When designing the interior of a home, it’s easy to get caught up by the latest design trends. However, achieving a look that’s “of the moment” usually means consciously or unconsciously casting aside both your own personal tastes, and what might actually be best for you and your family. A minimalist concrete kitchen might sound exciting and modern, but will it uplift your spirit when you’re sitting down with a glass of wine after a long day’s work? Here I explore the science behind timeless interior design and the key to designing for long-term happiness.
Stacey Lapuk, ASID
What is Timeless Interior Design?
I believe timeless interior design is about creating a space which resonates with you in a fundamental way. We might be familiar with some of the “universal truths” of design like color theory, or scales like the golden ratio, but why do these ideas seem to have a common appeal to all humans? Biophilia and biophilic design, of which I’m a passionate advocate, is a proven concept that we have an inherent, biological need to be connected to nature.
Nature is complex - both random and mathematical, predictable and unpredictable - and unlocking what our senses find appealing in it, which biophilic design enables us to do, is the key to creating spaces in which we’ll thrive. This kind of timeless interior design has ever-lasting power, with specific mental and emotional resonances which mean they will never go out of style.
What's wrong with trends?
It’s easy to be influenced by the latest interior design trends, but it’s important to remember that they never last. Following the latest design trends to the letter can often mean that in a few years you have to go back to the drawing board with your home’s interior because it can’t create the true connection that is found in a design which responds to you as a person.
As most of us find with fashion, while there should always be room for evolving our personal style you can’t beat flattering tailoring or complimentary colors, especially for your wardrobe staples, and home design is no different. Good interior design is an investment of money, time and emotion, and unless you enjoy gutting your home every 5 years (and the environmental impact of this) it’s essential to not get swept away with trends. Once the magazine photographers have come and gone you’ll be living in your home, and a good interior designer should be prioritising this in their mind - not how impressive a spread it will make for the next edition of Architectural Digest!
So, how do you create a timeless interior design?
A timeless interior design never goes out of style because it incorporates classic, quality design items that invite a sense of pure self expression and emotional satisfaction, which cannot be found when following fickle fashion trends.
Following the principles of biophilic design can be transformative in creating a stimulating but timeless home interior. Biophilic design integrates natural systems and nature into our home environments, taking inspiration from the shapes, textures, and even light found outdoors. When implemented properly, biophilic design has been proven to enhance our well-being, health, and happiness, turning your home into a sanctuary.
For example, using the same natural materials inside our homes that are found in the wild, including wood and stone, along with natural fibers such as linen, and cotton, can help ensure a timeless home interior that elevates your health and wellbeing.
Incorporating nature-inspired, elegant furniture items that have stood the test of time with a few carefully curated modern influences can give any interior an elevated sense of calmness and tranquility. Merging design items from different periods also makes it impossible to pin the interior to a specific trend or style. For example, a beautiful antique dresser placed under a contemporary work of art can look incredible. Additionally, this is a great way to reflect your personal taste and sense of style.
The principles of biophilic design highlight that when certain patterns found in nature are incorporated into our home environment, we experience true contentment and a sense of joy. These nature-inspired designs invoke positive emotion and never go out of fashion, which is why biophilic design principles ensure a beautiful timeless style that allows you to be productive, creative, and comforted.
A timeless interior design should combine elegance, functionality, adaptability, and durability. The most successful interior designs are meticulously planned and stand the test of time, so don’t be afraid to contact me and get the right professional advice.
Stacey Lapuk, ASID
Stacey Lapuk, ASID is celebrating over 35 years with her firm. Named “One of America’s Ten Designers To Watch” by Design Times Magazine, one of the “Top 100 Interior Designer in North America” by Blink Art Resources, and the winner of multiple national design awards. Her goal is simple: To co-create with her clients the home of their dreams with responsive and comprehensive solutions, and timeless, beautiful results.
Her full service firm attracts clients desiring the finest workmanship, materials and custom design. Facets of work include partnering with architects on new construction, remodels, kitchen design and bath design, color consultation, custom furniture, flooring, area carpets, wall and window treatments, lighting design, art procurement and antique acquisition. Service areas include but are not limited to Marin County, San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, Ross, Kentfield, Belvedere, Tiburon, San Rafael, and Pacific Heights.
(415) 320-0077 | stacey@staceylapukinteriors.com
www.staceylapukinteriors.com
