Timeless design is so important – after all no-one wants their renovation project to date in the short or medium term. Getting it right takes experience and knowledge of period house styling, whether that’s going back a few hundred years or working in the here and now.

When seeking to achieve timeless interiors there are some important questions to consider. The first is to ask the homeowner what they are hoping to achieve. The design process can then explore the functionality needed, in terms of equipment, surfaces and storage, and look at the spatial elements of the overall layout. These two things are key to making sure the room works both now and into the future. Once the design is in place then we can move on to decisions about material finishes and styling to ensure there’s an appropriate level of harmony with the rest of the house.

WE ASKED GILES, OUR LEAD DESIGNER, TO SHARE SOME OF HIS THOUGHTS….

On timeless design in practice:

“I always think carefully about ways to equip a house for modern life without compromising its history and charm. If you fell in love with a Georgian home you’ll of course want it to retain that period feel even though it’s full of every modern convenience. I always start by looking closely at the original exterior and interior architecture of the house to see how it can positively influence the design process. I can then create interiors that are not only functional and fit for purpose going forward but are also architecturally sympathetic and beautiful.

On timeless design and period style:

“In period properties it’s all about understanding period styles and getting the details right. It’s important though not to over-think or overwork the details – it can often be as simple as choosing the correct room mouldings and internal door hardware. If the architectural joinery flows from one room to the next that’s a great foundation to build on and the key thing is for it to be subtle and there to be a level of harmony between each room space. I avoid mixing multiple period styles as that’s a sure way to interfere with the flow and elegant feel of timeless design.”

On timeless design and your much-loved antiques:

“One of my favourite kitchens was designed around a family heirloom farmhouse table. Incorporating pieces like this can add real depth to a timeless design and can be a great way to put history into your home.”

On timeless design and trends:

“I have a simple ethos which is that appropriately styled and carefully considered functional designs become elegant rooms or homes that do not go out of style. I do not recommend adding multiple trends – for example in different rooms – as it causes a disconnect in the flow of a home which in turn can make it feel dated more quickly. Taking inspiration from the architectural style of the home and its surroundings and retaining original features is sure to result in design that will stand the test of time.”

On how Figura creates timeless style:

“We use the period style of prominent features of the property along with our imagination, creativity, and experience to create design that works for each client and each home. Wood is often the main material we think about to help shape the character of a home – it’s a wonderful material to work with and complements almost every property. We also have extensive expertise in stonework, forged iron and steel fabrication, glass and soft furnishings and we use all of those to create timeless style.

Most importantly we take the time to get to know our clients and their requirements. That allows us to work closely with families to design rooms and homes that add value to their everyday lives and which have the flexibility to continue to add value long in to the future.”

If you’d like to find out more about how Figura can create timeless style in your home, just get in touch with Giles.

What makes a design timeless?