8 Timeless Elements You May Be Forgetting to Add to Your Home

While we’re always game to experiment with an interior design trend or two, there’s something about curating a home filled with timeless elements that’s just so satisfying. After all, when you focus on weaving timeless home decor into your space, you can rest assured that your house will always appear stylish. No one will ever set foot into your home and immediately associate your choices with a specific year or era. When it comes to interiors, the word “timeless” can mean many things to many people. We tapped interior designers for the classics that they swear by, and they delivered. Choose a few to bring into your home, all the while paying a nod to your personality—the most classic move of all—along the way.

Plants and Greenery

Leafy greens will never go out of style. “Incorporating indoor plants and greenery into your home is a timeless trend that brings life and freshness to any space,” says Lauren Farrell, head of interior design at Pacaso, a luxury vacation home co-ownership company. “Plants not only enhance aesthetics with their organic shapes and textures but also create a connection to the outdoors, making your home feel more vibrant and alive.” If you don’t think you have much of a green thumb, don’t worry: Farrell notes that succulents or snake plants are super low maintenance. If you’d feel more comfortable going the faux plant route, there are many high quality options on the market, too, she adds. 

To pretty up your plants even further, prioritize their presentation. “Place plants in decorative pots that complement your interior design, or create a statement with a plant wall or hanging planters,” Farrell suggests.

Read more: 24 Unique Planters and Pots To Elevate Your Plant Game

Natural Materials

In addition to incorporating greenery into your space, continue to take a cue from the outdoors by opting for natural materials—the more, the merrier. “Natural materials like wood, stone, and leather have a timeless appeal because of their durability and the way they age gracefully over time,” says Danielle Chiprut, the founder of Danielle Rose Design Co. “They bring warmth and texture to a space that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate.”

There are so many different ways to infuse natural elements into any room. “Use reclaimed wood for beams or flooring, choose stone countertops or backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms, and opt for leather or linen upholstery,” Chiprut says. She recommends finishing off the look with some non-natural touches, too. “Balance them with softer textiles, modern lighting, or contemporary art.”

Window Coverings

It’s time to stop neglecting your window treatments once and for all. “Window coverings are often an overlooked aspect of home design, yet they play a crucial role in creating a polished and cohesive look,” Farrell says. “They offer the perfect blend of function and beauty, providing privacy, light control, and insulation while adding an elegant touch to any room.” The best part is that there are so many different styles to choose from. You can switch things up from room to room depending on your needs in each space—try blackout curtains in the bedroom, Roman shades in the living room, and cafe curtains in the kitchen. Farrell recommends evaluating your room’s style and color scheme before placing an order. “For a modern look, opt for sleek lines and neutral colors, while rich fabrics and bold patterns can add a touch of luxury,” she says.

Vintage or Antique Pieces

If you’re all about the thrill of the hunt, you’re in luck, as vintage and antique pieces will always be in vogue, Farrell comments. “Incorporating vintage or antique pieces into your home decor brings a sense of history and character to your space,” she says. “These items tell a story and add depth to your design, creating a curated and collected feel.”

Of course, feel free to weave in some more contemporary finds, too. “Mixing modern elements with antique pieces gives your home a ‘designed over time’ aesthetic that feels timeless and unique,” the designer adds. To ensure that your space looks perfectly collected, feel free to style a mid-century coffee table near a Victorian-style pier mirror. “Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and periods, as this can create a rich, layered look that stands the test of time,” Farrell says.

Architectural Moldings and Trim

Even if your home is a new build, you can make it look like a storied space with the help of moldings and trim. “Incorporating architectural moldings elevates the design of your home, giving it a more polished and refined look,” Chiprut says. “These details can transform even the simplest room into something special.” You’ll of course want to look to your home’s exterior when deciding what exactly you’d like to add to your space. “Choose a style that complements your home’s architecture—whether it’s ornate for a traditional look or clean-lined for something more modern,” the designer adds. “Paint them in a crisp white or match them to your wall color for a more seamless appearance.”

Mood Lighting

Have you considered adding a dimmer to your overhead lighting? If not, you should certainly make this upgrade, says Chanda Kea, the founder of Kea Interiors. Doing so “creates an ambiance in every room” and “is wonderful to have when you are grabbing a midnight snack, waking up in the morning, or winding down in the evening from a long day,” Kea says. “Having control of the brightness of your lighting is a game changer and will always be in style!”

Books

There’s nothing more timeless than an at-home library. “While yes, books are meant to be read, they’re also extremely versatile styling pieces and they come in infinite colors and sizes,” says Meghan Jay, the founder of Meghan Jay Design. “Besides their traditional placement on a shelf, I love layering them on top of a coffee table or placing them under another styling accessory to give it more height.” Consider going the vintage route to save some cash along the way (brand new coffee table books can cost a pretty penny!) and think outside the box when it comes to display, Jay adds. “If you have a newer book with a paper cover that feels too bright and overpowering, peel the cover away,” she says. “Usually there’s a more neutral hardcover underneath.”

Read more: 20 Stunning Coffee Table Books to Elevate Your Space

Brown Furniture

If you crave a timeless space, don’t settle solely for white or black furniture. “Not only are brown bits of furniture timeless, they’re also extremely versatile and can bring much-needed character and warmth to a room,” Jay says. Don’t be afraid to work that piece your grandmother gave you into your living room scheme. “Solid wooden pieces can be easily transformed,” Jay adds. “They can be sanded down and refinished or painted; giving them a new lease on life.”