Design elements for a luxury home: 16 expert tips

Unlock the secrets to transforming any home into a realm of luxury with this comprehensive guide, infused with expert insights. Discover how to curate a space that exudes sophistication and elegance, from the subtle allure of textured fabrics to the bold impact of strategic color choices. Delve into the advice of leading designers to seamlessly integrate high-end design elements that promise to elevate the everyday into extraordinary.

  • Update Tapware to Elevate Home’s Vibe
  • Add Textured Fabrics for Sophistication
  • Use Color to Create Bold Statements
  • Choose Paint Color for Luxurious Feel
  • Combine Candles and Mirrors for Elegance
  • Install Integrated Wine Storage
  • Incorporate Fluted Wall Panels
  • Use High-Quality Natural Materials
  • Add Oversized Trim Work and Moldings
  • Implement Wood Drenching for Luxury
  • Hang Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains
  • Introduce Texture with Wall Paneling
  • Swap Standard Doors for Custom Designs
  • Use Oversized Mirrors Strategically
  • Add Palms to Enhance Vibe
  • Layer Lighting for Sophisticated Ambiance

Update Tapware to Elevate Home’s Vibe

I would recommend updating the tapware in your kitchens and bathroom with brushed nickel or brushed brass to help achieve that luxurious feel. It is a shame that tapware can often be overlooked. This is quite baffling to me as tapware is used every day and is quite visible to everyone who enters your home. Investing in new tapware fixtures with a luxurious feel can 100% immediately elevate the vibe of your home.

Now I’m not just saying this. I practice what I preach! So much so that in my own home I swapped out the standard stainless steel fixtures that were originally installed for my favorite brushed brass taps. But it doesn’t stop there. I also decided to do matching cabinet hardware in my bathroom too for that extra attention to detail. The results are always more impactful than you think! Proof that small details can make a big impact!

Angelique Kreller, Interior Designer, Yabby

Add Textured Fabrics for Sophistication

There is one element especially that can completely change the look of a home and make it look much more luxurious: textured fabrics. For instance, at my place, I ensure that I use velvet cushions and throws in emerald or navy color shades. Not only do these pieces serve the purpose of introducing an element of sophistication but also instill a fair degree of warmth in a home. Velvet gives luster to the room and appears rich which makes anyone willing to spend time in the space comfortable. Furthermore, when these textiles are combined with the pure lines furniture one gets a perfect mix of the luxurious and the contemporary. This small but significant addition can make an entire room look different.

Nitya Seth, Interior Designer, NITYANAMYA

Use Color to Create Bold Statements

Use color! Either a little or a lot, but it is time to move away from that basic white and gray color scheme. Ever since the pandemic, people have been looking to feel comforted and inspired by the atmosphere of their homes and office spaces. Color is more than just a visual element—it can be a psychological and emotional design tool that elevates your home.

First, try some interesting color combinations. Combinations like dusty mauves with greens or terracotta with dark colors (to mix elegance with hominess) can act as unexpected color pairings that bring sophistication to your space. Or, you can go with one of our 2025 predicted color trends like mocha mousse or merlot. If you decide to add these colors in through paint, be sure to use quality paint.

Also, color can create moods, communicate design, and signal high-end sensibility. I love covering the walls, trim, doors, and more with color to create that bold statement look and elicit a reaction from people. I also advise using colors that tell a story about the space. If your home is historic, let the colors display that. If it’s new but you want to give it that old-time feeling, colors can help. I personally like to add fun colors to spaces because it allows my creativity to shine. I truly believe in a “no-rules” approach to design, so I encourage trying any color combination and seeing what speaks to you.

Sarah Kuchar, Creative Director, Kuchar

Choose Paint Color for Luxurious Feel

By far, the biggest design element I have found is paint color. Nothing determines the feel and overall impression of a room more than that. And color can be ultra luxurious. Using a primary color of red can seem abrasive, but adopting traits like tint (adding white), tone (adding gray), and shade (adding black) to red can create a deeper, richer experience. I used this method in a living room once, and it created a look so immersive that friends and I would stare and talk about it while talking in the room with a feeling of extreme comfort, not dissimilar to talking about art.

Ross Robinson, Owner, Rosstopia

Combine Candles and Mirrors for Elegance

Combining candles and mirrors is a design choice that quickly makes a home look more expensive. This combination not only makes a room look classy, but it also gives it depth and warmth. Candles give off a soft glow that mirrors reflect, making the room feel bigger, brighter, and friendlier.

