Is Timeless really Timeless?
I’m going to suggest something that might be controversial. Perhaps consider that nothing is timeless. There. I said it. Here me out.
When white kitchens were all the rage, clients would come to me and say that they wanted a “timeless white kitchen”. So, what did that mean exactly? There are thousands of shades of white out there. To be tasked with a “timeless” shade when a timeless shade might not exist can be a tall order. If you look at the trend in kitchens now verses even 7 years ago, the shade of white on cabinets (when and if using white) has gotten considerably warmer. It’s so warm that it’s LRV is on the cusp of being considered white! This new warm shade of white/griege is what is currently trendy. That white compared to Simply White, Oxford White or Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore, which is what I might have opted for 7 years ago, is very different. See the difference below.
Top row was trending 7-10 years ago. Bottom row is trending now. ALL are considered White!
Riffing off the kitchen example, hypothetically speaking, regarding pulls, knobs and faucets, chrome and satin nickel were popular choices for a “timeless” look once upon a “time” (pun intended). Now a polished nickel or black might be a more popular choice. You mean “timeless” evolves? Wait what?
Which begs the question, If nothing is “timeless”, how can we create a space that will stand the test of time? After all, renovating is expensive!
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some ways to update your space so that it evolves with the times (still using the kitchen example).
1. Paint! Custom millwork is expensive to put in so whatever you opt for can be easily changed with color. If you’re tired of the white that you put on your kitchen cabinets 10 years ago, opt for a new color on the cabinets which will carry you through another ten years. Spraying out cabinets is a fraction of the cost of replacing an entire kitchen. Insider Tip: Higher a professional cabinet sprayer. They use a lacquer that has a cabinet grade finish.
Changes: New Paint, Hardware, Lighting, Hood, and backsplash!
2. Soft finishes! I like to categorize items within a space as either hard or soft. Hard finishes would define any built-in items like flooring, kitchen cabinets etc. Soft finishes are those items that you can easily change out. In our kitchen example, knobs/pulls, faucets and lighting can easily be changed and can update a space dramatically. Insider Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix metals.
3. Add! Adding items that are current is another small way to make a big impact. From salt and pepper shakers to something more structural like a shelf ledge above a range (see pic below), adding current trendy ideas to your space can add to its evolution.
Shelf Ledge Examples
4. Edit! Perhaps you have a dated looking light valence or trim under your cabinets or hood cover. Don’t be afraid to get rid of it. It’s relatively easy to remove. You can replace it with something current. Perhaps it even looks better without any trim all together. Sometimes less is more! Insider tip: Spraying out the millwork when or if replacing any trim associated with the cabinetry gives it a more seamless look!
All this to say, in my experience, I’ve yet to come across any style that doesn’t need altering to keep up with the times. Neutrals tend to appeal to the masses, but even neutrals change. Just like Bell bottoms, house style will alter, change and be reinvented in new and fresh ways. As our needs and wants as a family change, our houses will as well. Here’s to editing our spaces to evolve with the times! Cheers.
