed some unexpected energy so I’ve stuck with modern and mid-century modern, mostly Italian, for the lighting. I needed some friction! And I figure light fixtures, while expensive, can be easily swapped out and aren’t part of the fabric of the home the way tile or built-ins are.