Putting a gold-plated mirror above a console table and setting different kinds of lights on the table has made it the center of attention in my own home. The mirror reflects the flickering candles, making an elegant and fascinating effect. To make the look better, I use candles with different heights and finishes, some in glass holders and others on metal or ceramic bases. This simple but effective set-up makes the room feel fancy and cozy, great for having guests over or just relaxing on a Friday night.

Brady Bridges, Broker/Owner, Reside Real Estate

Install Integrated Wine Storage

We were deciding on what to add to our home when we were planning to upgrade, and we kept bouncing between different ideas. We thought about custom lighting, a statement fireplace, even some architectural details, but nothing felt quite right. Then we landed on integrated wine storage, and I am so glad we did. It instantly made the space more polished and gave it that effortless, luxury feel without being over the top.

Built-in wine storage has this way of making a home feel intentional. It turns a functional item into a statement piece and makes entertaining feel effortless. There’s something about having your favorite bottles beautifully displayed and easily accessible that changes the way a space feels. It signals a level of refinement and thoughtfulness, even if you are not a serious wine collector.

In our own home, we worked with a designer to create a built-in wine wall in the dining area. It blends into the cabinetry, so it does not feel like an afterthought. The mix of glass, wood, and subtle lighting makes it feel like an extension of the room rather than just a storage solution. It is practical, but it has completely changed how we use the space. Guests always gravitate toward it, and it has become part of the experience when we host. Having something that looks beautiful while serving a purpose is always the best kind of luxury.

Jehann Biggs, President & Owner, In2Green

Incorporate Fluted Wall Panels

You don’t have to break the bank to create a home that exudes luxury and style. With some thoughtful design choices and a bit of creativity, you can transform any space into an elegant and well-curated home. One element that transformed my own space was incorporating fluted wall panels in the main living area. These panels added depth and character, creating a sophisticated yet understated feature that elevated the entire room.

In my home, I chose fluted panels crafted from sustainable materials, which aligned with my values while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The panels were placed behind the seating area, creating a visual anchor for the room. To complement the design, I integrated soft, concealed lighting along the edges of the panels. This subtle glow emphasized the texture, especially in the evenings, casting gentle shadows that brought the walls to life.

As the saying goes, the devil is in the details. The panels provided a modern yet timeless backdrop that did not overwhelm the design, allowing the room to feel cohesive and inviting. The interplay of light and texture added a unique charm, turning the living area into a space that felt both stylish and deeply personal. Luxury truly resides in thoughtful details like these.

Dan Davidson, Founder & CEO, Build Team

Use High-Quality Natural Materials

The design element that can significantly enhance a home’s luxury feel is high-quality natural materials, particularly in flooring and countertops. I chose to install wide-plank oak flooring throughout my home. The rich grain and warm tones of the wood create a welcoming ambiance while adding an element of sophistication.

In the kitchen, I used a stunning marble countertop with unique veining that serves as both a functional workspace and a visual centerpiece. The natural beauty of the marble elevates the overall look, making it feel more upscale. I complemented these choices with matching wood cabinetry, which ties the spaces together seamlessly.

In addition to aesthetics, the durability and timelessness of these materials contribute to a sense of luxury. I also added area rugs in key spaces, such as the living room and entryway, made from natural fibers like wool and jute. These rugs add warmth and comfort and enhance the tactile experience of the home.

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

Add Oversized Trim Work and Moldings

From renovating dozens of properties, I’ve learned that oversized trim work and moldings instantly make any space feel more luxurious and custom-built. In my latest project, we upgraded to 7-inch baseboards and added substantial crown molding throughout for about $3,000, which completely transformed basic drywall into elegant, defined spaces. I always tell homeowners this is one of the most cost-effective ways to add architectural interest and that high-end feel everyone wants.

Brandon Beatty, Owner, Southern Hills Home Buyers

Implement Wood Drenching for Luxury

Wood drenching is the art of wrapping a room in rich wood tones, immediately giving any home an understated sense of luxury. This 2025 design trend takes the classic charm of natural wood tones and gives them a modern twist.

My own living room was a nondescript, flat space until I turned it into a sophisticated retreat with the installation of walnut paneling on the walls, combined with oak flooring. Mixing widths and using a matte finish kept the look modern—far from a 1970s flashback—and lent a real contemporary feel to the space. I added a coffered ceiling with recessed lighting to give the room some depth and a little drama. The result is a cohesive, timeless space—just a tad bold.

