Timeless Designs for Elegant spaces
Timeless design is a term that is used widely in the world of interiors, yet defining what makes something truly timeless requires a more considered view. For us, it begins with materiality.
The quality of materials we choose, and the way they are used and lived with, shapes not only how our homes look, but how they feel and evolve over time.
How to build a timeless space
Investing in durable, consciously crafted materials lays the foundations for a stylish home. When we put thought into selecting and styling, these materials fluidly transcend passing trends, allowing our home to remain elegant, relevant and effortless for years to come. Choosing natural materials such as wood, stone, linen and wool will help to anchor a scheme, bringing a sense of cohesion and quiet harmony to a space. Their inherent textural qualities and character help form the building blocks for a home that is considered and layered, creating interiors that remain timeless rather than trend-led.
Rooted in material heritage
Wool is an incredible, unparalleled material, with which we are fortunate to create beautiful, authentic runners and rugs that deliver a touch of luxury to everyday living. Committed to using only the best quality British wool across our entire collections, we remain closely connected to our heritage and the skilled craftspeople who have woven our flatweave for over 30 years. This link between artisans, material traceability and the finished product, is what makes our flatweave runners so special and the perfect choice for those seeking out design that doesn’t compromise quality over style.
The power of a border design
Many interiors rely on subtle and understated elements that sit naturally within a space. Stair runners with borders act almost like their own piece of architectural details – framing without overwhelming, and echoing details we might often overlook.
For both traditional and contemporary settings, the clean and elegant proportions of Trent work beautifully within a space. With a tonal double border stripe, the design reveals a relaxed restraint that bridges Trent between classic and modern design. For a runner that is recognisably Roger Oates, Swanson displays heritage influence and balanced spacing that helps anchor the design to any space. Refined rather than overwhelming, the striped border can widen a space and guide the eye, offering depth and a grounding base.
Case Study: Hanbury French Grey for Otta Design
Timeless interiors aren’t trendless – they are well considered. Choosing a Roger Oates runner for your staircase is an easy way to set the tone of how you want your home to feel when first entering. In this tranquil home, Hanbury French Grey was selected by Otta Design, its calming tones, refined pinstripe and structured border help add focus while uniting the intricate tiles, muted tones and natural materials.
‘At Otta Design we love to use a Roger Oates stair runner. The first flight of stairs is often the first thing you see when you walk into a house. A runner sets the scene for the decorative scheme throughout the rest of the house. They add interest, texture, colour and pattern and can be bold and fun, or calming and sophisticated. In this project, we wanted a runner that complimented the tessellated floor and complimented the colour scheme throughout the ground floor. It’s interesting without being overpowering.”
– Alexandra Keith, Otta Design.
Using pattern as a foundation
When considering pattern, timelessness isn’t always about visible structure but also depth. Choosing a subtle, understated pattern will support a scheme, rather than dominate, meaning they are great for homes that are constantly evolving. Available in a broad range of inspiring tones, Sudbury is a considered option for those looking to build a grounding base for their home. Repeating stripes combined with a herringbone and rib structure make Sudbury an incredibly versatile option for stairs, rugs and wall-to-wall installations.
Case Study: Trent Beaver at Wilton House
From London townhouses, to ornate country estates, elegance can reveal itself in many forms. Trent Beaver has long been a favourite choice for many staircases, and few settings demonstrate its ease more beautifully than Wilton House. With its soft field of pinstripes framed by a rich brown double striped border, the design seems to have always belonged on the grand, sweeping staircase at Wilton House – complementing, rather than competing with the historic architecture and refined palette. It has settled into the space with a hushed confidence as though it has always belonged.
‘Trent Beaver in my opinion was the perfect design to bring a modern touch to a classical and traditional interior. Its modern yet warm tones and herringbone stripes are sympathetic to any historical setting, bringing it into the 21st Century.’
– Victoria Pembroke
At Roger Oates, how we define elegance is never a quick formula that can be applied from one home to the next. It is something that is shaped through architecture, proportions and the unique character of a space. We believe in working with the features that already exist, and that good design, such as a tailor-made rug or bespoke runner, can help enhance and refine what is already there. Through thoughtful, considered design, homes can become a reflection of the people who live there, and reveal that true elegance is rooted in quality, comfort and functionality that stands the test of time.
Elegant Designs
Browse timeless and elegant designs from our collections.