Luxury is only partly about the furnishings and objects in a room. Luxury also relies upon the basic elements of interior design such as harmony, balance, rhythm, color and scale. For a room to be truly refined and luxurious, it takes a combination of these elements along with fine materials and objects. You can even achieve the look of luxury on a budget. Here are ideas on how to get the look of refined luxury in your home.
A visually balanced space helps create a room that appears well appointed. To attain balance in a room, make sure the furniture pieces are visually weighted the same. Balance is created in this room with symmetry. The sofas flanking the coffee table, the wing chairs at the window and the accessories are all arranged symmetrically, giving this room perfect balance.
The pair of chairs and ottoman on the left balance the sofa on the right, giving this room balance.
A statement piece, such as a dramatic chandelier, can instantly raise the luxury quotient of a room.
An abundance of accessories is not necessary to create a room of luxury. Concentrate on fewer, higher quality pieces for a refined look.
Details and fine materials can bring luxury to a room. The gold trim on this paneling and the gilded accents make for a beautiful entry.
Good lighting can elevate a room, giving it a glow of luxury. Think of lighting in three layers. The first layer is ambient light, that which comes from windows or from overhead lighting. The second layer is accent lighting, from lamps or lighting in shelves. The third layer is task lighting, which may be picture lights or reading lamps.
The right lighting plan highlights the room and gives depth and dimension to the overall space.
Simple furnishings of good quality and a clutter-free space exude luxury. Invest in handsome cabinets or other storage options to keep clutter at bay for a more luxurious space.
Invest in a few stand-out pieces of furniture or art to inspire the design of your room.
Color can translate to luxury when used smartly in a room. Stick with just two or three colors that combine well. Start with two colors and add an accent to those.
Luxury is about comfort and refinement. These are easily achieved with quality furniture, a good lighting plan, refined use of color and the application of the elements of design.
