20 Design Trends That Never Go Out of Style

In honor of HGTV's 20th anniversary, we've rounded up 20 timeless design ideas that will look current for decades to come.

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December 10, 2014

By: Liz Gray

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Photo By: ERICA GEORGE DINES

Photo By: Kip Dawkins

Photo By: Olympic Paint

Photo By: Brad Feinknopf

White Kitchens

Whether outfitted with traditional details or sleek, modern accents, a white kitchen will stand the test of time. In this design by Gioi Tran, streamlined cabinetry and fixtures paired with neutral walls and hardwood floors create a space that will look contemporary for decades to come.

Black and White

While color trends come and go, black and white remains a classic combination. As in fashion, this high-contrast duo creates drama in any space. Here, designer Brian Patrick Flynn transformed this contractor-grade bathroom into an elegant, classic space with white subway tile walls, black porcelain tile floors and an aged iron chandelier.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Calming Bedrooms

One bedroom design trend that won't be changing anytime soon? The move towards soft, soothing colors. Experts say colors like blue and gray can create a more calming environment. Here, soft gray walls are the backdrop behind this room's white tufted headboard.

Vintage Finds

A design rule that's sure to remain true? Every room in your home needs a unique vintage piece. Even in newly-decorated spaces, distressed or worn pieces create a collected, designer look.

From: Design Development

Marble, Marble, Marble

This romantic bathroom designed by Mark Williams gets its wow factor from a timeless material:
Carrara marble. This stunning stone's dramatic veining makes it a striking option that won't soon go out of style.

From: Mark Williams

Plaid Patterns

Menswear patterns have been having a design moment, but when used tastefully these patterns are always in style. Here, a buffalo check wallpaper in bold cobalt blue adds a traditional pattern in a non-traditional hue.

Soaking Tubs

No matter when your home was built, installing a soaking tub says one thing: luxury. Install it and enjoy it for decades to come.

Built-In Shelving

Built-in storage in your home offers utility without extra furniture, and can be a huge selling point should you ever decide to move on. This storage space achieves a romantically worn feel of a classic in-home library while keeping the room up-to-date with fresh white bookshelves.

From: Design Development

Fireplaces

Love the fire side? You're in good company. Fireplaces and stoves have mostly moved from necessities to nice-to-haves, but the demand for these hypontizing extras shows no sign of burning out. This rustic bedroom has a double-sided brick fireplace that can be enjoyed from this room or the adjacent sitting room.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is like the jewelry of the home: It adds that final touch to create a finished look. Here, the white crown molding is accentuated by a light blue tray ceiling. Choose ornate molding for a traditional look, or try a stripped-down style for a more modern home.

Pantries

Whether you're storing your garden's bounty or just stocking up for the family, pantries never go out of style. Shelves, pull-out baskets and shallow drawers add utility and help keep everything in its place.

Stripes

The trendy chevron pattern has nothing on a long-standing favorite: vertical and horizontal stripes. You can't beat this motif's graphic impact, and its simplicity ensures it won't be out of style anytime soon.

Navy Blue

Though color trends come and go, you can count on navy blue to remain a classic. So go ahead, get that navy couch or paint the bookcase deep blue. Then, switch out pillows and accessories to keep it looking current.

A Bold Front Door

A house with curb appeal is always in style. An easy way to add a bundle of charm? A bright front door hue. Choose a bold shade and paint it in a weekend (or less.)

Gallery Walls

Whether you fill it with family photos or original artwork, large-scale prints or small pieces, bold hues or black and white, a salon-style gallery wall is always a good design decision. Mix frame styles and colors to create an eclectic look like Coddington Design did here, or go traditional with matching frames.

From: Coddington Design

Dramatic Lighting

Bold lighting is a small design change that adds a huge visual impact. Here, a chandelier in a traditional style surprises with a non-traditional material. Whether you mix and match styles or stick with your home's roots, eye-catching lighting is always a "do."

Plush Rugs

Carpet comes and goes in design popularity, but plush rugs atop hard-surface floors are always in style. Use rugs to delineate spaces within an open floor plan, or just add a bit of softness underfoot.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Floral Patterns

Today's florals aren't your grandmother's: Contemporary designs favor large-scale and free-form designs versus smaller-scale patterns that were popular in years past. Try larger-scale florals in modern homes, and smaller-scale options in more traditional interiors.

Metallics

While the metal du jour may change -- from brass to gold to copper to silver -- the shine that metallics offer never goes of style. Mix them with mirrored objects like designer Brian Patrick Flynn did here to reflect the shiine around the room.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

A Bold Focal Point

While neutrals never go out of style, a bold accent piece that's swapped seasonally or yearly can help keep it fresh. Here, pink pillows and a pink plush throw add color to a room that is made up primarily of gray tones.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

20 Design Trends That Never Go Out of Style

Shop This Look

White Kitchens

Black and White

Calming Bedrooms

Vintage Finds

Marble, Marble, Marble

Plaid Patterns

Soaking Tubs

Built-In Shelving

Fireplaces

Crown Molding

Pantries

Stripes

Navy Blue

A Bold Front Door

Gallery Walls

Dramatic Lighting

Plush Rugs

Floral Patterns

Metallics

A Bold Focal Point

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