Great design is timeless. That’s why 70- plus years after the beginning of the Mid-Century design movement, we’re searching high and low for treasures of the time period to fill our house.
But what makes furniture and décor timeless? Trust me, there have been a lot of fads over the last 20 years that I hope are never seen again (I’m looking at you, Tuscan-style décor). For me, a design and architectural style can transcend time through a combination of ideals.
- Innovation – The design is fresh and builds on previous work.
- Craftsmanship – We all want sturdy pieces of furniture that won’t fall apart in five years.
- Functionality – A good piece of furniture or décor should be well-suited for our lifestyle.

- The rug seems to work perfectly in the living room.
Can a rug be timeless? Most definitely. The one we have in our living room came from my in-laws and survived six kids in a farmhouse. It’s a great neutral wool rug with some gray accents. It certainly checks the boxes of craftsmanship and functionality.
I love the lighter color and feel like it warms up and brightens the room. Since it’s wool, spills can be cleaned up rather easily.
A good rug is definitely an investment piece. I’m glad we get to display something that’s now passed down in the family, and that adds a special touch to our home.
*If you’d like to learn more about what makes a design good, read up on German industrial designer Dieter Rams. He came up with the 10 Principals of Good Design.
