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While an interior’s palette of furnishings will naturally switch out over the seasons, it’s the material elements of a home that stick around for the longest - think worktops and flooring. It therefore pays to make sure that each of these crucial aspects won’t need to be replaced in the near future, in favour of trend-led or more practical alternatives.
The best materials for this tend to be natural. Wood, stone and, in some cases, metals, are all ideal for designing an interior that stays aesthetically pleasing for decades to come - thanks to innately long-lasting properties and an enduring appearance.
Homebuilders have utilised these materials for centuries - and we don’t see this changing any time soon. As the trend amongst homeowners moves firmly towards organic and uncluttered spaces, and with the environment outside calling ever more for a reconnection to our roots, we would expect demand for natural, sustainable building materials to grow - particularly here in the UK. Whether it’s neutral granite worktops or rich oak flooring, it’s worthwhile casting your mind ahead to what future residents might be looking for when it comes to their new home.
The ebb and flow of a home’s residents moves beyond simple practicality - the layout of an interior will, ultimately, dictate social interactions, too. Earlier this century, open-plan living was all the rage, creating an ongoing legacy that to be open-plan is to be contemporary, and anything besides this is outdated. However, a countermovement is becoming increasingly vocal within design circles, praising ‘closed’ plans and the practicality they can offer.
In the end, it all boils down to the needs of those who live under the roof - one person’s benefit might be another’s burden - but to create a naturally more livable environment in the long term, it makes sense to make its layout as dynamic as possible from the get-go.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that either open or closed living plans offer the best solution for builders, but perhaps a combination of the two would appeal to the majority of would-be buyers. Pairing open and closed spaces could offer a flexible, mixed solution that appeals to many homeowners; think a large, primary social space for entertaining and a separate, closed-off kitchen area.
If you are setting out to design an ageless interior, you should put practicality at the forefront of your scheme. People don’t just want something that looks good, they want something that feels good, too - and that’s something that the construction and interior design industries are attuning to more and more. This isn’t born out of taste alone - it’s also a matter of necessity. Homes are becoming increasingly expensive which, in turn, means that they’re becoming smaller. In fact, new homes are, on average, now smaller than they were in the 1930s.
Image: LABC Warranty
This means that aspects like storage should play a central role so that the space available is utilised to its absolute maximum. Of course, it’s important that a space remains visually appealing, but this should not take precedent over practical considerations. For a complete interior fit-out, make use of the latest in smart storage solutions. Drawers, racks, multi-functional cupboards, shelves and cabinets will allow the future homeowner to keep their belongings out of the main living areas - therefore freeing up space and preventing over cluttering.
With space at a premium, anything you can do to expand the living area will hugely benefit both the buyer and the seller - increasing the property’s appeal across the board. Combined with a long-lasting style that blends a neutral colour scheme with natural materials and a dynamic floor plan, you have the recipe for success when it comes to creating an interior that stands the test of time.
Sophie Armstrong is a content creator for granite and quartz worktop specialists Burlington Granite, who provide a full bespoke worktop solution by offering templating, cutting, polishing and fitting, all driven by 25 years of industry experience.