What Rich People Put in Their Homes, According to an Interior Designer

An interior designer who caters to both wealthy and everyday clients offers insights into what high-end homes typically lack, suggesting that achieving a luxurious aesthetic does not always necessitate a substantial budget. Instead, it involves the deliberate avoidance of certain common decorations and design choices that can diminish a space's perceived value. The designer identifies seven specific elements that are notably absent from the homes of affluent individuals, providing guidance for those aspiring to create a high-end living environment. One key area of focus is the selection of decor, with a strong recommendation to steer clear of overly trendy items. Such designs, while popular for a time, tend to make a space appear dated quickly. In contrast, luxurious homes prioritize timeless and simple elements, such as neutral color palettes, classic furniture designs, and durable materials like wood, marble, or leather. Trendy pieces are best used sparingly as accents, allowing for easy updates as styles evolve without necessitating a complete overhaul of the interior. Clutter is also identified as a significant detractor from a high-end look. A luxurious home is characterized by a clean and open feel, which is compromised by excessive or disorganized items. To maintain a refined aesthetic, the designer advises styling surfaces with a limited number of high-quality pieces, such as statement vases, sculptural accents, or curated books, ensuring that each item contributes to the overall design without creating a sense of overwhelm. The quality of artificial plants is another critical distinction. Cheap, artificial plants can significantly detract from an otherwise polished interior. The recommendation is to incorporate fresh greenery or invest in high-quality faux plants that realistically mimic their natural counterparts. For individuals with demanding schedules, low-maintenance options like olive trees or fiddle-leaf figs are suggested. Regardless of choice, regular dusting of faux plants is essential to maintain their appearance. Similarly, mass-produced or generic art pieces are considered impersonal and are rarely found in affluent homes. Instead, unique art that resonates with the homeowner, whether original works, limited editions, or high-quality framed family photographs, is preferred. The designer also suggests exploring antique markets or online platforms like Etsy for distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces. Small details, such as hardware, also play a crucial role in a home's overall aesthetic. Outdated or low-quality cabinet handles and drawer pulls can negatively impact the perception of luxury. Upgrading to high-quality options in materials like polished nickel, brass, or matte black can elevate the look of even budget-friendly furniture and cabinets, making them appear custom-made. Messy cords and exposed wires are another common oversight that can diminish the sophistication of a well-designed space. Effective cable management solutions, such as hiding wires within walls or utilizing furniture with built-in cord storage, are recommended to maintain a clean and streamlined appearance. Finally, poorly measured or low-quality window treatments are considered a major design faux pas. Windows serve as natural focal points, and thoughtfully chosen, custom options like drapes, Roman shades, or shutters, crafted from luxurious fabrics such as linen or velvet, can significantly enhance a home's aesthetic and functionality, often through layering different types of treatments. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #HomeDecor #RealEstate #HighEndLiving #DesignTips #Decluttering

The article explores how seven celebrities chose to decorate their own homes without the assistance of professional interior designers, presenting the outcomes as both inspiring and accessible. It emphasizes that while many public figures opt for high-end design services, these individuals personally undertook their home decor projects, reflecting a more relatable approach to styling their living spaces. Drew Barrymore, known for her furniture designs and countertop appliances, decorated her New York City home. Her residence is characterized by bright colors, cozy nooks, and soft textures, which are said to reflect her personality. The decor is described as normal and not excessively luxurious, making it an approachable example of celebrity home design. Similarly, Brooklyn Decker, an actress and design enthusiast, took charge of her family's home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her approach incorporated a mid-century aesthetic, utilizing vintage leather chairs, unfinished wood tables, and calming color schemes, indicative of her deep interest in design. Lenny Kravitz, a rockstar, has his own design firm, Kravitz Design, established in 2003, and has collaborated with brands like CB2. While his firm operates from Manhattan, his primary residence in Paris, a 1920s mansion named "Hôtel de Roxie" after his mother, is a personal project. Although Kravitz maintains privacy about his interiors, occasional social media posts offer glimpses of his design expertise. Notably, a project by his firm, the modern Stanley House, was featured in HBO Max's "Hacks." Blake Lively also opted for a hands-on approach to her home decor, akin to her choice not to use a personal stylist for red carpet events. Her New York City home, which she shares with Ryan Reynolds, is largely kept private, but a visible feature is a Sage Vaughn painting in her foyer. Lively herself has humorously acknowledged her "hidden talent" for interior design. