Over 55 Decor -Ten Tips for Achieving Timeless Interiors

Since my first post on Over 55 Decor stimulated so much interest , I have decided to continue the concept as a series.  You can read the first installment here. 

Most baby boomers  want a home that looks current and fresh now but won't look dated in three or four years. It might be our last house.  As I stated in my first post, most of us have traveled and brought back accessories for our home.  We have collected real art, and perhaps some antiques. We want to combine all of these elements cohesively without making our house look like a gallery or a museum. Timeless design is quietly understated, simple and sophisticated "just like us". How do we go about making our homes functional and sensible yet stylish and fresh at any age?

1. Keep the Design Consistent Throughout the House.  Try to pick mostly neutrals and a couple of accent colors that will be continued throughout the home.  Every room should connect to those around it in some way. If not you end up with a disjointed home.

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2. Use Quality Details and Make Thoughtful Choices. Pick classic furniture pieces with clean and simple lines in neutral fabrics.  Keep the expensive items neutral and timeless Splurge on signature, quality pieces that will stand the test of time. 

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3. Incorporate Color and Trends in Accent Pieces (ie art, pillows, accessories), like I did here in my own home.

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4. Design a Look that is Functional. Furniture should fit in a room perfectly. It should 
"belong" to a room. It shouldn't be too large as to overpower, or too small as to seem insignificant.

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5. Include Items from your Travels These items add your own personality and history to the space.

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6.  Invest in Real Art  The rarity of a work of art is what gives it value, so an original will always be worth more than a reproduction. 

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7.  Choose Texture over Color. A room without texture or pattern will be boring and flat. Texture and patterns bring a room to life and add dimension.

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8.  Stick to Clean Lines- less is more, . Avoid overly carved ornate furnishings that will become dated quickly.


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9.  Invest In Antiques (if none have been handed down) they can give your space a sense of history and character. They help create a curated look a    Antique furniture,, becomes timeless when incorporated with other styles and furnishings.


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10.  Choose some items that just make you happy (regardless of trends) You’re less likely to get tired of a piece if you’ve always gravitated to that style. 

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Do you prefer a more timeless look in your home or do you go for a trendier look?