Interior Design: Trendy Vs. Timeless – Making today’s hottest items part of your forever home
*Words and Photography by Ethan Allen’s Skokie design team
We’ve all fallen head over heels for something trendy, spent big to bring it home, and discovered it wasn’t so great after all. With furniture or home décor, those missteps can take a big bite out of your budget.
That’s why working with an interior designer can be a huge advantage, explains Gail Writt, a design consultant at Ethan Allen in Skokie. “A good designer steers people away from purchases they’ll regret, while bringing in what they love in a way that will stay relevant for years to come.”
At Ethan Allen, clients can come into the Design Center to work with a designer, but they can also make at-home appointments and schedule virtual appointments. Design service is offered at no extra charge—an incredible value—and includes 3D planning to help clients visualize their projects, as well as the chance to review hundreds of fabric, leather, and finish options for creating custom furniture.
We asked Gail and her fellow Skokie design consultants, Maria Pifke, Mia Kytola, and Barbara Stevenson to share trends that they love now—and that you can love forevermore. The team agrees: “Our goal as designers is to help you discover your signature look, incorporating trend pieces that will have staying power for years to come.”
Suede Upholstery
When warming up your décor for fall and winter, Mia has a suggestion: peek at your wardrobe! “Look for pieces and combinations that always work: the beloved staples you’ve invested in, not the trend pieces you bought in the last year or two.”
What’s one material Mia sees return year after year? “Leather with a suede finish adds warmth and richness to a room—like luxe boots do for an outfit. On a statement piece like our low-profile Colton bed, suede is extra chic.”
Warm Wood Finishes
Barbara says her clients are embracing warmer, darker wood finishes. “Warm wood finishes have a glow-from-within quality,” she says. “They lean more formal, instantly dressing up a room in a way that makes people want to stop and admire the space.”
As a bonus, Barbara points out how these wood finishes pair well with luxurious brass or gold-tone décor. “A sense of luxury is always in fashion. When the undertones of your palette work together, the harmony they create leads to a feeling that you designed something elevated.”
Jewel Tones
As a designer who specializes in color consultations, Maria loves when clients opt for pieces in bold hues—like with the Monterey sectional in rich, garnet-colored velvet.
“Clients have been asking for more color, from navy to evergreen, or even shades of plum and rose. I want to make sure they love those colors for the long haul—and that’s why I work with each client to find the right mix of colors, patterns, and neutrals for their style. Remember: if you love it, it won’t go out of style to you.”
She adds, “If you want to dip a toe in, keep your big-ticket pieces neutral while using bold colors for your drapery, throw pillows, or artwork. Those pieces are easy to swap as the seasons—or your tastes—change.”
Nature-Inspired Accents
When clients are looking for a feeling of calm amidst hectic lives, Gail steers them toward nature-inspired décor. “There’s a good reason nature has been a design motif for centuries,” she says. “It’s always relaxing to be surrounded by it—and it’s not always rustic!”
The Spiral Twig mirror is one piece clients are often drawn to. “It has a nature-inspired form, but it’s made of metal in an antique finish. It works in so many designs, adding a bit of glam to a rustic look or a pop of nature to a formal room. If you’re looking for a feeling of calm, easy-to-add pieces like this are a great way to achieve it.”
Transform your home with Ethan Allen’s complimentary design service. Visit the Design Center in Skokie at 9747 Skokie Blvd. or call 847.675.5600 to make an appointment.
*This is a sponsored post by Chicago North Shore Moms trusted partner, Ethan Allen Skokie. Thank you!
