Designing for Luxury and Function: 4 Practical Tips for High-End Interiors
When it comes to high-end residential design, achieving a balance between functionality and elegance is key. While luxury is often associated with opulence and grandeur, I believe that a truly sophisticated interior seamlessly combines style and functionality. In this blog post, I’ll share the guidelines I follow when designing high-end interiors for our clients.
Start with a Well-Planned Layout
The foundation of any successful interior design project is a well-thought-out layout. If the floorplan is too crowded with furniture, or doesn’t work for all the things that the room is going to be used for (e.g. kids’ playdates during the day and entertaining at night), then no matter how beautiful the space is, it will end up being unsuccessful because it just doesn’t work. In your home, therefore, you should carefully consider the flow of the space, the placement of furniture, and the function(s) each room has to play. Choose floor plans that allow for easy movement between spaces - the sophistication of the space will follow.
Choose Quality Materials
Investing in high-quality materials is essential for creating an elegant interior that stands the test of time. Opt for finishes that are timeless and durable such as marble and wood, or a man-made material like silestone. Speaking of wood, high quality wooden floors (whether solid wood or engineered wood), are always a better choice compared to a thin laminate or “wood look” vinyl. Don’t skimp on materials - they are the foundation pieces of your space and are key contributors to the overall long term functionality and beauty.
Emphasize Comfort and Livability
Remember not to sacrifice comfort at the expense of aesthetics! Choose furniture and decor pieces that are both stylish and practical. In today’s market there are plenty of sofas and lounge chairs that are contemporary, attractive and comfortable. Fabrics are part of this equation too; make sure that you get a chance not only to sit in the chairs that you’re purchasing, but also feel the material it is covered in. There’s nothing worse than trying to relax on a scratchy couch! Incorporating smart technology into high-end interiors is another way to enhance comfort and livability: Many of our clients are now choosing to install features that add convenience (which then result in up-levelling of their homes) such as: smart lighting systems, automated window treatments, and integrated sound and home security.
Pay Attention to Detail
Last but not least, the key to achieving a true luxury interior lies in giving proper attention to the details that are ubiquitous in every home: door handles, faucets, sockets, light fixtures etc. They are the elements that people might not necessarily notice outright (if at all), but if they are thoughtfully chosen, will end up differentiating a mundane space from a well-designed one. Be sure to choose your hardware finishes (e.g. brushed gold, matte black etc.), your switchplates (e.g. match them to the wall or tile color to blend in) and kitchen cabinet knobs (look at the metals in the room and complement them, or choose a color that makes them less noticeable depending on what you want to highlight the most in the room). This high level of specification will instantly elevate the overall design.
So there you have it - the key areas of focus when I design for our clients at B Squared Design. By prioritizing space planning, choosing quality materials, remembering comfort, incorporating smart technology, and paying attention to details, I ensure that our interiors are practical and stunning. That’s why our tagline is “Livable Luxury!” Want to achieve this in your own home? Schedule a call with me and we can discuss a plan of action!
