Designers Say These 10 Living Room Accents Are Trend-Proof

Trend cycles can sometimes feel like design whiplash. One minute the living rooms are dominated by checkerboard rugs and wavy mirrors, and the next it’s all about gilded chandeliers and Chesterfield sofas. However, design is always in the eye of the beholder, so you should decorate with what makes you happy. But you’ve probably noticed that furniture isn’t cheap, so maybe you want to feel like you’re buying wisely, whatever your interior design style. That’s where trend-proof accents come into play.

It turns out that designers have a list of staple items that they often encourage their clients to invest in, mainly because they last and are easy to reinvent year after year, whether you move from time to time or stay in the same space for decades. If you want to know what’s on this list, you’ve come to the right place. These 10 living room accents have been identified by professionals as “trend-proof,” meaning they’re not here today and gone tomorrow, but will last for the long haul. Find out what to invest in for your living room below.

Plants add so much color and life to a living room that many designers don’t see their popularity waning. “It’s never a good idea to introduce plant life into your space,” says designer Amanda Wyatt of Design Insider. “The texture and dimension that plants bring to a room is truly hard to match.” She recommends snake plants for their verticality, money trees for their fullness, and pothos philodendrons because their shiny, trailing leaves are visually striking. Each of these species, she says, are all relatively tolerant of “low, filtered light” and “make a big impact without a lot of maintenance.”

Faux plants and fresh flowers are other options that Wyatt also doesn’t see going away anytime soon. “A fresh floral arrangement, whether you do it yourself or hire a local florist, is always an impactful touch, too,” she says. “You can also explore the world of dried flower arrangements for a similar effect.”

“Neutral colors are popular right now and will continue to be because they are versatile and create a calm, serene atmosphere,” says designer Carolyn Cerminara-Kelly, founder and director of Cerminara Design. “They work well in any space, whether large or small, and pair easily with different colors and decor styles, making them highly adaptable.”

Whether you want to hang simple slab-style shelves or prefer your perches to be part of a freestanding hutch or custom built-in, designer Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors says shelves in any form will never go out of style , mainly because they are pretty And practical. “Shelves are essential,” says Torres Portnof. “Having space to display books, decor, and art is both a luxury and a necessity.” So go ahead and integrate furniture with shelves into your living space, or add a few to your walls. You won’t regret having a place to store your things and display what you love most.

Sofas, accent chairs, and recliners are all examples of timeless seating options for the living room. But do you know what else is on this list? Ottomans, if Wyatt has any say in what will always be in fashion. “I just think there’s something universally appealing about having a place to put your feet,” she says. “Bean bags are easy to use in other ways too. Find one with useful storage space or place a tray on top to rest your drink on.

Painted walls could be an essential part of a living room’s timeless design. But many designers believe wallpaper matches paint in terms of strength as a finish, thanks to the decorative impact it creates and the variety it offers. “Wallpaper introduces patterns and textures that paint can’t, perfect for adding personality that personalizes a space,” says Cerminara-Kelly. “Modern wallpaper options are also more durable and easier to apply and remove, making them an attractive choice for many. »

Can’t choose a truly timeless wallpaper that you’ll love forever? Try a peel-and-stick option, which can be easily changed on a whim.

Perhaps you already know that art is a timeless element that belongs in any living room design project. But when it comes to size, it turns out that bigger art is better — and maybe even more trend-resistant than a bunch of smaller pieces, designers say. Indeed, a large-scale room instantly elevates the look of a living room. “Whether it’s a canvas, print, tapestry or framed textile, large works of art make a space feel larger,” says Torres Portnof.

You can’t go wrong with adding a mirror to your living room; they are trend-proof and always useful for brightening a space and opening it up visually. “In general, a mirror will make any space brighter and larger,” says Wyatt. “I like to have a mirror on hand, whether it’s large with a simple frame/raw edge or smaller and can be hung or propped up on a shelf. A good mirror will accompany you through every phase of fashion and continue to reflect your personal style. What does good look like? Something with a classic silhouette – think square, rectangular or circular – and in a material that goes with everything, like metal or wood.

These days, mid-century modern furniture isn’t just for MCM interiors. That’s because these vintage-inspired and period pieces are true style chameleons that can make a statement in almost any living room decor. “They have clean lines and a minimalist design, so mid-century modern chairs complement a range of interiors, from modern to eclectic,” says Cerminara-Kelly. “The simplicity of these chairs allows them to blend into different decor styles without overwhelming the space.”

You know what never goes out of style? Things You I love surrounding yourself with. And that’s why designers believe personal touches are trend-proof, in a living room and beyond. “Incorporating meaningful objects, whether they’re artwork found on a trip, family heirlooms, or musical instruments, helps a living room feel like home,” says Torres Portnof.

“From a design perspective, a quality cashmere throw goes with literally everything,” says Wyatt. “Add texture and color to your space by draping it over the back of a chair, folding it neatly over the arm of a sofa, or wrapping it in a basket. It will always be pretty and it will be pleasant to snuggle up under.