The desire for a luxurious home, where one can relax and rejuvenate, is irresistible. But luxury doesn’t mean giant chandeliers and larger-than-life wall decorations. A minimalist home can also be uber-luxe.
Rahul Mistry, founder and principal designer of Open Atelier, Mumbai, says the key to a great design is experimentation and exploration. They say that today’s diverse range and availability means that creating a luxurious interior is at our fingertips. Design themes depend on personal preference, but all choices must be mindful of incorporating sustainability in today’s world.
Insider by earth experts Photo credit: Special Arrangements
George E. Ramapuram, Principal Architect and Managing Director of Architects, says that we bring India’s rich history and culture to the ultimate sophistication by uniquely designing, sourcing, designing and curating spaces and furniture. Here’s how:
Work on the roof.
Ceilings can hold a room together, but “connecting surfaces” are often overlooked when it comes to creating a statement and elevated experience.
Mistry believes that ceiling details can significantly influence how a space is perceived, whether through paint, coating, or a material finish such as veneer or laminate to act as a focal point. “Similarly, an elaborate lighting fixture or a bold pattern that can complement the spatial arrangement of the room enhances the overall layout of the space. Experimenting with volume and surfaces is another aspect that opens up multiple possibilities,” they say.
Casa Bohemia by Open Atelier | Photo credit: Special Arrangements
In addition to painting the ceiling, you can paint it a dark color to create a cocoon-like feel, use jewel tones to create an elegant feel, and add character and warmth by clad in wood to create depth. Can use panels or cupboards to do this. Use statement ceiling paper for an elegant, or bold look.
Try custom furniture.
According to Devika Khosla, creative director of The Works Interiors, furniture customized to a customer’s specific needs and aesthetics has always had an edge over mass-produced furniture available in stores across India.
Designed by The Works Interiors Photo credit: Special Arrangements
Why should you choose it? Bespoke furniture works best as it can be designed to ensure it meets all your requirements, be it style, size, wood type/upholstery and finish. Crafted by artisans with years of experience, it’s of the highest quality and attention to detail — ensuring it stands out. Additionally, it can help you expand storage throughout the home even as you work to fit the best possible option into your budget. “Bespoke furniture can enhance and elevate everyday experiences. Comfort, soft edges, and a few quirky elements that help escape the mundane are needed at times,” says Khosla.
Embrace the curves.
Walls and ceilings meet at right angles, making each room square or rectangular. Furniture adds to this, creating modern, straight silhouettes. Enter vintage curves and arches, which add flow and dynamics and create a high-end sound. Be it pointed arches, scalloped edges, padded poufs, round coffee tables or rectangular objects, curves can be used throughout the home. Mistry suggests adopting and incorporating swirling elements to bring elevation and fluidity.
Casa Bohemia by Open Atelier | Photo credit: Special Arrangements
“In addition to safety, introducing curved sofas and furniture with rounded edges can add softness to the environment. Curves can be integrated through almost anything, from focal walls to lighting modules, of different materials. through collections,” he says.
Curves can be used in both traditional and contemporary schemes, hard lines go well with soft curves. In a small room, they translate into an easy-going environment. In a large space, they create a cozy, warm feeling.
Choose natural materials.
Ramapuram believes that natural materials can be an unconventional way to add an understated luxury to the home, especially the bedroom. He feels that scraps of local construction waste and other commonly overlooked materials can breathe life into a space. “Bedrooms with natural materials support a healthy sleep environment and guarantee greater comfort and relaxation. Naturally sourced materials such as reclaimed teak wood and local stone are ideal for bedrooms. make ideal building materials for. Such local materials create a warm, inviting environment that creates comfort. Sourced locally, they have a low carbon footprint and reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals. improve indoor air quality. Importantly, these are sustainable and eco-friendly options,” he says.
Kitchen Interiors by Earth Experts | Photo credit: Special Arrangements
Earthy color palettes are a popular choice for rooms that use natural materials. Reclaimed teak wood furniture with ‘live’ edges fits effortlessly into this design aesthetic. Using bedding materials such as linen, cotton and wool can help regulate temperature, keeping the bedroom cool in the summer and warm in the winter, creating a comfortable sleep environment.
Paintings on the walls
The walls date back to 30,000 BC, with the oldest artwork appearing in Chauvet Cave, France. A piece of graphic artwork that is painted or applied directly to a wall or ceiling, it creates drama and impact. Mistry says all the luxurious details don’t have to break the bank, and walls can be a great solution.
Interior by Open Atelier Photo credit: Special Arrangements
“The level of personalization in murals is a game-changer in transforming the innermost shell of a space into an immersive one. They can be added without altering the shell and have a remarkable textural quality while influencing the mood and well-being of the end user. can be increased,” he says.
Wall techniques such as fresco, mosaic, graffiti, and maruflage, along with the judicious use of pattern, print, and color can make a powerful statement and add luxury to any room.
Follow biophilic design.
Ramapuram makes a case for biophilic design, incorporating natural materials and light, vegetation, views of nature, and other connections to nature into the modern built environment.
Insider by earth experts Photo credit: Special Arrangements
Large openings like balconies or clear glass windows can create the illusion of more space in smaller rooms, he says. “An abundance of natural light improves the overall ambiance and appearance of a space. In addition, natural light is beneficial for overall well-being and helps maintain the human circadian rhythm and the body’s production of melatonin, which regulates sleep.” is a hormone,” says the architect.
He added that a visual connection with nature brings peace and tranquility to the mind and soul. “An unobstructed view with beautiful views of greenery is bound to do wonders for one’s mental health. Strategically placed windows help in cross-ventilation. It not only reduces the accumulation of pollutants in the indoor air. improves the quality of air but also reduces the need for artificial ventilation. Taking advantage of natural light and ventilation makes a project energy efficient and easy on the pocket,” he says.
Create more impact.
Walls and ceilings make an impact, but so do upholstery and wallpaper. Raj Khosla, managing director of The Works Interiors, is all for wallpaper because it is “aesthetically pleasing and offers a quick changeover time”. He feels that wallpapers are developed with quality of life and offer a huge range.
Designed by The Works Interiors Photo credit: Special Arrangements
“From digital, abstract and floral prints to 3D wallpapers, you can choose different colours, textures, prints and patterns to make a bold statement depending on the desired ambience and aesthetic,” he says.
Khosla suggests investing more in upholstery, a part of home decor that adds significantly to the aesthetics of a space. “Go the extra mile and choose luxe fabrics through throws and rugs. Also, check if the fabric can be recycled. Natural textiles and furnishings such as linen, cotton and silk are best,” he says. are
