Great design stands the test of time. When all the elements of architecture and interior styling are harmonious, a home, office or retail space can look beautiful and function effectively for the long term. Naturally, there are elements that will be updated based on technological advancements, wear and tear and popular tastes. But with well-designed spaces, a foundational core aesthetic will guide these updates.
How do you arrive at design that lasts?
- Build your spaces and select your furnishings around solid principles.
- Seek out experienced design professionals who can integrate your needs and tastes today into plans that are flexible enough for future occupants to make their own.
- Avoid relying solely on what’s super trendy to drive your decision-making.
Let’s review some examples of when design could go askew and how I have addressed similar challenges.
Don’t Ignore the Basics
There is nothing wrong with pushing boundaries in your design if basic principles adhered to:
- The design is functionally strong with well-designed zones and good flow
- The scale and proportion are right between ceiling height, room size, furniture heft, as well as the people who will occupy the spaces
- The amount of natural light, connection to the outdoors and window views are optimized
- The spaces are livable and comfortable to live, work and entertain in
- The architecture and engineering are structurally sound; layout and materials are sustainable and durable
Sometimes there is a tension between these principles and the homeowner’s vision. For instance, consider the clients who want full open concept and airiness in older, traditional homes. I love opening and connecting spaces — bringing modernity, flow and freshness to contrast into disjointed rooms — but removing too many interior boundaries (both visually and practically) is not advisable.
I’ve seen open concept design that was executed without regard for basic principles and the outcome was an aimless hodgepodge. The resulting home was stripped of its historical features and context (and probably some of its intrinsic value), lacked a logical flow and activity zones, needed more cabinetry and wall space for furniture placement and art, and forgot to factor in any need for privacy. This underlines the importance of clients doing the upfront work with an experienced interior designer and other professionals to produce the look and feel they want balanced with the structure, layout and furnishings that will endure.
Stay Uniquely Desirable
Another role of the designer is to steer clients toward evergreen choices, spaces and furnishings that work today, tomorrow and even for future buyers of the home. Highly personal choices may not translate well into the future or when the home is for sale to homeowners with different tastes.
For example, a room with an overly themed design (such as a space theme for a child’s bedroom or a very distinctive music collection-inspired living room) may not work as tastes change, children grow or appeal to future buyers, who might prefer something more neutral or adaptable. Pulling down built ins, repainting or redesigning these rooms can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if wallpaper or unique finishes are difficult to remove.
Again, this is not to suggest that a client shouldn’t add their own flair, select distinctive favorite colors, or use a space for a specific, albeit unusual, function. Everyone’s homes and workspaces should elicit joy! Rather, designers should help clients consider the long-term viability of their spaces and the future costs of updating or renovating as needs change.
Weigh Your Trend Options
Designers innovate, popular styles evolve, social norms change… and “everything old is new again” certainly describes the ongoing mid-century modern craze. As a homeowner, you should freely embrace trends when they meet functional needs, match with your vision, and when they deliver good quality for the price points. However, in recent years I’ve found some trendy choices, in both broad design and specific items that I think need to be deeply considered or further researched/improved before committing.
Open shelving, especially in kitchens, has been a popular trend for a while now.
- Pros: Great for displaying favorite dishes, glassware or decorative items.
- Cons: Takes a commitment to dusting and tidying if items are in use. Can become cluttered and, over time, items can look dated.
The ultra-minimalist, all-neutral vibe is ubiquitous.
- Pros: Sophisticated, minimalist interiors and neutrals can be really beautiful, dramatic, rich and/or calming.
- Cons: Minimalism can feel too impersonal or sterile if it’s devoid of personal touches, pops of color or lacks layered textures. There needs to be a balance of warm neutrals to avoid the museum feeling and make it approachable for the next potential owner.
Smart homes, appliances and devices are no longer a futuristic vision or only for the rich and famous.
- Pros: The ability to optimize your home cooling and heating, adjust your music volume, or turn off your oven via your smart phone is great for convenience, safety, economics and the environment.
- Cons: Avoid buyer's remorse. Think about whether the “smart” factors are actually overengineering a simple task and creating costs that might not be worthwhile for you. (How important is it for you to see inside your refrigerator or program the heat on your toilet seat?) Also, interfaces and sensors can be glitchy, so do your research on items like automatic faucets before purchasing. Finally, consider how new the technology is and how often it changes before determining what you’re going to build into your home.
Open-concept bathrooms, with minimal or no walls separating the shower from the rest of the bathroom or bedroom, are a trend in luxury homes and modern apartments.
- Pros: Creates a sleek, spa-like feeling. There are no shower curtains, doors or small water closets to break up the open, luxurious space.
- Cons: Impractical for a family or future homeowners who value privacy. Many people may not want to shower in full view of the rest of the bedroom or the living space. Additionally, it can be tough to keep such spaces clean, as splashing water and steam can affect the rest of the room.
Designing spaces that you and future owners will love for generations should be a creative and collaborative process, driven both by what you love and need. Optimizing the function and value of the home requires a balance of vision, budget and experience. This ensures the proper consideration of fundamentals, accounting for functionality and injection of creativity.
