Professionally designed spaces have depth and layers to them, each element adding its own touch while perfectly playing off of the others.

One of the tricks for putting together such a complex yet cohesive space is all about the mix of materials.

“Matte and shiny, textured and flat, patterned and plain: These contrasts make a space feel more dynamic,” said Colleen Simonds, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based interior designer.

“You need those elements in order to feel something when you walk into a room,” she said. “This is what makes a room feel alive and evoke emotion.”

Spice of life

Forgetting to consider the range of materials throughout a room can have unintended, but décor-devastating, consequences.

“When you have a space that doesn’t have the mix it can feel one-dimensional, flat and overall uninspired,” Ms. Simonds said. “You just feel bored.”

Using too much of the same good thing can also make a room appear a bit fake, like a carbon copy of page in a one-note design catalog: Think stark industrial, blindingly shiny contemporary, cabin in the woods, midcentury modern overload.

“Mixing things like industrial elements with clean, feminine lines helps a space feel balanced, not themed,” said Sarah Storms, founder of Styled by Storms in New Jersey. “When you mix elements, it makes a space feel considered and curated.”

Texture is key when it comes to adding to the material mix – a wood floor, wool rug, lacquered furniture, gleaming brass light fixture, soft linens and matte wallpaper all bring a different feel to the same space.

“Every interesting room is going to have some stone, wood, glass, metal, leather and fabric,” said Caroline Kopp, founder and principal of the Connecticut-based Caroline Kopp Interior Design.

“That can apply to pretty much any style or color palette, but this mix of elements is what brings interest to a room,” she said. “The more objects and surfaces in a space, the more you can mix different kinds of stones or metals or textiles.”

Textiles are important in not only adding a wide variety of textures all on their own, but in sewing all of the materials and layers of a room together.

“I love imagining an invisible thread that runs through the space,” Ms. Storms said. “For example, reupholstered antique dining chairs in a contemporary, textured jacquard in a mix of blues is a bit of a juxtaposition to the antique dining set, but it is also the element that makes it work within the space.”

To really kick it up a notch, a few unexpected or uncommon materials will do the trick.

“Unique materials create extra intrigue and individuality in your space,” Ms. Kopp said. “A super-unusual slab of marble on a wall, a glass-mosaic mural installation, a patterned wallpaper on the ceiling – things like this function as art in your space and give it that oomph and sense of daring you are not going to get from run-of-the-mill ‘safety’ materials.”

Stir it up

There are plenty of ways to be safe about mixing a variety of materials in a space, however.

First, think about how all of the interior ingredients interact with each other, and then make sure to add some of each flavor.

“A shiny, hard surface can feel colder versus a cozy surface that will feel warm,” Ms. Kopp said.

“The shiny surfaces will reflect light, as opposed to velvets or other textiles that will absorb it,” she said. “Mixing in the warm and the cold makes for a multi-dimensional feel.”

Also make sure that each finish, warm or cold, is repeated more than once so that the room feels cohesive rather than a single piece sticking out – Ms. Storms recommends using everything at least three times.

“This can be a mix of one statement piece, such as a hammered-copper sink, that you support with small, even tiny, other elements of copper,” Ms. Storms said. “This makes the mix feel intentional, not accidental.”

Another way to ensure a unified look is to choose items in the same color family for each element.

“This tonal look is found in fashion, yet translates to the home perfectly: Think leathers, specifically luggage-colored or saddle tones, mixed with a metal that has luster to it [such as brass],” Ms. Storms said.

A color can also be used to anchor the whole space, especially when there are a seemingly wild variety of other colors and patterns together.

“Mixing patterns and prints within a single room can provide an incredibly energetic space, but it also needs to be grounded,” Ms. Storms said. “Adding an anchoring color, such as black, in the textiles or metal can ground a space and keep it from [being] overwhelming.”

And never forget the classic wedding adage: “Make sure something is old,” Ms. Simonds said. “Everything cannot be new. If it’s all new, it will feel straight out of a catalog.”

Last, even if a room leans industrial or rustic or vintage, keep it luxurious by remembering to layer in some finer materials such as marble, natural fibers and polished metal.

“A beautiful, supple wool curtain over a concrete wall or a stunning, custom, leather ottoman in front of a steel-faced fireplace – those are successful mixes of rough with elegant that give you that luxe finished product,” Ms. Kopp said.

Mastering the mix, in general, lends a more high-end feel to any space.

“Mixing materials, when done well, brings a more luxe, curated sensibility to the home,” Ms. Storms said.  

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A new series of striking stone mantels has been chiseled from a collaboration between design innovator Holly Hunt, founder of Chicago-based interior design studio House of Hunt, and celebrated stone purveyor Marmi.

Ms. Hunt worked collaboratively with the Marmi team to create the customizable fireplace surrounds, Editions No. 1, Mantels, selecting the company’s most interesting stones and employing her talent for combining the classic and modern.

