What is Timeless Design?

by Tiffany Birch

What is considered “timeless” in the field of interior design? If you polled 100 people, you might receive 100 different answers. This can be explained in part by the old adage, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Another common saying, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” frequently holds true as well. However, when it comes to timeless design, there are a few considerations that arguably separate the two.

Throughout history there have been a number of notable styles in the field of interior design, including Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian, and Art Nouveau. Today’s typical home buyer might not know which time period they prefer in architecture or interior design, but they will know instinctively if they like the style of the house. More general descriptors such as “traditional” or “modern” are now often used. But at the end of the day, there are a few notable characteristics of “timeless” design.

Well-designed architectural elements are timeless. They establish the character and overall look of a house or room. When you hear that a space has “good bones,” it usually refers to the architectural elements of the house. For example, well-proportioned staircases, moldings, windows, and built-in features can add a feeling of richness and completeness to an interior space. A skilled architect can transform a basic, boxy space into the most lovely building when adhering to the guidelines of simplicity, symmetry, and proportion.

Classical architecture offers the most timeless elements. Iconic features like a gable roof, cornices, or columns may come to mind; they are but a few elements that give a structure its unique style. There are countless others, but

Photo by Daria Shevtsova

it’s safe to say that the most important feature of a home’s style is its windows. Windows are both the eyes and jewels of the home’s exterior. The period of the home, its relation to sunrise and sunset, and its practical, everyday use should all guide the selection of window style. Windows are that important, and can even invite a sense of curiosity about the house and its interior.

We all get a first impression when entering a home. It might prompt us to make assumptions about the home and its inhabitants. Typically, an entry foyer or staircase will greet us and the selected materials and finishes of the space will set a tone. Hopefully, it will offer a welcoming nod, and in the case of timeless design, a sense that each element was well thought out.

The architectural details of a well-built staircase or landing, appropriate to the period of the home, should be complemented by the selection of wall treatments. Options include wallpaper, wood paneling, wainscoting, and beadboard. Ceiling features are of equal importance, including ceiling height. A high ceiling, cathedral ceiling, or tray ceiling offers a feeling of openness and is typically found in a contemporary-style home. It would be rare for a historic home to have these applications, and therefore high ceilings might not be considered timeless in that sense. Likewise, a tin or wood-beamed ceiling would be quite nice in a farmhouse or Mission-style home. This is where an experienced interior designer can steer you in the right direction, assisting you in making selections that fit the architecture of the home, as well as your personal style.

Flooring choices are also important when designing a timeless home. The options are limitless! Brick pavers in a herringbone pattern would be lovely in an entry or mudroom of a home with traditional roots, just as sleek maple wood floors in a natural finish would lay the foundation for a modern masterpiece. Don’t forget marble and ceramic tile, concrete, and wall-to-wall carpeting. Again, it all comes down to selecting materials that are appropriate to the space and that offer beauty and functionality. Area rugs are especially versatile, although they can be costly. Even so, you can’t beat an antique Heriz rug to give a new home a bit of old-world charm in a den or library.

Speaking of antiques, let’s discuss lighting and furnishings. While both are necessities for day-to-day living, they also offer an opportunity to add stylish and timeless details. Admittedly, breaking the “rules” here can be fun, as long as one considers the features and furnishings in the space. Classicists would not break form, and would only consider using lighting appropriate to the period of the home. But staying true to one’s personal style and choosing a modern table lamp juxtaposed with a Tibetan altar table can be quite special! Either approach could be considered timeless. That’s where the old adage can still ring true: beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Tiffany Birch has been an interior designer since 2002, and specializes in both residential and commercial projects. She holds a Master of Social Work degree (ACSW) and utilizes interpersonal relationship skills on a daily basis with her client base, largely comprised of Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit residents. She enjoys residing in the city and the comforts of home. When she’s not fully immersed in client projects, you can find her on the golf course, a favorite pastime. www.birchdesignassociates.com Instagram: @birchdesignassociates