Let’s get real: just because design trends change doesn’t mean you need to toss out finishes you love. Although it feels like trends are unavoidable and flip constantly, truly timeless finishes choices are absolutely available! If you want a home that feels welcoming for years—not just this season—let’s talk about the classic finishes that truly last.
What makes a finish timeless in home design?
Home and design trends are different from fashion and I have come to the conclusion that a lot of people treat them like they are similar.
I’m sure the fashionistas reading this will have their own list of items that endure through fashion trends but this post is about home. And if you want to dress ‘on trend’, it’s easier because there’s lots of those items in the stores. You probably have a wardrobe filled with high waisted, wide leg pants, for example.
Or maybe if you’re young and didn’t experience the muffin top epidemic you’re standing against high waisted with ultra LOW waisted pants. In fashion, trends tend to eat their own tail.
VogueIt IS possible to hop off the trend cycle
I’ve been writing about timeless design for 17 years and recently, when I posted a Youtube video about 12″ x 24″ tile and how it should rarely if ever, be used, 108 comments and counting were posted and this was the common thread:
“Nothing is timeless in the ‘trend’ world. I remember a while back people were ripping up beautiful herringbone wood floors because they were “dated.” The subway tile phase came along and it is said that is out now. The small hexagon tiles have come and gone again. I’m choosing tiles for our two bathroom renovations and really liking the 12×24 for the simple lines and grout concerns. I guess I’ve been on another planet because I didn’t realize those were a trend and is outdated now. Whatever I choose will be because I like it because by the time I sell my house it will be out of style.”
I realized that there’s a lot of confusion about trends in the home space.
Most people just notice what is trending (we ❤️ NEW, after all) and there is also a big misconception out there that as soon as ANY finish is not TRENDING anymore, it must therefore now be bad and should not be chosen or specified. And that is just not true.
My timeless warm neutral kitchen with simple quartz and subway tile
As Brent Hull said in his book, a timeless house does not need to be renovated every 10 years.
So hop over to my YouTube video for my list of 10 timeless finishes that are NOT trending (but still timeless).
I promise 💛
10 Finishes that are NOT trending (but still timeless)
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That’s a really good point that just because something is not on trend (or “out”) it doesn’t mean it will be tacky. I would say that does work a bit for clothing as well, since there are some classic pieces that will usually always look good—a cashmere sweater or something like that.
The way I describe “timeless,” because it is such a misunderstood and misapplied term, is “never wrong, even when something else more exciting is happening.”
Such a great comment thanks Shoshana! xo
Anything that is timeless does not stand out saying “look at me!” Trends want attention, whereas something timeless is happy to be in the backdrop for your other shiny new things. I think of timeless design as something that calmly, quietly exists to be the supporting player. That’s why there isn’t really a “timeless” wall paint. Paint colors are trendy, even the neutrals.
IMO, timeless means I cannot look at the design elements and think, ah, this was done in 2022. Or the Tuscan era. Or the black and white one. Timeless is undatable.
Can I just say I’m really grateful to have absorbed your teachings over the last decade of your blog? I can pull together a room or a home renovation without the mystery and agonizing I see so many people struggle with! Understanding what options make for a timeless backdrop, and seeing/comparing undertones, means there are way fewer actual options than there seem to be. Simple, but not easy to get there.
As always, a charming explanation of timeless in a world of the 15 min trend.
Going forward, would it be possible to show more ✅ photo examples of non-white medium brown wood cabinetry with whatever point you are discussing?
I love all the white oak examples here. There are a lot of us out here who are stuck with medium brown stained cabinets. 🩷
I’ve always enjoyed your blog but am not a fan of videos as they can be a time sink. It would be great if you could offer a computer generated transcript in addition to the video. Just my 2 cents.
I totally agree. I usually skip videos, both here and on news sites.
Every time I link to a YouTube video in a blog post, I can count on someone commenting that they “never watch videos.” And listen—I get it, not everyone learns the same way. But if you’re here to actually master the nuances of colour, video is where it really clicks. You can see what I’m talking about. Tone of voice, visual comparisons, real-time insights—you simply can’t get that from static images and text.
So if you usually skip the videos, try watching one. Just one. It might change everything about how you see colour.
And if you still prefer to read only, no problem—but just know you’re not getting the full picture (literally). 😉
I love the videos! You are so down to earth in them. Thanks for considering all sorts of constraints: budgets, etc!
I love my small scale black and white bathroom floor tile, and with black grout it is very practical too.
Thanks for the always great advice!
Did you say there would be links for a download of paint colors posted below the video? I don’t seem to see the link ….
Mary, you need to open the video in YouTube (click where it says “YouTube” on the bottom right). You’ll be able to see everything in the box below the video by clicking “…more” I hope that helps! -Sheree L
Agree 100%, team Timeless and Classic all the way. Timeless and classic usually equals elegant, which I love. Keep preaching and educating, Maria!
The one point I disagree with – maple kitchen cabinets. I fell for the pale beauty of maple cabinets twice, in two different houses, and both times within a few years the maple had turned a much more orange color that I disliked strongly. However, we had some custom bedroom furniture built 25 years ago in maple and so far it is still pale and lovely with no strong orange tones.
Please take into consideration cultural differences. That which is considered timeless for people of a particular economic, social and cultural/ethnic ‘class’ will Most Certainly be different from what is considered ‘classic’ or ‘timeless’ when not of that same grouping or physical location/country. White subway tiles are Not timeless around the world. What one culture finds appealing over the decades is based upon many factors. The same goes for clothing. In the USA, white wedding dresses, white flowers (think tulips, wave petunias, hydrangeas), white subway tiles…looked upon favorably. Many Asians would be aghast to wear, plant or use white as it is strongly associated with death. Things dealing with appearance are subjective, opinion based. So…don’t stress IF what you truly love isn’t “timeless” where you reside. Enjoy the journey but heed the concepts regarding colour, lighting, hard fixed surfaces.
Thank you for highlighting such an important point about cultural context and the subjectivity of design. You’re absolutely right—what’s considered “timeless” can vary greatly across different cultures, regions, and lived experiences.
I was reminded of this a few years ago while traveling in Spain. I wrote about how subway tile, which is so often labeled “timeless” here in North America, was nowhere to be found in the Spanish homes we visited. Instead, we saw authentic Spanish tile—tiles that are often replicated and used out of context here simply because they’re trending, not because they belong to the architectural language of the home. That kind of disconnect happens all the time.
Which is why this video is more specifically rooted in Western design traditions—particularly those that dominate much of the mainstream conversation in North America and parts of Europe. In that context, “timeless finishes” usually refers to materials and palettes that have endured stylistic shifts over decades, like white subway tile, marble, or classic hardwood.
I really appreciate your thoughtful comment—it adds valuable depth to the conversation. Maria
I am not a designer. But I do love decorating my own home and helping my children with their homes. I really enjoyed watching your videos with all your advice
Hi Maria,
I truly enjoy reading your blog. It is very informative and helpful. I know you spoke about white kitchen as being a timeless one. In your opinion is a kitchen painted Accessible Beige or Shoji White for example would be timeless? Or do you think I would want to paint it all over in 5 to 10 years?
Thank you
Merav