Following the latest design trends can be a lot of fun, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to incorporate every passing fad into your home. Before your musings go too far or your Pinterest boards get too full, consider the differences between trendy and timeless design.
Costs
Classic design tends to rely on durable and high-end materials, which naturally increases costs. Likewise, custom products, a common marker of timelessness, also cost more. But don’t expect to pay too much less for trendy elements. Trends increase demand, and when demand goes up, so do prices.
So, what’s the difference then? It all comes down to longevity.
By their very nature, trends are fleeting, which means a contemporary kitchen today might look like a dated kitchen tomorrow. Even if you only make small changes over time, the cost of keeping your kitchen up to date over the years will be sizable. However, a timeless kitchen is designed and built to, yep, stand the test of time. Plus, all those durable products you paid for upfront will save you money later.
Resale Appeal
There’s no doubt that a contemporary design will do wonders for your home’s at-first-glance appeal. The top trends done well are aspirational, and thus, attractive to discerning tastes. Seeing today’s trends reflected in a potential home will entice interested buyers.
On the flip side, your favorite fad may not work for everyone, limiting the number of people willing to make an offer. A timeless design may be less eye-catching, but it’s usually more attractive to a wider spread of individuals. Thus, if you’re considering selling your home in the very near future, taking advantage of certain trends may be the right move. But if you’re planning to hang onto your home, a timeless design will likely serve you better in the long run.
Personality
Focused on clean lines and functionality, a timeless style works best with neutral tones and classic design elements. Many trends, however, offer the chance to play with unique designs, bold colors, and unexpected combinations. This type of playfulness is very appealing for some homeowners, which is why the Valley Home Builders team encourages everyone to communicate these desires during the design process. Our designers are pros at helping to deliver personality and color in a neat, timeless package. So you can have your cake and eat it, too—in the home of your dreams, of course.
Decor
As with building materials and products, classic decor is typically more durable, and thus, accompanied by a higher price tag. On-trend furniture can be found for much cheaper, but not all of it is built to last. Still, this is one area where playing with trends requires relatively little commitment.
Splurge on high-quality pieces that will speak to your home’s classic appeal, but when you stumble across a trend you love, don’t be afraid to give it a try. Incorporating an unexpected decor element requires little investment, but potentially big payoffs for your space and psyche.
Whether you shy from trends or find yourself drawn to their flashy appeal, remember: what matters most is choosing a design that makes you excited to come home.
See some of Valley Home Builder’s timeless designs below:
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