Don’t we all dream of living in a luxurious home, replete with rich staples and wow-worthy finds? It’s a relief that a lavish interior style needn’t be limited to only palatial properties or bungalows. A slice of opulence can be brought into apartments and studio homes, too, just like in spacious abodes, by adding a few choice elements and features. Here’s how you can transform your ordinary home into a stylish and opulent sanctuary.
Expert advice: Architect and interior designer Bindu Vadera of Varya
Globus Builder
1. Use rich wall treatments, textures, paints or wallpapers
Walls set the stage for a room – consider metallic-sheen paints, attention-grabbing wallpapers or unique wall accents to give your home a lavish look. “Wall finishes can vary from historical, modern, sophisticated, to industrial. In fact, you can make your home luxurious just by playing with walls; furniture is incidental. Use mouldings, cornices or ceiling rosettes. European homes are so beautifully layered and textured that they are complete even without any furniture,” Bindu Vadera says.
Aamir and Hameeda Associates
You can also consider paint panoramics, mirrors, fabric coverings, wall mouldings, classic wood panelling and of course, paint textures in various styles and hues. “The options in these are endless. Marmo plaster and stucco from Ultratech or Asian Paints are worth the extra expense,” Vadera says.
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Class apart
2. Choose statement furniture pieces
If you’re looking to give your home a plush look, consider pieces that will make an instant impression. “A rock crystal tabletop on an oversized coffee table, a carved stone console or my personal favourite, a full floor-to-ceiling mirror on a stunning frame are a few ways to create statement pieces. Jasper, pyrite, amethyst or topaz tabletops in the dining or living room make a great impression. In large settings, go bold with oversized furniture peppered with bright cushions,” Vadera says.
Do keep in mind that it’s important to maintain a balance between the essential and the statement pieces.
Fadd Studio
Space can be a constraint in studio, city apartments – bring in furniture with intricate or elaborate details to add to the opulence. You can also define zones by dividing the rooms with screens, carpets or bookshelves.
“A really beautiful crystal stool, tables with inlay work or a designer sofa can do the job. Also, try to include furniture that can have multiple functions like a nest of tables that can be stacked together, a dining table that can be converted into a desk or a sofa that opens out into a bed,” Vadera says.
Ashleys
For a home that says luxury, an indulgent bedroom is imperative, after all, this is where you spend most of your quality time. Away from the prying eyes of visitors, make this an oasis of beauty, replete with top-notch finds and furniture. “I love four poster beds draped with sheer fabric, layered with cushions in different sizes, large bedside tables and beautiful hanging lights. An armchair with an ottoman to sink into, or a chaise lounge for a quick read can complete your bedroom,” Vadera suggests.
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Alex Maguire Photography
3. Furnish with high-quality fabrics
“A room with expensive furniture and attention-grabbing walls can fall flat if the fabrics don’t follow the design scheme. For living rooms, I suggest satin or velvet upholstery and embroidered or textured cushions. I personally like D’Decor, The Pure Concept and Atmosphere – these are tried and tested brands and have been around for a while. Carpets and dhurries help in pulling rooms together,” Vadera says.
kinche
“I am also very partial towards natural and organic fabrics like linens and cottons. Some of the blends available now give a totally natural look and feel,” Vadera says.
r+d Studio
4. Purchase good art
Art is also associated with luxury – beautiful European palaces, Indian forts and havelis (old, Indian palatial homes) are all filled with various eye-catching portraits, sculptures and paintings. “Buying art today has become so easy. There are galleries, various websites and fairs that cater to all budgets. One should consider unique creations and look out for new and upcoming artists but most importantly, purchase what calls out to you. When I was younger, I would regularly visit Delhi College of Arts to buy creations by new and upcoming artists,” Vadera says.
Jarlath Mellett
Apart from paintings, Vadera also suggests accessories that can be used as art pieces. “You can use sculptures, hang tapestries, Pichhwais (intricately weaved or painted cloth hangings, used as backdrops in temples), photographs, mirrors or alters. Sometimes looking at an old, grand building can give you ideas. For instance, the decor of a church in Goa inspired me to use stone as a piece of art on the walls,” Vadera says.
