Creating a Space That Withstands the Test of Time
Making decisions for your home is rarely simple. Every choice seems to lead to more questions, more ideas, and often, more projects. It’s a whirlwind that can be exciting and overwhelming all at once.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on our recent kitchen hardware dilemma! It was so helpful to hear your input as we debated between brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze knobs for our kitchen drawers. Both options had their appeal, and we found ourselves genuinely torn. Complicating the decision was our existing black wrought iron lighting, which we absolutely adore. After much deliberation, we opted for the classic and versatile look of brushed nickel. Its timeless aesthetic won us over, and we feel confident it will stand the test of time.
But, as anyone who has tackled home projects knows, making one change often uncovers a series of others waiting to be addressed. What began as a simple discussion about kitchen hardware quickly spiraled into a realization: brass hardware was everywhere in our home. Not just any brass, but scratched, painted-over, and frankly tired brass that had clearly seen better days. The contrast between our fresh brushed nickel decision and the rest of the house’s hardware was hard to ignore.
This led us to a larger conversation about keeping up with home trends and how challenging it can be. Over nearly 14 years of marriage, we’ve lived in four houses, updating and renovating each one in various ways—replacing carpets, refinishing hardwood floors, painting rooms, updating backsplashes, and swapping out countertops. It’s a long list, and if you’ve done even a fraction of these projects, you know how quickly trends can change. What was stylish 10 years ago—or even two years ago—can suddenly feel outdated.
For the average homeowner, this constant shift in design trends can feel overwhelming. We want our home to feel comfortable and stylish, but we’re not striving for a designer showroom, nor do we want to undertake major renovations every time trends shift.
The big question we’re constantly asking ourselves is: How can we make decisions that stand the test of time? Over the years, we’ve landed on a strategy that works well for us: create a classic, neutral backdrop and use accessories to infuse fresh, trendy elements into the space.
Throw pillows are a perfect example of this approach. They’re fun, affordable, and easily swapped out as trends or seasons change. Whether you’re drawn to bold patterns, rich textures, or vibrant colors, pillows offer a simple way to refresh your home without committing to a full redesign.
But creating that “classic backdrop” is easier said than done. Think about all the homeowners in the ’80s who invested in oak cabinetry, believing it would never go out of style. Or consider the previous owners of our house, who chose bologna-colored quartz countertops. These decisions, while well-intentioned at the time, now feel dated.
Which brings us back to our hardware dilemma. Replacing all the brass hardware in our home is no small task. Between 19 sets of doorknobs and hinges, we’re looking at a significant investment—upwards of $500.
Schlage doorknob set @ Lowe’s: $12.97 each. Set of three hinges: $7.97 each.
When making this kind of commitment, it’s crucial to think long-term. We don’t want to find ourselves replacing all our doorknobs and hinges again in a decade. By then, we’ll likely have three kids in college and a host of other priorities to manage. With that in mind, we’ve decided to stick with brushed nickel throughout the house. Its timeless appeal aligns with our goal of creating a cohesive and enduring design, and we’re crossing our fingers that it doesn’t follow brass into the land of outdated trends.
The beauty of the blogging world is the wealth of inspiration and ideas it offers. Over the past year, I’ve discovered countless stunning kitchen renovations that have influenced our choices. Here are a few of my favorite white kitchens that beautifully balance classic and contemporary elements:
- Rene’s Kitchen @ Cottage and Vine
- Kristin’s Kitchen @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
- Courtney’s Kitchen @ A Thoughtful Place
- Kate’s Kitchen @ Centsational Girl
These spaces highlight the power of timeless materials paired with personal touches. From sleek cabinetry to warm lighting and thoughtful accessories, each kitchen showcases a unique blend of function and style.
As we continue updating our home, we’re keeping this balance in mind. While it’s tempting to chase the latest trends, our goal is to make decisions that feel both current and enduring. Brushed nickel hardware, with its clean lines and versatile finish, is a step in that direction.
Updating a home is a journey, one that evolves with our tastes, needs, and the passage of time. Whether it’s swapping out hardware, repainting a room, or simply rearranging furniture, every change contributes to a space that feels more like home. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
Thank you for stopping by to follow along with our decision-making process. We hope it inspires you as you tackle your own projects. Have a wonderful weekend, and happy decorating!
