What Defines a LUXURY Kitchen?

July 31, 2023 by Suzanne Lasky

When it comes to luxury kitchen design, there are several features that can elevate the overall look and functionality of the space. Here are the top five features to consider for a luxury remodel kitchen design:

1. High-end Appliances: Invest in top-of-the-line appliances that combine cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Look for professional-grade ranges, built-in ovens, refrigerators with advanced features, wine coolers, and high-performance dishwashers. Brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, and Thermador are known for their luxury appliances.

2. Custom Cabinetry: Opt for custom-made cabinetry that not only suits your style but also maximizes storage and functionality. High-quality materials like solid wood or exotic veneers can add elegance and durability. Incorporate features such as soft-close hinges, pull-out shelves, and built-in organizers to enhance convenience and organization.

3. Luxury Countertops: Choose luxurious and durable countertop materials that make a statement. Popular choices include natural stones like marble, granite, or quartzite, which offer a sophisticated and timeless appeal. These materials are not only beautiful but also provide durability and resistance to heat and stains.

4. Smart Home Integration: Embrace the latest smart home technology to add convenience and efficiency to your kitchen. Install smart appliances that can be controlled through your smartphone or voice commands. Consider features like touchless faucets, automated lighting systems, and integrated sound systems for a modern and luxurious kitchen experience.

5. Statement Lighting: Invest in stunning, eye-catching lighting fixtures to enhance the ambiance of your luxury kitchen. Chandeliers, pendant lights, and decorative sconces can serve as focal points and add a touch of glamour. Layered lighting with dimmers allows you to create different moods for various activities, such as cooking, entertaining, or dining.

Remember, these features are just a starting point, and the ultimate design should reflect your personal preferences and lifestyle. Hiring a professional designer can help you create a custom luxury kitchen that meets your specific needs and desires.

Add Artwork To Your Design

July 22, 2023 by Suzanne Lasky

Adding artwork to a room can significantly enhance its overall aesthetic and make it feel complete and visually appealing. Artwork has the power to add personality, style, and a sense of cohesion to a space. Here are some ways in which adding artwork can create a finished looking room:

Focal Point: Artwork can serve as a focal point in a room, drawing the eye and anchoring the overall design. A well-placed piece of art can set the tone for the entire space and become a central element around which other furnishings and decor can be arranged.
Color and Theme: Artwork often features various colors and themes, allowing you to tie together different elements within the room. You can use the colors from the artwork to inspire or complement the room’s color scheme, bringing harmony to the space.
Texture and Dimension: Art pieces come in various forms, such as paintings, sculptures, prints, and textiles. Introducing different textures and dimensions through artwork can add depth and interest to the room, making it feel more layered and thoughtfully designed.
Expression of Personal Style: The artwork you choose to display in your room can be a reflection of your personality and taste. It can give the room a unique touch and make it feel more personalized and inviting.
Balance and Proportion: Artwork can help achieve visual balance and proportion in a room. For instance, a large blank wall can be balanced out by a sizable piece of art, preventing the space from feeling empty or incomplete.
Breaking Monotony: In rooms with a repetitive design or neutral colors, artwork can break the monotony and inject vibrancy and life into the space.
Storytelling: Art can tell a story or evoke emotions, creating a connection with the viewers. Incorporating artwork that resonates with you can make the room feel more meaningful and engaging.
Completing the Design Concept: If you have a specific design concept or theme in mind for the room, carefully chosen artwork can tie all the elements together, elevating the design and making it feel cohesive.
Enhancing Ambiance: Artwork can contribute to the ambiance and atmosphere of the room. For instance, serene landscapes or calming abstracts can promote relaxation in a bedroom, while bold and vibrant pieces can energize a living room or workspace.
Inspiration and Creativity: Having art in your living space can inspire creativity and provoke thought, making the room more dynamic and stimulating.

Ultimately, the addition of artwork is a highly subjective process. Choose pieces that resonate with you and fit the style of the room. Whether it’s original paintings, prints, photographs, or sculptures, the right artwork can undoubtedly transform a space and give it a finished and polished appearance.

Luxury Interior Design Elements

May 27, 2023 by Suzanne Lasky

Luxury interior design in Arizona combines elegance, sophistication, and a reflection of the state’s unique environment. Here are some key luxury design elements that can be incorporated into Arizona interiors:

