Luxury in every shade: How colour creates a high-end interior

When people think of luxury in interior design, their minds often jump to expensive furniture or opulent finishes, but in truth, one of the most powerful tools in creating a refined, elegant home lies in the palette you choose.

Colour has an extraordinary ability to shift a space’s mood, scale and energy. The right hue, applied with thought and care, can make a modest room feel expansive, elevate everyday pieces and instantly signal sophistication. As a designer, I believe that luxury is not about excess; it’s about intention. And colour, when chosen well, can speak volumes.

Timeless neutrals: The essence of understated elegance

There’s something inherently luxurious about a well-balanced neutral palette. Soft whites, warm beiges, and the perfect blend of greige, which is a gentle meeting point between grey and beige, offer a timeless foundation for any space. I often gravitate toward warm whites like ivory, bone, or champagne, tones that feel luminous yet grounded.

In more modern interiors, cooler greys bring a crisp sophistication, especially when layered with clean architectural lines. The beauty of neutrals is their versatility, they allow your materials, textures and lighting to take centre stage, creating a quiet kind of opulence that never goes out of style.

Rich jewel tones: For depth, drama and decadence

If you’re drawn to interiors with a sense of grandeur, jewel tones are your secret weapon. Emerald green, in particular, has an enduring allure especially when paired with brushed gold or antique brass. It evokes nature but with a regal twist. Deep sapphire blues bring a sense of calm authority to a space, while ruby red delivers unapologetic confidence.

These colours work best when expressed in rich textures: velvet armchairs, high-gloss cabinetry or dramatic accent walls. In the right application, jewel tones don’t shout they whisper luxury.

Dark and moody: The modern masterstroke

I’ve always admired the elegance of moody interiors. Charcoal greys and deep navies create a sense of intimacy, wrapping a room in warmth and quiet confidence. A matte charcoal wall in a living or dining room feels architectural and considered, while a navy velvet headboard or cabinetry in a study can anchor the room with presence and depth.

To keep these spaces from feeling too heavy, I like to introduce metallic highlights, a polished chrome lamp, a brushed gold sconce, or even a soft glint of silk in a throw or curtain. It’s these small contrasts that give dark interiors their designer edge.

The soft side of luxury: Muted pastels

Pastels can be incredibly luxurious when done right. Think blush pink offset by crisp linen, soft gold and creamy stone. It’s not saccharine; it’s sensual. I find muted lavender and powder blue especially beautiful in bedrooms and dressing spaces, where they exude serenity and quiet indulgence.

These colours pair well with tactile textures, cashmere throws, velvet cushions, and silk sheers for a softness that’s both comforting and couture.

Earthy tones: Effortless sophistication from nature

Earth-inspired shades like terracotta, olive green and warm taupe have surged in popularity for good reason. These tones bring a worldly richness to interiors, referencing Mediterranean villas, lush vineyards and sun-drenched landscapes.

Terracotta, whether in a statement wall or an artisan vase, offers warmth and groundedness. Olive green is wonderfully versatile both calming and bold and works beautifully with natural timbers and leathers. Taupe, the quiet achiever of the colour world, blends seamlessly into almost any palette while adding depth and warmth.

Elevating colour through detail

Colour is only part of the story. The way you apply it and what you pair it with makes all the difference.

How to enhance the luxury effect in your home

Beyond colour, the way you use and complement these colours and shades can enhance the luxurious look and feel of your home:

Pair with metallics: Gold, brass, or chrome accents instantly elevate a colour scheme.
Choose high-quality finishes: Matte, satin, or high-gloss paint finishes can impact how colours reflect light and create a sense of depth.
Layer with textures: Velvet, silk and high-thread-count linens add richness to any colour palette.
Use statement lighting: Elegant chandeliers or modern sconces enhance the mood and sophistication of a space.

Final thoughts

Creating a luxurious home doesn’t require extravagance. It requires consideration. The right colour palette whether classic neutrals, dramatic jewel tones or earthy naturals can transform your home into a sanctuary of style and substance.

As I often tell my clients: luxury is not a price point it’s a feeling. And colour is one of the most powerful ways to create that feeling, every day, in every room.

Kellie Richardson is a celebrated Australian interior designer and founder of Kurved by Design, known for her bold, elegant approach to residential and commercial interiors.

Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.

Artful Abundance: The Sophisticated Joy of Artful Interiors

Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.

As the clinical austerity yielded to the graceful presence of art, this single work transformed into a vessel of solace and hope amid overwhelming uncertainty.

That moment continues to resonate with me—a vivid reminder that art transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound catalyst for emotional healing and inspiration. It is this transformative experience that fuels my passion as a biophilic interior designer.

I create environments where every element, from bespoke murals to sculptural installations, harnesses art’s power to elevate the human spirit, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Let us journey together into the world of luxurious interiors that define modern elegance.

2. Art as Wellness: A Daily Ritual of Rejuvenation

At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.

The simple act of beholding a tranquil landscape or a subtle floral motif transforms your space into a private retreat, offering solace amidst a hectic world.

In my practice, I meticulously select artworks chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potent, therapeutic benefits.

Each piece serves as daily inspiration—a quiet invitation to experience calm and well-being. For example, our Hilton project demonstrates how hospitality resorts integrate nature-inspired art not only for its visual impact but also as a medium of healing; here, a collaboration with a local artist produced a masterful installation that functions both as a statement piece and a source of well-being.

3. Bespoke Brilliance: Celebrating Your Unique Narrative

Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.

Each personalised creation turns your walls into a living narrative of cherished memories and distinctive taste. Consider how a thoughtfully designed space can reflect your individuality and elevate your living experience.

4. Sculptural Elegance: Redefining Spatial Dynamics

Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.

Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.

Such statement sculptures command attention while seamlessly integrating form with function and providing a natural conversation starter in any refined space.

5. Architectural Artistry: When Structure Meets Art

A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.

In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.

6. Furniture as Functional Art: Merging Practicality with Mastery

In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.

More than just a piece of furniture, this chair sparks conversation and serves as an emblem of creative innovation and exclusivity.

Let this be a symbol of how every element in your home might reflect your dedication to exquisite artistry.

7. Digital Sophistication: The Future of Artistic Expression

In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.

High-resolution displays now present dynamic landscapes—a cascade of waterfalls, the quiet majesty of a forest, or a serene digital ocean vista—that adapt and evolve with your environment.

This modern element seamlessly aligns cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your space remains as innovative as it is elegant.

8. Luxurious Textiles and Furnishings: The Essence of Understated Elegance

Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.

Bespoke silk cushions with intricate botanical embroidery, sumptuous velvet throws that evoke tropical charm, and bedding that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes all contribute to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.

Every tactile detail is chosen to evoke warmth and stand as a testament to your taste for excellence.

9. Refined Heritage: Honouring Timeless Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.

These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.

10. The Art of Personal Meaning: Crafting Your Legacy

Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.

Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

It imbues your environment with memories, aspirations, and the essence of who you are—a living masterpiece that evolves with time.

Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.

Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.

Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.

Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.