What makes an interior luxurious? That’s the million-dollar question we all want answered. More importantly, how can we achieve the look? A luxury interior is so much more than just a pretty space: it’s a five-star experience. The word “luxury” is synonymous with comfort and exclusivity. It provides pleasure and goes beyond what’s necessary to what’s desired.
Working with an interior designer is in itself a luxury experience, designed to alleviate the stress and overwhelm of DIY decorating. It saves you valuable time and can actually save you money by ensuring that costly mistakes are avoided and that your project is completed with the aid of trusted vendors and trades. It establishes a clear design plan and direction to achieve a result that you might not have been able to pull off on your own. Most importantly, an interior designer ensures a smooth design process and delivers a beautifully transformed space that has been tailored to your specific needs, taste and lifestyle.
Luxury interior design does not encompass one particular style. It can be traditional, transitional, contemporary, rustic or glam. No matter the style, it always has the following three characteristics in common:
1. QUALITY
You get what you pay for. It’s an idiom that’s often repeated, but there is a lot of truth to it. The more an item costs, usually the better the quality is. Good craftsmanship takes time, skill and involves superior materials which leads to a higher price tag. Always bear in mind: “the quality of a product is remembered long after the price is forgotten.”
A piece of furniture, for example, which has been constructed with superior materials and techniques, looks and feels quite different to an entry-level version of that same piece. It will hold up better to the demands of daily living and last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Many retail stores today offer furnishings that are meant to be disposable, catering to buyers who would prefer to refurnish their homes within a short time span. Indeed, some trendy retail furniture stores pass off inferior quality pieces as luxury items, thanks to clever marketing and fancy showrooms. But buyers beware: don’t be lured into buying an inferior product with a hefty price tag just because of a brand name.
Working with an interior designer can make all the difference, in that they can help you make smart purchases and distinguish between the various levels of quality in the marketplace.
I always encourage my clients to buy the best quality they can afford at their investment level. Not every item in a space has to be the most expensive, but having high-quality pieces greatly impacts the overall look and feel of a luxurious space.
2. CUSTOMIZATION
Givenchy once said that “luxury is in each detail.” It is precisely that attention to the smallest details which is the hallmark of luxury design. Custom furnishings, window treatments, rugs, cabinetry, art, decorative accessories, etc. are essential for creating a luxurious design scheme. Each piece is expertly crafted, with unique detailing that sets it apart from the mass-produced items available at the local store.
A luxury interior does not feel generic, but rather exclusive. Everything has been tailored not only to the requirements of the space, but also to the taste and lifestyle of the inhabitants. The ability to customize items allows
everything to work beautifully together and creates a refined, harmonious look.
3. LAYERING OF MATERIALS
The third characteristic of luxury interior design is how different elements and materials are combined together to add richness and depth to a space. This luxury layering of materials adds visual as well as tactile interest. Soft/hard, shiny/matte, rough/smooth fabric textures, different patterns, colors – the mixing of all these elements lends sophistication to a space and results in a highly curated scheme. Cool metal finishes contrast with warmer wood tones, woven fabrics contrast with leathers and velvets. These combinations add interest and texture to the overall scheme and contribute to the luxury experience.
Luxury interiors always feel comfortable and inviting and are meant to be enjoyed. They do not have to look stiff and formal, reserved only for special occasions. Luxury should be above all livable, to be experienced in every part of the house at any stage of life. With today’s technological advances, luxury can be practical and durable at the same time.
No more having to compromise: performance fabrics with stain resistant coatings that feel soft to the touch; man-made materials – such as quartz and porcelain – that mimic natural stone so beautifully but without the maintenance; delicate metal finishes with a PVD coating that won’t tarnish over time; vinyl wallpaper that imitates the look of wood, silk, leather or grass cloth – which can be used in high traffic areas and bathrooms. These are a few examples.
Achieving a cohesive, luxurious look can be challenging. It takes skill and access to good resources and trades. Should you need help in creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind home with that touch of luxury – a special retreat to be enjoyed by you and your loved ones – please reach out to me and book a complimentary 20-minute discovery call. I look forward to speaking with you and embarking on a design journey together – with a gorgeous, luxurious home as your final destination.