From fleeting trend to timeless value: a plea for sustainable choices in interior design

Who do we actually design for, in a world that is changing ever faster? In interior design, the focus is often on fleeting trends, where a fashionable picture sometimes seems to outweigh personal experience, functionality or quality. In my development as a designer, however, I see more and more acutely that an interior should be more than just "of today. Above all, it must become a place that stands the test of time, a personal home that grows with you and really suits you. 

What is fashionable today feels outdated tomorrow. The constant stream of new influences through social media and magazines can be overwhelming and often leads to hasty choices. These trends, however tempting, often lack the character and calm needed to create a true home. Instead, the constant push for innovation creates superficiality, restlessness and a cycle of replacement, which not only tires residents but also taxes our planet. Although timeless materials sometimes require a higher investment, they actually add value in the long run by retaining their beauty and quality, remaining functional and aesthetic for a long time.

A good interior is therefore not a reflection of the delusion of the day, but is shaped by vision, attention and materials that stand the test of time.

That is why I consciously choose pure materials that become more beautiful with age: brushed oak, natural stone like quartzite or marble, lime plaster and decorative stucco, high-quality fabrics, and materials like alabaster or cast brass that add craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Each material carries character, ages with grace and adds depth to a space.

Anyone who finds timelessness boring has probably not really experienced it. In fact, a quiet, quality base offers room for personal expression. Wishes change - tastes too - and by adding accents such as accessories, art, textiles or wallpaper, you can easily renew your interior without affecting the essence. In this way, the base remains timeless, while you effortlessly add variety and personality.

Sustainable design does not mean that everything is fixed. It means building layers that make sense. Choices that not only feel right today, but will still be of value ten years from now: aesthetically and ethically.

So let's shift the focus from fast trends to the power of timeless value. Not just for our interiors, but for how we live and choose. This is how we create interiors that speak, long after the trends are over.   

Melissa van Dal, MVD Interior Design