Ostentation is out. But luxury is in, say metro Atlanta designers, architects and home builders. It’s no longer about impressing the Joneses. Instead, the new home trend is pleasing and indulging yourself with the finishes and decor you prefer. » Continued on the next page
“Opulence — all that kind of stuff for people to see, decorative type things, no one’s doing that stuff anymore,” said Curtis Peart, owner of FrontPorch Custom Homes and Renovations. “Everybody’s much more penny-pinching these days,” Peart noted. “But they are spending money on something they personally will enjoy” such as upgraded HVAC and heated bathroom floors.
“Luxury is surrounding yourself with things that you love,” said Ili Nilsson, an architect and co-owner of TerraCotta Properties in Decatur. Sometimes luxury is about comfort. Other times it is about a special, glitzy detail that makes your house stand out as unique.
When you want to add rich, glamorous details to your home, there are many clever ways to say “rich” without breaking the bank. We asked an array of Atlanta experts about their ideas for the kinds of details that can lend luxury to a home.
HERE'S WHAT SOME DESIGNERS RECOMMEND
Ili Nilsson, architect/designer TerraCotta Properties, Decatur
Hardware
One-of-a-kind hardware on kitchen cabinets or beautiful glass and porcelain doorknobs are “like putting jewelry on your house,” said Nilsson, who suggests Elegant Additions in Atlanta and Anthropologie as good sources for unique fixtures.
Trim
Wainscoting in a dining room, or dramatic, crisp crown and baseboard molding add an instant sense of luxury.
Great paint
If hardware is the jewelry for the home, then paint is the makeup. Having painting done by a professional, priming and using a quality brand, “those are little splurges that make a difference,” Nilsson said.
Mix custom and mass market
A beautiful high-end shade on a Target lamp or an expensive, on-trend pillow on a plain Ikea sofa suddenly elevate an ordinary item and make it extraordinary.
Scour vintage markets
You can afford a stunning high-end item that just happens to be used, as long as you are willing to dig and do your homework. “Look past the layers of dirt and the one missing crystal and the fact that it’s all boxed up,” Nilsson said.
Rachel Greathouse, interior designer Greathouse Design, Milton
Don’t overlook lighting
“With a great fixture, you can make a really big impact on your space,” said Greathouse, who finds glamorous chandeliers at affordable prices at Pottery Barn Teen, www.overstock.com, www.gallery84.com, flea markets and consignment shops. Greathouse also swears dimmers are a secret, inexpensive luxury item. “If you think of what makes you feel luxurious, I think being in a spa and being pampered,” Greathouse said, adding that light-pink Sylvania pinque light bulbs give a warm glow to any room.
Texture
When it comes to luxury, “texture instantly creates that feeling,” said Greathouse, who loves the feeling of a sheepskin rug underfoot. Greathouse sources sheepskin rugs at Ikea, faux-zebra hides at Ballard Designs and cowhides at West Elm. Tufted headboards from Z Gallerie, Restoration Hardware, Macy’s and www.overstock.com also add plush comfort to the bedroom.
Sparkle
Greathouse suggests replacing the dark-green marble or other builder-grade surround on a fireplace with a subway or square tile with some sparkle. “You can totally reface your fireplace really affordably, and it really makes it so glamorous looking,” said Greathouse, who also likes to add sparkle and reflection with mirrored chests and vanities and mercury glass accessories.
Cam Reynolds, co-owner, Gramercy Fine Linens and Furnishings, Buckhead
Monograms
A personalized monogram on Euro shams or coverlets is the ultimate luxury detail.
Luxurious linens
Contrary to popular belief, thread count isn’t everything. Different shops and manufacturers define thread count differently, so Reynolds recommended customers test the options out there, in both percale and sateen, to see what suits them. “Feel the sheet. If you feel it and you love it and it’s going to be great,” advised Reynolds, who owns Gramercy along with Jenny Taubel. “We spend over a third of our lives in bed to get the rest you need. And people really do have a better night’s sleep on fine linens.”
The right pillow orientation
“I know that sounds strange,” Reynolds admitted. “You can have the same amount of pillows, but put them on the bed a different way and it looks like you’ve walked into a hotel,” said Reynolds, who will visit customers’ homes to help them create a bedroom design scheme just right for them.
Little extras
Decorative pillows, lamps and throws can add class to a room. “A cashmere throw on the end of a bed or over a chair adds the finishing touch to the bedroom. Because it’s something that, if you don’t want to get in bed, you can go in and at least cuddle up with that.”
Coordinate your bath
Matching your tissue box, soap dishes and hand towels can add hotel luxury to your bath. Many homeowners also are coordinating the color scheme of their bedrooms with their bathrooms.
cUrtis Peart, builder, FrontPorch Custom Homes and Renovations Buckhead
Heated bathroom floors
A now ubiquitous feature in Peart’s clients’ homes.
Opulent outdoor spaces
Peart recently has done several screened porch projects over $100,000. High-end Nano Wall retractable screens, folding glass doors, electric retractable shades and multiple level porches with lanias beneath have all added a new level of luxury to these outdoor spaces.
Personal comfort
The Cadillac of HVAC, geothermal heating and cooling systems are becoming more pervasive. But, in general, Peart’s clients are upgrading their heating and air systems, and especially opting for humidity control. “There has been a shift in luxury more from an aesthetics to, ‘I’m going to feel better and enjoy my home more,’ ” Peart said.
Motion sensor lighting
These easy-to-install features positioned in walk-in closets make for easier, hands-free access.
Steam showers
These luxurious showers are becoming more common in master suites, Peart said.
