Renovating
From the Pros: Creating Quality Interiors That Stand the Test of Time
Keep your home's interior looking fresh and on-trend for years to come by making the right design decisions at the beginning
It is so very important to design spaces that last – in regards to both the building materials and the decor. Investing and choosing the right finishes and furnishings will not only save you money in the long-term, but is also a responsibility we have to our natural environment. Here are a few questions you can weigh up before designing or purchasing anything for your interior.
Curating a space requires you to consider many components and how they work together for a finalised design. You must think about finishes, furniture, colour and available funds. In order to maximise your success, keep the following questions at the forefront of your decision-making.
Is it a fad?
A fad is something that is enthusiastically and quickly popular, but it is often forgotten about just as swiftly as it was picked up. It’s important to remember that a design trend is different from a fad.
An iconic and timeless piece of design is usually characterised by quality and thoughtful design. For example, the Artichoke Lamp designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958 (shown here) remains one of the most popular pendant lights, in both commercial and residential designs.
Step inside this Sydney-side penthouse
A fad is something that is enthusiastically and quickly popular, but it is often forgotten about just as swiftly as it was picked up. It’s important to remember that a design trend is different from a fad.
An iconic and timeless piece of design is usually characterised by quality and thoughtful design. For example, the Artichoke Lamp designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958 (shown here) remains one of the most popular pendant lights, in both commercial and residential designs.
Step inside this Sydney-side penthouse
Will I get sick of a particular trend?
Trends work in cycles and often in rebellions. If metallic wallpaper is all the rage, you can bet that the opposite – a crisp timber cladding – will be the next trend. It is exciting to follow trends, and even more self satisfying to be an early adopter or forecaster, but it is important you ensure your love affair with a trend you are adopting in your home isn’t a fleeting one.
Trends work in cycles and often in rebellions. If metallic wallpaper is all the rage, you can bet that the opposite – a crisp timber cladding – will be the next trend. It is exciting to follow trends, and even more self satisfying to be an early adopter or forecaster, but it is important you ensure your love affair with a trend you are adopting in your home isn’t a fleeting one.
Is it earth-friendly?
Thinking about the environment and sustainable designs is the foundation of ensuring a timeless design. Purchasing high-quality products and materials that will last ‘forever’ and are also recyclable is essential. Do your research and seriously weigh up the effects your purchase will have on the environment.
If it’s a piece of furniture, think about when you will part with your purchase, if you’ll be able to use it in another capacity down the track, give it to someone else or recycle it?
Thinking about the environment and sustainable designs is the foundation of ensuring a timeless design. Purchasing high-quality products and materials that will last ‘forever’ and are also recyclable is essential. Do your research and seriously weigh up the effects your purchase will have on the environment.
If it’s a piece of furniture, think about when you will part with your purchase, if you’ll be able to use it in another capacity down the track, give it to someone else or recycle it?
Is it quality?
Investing in quality will do three things: enhance your design, save you money in the long-term and reduce the need to replace, therefore reducing waste.
Even if you have to wait longer and save up to make your purchase of building materials or furnishings, the positives will outweigh a more impulsive purchase.
Investing in quality will do three things: enhance your design, save you money in the long-term and reduce the need to replace, therefore reducing waste.
Even if you have to wait longer and save up to make your purchase of building materials or furnishings, the positives will outweigh a more impulsive purchase.
Is it flexible?
Your furniture or finish should have the ability to blend in with a range of different styles. A good idea is to purchase quality ‘chameleon’ basics that have the power to complement a range of schemes. That way you can add smaller accessories to get the look you want and easily change or update your look over time or for each season.
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Your furniture or finish should have the ability to blend in with a range of different styles. A good idea is to purchase quality ‘chameleon’ basics that have the power to complement a range of schemes. That way you can add smaller accessories to get the look you want and easily change or update your look over time or for each season.
See more of this home
Does it employ the elements and principles of design?
If you correctly employ the elements of colour harmony, scale, proportion and balance, you can’t really go wrong. Good design will mean your space won’t date as dramatically, as it will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
If you correctly employ the elements of colour harmony, scale, proportion and balance, you can’t really go wrong. Good design will mean your space won’t date as dramatically, as it will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Is the space authentic?
Stay away from creating excessively coordinated spaces that look like they have been pulled out of a trend-focused catalogue. To create a sense of authenticity and story behind your pieces, you need to truly love what you add. Feel free to mix and match different eras, designers and trends, but keep it pared back and you won’t go wrong.
Stay away from creating excessively coordinated spaces that look like they have been pulled out of a trend-focused catalogue. To create a sense of authenticity and story behind your pieces, you need to truly love what you add. Feel free to mix and match different eras, designers and trends, but keep it pared back and you won’t go wrong.
Will you like it for years?
Take note of celebrated architects, interior designers and product designers. Look at the trends and designs they have created. How long have they stayed on-trend? What is it that they do so right? Now adopt the styles and products that resonate the most with you.
Take note of celebrated architects, interior designers and product designers. Look at the trends and designs they have created. How long have they stayed on-trend? What is it that they do so right? Now adopt the styles and products that resonate the most with you.
Don’t be afraid to be daring. Be comfortable in your surroundings and create your own style for an individual and “wow” design. The key message here is to be thoughtful and smart when developing interiors for a timeless design.
TELL US
What is your favourite timeless piece you own? What fad makes your skin crawl? Share your thoughts and pictures in the comments section.
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What is your favourite timeless piece you own? What fad makes your skin crawl? Share your thoughts and pictures in the comments section.
MORE
12 Essential Ingredients for a Traditional Kitchen
Colour Splash: Give Your Walls a Lift Using Houzz’s Most Popular Hues
Style Update: How to Give Your Home Vintage Flair