If you’re trying to create a stately look in an older home that has a more traditional design sense, then instead of trying to modernize it and pave over the unique features it has brought forward with it, you should try to make use of them. Fireplaces are not as commonly found in newer homes, but rather than treating them like a relic, you should try to make better use of them, whether it’s by using them as a place to host a vignette that emphasizes the chosen aesthetic of the room, or building a feature wall around it, to emphasize its unique profile. Consider the other architectural features in the room that you could make good use of.
Use luxury art to create a feature wall
Feature walls are great for a host of reasons. Practically, they can help improve the acoustics of a room, as bare walls in large rooms can create big echoes. They can also help your home look a lot less empty. There are various ways to create feature walls, using things like paneling, lighting fixtures, mirrors, and the like, but art has the ability to bring a certain sense of life, creativity, and intention to your space, as well. Which art fits the room best will depend on both the room and the style, like these Artelier bedroom pieces. You want to avoid anything that looks too pop art or overly kitsch. Old-fashioned isn’t always bad, but you do risk emulating the motel art look if you’re not careful in picking pieces with real impact.
Situate it around a focal point
Whether your home has long-standing architectural features like a hearth, or you decide to emphasize the more glamorous or artistic pieces mentioned above, it’s a good idea to create a focal point in your room. A focal point draws the eye, and how the rest of the room is organized around that point can give you the opportunity to create a viewpoint that truly wows anyone who visits it. Depending on the features that the room has, your focal point might already be decided for you. For instance, if you have a fireplace, then you might want to arrange the seating so that it loosely surrounds the hearth on all sides.
Invest in good fabrics
Whether you’re opting for carpets, rugs, your upholstery on your furniture, or even soft furnishings like your throws and curtains, you should make sure that you make a real investment in high-quality fabrics. Synthetic blends, for the most part, feel and look cheap, and if you’ve spent time and money elevating the rest of the space they can really end up dragging it back down. Get to know your luxury fabrics, from silk and linen to chiffon and lace. Each has its place, and different aesthetic qualities that they can help bring out of a room. Be intentional with your choices and make sure that you’re choosing based not just on how they look, but the tactile comfort and warmth you might want from them, as well.
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Your choice of walls
The walls of any room play an important part in setting the scene and establishing an aesthetic and can serve as the basis of the room’s palette. However, if you’re opting for a real look of luxury and prestige, then you might want to go a step further than simply choosing the right shade of paint. Cladding has become more popular with walls as of late, with panels able to represent both the look and feel of things like real brick and stone. However, a simpler option, and one that’s easier to replace, is high-end wallpaper. Find all York collections here for an example of high-end, traditional wallpapers that emulate the design elements that have long found their place in the classiest of homes. Perfect for establishing an air of authority within a space.
Pay attention to the details
Giving your home a sense of prestige and sophistication is all about having the time and the eye to make sure that even the little details stand up to enough scrutiny. As such, you should take the time to look at the hardware in each room and recognize when they need to be replaced with high-end alternatives. For places like the kitchen and backroom, this is likely to mean your faucets, while in other rooms, it might mean things like your cabinet handles, or door handles. Options like the Hawk Hill Collection can help you browse a wide range of hardware styles so that you can make sure that you’re choosing the upgrades that still fit with the overall aesthetic you have created.
Splash some cash
Water features have long been something of a signifier of wealth and privilege. Not only does it cost a considerable sum to install them, but they also require work and funding for their upkeep to ensure that they stay in good shape. However, water features don’t have to be relegated to the outdoors alone. Custom indoor water features have started to become more popular in high-end homes, even in residential spaces. Aside from indoor pools, more people have started to install things like indoor fountains and water walls that can bring the tranquility and relaxation associated with the sounds of water into their own homes.
Prestige is all about how you are able to present your home to others. It’s about delving into the more luxurious side of home decor, showcasing a sense of history and importance, and recognizing the value of high-quality materials and craft. Not every modern home fits the prestigious look, but some can benefit greatly from it.
