Luxury deconstructed
Luxury, in the field of architecture and real estate, is a term often thrown around. It’s a word that evokes strong reactions, exciting the style-conscious and deterring the budget-minded.
Originating from the Latin word luxuria meaning “extravagance,” the concept is often used to describe high-end, ornate and expensive products.
Luxury, however, evolves with the times. Today, you will rarely see the heavily detailed Rococo designs of French royal architecture or the imposing, colonial elements of classic American homes.
From extravagance, the term now connotes comfort, style and elegance. Instead of alienating people, the concept has now become inviting to anyone who wants to indulge in the best of what life has to offer. Let us explore what luxurious architecture means by today’s standards.
Elements of exceptional living
If you try to look up luxurious homes today, you’ll notice that the images that will pop up depict surroundings that vary in styles and features. If there’s one word that could encompass them, however, “beautiful” might come to mind.
Luxury today is interpreted in various ways. There are still common factors though that characterize homes that are considered luxurious by many.
Timelessness is one concept that defines luxury.
Seemingly transcending all times and styles, a luxurious home from the 1950s still elicits awe the same way a modern one does. A building that is well-designed in the past remains functional and elegant, even when compared to more recent structures. A luxurious creation stands the test of time.
Personalization is another factor that is considered in designing luxurious spaces.
For example, whenever you see a celebrity home in a magazine, do you notice that many elements of the home subtly allude to the identity of its owner? A luxurious home is often designed specifically to meet the needs and tastes of its intended users. Even condominiums, which are often designed before they are sold, provide opportunities for owners to customize spaces in the future. A luxurious home is tailor-made especially for you.
Quality is yet another defining feature of luxurious homes.
Showcasing materials that are durable, aesthetic and highly functional, these spaces are built to last. Perhaps this is why they often command a hefty price tag. Luxurious architecture is an investment. These homes are built to last, offering comfortable and elegant surroundings for generations to come.
Lastly, comfort is perhaps the most modern addition to the elements of luxury on this list.
Luxurious architecture aims to deliver exceptional experiences to its end-users. It achieves this by making sure that modern standards of human comfort, such as ergonomics, biophilia and contextual design, are satisfied. Designers can achieve this element by introducing innovations and unique solutions. From the toilet to the bedroom, living in a luxurious home will make you feel like a king all day.
Levels of luxury
The UK-based design firm Andrew Wallace Architects further expounds on the concept of luxury. They categorize luxury into three levels: everyday, sophisticated and bespoke.
Everyday luxury remains focused on daily living with a few touches of luxurious elements. It remains practical with its spatial solutions, but allows the end-users to still feel elegance through personalized design and unique approaches.
Sophisticated luxury, meanwhile, focuses more on delivering exceptional quality of materials and personalized service. It exudes a touch of exclusivity while remaining durable and responsive to the needs of its users.
The highest level of luxury is bespoke elegance. It incorporates one-of-a-kind materials, extensive customization and innovative solutions to create an extraordinary home. It is, in the words of Andrew Wallace Architects, “the epitome of luxury.”
Factors to consider
Overall, luxury has now evolved into a human-centered concept, emphasizing the overall experience of the space more than the aesthetics.
If you want to live in a luxurious space, first identify your needs, your wants and your tastes. To translate them into a home that is well-crafted and responsive to your vision, consult with a professional designer and partner up with a trusted developer.
Don’t be afraid to pursue luxury even with a budget in mind. As long as you work with the right people, you can achieve a luxurious home that exudes comfort, style and elegance that would last for generations.
Sources: https://www.andrewwallacearchitects.co.uk; Vincent Rivaud, João Gustavo Rezende, Asad Photo Maldives and Expect Best by pexels.com
