Timeless Interior Design Ideas for High-End Homes

Discover what local designers say about what gives luxury renovations long-term appeal—and how to spot trends that are here to stay

By Jen Reed

Wilmington homeowners love beautiful spaces, but when investing in a major renovation—be it a chef’s kitchen, a luxurious primary bath, or a whole-house makeover—the big question looms: Will this still look stylish in ten years?

Local interior designers say that while trends come and go, the most enduring high-end designs share common threads: quality, natural materials, and an approach that feels curated, not rushed.

We spoke with four design pros—Patti Achee of Transforming Spaces, Anne DeCocco of DeCocco Designs, Beverly Schoeneck of 180 Spaces in Carolina Beach, and Hope Clark of Olive & Oak Interiors in Wilmington—to uncover how to balance current trends with timeless appeal.

Nature Never Goes Out of Style

For Patti Achee, timelessness starts with materials that feel connected to the earth.

“Wood, stone, leather—these natural elements, especially in warm whites, soft taupes, muted greens, or greige, never look dated,” Achee explains. “They have a grounding quality that works in both modern and traditional spaces.”

She emphasizes that timeless design isn’t about ignoring trends altogether—it’s about anchoring a space in quality craftsmanship and layering personal style over time.

“A tailored couch in a high-quality fabric, with classic lines and fine detailing, will remain stylish despite changing trends,” Achee says. “Marble is another great example—it’s been a staple since ancient Greece and Rome, and you’ll still see it in high-end showrooms today. Quality woodwork is the same. Even if it’s not your style, you recognize the artistry.”

Achee advises clients to make foundational pieces and architectural elements timeless, while letting accents—pillows, throws, artwork—reflect current tastes.

“Spaces that stand the test of time aren’t matchy-matchy,” she adds. “They’re personal, intentional, and layered.”

Behind the Scenes of a Trend

Before trends ever hit Instagram or the aisles of HomeGoods, designers like Beverly Schoeneck are already seeing them debut at places like High Point Market, the largest home furnishings trade show in the world.

“It’s 11 million square feet of showroom space,” Schoeneck says. “Designers and buyers come from all over the globe twice a year to see what’s new. Vendors test ideas and get feedback before deciding what will go into production.”

That early exposure gives designers a two-year head start on what’s coming.

“By the time something shows up in big-box stores, most designers have already moved on,” Schoeneck admits with a laugh.

For Schoeneck, longevity is about quality construction in core pieces like sofas and dining tables.

“If you invest in bench-made furniture—kiln-dried hardwood frames, dovetail joinery, hand-tied springs—those pieces can last generations. You can re-cover a well-made sofa 10 times instead of throwing it out.”

She explains this with a clothing analogy: “If I buy tailored, well-made black pants and a silk blouse, I can change my whole look with accessories. The same is true for interiors—be trendy with pillows, art, and small accents. That’s where you can play.”

Luxury Is Quiet, Not Loud

Hope Clark of Olive & Oak Interiors believes true luxury is about restraint.

“Timeless, high-end design is rooted in quality,” she says. “Would you have seen it 50 years ago? If not, it’s probably a fleeting trend.”

Clark looks to European interiors for inspiration, where rooms are built up gradually, layer by layer. “There’s no need for every piece to scream for attention. The best rooms feel curated, as if they’ve evolved over time.”

Craftsmanship Is the Common Denominator

Anne DeCocco, who built a respected career with DeCocco Designs before retiring, agrees that what lasts is rarely about “the next big thing” and more about how well a space is executed.

“Classic finishes—marble, quartzite, glass, wood, even concrete—always find their way into high-end decor,” DeCocco says. “But what really sets them apart is the artistry of the fabricators and installers. The best ones are true artisans. Their work can transform a simple material into something exceptional.”

She recalls how automated window treatments went from being a rare luxury to a near-standard feature in upscale homes. “It solved a real problem—managing sunlight on large windows—and it built momentum. That’s staying power.”

For DeCocco, success is defined less by trends and more by how a space makes its owner feel.

“If you smile every time you walk into the room, that’s timeless.”

Designing for Longevity

So, how do you create a home that feels luxurious and fresh while standing the test of time?

• Start with timeless natural materials that have a history of enduring appeal.

• Invest in quality craftsmanship—from upholstery to millwork.

• Keep foundational pieces neutral and classic.

• Add trendy elements in small, easily changed ways—pillows, art, accessories.

• Focus on personal expression rather than chasing every trend.

As Achee sums it up: “Long-term appeal comes from spaces that are curated and layered, not just decorated. That’s what makes a house truly feel like home.”