When we describe a design choice as timeless, we’re often referring to materials or styles that have stood the test of time—visually, emotionally, and historically. These are the finishes and details that, even decades or centuries later, still feel beautiful, grounded, and worth preserving. But what happens when we confuse timelessness with “indestructibility,” or assume that something durable will naturally stay in style?

The Beauty—and Risk—of Vintage Materials

There’s a certain magic in choosing old or vintage materials. They come with character, patina, and a story. Think original hardwood floors, marble countertops, solid brass fixtures. These materials may show wear over time, but that wear often adds to their charm. A scratch on a century-old wood floor feels different than a ding in a laminate plank. It’s part of the narrative, not a flaw.

Yes, some upkeep may be required—wood may need refinishing, marble may chip—but these are materials that age gracefully. In fact, their imperfections often become part of their appeal. I’ve seen marble and butcher blocks pieces from 18th-century French kitchens that are worn, yes—but absolutely stunning. They’ve endured generations of use and still carry a sense of timeless beauty.

When “Vintage” Becomes “Outdated”

On the other hand, not everything old is worth keeping. Walk into a house with dusty pink carpet from 1988, or faux Tuscan finishes from the early 2000s, and it’s clear: some eras are better left behind. These choices were often trend-based, mass-produced, and highly stylized—what I’d call “fast fashion for your home.”

This is the difference: classic design is rooted in history. Trendy design is rooted in a moment.

Some elements—like hardware, cabinet styles, flooring, and color palettes—can quickly go from fresh to forgotten. They weren’t necessarily bad choices, they were just of their time. But when we rely too heavily on trends, we risk dating our homes in a way that feels cheap and disposable.

The Rise of the “Faux-Real” Materials

Today, many homeowners are gravitating toward newer, manufactured materials that are designed to look like traditional ones: vinyl that looks like hardwood, porcelain that mimics marble, engineered quartz with stone-like veining. These materials promise durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance—and there’s definitely a place for that.

But here’s the question: if something is designed to be indestructible, but it looks dated in 10 years, was it really the right long-term choice?

We’ve seen this cycle before. Remember the huge rolls of sheet vinyl flooring that looked like tile and could be laid in a day? It was affordable, convenient, and I can only imagine was marketed as “less expensive than tile”, “no waiting for grout to dry”, or “get the look of tile for half the cost” . But now, we rip it out the minute we see it—not because it’s falling apart, but because it feels outdated.

Classic Style vs. Disposable Trends

This is where quality and authenticity matter. A wood floor may scratch, but it can be refinished. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) may resist water, but if it warps or bubbles, there’s no repairing it—it gets replaced. Brass may tarnish, but solid brass is a material that never truly goes out of style. Faux gold finishes from the 1990s? Those got swapped out the moment brushed nickel came along.

The pieces that endure aren’t just “classic” in style—they’re also well made. That’s what helps them age well, both visually and structurally. Real finishes, natural materials, quality craftsmanship—these things carry weight, both literally and figuratively.

So, What Should You Choose?

Ultimately, it comes down to your values as a homeowner or designer. Do you want a home that always looks fresh, new, and untouched? Or are you drawn to a space that looks lived-in, loved-on, and collected over time?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But I do believe that if you want your home to feel timeless, you have to look to history. What materials have lasted—not just physically, but stylistically—for generations? And how far back should we look?

If you’re unsure, here’s a guiding principle: if it was trendy the first time around, it probably won’t feel timeless the second. The farther you look back, the more you start to see what truly endures—and it’s almost always the real thing, not the imitation.

0