While it's easy for us to update our inventory, follow trends and swap furniture in and out of our styling stock- at home, just like you...we need to make some lasting decisions.
We all know someone that's entirely dedicated to a look. Mid-century, Scandi and Provincial lovers, we're looking at (and in awe of!) you. But for the rest of us who flit from obsession to obsession, we just can't seem to land on that one vibe that's going to see us through...or can we?
Our sofas, on average, will serve us for 7-15 years
before we have to start thinking about or needing replacements.
That's quite a design commitment.
How do we future-proof our interior style while still satisfying our insatiable desire for the NEW? Is there an endless love on the horizon? Or will we spend the rest of our lives never really committing, waiting for something "better" to come along?
Luckily, there are professionals out there who can solve these dilemmas, professionals- like us!
We've narrowed down THE EIGHT essentials for creating a TIMELESS interior that can evolve with you and one that you'll ALWAYS love!
NEUTRALS are far from being a new thing,
but they are an unwavering design tool that's here to stay. Please don't confuse neutrals for bland or beige. The word "beige" has been mercilessly bullied for far too long. It's a warm-neutral, friends, that's all! Think of a calm, neutral rainbow, with every shade and tone of white, cream, tan, taupe, brown, grey, charcoal, black and yes, beige! That's the palette you're working with, and it really is infinite.
Neutrals are the framework to your room—applied to large items for best results; sofas, walls, rugs and carpets.
CLASSIC DESIGN
These items are deemed classics for a reason; we still covet them decades after their creation. Think of the humble Bentwood chair, almost 150 years old and at home in virtually ANY contemporary dining space.
You will never regret these additions to your home, and if perhaps you did, someone will happily take them off your hands!
MAGPIE LIFE The best way to create a timeless interior is to have a good mix of styles and eras, so your room is literally of no particular time. The key to tying this look together is through tone and texture. Strength in repetition. Those neutrals will really be coming into their own by now!
NATURE IS YOUR FRIEND
Although a trend for techy fabrics is inevitable and sometimes warranted, nature always does it best.
Cashmere
Cotton
Crystal
Glass
Jute
Linen
Marble
Metal
Paper
Silk
Stone
Timber
Wool
KEY PIECES This is where you bring in those conversation pieces! Artwork, colour, accessories, armchairs and lamps- all are items that can transform a room in moments and build character.
Styling by Cooper Robinson. Photo by Northside Studio.
SLIPCOVER SOFA
Flip through any high-end interiors coffee-table book, and you'll notice the prevalence of the slipcover sofa. There is no limit to the fabric options available to you at a whim. Having several custom made slips for your sofa at the ready can be life-changing!
Natural linen, smoky charcoal and even a jewel-toned velvet would give your living (or any) room a completely different look, with a minimum of fuss.
RESTYLE Spend Saturday afternoon looking at interiors magazines, blogs and Instagram accounts for inspiration, and on Sunday- take action! By simply rearranging your things, you can SEE THE NEWNESS appear right before your eyes.
TIP: Completely clear the room and place items back one by one, re-evaluating an object's style, position and purpose as you go.
MEMORY LANE
Taking an inventory of your past interior loves over the years can be immensely helpful in creating a look that's you and one you can commit to! Do you breathe a sigh of relief when you walk into an all-white room? Well, that's your thing. Sharp and contrasty gets your heart racing? Ramshackle-vintage has you smiling? Minimal makes you swoon? If you've ALWAYS liked a particular look, chances are- you always will!
Just tweak it as new ideas come along.
And finally...falling in love with a lasting (let's call it signature) look is not only good for our souls and bank accounts, but it's also MUCH better for our planet, which is, in turn, better for our souls and our bank accounts—and the circle continues.