Interior Design Trends: Creating Timeless and Functional Spaces

What are some timeless interior design trends?

There are so many different interior design styles that it would be nearly impossible to list them all. From more contemporary design like Industrial to Classic Traditional, you have a lot of options. Ultimately, the design needs to suit you and your family. Here are some timeless interior design trends that are just as popular today as they’ve always been.

Minimalism

While minimalism began as an art movement in the 1960s, it quickly found a home in the interior design world. Traditionally, a minimalist interior design incorporates a monochromatic colour palette, clean lines and overall simplicity. It’s all about doing more with less, and creating an environment where everything has a place and function.

Today, minimalism is much the same, however, for many people, there is a keen focus on limiting the number of items used. This is more in line with living a minimalist lifestyle, however. In interior design, you can still do plenty with minimalism, creating a clutter-free, comfortable space without becoming clinical.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern never goes out of style because its emphasis on functionality makes it a design type that can be adapted easily to the modern era. Essentially, mid-century modern is about sleek lines and organic shapes, and includes both natural and man-made elements. This design trend allows for the use of glass, timber and metal, so you have a lot of flexibility with materials. Typically, mid-century modern design incorporates tactile natural elements that promote wellbeing.  

Furniture pieces are clean, simple and functional, keeping with the general trend of functionality. Mid-century modern was a way to modernise homes in the post-World War 2 period and was one of the first design styles to use open-plan living.

Modern industrial

When people think of industrial interior design, they probably think of spacious loft apartments in New York City, with plenty of exposed brick, beams and high ceilings. Well, modern industrial isn’t too different from the Hollywood stereotype. The colour scheme in industrial design is generally black, grey, white and brown. Architecturally, high ceilings and very open floor plans take centre stage in industrial design.

The great thing is, modern industrial design simply adds some modern elements to one of the top interior design trends. For example, you can soften the industrial design by using fabrics and lighting to create a space that’s more welcoming. Modern industrial design also encourages a contrast between man-made and natural materials. Natural textures should be bold, creating a stronger visual impact against the neutral colours of man-made materials.

Using natural materials

Natural materials work well with most interior design trends. Biophilic design, for example, is based on the concept that natural elements connect the homeowner more with nature.  Scandinavian, Rustic, Japanese, Coastal and Bohemian also heavily feature natural materials. Even industrial design includes exposed timber. The most common natural materials to use in interior design are wood, stone, bamboo, wicker, rattan, cotton and even leather.

Not every timeless design trend will pair up with every natural material. However, with the modern focus on sustainability and building eco-friendly homes, natural materials are always going to be popular. Natural materials are also functional because they’re durable, comfortable and can even help to improve indoor air quality.

Creating points of visual interest

In most timeless interior design styles, you can create visual points of interest in many ways. Contemporary, Industrial, Bohemian, Scandinavian, Mid-Century Modern and Rustic styles all promote the use of bold features. But you can also draw people’s attention with interesting artworks such as paintings and sculptures.

Eye-catching furniture can also be a point of interest. As long as it fits with the overall design of your home, anything can be a feature in your space. Many people choose to add vintage furniture or pieces, as these can often be a talking point while also offering great functionality.

Want to explore more interior design trends?

The creative team of architects and designers at Buck & Simple are ready to meet with you. We love a challenge, as it gives us a chance to craft stunning homes and interiors, even if they’re a little outside of the box. Innovation and creativity are at the heart of everything we do, so if you’d like to explore some timeless interior design trends for your home or commercial property, contact us today.