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.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

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

From timeless neutrals to rich jewel tones and earthy hues, the right colour palette can elevate any space, creating mood, elegance and effortless sophistication.

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.