An interior doesn’t need to be an obvious beauty. Just about any room, however humble or grand, can become a masterpiece of charm and understatement. The secret is to create a style whose elegance is not defined by time, neither traditional  or modern. Tweak what you’ve got, and opt for timeless things.

Here’s our list of things that have timeless style, which you can use to create a look that’s not olde worlde or strictly of the moment.

15 THINGS THAT HAVE TIMELESS STYLE:

• Wicker or rattan anything. 
• Gravel: the crushed stone surface is a chameleon that looks comfortable next to nearly every architectural style, from chateau to contemporary. 
• Seagrass, sisal, timber or stone flooring. 
• Utility fabrics such as canvas, cotton, linen or wool have integrity. Go for neutral colours.  
• Solid timber furniture, modern or antique. Look for good patina and proportions.  
• Something big. One oversized painting, mirror, bookcase or dresser will give a small room the dimensions it doesn’t actually have.  
• Mix old with new. All-new furnishings look too hotel; wall-to-wall antiques look too museum.  
• Comfortable, squashy chairs and sofa that embrace you when you sink into them. Style should never hijack comfort.  
• Quality table lamp bases in bronze, stone, ceramic, marble or crystal or with a drum or coolie shade in parchment, silk or linen.  
• Metal windows, doors, lights, table bases. It’s honest, and adds a touch of integrity.  
• One piece of Chinese lacquer – an elm chest, stool, or side table. 
• A little French – an 18th-centure bergere chair, commode, or mirror (but, beware of too much of a good thing). 
• Something English: the formal lines of traditional English furniture brings a certain rigour to a room.