“We wanted to offer something new in the hearth space,” Ms. Hunt said. “We envision this collection in homes where a fireplace can be a focal point in the space.”

Life’s work

Ms. Hunt is well-versed in product design, having opened her first eponymous home furnishings showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart in 1983, forever changing the way furniture and other items were displayed – in a gallery setting with a wide mix of design styles and artisans.

Over the decades, Ms. Hunt began designing her own furniture, lighting and textiles while expanding HOLLY HUNT showrooms internationally before selling the company to Knoll in 2014.

“I wasn’t sure what the next chapter of my career would look like exactly, though I knew it would continue to be in the creative arena,” Ms. Hunt said. “I found my passion and life’s work in the design world, so it’s difficult for me to imagine doing anything outside of this industry.”

Starting House of Hunt in 2020 was a “natural evolution” for the design veteran, applying her experience to create sophisticated, luxurious interiors.

“The House of Hunt philosophy combines a passion for design and artistry, an understanding of composition and construction, and an obsession with refinement and detail,” Ms. Hunt said.

“Our goal is to create a sense of modern living that is relevant and timeless, where shape, materials, precision and scale take center stage.”

Ms. Hunt found a kindred spirit in Marmi president Magd Riad, who she met in 2009. The two became friends and collaborators, with Marmi supplying stone for various HOLLY HUNT projects.

It was only natural that the two would eventually work on a joint project that is a modern take on classic stones.

On fire

Marmi has a design showroom in Atlanta, Georgia, though its parent company, Marmonil, was founded over 50 years ago in Cairo, Egypt.

Harvesting impeccable natural stone slabs from widespread quarries and utilizing master craftsmen, Marmi’s marble, granite and limestone is found in prestigious architecture and design projects all over the world.

Its own Editions collections, which will be crafted with a variety of partners, will put the focus on design that showcases the beautiful features of its stone, which the inaugural Editions No. 1, Mantels with Ms. Hunt captures perfectly.

“Our goal was to extract the most stunning design elements from a solid block of stone in order to create boldly shaped, finely detailed mantels that could serve as the focal point in one’s home,” Ms. Hunt said.

“Together, we worked with my former colleague and architect, Neil Zuleta, and top Italian artisans to produce a collection of 12 customizable, made-to-order designs engineered from specially selected and precisely cut blocks of stone with bronzed metal accents,” she said.

The stones selected for the collection were chosen not only for being beautiful, but for having interesting colors and patterns and being less-frequently used. They also had to have the right mass and strength for the designs and pair well with metals.

The resulting cut and carved mantels can be customized by clients with a variety of stone and metal options, each piece one-of-a-kind.

“The hearths not only serve as distinctive centerpieces within a space, but also as sculptural art,” Ms. Hunt said.

“It was perfectly in my design aesthetic, in that House of Hunt is all about classic proportions and modern, yet timeless, design,” she said of the collaboration with Marmi.

And Ms. Hunt is not likely to stop creating new pieces any time soon.

“Product design will always be a part of my DNA, and that will continue with House of Hunt,” she said.  

The post Marmi x House of Hunt equals design-forward mantel masterpieces appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

When it comes to the interiors of an oceanfront getaway, beachy décor can sometimes veer into seashell cliches and casual vibes that read messy.

Designers such as Chad James, principal of the Nashville-based Chad James Group, are creating next-level beach houses that, yes, nod to the nautical, but also up the luxe factor while remaining comfortable and personal family retreats.  

“It has always been by goal to provide each project with its own uniqueness that is established by the location and the client’s own personal interests,” Mr. James, who designed the Florida beach house seen here for country music superstar Luke Bryan, said.

Beachy keen

The starting point for most design is the property’s function, and that certainly differs between main residences and vacation homes.

“When designing multiple homes for our clients, it’s always important to understand the function and purpose of this location,” Mr. James said. “Establishing this allows us to create spaces that exclusively cater to their needs.”

Beach homes are generally meant for relaxation and spending quality time with the family, and the house itself needs to provide the perfect place to do so.

“Beach and coastal homes have their own set of rules, many of which are dictated by a sense of casual relaxation and having a place to gather and make lasting memories,” Mr. James said.

“This home was always intended to be a family retreat,” Mr. James said of the Bryan project, adding that his design focused on gathering spaces.

The outdoors are what beachfront living is all about, and the home provides plenty of room to spend time in the sea air.

And, the last thing a family wants to worry about on vacation is taking care of their beach house. Using easily cleaned, non-fussy materials that can withstand salty air, sun and sand allows for those tasks to be thrown out to sea.

“Vacation homes are just that—a place to vacation and cast your stress into the water,” Mr. James said. “We always make sure that fabrics, colors and materials are being used in a way where maintenance is as easy as possible.”

A casual, easy home does not have to give up luxurious surroundings, however.