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell collaborated with a designer for their New York City apartment, which draws inspiration from Indian and Anglo-Indian styles, reflecting Hawn's preferences. However, their main Los Angeles home is entirely Hawn's creation, with snippets of her design work visible on her Instagram account. Diane Keaton, celebrated for her extensive real estate portfolio, personally decorated her 8,000-square-foot L.A. farmhouse, a process she documented in her book, "The House That Pinterest Built." Her design philosophy, much like her fashion sense, favors comfort and a predominantly black and white palette. Kate Bosworth, another celebrity who foregoes professional designers, decorated her current home with Justin Long, as well as her previous mid-century L.A. residence. Her current home is noted for its soft, neutral colors and the incorporation of natural materials like wood and linen. The featured celebrities demonstrate that personal style and a hands-on approach can lead to unique and comfortable living spaces, diverging from the common assumption that all stars rely on professional decorators. Their homes offer diverse design inspirations, from Drew Barrymore's vibrant and relatable style to Diane Keaton's comfortable, black-and-white aesthetic, and Kate Bosworth's neutral, organic themes. #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DIYDesign #PersonalStyle #FamousHomes #DesignInspiration

The perception of wealth in home design has shifted significantly from grand, often impractical, displays to a preference for comfort, functionality, and sustainability. Historically, status symbols in homes included two-story foyers with oversized chandeliers, formal living rooms that were rarely used, and primary bathrooms featuring large soaking tubs over practical showers. Also popular were massive built-in entertainment walls designed for a single television size, chef's kitchens overladen with specialized equipment, wall-to-wall carpeting, heavy drapery, and formal dining rooms reserved for infrequent use. Kitchens often included built-in desks with phone jacks, and backyards were manicured trophies rather than functional habitats. These features, once indicative of success and luxury, are now often seen as high-maintenance, wasteful, and lacking in contemporary appeal. For instance, large foyers are costly to heat and cool, and oversized chandeliers require extensive cleaning. Formal living rooms are viewed as inefficient use of space, and large tubs are considered less practical than well-designed walk-in showers. Built-in entertainment centers quickly become obsolete with evolving TV technology, and overly elaborate kitchens prioritize appearance over actual cooking efficiency. Wall-to-wall carpeting is now seen as a maintenance trap due to allergens and spills, while heavy drapes block natural light and require dry cleaning. Formal dining rooms are considered underutilized, kitchen desks are superseded by mobile technology, and meticulously manicured lawns are viewed as resource-intensive rather than ecologically conscious. The modern interpretation of home luxury emphasizes quiet comfort, functionality, and smart design choices. This includes human-height ceilings with layered lighting in entryways, and secondary living spaces that serve specific, practical purposes like libraries or game rooms. Bathrooms are now valued for spacious walk-in showers with good ventilation and water pressure. Media setups favor simple, flexible consoles and wall-mounted TVs. Kitchens focus on workflow, light, and air quality, with durable counters, deep drawers, and efficient task lighting. Flooring trends lean towards hard surfaces with movable area rugs for easier maintenance and cleanliness. Window treatments prioritize light-filtering shades or simple panels that allow natural light to dominate. Dining areas are designed for flexibility and daily use, often with expandable tables, and kitchen desks are repurposed into pantries or charging stations. Backyards are evolving into functional habitats with native plants, shade, simple seating, and elements like kitchen gardens or fire pits that invite use and promote stewardship. The new signals of wealth are found in systems that work efficiently, materials that age well, and spaces that serve daily life, reflecting a shift towards thoughtful and livable luxury rather than ostentatious display. Updating a home without chasing trends involves prioritizing function, simplifying finishes, right-sizing focal points, and adhering to a maintenance calendar to ensure long-term comfort and utility. Even existing outdated features can be redeemed through strategic modifications to enhance their practicality and align with modern sensibilities. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #LuxuryHomes #HomeRenovation #ModernLiving #FunctionalDesign #SustainableHomes #WealthSignals #HomeFeatures

