10 Ways to Add Timeless Designs to Your Home

By Toll Brothers 3 minute read

Last updated on February 9th, 2021

It can be tempting to embrace eye-catching trends, but the key to loving your home in the future as much as you do now is to choose timeless designs. A home with a classic style will never feel dated. Incorporating these timeless design elements will ensure that your home’s modern decor stands the test of time.

 

1. Embrace Symmetry

When decorating your home, start by embracing symmetry. This timeless decor technique is a straightforward way of creating harmony in your home. A classic example of symmetry is a couch with an end table and a lamp on either side. You can make this look more contemporary by using mismatched tables or lamps—just make sure to select furniture and accessories with a similar scale to create a more cohesive look.

Symmetric study space with timeless design
Concord at Cadence, Summerfield model in Henderson, NV

 

2. Create a Neutral Backdrop

Neutral decor will never go out of style, and it feels perfectly at home in today’s modern abodes. Using neutrals—such as whites, grays, and browns—for your home’s walls and large furniture creates a pleasing backdrop that’s anything but boring. If your style is more colorful, classic colors like navy, deep green, black, or even red are striking choices. Wondering where to get started? Use these tips for choosing the perfect color palette for every room.

Light toned great room with wood beam ceiling accents
Oakbridge at Flower Mound, Vanguard model in Flower Mound, TX

 

3. Strive for Simplicity

Look for pieces with a clean, streamlined style when selecting furniture and other expensive items. To keep the look feeling fresh and modern, mix and match furniture pieces rather than purchasing a set. Add interest with classic finishes, such as piping or tufting, and textured materials, like linen, velvet, and grass cloth.

Timeless dining room design featuring mix-and-match chairs and pendant lights
Enclave at Ellis Preserve, Vassar model in Newtown Square, PA

 

4. Pair Old with New

Using timeless designs in your decor doesn’t have to mean stuffy or traditional. Keep the look modern by pairing older items with something new. Hang a contemporary painting over a beautiful antique sideboard, for example, or ground contemporary furniture with an heirloom rug.

Timeless wine room design highlighted by rustic ambience
Villa Lago at The Promontory, Varese model in El Dorado Hills, CA

 

5. Choose Natural Materials

Adding natural elements to your decor is a tried-and-true way to create warmth in a modern home. Create a welcoming mood that never goes out of style with wide-plank flooring, a stone pathway, and even houseplants.

Dining room featuring natural elements such as wood flooring and plants
Lexington at Gale Ranch, Camden Elite model in San Ramon, CA

 

6. Create Interest with Architectural Details

Details are what make a room truly shine. Add interest to your home by incorporating unique architectural elements into its design. Classic touches, such as a beautiful fireplace, arched doors, or ceiling beams, are guaranteed to create character. There are so many design choices that can turn your house into a home.

Great room featuring barn ceiling, a timeless architectural design
Ridgeview of Novi, Brandeis model in Novi, MI

 

7. Invest in Luxurious Textiles

Homes with timeless designs typically feel more luxurious. You can create this timeless look in your own home by selecting sumptuous fabrics. Linen, velvet, silk, and wool can be used throughout your home for upholstery, window treatments, accessories, and more. If you’re worried about longevity, look for performance fabrics that are designed to resist stains and other wear and tear.

Luxe interior space full of sophisticated textiles
Toll Brothers at Scouters Mountain, Johnson model in Happy Valley, OR

 

8. Keep Function in Mind

Timeless decor prioritizes function before form, ensuring that your home meets your needs. While you may love that beautiful glass coffee table, it’s probably not the best choice if you have a large family. Choose furniture, materials, and finishes that are truly functional for your needs.

Functional interior layout featuring kitchen and great room
Arundel Forest – Villas, Bucknell model in Severn, MD

 

9. Select Durable Materials

Quality craftsmanship is a hallmark of timeless style. When creating an enduring design for your own home, make sure to select durable materials and finishes—such as well-made furniture or wood flooring—that will last for years.

Modern interior with open floor plan
Coastal Oaks at Nocatee – Estate Collection, Westbrook model in Ponte Vedra, FL

 

10. Follow Trends in Moderation

Accessories are an easy and affordable way to incorporate some of your favorite trends. Add pizzazz to your home with brightly-colored pillows, a collection of unique vases on a side table, or a patterned throw draped over your couch. These small touches add personality to your home and can easily be swapped out when you grow tired of them or when the next trend emerges.

Spacious townhome interior
Valley & Park, Shiloh model in Reston, VA

 

Looking for more timeless design ideas? Visit the Toll Brothers Pinterest board for additional inspiration.

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Embracing an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, Toll Brothers currently builds in over 60 markets in 24 states nationwide, and is a publicly owned company with its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TOL). In 2024, Toll Brothers marked 10 years in a row being named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ list.* Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information, visit TollBrothers.com. From Fortune, ©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

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