Design consultants share how in the present day’s greatest properties combine classic character, fashionable tech, and timeless design decisions that final.
The 2010s to in the present day have been outlined by a mixture of previous and new—areas that embrace each fashionable comfort and basic character. Assume reclaimed wooden, uncovered ceiling beams, and classic furnishings combined seamlessly with clear traces and sensible dwelling options. It’s a decade (and counting) the place sustainability, consolation, and persona all coexist.
Whether or not you’re updating a historic house in Boston or designing a brand new home in Austin with a timeless twist, in the present day’s properties are all about steadiness. We requested design consultants to share how they’re incorporating vintage-inspired touches, sustainable supplies, and refined tech upgrades into fashionable properties—creating interiors that really feel each contemporary and enduring.
1. Pair basic particulars with a contemporary twist
“I really like how 2010s–current design fearlessly blends previous and new—there’s one thing timeless about pairing basic crown molding or classic lighting fixtures with clear, fashionable furnishings and sensible tech,” shares Alex Taylor from CrownTV. “One in every of my favourite twists is utilizing reclaimed wooden in surprising locations, like a ceiling beam in a glossy kitchen or a floating self-importance in a minimalist rest room. I’m nonetheless obsessive about matte black {hardware}—it anchors any house with magnificence and edge. These up to date types don’t combat custom; they elevate it, creating properties that really feel each lived-in and forward-looking.”
2. Mix sensible dwelling innovation with timeless attraction
“One in every of my favourite issues about 2010s–present-day design is how seamlessly it blends fashionable innovation with timeless character.” Rebecca from Rebecca Lauren Interiors recommends, “I really like mixing sensible dwelling tech with basic touches like reclaimed wooden beams or vintage-inspired lighting—it’s the place previous soul meets new world. A singular twist I typically use is pairing glossy, minimalist furnishings with conventional paneling or detailed millwork to strike that excellent steadiness. These up to date components don’t overpower conventional interiors—they improve them, creating areas that really feel each grounded and forward-thinking.”
3. Design round connection, consolation, and private model
“What I really like most about dwelling design from the 2010s to in the present day is how our areas have developed to deal with folks—gathering collectively, sharing meals, and spending time with those we take pleasure in most,” mentions Meredith Myers at Jack and Mo. “Kitchens and household rooms are constructed for connection, whereas out of doors dwelling areas convey consolation exterior with hearth options and comfy seating. Entryways now say “welcome” with built-ins, daring wallpaper, and sensible storage.
Our properties have additionally turn into extra multi-functional—eating rooms double as document lounges or recreation night time hubs, and visitor rooms function dwelling places of work or craft areas. We’re designing smarter, not larger, shifting away from the necessity for outsized properties. Greater than ever, private style drives design choices—whether or not mixing heirloom furnishings with fashionable items, or leaning into Japandi or California Trendy model.Properties now replicate who we’re, not simply what’s trending. Finishes like pure stone, glossy woods, and customized touches meet clear traces and ethereal layouts, creating that just-right steadiness of previous and new.”
4. Embrace persona with bolder transitional design
“What I really like concerning the evolution of design from the 2010s till now could be the wedding of contemporary and conventional into what we frequently name the “transitional” model,” says Farrah Brittany, Founder/Agent at The Company. “Whereas I don’t love that time period—it feels a bit generic and overused—it’s frequent to categorise a property as one thing like Trendy Spanish or Up to date Conventional (as ironic as that sounds).”
Farrah continues, “I’m particularly drawn to using natural stones that had been as soon as thought of purely up to date—like unfilled travertine—paired with conventional brass fixtures which have naturally patinated over time. However what I’m actually enthusiastic about proper now could be the motion again towards moodier, hotter components: suppose daring paint colours and darker wooden tones in flooring and cabinetry. It’s a refreshing shift from the all-beige plaster partitions and oatmeal-colored white oak flooring we’ve gotten so used to seeing in our feeds. I really like that design is turning into extra personality-driven once more.”
5. Mix basic particulars with fashionable innovation
Margaret DeFazio from the The DeFazio Flanagan Staff suggests, “One side I significantly love is the fusion of classic and fashionable components, which not solely celebrates our architectural heritage but in addition embraces up to date innovation. For example, integrating reclaimed wooden beams inside minimalist areas provides heat and character, whereas sensible dwelling know-how affords each comfort and a glossy aesthetic.
My favourite component from this period must be the sensible integration of basic design particulars—like coffered ceilings or herringbone flooring—that when paired with fashionable supplies, create a timeless but present look. These up to date types, when blended with conventional interiors, provide a layered richness that speaks to each previous and current, creating areas that aren’t solely practical but in addition deeply private and welcoming.”
6. Hold open layouts and white partitions related with considerate particulars
“Open idea dwelling, which took off within the 2010s, celebrates flexibility and circulate—permitting one house to serve many features by considerate design components like rugs, lighting, and furnishings placement,” mentions Angele from Ikorodu Interiors. “It additionally invitations extra pure mild and a stronger connection to the outside. Pair that with vibrant white interiors, which provide a peaceful, versatile backdrop, and you’ve got a timeless combo. White partitions create house for textures, colours, and private touches to shine—whereas remaining impartial sufficient to adapt as your model evolves.”
