6 old -fashioned decoration techniques that designers still swear by

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2025 was definitely the year of review and inspired by past design styles, even the appearance of the nineties achieved a comeback.

And although the reason for this is definitely associated with the feeling of nostalgia, it is also because we can learn so much to decorate ideas and techniques of the past – and still apply to design so many. Long -term techniques and interior design rules that have passed the test of the time are still used by creative people to prove that it is not remedied if it is not broken.

What are these old -fashioned techniques that designers still rely on in 2025? How can we use decades old approaches to ensure that a room feels timeless? I asked interior designers that have long designed envy, which old -fashioned decoration methods they still use.

Interestingly, designer Kate Walker immediately told me: “I would argue that many of these so -called” old -fashioned “approaches are now more relevant than ever.”

1. Intimate rooms over open layouts

Open layouts were once seen as the most stylish and trendy option for a home, but lately we have seen a slight shift to an old -fashioned approach to designing separate, individual rooms.

Kate Walker explains that she always tries to create intimate spaces instead of multifunctional spaces that lack the intention. “An important philosophy that I is champion is to design houses with a number of intimate, targeted rooms instead of behaving against open layouts.”

'Historically, houses were designed with compartment rooms for very practical reasons. There was no central heating or cooling, so that smaller rooms were more energy -efficient. Beyond the function, however, this type of design promotes more rich emotional experience. Each room can keep its own mood, history and its own purpose. They create threshold values, transitions and moments of discovery. You win walls for works of art, corners for reading and doors that offer privacy and break. '

To ask the question: “Is the open plan out of fashion?” In contrast, Kate is open to open spaces in recent decades, but often compromises in comfort, acoustics, flexibility and the ability to fulfill different energies within the house. From a psychological point of view, separate rooms enable an emotional zoning. If someone needs loneliness or silence, they can withdraw. Others can gather. A house becomes more harmonious if it offers a choice. '

2. Do not ignore the era and the architecture

It is always important to recognize your house style for a harmonious scheme that matches your architecture. Designer Betsy Burnham says that she is always this trustworthy technology before she starts a new project.

While many designers like to mix old and new ones, they should always acknowledge the bones of the room before they involve contrasting furniture and decorative styles. Betsy explains: “One of the old design techniques that I still follow is to let the architecture of a house set the design parameters for what is in it. I am not super strict, but I find it helpful, more like everything else, too literally. '

“I was really thrown a few years ago when long -time customers bought a new, modern house and asked for layered, traditional designs inside. It took me a while to digest the idea, but of course I did it, and it came out – I assume that the rules are broken? '

Betsy proves that mixing styles is always possible, but it is important to work as part of a house instead of changing it. Of course, you can add an architectural charm to a room in which you have none, but recognize the age and style of your house before adding new functions. The last thing you want is an inappropriate design.

3 .. Follow the color theory

The classic color rules are still followed by interior designers. A really experienced scheme recognizes which shadows work side by side and compensate for perfectly light and dark.

The interior designer Jen Baxter, founder of Baxter Hill Interiors, says that she continues an old -fashioned technology when choosing a color scheme. “It is good to think about why colors work. The traditional distribution of space from color theory with dark soils, medium walls and light ceilings is not just a tradition, but so because it imitates what it often sees in nature with darker floor, medium environment, light blue sky, which is why it works so well. '

Although color theory is a long -term method, it follows designers everywhere. Regardless of whether a monochromatic color scheme is created or decorated with neutral, it is a principle that can be applied to every interior, reflects the natural light pattern and shadow.

4. Keep things easy and timelessly

Kate explains that another classic approach that she always pursues is to arrange the simplicity of the facility. A single dining table for meals together. A beautiful chair that invites you to sit. There is freedom in reluctance. The design should be intended and not excessive. The elegance of older decorative methods lies in their clarity and purpose, and this is something that we continue to honor in every project we carry out. '

The selection of home products and furniture that can shop for today is strongly influenced by the constantly changing interior design trends. Although it can be difficult to restrict yourself to a few pieces, the involvement of simple and timeless pieces will lead to a room more grounded. A good piece of furniture should frame a room and carry out most of the talks. As Kate says, it is easy to overwhelm an interior, but you can't beat classic pieces that shine in their solidarity.

5. Leave what you love, the design lead

The rise of minimalism in recent years has emphasized the curation more. The careful balance between the decor and furniture can sometimes lead to a lack of sensible pieces. However, the designer Michael Angus still swears by a foolproof old method that is created with things that they love.

A house that is filled with sentimental and versatile decor is intentionally and timeless. Michael follows a traditional design method and says: “Always start with the architecture by emphasizing the space. And of course you prioritize the purchase what you love and then edit it accordingly. '

Regardless of whether you integrate meaningful pressure in the middle of a room or decorate with vintage ceramics and exhibit your favorite shells and plates on a shelf. A decor that appeals to it will always feel timeless in every scheme.

This graphic blue and white bowl rises every empty console or a coffee table and offers the room a dose of pattern and color without dominating.

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Add your scheme with this bizarre green jug color, perfect for keeping flowers or leaves. It reminds of antique styles and is a small but powerful accessory that brings character and charm to every surface.

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This ceramic vase inspired with vintage fills the perfect heart on a dining table or in the heart of a fireplace.

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6. Use art wherever you can

Decorating with art is a long -term way to bring personality and character into the house. Although Jen Baxter is a more traditional decoration method, he still swears by the gallery wall.

“Gallery walls are proven because there have been hundreds of years,” says Jen. “It is a great opportunity for the homeowner to tell a story about what you love, and it can be a great starter in conversation. It can be a repeated, symmetrical pattern of ancient cards from special places or pressed flowers or a HodgtePodge of collected and loved art of every place – as long as it has something to say instead of being bought as a set, it will offer an added value for a room. '

Regardless of whether you decorate with vintage art and create a wall of sensible pictures or mix old paintings with recent illustrations, gallery walls are a durable type of decoration and are still used by designers.

This sketch of a Venice Canal transports you to a place of serenity. Keep yourself as a center of the center or in a row with other pictures inspired by vintage.

Invite anthropology

Inspired by ancient botanical drawings, this framed print is stylish vintage and brings character and patina in every scheme wherever it is hung.

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A simple, yet elegant gold -colored, framed pressure would make a welcome addition to a medium bedroom. It is classic, but not too traditional and increases an empty wall without dominating.

Shopping on the chair

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Designers have been using these proven decoration techniques for years and prove that often the oldest advice is sometimes the most reliable. For a versatile, timeless scheme that is authentic for your taste and style, you should consider the transition style decorative rules that merge the old and new one.