Since my first post on Over 55 Decor stimulated so much interest, I have decided to continue the concept as a series. You can read the first installment here. Most baby boomers want a home that looks current and fresh now but won’t look dated in three or four years. It might be our last house. As I stated in my first post, most of us have traveled and brought back accessories for our home. We have collected real art, and perhaps some antiques. We want to combine all of these elements cohesively without making our house look like a gallery or a museum. Timeless design is quietly understated, simple and sophisticated “just like us”. How do we go about making our homes functional and sensible yet stylish and fresh at any age?
1. Keep the Design Consistent Throughout the House. Try to pick mostly neutrals and a couple of accent colors that will be continued throughout the home. Every room should connect to those around it in some way. If not you end up with a disjointed home.
Black is the glue that holds this project together in the Highlands Project from Amy Morris.
2. Use Quality Details and Make Thoughtful Choices. Pick classic furniture pieces with clean and simple lines in neutral fabrics. Keep the expensive items neutral and timeless Splurge on signature, quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
“belong” to a room. It shouldn’t be too large as to overpower, or too small as to seem insignificant.
8. Stick to Clean Lines– less is more, . Avoid overly carved ornate furnishings that will become dated quickly.
9. Invest In Antiques (if none have been handed down) they can give your space a sense of history and character. They help create a curated look and create a sense of history. Antique furniture becomes timeless when incorporated with other styles and furnishings.
source
10. Choose some items that just make you happy (regardless of trends) You’re less likely to get tired of a piece if you’ve always gravitated to that style.
Timeless with some trendy accessories.
That is why your home looks so pretty Marty!!
10 perfect points
Excellent advise. I find a good piece of art can carry a room. I've yet to find mine…
Sharon
The House of Hampton
Ha! I totally agree about the art. It has taken me awhile to appreciate the importance of art. You are dead on!
Great post Cindy, I am with you all the way on each and every one of them. We picked neutrals for Tahilla Farm. I love that we can add bits and pieces from our travels and let the story continue. Feels like home…every time. Always inspired by your posts Cindy, thank you! xx
Jeanne I love everything that I have seen of Tahilla Farm. It has your signature style which is everything I mentioned in this article!!
Cindy,
I love this series. As a an over 55-er, I sometimes worry I will get too "old lady house" so I'm forever editing and tweaking. I am very comfortable with my furniture which is what you suggest in this piece, largely a combination of antiques, traditional lines and neutral colorways. Your examples through images always inspires me.
xo,
Karen
Karen your home is lovely but yes we always worry that we might get that granny look!! That is why updating our accessories keeps it fresh!
YOU have to SEE MY HOME as it doesNOT FALL into any of these………………
TO some I may be a HOARDER………TO ME………..it is a FEAST FOR THE EYES and SOUL.
Imagine old COUNTRY Home lost in ENGLAND…………….I"m still working on it's BEAUTY!!!
When are YOU coming for LUNCH HERE?
Timeless, though eclectic with original art! Love all of your thoughts here Cindy!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Hi Cindy
Great advice! I have learned these principles throughout the years:)
I learn so much from you everyday, Cindy!!! Buy what you love….texture…antiques. I have a client right now that we are recovering an antique settee in her master bedroom…it may cost more than buying new with the gorgeous fabric we are using…but it's so nice with the mix. Going to do a lot of pinning here.
PS. This advice works for the under 55 set too!!!
Ha So true!!
Amen to all but big YES to 2,6 9 & 10!!!!!! Wonderful Cindy, thank you!
So many great tips, Cindy. I love using neutrals and then mixing transitional design with an antique here and there…and pieces from your travels adds such interest. Happy Wednesday ~
excellent advice, once again! best being use trends in accent pieces & investing in antiques, always!!
xx
debra
great article!!!!! so timely. great ideas!!
Thanks Joni! You have it down!
Very well-edited photo examples. Beautifully done.
Thanks Karin!
Great post, loved this post Cyndi. I need to take a page out of your book when it comes to textures. I love baskets for texture and try to incorporate those, but I love your layered look.