This article showcases five luxury homes that feature exquisitely designed libraries, highlighting them as a key feature in prime real estate, even in an era dominated by e-readers. The co-founder of Meyer Davis Studio, Will Meyer, emphasizes that a tasteful library can offer a refreshing contrast to high-tech elements in luxury homes, providing a space for quiet relaxation and enhancing property value. Each featured library boasts unique architectural and design elements tailored to luxury living. One of the highlighted properties is a magnificent gated contemporary estate in Paradise Valley, Arizona. This residence, completed in 2013, includes a breathtaking two-story library. It is characterized by a beautiful spiral staircase, custom mahogany millwork, and double radius pocket doors measuring 10 feet tall and four feet wide on both levels. The library also features a coffered radius mahogany dome ceiling with a dramatic illuminated custom art glass centerpiece, making it an ideal space for serious bibliophiles. The windows in this library are equipped with automated shades, and it includes a mahogany-paneled bathroom with silk wall coverings. Another featured property is a beachfront grand chateau in Highland Beach, Florida. This estate, known for its private beach, houses a two-story library designed with high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Key features include quarter-sawn white oak wood paneling, natural walnut wood floors, solid marble columns nearly ten feet tall, hand-carved limestone molding, and a stunning cross-cut dove onyx fireplace. The library's design complements the estate’s French-Eclectic inspired modern architecture, achieving a grand yet tasteful aesthetic. The article also presents a duplex corner penthouse in Tribeca, New York. This bright and spacious 6,280-square-foot, two-story penthouse features a library perfect for art and design enthusiasts. The design incorporates an aquatic theme, utilizing paint colors that match coral and aqua parakeet hues, enhanced by natural skylight illumination. Materials such as walnut, linen, boiled wool, and cashmere are used in the furniture and accessories, creating a stylish and cozy atmosphere through a blend of colors and textures. An English Tudor-style estate in Bradbury, California, showcases a unique 21-foot-tall library rich with Tudor and Gothic Revival elements. This library features a seven-layer custom paint finish that accentuates its intricately carved details, a grand bookcase, a desk cabinet, and artisanal custom cabinetry with a 10-foot-tall ladder. The ceiling design draws inspiration from “The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia” in France. A particularly impressive detail is the Latin verses engraved in old English font on the walls by a local artist. The library also includes a custom-designed spiral staircase connecting to the second-story living area and is illuminated by an elegant chandelier with a custom gold leaf finish. Finally, the Pennsylvania Horse & Hidden Meadow Farm in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, boasts an English-inspired residence with a jaw-dropping two-story library. This library is equipped with a grand mahogany bar, custom cabinetry, a full wet bar, and a wine cooler. Notable features include double-story windows inspired by an 18th-century British warship’s admiral cabin and a secret door leading to a tasting room and wine cellar on the lower floor. Overlooking a serene English knot garden, this library serves as a versatile space for reading, greeting guests, and socializing. #LuxuryHomes #HomeLibraries #InteriorDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecor #DreamHome

This article explores the favorite home items of various interior designers, offering insights into products they would repeatedly purchase and tips on how to incorporate them into personal living spaces. Kimberly Bevan from Bevan Interiors highlights the Design Within Reach Rice Paper Shade, praising its ambient glow, large-scale buoyancy despite its size, and versatility across modern and traditional settings, all at an accessible price point. She advises light feather dusting for maintenance. Emily Vaughan of Emily Vaughan Interiors recommends the BlueStar Range, a professional-grade appliance acquired during a 1952 home renovation. She values its open burners for even high-temperature cooking, easy-to-clean cast iron cooktop, and capacity for two full-size sheet pans, noting that colorful appliance options could enhance cohesion in a kitchen. Shelagh Conway from Triple Heart Design values the Maison Distressed Black Oak 4-Door Buffet Sideboard as a substantial dresser that provides a grounding element in her large bedroom, adapting to various design changes. She suggests embracing black in bedrooms for a calming effect, often mixing it with other wood tones for textural depth. Byron Risdon of Byron Risdon Interior Design Studio endorses West Elm Luxe Chenille Throws for their softness, luxury, and durability, making them suitable for both guests and daily use. He looks for comfort, softness, and durability in throws, suggesting a size that covers the body without being overly large. Ariel Richardson, lead designer at ASR Design Studio, praises the Miele Washer and Dryer for its compact, stackable design, efficient cleaning cartridges, and ventless drying technology, which allows for flexible placement. She emphasizes the environmental and clothing benefits of front-load washers. Tamara Honey of House of Honey finds the Disco Ball to be an instant mood transformer, recommending its placement near a window to enhance the magical effect of glimmering lights. Aimee Meisgeier from AM Interior Design favors the Beta Modular Sofa for its deep comfort, modular