What are luxury interiors?

One of the MOST common questions I get asked is how do I achieve a luxury interior look? Second to ‘how do I create a champagne look on a beer budget’. To answer the second question, is that possible? Well…. yes, however, the extent of this, you do need to be very realistic (I am frank sometimes…. sorry!)

Let’s start by unpacking the fundamentals of a luxury look. I could sum it up in one word really…. shiny. Shiny floors, shiny lights, reflective shine (mirrors), mirrored furniture and velvet is making a HUGE comeback!

For something (anything) to be pure luxury, it also needs to be comfortable. But again, let’s be realistic, sometimes pieces aren’t, they simply just look incredible! These are why we hence call them ‘occasional’ furniture…. and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that either! For a whole space to look like luxury though, one needs to think about the space in its entirety ie, you can create a luxe feel by adding some mirrored furniture and perhaps a crystal/glass light, but the truth is, unless you also have the rug, curtains, lighting (all), decor and most importantly the luxe wall colour/material…. it’s going to be hard to pull off a full luxe aesthetic. Yes, this does cost!

Would I recommend a ‘luxe’ look in a non-luxe room…. mmmm, no. Sometimes it can just look worse to be honest. What do I mean by that? Well, I would recommend choosing pieces that you both love AND fit with the style of the home. What do I mean by this? If you purchase a large open plan, exposed red brick, industrial style dwelling…. then subconsciously you must love that style…. in which case, I’d recommend styling it with pieces that work with the colours and textures of the space. No, I absolutely would not recommend decking it out with boat oars and coral for a Hampton’s look. But what about if we’re renting I hear you say. Well, I’ll say what I’ve always said, purchase pieces you love! If you absolutely love it, ONE day when you purchase your dream home (or a home), I can guarantee you’ll still love the piece and you’ll make it fit in this home. I hear people say often they don’t want to spend the money on pieces until they have a home of their own…. my question is why not start purchasing them now?! Just because you’re renting, it doesn’t mean you’re going to treat the piece worse because it’s not in your own home… unless of course you have flatmates… then perhaps hold off.

For true luxury though, these pictures give a little more detail:

1. Shiny floor
2. Mirrors
3. Reflective lighting
4. minimal furniture/decor
5. VERY clean
6. Wall detail

Enjoy! look out for my next few blogs that break down luxury within different interior styles! Bx

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