The Mental Benefits of Living in Luxury

Defining luxury and its impact on interior design

Luxury is not just about wealth or grandiosity. At its core, luxury represents rarity, exclusivity, and supreme comfort. It’s a feeling, one that arises from the finest craftsmanship, attention to detail, and careful curation of space. As someone who grew up in Paris and later pursued a Master’s thesis in law about the luxury industry, I’ve always been immersed in the world of high-end design and the power it holds to influence how we feel in our environments. Later, I further honed my understanding by completing a second Master's in Luxury, Innovation, and Design, where I explored how luxury intersects with contemporary innovation.

When I transitioned to interior design in New York 10 years ago, I brought this knowledge and deep appreciation of luxury with me, understanding not only how luxury looks but how it makes us feel. It’s about creating spaces that elevate the way we live: making us feel more comfortable, inspired, and at ease.

What clients want

In my approach to interior design, luxury goes beyond expensive materials or opulent finishes. It’s about crafting environments that evoke emotions—serenity, sophistication, confidence, and comfort. Every decision made in a design project is guided by how it will make the client feel.

Luxury’s psychological power lies in its ability to make us feel special, valued, and at ease. People want to feel that their home is a reflection of their own tastes and status, but more importantly, they want it to serve as a sanctuary—somewhere that nurtures their well-being. The first step is understanding what brings those feelings into a space.

How I bring luxury to my clients’ homes

Incorporating texture and softness
When I design luxury spaces, I always think about the tactile experience, not just the visual. I love introducing soft elements like velvet cushions, plush rugs, and luxurious throws that add a layer of comfort. These pieces immediately transform a room, making it feel inviting and refined.

Mastering color and lighting
Color and lighting can completely change the mood of a room. I focus on using rich, deep colors like navy or emerald to create sophistication, and I balance them with warm metallic accents in brass or gold for that touch of opulence. Thoughtful lighting is key—whether it’s through dimmable lights or statement chandeliers. For instance, in a client's living room, I used a large brass chandelier with dimmable LED bulbs set to 2700 Kelvins. The soft, warm light created an intimate and elegant atmosphere, with the ability to adjust intensity to suit the time of day or mood. This thoughtful lighting choice not only added luxury but also enhanced the room’s overall warmth and sophistication.

Functional elegance
Luxury doesn’t just mean aesthetics—it’s about combining beauty with practicality. In my approach, I focus on designing spaces that are not only visually captivating but also effortlessly support daily life. For instance, in a recent project, I created a home office where the custom dark wood desk wasn’t just an elegant statement piece, but a highly efficient workspace. The desk's design allowed for optimal organization, transforming the client’s work routine while maintaining an air of sophistication.

Personalization and exclusivity
I believe luxury design should reflect the unique tastes and lifestyle of my clients. That’s why I focus on sourcing custom furniture, handpicking art, and finding personal pieces that resonate. For instance, I help clients source artwork from local and international artists, making their spaces not just luxurious but authentically theirs.

Example: how luxury transformed a client’s home

One of my clients had a traditional New York apartment that felt tired and uninspired. By incorporating luxurious textures, carefully chosen colors, and high-quality furniture, I turned their living room into a polished hideout. We selected a deep teal for the walls, which added richness and warmth. A luxurious velvet sofa, combined with a large, handmade rug and custom cabinetry, transformed the room into a place where the client could truly unwind and feel at peace. The result wasn’t just a beautiful room—it was a room that made them feel like they were in their tailored comfort space.

Creating your own luxury space

Luxury in design is more than just a visual experience—it’s about crafting an environment that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. It’s not just about filling a space with expensive items, but about selecting elements that resonate with your personal identity, history, and aspirations. When done right, a luxurious space fosters creativity, invites relaxation, and even enhances productivity. By blending thoughtful details with quality materials, I can help you create a home that does more than just look beautiful—it becomes a place where you thrive. Ready to begin? Let’s design a space that nurtures your best life, every day.

Written by Carole Vaudable, interior designer

Office proposal designed by Carole Vaudable Interior Design