Year ender 2023: Mastering the art of luxury interiors with this year’s trends

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Vineeta Singhania Sharma, Founder Partner and Principal Architect at Confluence, shared, “Luxury interiors are not just about opulence; they are dynamic and engaging. We must design with scale in mind. The first step is to define the purpose of the space — if it is a maximalist paradise or a minimalist retreat, does it embrace the latest trends or perhaps something more timeless and established? While some clients opt for an inward-looking design that creates a sanctuary within, others prefer merging indoors and outdoors seamlessly, blurring the lines between nature and luxury. This balance is essential to ensure the space is functional and comfortable.”

She revealed, “What makes luxury interiors exceptional is combining an unusual mix of interior elements — furniture, lighting, art and rugs — into an eclectic blend of exclusivity while maintaining harmony. Each corner must be strategically curated with carefully selected art, statement pieces, textures, and objects that mirror the overall statement and purpose of the space. The challenge lies in selecting pieces that may seem unrelated at first glance but, when brought together, create a cohesive and intriguing atmosphere that resonates with the user’s dynamic personality.”

George E Ramapuram, Principal Architect and Managing Director at Earthitects, highlighted, “An evolving world constantly improvises on the definition of ‘luxury.’ In today’s bustling world of digital networks and concrete jungles, the notion of luxury finds a profound connection with the environment and a return to nature. The deafening noise of city life drowns out a simple birdsong, making even the gentlest breeze a rarity amidst the cacophony of car honks and construction work. In today’s urban context, the simple pleasure of witnessing a sparrow in one’s window or a butterfly fluttering along shrubs becomes a luxurious experience. In cities where every pavement and flat earth is concretized, seeing an expanse of lush greenery or watching flowers bloom in abundance is certainly extravagant. Today, the idea of luxury is akin to being closer to nature’s organic rhythms, providing solace amidst urban chaos. Sensitivity to nature, therefore, emerges as a pivotal factor in the design of spaces that embody true luxury.”

Integrating Nature within Architecture

George E Ramapuram said, “The essence of luxury lies in striking a delicate balance between human needs, architectural design, and the existing ecosystem of the locale. Cherishing and preserving the natural terrain, designing around majestic trees and boulders instead of completely altering them, is essential to forging a harmonious connection between architecture and nature. By opting for natural ground cover, we create hospitable habitats for diverse insect species and plants to flourish, fostering a thriving ecosystem within our surroundings. Thoughtfully providing resting points and nourishment for birds through water and feeders further strengthens the bond between humanity and nature, encouraging avian visitors to share our spaces. Introducing butterfly-attracting plants and shrubs cultivates a haven for these delicate creatures, inviting their colourful presence into our lives. In harmony with the earth’s bounty, using natural materials within our buildings elevates the aesthetic appeal and imbues a sense of authenticity, bringing us closer to nature’s embrace while weaving sustainability into the very fabric of our existence.”

Choosing Eco-friendly Materials

According to George E Ramapuram, “Luxury materials, when derived from nature, exude unparalleled charm and elegance while maintaining durability and sustainability. Natural wood interiors elevate the room with timeless versatility, where each plank with unique grain and textures, impart a distinctive character. The opulence of natural stone adds a touch of rugged luxury to any space, with each stone type boasting unique characteristics, colours, and textures. Additionally, using natural fibre rugs like sisal, jute, hemp, or seagrass enhances aesthetics, texture, and durability. Bringing a unique, distinctive touch to the interiors, natural finishes create a texturally rich space that evokes a sense of luxe living.”

Tips for designing luxurious spaces:

Asserting that an impactful idea is to cater to the mind, body and soul of an architectural space, George E Ramapuram said, “This means gauging the space in its entirety rather than just focusing on the tangible aspects. In India, the concept of “all-natural living” is already close to home and is gaining traction with increasing awareness of going back to your roots. Choosing the right flooring is crucial in creating a space that reflects timelessness and meets functional needs. When it comes to luxury flooring, choosing natural options adds a unique charm and elegance to any space. These materials bring the beauty of nature indoors while providing durability and a sense of luxury.”

He listed the following suggestions for top-rated flooring options –

1. Natural Wooden Flooring: Using natural solid wooden flooring offers a timeless and versatile option that can elevate the room. They create a classic elegance and the natural beauty of the wood adds a warmth and appeal to the space. Each plank carries its unique grain patterns, colour variations and textures adding a distinctive character to your space, as no two planks will be alike.

2. Stone Flooring: Natural stone, known for its opulence and grandeur adds a touch of ruggedness and luxury to any space. Each stone type has unique characteristics, colours and textures, providing a distinctive look to any space.

3. Fibre Flooring: To enhance the natural aesthetics of an existing flooring, incorporating natural fibre rugs such as sisal, jute, hemp or seagrass can help. These rugs are derived from plant fibres and provide texture, durability and a sophisticated look.

Ramesh Bhandari, CES and Director at A-Class Marble, advised, “As 2023 comes to an end, it’s time to reevaluate interior design trends for the upcoming year. Among several new trends, authenticity emerges as a cornerstone for luxury interiors, drawing individuals towards character and personality. Vintage flourishes, artisanal craftsmanship and personalised design and decor impart a sense of warmth and individuality to living spaces. Blending contrasting design trends will be popular in the upcoming year. One can embrace the vivid patterns of Calacatta Statuario Gold and Calacutta Borghini marble alongside the timeless elegance of Carrara white. These versatile marble stones offer a rich canvas to merge ‘Dopamine Decor’ vibrancy with the enduring allure of Mid-Century Modern aesthetics.”

He concluded, “When it comes to punctuating luxury, colour palettes promise a kaleidoscope of expression. For instance, the fusion of beige, such as Iygorio Beige and ivory, such as Statuario, invokes a timeless serenity, while the interplay of jovial hues with Emerald Quartz, Amazonite, Sodalite Blue, Pink and Blue Onyx combined and soft black tones set the tone for contemporary vibrancy. Incorporating marble varieties such as Golden Portoro and Copenhagen seamlessly aligns with these palettes, offering the design a tactile and aesthetic richness. A comprehensive approach takes centre stage in coordinating these design elements. Integrating high-quality marble and natural stones with dynamic colour palettes defines luxury and profoundly connects with the inhabitant’s spatial experience. This transforms interiors beyond conventional design, evolving them into immersive narratives of sophistication and opulence.”