Every year, new design trends emerge, leaving most people wondering about how often they need to redecorate to keep up with changing times. For design professionals, spatial changes require an in-depth understanding of design elements to make a strong impact. Smart style and classic patterns stay relevant and exude timeless appeal. Architect Willy Y. Chua shows us how to achieve timeless elegance in our interior spaces.
 
1. Design According to Your Lifestyle. As the basic foundation of design, lifestyle plays a vital role in the design process. With lifestyle as the background, the design will be close to the living requirements of the people who will inhabit the space.
2. Combine Form and Function. Form is influenced by behavior and lifestyle, which in turn dictate the function of a space. Pieces that combine beauty with purpose never go out of style.
3. Open Up to “Green” Possibilities. Aside from employing potted greens and making them part of the design, going green should start  with the construction phase. Minimize wastage of building materials and use products that are locally available.
 

4. Mix and Match. Today’s homes are characterized by more than one style. Do not be afraid to combine different periods and inspirations. Mix it into a harmonious and interesting composition.
5. Go Economical. Design efficiency does not rely on expensive materials. It is important to always take into account economic parameters in coming up with a design solution. Let your resourcefulness and creativity come to play in arriving at a cost-effective design.
6. Seamless Transition. Design with a mindset of integrating the interior and exterior together. Allow for freedom of flow of activity or visual perception from the outside space into the interior, and vise-versa. This may be achieved through efficient planning and use of strategic openings such as picture windows or sliding doors.
 

7. Set New Standards. Standards are set as guides—they are not laws. Doors and windows don’t always have to be 2.10 m in height. Play around with proportion and have fun coming up with various design options.
8. Enhance Spaces with Lighting. Lighting can make or break any space. Every room should have more than just one light source. It should come from the ceiling, wall, and floor, and mid-level sources for both function and effect. It is also essential to combine natural and artificial lighting to help conserve energy.
9. Color Guide. Be sensitive to color. Color dictates, creates, and changes the mood of a space. Earthen palettes and warm tones bring about a relaxing and hospitable ambiance, while pastels evoke a playful mood.
 

10. Linear Relations. Horizontal lines expand a given space while vertical lines impose height. A combination of both with a few curves give rise to a dynamic look with a soft touch. Play around with lines through different materials to create a unique character for each space.