How to achieve a Timeless Design

Many designers know that there are key pieces of furnishings that transcend time & trends.  By investing in & using these key items, you can make your room design last. So when it's time for a change, you can incorporate new trendy pieces without investing in a complete re-design.  You can choose to spend a lot or a little for these.  There are great options in all price points.  These items also can be used in any design style.  Here they are.... (in no particular order)

1 - The round mirror

It can be a sunburst or bull's eye mirror or simple modern - the key is "round"

1st Dibs - 19th Century Italian Sunburst Mirror $3,125

Ballard Designs, Suzanne Kasler Sunburst Mirror #3 $149

1st Dibs - 1920's Federal Style Mirror $995

2 - the French Chair

It can be any type of french chair

A bergère is an enclosed upholstered French armchair

A fauteuil is a style of open-arm chair with a primarily exposed wooden frame 

Bergere Style Chair

Fauteuil Style Chair

Design Sponge French Chair History

3 - Clear Furniture
This can be glass, plexi-glass, acrylic or lucite.  It can be tables or chairs.  Here's some great options...

CB2, Peekaboo clear coffee table $279

DWR, Louis Ghost Chair $410

4 - Odd Chair or Designer Chair
Having a small odd, old, funky, crazy, antique or designer chair in a room is a great eclectic touch!  It's the exclamation point in a room!

Something funky...

Kenneth Cobonpue Yoda Easy Chair

A classic...

Barcelona Lounge Chair by Mies van der Rohe

Usually this chair is opposite of your overall design style or has special meaning like grandma's rocker.

5 - Stack of Large Books - Any kind of books with lots of pictures!

6 - Natural, grass, bamboo shades.  There are lots to choose from.  Try "The Shade Store".

7 - Tray

It can be any style of tray, whether it's lacquer, brass, wood or clear acrylic (two design Keys in one!)

West Elm, Large Lacquer Trays $59 -$69 each

8 - Black and White is classic, whether it's black & white photography prints, art, rugs, or fabric print.

9 - Parsons Table

This is a simple design table and it can be in any texture from lacquer to fabric to mirror.  Because it's so simple it can adapt to any design.  My favorite is the West Elm Parson's Desk in white but it comes in lots of colors and textures.

West Elm Parsons Desk with Drawers $349

10 - Arc Lamp
Originally designed by Achille and Pier Castiglione in 1962

Achille and Pier Castiglione Arco Floor Lamp available at 1st Dibs for $2,900

Crate & Barrel Dexter Floor Lamp $299

11 - Upholstered Headboard

There are many styles... tufted, nailhead, shaped, rectangle.  

Ballard Designs, Camden Tufted Headboard starts at $359

12 - Animal Print

Any animal print as well as animal skins.  Make sure you do this is small amounts, like a rug or pillow.

Here's some great rooms that incorporate these keys to timeless design (refer to the list).....

~Brandy