by Darcie Duranceau | photos by 360 Tour Designs
While trends come and go, the desire for a home that feels both luxurious and genuinely livable remains constant. Hilari Goris of Hilari Goris Designs, a born-and-raised Hoosier with 18 years in the design world, has a few ideas on how focusing on timeless design can translate into long-lasting indulgences for local families.
Goris’ journey into design began early, sparked by the experience of building a family home. “I just remember loving the whole process,” she says, “from walking the models, working through the floor plans, laying out the spaces, picking out everything.” This early appreciation for function and aesthetics became the bedrock of her career, ultimately leading her to establish her own firm in Indianapolis nearly 12 years ago. Her passion for creating spaces that resonate with clients, she explains, is what has sustained her.
THE FOUNDATION OF ENDURING LUXURY
When discussing what makes a design truly luxurious versus merely trendy, Goris emphasizes that it’s deeply personal and about investing in enduring beauty. “Timeless to me is kind of a little bit dependent on the person,” she explains, urging clients to look beyond fleeting fads. The goal, she says, is to create a lavish look you’ll still “love five years, ten years, 15 years later.”
For Goris, luxury is about investing your budget in timeless indulgences—prioritizing natural materials like solid wood, elegant stone, and classic marbles for countertops. These aren’t just durable choices; they’re the elements that elevate everyday living into something more refined. A kitchen with a substantial stone countertop, for instance, isn’t just practical; it offers a daily sense of permanence and quality that feels like a true extravagance. Similarly, rich wood floors and classic wood paneling or wainscoting add an immediate sense of warmth and character, making a house feel like a cherished haven rather than just a structure. These foundational elements become the quiet luxuries that homeowners in the Indianapolis area can appreciate for decades.
For Goris, luxury is about investing your budget in timeless indulgences—prioritizing natural materials like solid wood, elegant stone, and classic marbles for countertops. These aren’t just durable choices; they’re the elements that elevate everyday living into something more refined. A kitchen with a substantial stone countertop, for instance, isn’t just practical; it offers a daily sense of permanence and quality that feels like a true extravagance. Similarly, rich wood floors and classic wood paneling or wainscoting add an immediate sense of warmth and character, making a house feel like a cherished haven rather than just a structure. These foundational elements become the quiet luxuries that homeowners in the Indianapolis area can appreciate for decades.
BALANCING TRENDS WITH ROOTED REFINEMENT
It’s common for homeowners to be drawn to exciting new trends, but Hilari offers a savvy approach to incorporating them without sacrificing longevity or budget. “Let’s go classic on your cabinets, countertops, even tile selections,” she says. These are the “things that cost more to rip up and redo. They are also the things that make a big impact for years to come.” This means investing in high-quality, enduring materials for the core elements of your home, ensuring that your most used spaces—like kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms—feel both solid and sophisticated.
Where trends can shine without long-term commitment is in easily changeable elements. An accent wall, for example, can introduce a pop of color and class through a trendy wallpaper or vibrant paint choice. “It’s an easy switch out as trends change, versus a complete redo of the foundational design,” Hilari says. This thoughtful balance allows homeowners to infuse their personality and enjoy contemporary touches, knowing they can adapt their space as their tastes evolve, without undertaking costly renovations. It’s about combining current styles as delightful, elevated accents, while the underlying design continues to provide a backdrop of effortless luxury.
Ultimately, Hilari encourages homeowners to trust their “initial gut feeling” about what feels like home—to really consider that look that keeps drawing you back. True luxury, she says, isn’t about following rules or imitating neighbors; it’s about creating an environment that truly reflects your personal tastes and desires. Luxury is in the eye of the beholder.
