Trendy or Timeless? Vol.6
It’s been a minute since I last sat down with a pile of magazines and compiled a ‘Trendy or Timeless’ edit for the Journal. So, if you’re new around here, this series is a deep dive into interior design and decor trends throughout the years, how they’ve evolved, what’s stayed the same and what we can learn from past trends to ensure the interior choices we make are timeless.
Of course, the subject of design is very subjective and you should always stick to the aspects of design that speak to you, that way the result will be a true expression of yours and your families tastes. However, there’s definitely something to be said for taking a moment to consider how especially more permanent design choices will age over time. This will not only ensure you get to enjoy the aesthetic of your home for as long as possible, but when it does come time to sell, your home will appeal to the masses.
So, for the sixth installment of ‘Trendy or Timeless’, I had a look through the latest edition of Your Home and Garden magazine and compared it to a couple from 2017 - a year that doesn’t feel like too long ago but will soon be a whole decade old! It was certainly interesting to see which trends have stuck around and which ones we have slowly evolved or ditched completely over the last 9 years, but I’ve selected 5 that I thought would be most relevant to dig deeper into. So, without further ado…
01 - Structured Chandeliers & Naked Bulbs
Structured chandeliers and naked bulbs were certainly a popular trend back in 2017, mostly used in dining or living spaces. They can be subtle or work as a statement feature in a space and for the most part, I think this trend is still used in interior design today. We actually have two light fittings of this style in our home that the previous owners had installed, and I still love them just as much today as I did the day we moved in!
The elegance of a more modern style chandelier can enhance a space significantly and the only real difference I saw from 2017 to 2026 is the choice of metal finishes used in these light fittings. 2017 was all about copper and rose gold - something that I personally still love. But, nowadays I see more chrome and brushed brass used in interiors.
In my humble opinion, all of these finishes are timeless in their own right, and the key to using this lighting trend is to keep it simple, elegant and invest in a good quality option, although they’re more expensive, it’s an area of design that’s worth investing in.
02 - Patterned Tiles
Patterned tiles in bathrooms and kitchens were certainly having a moment in 2017, especially the Moroccan mosaic style. In 2026 there are still plenty of patterned tiles used, but leaning more simple, understated and mid-century inspired in colours and shapes.
Tiles are an area of interior design where trends will always be evolving, but as they are a relatively costly and permanent fixture, picking out a timeless tile is definitely something that deserves some thought and consideration. My approach has always been to go simple; subway tiles and vintage style mosaics are timeless for a reason and if you want to get a bit more creative, a simple tile in a statement colour can go a long way, whilst still looking intentional ten years down the line.
03 - Fun With Colour
Colour within interior design is hugely subjective, so I’m hesitant to pinpoint uses of colour throughout time as ‘trendy’ but looking back through these 2017 magazines and comparing the difference in popular colour palettes to 2026 was pretty interesting.
2017 design was pretty minimalist in the colour department overall, but I certainly noticed a lot of pastels and softer shades. Today, trending colour palettes are more mid-century inspired, earthier tones with pops of primary colours used intentionally. I think it’s fair to say that pastels are timeless, but like most things, they’re best used in moderation. The overload of pastel shades in some of the interiors I spotted leaned more trendy, but in small doses and combined with richer, earthier colours, I’m all for some pastels!
04 - Perfectly Ply
The use of plywood as a design element was massive in 2017 and even a few years previously. My daughter Bella even saved up her pocket money to purchase a George & Willy pegboard shelf around this time. As trends tend to play out, plywood had its moment and then we experienced a bit of plywood overload / fatigue. But on the other side of that, the cycle comes back around and just like that - plywood is back!
Such a simple and cost effective material will always be timeless, but when it comes to higher end design, I think we’re seeing plywood's renaissance, and I’m not mad about it! I think the key to using this material in a home is to really commit, my favourite examples of where plywood works well is when it becomes a true feature, go big or go home.
05 - Orla Kiely & Retro Style Patterns
Looking more at soft furnishings and less permanent pieces of decor, I was surprised at how much Orla Kiely and similar retro inspired patterns I spotted in the 2017 mags. Mid-century and retro inspired prints are definitely something we see a lot in current interior design, so it was fascinating to see those same trends so prominent in 2017 design. It begs the question - is it a trend, or is it truly timeless?
I think the key to using retro inspired prints in a timeless way is to do what Orla Kiely does so well and stick to simple patterns and colour palettes. Her work is still as beloved as it was in 2017 and years previous because it’s not too loud and it’s not too bright, it hits that perfect balance in the middle.
Reference images sourced via Pinterest. Magazine articles & images via Your Home and Garden Magazine