One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job as a journalist is the opportunity to meet people who bring their passions to life in ways that inspire and educate others. My recent conversation with Samantha Greene, a seasoned interior designer based in London, was no exception. Samantha has an impressive portfolio that spans over two decades, and her philosophy on design is both refreshing and insightful. She shared with me one of the most important principles in interior design: “Don’t just go with trends.”
Our meeting took place in Samantha’s cosy yet chic studio, adorned with a mix of classic and contemporary pieces that seemed to tell a story of balance and timelessness. As we settled into her plush armchairs, Samantha began to recount how her journey in interior design had shaped her views on trends and timelessness.
“In the early days of my career,” Samantha began, “I was very much influenced by the latest trends. Every year, there was something new and exciting that everyone wanted to incorporate into their homes. But over time, I started to see a pattern. These trends would come and go, and people would be left with spaces that felt dated within a few years. That’s when I realised that chasing trends wasn’t sustainable for creating spaces that people could love for a long time.”
Samantha explained that while trends can provide inspiration, they shouldn’t dictate the entire design of a space. “Trends can be a great way to infuse a bit of freshness into a room,” she noted. “A trendy colour or a contemporary piece of furniture can add a touch of modernity, but it shouldn’t be the foundation of your design.”
She paused to take a sip of her herbal tea before continuing. “The foundation of a good design should be based on elements that have a timeless appeal. Think about quality materials, classic shapes, and a colour palette that withstands the test of time. These are the things that will make your space feel elegant and enduring.”
Samantha’s advice is rooted in the idea of creating a home that truly reflects the personality and lifestyle of its inhabitants, rather than just mirroring the latest fashion. “When I work with clients,” she said, “I spend a lot of time understanding who they are, what they love, and how they live. This helps me to design spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and deeply personal.”
One memorable project Samantha shared was her work with a young couple who had recently purchased their first home. “They were very excited and had a lot of ideas, most of which were inspired by the latest trends they had seen on social media. While I appreciated their enthusiasm, I knew that we needed to strike a balance.”
Samantha worked closely with the couple to identify the elements they truly loved and would continue to appreciate over the years. “We chose a neutral colour palette with pops of their favourite colours, invested in quality furniture with classic lines, and incorporated a few trendy items that could easily be updated or replaced in the future. The result was a home that felt fresh and modern, yet timeless and uniquely theirs.”
She emphasised that this approach not only results in a more personalised and lasting design but also makes economic sense. “Investing in quality pieces that you won’t need to replace every few years is actually more cost-effective in the long run. Plus, it’s better for the environment.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Samantha offered some practical tips for readers looking to create timeless interiors. “First and foremost, invest in quality over quantity. A few well-made pieces will always outshine a room full of trendy, inexpensive items. Secondly, choose a neutral base for your larger items like sofas and rugs, and add personality with accessories that can be easily changed. Finally, don’t be afraid to mix old and new. A well-curated mix of vintage and contemporary pieces can add depth and character to your space.”
Samantha’s insights remind us that while trends can be tempting, they should never overshadow the importance of creating a home that feels personal, functional, and timeless. Her approach is a testament to the idea that good design is not about following what’s popular, but about understanding and expressing who you are through your space.
As I left Samantha’s studio, I couldn’t help but reflect on the wisdom she had shared. It’s a message that resonates beyond the world of interior design, encouraging us all to seek out authenticity and longevity in everything we do.
Olivia Jenkins
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