Interior designers say these home decor choices will still look good in 10 years

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Design trends swing like a pendulum. Not long ago, homes were filled with shiplap, cool gray interiors and minimalist designs. Now, maximalism and bolder hues are back. While fads can be fun, thoughtful decorating choices can help your home feel current for years to come.

Timeless interiors are thoughtfully assembled — not just thrown together. "I was always told that you should pick hard materials (such as countertops and flooring) that you know you'll like for at least 10 years, and I think the same goes for large furniture pieces," explains lead Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder . "Don't buy a trendy bed frame! But trendy throw pillows, sheets or rugs? Sure!"

I asked interior designers which colors, materials and decorating choices have lasting appeal.

When done right, Mimi Meacham, principal designer and owner of Marian Louise Design , says neutrals "create a calm backdrop that lets the architecture, furnishings, and the people living in the home shine." Trade bright whites and cool gray interiors for more lived-in hues. Meacham says you can't go wrong with earthy beiges, soft taupes and creamy ivories.

Light and bright isn't the only way. Sarah Kuchar, interior designer and owner of Kuchar Studio in Chicago, says moodier, saturated hues can also "behave like neutrals rather than statements." Ground spaces with burgundies, chocolate browns and oxbloods, then layer in softer neutrals like warm whites and earthy terracotta. The key, according to Kuchar? "Warmth used with restraint."

Sprinkle in trending colors, like Grounded, the mossy olive named Behr's 2027 Color of the Year , as accents. "I usually recommend using those in smaller doses — through textiles, art or accessories — rather than committing to them on permanent elements like cabinetry or tile," Meacham adds.

Better Homes & Gardens Adlin Storage Bench

Not a fan of recessed cans and flush fixtures? You're not alone. "Layered lighting makes a space feel warm, inviting, relaxed and lived in. It changes the entire mood of a room in a way that overhead lighting just can't," says designer and Survivor winner Kim Wolfe , who stars on HGTV's Rock the Block .

Ambient lighting is the answer to your "big light" woes . "Classic silhouettes always win," adds Meacham. Think: "lanterns, tailored sconces and simple chandeliers with clean lines."

Better Homes & Gardens Glass Portable Lamp

Borrow from nature's palette and it's hard to go wrong. "It feels restorative no matter where you put it, whether it's through a paint color or a pillow pattern," says Meredith McKenzie, principal designer at The Selective Design in Macon, Ga.

Soft blues and subdued greens are a natural fit for bedrooms since they "promote a sense of tranquility," but McKenzie argues that green, in particular, is one of the most versatile colors to work with. "Recently green was identified as a 'new neutral' in the design world, but to so many of us designers, it's not a new idea," she jokes, adding that it "feels effortless because you can pair it with anything."

Threshold Medium Blue Painted Ceramic Vase

Invest in quality materials that "age rather than simply wear out," says Rozit Arditi, principal designer and founder of Arditi Design in New York City. Patina is the whole point here — white oak turns honey gold, full-grain leather softens, unlacquered brass darkens and other natural materials slowly change over time, which designers agree contributes to their overall staying power. "I don't necessarily see these changes as imperfections, but more of what gives a material character and longevity," adds Arditi.

"One material I'll never tire of is marble," says Meacham. "Natural stone has variation and movement that simply can't be replicated, and that's what makes it feel timeless."

Designers recommend taking a slow and steady approach when decorating. "The homes that stand the test of time are the ones that feel collected over decades — not furnished all at once," says Meacham. Fill your space with family heirlooms, flea market finds and other carefully collected pieces that speak to you, rather than the trends. "I think the best way to choose pieces that feel timeless is to buy things you truly love — then you won't care if it's 'in style' or not," adds Dodell-Feder.

Have an eye for antiques? "They've already stood the test of time, which is the best proof there is," says designer Annie Meyers-Shyer, author of This Oak House . "Dark wood tones, lots of detail, very traditional" pieces will go the distance.