customization, and corduroy fabric, which is both cozy and practical for pet owners. She advises measuring the space and defining needs before purchasing a modular sofa. Linette Dai of Linette Dai Design cherishes the CB2 Muse Smoked Coupe Glass for its chic design and modern aesthetic, using it for both cocktails and sparkling water. She suggests pairing coupe glasses with bite-sized snacks in sculptural dishes. She also appreciates the CB2 Suspend Walnut & Marble Media Console for its natural elements, beautiful walnut veneer, marble top, and practical storage. She advocates for minimalist styling of console tops with essential, functional decor. Azali Kassum of Azali Kassum Design collects Victoria Morris's ceramics, specifically the Large Gourd Vase in Ivory, for its unique handmade flair and sculptural elegance. She advises hand-washing ceramics with gentle soap and air-drying in the sun. Gina Gutierrez from Gina Rachelle Design recommends the Joss & Main Tellis Marble Picture Frame for its classic and timeless appeal, versatility in size and finish, and ability to fill empty spaces. She applies the “rule of three” for styling. Sarah Rinehart Fleischer of SRF Interiors finds joy in Dana Bell's painting, “Dancing on Yellow, 2001,” for its bold colors and perfect fit in an awkward wall space. She suggests keeping room measurements handy for online art purchases. Lorna Gross, CEO of LORNA GROSS Interior Design, finds the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Scented Candle to be a constant source of calm. She advises keeping candle lids on to prevent dust and burn marks, and lighting kitchen candles after meals. Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design highlights the Kartell Pilastro Stool for its unique lines, interesting shape, and multi-functional use as a side table, footstool, or extra seating. She prefers furniture that is both artistic and functional. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors loves the Serena & Lily Milo Alpaca Throw for its softness, luxury, and year-round coziness. She prefers displaying throws on chairs to visually unify a room. Shauna Glenn of Shauna Glenn Design trusts the Annie Selke Paint Chip Multi Hand Micro-Hooked Wool Rug for its durability in high-traffic areas and ease of cleaning. She emphasizes regular vacuuming and shaking of wool rugs. Joni Burden of J. Banks Design favors the Gabby Laura Swivel Chair for its timeless elegance, compact size, comfort, and versatility. She appreciates swivel chairs in family rooms for their adaptability. Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors consistently uses Palmer Green Paint by Benjamin Moore, describing it as a deep, rich green with yellow undertones that acts as a neutral in maximalist aesthetics. She recommends using tinted primer and considering the desired ambiance when choosing green paint. Ariel Richardson also champions Ruggable Rugs for their durability, washability, and stain-repelling properties, making them ideal for households with pets and children. She advises washing on a delicate cycle with cold water and low heat drying. Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs chose the Artistic Frame Studio Side Chair for its cane and wood contrast, modern flair, and traditional essence, valuing it for family gatherings. She notes the current trend of cane in unexpected furniture pieces. Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors transformed her family room with Phillip Jeffries 9190: Beat Wallpaper, creating a living mural that unifies the space and encourages creative endeavors. She suggests regular dusting and occasional wiping for wallpaper maintenance. Alex Yeske of Alex Yeske Interiors appreciates The Rush House Original Rug, a natural fiber seagrass rug, for its warmth, texture, softness, and customizable, replaceable squares. She recommends vacuuming on a lighter setting and blotting stains for natural fiber rugs. Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio values the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine for its combination of functionality and quality, including an integrated burr grinder and steam wand. She suggests creating a dedicated coffee station. Paige Blodgett Scher of Paige Blodgett Interiors painted her entryway with Bancha Paint by Farrow & Ball to define and warm the small space, praising its yellow undertones and dramatic effect. She advises choosing darker shades to add depth to small areas. Cynthia Lananh of Cynthia Lananh treasures the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle for its neutral, sophisticated scent and elevated packaging. She suggests pairing candles with design-savvy accessories. Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio considers the Zip Water HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Water Filter Faucet her most beloved appliance for its instant still, sparkling, hot, and cold water delivery in luxurious finishes. She recommends classic chrome or matte black for contemporary kitchens and living brass for traditional ones. Finally, Lina Galvão of Curated Nest loves the Scout Design Studio Promenade Sofa for its approachable style, sculptural arms, comfort, and forgiving fabric. She notes that for modern, sculptural sofas, one might forgo pillows to let the shape shine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerPicks #HomeFurnishings #DecoratingTips #ApplianceRecommendations #Textiles #ArtAndAccessories #PaintColors