Designers Say These 10 Living Room Accents Are Trend-Proof

Trend cycles can sometimes feel like design whiplash. One minute, living rooms are dominated by checkerboard rugs and wavy mirrors, and the next, it’s all about fancy gold chandeliers and Chesterfield sofas. Design is always in the eye of the beholder, though, so you should decorate with what makes you happy. But you’ve probably noticed that furnishings aren’t cheap, so maybe you want to feel like you’re buying wisely, regardless of your interior design style. That’s where trend-proof accents come into play. 

Turns out designers have a list of living room staples they often encourage their clients to invest in, mainly because they last and they’re easy to reinvent year after year — whether you move every so often or stay in the same space for decades. If you’d like to know what’s on that list, you’ve come to the right place. These 10 living room accents have been identified by the pros as “trend-proof,” meaning they’re not here today and gone tomorrow — but instead will have staying power for the long haul. Find out what to invest in for your living room below.  

Plants add so much color and life to a living room that many designers can’t see their popularity ever waning. “It’s never not a good idea to bring plant life into your space,” says designer Amanda Wyatt of Design Insider. “The texture and dimension that botanicals contribute to a room is really hard to match.” She recommends snake plants for their verticality, money trees for their fullness, and philodendron pothos because their bright, trailing leaves are visually striking. Each of these species, she says, are all relatively tolerant of “low, filtered light” and “make a big impact without much maintenance.”

Faux plants and fresh flowers are other options that Wyatt doesn’t see going away anytime soon either. “A fresh floral arrangement, whether you do it yourself or solicit a local florist, is always an impactful touch as well,” she says. “You can also explore the world of dried floral arrangements for a similar effect.” 

“Neutral colors are popular at the moment and will continue to be so because they are versatile and create a calm, serene atmosphere,” says designer Carolyn Cerminara-Kelly, founder and principal of Cerminara Design. “They work well in any space, whether big or small, and pair easily with various colors and decor styles, making them highly adaptable.”

Whether you’re all about hanging simple slab-style shelves or you prefer your perches are part of a freestanding hutch or custom built-in, designer Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors says shelves in all their forms will never go out of style, mainly because they’re pretty and practical. “Shelving is key,” Torres Portnof says. “Having space to display books, decor, and artwork is both a luxury and a necessity.” So go ahead and incorporate furniture with shelves into your living area, or add a couple to your walls. You won’t regret having a place to store things and display what you love most.

Sofas, accent chairs, and recliners are all examples of timeless living room seating options. But you know what else belongs on that list? Ottomans, if Wyatt has any say on what will always be in style. “I just think there is something universally appealing about having somewhere to put your feet up,” she says. “Ottomans are also easy to use in other ways. Find one with some useful storage, or place a tray on top for a spot to set your drink.”

Painted walls might be a staple of timeless living room design. But many designers think wallpaper is right up there with paint in terms of its staying power as a finish, thanks to the decorative impact it creates and the variety it offers. “Wallpaper introduces patterns and textures that paint cannot, perfect for adding personality that personalizes a space,” Cerminara-Kelly says. “Modern wallpaper options are also more durable and easier to apply and remove, making them an attractive choice for many.” 

Can’t decide on a truly timeless wallpaper you’re going to love forever? Try a peel-and-stick option, which can be easily changed on a whim. 

Maybe you already know art is a timeless element that belongs in every living room design scheme. But when it comes to size, turns out bigger art is better — and maybe even more trend-proof than a bunch of little pieces, according to designers. That’s because a large scale piece instantly elevates the look of a living room. “Whether it’s a canvas, print, tapestry, or framed textile, large artwork makes a space feel grand,” Torres Portnof says.

You can’t go wrong in adding a mirror to your living room; they’re trend-proof and always useful for throwing light around a space to open it up visually. “In general, a mirror will make any space look brighter and bigger,” Wyatt says. “I like having a mirror around, whether it’s large with a simple frame/raw edge or smaller and can be hung or leaned on a shelf. A good mirror will travel with you through each trendy phase and continue to reflect your personal style.” What does good look like? Something with a classic silhouette  — think square, rectangular, or circular — and in a material that goes with everything, like metal or wood. 

These days, mid-century modern furniture isn’t just for MCM interiors. That’s because these vintage and period-inspired pieces are true style chameleons that can hold their own in just about any living room setting. “They have sleek lines and minimalist design so mid-century modern chairs complement a range of interiors, from modern to eclectic,” says Cerminara-Kelly. “These chairs’ simplicity allows them to blend with various decor styles without overpowering the space.”

You know what never goes out of style? The things you love to surround yourself with. And that’s why designers believe personal touches are trend-proof, in a living room and beyond. “Incorporating meaningful items, whether it is artwork found while traveling, heirloom pieces, or musical instruments, helps a living room feel like home,” Torres Portnof says.

“From a design perspective, a quality cashmere throw goes with literally everything,” Wyatt says. “Add texture and color to your space by draping it on the back of a chair, folding it neatly over the arm of a sofa, or rolling it up into a basket. It will always look pretty and be delightful to snuggle up under.”