What is luxury interior design?
Luxury interior design is considered a more decadent form of interior design, be it through fine art, high-end furniture or hyper-functional layouts. But it’s also subjective, since everyone experiences luxury a little differently.“Design styles can range dramatically. To achieve luxury design in all homes — no matter the style — one must balance a space using a range of materials and also make sure all items are scaled correctly.”
— Pacaso interior design teamAll this is to say that luxury interior design aesthetics can vary, but core principles of luxury design remain the same.Design tip |
Above all, luxury interior design should feel timeless to the homeowner, with each furnishing intentionally selected and placed. |
What are the principles of luxury design?
There are interior design principles, and then there are luxury interior design principles. There are nine of the latter, including:Without further ado, let’s dive into each. Remember that all of these luxury interior design elements can be tailored to your specific style and taste.
1. Sustainable materials
Believe it or not, a luxury home interior doesn’t only impact a room’s aesthetics. It can impact the environment, too.Salvaged wood ceiling beams, reclaimed stained glass in a front door, and cork lampshades just scratch the surface of a few sustainable materials you can use in a luxury home — and feel good doing it.2. Prioritized comfort
Luxurious interiors don’t need to be so decadent that you can’t interact with them. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. A luxurious home prioritizes comfort above all.For example, ditch your upright guest seating for a classic chaise lounge, or turn an office corner into a tranquil meditation space complete with floor cushions and a yoga mat.3. Functionality
Contrary to popular belief, a spacious home doesn’t necessarily mean luxury. Instead, functionality should be at the forefront of any luxury interior design project to ensure seamless interactions with the space.“While someone may have a particular design style, there are specific design standards that makes a space functional. TV heights, lighting heights, furniture spacing all matter when creating a functional space.”
— Pacaso interior design teamFor instance, every seat should have a tabletop nearby to place drinks, books or other items. Every sink needs a plush towel within arm’s reach. And a faucet installed above the stovetop can certainly streamline the cooking process.These simple but intentional placements make for a sophisticated approach to a room’s overall design.4. Curated lighting
Lighting may be one of the most important design elements of any home because it affects how we see the rest of the interior design, like shining light on a piece of special artwork or a rare houseplant. Light fixtures can even be a piece of art in themselves. For example, if a room teems with natural light, opt for a more ornamental fixture (like a chandelier with fewer bulbs) that doubles as a statement piece or focal point in a room.5. Various textures
A variety of textures can bring depth to a room and make for a more well-rounded experience. Remember that sleek surfaces bring a modern mood to a space, while fluffy Moroccan rugs can achieve a sense of coziness. Pair them together in a luxury home’s interior and you have multiple sensory experiences.6. Innovative color palettes
Clean white walls are rarely considered the apex of luxury interior design. Ornate wallpaper and innovative color palettes, on the other hand, speak volumes of the restraint it takes to fill a space.Dark walls, for example, can bring a bit of drama and grandeur to a room. Mixing patterns and thematic color palettes can also create a customized version of luxury. Keep in mind that the colors you choose can also affect your mood. Bright yellows might be great for an area where you want to focus and be productive, while shades of blue are ideal for areas of relaxation.7. Primary (and secondary) focal points
A focal point guides your eyes across a room, often admiring the secondary focal points along the way. The idea here is that you don’t need to be overwhelmed with what to give attention to in a room — after all, that’s not a luxurious experience.Oftentimes, a room’s layout determines the focal point in the room, like a fireplace in the living room or an island in the kitchen. But you can create a brand-new point, too. Sculptures or other pieces of art are one such example.Design tip |
Every item in the room shouldn't be a showstopper. In order for the whole design to feel elevated and luxurious, it’s important that some items play a secondary role to the overall aesthetic of the design. |