Interior design styles come and go—but there are some that are truly timeless. Read: Modern Luxury. A design aesthetic that blends the contemporary elements of a modern interior (clean lines, neutral colors, simplicity) with the sophistication of luxury interiors (high-quality materials, unique craftsmanship, elegance).
What makes modern luxury so special, though? Let’s study it more closely.
What is Modern Luxury Design?
Modern luxury interior design brings the best of both worlds: contemporary + opulent. The basic goal is to design an interior that feels fresh with a focus on simplicity—and functionality. It draws inspiration from movements like Art Deco and Bauhaus; the reason why we see a touch of Hollywood glamor in such spaces.
Key Elements of Modern Luxury Design
High-Quality Materials
The secret to achieving the look (and feel) of true luxury. Think polished marble, rich hardwoods, velvet upholstery, glittering metallic accents… to name a few. The purpose is to add an air of class that combines modernism with luxury.
Better yet, find high-quality materials derived from sustainable sources. Reclaimed wood and salvaged glass being just two of the countless options.
And… to stay true to your desire for minimalism (which is also an essential in modern interiors), your choice of materials should not overwhelm the space. Some materials might clash with others. Say pairing a rich cherry wood with a light, cool-toned oak. Doesn’t look the best, does it? So it’s always good to exercise some caution when choosing what to work with.
A Restrained Approach
Hold back, in everything. The colors. The textures. The accents. Everything.
Modern luxury highlights minimalist charm. Clean lines. Minimal clutter. Uniform aesthetic. Neutral palettes. Basically whatever gives the room a toned-down aesthetic—while prioritizing practicality and comfort.
Innovative Lighting
Creative lighting solutions are as much about art as good illumination. Consider a layered scheme; one that incorporates all three types (ambient, task, and accent).
You have plenty of options here. Could be an artsy light fixture that serves as a focal point in itself, or perhaps a more subtle installation that draws the eye to a specific area of interest.
Equally essential is natural light—let it in, and see the magic.
Reflective Finishes
A detail that seems insignificant, but adds so much to the overall aesthetic. Reflective surfaces enhance the brightness—and fill that missing piece you can’t seem to put your finger on. Even the simplest additions, like mirrored panels, would do the job.
Muted, Rich Color Palettes
Muted, to nod to modernism. Rich, to nod to luxury interiors.
Neutrals like whites and soft grays are common for the base, though also expect to see earthy hues, such as dark brown. Any color accents should be kept rich & deep, not bright/perky; deep emerald, navy, burgundy being popular favorites.
Crisp Lines—and Defined Silhouettes
If there’s one thing that’s instantly noticeable about all modern luxury interiors, it’s that each element is so clearly defined. Furniture will always have a defined silhouette. Decor accents will only include pieces that reflect meaning. Storage solutions will be streamlined. Window treatments will be carefully tailored. Every single detail gets the attention it needs… and why not? We’re decorating an interior where comfort is a priority but chunk is least desired.
How to Create Modern Luxury Interior
High-Quality Flooring
The base of the whole design—and the tone-setter. It needs to be luxurious.
Marble effect ceramic tile is a popular choice in the interior design world, but we know, not every home has a base sturdy enough for a heavy floor treatment. Luxurious herringbone wood floors can be an alternative here, that, too, a wonderful one. Plush, high-quality carpet also works, but make sure it’s not something too colorful; neutral-toned, minimal floor coverings look perfect in interiors where minimalism is the focus.
Treat Your Walls as a Canvas
Cool creams, greys, and whites are wonderfully versatile shades—and also ones that look great in modern luxury interiors. But if you’re really looking to push the boat and make waves… it’s well worth exploring murals and luxury wallpapers. Even better, try a dreamy marble pattern for a luxe accent wall (yes, you can’t have enough marble in this design style).
Invest in Bespoke Storage Solutions
Clutter, one thing that really spoils the aesthetic of a modern luxury interior. The style is quite pared-back. All the items are carefully curated. What would it look like to have a hodgepodge of unnecessary items? Not too appealing—and that’s why you need bespoke fitted storage solutions, like…
- Custom wall-to-wall cabinets
- Floating sideboards
- Multifunctional furniture
- Backlit glass cabinets
- Mirrored wardrobe
Use Statement Lighting
Building on the theme of lighting, it’s important to ensure your space gets plenty of it (both artificial and natural). Ideally, natural light is best. If that’s not possible, artificial lighting, of course, is a must, but you’d also want to look into ways to enhance every ray of light available—with ideas like…
- Strategic mirror placement
- Light colors (and high-gloss paints)
- Reflective surfaces
- Open floor plans
- Light wells
- Skylights
Choose Lavish Furniture
This is where you can put your personal stamp on the design, really. Choose furnishings with an eye-catchy, unusual design (preferably those with metallic accents). Could be a minimal stone-top coffee table or a plush 5-seat sofa.
Make sure you don’t sacrifice comfort, though. Modern luxury isn’t about creating a space that feels sterile but about designing a premium feel on every level—that also includes your personal contentment.
Focus on Spacing
There’s no better way to give your space that deluxe ambiance than to give every item plenty of breathing room. Nothing should be crammed, or butted up against each other. The entire point is to open everything out, an idea perfect for open-plan living spaces.
That being said, not every home will have an expansive floor plan. Don’t worry; there’s always a solution. Reduce the accent pieces as well as the negative space around them. Take a step back. Observe. If it still looks cluttered, edit again.
Personalize with Art
A staple of a modern luxury look—but one that needs to be planned carefully. Traditional pieces, for example, have no place in this design style. Abstract or contemporary pieces are what designers suggest. Of course, there’s always room for personalization, especially because opulent interiors welcome high-concept pieces that are a bit different.
Why Modern Luxury Works for Any Space
Simply, because it’s just so beautiful (and versatile; personalize it however you want!). Specifically, because modern luxury blends multiple design styles; minimal; contemporary; luxury; art deco; scandi; industrial… and japandi. Name your favorite aesthetic, and this style offers it 😍
Where to Apply Modern Luxury Design
The most obvious, in upscale homes; interiors where individuals seek a balance between a contemporary and opulent aesthetic. We’ve also seen professionals incorporating the design style in boutique hotels and high-end offices.
Design Your Modern Luxury Home
The design style of your home defines who you are, so choose carefully. And if you can’t seem to figure out which one resonates with your personality, our Scottsdale-based interior designers are ready to help 💙