Living and working in a city like London, it’s impossible not to be influenced by trends. New ideas are constantly emerging, shared instantly across a global design community. While this can be exciting and inspiring, trends move quickly. What feels fresh today can often feel dated tomorrow, especially when everyone is drawing from the same references.
Many trends present themselves as something entirely new, when in reality they’re often reinterpretations of the past. Materials are rediscovered, historic details resurface, and familiar forms are reimagined for modern living. This isn’t a bad thing at all, but it does mean that not every trend is worth following. The key is understanding whether a trend is grounded in timeless principles like balance, proportion, craftsmanship, and how people genuinely live in their homes.
A Client-Led Approach
At Studio Haak, our approach is intentionally slower and more thoughtful. We focus on longevity, in both design and materials and, most importantly, on our clients. Every project begins with a client-led process, where we take the time to understand who they are, how they live, and what truly matters to them.
This allows us to create homes that feel personal and authentic, reflecting our clients’ personalities, heritage, and lived experiences. While trends can be a great source of inspiration, we always lead with the client first. When trend-led elements are introduced through this lens, they feel considered rather than forced. A space rooted in the people that live there, forms timelessness in design.
What Timeless Design Really Means
Timeless design is often misunderstood as neutral or understated, but that isn’t always the case. Bold choices can absolutely stand the test of time when they’re made with intention. For us, timelessness isn’t about avoiding colour, pattern, or texture — it’s about making clear, thoughtful decisions that feel right for the individual.
When design choices are driven by personal meaning rather than fashion, trends become something to work with, not follow. At Studio Haak we use trends as inspiration, only once they have been filtered through a client’s lifestyle and preferences, to turn it into something unique and lasting rather than a copy of what’s currently popular.
Material Choices That Last
Materiality is another key part of how we approach trends. We’re always thinking about how materials will age, how they feel to the touch, how they respond to light, and how they’ll look and wear over time. We prioritise high-quality materials that develop character with age, rather than those that need constant updating.
Focusing on the longevity of the main elements in a space helps create interiors that feel comfortable, lived-in, and enduring. Materials should support everyday life and create a sense of ease. Studio Haak’s objective is to create spaces that feel good to be in, day after day.
A great example of this is a cinema room we designed for a family who wanted something calm yet sophisticated, and flexible enough to stay timeless as their children got older. We embraced the room’s natural darkness, using a dark woven textured wallpaper and a deep velvet sofa. Contrast was added through lighter accessories and artwork while the neutral palette helped to maintain a sense of calm while still feeling contemporary. Layered textures and tonal variation add depth and interest without overpowering the space.
Designing Beyond Trends
London may set the backdrop for our projects, but no two clients share the same story. Our role at Studio Haak is to listen carefully and translate those stories into spaces that feel deeply personal and quietly luxurious.
Of course, trends can be a valuable source of inspiration during the design process, but they’re only ever used when they truly resonate with our clients. Our focus is always on creating thoughtful, personal interiors that evolve with the people who live in them. Homes designed to feel relevant not just now, but for years to come.
Our client-led approach allows us to understand our clients on a deeper level from the very beginning. This means that throughout the design process, we’re able to create spaces that reflect each client’s individuality and lifestyle. We strongly believe that when a home is grounded in the people who live there, it naturally becomes timeless to them.
Get in touch with us today
Whether you’re renovating your entire home or refining a single space, get in touch or book a consultation to start the conversation.
melissa@studiohaak.com
07814 533 565
