When it comes to designing your outdoor area, a timeless look is a great one to aim for.
Timeless design is a way to create a look in your outdoor area that endures the test of time. It’s all about classic, rather than faddy design, and shouldn’t be tied to any particular decade or trend. Trends and fads come and go, and what once looked chic and up-to-date, can very quickly become outdated and cringe-worthy.
Timeless design is a big positive for many reasons. Creating an area that doesn’t date means you won’t have to replace major items every few years, as the items you originally chose are classic enough to work over a long period of time. Plus, it will add to the value of your house to have a design that remains beautiful and flexible over many years, rather than one that will look tired and frumpy all too soon. Timeless design will remain looking great no matter what the current trend is, and is highly adaptable to changes in your personal style too. Here are five ways to create a timeless outdoor area that won’t date.
Design with Travertine pavers
If you want to bring some classic, traditional style to your outdoor area, use Travertine pavers in your design. These luxurious and demure pavers will bring beautiful swirling textures, dappled patterns and drifting colours to your paved area, creating a unique and timeless look.
In keeping with the neutral theme, Travertine pavers come in a range of beautiful, neutral colours that will complement any design style or colour scheme. The warm, soft and subtle tones of Travertine pavers will provide the ideal foundation to build any design scheme around without overwhelming your other elements.
With Travertine, the look is always one of sophistication, luxury and elegance. They will blend in with and complement plants and greenery, and give a touch of timeless character to your outdoor area that’s very appealing. As well, they are easy to care for and maintain, and will last for years without a fuss.
Choose a neutral colour palette
Think of the vibrant oranges and browns that were on trend in the 60s, or the plethora of pastels that dominated the 80s. Seeing these colours in a design immediately dates it, as the trend has long since passed (and thank goodness for that!). Colour trends come and go, but a neutral palette never dates.
Far from being boring, neutral colours are timeless because they work with any colour palette, style or theme. Neutrals have a strong role to play in creating a timeless outdoor area, and are the perfect backdrop to a design that might be loaded with textures and natural materials.
Think cool or warm whites and greys, as well as sand hues, navy blues, dark greens and blacks. All these colours create an inviting space and will compliment any outdoor area, as they create contrast with the natural surroundings.
And the great thing about a neutral palette is that you can layer in splashes of colour through furniture accents, plant pots or artwork, to change up the look periodically without too much expense. A neutral palette gives great flexibility, and allows you to embrace different colour trends until they go out of style.
Make use of open spaces
Cluttered, crowded areas will not only date quickly, they also look dated right now. Resist the temptation to fill every nook and cranny with furniture, plants, water features and sculptural elements.
Clutter is a bad look in any decade, so instead, incorporate plenty of open space in your design. It’s more restful for the eye, and allows room to move and
breathe. You need to create a balance between filing the space and leaving areas open – a clean, simple design will look far more elegant and timeless than one that’s cluttered with too many features.
Focus on functionality
Outdoor areas that stand the test of time are often those that offer strong functionality. A well-designed outdoor area that is functional as well as beautiful won’t date quickly, and a blend of style and function is necessary for a timeless outdoor area.
Create a space that is perfect for alfresco dining, or entertaining or relaxing, and you’ll have one that will well and truly stand the test of time. It should also be easy to care for and maintain, contain design elements that suit how you want to use the area and provide convenience and enjoyment year-round. Consider storage, durable finishes, easy-care elements and energy efficiency to create a successfully timeless outdoor area.
Design with potted plants
Unlike other types of décor, plants don’t usually date. Plants and greenery will add interest, colour and height to your outdoor area, so don’t forget to include plenty in your design.
They will add a fresh energy to your area, giving classic appeal and a modern, timeless look. Plants will create a welcoming environment that’s always appealing and a cheerful twist to your area that will make it spring to life.