Bet you thought you were going to read about new trends in Interior Design, right? Actually, what I want to point out is that trends can work against us. Faddish colors or patterns can wear thin quickly.

As I write this, we’re in the throes of a cross-country move. While sorting through our possessions, I came across notebooks I had compiled during my days at Interior Design school. My assignment was to collect images of different styles of decor. Fast forward fourteen years and look at the images from the perspective of 2016. Many of the rooms were so dated! With a new house on my horizon, I wondered what decorating decisions I should make that will ensure the longest possible appeal. What trends should I avoid to prevent my house from looking very dated in ten years?

One guideline I will follow in making choices is this: I won’t choose trendy colors or patterns on expensive and/or permanent purchases. For instance, a sofa that I plan to use for years shouldn’t dominate the room by bold color or pattern. I’ll stick to solids and classic colors on cabinets, tile, floors, countertops, tubs, sinks, toilets, and investment furniture. (Note to self- when buying retro or antique upholstered furniture remember that recovering is seldom inexpensive. Custom upholstery costs about the same as purchasing new furniture.)

I can certainly indulge in trendy colors and patterns on pillows, accent furniture, hardware, bath linens, bed linens, table linens, throws, accessories, ready-made curtains, and even light fixtures that I can afford to replace later. I can change out these items to update a room, bringing new life and color while keeping the major pieces classic.