10 Ways To Make Sure Your Themed Rooms Never Go Out Of Style
Theme rooms can be inspired by a color, a decade, a place, or even a specific decor item you love. These rooms are all about being a window into your personality and interests. Think of all the possibilities: an art deco oasis, an ocean-themed powder room, or even a retro '50s kitchen. While you might think that a theme room would eventually become less stylish, if it's done right, these rooms can actually feel timeless. Even in homes where only one room has a specific theme, that room can feel cohesive and timeless by incorporating elements that never really go out of fashion.
There are so many ways to embrace a theme, including bringing in wise color choices, statement pieces that can act as focal points, picking decorations that are not kitschy or disposable. When you are trying to create a theme room it's important to not sacrifice function for the design, as you still need to be able to utilize this space in your home. If you've always wanted a theme room, there are ways to do it that will help to make sure that your space feels stylish and classic while also usable and timeless. Whether you are inspired by a concept or a full-on theme, there are ways to create a timeless room that will work for years to come.
Choose classic instead of clichéd colors
Whether you are choosing a theme room that is all about color, like in a color-drenched room, or not, choosing a classic palette is important. Color will help to tie a theme together and make your room feel cohesive, but a saturated neon orange or sugary turquoise may not age as well as a soft pastel or rich jewel-toned green. In fact, bringing in rich jewel-toned colors can make any space feel glamorous. If you're thinking about a color-drenched look, opt for historical, timeless shades with a heritage feel.
Add something that doesn't fit the theme, but works with it
While you want the design of your theme room to align, adding in a new pop of color or a piece that isn't a direct part of your theme can help to make the room feel like it's lived in. Think of it as adding decor that wouldn't normally work with the theme, but that works with what you have. You want to add a design element that contributes some depth, but that still makes sense and works within the confines of the actual theme, like a warm, whiskey-toned leather chair in a cold, gray industrial-themed space.
Bring in some texture
If you want to have a room in your home with a distinct theme, it's important to bring in texture to make the space feel dimensional and layered, not just using one flat palette or fabric. There are ways of bringing texture into a room through decor that help to add more depth look no matter what the theme may be. Adding in texture could be as simple as using a soft velvet couch in a more masculine space or adding in textural wood accents to balance softer decor. Even adding texture to the walls can help to elevate your overall design.
Add in some neutral pieces
Neutral pieces can help to balance out your themed design as these items are versatile, and blend into the space, rather than drawing the eye. In a country farmhouse kitchen, try using simple, wooden bar stools instead of something more ornate or kitschy. An addition like this allows your theme to pop without making the space feel like it is cluttered or overdone. When picking neutral pieces, like baskets, throw pillows, or vases, consider what will work with the rest of your decor and how it makes sense as part of your design — whether through cohesive color, pattern, or texture.
Pick quality pieces
When designing a themed room, picking quality pieces is important because you want furniture that looks good, is functional, and will last for years to come. These are often investment pieces that can act as a focal point in a room, particularly when picking out statement items that are actually being used. Often, these pieces can work whether they are used in a themed room or not, which helps to build in the timelessness of the space.
Think outside of the themed box
Depending on the theme you're aiming for, there might be some items that feel quite obvious to use when decorating your room. However, you don't necessarily want to be too direct with your choices, as that can create a design that looks dated over time. You can use these pieces as a source of inspiration, but it's best to be a bit more abstract and think outside of a themed box. For example, a tropical-themed room doesn't have to rely on the colors of sand and sun, but rather can bring in the lush textures and colors of palm fronds and tropical grasses.
Utilize shapes and motifs that hint to your theme
Different themes might have different shapes and design elements associated with them. A nautical room might have seashells or anchors that make you think of the theme, but you shouldn't aim for the obvious if you want a timeless look. Instead, snag an area rug that displays sweeping, wave-like lines or apply a wallpaper with a raindrop-like pattern. These subtle nods to your theme will help keep it cohesive without being too loud.
Consider how many on-theme pieces you'll be using
In a room with a theme, having other pieces to break up the design is important. Consider how many on-theme pieces you plan to use, while also bringing in a smattering of things to offset the theme. You might consider blending themes such as coastal with farmhouse or Hollywood glamor with art deco, as it's a chance to create harmony by balancing your theme with select pieces inspired by a complementary idea.
Incorporate pieces you already own and love
If you're creating a themed room, it's likely because you already love whatever inspired this design. If you already own pieces that are on theme, use those items in the room to emphasize that this is not part of a trend, but rather a space you love and live in. Incorporate what you own into the design, adding these pieces as part of the decoration. Make a list of all the things you already own that may fit your theme, and start planning to rearrange and move select pieces to maximize your budget and fill gaps where necessary.
Bring in the plants
In general, plants add both color and texture into a room. When you're putting together a themed room, plants can actually complete the look by bringing life to the space without taking away from the rest of your design. Your greenery can help pull the theme together, while also making the space feel warm and welcoming. Even small plants add a natural element to the space that brings in more texture to make your themed room feel complete.