Now, more than ever, we are cherishing our homes as a sanctuary to retreat, rest and recharge. And as we spend a lot more time at home, chances are you’re thinking about how you can improve it.  Remember that investment in any improvements should be as timeless as possible - you still want to love it this time next year and in the years to come. To avoid having your interiors feel dated, follow these key design principals to ensure your space will never go out of style.  

First figure out your personal style

Knowing your personal interior style is key if you want to create a home that you’ll love beyond the current season. If you’re unsure, think about what clothes you like to wear - relaxed and casual or structured and more formal, layered neutrals or brighter colours. Your home should reflect and enhance your lifestyle, so how we like to dress or where we like to shop, eat out or stay is a good place to start when thinking about our interiors.

Keep your base neutral

Pick a neutral base colour for your home that allows for flexibility as the trends change. Think about warm and cool tones - do you love whites and greys, or are you more drawn to cream and stone?  

When it comes to the majority of your room, keep it neutral and timeless. Keep in mind the 80/20 rule. 80% of your room should stand the test of time - I usually apply this to walls, floors, window treatments and investment furniture like sofas. Then have a whole load of fun with the remaining 20% - a favourite or on-trend accent colour, lush cushions, colourful artworks and rugs.  

Don’t be seduced by trends 

Probably one of the biggest tricks to keep your space from getting stamped in time is to avoid decorating with just this season’s hottest trends. Like in fashion, ultra-trendy pieces tend to age very quickly. Of course you don’t have to avoid them entirely, but instead use them sparingly and take time to carefully consider if new pieces, especially investment ones, will stand the test of time. Remember that 80/20 rule? If the base of your design is timeless, you can assess and refresh your accessories over time to keep your home fresh and current.

Embrace minimalism

My golden rule of accessories: less is more. Any space looks more considered, more ordered and more stylish with a fewer beautiful pieces than a clutter of smaller ones. Think about parting with accessories that you don’t absolutely love and keep your styling simple - think oversized pieces for dramatic effect, and displaying travel mementos and family treasures to create spaces that are uniquely personal.

Mix your decades

Modern eclectic interiors mix time periods, styles and trends. Rooms that marry old and new, antique and contemporary will ensure a room never stays stuck in one decade. For example, adding an antique to an all-modern room can add personality to a space that might otherwise feel a bit staged. And a more eclectic style of interiors also allows you indulge evolving tastes and whims over time!

Contact Auckland Interior Designer Kirsten Ford for more information.

Images: Hanson & Daughters Photography

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