Fast design, like fast fashion, is the new normal. The farmhouse sink that was all the rage a few years ago? Completely replaced with a seamless marble countertop and vanity combination. But unlike swapping your skinny jeans for trendy baggy jeans, home renovations can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. No one wants to complete a reno and then tear it down a few years later.
That's why it's funny how modern kitchen and bathroom finishes can look outdated even though they've only been installed for a few years. It's because of our social media feeds that constantly fascinate us with exciting new decor and retailers churning out popular designs in minutes. Texas-based designer Emily Siders says, “In today's world, it's very difficult to avoid trends because we are unconsciously fed images that have been circulated thousands of times.'' It’s from there,” he says. studio saders. Do you really need to replace your kitchen shelves with scalloped ones? Probably not. Chasing trends not only creates waste, but also creates a space that lacks originality. “You're starting to see so many houses that look exactly the same, and it's boring,” Siders said.
That's why design decisions need staying power. But with trend cycles changing so quickly, what kind of kitchen or bathroom will you still love 10 or 15 years from now? We asked the pros how to create a space that will stand the test of time. I asked them what they were designing and about our fast algorithm.
Focus on functionality
You know what never goes out of style? Smart design. That's especially true in the kitchen, where the family gathers the most. “A well-appointed and easy-to-use kitchen makes your daily routine feel simple, natural, and artistic at the same time,” says Ralph He is Lauren's former executive vice president and chief designer of his creative team. Alfredo Paredes Say. He suggests spending time visualizing exactly how he and his family will use the space before making his single design decision. Seiders interacts with clients in great detail, from how they want to cook to whether they want to avoid using island appliances to a list of where to go to get sugar for their morning coffee. Understand how flows work.
For the bathroom, it's less complicated, but the process is similar. Do you need two sinks or one? Where do you put your towel when you take a shower? Is there a bathtub or no bathtub? By personalizing your space to suit your lifestyle, you can make it last longer.
keep it real
Skip the machine-made tiles. Designer Emily Barry insists that natural materials are key to creating timeless style. “Man-made materials tend to become obsolete quickly,” Barry says. She founded a design company with her mother, Diane Schmunk. Sanatorium interior. To create a dramatic look in the bathroom, the duo loves pairing soapstone with unlacquered brass. In addition to being classic, organic elements such as wood, marble, terracotta and plaster bring character and warmth to the space. According to Siders, that's why, despite the popularity of zellige tiles, they haven't caught on everywhere. “There's nothing like the movement and imperfections of handmade pottery to add character to a space,” she says. When the time comes, add woven leather stools and reclaimed wood flooring to instantly transform your trendy, sterile all-white kitchen into a charming den. Paredes also likes how natural materials can instantly create a calming atmosphere. Belgian bluestone is often used for shower floors and bathroom walls.
mix new and old
Prepare your eBay reflexes with live auction participants. Juxtaposing styles and eras makes spaces look fresh, interesting, and timeless. “If you go everything traditional or everything modern, the space will age faster than if you combine traditional elements with some modern pieces,” says Barry. “It's a great way to create a space that lasts.” One of the ways he mixes up styles is incorporating freestanding antique cabinets into a sleek kitchen, or adding a vintage table to an island in his kitchen or vanity. It can be renovated as a stand. Another way she does it is by pairing more traditional-looking cabinets with modern light fixtures.
buy what you like
“First and foremost, it's important that people buy what they like, not what social media tells them to like,” Siders said. Invest in materials that appeal to you because you love them. If the color red makes you come alive, skip the California neutrals and olive wood combos currently flooding Pinterest and go for something bolder. “If you follow that tenet, your home will reflect who you are and stand the test of time,” she says. However, the images we see on Instagram can seep into our consciousness. For moments like these, Brooklyn-based designer Jenna Chosen Chosen & Company has a strict rule: “If you see something often, it has a short lifespan, so let's move on.” In fact, she prefers the opposite approach when designing kitchens. “I never want to do something I've seen before, so I try really hard to think of really interesting ways to design it,” she says. Her designs are often ahead of their time in pushing these creative boundaries.
layer neutral
No matter how timeless a design is, people's tastes change. To play it safe, Siders prefers to use a neutral palette of creams, browns, inky blues, and sage greens. “Typically when I'm doing something like tile or countertops or something that's hard to replace that's installed in the house, I like to do something that's a little bit quieter. That way later on I can say, 'Okay, okay. 'I'm going to paint my cabinets yellow now,' she says. Another benefit of a neutral background is that it allows furniture, accessories, and art to have maximum visual impact on the space. Also, these items can be easily updated to keep your home feeling fresh.
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