How to keep it on trend and timeless

On-trend and timeless? Surely not?
If you are looking for a look that is of the present time but want to avoid the fads and fashions that can easily date a home, Contemporary design might be just the inspiration you need. Whether you think of it as up-to-the-minute, of-the-moment or simply modern, Contemporary Style has the ability to remain sophisticated and ageless across decades. It achieves this by anchoring itself to principles rather than trends: clean geometry, honest materials, uncluttered spaces and a clear sense of how natural light moves through a home. For those building a custom luxury home in Perth, it is one of the most enduring design directions available, precisely because it never relies on a single trend to carry its appeal.

Look closely at luxury homes showcasing Contemporary Style and you will spot clear similarities with the pared-back look and layouts of the 1920s and 1930s, decades defined by the International and Bauhaus design movements. These movements stripped back the ornament and excess of earlier periods and replaced them with function, proportion and material honesty. Contemporary Style has built on that foundation ever since, drawing on the materials, colours and shapes of the present day to arrive at a look that is current yet age-defying. In Perth’s luxury new home market, the contemporary approach works especially well with the indoor-outdoor lifestyle, where large glazed openings, sheltered alfresco spaces and a visual connection to the garden are central to how a home feels and functions.

You could argue it is about achieving a far deeper sense of style than the trends and crazes that come and go in the world of residential design. Contemporary Style done well invites you to weave in your own flavour: a hint of industrial texture here, a touch of coastal lightness there, or a mid-century reference that anchors the palette without overpowering it. Look out for blocky shapes, streamlined edges, cubist influences and the kind of bold layering that makes a room feel considered rather than merely decorated. The skill lies in knowing what to leave out. In a custom Oswald Homes design, the contemporary brief is one of the most requested precisely because it gives skilled designers the freedom to create something original rather than something predictable.

Unlike the easy-come-easy-go fashions of the day, Contemporary Style demands a discerning eye for detail and the ability to subtract in order to deliver more. Think simple, yet stunning. Virtually a blank canvas waiting for your own thoughtful touches and your favourite of-the-moment pieces.

Take the Sorrento for example. A coastal 4×3 custom-designed for a challenging site, it features the appearance of a flat roof, strong straight lines and big open spaces maximising a pool view. Sleek. Sophisticated. Stunning. Or the Mar e Sol – drawing on cubist and minimalist styles, this split-level 4×3 was designed for a tricky block in City Beach. Timeless, refined, uncluttered.

Also in City Beach, the Kalari Haus may have been inspired by the Mid-Century Modern era, but it too sits comfortably in the Contemporary style file. The deft touch of nostalgia gives this 5×3 warmth and personality while the white render and blocky façade keep the street appeal fresh and modern, and most definitely ‘of the present time’.

Here’s a quick run-down of the key features to look out for if you’re keen to harness the power of now:

Add the homewares, furniture and accessories of the day and you have a home that is only too happy to move with the times!

Contact us today to book your one-on-one consultation.