I was paging through The Inspired Room book this weekend and noticed how many of the same decor pieces and furniture we still use today. Over the years I’ve received so many messages from readers who recognize that I often style what I already own in new ways. I hope that encourages you — you don’t always have to buy new items to achieve a refreshed look.
On Instagram it feels like full room makeovers happen every season, with almost every piece replaced. Constantly buying new furniture to chase a perfect look isn’t realistic for most people. I wrote more about this approach in How to Decorate: The Slow Process to a Style You’ll Love, where I explain how a home comes together over time and how to update what you have.
Of course, there are times when something new is needed or desired. When I do buy new pieces I want them to blend easily with what I already own. Choosing the right items means they’ll serve you for years, even decades. If you fill a room with pieces that are only trendy for a season, the space can feel dated once that trend fades.
I’m selective when choosing key furniture items. I treat them as investments rather than disposable purchases. My recommendation is to opt for timeless furnishings with clean, classic lines. That makes it easy to switch or add a few elements to refresh the room while keeping a foundation that won’t quickly feel out of date. You can always incorporate one or two current trends so the space feels updated without a full overhaul.
Right now I’m rearranging my living room and enjoying the challenge of refreshing a space without buying anything new. I’ll share the new layout soon.
In the meantime, here are a few items I’ve bought in the past 1–20 years that I still consider classic staples.
A number of these items happen to be on sale right now.
Five timeless pieces I’ve purchased in the last 1–20 years:
Leather Sofa (on sale!)
Glass Lamp (on sale!)
Slipcovered Sofa (on sale!)
Leather Ottoman (similar, on sale!)
Cane Bed
1. Leather Sofa
This leather sofa has become more comfortable and characterful with age. Mine is a loveseat in a warm toffee tone; the exact color and size may no longer be available, but the signature maple leather finish is very similar. A well-made leather sofa softens over time and remains a versatile, long-lasting anchor for a living room.
2. Slipcovered Sofa
We have the deep 80-inch version in warm white denim. A white slipcovered sofa offers a clean, relaxed look and can be updated easily with different pillows and throws. I’ve written more about why I chose this style and how I care for it.
3. Leather Ottoman (similar to mine)
4. Blue Glass Lamp
We own the larger size, which adds both color and soft light to the room. A distinctive lamp becomes a signature piece that can be moved around the house as your needs change.
5. Cane Bed
The cane bed comes in two color options and brings natural texture and an airy feel to a bedroom. It’s a classic silhouette that pairs well with a variety of styles, from modern to cottage-inspired.
What are the timeless pieces in your home that you rely on? Which items have lasted through years of styling changes and still feel fresh?