9 Home Features That’ll Still Look Good (Even After 20 Years)

From post-modern spaces, terracotta pinks to terrazzo (and more terrazzo!), there's always some snazzy new trend round the corner that you'd be sorely tempted to try for your home. But, with home renovation being a huge (and costly) commitment, are you sure you’ll want it around, 20 years down the road?

So, put your time and money where it counts – stretch your renovation dollar and make your home work for the long haul with these 9 timeless styles that'll still look stylish, even two decades in.

1. Monochromatic Palette

Interior Firm: Dan's Workshop

Bringing a timeless, visual punch that works with all sorts of interior themes, a monochromatic palette exudes a classic, sophisticated look all round. Whether it’s putting on a stark, black and white scheme or softening a look with greys in between, this theme remains ever popular thanks to its gender-neutral look.

Interior Firm: Homies Design

From a practical standpoint, a monochromatic home is also a breeze to decorate (no more colour coordinating headaches!). Plus, it instantly imbues any space with a sharp, chic flair.

2. Neutrals

Interior Firm: Mr Shopper Studio

Neutral is as its label suggests – an all-round crowd pleaser that doesn’t just work as a great backdrop, but an equally timeless highlight in any space. Ranging from beiges, creams, taupes and dove greys, it’s just as well that neutral hues are seeing a spike in popularity too. Case in point? Desert-style terracotta hues that have taken over Pinterest boards, to Delux’s 2019 Colour of the Year, Spiced Honey.

Interior Firm: Charlotte's Carpentry

Of course, what makes neutral hues a classic choice is simply its easy-going nature. They make an amazing base for building up various textures and patterns, work great with the odd pop of colour and (even better?) carry a refined appeal that might increase the value of your property.

3. Navy

Interior Firm: Mr Shopper Studio

Dark blacks are too sombre and dull for your tastes? For something elegant that still brings a hint of colour, navy blue is an alternative choice that’s equally adaptable to various interior themes.

Interior Firm: Hall Interiors

Though it’s witnessing a revival in recent times, this is one ‘trend’ that’ll still remain classy, even when the hype is over. It doesn’t hurt that the colour matches beautifully with all sorts of metallics as well – including brass, coppers, golds and silvers.

4. Marble

Interior Firm: Voila

A prized material due to its distinctive patina and colouring, marble has been synonymous with luxury – and it isn’t phasing out anytime soon. Whether it’s that classic Carrara finish or something a little more dramatic like an inky black, Nero Marquina slab, marbles have consistently proven to work with all sorts of styles (be it ornate features or minimalist spaces) for a touch of opulence.

Interior Firm: Fuse Concept

However, real marble pieces require particular care and maintenance for it to last the years. As such, many alternatives like marble-effect tiles, laminates and stones have popped up on the market, offering a highly-realistic, cost-friendly look with none of the fuss.

5. Metallics and Mirrors

Interior Firm: Versaform

All matte and no shine makes a dull, dull home! Hints of gleaming metallic accents or reflective mirrored surfaces are a welcome highlight that can help to visually lighten and widen spaces.

Interior Firm: Summerhaus D'zign

That being said, it doesn’t mean you’ll need to go overboard with the glitz. Keep elements from looking too jarring on the eyes by focusing it on one or two areas, or going minimal with metallic decorative objects or small fixtures (like handles).

6. White-Washed Spaces

Interior Firm: Third Avenue Studio

On the flipside, going completely devoid of any colour has its charms too. Just like a minimal, blank canvas, an all-white scheme makes for a bright, spacious look that’s always welcome in Singapore’s compact spaces.

Interior Firm: Lemonfridge Studio

That being said, it’s a fine line between being minimalist and bare. To make up for the lack of hues, add textures – be it in the form of tile patterns, finishes or carpentry details to give your home a ‘finished’ look. Or, use it as the perfect setting to add hints of colour in accessories and artwork for a fun, whimsical touch.

7. Designer Furniture

Interior Firm: akiHAUS

Well, they are called ‘iconic’ for a reason! Designer pieces like the Noguchi Table, Wishbone Chair or Louis Ghost chairs have stood the test of time, continually incorporated in homes thanks to their enduring style.

Interior Firm: Minutiae

Their versatile look also allows them to weave in and stand out in any interior, though the biggest draw about these furniture items are the fact that quality, real deals often come with decade-long warranties, making them a worthy investment that’ll go the distance.

8. Indoor Greenery

Interior Firm: Aiden-T

Jungalow craze aside, bringing a touch of nature into our private spaces has always been commonplace, and a sure-fire way to give homes a vibrant, refreshing look. Besides the fresh air it brings, plants add texture and a welcome pop of colour, even in plain, dull areas. Most importantly - they don’t discriminate any décor style.

Credit: @Houseofchais

9. Natural Wood

Interior Firm: Charlotte's Carpentry

We use it for everything, everywhere – from house foundations, furniture, to our floors and walls. An essential element in interior design and architecture, neutral, natural woods will never fall out of favour, simply because of its ubiquity. Whatever style you’re looking at, be it rustic countryside glamour or sleek, Japanese minimalism, timbered finishes have the ability to pull them off without looking too over the top.

Interior Firm: Swiss Interior Design

A rule of thumb to follow, though? Pay particular attention to the graining and undertone of each wood finish. For instance, cool wood surfaces (like blond oak) pair well with similarly pale woods like ash or maple. Meanwhile, striking walnut with contrasting lines might match better with a plain white wall for a balanced look.

Create a home for the ages.

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