The only thing constant is change itself so it’s certain that there will always be a new trend just around the corner. Home trends are no different than fashion trends and we are always looking to stay current and change our homes over the years. But, there are ways you can cut costs and save time by preparing now to love your home tomorrow. Here are some tips for creating a home that you love, that will stand the test of time, and that will leave you loving your home today as much as you will tomorrow.
1. FIND YOUR STYLE
Click on the image above to take The Style Quiz, from Larina Kase.
Spend time looking at different design styles and see as many variations as possible. Realize that it’s natural and likely that you will sway a little or a lot from your core style at times. For me, I know that I have a traditional aesthetic style and this guides me when I’m making decisions around my home. Also, the larger the item, the less likely I am to sway from my core style. Experiment and have fun with the latest trends with accessories and items that are less expensive to change. Click here to take a Style Quiz, by Larina Kase, a local Main Line Interior Designer which will help you identify your core style.
2. KEEP LARGER ITEMS NEUTRAL AND CLOSE TO YOUR CORE STYLE
From a kitchen backsplash to a living room sofa, try and pick selections that will stand the test of time and go the distance. A kitchen backsplash isn’t something that most people end up changing. Ask yourself if the selection would have looked good ten years ago and fit along with the styles that were popular then. If your answer is a clear no, consider that in ten years, the styles are probably going to be different from today too. If you’re loving a new trend, start small with pillows, throw blankets and smaller items.
This kitchen, by Duddy Construction, was completed almost 5 years ago. Timeless selections will allow this kitchen to look current for years to come.
3. MAKE IMPROVEMENTS OVERTIME
Slow and steady wins the race just like steady improvements over time will help keep you loving your home. It will also help you avoid time stamping your home with an obvious time period of when all the improvements were made. Sometimes I walk into homes and it was clear when the house was done. I’m sure that it looked great then, but fast forward to today and now the whole house looks dated. If you find yourself loving a new trend, do it in one space of your home, not throughout the entire home. Steady improvements is a great way that you can continue to make changes in your home as our style and lifestyle evolve.
4. INVEST IN THE BASICS
Moldings, custom cabinetry, flooring, replacement windows, and landscaping are all examples of improvements that will make your home look good, no matter what specific styles are popular.
Beautiful bedroom from the model at West End Walk, in Media. Prices for these townhouses start in the high 400’s. To learn more about this project and the town of Media, read one of our older posts here.
5. IF YOU LOVE IT, GO FOR IT
I loved my wallpaper in my dining room at first sight. I was browsing Pinterest and came across the image and it just clicked. Even though I loved the paper, I really thought about how it would stand the test of time. The core elements of the wallpaper worked in many ways. First, the color (navy) was a color that I love today as much I did ten years ago. It was traditional yet could be made more casual or fancy depending on the furniture selection. Lastly, it gave the room the wow factor I was looking for. And luckily, I love my paper today just as much as I loved it the moment I first saw it five years ago.
At home in my dining room. I still love this wallpaper today as much as I did 5 years ago when I spotted it on Pinterest. Click on the image for more information on this wallpaper.
Powder room from a past house tour. See the full home tour by clicking on the image.
Creating a home that inspires you isn’t a sprint, it’s a lifetime journey. When someone walks into my home, I want them to feel comfortable while instantly getting a sense of who we are and what’s important to us as a family. The only thing certain is that our family will evolve and our styles will change. My only hope is that I love my home in 10 years as much as I love my home today.
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