Natural Materials: Emphasize the beauty of natural materials that reflect the desert landscape. Incorporate elements such as travertine, limestone, quartzite, or sandstone for flooring, countertops, and feature walls. Use rich woods like mesquite or walnut for furniture and cabinetry, and consider incorporating leather and woven textiles for added texture.
Southwest Color Palette: Draw inspiration from the desert’s warm and earthy hues. Use a palette of soft neutrals such as beige, tan, and ivory as a base and complement it with pops of vibrant colors inspired by Arizona’s sunsets and desert flora, such as deep oranges, reds, and turquoise.
Grand Entrances: Make a statement with impressive entryways. Incorporate features like double-height ceilings, grand staircases, or striking chandeliers to create a sense of luxury and drama as guests step into the space.
Open Floor Plans: Create a sense of spaciousness by incorporating open floor plans that seamlessly connect living, dining, and entertaining areas. Large windows and glass doors can be utilized to maximize natural light and provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Luxury Fabrics and Upholstery: Choose high-quality fabrics and upholstery that exude luxury and comfort. Consider plush velvet, soft leather, or luxurious silk for furniture, draperies, and accent pieces. Opt for custom upholstery with intricate detailing and patterns to add a touch of opulence.
Statement Lighting: Incorporate eye-catching lighting fixtures to enhance the overall ambiance of the space. Chandeliers, pendant lights, and sconces can serve as both functional and decorative elements, adding a luxurious and glamorous touch to the interior.
Custom Millwork and Built-ins: Incorporate custom millwork and built-in features to add uniqueness and sophistication to the space. Consider bespoke cabinetry, shelving, and architectural details like ceiling beams or paneling that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship associated with luxury design.
Resort-style Outdoor Living: Extend luxury design to outdoor spaces by creating resort-style living areas. Design outdoor kitchens, lounges, fire pits, and poolside retreats with high-end furnishings, plush fabrics, and stylish accessories. Use natural stone or tile for patio flooring and incorporate landscaping that blends seamlessly with the desert environment.
Art and Sculptural Pieces: Display curated artwork, sculptures, and art installations to add a sense of refinement and artistic expression to the interior. Seek out local artists or pieces that highlight the region’s cultural heritage, history, or natural beauty.
Spa-like Bathrooms: Create luxurious and serene bathroom retreats with features such as large soaking tubs, walk-in showers, double vanities with high-end fixtures, and luxurious materials like marble or mosaic tiles. Incorporate statement mirrors, elegant lighting, and plush towels for a spa-like experience.

When designing luxury interiors in Arizona, it’s important to strike a balance between sophistication, comfort, and a connection to the desert environment. By incorporating these elements, you can create a luxurious space that captures the essence of Arizona’s unique charm.

Basic Bedroom Design Elements

January 22, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest posting that talks about some basic bedroom design elements that can make your ‘nest’ more comfortable and enjoyable. Once someone asked me what defined ‘luxury’ for my personal world. My answer was high quality, unwrinkled sheets and pillowcases on my bed daily. Probably not the answer most would give to that question, but a comfortable bedding situation can make or break how you sleep.
Some of S Interior Design’s clients feel this way, others are more interested in the color and patterns for their bedding. As the phrase goes “to each his own”. Here is a photo of a master bedroom that S Interior Design did the design work for. The client now calls it her sanctuary.

MASTER BEDROOM DESIGN — MASTER BEDROOM BY S INTERIOR DESIGN, LLC

Simple ways to add comfort to your bedroom

Everyone should take time to relax. One of the most personal spaces in your home is your bedroom. It should be the coziest and most comfortable place in your home. Your personal preferences and tastes will influence how you decorate it. For an old-fashioned look, use antique furniture and décor. Or choose something new if you prefer a modern or chic look.

The bedroom is where we spend time relaxing, reading a book being in our own comfortable space. It’s the place where we open our eyes early in the morning and close our eyes at night for a good nights sleep. Every bedroom has essential items like a mattress, bed frame, down pillows, bed sheets, comforters, blankets, and more.

Pillows:

Pillows are one area where the selection is vast. Consider down pillows to avoid neck and shoulder. Down pillows are available in a variety of firmness options. Choose a firmer option if you’re a side sleeper or a less firm option if you are a stomach or back sleeper.

Here are a few ways to add comfort to your room:

Picture Frames & Art:

We all have memories attached to our past. Cherish those memories with photos from your important family events to make your room feel like home. You may hang your pictures on the wall or place them on a table or shelf.

Shelves for Décor or Books:

Many of us love reading a book. It’s a good habit. It can relieve stress and in transport you into a new world. A bookshelf in your bedroom can be used for books or for photos and keepsakes.

Lighting and Lamp:

When designing a room, don’t forget that light is in an important especially if your room is in a portion of the house where sunlight does not pass. There are a variety of lighting options including fixtures, ceiling fans with lights, or floor or table lamps to match a wide variety of styles.

Mirrors:

Adding a mirror to your bedroom is always a good idea. A mirror reflects light and it makes your room look larger and more bright. A mirror is also useful when getting dressed to make sure you’re looking your best.

Linens and Bed Sheets:

Many use cotton bed sheets as they are an affordable and comfortable option. Consider different types of cotton for improved comfort, Egyptian or Pima cotton has a tighter weave and can give feel of staying in a luxury hotel.

Furniture:

While adding furniture into your bedroom keep the size and amount of space. Oversize furniture works well is a large room where smaller furniture is a better option for smaller bedrooms with little space.

Color Scheme:

Something else to keep in mind when designing a room is the color scheme. Pick a color scheme that coordinates with the rest of your decor. Lighter colors generally make a room feel larger and work well in rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light. Darker colors bring a more relaxed vibe and work well in rooms with lots of natural light.

Storage options:

To keep your room organized and tidy, consider storage using shelves or a chest of drawers. You can also add organizers and shelves to closets to increase the efficiency of your space there.

