The Timeless Appeal of Enduring Design
When it comes to creating a home that stands the test of time, there’s no substitute for a keen eye for timeless design. And when I stumbled upon the work of designer extraordinaire Beth Hague, I knew I had found the perfect guide to crafting a space that exudes all the right kind of “forever” vibes.
Hague’s interiors are a masterclass in effortless elegance – the kind that makes you want to sink into a plush armchair and never leave. It’s a style that’s as chic as it is comfortable, blending classic elements with modern touches to create a look that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh.
Tailoring Form to Function
One of the hallmarks of Hague’s design approach is her unwavering commitment to pairing form and function. She understands that a beautiful space is only truly successful if it’s also highly livable. And that means crafting interiors that can withstand the rigors of everyday life, while still managing to look utterly breathtaking.
“There is no difference between Beth and her style — serene, classy, enduring,” says one of Hague’s clients, Libby. “She designs forever homes versus glam trends. She created the home I would want for now. I have three young kids and a 100-pound dog. We needed durable. Nothing precious.”
This focus on balancing aesthetics and practicality is evident in every corner of Hague’s projects. From the carefully curated textiles that can stand up to a bit of wear and tear, to the thoughtfully placed lighting fixtures that cast a warm, inviting glow, every element is meticulously considered to ensure the space is as functional as it is fabulous.
Elevating the Ordinary
But Hague’s genius doesn’t stop at creating beautiful and livable spaces – she also has a remarkable knack for elevating the ordinary into the extraordinary. Take, for example, her approach to lighting. Rather than simply selecting a generic fixture, she might add a touch of plaster to give it a unique, textural quality.
“She added plaster to our dining room light fixture to add more texture,” Libby raves. “Her attention to detail is amazing. I didn’t know there were people who did that.”
It’s this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that truly sets Hague’s work apart. She’s not afraid to push the boundaries of traditional design, seamlessly blending unexpected materials and finishes to create truly one-of-a-kind spaces.
The Art of Mixing Old and New
Another key element of Hague’s design philosophy is her masterful ability to blend old and new. She understands that the most enduring interiors are those that strike a delicate balance between timeless and timely, classic and contemporary.
“You can incorporate antique fixtures in a more contemporary application,” Hague explains. “Have worn floors of reclaimed French oak. It all kind of works. It’s not uptight.”
This effortless integration of past and present is what gives Hague’s spaces their unique sense of character and depth. By thoughtfully juxtaposing vintage treasures with modern accents, she creates interiors that feel both grounded in history and firmly rooted in the present.
Designing for the Human Experience
At the heart of Hague’s design approach is a deep understanding of the human experience. She knows that a truly successful interior is one that not only looks beautiful, but also feels inviting and comfortable – a space that immediately puts its occupants at ease.
“I don’t like fussy interiors,” Hague says. “I want people to feel like they can walk into any room in jeans and bare feet.”
This focus on creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and inherently livable is what makes Hague’s work so special. She doesn’t just design for the sake of design – she creates environments that are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the people who will actually be living in them.
Timeless Touches, Enduring Style
As I delve deeper into Hague’s design philosophy, it becomes clear that the key to creating enduring style lies in the thoughtful integration of timeless elements with contemporary flair. It’s about finding the perfect balance between old and new, classic and modern, form and function.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from studying Hague’s work, it’s that true timelessness isn’t about following trends or adhering to rigid design rules. It’s about embracing the unexpected, celebrating the imperfect, and always, always putting the human experience at the center of the design process.
So, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your home while ensuring it withstands the test of time, take a page from Hague’s playbook. Experiment with unexpected materials, blend vintage and modern pieces, and never forget the importance of crafting a space that’s both beautiful and eminently livable.
After all, as Hague herself says, “I want people to feel like they can walk into any room in jeans and bare feet.” And isn’t that the ultimate marker of a truly timeless, enduring design?
