When clients ask me what they can do to improve their home, I like to start by asking what images create comfort and luxury for them. Now that the weather is getting colder, I’m thinking about what makes a home luxurious, rather than just comfortable. So, I asked my friends to think about their five senses and tell me what luxury means to them.
I started by answering my own question. I’m a down-to-earth kind of gal and my choices don’t cost a lot. It seems that my take on luxury comes down to warmth—I like a big warm bed with soft cotton sheets, a feather duvet, and lots of fluffy, comfy pillows.
Even though my survey was small and very unscientific, I think you will agree with what I discovered. The number one answer that I repeatedly got was a spa-like bathroom, including heated floors, walk-in shower, soothing aromas, and don’t forget the soaker tub! Speaking of hot, sitting beside a crackling fire made the list, as well. And dimmable lights are a girl’s (and sometimes guy’s) best friend.
Thinking of touch, silk, fur, and angora all feel luxurious. But how do you include it without breaking the bank? Cushions, a faux-fur throw at the end of the bed, or off-the-rack, faux-silk drapery will give you that luxurious look you crave.
Luxury also means items that please the eye. That’s when the warmth of a beautiful wood finish, pretty wallpaper, or the soft gold tone of polished metal fixtures does the trick. Are you crazy for crystal? I can understand why. The gleam, the shine, and the sparkle scream luxury. In chandeliers, glass, and tableware—even beaded pillows—crystals are almost as good as diamonds!
Some other items that made the list were: red wine, bouquets of fresh flowers, chocolates on the pillow, and surround sound—all wonderful and not terribly expensive. And funny enough, size doesn’t matter with these ladies—in a home, that is! Huge homes don’t equal luxury, it’s what you do with the size that matters!
The one thing that we can all appreciate is the luxury of convenience—and it touches our lives in the simplest of ways. Think about the convenience of a good floor plan, large closets, or Wi-Fi. To me, my programmable dishwasher and my laptop are simple luxuries in my home, and every day I thank my lucky stars that I’m living this luxurious life.
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