5 Ways to Design a Home Fit for Royalty
5 Ways to Design a Home Fit for Royalty
If you’re looking for a project this fall, we recommend giving your home a luxe makeover. Why? Because you deserve it. Check out these five ways to design a home inspired by the aesthetics of iconic royal estates. These changes will not only wow guests, but also create an alluring, cozy abode, with plenty of soft materials and inviting lighting, proving glamour doesn’t have to be stuffy or uncomfortable and it’s certainly not unattainable for those of us who aren’t kings or queens.
More is More
Say goodbye to minimalism and hello to maximalism. In an effort to create a calming environment, sometimes the instinct is to opt for a simple, sparse design—leaving shelves bare, coffee tables free of books or candles, and furniture down to the basic necessities. But envision a sitting room in a grand castle with a fire roaring as tea is being served—does that sitting room look like a contemporary, sterile room? Or is it full of glimmering trinkets, large, striking paintings, and plenty of plush couches and chairs? Do as the royals do, and put all of your finery on display.
A Kitchen for a Grand Feast
It’s highly unlikely that many royals of yesteryear spent much time in their kitchens, but as modern, decidedly un-royal folks, we certainly spend plenty of time in ours. And yet, that doesn’t mean that’s there no inspiration to be had from kitchens famous for hosting lavish feasts attended by notable guests. To incorporate some of that energy into your own kitchen, try hanging pots and pans (brass is the perfect finish for this kind of look) from a chandelier rack over your kitchen island. A pantry is an incredible way to keep your counters clutter-free, and if you really want to elevate the look, add wallpaper in a toile or fleur-de-lis pattern.
The Art of Layering
Don’t be afraid to play with mixing different materials and patterns. Use satin pillows on a velvet sofa, layer plush rugs over each other to create dimension and warm up a space, and pair different patterns and colors for a unique effect. Castles or manors often have countless different designs in a room, and you’d be surprised how two seemingly contrasting pieces can sometimes work brilliantly together.
Make Your Space Shimmer
Dark, jewel-toned colors and thick fabrics can sometimes make a home feel dark, so bring some light back into the home, the royal way, with a little sparkle. Use gold accents with door knobs, picture frames, drawer handles, etc., to create glimmering glamour. A crystal chandelier is an incredible statement piece in a dining room, foyer, or living room. And never underestimate the power of flickering candles in antique sconces to make a home positively glow.
Striking Landscaping
There’s a reason that the gardens of palaces like France's Versailles or China's Summer Palace are practically as famous as the estates they surround. They’re remarkable examples of what craftsmanship, care, time, and resources can accomplish. Meticulously maintained and thoughtfully designed, let these beautiful spaces inspire your own gardening ambitions. Even if you don’t have vast acreage or grand topiary trees, simple installations like rose bushes, a small fountain, or classic statues can go a long way in creating an elegant outdoor space.
Take a look at some Sotheby’s listings that have left us royally impressed.