Kitchen & Bath Business March/April 2024 - 14

L UXUR Y
DE SIGN
A Step Above
Personalization and customization are defining today's high-end projects
A TRUE LUXURY HOME ISN'T just about its size.
It's a combination of aesthetics, materials, function,
comfort and personalization. Th is equates to
a fully customized design with attention to detail.
I feel that function and comfort in any project
at any price point is a given. But beyond that, how
can I give my client a personal, custom design
that sets their project apart and elevates it to a
luxury experience? It all boils down to the custom
details and materials created for each customer.
DEFINING STORAGE/USAGE NEEDS
You can customize the interior storage to suit
any needs: plugs installed in shallow drawers to
charge electronics out of sight, refrigerator drawers
to make healthy snacks more accessible for
kids and a designated beverage station for morning
coff ee or tea. Th ere's an increasing demand
for walk-in pantries, including an area to either
display or refrigerate wine and store occasionally
used large or seasonal items out of sight.
MIND THE AESTHETICS
At the advent of open-concept design, kitchens
had to be less 'kitchen-y' and more integrated into
the surrounding interior spaces. Even now, when
there's a movement toward more defi ned kitchen
areas, aesthetics have evolved beyond mere function.
Th e following are some of my tips:
* Hide the toaster, integrate appliances with cabinet
fronts, and use open shelving or glass-fronted
cabinetry to display personal objects.
* Find ways to creatively hide electrical outlets
on the backsplash.
* Specify custom lighting for inside glass doors,
above windows and on top of or under cabinets.
* In open fl oor plans, I'm using small, directed
recessed lighting over the island. Th at way, I
can use higher-end statement lighting over the
connected dining or living space and get away
from a defi ned kitchen island look.
* Range hoods are either a custom focal point, or
they're completely hidden.
* Mix fi nishes, wood type or color to make the
kitchen look more like a living space. Custom14
/
MARCH-APRIL 2024
ABOVE A neutral palette with
custom patinaed fi nishes
and rough wood textures
combines eating and living
spaces fl awlessly in an openconcept
home. Rendering
credit: Midjourney
ized seating with performance-type fabrics in both the kitchen and the
adjoining living space blur the lines between the two areas.
CUSTOMIZING OUTSIDE THE BOX ELEVATES THE DESIGN
Everyday items like cabinet hardware, appliance handles and even faucets
are great ways to introduce luxury and personalization. Wood or leather
combined with metal brings in an artisanal touch to both cabinet and faucet
handles. You can also specify a 'live' fi nish that takes on an aged patina.
Some appliance manufacturers off er custom and mixed fi nishes and
textures in their handles to get that one-of-a-kind look. Colorization of
refrigerators and ranges keeps getting better. Not only can you choose from
a range of hues, but you can also customize a color just for your clients.
WHAT ABOUT THE BATHROOM?
We all know that luxury baths must accommodate a lot of wishes for a
spa-like experience. From multiple showerheads and body sprays to steam
features, it's all about user comfort. More common elements that shouldn't
be overlooked can elevate the experience, such as a heated fl oor, towel
warmers and lots of custom additions inside the vanity cabinet.
Examples include:
* A space for hair grooming products and outlets
* A mix of shallow and deep drawers for various-sized items
* Trays or dividers to segregate smaller items
* A pull-out hamper or waste can
Using high-end materials and products with close attention to detail,
combined with your artistic vision, is the pure defi nition of luxury.
By Patricia Gaylor, owner of Patricia Gaylor
Interior Design, Henderson, Nev., patriciagaylor.com
http://www.patriciagaylor.com
Kitchen & Bath Business March/April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business March/April 2024
