Timeless design strategies, cherished by contemporary decorators:
In 2025, a resurgence of design styles from the past can be observed, even 90s aesthetics making a comeback. This trend is driven by a desire for nostalgia and the lessons that can be gleaned from the decorating techniques of yesteryears. These well-established methods, which have stood the test of time, continue to be used by modern designers, demonstrating that age-old wisdom still holds value.
Several relics of the antiquated approach to interior design that designers still embrace have come to light. One such approach is prioritizing intimate spaces over open-plan layouts. Kate Walker, a seasoned designer, advocates for crafting purposeful, separated rooms instead of multipurpose ones that lack intentionality. Walker emphasizes that this design philosophy harks back to a time when homes were divided to save energy and, more importantly, to foster a richer emotional experience by allowing each room to hold its unique mood, story, and purpose.
The question surrounding the waning popularity of open-plan layouts arises, with proponents asserting that they compromise on comfort, acoustics, furnishing flexibility, and the ability to cater to diverse energies within a home. Conversely, separated spaces offer emotional zoning, allowing inhabitants to find peace and solitude when required or gather in communal areas.
Another time-honored technique is taking the era and architecture of a home into consideration. Betsy Burnham, a respected designer, always considers this approach before embarking on a new project. While designers may find it fashionable to mix the old with the new, Burnham advises acknowledging the bones of the space before introducing contrasting styles of furniture and decor. Placing emphasis on the structural integrity and design ethos of a home helps create a harmonious scheme that aligns with the home's unique character.
The adherence to classic color rules remains a fixture in modern design. Interior designer Jen Baxter continues to follow the timeless distribution of colors, which mirrors natural light patterns and shadows, for a balanced and harmonious environment.
Keeping things simple and timeless in furnishing is another crucial practice Walker follows. Filling a space with single, elegant pieces like a statement dining table or a beautiful chair enhances a room's ambiance without overwhelming it.
Decorating with items that resonate with one's emotions plays a vital role in contemporary design. Michael Angus, a designer known for his eclectic approach, still advocates for placing love at the forefront of design, suggesting that meaningful objects lend character and charm to a space.
Information on art's role in interior design is also pertinent. Displaying art in various forms (prints, maps, found objects) adds depth, personality, and a sense of curated elegance to any room.
By revisiting and implementing these classic design techniques, designers can create interiors that feel both modern and timeless, offering comfort, authenticity, and a sense of permanence in an ever-changing world.
Interior design from the past, such as 90s aesthetics and the intentional division of spaces, is experiencing a resurgence in 2025. Kate Walker, a seasoned designer, advocates for creating separate rooms with unique moods and purposes, highlighting that this approach harks back to a time when homes were designed to save energy and provide emotional experiences, contrary to the open-plan layouts that compromise comfort and acoustics.
Regarding home-and-garden design, Betsy Burnham, a respected designer, always considers the era and architecture of a home before embarking on a new project. She advises designers to acknowledge the bones of the space before introducing contrasting styles, emphasizing the importance of creating a harmonious scheme that aligns with the home's unique character.
