Like so much else in life, luxury is relative. When it comes to
interior design, the concept is often
invoked, but its meaning can take many forms. So what’s relevant today?
To find out, we surveyed the profession and turned to some of our
favorite designers for their insights on what constitutes real luxury
now.
Elle Décor conducted a survey of over 400 members of the magazine’s Designer Registry in an effort to uncover what luxury means to designers today. The survey asked what are the luxury trends, what's luxury now, what's out, and what counts now? It explores how the economy is affecting luxury to quality vs. quantity, big vs. small and what the most important staple item in a luxury home is.
And I'm featured! How cool.
*Here are some highlights from the survey..........
• More than 76% of designers feel 2013 will be a better year for their business. Only 3% think it will be worse.
• The most frequent purchases that designers will make include fabrics and wall coverings at 64%; followed by carpeting and rugs at 50%. Paint will be the most frequently purchased with 69% of designers buying it seven times or more.
• More than half the designers surveyed believe they will commission custom pieces for clients just as frequently—75% say they are creating custom work for clients as often or more than before the recession.
• Quality beats everything else in determining what constitutes true luxury, with 68% of designers citing it as the single most important factor. No other aspect reached even double digits in the survey.
• What’s the most crucial amenity for a luxury home? A whopping 74% of designers listed a spa bath. Outdoor kitchens, home gyms, and pools were cited by more than 60%.
• 72% of designers say they will make at least seven art/antiques purchases within the next 12 months.
• The other big purchase? Appliances. 58% plan to spec major appliances for clients at least three times within the year.
• 34% of designers agree that of primary importance in propelling a home into the luxury category is location. Architectural elements are second, with nearly 27% selecting that factor. Only 1% mentioned square footage.
*The survey went beyond statistics and asked top designers to weigh in with their thoughts about luxury........
“Luxury is more a state of mind than a state of pocketbook,” said Ann McDonald of Couture Chateau. “It’s the confidence you have in being happy and content and without worries.”
"Luxury is defining your life so it fits your needs." -Richard Mishaan of Richard Mishaan Design.
"People now need the professionalism of an interior designer more than ever. A GOOD designer makes your home look wonderful; a GREAT designer does so while saving money and avoiding mistakes." -Mark Sunderland of Mark Sunderland Interiors
Read more about it...
http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/talent/the-luxury-report
Best,
Mark.
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