Top 5 Tips for Luxury Design
By Diana Rose
We could all use a little more luxury in our lives – or a lot, for that matter! The home is the perfect place to focus that eye for opulence. Consider luxury upgrades as an investment toward a higher quality of life, not to mention a boost to your overall property value! Here are five essential tips to raise the bar.
Highlight Architectural Details
As a designer, I often see beauty where others may not. A winding staircase, an elegant archway, a grand fireplace – these integrated elements make the difference between superficial luxury (such as furniture and finishes) and opulence from the inside out. If your home is already graced with these features, showcase them with strategic lighting, furniture pairings and accessories or artwork. If your home lacks such details, consider adding some in the form of wall paneling, plaster ceiling details or upgrading your existing fireplace. Then, be sure to highlight these features so they stand out.
Create an Intricate Mix of Materials
When it comes to luxury, the details are everything. Think about an ultra high-end purse – it wouldn’t be the same without the fine stitch-work and elegant inner lining, even if you can’t see these from afar. I give my projects a luxe look by layering in as much detail as possible, where appropriate. For example, metal inlays, upholstered wall paneling as a headboard, wallpaper, tile pattern and the like. The idea here isn’t to overdo or overfill a space, but rather to leave no detail overlooked, regardless of how small it may seem.
Prioritize Comfort
As we increasingly spend more time living, working and entertaining at home, we’re moving toward creating spaces that meet all our needs and wants. Luxury design is not just about beauty on the surface. The concept has evolved to customize as much as possible, tailoring a home to its owner’s lifestyle, cocooned in complete comfort. Think heated floors and “smart” technology at your fingertips; spa-inspired bathrooms with steam showers and soaker tubs; hotel-style bedroom suites with layered bedding and pillows piled high. For entertainment, we are working on a few stunning new builds with amenities such as indoor pools with spas, bowling alleys, video games rooms and wine rooms. From a functional perspective, many homeowners are requesting decked-out mudrooms, pantries and organization systems in closets and home offices, to accommodate the remote work trend.
TIP: Integrate multi-zone lighting in key areas of your home to help highlight important features and achieve different atmospheres based on your desired mood. Consider LEDs, sconces, chandeliers and pot lights — all on dimmers!
Consider Custom
Nothing says “luxury” like a custom-made piece, created uniquely for you, just as you like it. Whether we’re talking clothes, cars or cabinetry, custom design elevates and enhances your space and life. It’s not overt, but the fit and finish is just perfect, which is the real beauty of custom pieces. When it comes to our homes, things such as custom cabinetry, built-ins and furniture are created to spec, ensuring the most efficient use of your space in a way that accommodates your lifestyle, whether your goal is durability, organization or aesthetic value.
Choose a Monochromatic Colour Palette
Colour is essential in creating space with a timeless, elegant effect. Monochromatic spaces look bigger and brighter, and a minimalistic colour palette sets the stage for unique architectural details, stand-out furniture and artwork. White is a popular choice for its refined, delicate aesthetic, but it’s not the only choice by any means. A monochromatic palette of layered blues, greens or organic earth tones, along with a variety of materials and textures, gives the space dimension and creates interest.
A little luxury can certainly go a long way. Ensure any upgrades you make in your home are thoughtful, practical and beautiful, and don’t settle for second-best. Work with an experienced professional designer to ensure your budget is invested in the right places. Your home is your castle, so do what you can to make it look and live like one!
Diana Rose is the Principal of Diana Rose Design. She is known for luxurious interior designs with an approachable, signature style that blends both modern and transitional aesthetics. For more information, visit dianarose.design
