20 timeless decor ideas for any home

Regardless of the era, plants are always a good fit for any design aesthetic. Depending on your needs, there are tons of easy-to-care-for plants — like snake plants and pothos — that can add a chic touch to your space without much work. 

Good vintage furniture never goes out of style, and it's often better made than newer pieces. Scour garage sales and local antique stores for quality furniture that can bring a chic, vintage touch to your living room or bedroom. 

Gallery walls are always in style, especially if you've customized your arrangement of photos and art pieces in an especially personal way. Combine family photos, cherished pieces of art from your kids and local artists, and pretty objects like plates and hanging sculptures to create a totally unique display that won't go out of fashion. 

Throw pillows make a couch just look cozier, and that's especially true if they're fluffy and made with chic fabrics. Find quality pillows that match your vibe and color scheme, and you'll have a lovely and functional decorative element in your space. 

Quality rugs can really tie a room together, and they do a great job of hiding dust and dirt that ends up on everyone's floors throughout the day. Search sites like Etsy for well-made vintage rugs from Turkey and beyond, or invest in a quality rug from a decor store like West Elm for a piece that will last for years. 

Wicker baskets have been a staple of home decor at least since the 1970s, and they're still perfect for storing throw blankets, errant toys, and other stuff that finds itself scattered across your home. Keep a few baskets in each room to corral clutter in a way that doesn't clash with your decor. 

Whether you've got built-ins or just a single bookshelf, this functional space can also serve as a decorative focal point in your room. Arrange books by color or subject, then make space for decorative pieces, art, and other elements to tie the look together. 

Whether it's the coffee table or bathroom counter, it's inevitable that surfaces like these end up cluttered with everyday junk. Use a tray, perhaps ceramic or mirrored glass, to corral those items and display them with style. 

If your kitchen's seriously tiny, a hanging pot rack will add both practical storage and a pretty new focal point in your kitchen. Use the rack to store your everyday pots and pans, and don't be afraid to throw in a decorative piece or two to really tie the look together. 

Wallpaper can feel like a really permanent choice, but it doesn't have to be. If you want to add a pop of color or a chic pattern to a wall in your home, go for peel-and-stick wallpaper. Thanks to brands like Tempaper, you can bring a brand new look into your space without totally committing to this bold new look. 

When it comes to furniture, carpets, and other major decorative elements, neutrals are the definition of a timeless choice. Sticking with colors like white, khaki, and navy can help you create a space that looks crisp and chic. 

Once you've chosen your natural palette, add pops of color to give your space visual interest. Use bright throw pillows or other decorative accents, or consider painting an accent wall in a bold color to give the space a brand new look. 

When you buy a new home, it's likely that you didn't choose the lighting fixtures, and maybe they're not your style. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to swap out those boring old chandeliers and dome-shaped bulb covers for modern (or vintage!) lighting fixtures that match your aesthetic, whether you're going for shabby chic or a midcentury modern vibe. 

Nothing makes a room look more glamorous than dramatic drapes, especially if they're made from a top-quality fabric. Choose a jewel tone to make your space look a little more luxurious, or go with a pattern to turn your window into a beautiful focal point of the space. 

Objets d'art are a great and inexpensive way to make your space look creative. Search vintage stores, flea markets, and even the attics of your parents and grandparents for accent pieces that can be tucked onto shelves or displayed on a credenza to give your space a more defined look. 

There is such a thing as too much, even if you're a maximalist! Try to keep your decorative elements to just a few unique pieces per room, especially considering that you're going to have to clean and dust every knick-knack that's hanging around. 

Mirrors are excellent at making rooms look bigger, but there's so much more they can do. Choose a minimalist metal frame for a modern look, or go vintage with a gorgeous ornate wooden frame that makes your mirror both a functional spot to check your hair and a stunning design piece. 

There's nothing that makes a room look less put together than clutter. If you're struggling with clutter in your space, it might be time for a deep cleaning. If you're just dealing with typical, here-and-there clutter, consider investing in bins or baskets to store excess stuff until you're ready to put it where it goes. 

Cabinet doors go in and out of style so quickly, it seems, and it's easy to get stuck with a set that just doesn't fit the look of your kitchen. Fortunately, adding a coat of paint is an inexpensive way to bring color into your kitchen without breaking the bank, and brands like Ikea make shopping for new cabinet doors more affordable than ever. 

Once you've got your space decorated beautifully, now it's time to consider the scent scape. Consider a citrusy or floral candle to make your home smell more clean and welcoming, but make sure the scent isn't too overpowering for guests coming into your home.