Homeowners and interior designers have been prioritising comfort and wellbeing in living spaces, and it’s why many people have started to create cosy alcoves and spaces in their homes. But instead of the spartan yoga rooms, sunlit breakfast nooks, and Zen meditation corners that were so popular over the past five years, designers are now gravitating towards personalised hideaways with a moody and sophisticated design scheme. Filled with vibrant hues, a variety of textures, and vintage or handcrafted accessories, sumptuous spaces have become a trend as more people are starting to add a maximalist yet luxurious vibe into their home.
According to interior designer Laura Lubin, the revival of colour, texture, and interesting materials “reflects a move away from minimalism toward richer, more character-filled interiors.” So whether you’re planning on making a bar nook, a reading corner, or just a place to chill and relax, here’s how to create sumptuous spaces in your home.
Use Bold Colours and Finishes
The trick to making a small space feel luxurious is to decorate it with a mix of bold colours and finishes. For instance, if you’re thinking about creating a cocktail lounge, make the space feel luxe by using full- grain or top grain leather on the barstools and seats. Install bar shelves made out of dark-coloured wood, then add brass banding for a bit of sparkle and shine. Give the space a treasure box feel by using a deep jewel tone on the walls, such as merlot red or a moody violet. You may also want to install stone shelves on the walls to hold bar accessories and decorative items, such as pretty glassware and leather wrapped picture frames to display poster-size prints or photographs.
Add Traditional Materials and Techniques
Sumptuous spaces feel like they have a history and lots of stories behind each carefully chosen design element. To add some richness and personality, try incorporating traditional materials and techniques into your space. For example, if you’re creating a Euro-Asian style lounging area or reading nook, think about installing vintage chinoiserie wallpaper on the walls, and place an oversized round lounge chair right in the center of the space. Decorate with a few small pieces of blue and white Chinese ceramics on the shelves, then place a neoclassical sculpture near the seating area. Add drama with some wall sconces, then install round paper lanterns on the ceiling as a finishing touch.
For a space that truly feels like you, consider crafting an alcove that reflects your culture and heritage. If you have Turkish roots, for instance, and you love traditional decorative Turkish elements, think about adding Turkish rugs, colourful Turkish wall plates, and some throw pillows covered in fabrics with suzani embroidery to your sanctuary. Finish by placing a pair of mosaic lamps on side tables or a floating shelf, then hang a Turkish chandelier on the ceiling to create a warm ambiance.
Incorporate Art and Handcrafted Items
To inject a feeling of opulence into your hideaway, think about incorporating art and other artisanal crafts into your space. To prevent your nook or room from looking cheap, avoid displaying reproductions of famous paintings or random artworks that don’t match with the space’s aesthetics. Instead, think about how the pieces will work together in the room, and consider your preferences when it comes to choosing a style. Do you prefer contemporary minimalist artworks, or are you a fan of abstract expressionism? Do you love cubism or photo realism? Determine your preferred style, then search for emerging artists who specialise in these art styles.
Apart from paintings, you may also want to add sculptural lighting fixtures and handcrafted items to make your space feel special. You can splurge on handcrafted furniture from iconic woodworkers like George Nakashima, Thomas Moser, or Sam Maloof, or have a cast-glass sculpture from Roni Horn. For a whimsical touch, think about adding handcrafted rattan pieces from Kenneth Cobonpue or a coffee table from Stelios Mousarris.
Sumptuous spaces can give your home a sophisticated and opulent feel. Consider these tips to create stunning spaces that you’ll want to spend time in every day.