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A Luxury Design at Any Budget

June 17, 2021

With creativity and a little savvy, even the simplest remodels can seem luxurious to the average homeowner. Whether turning the master bath into a more spa-like space or transforming it into a glamorous, teched-out suite, homeowners across the board are looking to be treated like top-tier clients, no matter how large or small their budget is. Anticipating their needs, knowing what’s trending and ultimately delivering the design they envision are the keys to success. “The luxury client is looking for a white glove experience,” said Marlaina Teich of Long Island, N.Y.-based Marlaina Teich Designs. “My clients come to me because they understand that full-service interior design is a luxury and that by hiring my firm, they will have a beautifully designed space. They know they can also count on me to make the experience exciting and enjoyable – all while staying within the defined budget.”

The Importance of Standout Elements

Today’s homeowners are particularly drawn to one or two outstanding products that they will use and look at on a regular basis, such as a marble countertop if they enjoy baking or a freestanding tub if they enjoy taking baths. Designers should encourage them to spend a good chunk of their budget there. 

“When I think of luxury clients, I think of the man who incorporated a refrigerator drawer in his island just for sandwich supplies,” said Christina Kolb of Delafield, Wis.-based Kowalske Kitchen & Bath. “I also think of the woman who wanted more counter space, and the solution was to install a workstation sink.”

The true luxury client is someone who wants their space to be wonderful for them – not future homeowners. They want products in their home they have a connection with or enhance their daily life, whether that be a specialty appliance to bake bread or a massaging showerhead reminiscent of a resort spa they enjoyed.

Kolb recommends understanding the client’s lifestyle and interests first and then doing the research to find items that will make their project truly special. The luxury client will pay to have new and innovative ideas put into their home, so it is worth the time to find these products and research what is required to install them. Smart home products that enhance a lifestyle, sustainable elements that save money in the long run and especially unique or customized items top the list.

“I love bringing new ideas to a luxury client throughout the whole process, knowing they won’t be upset by a change order if it delivers a final product that they love,” added Kolb, explaining that she has suggested a range of unique products in the past for luxury projects, from saunas to handcrafted tile.   

Getting the Look of a Luxury Design No Matter the Cost

For clients with big dreams but small budgets, it is important to encourage them to focus first on the space’s function. Put the most money into things that are difficult to change later when the budget allows – like the floor plan – and spend less on elements that will be easy to trade out at another time, like the countertops. The most important thing is to keep the overall design modern and clean.

“A client with a lower budget can achieve a luxury look by keeping the lines simple and investing the bulk of their budget in the high-impact finishes and appliances,” said Jill Bulger of Atlanta-based Crosby Design Group, adding that even the client with a limitless budget can end up with a terrible design if too many ornate or difficult-to-use products are implemented. “Good design and intelligent use of materials can go a long way.”

For the kitchen, marble countertops, steam ovens and fireclay sinks are in demand, and in the bathroom, smart steam showers, bidet toilets and customized vanity storage are trending. Most of all, clients at both ends of the budget range are looking for high-end pieces that feel – or are – custom made for them. These range from one-of-a-kind backsplash patterns to hand-blown light fixtures and beautiful finishes. Daniella Hoffer of Springfield, N.J.-based Daniella Hoffer Interiors recommends after investing in the foundational pieces – like a tub or range – looking to places like Etsy and Instagram for interesting pieces from lesser-known craftsmen and artists to get that curated look.

“Art is another area where we see our luxury clients investing, and we work to educate our clients on new artists,” she added.

Creating the White Glove Experience

Part of catering to the luxury client is being flexible and able to adjust to their preferred methods of communication. However, all clients want their designer’s undivided attention and time from the first day until the project is completed.

“Being available for site visits or attending showroom appointments will show that you are in this with them,” said Mandy Carbia of Crosby Design Group. “It strengthens their trust in you and your capability to give them their dream home.”

According to Teich, the typical luxury client is not interested in – nor has time for – shopping around or being on hand for every install or delivery. Instead, they simply want quality selections, timeless style and an effortless – though curated – look and experience from start to finish.

“It’s all about thoroughly knowing the client and their world so we can build trust, anticipate needs and design accordingly,” said Teich. “We both want the same thing – a beautifully designed project that runs as smoothly as possible.”

During the pandemic, everyone was looking to upgrade their spaces but at first attempted to do it on their own. They shopped for luxury items online, but then discovered how difficult it is to put a kitchen or bath together without professional help. Now they are looking to designers to not only deliver the spaces they want but also an easy and fun experience.

“You treat them like they are the only person in the world, and you drop everything for them,” said Scott Dresner of Chicago-based Dresner Design. “Excellent service is everything. It’s important to see your clients, understand who they are and treat them accordingly. ‘No’ is not a good word to use and is frowned upon.”

What’s Coming Next for Luxury

While the trend of customization was ramping up before the pandemic, moving on clients will want designs that echo their personalities and interests even more.

“I believe it comes down to really thoughtful custom design that fits the current now of the contemporary family,” said Kansas City, Mo.-based Jennifer Bertrand, adding that the pandemic has only made the upscale client all the more willing to spend on luxury home moments. “Everything will be even more customizable.”

Color is one of the top ways they might do that. With more neutral, grounding colors trending as the foundational tones, clients will want to implement pops of bright, fun hues that express their personalities and bring them joy.

“In the future, I believe we will see more color in luxury design,” said Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design in Houston. “Gray is over.”

Going forward, the luxury market will include flexibility to accommodate today’s families, who have changing needs and different activities taking place in the same environment. This was happening pre-pandemic but has escalated, inspiring homeowners to really think about how to make their home function best for their families going forward.

“The future of luxury design will be less about adding square footage and more about creating a curated home with detail that is very personal to the homeowners,” said Kolb. “Homeowners are more likely to invest in items that will make their space truly special for them and make them love their homes again.”