The following is an extract from Curated Style by stylist Kerrie-Ann Jones, published by Smith Street Books today.
Imagine how uninspiring life would be without trends. There would be no new hotels with creative interiors, no new cars to test drive, no new sneakers to wear and no new bands to fangirl over.
Trends and forward-thinking ideas drive innovation and creativity – they should be celebrated. There is no shame in progress, which is what trends are. Ideas that have evolved and modernised, and provide joy to many people. We need new ideas and trends to inspire, invigorate and challenge us.
When it comes to our homes, we want them to have a timeless sensibility so that they won’t date too quickly. But we still want them to look and feel relevant and current, not daggy and uninspiring. Balancing classic influences with contemporary design while showcasing your signature style is the delicate dance of curating a home. It’s a fine line, but it is possible to be simultaneously timeless and on trend.
Many designers say they don’t subscribe to trends. However, I don’t believe this is true. It’s frowned upon to admit you’ve adopted a trend, as striving for timelessness is standard practice. But if a designer is good at their job, they can balance both and do so beautifully. And that should be recognised and commended.
One interesting example is the arch. This classic shape has been popular for a few years, and many designers incorporate it into their interiors with doors, windows and joinery. When designed well, arches can look incredible. Yet many designers would never admit they’ve hopped on board the arch trend.
Pushing creative boundaries is to be embraced and encouraged. New ideas can create positive change. Disregarding them when they become popular just stifles creativity. It’s only when trends are used in a non-sustainable way that they become problematic. When a trend has been overworked, become too mainstream or been copied widely, it loses its charm. It’s time to evolve it or let it go.
Our society demands that everything we purchase (trend piece or not) be approached from a sustainability perspective that considers relevance, durability and environmental impact.
How to incorporate trends timelessly
- Find classic shapes. For example, the subway tile has been around for decades but it continues to be modernised and reimagined with different surface textures, materials and colours.
- Choose a neutral palette with accent colours that are not high chroma but have a neutral undertone to make them less jarring. This combines longevity with relevance.
- Traditional patterns such as checkerboard, herringbone and stripes in a contemporary colour palette or fabric can give your home a fresh update.
- Add character and charm with playful shapes, colour application, art, upholstery and scale.
- Rather than committing to trend elements in a large form or through permanent fixtures, incorporate temporary pieces like side tables, throw pillows, rugs, artwork and accessories. This allows you to update your space with minimal effort as trends evolve.
- Use antique or traditional furniture with contemporary on-trend upholstery.
- In a modern home, incorporate vintage furniture, art and decor to introduce timeless elements.
- In a traditional home, juxtapose the old world with modern pieces in classic materials, such as rattan and velvet, in a neutral palette.
- Select materials with an earthiness to their texture and high durability that will last for decades.
- Vintage, classic and old-world influences or pieces help offset a very modern design and give edge and an old soul to a new house. These pieces are also sustainable, as you are saving a character-filled piece from going into landfill.
What really makes a home look and feel timeless is prioritising the elements that resonate with you. Create an authentic home that reflects your style rather than simply following trends. A well-curated home will withstand the test of time.
Photography: Alicia Taylor
