Now that I am firmly ensconced in my 40s, I think a lot about aging gracefully. It has seeped into every area of my life, including my design style. More and more I am looking for pieces that will stand the test of time and, dare I say, get better with age. I’m not suggesting that I want a home full of antiques. But, as I think about the anchor or statement pieces in a room I am worried less about whether they are on trend and more about how they will fare after 20 years.
There are certain materials that age better than others. In my opinion, leather is one of the best aging materials. There is nothing better than a leather sofa or chair that has been well-loved.
Image courtesy of House Beautiful
Case goods are another category of furniture that can stand the test of time. A well-made dresser or chest can last for generations, especially if it is a classic piece. I think the pieces below would hold up nicely.
Image courtesy of thoughtsfromalice.com
Finally, there is nothing more beautiful than an vintage rug. A faded, handmade rug seems only to get better with age.
Image courtesy of BHG.com
There is no doubt that certain pieces hold up better than other over time. I love balanced rooms that mix timeless pieces with other more trendy items. And I hope that over time I, along with my decor, will age gracefully.