Furniture choices played a big role in tying everything together. I leaned into mid-century modern classics, such as a teak sideboard and rosewood armchairs upholstered in neutral linen. The interplay of different wood tones brought dimension and interest while keeping the color palette harmonious.

But the trick to making wood drenching work is this: balance. Since too much wood can weigh a room down, I introduced softer textures to balance the hardwood surfaces: a hand-knotted wool rug and flowing silk drapes. For a dose of glamour, I placed metallic accents strategically. They added just enough sparkle to the design without overwhelming it. These layers gave the room an intentional feeling, rather than overwhelming.

What I love most about wood drenching is its connection to nature. It takes in the elements of biophilic design with subtlety and grace, bringing the outdoors inside. The thinking behind choosing just the right kind of wood finishes, furniture, and other materials adds up to a final look that feels timeless and perfectly on point with today’s sensibilities. This is a simple way to build a space not only of luxury but also very personal.

Peter Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer, Strategic Pete

Hang Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

A design element that makes a home instantly feel more luxurious is floor-to-ceiling curtains. They give any space a sense of height and drama, making ceilings appear taller and windows larger. This creates an overall feeling of openness and sophistication that immediately elevates the atmosphere of a room. The way they frame the windows and draw the eye upward brings an elegant balance that other decor elements can’t quite match.

Floor-to-ceiling curtains have a way of making even modest spaces feel grand. They anchor the room and give it a polished, finished look without being overwhelming. What’s more, they complement almost any style, from classic to modern, and can be adapted with subtle patterns, neutral tones, or bold colors to suit the design of the home. This one simple element has the ability to completely transform a space, giving it a luxurious feel that’s both timeless and impressive.

Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical

Introduce Texture with Wall Paneling

As an architectural designer, I love introducing texture into my spaces. Maybe it is a really fun acoustical wall paneling, a handmade backsplash tile, or a great wainscoting. Just visually making a space more interesting with a little more dimension.

Amanda Beaumier, Architectural Designer, Compelling Homes

Swap Standard Doors for Custom Designs

I often prefer swapping out standard doors for custom designs, like panel doors with inlays or arched frames, which instantly elevate the space. I installed a frosted glass door with a geometric pattern for my pantry, giving it a modern, upscale touch. Statement doors add a unique and personal touch to a home, making it feel more luxurious and stylish. They also serve as a focal point in a room, creating visual interest and making the space feel more high-end.

A thoughtfully designed ceiling, such as coffered panels, metallic paint, or intricate molding, can add a layer of sophistication often overlooked. For example, a soft gold metallic paint paired with a crystal chandelier in a dining room creates a sense of grandeur without overwhelming the space. They also add architectural interest and depth to a space, making it feel custom-designed.

I noticed swapping out generic cabinet pulls for custom hardware in mixed metals or crystal instantly upgrades a kitchen or bathroom. I replaced standard knobs with matte black handles inset with quartz accents, giving my kitchen a boutique feel. Custom cabinet hardware adds a touch of luxury and personality to a space, making it feel more high-end and custom-designed. It also serves as a great way to tie in different elements and materials used in the room.

Luca Steinmetz, Founder & CEO, FarAwayHome

Use Oversized Mirrors Strategically

Using oversized statement mirrors strategically can instantly add a sense of luxury to a home. In my dining area, I installed a custom 6-foot mirror with a gilded frame, which reflects natural light and creates the illusion of a larger space. The use of mirrors can improve the appearance of a room by amplifying light and adding elegance. By adding this simple but significant addition, the room became more spacious and inviting.

Ethan Richardson, Financial Consultant, Exquisite Timepieces

Add Palms to Enhance Vibe

Depending on the zone or region where one lives, palms are always a vibe raiser. For the interior, there are also many plants that resemble palms. They just look celebratory in their shape, like fireworks.

Marin Crnic, Host/Owner at holiday rental, Villa Agata Rab

Layer Lighting for Sophisticated Ambiance

Layered lighting! You won’t believe how much difference lighting can make. Lighting can make the same living room feel cold, uninviting, and bland versus sophisticated, moody, and intentional. I’ve layered lighting in my own home by selecting different lights, fixtures, and lumens for different purposes. In my living room, I mix between ambient, task, and accent lighting. I use a statement fixture overhead with a dimmer switch so I can create the right ambiance depending on the mood. I use small table lamps with soft white bulbs to provide focused light for tasks like reading or working. And I use LED strip lights underneath a floating shelf to showcase decorative items like vases and sculptures. I also use gallery art lights for wall art or small spotlights for indoor plants.

Suzanne Bowker, Interior Designer, Virmae Interiors

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