So, you want to live like the 1%, but you’re unsure how to achieve that level of luxury? You’ve come to the right place! STYLARC has extensive experience designing luxury homes for the 1%. No more cookie-cutter crap.

Our goal is to give you a road map to build your dream home. Whether in the 1%, the .1%, somewhere in between, or below,these luxury design secrets are a great launch point to ensure your home isn’t stuck in mediocrity land. Let’s get right to it.

Luxury Design Secret #1: Splurge On What You Love

The secret sauce to a home you love is making it how you want it. That means splurging on the things you love. Maybe you can’t have every single thing you want, but you should work really hard to prioritize and budget for the things that mean the most to your life.

Luxury homes aren’t cheap, but you can cut costs elsewhere. Do you want an epic double-island kitchen, a full-court basketball court, or a luxurious infinity swimming pool? Just go for it.

Splurging on what you love means living in a home that reflects your passions and brings you joy every day. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Identify your priorities.     Focus on the areas that matter most to you. If it’s a state-of-the-art kitchen or a massive library overlooking a garden, make the investment.
2. Cut costs in other places.     Your designer can work with you to determine your budget and figure out the areas where you can opt for more affordable materials that aren’t as critical to your daily life.
3. Quality over quantity.     Invest in high-quality pieces that will last forever. They enhance your life now and can add long-term value to your home.

Luxury Design Secret #2: Real Wealth Shows In The Materials You Choose

Design secret number two is showing true wealth. You can be flashy if you want, but real wealth shows in the quiet,sleek, high-end materials you choose. Think natural hardwood floors,solid-surface counter tops, and floor-to-ceiling luxury linen drapes.

High-end natural elements aren’t just materials. They’re statement pieces. Flashy homes might grab your attention momentarily, but you want a luxury home that maintains its charm, class, and value over time.

Think of it like a loud sports car that’s obviously expensive vs. a classic Rolls-Royce. There’s nothing wrong with either, but you’re going to make some assumptions about the people based on their design choices.

Here’s how to achieve quiet luxury with atleast some of your home's elements.

1. Choose natural materials like marble, hardwood, and natural stone. These materials are stunning and age gracefully, adding a sense of permanence  and quality to your home.
2. Go for  subtle elegance. Unless you’re throwing grand balls in your home, choose finishes and furnishings that whisper sophistication rather than shout it. Think muted tones, fine textures, and understated elegance.
3. Don’t always follow the trends. Of course, there are always outliers, and sometimes, a  really loud and flashy home fits a person perfectly. If that’s you, that’s awesome. For others, opt for classic elements that won’t go out of style.

Luxury Design Secret #3: Hire the Right Designer

The biggest secret to luxury home design for the top 1% of the population is choosing the right architect and designer. None of you are designing your own homes, so you must find the right team to bring your vision and values to life. There’s no way around it. The pros know how to play with layers in texture and elevation to create stunning and functional spaces.

Imagine a home with textured walls, rich fabrics, natural stone, and intricate flooring patterns. The outdoor space has multiple levels: an infinity pool, an elevated outdoor kitchen, a sunken fire pit, and a garden that naturally weaves through the space.

A great designer can make your home look effortless and comforting, like a breath of fresh air. Here’s how a true luxury designer like those at STYLARC will transform your space.

1. Layers, layers, layers. They add depth and interest. You don’t want to throw a bunch of expensive stuff at your home. Instead, you want every element in your home to balance one another and draw the eye to specific focal points. A cohesive space exudes luxury and warmth.
2. Elevated  spaces add intrigue. Split-level interiors or multi-level outdoor areas should act as private tour guides, naturally leading you from one breathtaking spot to another. Elevation creates a dynamic, engaging experience.
3. Expert guidance is everything. A skilled luxury home designer will ensure your home is functional and beautiful. They also help you avoid costly mistakes and source the best materials to bring your vision to life.

Luxury Design Secret #4: First Impressions Matter

The 1% know you only have a few seconds to make someone fall in love with your home. That’s why you have to be willing to invest heavily in first impressions. That means meticulous landscaping, killer exterior lighting, and an entryway that guides people’s eyes wherever you want them to go.

You can't skimp on these details! Well, you can, but if you’re serious about making your luxury home unforgettable, it starts with the first impression.

Let’s learn how to achieve a great first impression.

1. You need an entryway that stops people in their  tracks. That could be lush gardens, a grand front door, and perfectly placed lighting to showcase every detail. The entryway isn’t about looking good. It’s about setting the tone for what’s inside. Your entrance should make people feel like they’re stepping into something  extraordinary.
2. Invest in exterior details that set the tone for the  rest of your home. Continuing with the entryway, you want a pristine lawn, elegant pathways guiding people around the property, and even a fountain or two.
3. As soon as your guests walk in the door, they need to be wowed. The reception area should be inviting and luxurious. One way to achieve this is with high ceilings, statement art pieces, and plush seating. People will want to linger, explore, and see more.

Now is your chance to show off the beautiful home you’ve created. Even if you’re humble, nailing that first impression means inspiring and making people feel important. People don’t always remember you,but they’ll remember how you and your home made them feel.

Luxury Design Secret #5:Customization and Personalization Will Set Your Home Apart

The hallmark of luxury interior design is its focus on custom solutions tailored to what you love. You should hire skilled artisans and craftsmen to create custom-built pieces and one-of-a-kind art installations for your home.

You want your home to reflect you, so putting a painting from IKEA on the wall isn’t going to achieve that. You must embrace customization and personalization to really build a home like the 1%. By creating custom-design pieces for your home, they’ll fit perfectly, look stunning, and make you feel like a million bucks.

Some ways to incorporate your style are:

1. Bespoke     furnishings that are custom-made to fit your space and personal tastes.
2. Personal     touches that tell a story, like custom artwork and family heirlooms.
3. Unique     architectural elements that draw the eye and wow people, like custom-built bookshelves that wrap around a reading nook or a stunning chandelier serving as a centerpiece.

Customization and personalization are the ultimate luxury. They transform your home from generic to inspiring.

Quick Recap of the Top 5 Luxury Design Secrets of the 1%

1. Splurge on the things you love. You're building a luxury home because you value a space that reflects who you are. So make sure your home embodies those values.
2. You don’t have to be flashy to be luxurious, although you can be both if you wish. The materials you choose to build your home with are what show true wealth.
3. To create an exceptional home, you must hire the right team of designers, architects, and project managers.
4. Invest in first impressions. People, including yourself, will develop an impression of your home within seconds of seeing it. You don’t want to drive up to your house every day wishing you’d added that wow factor to the entrance. Instead, you could say, “Wow, I can’t believe I live here,” whenever you pull into the driveway.
5. Custom-built, one-of-a-kind features will truly set your luxury home apart from the rest.

‍