There are a lot of misconceptions about luxury interior design. Many think luxury has to cost half their paycheck. Others think it means white walls, white furniture and white countertops. These misconceptions exist for many reasons, but they’ve magnified thanks to the influence of celebrities and social media. We scroll enviously as influencers sell us a lifestyle and fall into what I like to call the “Have to Have Trap.”
The “Have to Have trap” is a luxury interior designer’s worst nightmare. It tricks people into choosing the same uncomfortable, expensive couch owned by everyone on their Instagram feed instead of finding the things they actually like
The truth is, luxury means something different to everyone because, at its core, luxury is about feeling at ease. When clients come to me asking for luxury interior design, I don’t scour the Instagram feeds of their favorite celebrities to understand what luxury means to them.
I consider three simple things: timelessness, feeling, and joy.
Timelessness
Trends come and go, but personal design preferences tend to stay the same. When I’m considering luxurious items for my clients, I ask about things like their lifelong favorite color, favorite knick knacks from their grandparents house and the thing they loved in their first apartment. If their favorite color has always been blue, why would they have to paint their walls white? Incorporating elements clients already love into their spaces makes them feel at ease. Just like that, they’re on the way to luxury.
Feeling
A big component of comfort comes from the way things feel, whether it’s a soft rug or a cozy couch. One of the great myths of luxury interior design is that it has to be cold, harsh and uncomfortable. Remember those couch covers your grandparents had in their house? Many believe that luxury design should be seen, and not felt. I’m here to tell you that that is far from the truth.
When I’m trying to learn what items my clients like, I ask them about the textures they enjoy feeling– things like cashmere, velvet, and silk. Then, I find fabrics that work for their lifestyle. Believe it or not, performance fabric can be very luxurious, you just need to know where to look to find those silky styles that are hardy and easy to clean. Because what’s the point of luxury if you can’t live in it?
Joy
When I have a solid foundation of good-feeling furniture and timeless design elements, I turn to the last ingredient of luxury design: joy. The decorative elements in a luxurious space don’t have to be expensive pieces of artwork or glass blown sculptures. The most luxurious accents are those that make you smile. When I get to know my clients, I learn all about their favorite artists, family stories and vacation spots. To make a space feel truly relaxing, I like to tie it together using items that are sure to bring my clients joy. These items are one-of-a-kind, just like the clients we work with. It always turns a space from something beautiful, to something that feels like home.
Don’t fall into the “Have to Have Trap” for your next home remodel. Consider working with our team to turn your space from lackluster to luxury!
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