'Look to the past to make the best decisions for the future' – this is how Nate Berkus sources timeless pieces for his own home

When it comes to interior design, it's tempting to follow the trends. With so many creative design styles making waves every season, impulse purchases are bound to happen – and there's no harm in the occasional splurge.

But when crafting your dream home, timelessness is key. There's no sense in spending loads on something that'll feel outdated and out of style by the end of the year. Creating a design scheme that's classic and chic takes quite a bit of consideration though, and knowing where to start can be tricky. That's where Nate Berkus comes in.

The celebrated designer recently took to social media to share how he answers a common interior design question – how to ensure the design features you opt for are built to last. This was his helpful response, including how he creates a timeless interior design style, and which materials will always do the trick.

'One question that people ask me all the time is how do you err, when making design decisions, on the side of classic and timeless "I will love this forever," as opposed to, "I like this right now, I'm going to spend a lot of money on it, and I hope in a year I still love bright green,"' says Nate. 'The truth is, to me, it's always dependent on the price point.'

It's not always obvious whether you'll still appreciate a bold patterned area rug or trending wallpaper three, four, or five years down the line – much less later on. But according to Nate, there's still room to experiment with these sometimes-fleeting interior design trends.

'If it's a ceramic vase in a color you think is amazing, go for it. If you saw something on a vacation, or a color combination that you really liked and you want to try it in your home, try it with a pair of pillows or a combination of a pillow and a throw. Or even new sheets,' he says.

The real decision-making comes in when the design feature is a bit more permanent – or a bit more expensive. While a throw pillow or two won't break the bank (and can usually be repurposed in a pinch), an anchored-in set of cabinetry might be a bit more tricky to move on from.

'If it's something that's built-in, and if it's something that's more than a few hundred dollars, it should be something that you know is going to stand the test of time,' says Nate.

But how do you know what will truly stand the test of time? With so many options on the market, it can be tough to narrow down the crowd. Luckily, Nate's got an easy-to-follow guidepost to go by – one that's not out of character for the vintage-loving, anti-trend designer.

'Chances are, if it's vintage, or if it's a building material that's been around since the 1920s or earlier – classic subway tile in ceramic or terracotta, Carrera or statuary marble, or really any marble – those are the kinds of things that you should reach for. Look to the past to make the best decisions for the future. That's always been my rule of thumb. Especially when something is an investment,' he says.

If a material, or an overall design aesthetic, has lasted 100 years or more without fading, chances are it's here to stay. Look to the classics, and opt for modern-day spins on age-old features. You'll satisfy your trend appetite while ensuring your home won't date too quickly.