I get it. There was a trend…it felt like it was MADE for you. Maybe it was the ultra-minimalist kitchen with white cabinets…or the macramé lighting fixtures…it was your dream!
And you committed. You designed important rooms of your home around it, like your kitchen or main bath. The spaces that mattered most reflected this vision, and it was PERFECT.
…But then, things changed. You scroll through Pinterest and see a kitchen that looks JUST like yours, but it’s titled: “how to fix dated kitchens.” Four years later, your trend feels like a timestamp.
How much will it take (and cost) to make your design timeless again?!
This reality is why we HAVE to ask this question every time we fall in love with a trend: will it be timeless?
Lately, with SO much talk around biophilic design (that movement that connects indoor spaces to nature), we need to ask if it will stand the test of time…or go the way of shiplap and popcorn ceilings!!
I’ve seen more trends come and go than I’d like to admit. Biophilic design is a true movement, though, and one that merits a deep look at each design element it’s produced.
Here are the major elements of biophilic design and whether each will prove to be be timeless…
Major Elements of Biophilic Interior Design
- Indoor-outdoor living spaces
- Living walls and vertical gardens
- Natural materials (wood, stone, bamboo, etc.)
- Nature-inspired textiles and wallpapers
- Earthy and natural color palettes
- Ample natural light and large windows
- Water features and natural sounds
Indoor-outdoor living spaces: timeless or trendy?
Verdict: Timeless
The concept of blending indoor and outdoor spaces (like in this award-winning remodel we did) isn’t just a fleeting trend…it’s a lifestyle shift that’s here to stay. Homes with large sliding glass doors, covered patios, and well-integrated landscapes create a seamless experience with nature.
The benefits—including more natural light, better ventilation, and an overall sense of wellness—are universal, making this feature something we will crave for a long time (if not forever).
How to make it last:
- Invest in high-quality, durable outdoor furniture that withstands all four seasons.
- Choose retractable glass doors rather than permanent open spaces so you can adjust to different weather conditions.
- Use consistent flooring materials inside and out to create an uninterrupted visual flow.
Living walls and vertical gardens: timeless or trendy?
Verdict: Trendy, BUT can be adapted…
While greenery in interiors will always be desirable, the trend of full-on living walls might eventually feel impractical for many. I love a dramatic, lush living wall, but maintaining one takes LOTS of effort. These installations require irrigation systems and regular care…something not every homeowner wants to keep up with.
How to make it last:
- Opt for smaller, more manageable indoor plant arrangements instead.
- Go for a small and high-quality wall display of “permanents” (faux greenery), but ONLY if it’s such high-quality that it looks (and feels) real.
- Use plant shelves or hanging planters rather than full-scale living walls.
- Incorporate greenery through lower-maintenance options like preserved moss walls.
Natural materials: timeless or trendy?
Verdict: Absolutely timeless!!
Wood, stone, rattan, and bamboo have been used in design for hundreds or thousands of years (depending on the material), and they won’t be going anywhere!! These materials offer a sense of warmth and organic beauty that synthetic alternatives can’t replicate.
Plus, they age beautifully, gaining character over time.
Even timeless materials come in “bigger” during certain periods, like natural wood returning in a BIG way to the cabinet market right now.
How to make it last:
- Choose high-quality, real materials over imitations.
- Use neutral, natural stains rather than trendy colors that may go out of style.
- Mix different textures (e.g., smooth marble with rough-hewn wood) for a layered look that feels sophisticated rather than theme-y.
Nature-inspired textiles and wallpaper: timeless or trendy?
Verdict: Trendy
Bold floral wallpaper and leaf-patterned fabrics are fun, but they can also be the first thing that will date a space later.
Yes…large-scale botanical prints are having a moment, but in 10 years, they’ll feel as out-of-place as the sponge-painted walls of the 1990s!!
How to make it last:
- Use these patterns in small doses, like on throw pillows or an accent chair.
- If you simply LOVE wallpaper, choose timeless botanical prints in subtle, more muted tones.
- Opt for removable wallpaper if you’re not sure how long you’ll love the look.
Earthy and natural color palettes: timeless or trendy?
Verdict: Timeless…if you use them right
Shades of green, brown, taupe, and soft blues have always been staples of great design. These colors mimic the tones found in nature, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Unlike some trend-driven palettes, natural hues remain elegant and adaptable, both of which are key in timeless design.
How to make it last:
- Use natural tones for larger investments like walls, flooring, and cabinetry.
- Pair neutral naturals with other classic colors like navy, charcoal, or cream.
- Bring in bolder nature-inspired colors through accessories that can be easily swapped out whenever you want.
Ample natural light and large windows: timeless or trendy?
Verdict: Timeless
Maximizing natural light is never going out of style! Homes that prioritize large windows, skylights, and open layouts feel more welcoming and spacious. Plus, natural light has proven benefits for mental and physical well-being.
Take a look at the custom window we added to this kitchen renovation for more natural light…
How to make it last:
- Invest in high-quality, energy-efficient windows.
- Choose window treatments that enhance (rather than inhibit) natural light.
- Use reflective surfaces (like mirrors) to bounce light around a room.
Water features and natural sounds: timeless or trendy?
Verdict: Trendy, BUT with potential longevity…
There’s something undeniably relaxing about the sound of trickling water, but large indoor fountains or ponds can be SUPER high maintenance!!
And while subtle water features can enhance a space, going overboard can feel gimmicky…fast.
How to make it last:
- Opt for small, tabletop fountains instead of built-in features.
- Incorporate water sounds using smart home technology instead of installing permanent structures.
- Use a minimalist approach…too much, and it may look more “hotel lobby” than home.
How to Use Trends Without Dating Your Space
The secret to incorporating ANY trend—biophilic or otherwise—while keeping your design timeless is balance.
Trends should be treated as accents…not as the foundation of your space. Integrate elements in ways that are easy to update later. Here’s how:
- Keep big-ticket items timeless!! Opt for classic flooring, cabinetry, and furniture, then add trendy elements through accessories and décor.
- Favor easily changeable features. Think temporary wallpapers, modular furniture, or statement pieces that can be swapped out over time.
- Mix and match. A home that combines classic elements with modern touches feels like a space with personality rather than a timestamp.
Biophilic design is about embracing nature…and nature never goes out of style! Some specific applications will fade, but the overall philosophy will stick around. The KEY is knowing what elements have staying power and which ones you have to use sparingly.
When done right, biophilic design is a breath of fresh air…literally and figuratively!! Work these elements into your home! Reach out to share your dream design.
About the author:
Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer. Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services, Inc. for nearly three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a widespread reputation for delivering meticulous design to their many repeat clients.
In 2022, the national publication, Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, named Robin to their Top Innovator list in recognition of her achievements in the field of kitchen and bath design. In 2024, she was named one of the Fall 2024 Market Pros and “tastemakers” by ANDMORE at High Point Market. Also in 2024, Fixr identified her as one of the Top Professional Interior Designers for their nationwide audience. At the start of 2025, she then acted as one of Dallas Market’s “Style Eyes” at Lightovation and Total Home & Gift Market.
Over her extensive career, Robin has been quoted in Architectural Digest and Forbes multiple times; her design work has been featured in top national trade publications; and she has been interviewed for Designers Today magazine’s “Profiles in Design” video series, among others. Widely respected for the depth of her knowledge, Robin is a sought after speaker and judge for many design industry events.
In 2023, Robin designed a bench for Charleston Forge, making her foray into product design. Robin currently serves as a volunteer on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society.
