How to Bring Quiet Luxury to Kitchens and Baths

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

Photograph by Jessica Delaney

Photograph by Nat Rea

Design elements that mirror your personal style, elevate a space, and create a sense of luxury.

Refined, luxe-leaning design is usually felt more than it is noticed, says architect Katy Finkenzeller(opens in new tab). It has more to do with ease and flow than it does materials, she explains. “It’s the way a homeowner uses subtle touches to elevate a space discreetly,We call it ‘quiet luxury.’ ”

Finkenzeller is an associate at SV Design (with offices in Beverly, Winchester, and Chatham, Massachusetts), where she says her team’s objective is to discover every client’s individual path to quiet luxury—and make it a reality.

Finding that path requires research, asking a lot of smart questions, and listening.

“We focus on how our clients use every space in the home(opens in new tab). And as knowledgeable as we are, we’re always learning from them,” says Finkenzeller. “We’re trained to think of functionality first—and all the ways we can uplift a space with the homeowners in mind.”

The abiding principle at SV Design is to opt for timeless strategies, according to interior design associate Lindsay Goode(opens in new tab)—especially in the most-used rooms in the house: the kitchen and bath.

Luxury Kitchen and Bath Lighting Design

A good lighting plan does more than provide warmth and illumination. It can highlight an architectural feature or artwork and enhance the way you look (think backlit mirrors in the bath). When deciding on the location and temperature of lighting, it’s important to consider the natural light that comes into a room so they complement one another. A poor lighting plan can create shadows and dark spots. Subtle under-cabinet or in-cabinet lighting is recommended. Choose toe-kick lighting under sinks in the bath for wayfinding and a soft glow. Skip soft lighting in the closet, however. Go bright. “You want to determine if a sweater is black or navy,” she says.

Photograph by Marshall Dackert

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

Timeless Kitchen and Bathroom Color Palettes

“We never want to grow tired of our kitchens and baths, so we advise you to stay away from trends,” says Goode. “Select colors you know will bring you joy for many years.”

When considering your color palette in the bath, remember:  “We choose clothing that complements our skin tone, so we should absolutely do the same in the bath,” says Finkenzeller.

In the kitchen, remember that high-end touches add glam, so don’t overdo the shine or choose too many competing hues. Follow the lead of many fine restaurants that feature an elegant, monochromatic palette.

Think about surfaces—flooring, counters, backsplashes—and how they play with wall colors. Another consideration: “A lot of clients like glass-front cabinets, but we always ask what they want to showcase and select interiors accordingly,” says Finkenzeller. “Whites and creams will pop against walnut shelves.”

Custom Kitchen Storage Solutions for Luxury Homes

Custom storage solutions (such as appliance garages) are a sure way to marry form and function. “Creating zones within a kitchen adds a luxurious ease of living,” says Goode. “A good example is programming baking needs together (stand-up mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups).” There are specialty inserts for every kind of cook—from clients who have extensive spice collections to families that keep kosher.

Some favorite “recent” innovations include large drawers for dishes, pots and pans, under-island microwaves, and snack stations at kids’ height.

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

Photograph by Ryan Maheu

Choosing Durable Materials for Custom Kitchens and Baths

The use of premium materials and finishes is a powerful design tool, as long as you don’t overlook function and durability. Do you want to put hot pans directly on your counters? Choose a surface that can handle heat—like granite or soapstone. If exotic veining is important to you, go for it…but know its limitations.  “It’s easy to see why people love Carrara marble,” says Finkenzeller, “but the downside is that it scratches and stains easily.”

Personalized Kitchen and Bath Design for Everyday Living

At the end of the day, the details that matter most are those that simplify your life and bring you joy. A clawfoot tub always looks luxurious—but if it has high sides, it won’t work for anyone who has ever tried to bathe a child in one.

Do you eat at your grand kitchen island? Then you’ll need comfortable seating: stools that swivel, with arms and comfortable cushions and backs.

“Remember, we are decorators, too,” says Finkenzeller, “and we can help with something as simple as choosing hand towels or something as complex as designing elegant millwork.”

In the same way that accessories can make or break a look, so can quiet details. To the experts at SV Design, quiet luxury is a frame of mind that meets all your needs—and more.

SV DESIGN
To view the firm’s portfolio, visit svdesign.com(opens in new tab).
Schedule an appointment at one of three locations: Greater Boston, North Shore or Cape Cod.