The phrase “timeless design” has been thrown around a lot lately, and for good reason. Homebuyers want their space to feel effortless and classic, but what does it actually take to get there? According to a blog post from Denver-based architecture firm KGA Studio Architects, designing with timelessness in mind means moving away from trends and focusing on materials, color palettes, and floor plans that can live and grow with homeowners even as their tastes change.

This often means choosing natural color palettes and materials and designing to human scale, such as by paying attention to porch heights, entryways, and ceiling heights, and balancing views and natural light with privacy. 

What’s timeless, what’s trendy, and can they co-exist? Trends are usually inspired by something that’s considered timeless, a new interpretation of a style, era, or feature that goes viral online and in people’s homes for a short period of time.

Timeless features, on the other hand, have proven, time-tested longevity. If you don’t want to overhaul your home in a few years after a trend’s 15 minutes of fame are over, timeless design is the way to go.

But you don’t have to completely say no to trends. Trends are fun, and they can look amazing in a home when they’re integrated in measured ways. A high-contrast color palette in a modern prairie-style facade is a dramatic take on an enduring architectural style. Reimagining a minimalist home can include a warm color palette and more textures to soften the style’s rigid feel and stark lines.