Essential Design Decisions to Achieve a Timeless Home Design
Your luxury custom home, nestled within the surrounding landscape, should be a work of art. And like any work of art, it should be cherished and enjoyed for years to come. With a few considerations during the planning and design phases, you can create a timeless home that respects the land it’s built on and the investment you made.
A timeless home design is more than just an iconic interior–it’s the foundation for a sustainable legacy. Here are four ways to incorporate classic home architecture and design styles for a property that stands the test of time.
Begin with Your Goals in Mind
Timelessness starts with intention. Before diving into paint swatches or material samples, discuss your long-term vision for the home with your architect. From hosting grand parties to enjoying crisp evenings on your patio to aging in place in your luxury home, think through how the space will evolve as you live there.
In addition to how you will use your home, think about how you want to connect to your surroundings. Be clear about your environmental goals and how you want the design to blend into the landscape. How do you want to capture the exquisite Arizona scenery in your design while also limiting the environmental footprint of your home?
The Chiricahua Pass residence features strong horizontal lines that echo the wide desert vistas. Intentionally situated on the lot, the home captures winter sunrises in the kitchen and the owners enjoy a clear view of each sunset in the master bedroom. The roof cantilevers create plenty of shaded alcoves and allow for natural light to filter in without the harsh direct rays, lowering energy usage.
For a home that stays relevant as the climate changes, consider sustainability options that help make your home efficient and comfortable. Install motorized shades and blinds to automatically reduce heat, and include solar panels to harness the plentiful sunshine. Wastewater purification systems also help reduce household water consumption.
Think about the long-term use of the property. What is the lifestyle you envision and how will that evolve as you and your family get older? How can your home’s foundational design help you achieve those goals? If you plan to pass down your luxury home to future generations, understand how that could change your design plans.
Select High-Quality, Natural Materials
Timelessness and quality often go hand-in-hand. Consider how your architecture choices will change and interact with the elements over time. High-quality materials will require less maintenance and add more character to your space.
Opt for natural materials because they age beautifully compared to synthetic alternatives. Aged wood and stone add interest to a space instead of looking worn. These materials are perfect for simple exterior home designs that blend into the surrounding desert landscape. The Pinnacle View home, for example, boasts a stone-clad exterior and clean lines that meld into the environment.
Inside the home, furniture made from mahogany, walnut, and oak can last for generations while showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. You can also create a feeling of permanence and longevity by using reclaimed wood, stone, and textiles.
Build on a Natural and Neutral Palette
Start with a slate of organic colors and layer texture and dimension through accents and lighting. Creamy and sandy colors, or sage and soft blues, will help blend your indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a more cohesive look throughout your home. It also provides flexibility to include a few accent colors that might be more trendy–but can be updated easily.
Dust off your family heirlooms–or visit your favorite antique shop to discover new ones–to display alongside more updated pieces. Mixing old and new furniture styles will be less likely bound to a specific trend, and your grandfather’s writing desk adds history to the room.
Augment your neutral palette with texture to add dimension. Fabrics like linen and wool add warmth to your space. Textured designs, including customized fireplace surrounds and elegant marble tiles in your kitchen, create a subtle pattern. Crown molding is another classic element that can add dimension to your room.
Be Selective With Your Accessories
Use timeless interior design ideas with an understated feel that still reflects your personality and interests. When choosing the design details for your home, opt for simple and functional, comfortable and sophisticated. Your space should invite calm and not feel cluttered–each accent piece should fit with the larger aesthetic, not added to satisfy a trend.
Layer your lighting with an attention-grabbing chandelier and sconces or thoughtful floor lamps to create different moods. Provide ample opportunities for natural light through skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows. Create intentional focal points for statement artwork from your favorite local artist or souvenirs from meaningful trips you’ve taken.
Another way to achieve a timeless aesthetic also involves resisting trends while thoughtfully blending a mix of styles, features, and accessories that not only reflect your personal taste but also complement one another. This approach ensures a home that flows beautifully, inside and out, creating a space that feels uniquely yours rather than adhering to a single, uniform design style.
Create a Timeless Design that Outlasts Trends
A timeless design doesn’t happen by accident. It takes collaboration between you and your design team as well as an understanding of the land you’re building on.
When you are ready to create a custom home that provides a sense of timelessness, contact the top Scottsdale architects who know this area best. From custom homes that will be works of art for years to come to luxury home renovations that transform your property into sophisticated elegance, the team at UDA, Ltd. can work with you to make your dreams a reality. Tell us about your project today!