LESS, BUT BETTER: THE STRENGTH OF TIMELESS DESIGN
In a world where trends are constantly shifting, often leaving behind visual chaos and creating design fatigue, Studio Thomas focuses on the art of timeless design. We are constantly surrounded by noise, both physical and digital, so it's not surprising people have been drawn to stillness and a sense of consistency.
We were recently asked by Homes & Gardens to weigh in on the design trends we're ready to leave behind. While bold statements and characterful looks have their moment, we believe true longevity lies in balance, clarity, and intention. Here’s what Kristen Thomas had to say:
“I wouldn’t say it’s exclusive to 2025, but I’ve never been a fan of the maximalist trend. When there’s too much going on, it creates visual chaos and, for me, that leads to a subtle sense of anxiety in a space. I believe your home should reflect your personality, yes, but it should also make you feel calm and grounded every time you walk into it. It’s all about balancing unique pieces rather than fitting as many in a space as possible. What we’re seeing now is a shift away from mass-produced, one-size-fits-all design. Clients are craving more meaning and uniqueness in their homes”
Lately, we’ve been hearing more from our clients about a desire for calm and personal meaning in their homes. They’re not as interested in the latest trends, but rather in creating spaces that truly resonate with how they want to feel. Over-decorated, trend-driven interiors often feel draining, especially when those trends fade away. This is where Studio Thomas steps in, we focus on slower and intentional design, creating a space to breathe.
At Studio Thomas, we believe the most impactful spaces are rooted in timeless principles. Here’s what that looks like to us:
Principle-Driven Design: We design from foundational and tried and true truths. It’s about consistency and the things you always come back to.
Visual Rest: When you go to an art museum, everything is stark so your eyes can focus on the depth of the art - the same is true of a home. We prefer to focus on less, but better things so when you look around a room you can really take in the space and focus on the details and not have everything compete for your attention.
Personal Storytelling: The best designs will echo your life and story, it shouldn’t be generic, it should be deeply personal to you.
Order Over Clutter: Organization is crucial in limiting chaos. You have to have order to have an intentional space.
Grounded in Nature: We frequently use our six elements (natural materials) to create designs because they are inherently timeless. They connect us to the earth, offering warmth and authenticity that doesn’t age out. As Kristen explains,
“When you bring natural elements into a space, when you can touch and be surrounded by real materials, there’s an immediate sense of warmth and comfort. There’s a reason we’re drawn to them: natural materials keep us grounded. It’s the same reason people feel so connected to nature.”
A timeless home should never be static, it evolves with you, rooted in tried and true principles. When your space reflects what matters to you, it will always feel relevant, because it will feel like you. If you’re feeling fatigued by fast-moving design trends, we’d love to connect to create something lasting.