Conclusion:

The bedroom is the most personal room in your house. Design it according to align with your preferences. You can spend a lot or find budget ideas to make your room perfect. Overall, you should be happy and comfortable in your bedroom and it should reflect aspects of your personality and things that are important to you.

Tile Types ‘101’

January 21, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky

S Interior Design uses tile in a lot of their design projects. The options can be overwhelming. Besides how a tile looks, the most important consideration is whether it is the appropriate tile type for the functional usage. Using a tile material that is best for the functional usage of a space will save you from re-work and labor intensive up-keep.

Below is guest post that reviews some of the main types of tile materials in terms of their pros and cons.

The Right Tile for Every Space

Tiles are a popular choice when it comes to flooring as well as other spaces that you have at home or in the office. They are available in various materials, colors, textures and designs for you to choose from. However, not all types of tiles are suitable for every space. The most common consideration is the kind of material, but this can also be the hardest choice to make. With a wide range of materials available in the market, each offers pros and cons depending on the room and condition.

Ceramic Tile

One of the most popular choices in tiling is ceramic. Ceramic tiles are suitable for many applications because they come in various styles that can fit any design. They are also cost-effective, which is ideal for those who are on a budget. However, the material is slightly fragile despite being easy to install, clean and maintain. The best ceramic tiles are commonly used in rooms with light traffic, such as studies and bathrooms.

Porcelain Tile

Quite similar to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are another common choice of tile material. They are harder than ceramic and most suited in living rooms and kitchens where there is heavy traffic. They come in three types of finishes – glazed, unglazed and polished. So, be sure to know which one to choose according to your needs. Consider also that it is tricky to install porcelain tiles and you need adhesive when laying them down. If you are thinking of installing these tiles on walls, be sure that the wall structure can hold up the weight of the material.

Glass Tile

Although glass tiles are more fragile, they are best suited to use on walls because they have an exquisite look when tiling is done correctly. The material is stain-resistant, which makes it a fantastic alternative to natural stone with its clean and minimal look. Usually, glass is cut, colored and hand-finished to achieve various looks and styles. Just remember that glass is likely to chip, especially along its edges. It should not be used in high-traffic areas like kitchens. Instead, use it for smaller applications, such as in table tops or desks, or around the fireplace. It can also be used as backsplash.

Cement Tile

Cement is another material that has long been used in tiling. It offers versatility in terms of patterns and colors. However, with its extremely porous surface, it should be sanded and resealed at least once a month to maintain its beauty. Also, laying these tiles can be quite difficult and they are prone to discoloration over time. They should be used only in low-traffic areas and in small numbers.

Travertine

Made with natural stone, travertine tiles offer natural and one-of-a-kind finish. No two travertine tiles look the same. The material, however, is easily impacted by water, stain and traction. Therefore, it requires extra maintenance and must be sealed before and after grouting.

Marble

If you want to achieve high-shine and classic appeal in your space, marble is a top choice. Despite its cost, it can add a touch of elegance and refinement to any room. In order to maintain its clean and shiny look, it requires regular polishing. It is the kind of material that is susceptible to scratches, etching and stains. Marbles tiles are often used as decorative material in shower floors, columns and backsplashes instead of having them on benchtops.

Metal

Designers who want to achieve contemporary look may choose metal tiles in modern layouts. Benchtops with metal tiles will have a chic and modern look, aside from being durable. The material also gives smooth and textured finishes to add depth and character to spaces. It is often seen in kitchens, bars or utility rooms. It is not recommended in baths because it scratches easily.

Mosaic Tile

Upgrade your interior design with mosaic tiles that come in different shapes, sizes, colors, styles and materials. These small tiles are available in sheets and are arranged to achieve unique and thematic designs in various spaces. Choose the right space where the tiles will be installed and create an accent based on your preferences.

Granite

With a similar look and feel to marble, granite is a natural stone that is often a cheaper alternative. Granite tiles are commonly used in laundry rooms where your top priorities are performance and lower cost while maintaining natural flecks in the area.

Limestone

Limestone is another type of natural stone used in tiles to achieve a truly rustic style. This type of material has natural tones, shades and variations. It is durable and soft enough that designers can easily shape and cut it for specific patterns. Keep in mind that it is a porous rock that needs to be properly sealed to avoid cracks and etches, and to make it long-lasting Use limestone tiles in outdoor spaces like the patio to have the perfect final look.

Aside from material, there are several other considerations when choosing the right tiles for every space you have. The size of your room matters when choosing the size of tiles. Check the area that you want to cover to choose the right shape. This can include the common square or rectangle, or the circular or geometric forms. The area will also help you determine the number of tiles to purchase. Make sure to add 10% more of the total number in case of breakage or wrong cutting. A little more will also be needed if you want to do a patterned design. Consider also the type of finish you want to achieve.

Keep in mind that tile installation needs sealing and resealing, maintenance, and grouting depending on the type of material that you use. Each type of material is unique on its own and the above mentioned ideas can help you choose the perfect tile while having the appropriate installation and the necessary aftercare.