Property listings just LOVE using the words "luxury" and high-end" for just about anything that is slightly better than what you can often find on the no so impressive property market these days - especially in the UK.
An apartment in a newbuild block will be classified as "luxury" - very often just because it has white walls, new appliances, probably a white kitchen and larger than usual windows.
I should know! I lived a few of these in London over the years.
But no, "new" is not what makes a home high-end, let alone "luxury"!
What then?
Attention to details - #1 in every high-end home
It's so basic and doesn't even cost a penny!
The simple fact that you think through how things will be executed is the key element what I am talking about.
💕How will your different floor finishes meet
💕Where do you see cut tiles in your bathroom
💕Is everything a perfect fit or will you rely on a lot of mastic
💕Do you work with comprehensive colour scheme from right at the beginning
💕Do you think ahead to be able to hide technology and services
💕Does your layout give you the "flow" according to your lifestyle
💕Do you include enough storage space to be able keep your home tidy and clutter free
Most of the above cost nothing when you plan ahead but make or break the final look - or end up costly to fix retrospectively.
Spaciousness
Space is luxury on many property market. In busy cities even the tiny apartments have a very high price tag, so to achieve something high end might seem impossible.
While it might be challenging sometimes, it isn't impossible.
👌Fitted storage that is customised on the inside to your needs in EVERY room
👌Furniture pieces on legs
👌Thoughtful colour scheme
👌Open plan layout (Not convinced about this? Read my article on this here.)
👌Keeping your space clutter-free
All the above can be achieved on any size footprint. Now, of course, if you are to live in a small apartment you will certainly need to reduce your belongings and store the rest in a very smart way, just like it happened on this project in a small 2 bedroom apartment in Camden, London, where the homeowner had LOADS of stuff, actually, but really wanted a minimalist, high-end look.
Timeless design & quality material
The secret to a high-end home is that it will feel contemporary and relevant many many years after it was created. And that can only be achieved with timeless design.
High-end homes avoid trends and just look for quality and beauty.
Just a side note: trends aren't necessarily bad. Some actually become timeless! But do steer clear from trends that are advertised by suppliers or YouTube gurus. Those are just like fast fashion - only be around for a season or two.
With regards to quality material, I can also just give you an example from fashion. You know, how a cool style top or dress just does not look good because the cheap material they used to make them let it down. Even some that looks good when new, will probably sag or deform after a couple of washes. Not worth it.
Same with materials chosen for your home, cheap material will look cheap at the beginning and/or will age badly - if they even last that long.
Your hard finishes (that are built in and difficult/messy to change later) should absolutely be of high quality.
Source: Havwoods
Lighting design
High-end homes don't just have some ceiling spots, floor and table lamps.
No. They have all the layers of lighting!
They often hire specialist lighting designers, but a lot of interior designers (me included) also provide this service.
When your lighting is designed ALONGSIDE with your space planning and furniture layout, that is when you feel an effortless luxury at home. Your light sources will be exactly where they have to be in order to support your lifestyle as you go through your day.
🛋️Lighting isn't only functional though, it can add another layer of beauty to your home.
🛋️It can add or take away from the mood, the feeling you experience in your home.
🛋️Features of your home or artwork can be accentuated by light.
🛋️Lighting can be used as a design feature along your stairs, along walls and ceiling. And it should, in a high-end home!
Art
Now that is one thing that most people will not have! So, if you really want to elevate your home to another level, show how unique a person you are, I recommend you invest in artwork.
This can put your home into the luxury category straightaway, depending on your choice.
I will soon write another blog post that will compare high-end vs luxury homes....
Having said all that, a fine art is more affordable than most people think, so if this is something you are interested in, I promise you, money will be no problem here.
Visit some local galleries, if you can, and see it for yourself. Up and coming artist create awesome pieces with fairly small price tags and you may end up making money in the mid / long term.
This is how I advise you choose artwork for your home:
Choose an extraordinary investment piece (puts your home in luxury category, make sure you have the right insurance and talk to respectable art dealers)
Choose ANYTHING you love! Artwork has to be personal.
You choose an artist and commission a piece that is made for you!
WARNING: you don't have to "understand" art to enjoy it!
You don't know where to even start? I recommend you brows Clarendon Fine Art because they have a wide range of style and price, lots of artwork can be found on their website - just to have a feel what's available - and they have galleries all over the country
Source: Clarendon Fine Art
Automation, privacy and security
And then, all tech!
Things that make life easier on an every day basis.
✨Motorised curtains, blinds, shutters
✨Smart climate and lighting control
✨Central vacuum
✨Integrated sounds system
✨Smart appliances
✨Voice controls
The list is getting endless these days!
Final Thoughts
A high-end home isn’t just about look—it’s about creating an experience tailored to the people who live there.
That, combined with quality and effortless, timeless design, elevated even further with unique art is what makes a home high end!
Until later, x Agi
If you need help creating quite luxury in your home, why don't you book a call and find out how I can help you!
Fancy giving it a try by yourself but need some help and guidance? My online course is what you need!
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