Group DCA
5. Choose period lights for grandeur
“Since interiors designed by me are very eclectic, I like to mix both period lighting with contemporary. You could consider antique chandeliers or even handis (hanging glass pots). I always feel that lights that have some historical relevance inadvertently bring a sense of timeless charm with them” Vadera says.
Khosla Associates
She also suggests that while designing a space, the ambience should be kept warm and inviting. One shouldn’t choose lamps that are too bright as the strong light makes the space look harsh. A space should have the right play of ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps. “Great lighting will bring your home to life. I think Klove Studio makes the most beautiful lights – each is a masterpiece,” Vadera says.
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Tip: A great place to install a lighting piece is at the entrance. After all, this is what sets the tone of what is inside. “Place a table or a console there and suspend an important chandelier to make an impression,” Vadera says.
Shabnam Gupta
A place where you probably often socialise is the terrace or the garden. This is another section of the home that deserves luxury. “Use hurricane lamps, lots of candles and concealed lighting. It’s nice to have everything subdued yet stylish and romantic,” says Vadera.
Souk
6. Decorate your home with antique accessories
“Today, there is a rising demand for vintage items. People want to fill their homes with unique pieces. You can choose to have candelabras, brass statues or crystal pieces. In case you aren’t too keen on investing in expensive pieces, you can visit chor bazaars (flea markets) to find reproductions. You can find some amazing products in Mumbai, Kochi and Kolkata,” Vadera says.
Read more:
10 Ways to Bring Luxury Into Your Home
Houzz Tour: A Delhi Home Dials Up on Luxury
Tell us:
How have you made your home more opulent and luxurious? Tell us in Comments below.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of luxury home design, with a wealth of practical experience and an extensive understanding of the intricacies involved, I find myself resonating with the expert advice provided by Bindu Vadera, an accomplished architect and interior designer from Varya Globus Builder. The principles outlined in the article align seamlessly with the core tenets of creating opulent living spaces.
Let's delve into each concept mentioned by Bindu Vadera:
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Rich Wall Treatments and Finishes:
- Walls play a pivotal role in setting the tone of a room. Vadera recommends using metallic-sheen paints, attention-grabbing wallpapers, and unique wall accents. The suggestion to explore historical, modern, sophisticated, or industrial finishes provides a broad spectrum of options.
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Statement Furniture Pieces:
- Vadera emphasizes the use of furniture as key elements in achieving a plush look. The suggestion of incorporating rock crystal tabletops, carved stone consoles, and full floor-to-ceiling mirrors as statement pieces adds a layer of sophistication. The advice to balance essential and statement pieces is crucial for a harmonious design.
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Furnishing with High-Quality Fabrics:
- The choice of fabrics is deemed essential in enhancing the overall design scheme. Vadera recommends satin or velvet upholstery for living rooms and advocates for trusted brands like D’Decor, The Pure Concept, and Atmosphere. The mention of natural and organic fabrics such as linens and cottons adds a touch of authenticity to the opulent theme.
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Investing in Art:
- Art is positioned as a luxury element, with Vadera suggesting the ease of acquiring unique creations from galleries, websites, and fairs. The advice to purchase what resonates personally and the inclusion of various art forms, including sculptures, tapestries, and photographs, broadens the scope of artistic expression.
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Period Lights for Grandeur:
- Lighting is considered a crucial element in creating an opulent ambiance. Vadera recommends a mix of period lighting with contemporary designs, citing antique chandeliers and handis as examples. The emphasis on warm and inviting lighting, as well as the mention of specific lighting designers like Klove Studio, showcases a nuanced understanding of the role of lighting in luxury design.
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Antique Accessories:
- The rising demand for vintage items is acknowledged, with Vadera suggesting the inclusion of candelabras, brass statues, or crystal pieces. The mention of flea markets in Mumbai, Kochi, and Kolkata as sources for unique finds demonstrates a practical approach to achieving opulence within varying budgets.
In conclusion, the amalgamation of these concepts, as advocated by Bindu Vadera, provides a comprehensive guide for individuals aspiring to transform their homes into stylish and opulent sanctuaries. The nuanced recommendations showcase a deep understanding of design principles and a commitment to creating spaces that exude luxury and sophistication.