“Just because a home is at the beach doesn’t mean that the luxury element should be forgotten,” Mr. James said. “We establish this through the backdrop of materials we use like marble, tile, special wood finishes and also the furnishings we include.”

On top of that, Mr. James utilizes his clients’ extensive art collections to personalize not just their main homes, but their vacation spaces as well.

Fun, modern beachy touches liven things up too.  

In this home, Mr. James added cheeky sculptures, outdoor surfboard showers and vintage ship plaques to a classic blue-and-white color palette and comfy, family-friendly furniture.

The designer’s motto, “If it’s not fun, I’m not doing it,” can be found throughout this Florida beach home, and every Chad James Group project.

“Often those fun moments are more of an inside joke, reference or acknowledgment to something that only our clients will understand,” Mr. James said. “It’s always important to nod our head to the whimsical nature that lives inside of each of us.”

The post Fun décor and functional spaces make a luxe, modern beach home appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

The kitchen is likely the most utilitarian space in most homes, prioritizing cooking workflow and appliance tech to make daily life easier.

However, it is also a major meeting place for both homeowners and their friends and family. Upgrading the room with more intentional design ties it to this other role – and the rest of the house.

“It’s where we spend a huge portion of our days and even entertain,” said Sarah Cole, designer at an eponymous Massachusetts firm.

“As such, it’s definitely not the room to skimp on style,” she said. “With color, materials, lighting and even art, the kitchen can reflect who you are and make you feel at home.”

Function and form

The kitchen is often the center of the at-home universe, acting as family hangout, entertainment zone and food-and-beverage workhorse.

Although its functional aspects are usually the focus, upgrading the space with personal style and design touches connecting it to the rest of the home make the kitchen the shine as the truly special place it is.

“A beautiful space with functional and stylish features can inspire you to cook and entertain, while a drab or cluttered kitchen can make you feel stressed or uninspired,” said Michelle Wooley Sauter, founder of One Coast Design in South Carolina.  

Since the kitchen is an oft-used area, “creating an inviting, aesthetically pleasing environment that makes a great first impression is important,” she said.

Before you even get to the style part, though, it is important to consider what you need your kitchen to do for you – how you actually use it, according to another expert.

“The layout is a critical first step when you’re starting a kitchen project,” said Idaho-based designer Maren Baker. “More so than other rooms in the house, function is what drives decisions in the kitchen.”

Before designing a kitchen space, think about storage, how appliances are used, and how work and entertaining happen there.

Updated amenities that boost kitchen function and style include oversized pantries that have room for not just food but smaller appliances and separate beverage refrigerators for saving space in the main fridge, per Ms. Baker.

Appliances, too, are getting a high-tech upgrade.

“Professional-grade appliances are big right now: large ranges, double ovens, even double refrigerators,” Ms. Cole said.

“There’s also a demand for more specialized appliances such as temperature-controlled wine storage, ice makers and even speed ovens,” she said.

That is not to say the classics, such as Sub-Zero, Bosch and Wolf, are not still in high demand.

Ms. Woolley Sauter said these time-tested brands are always a great choice, although nowadays homeowners are mixing brands to get the best of each rather than use one throughout.

Give it heart

“Your kitchen should reflect your personal style and taste,” Ms. Woolley Sauter said, which for most does not translate into a shiny, space-age laboratory.

“The key is to take that brand-new feel off the kitchen while sneaking in absolutely brand-new appliances and functionality,” she said.

Treating the kitchen more like the living room, to a design-wise extent, brings in more personality and a welcoming feel.

“We want them to feel more part of the rest of the house – table lamps on the countertops, vignettes, areas of open shelving, focus on the hardware and lighting,” Ms. Baker said.

“I love that, in order to create these living room-style kitchens, we have options now to hide plugs, electrical, under-shelf/cabinet lighting, without sacrificing function,” she said.

There are even companies making outlets that blend seamlessly with nearly any backsplash or island, a favorite with Ms. Cole along with charging drawers to keep wires at bay.

Hefty hardware, stylish lighting and veined or colored stone are both being used frequently by the designers to make a big kitchen statement. Natural stone, such as marble or soapstone, adds a textured, organic feel usually saved for other areas of the home.

Taking the shine off of some finishes and using natural wood also lends a lived-in, more relaxed look that blends better with the rest of the house, advises Ms. Woolley Sauter.

Kitchen color palettes are also warming up, the designers and their clients favoring more earthy and bold tones.

“Color has gone from being an accent on an island to the main event in the kitchen,” Ms. Cole said.

“We’re seeing bold color and lots of it – heavily saturated, almost black tones of green, blue and even eggplant, give kitchens an incredible mix of classic and cutting edge,” she said.

If the true classic black-and-white kitchen is what is on order, a warmer feel can still be achieved.

“Something a bit fresher is to do off-white, off-black colors,” Ms. Baker said. “They feel timeless, but also a bit more relaxed, and still work with all sorts of countertops and backsplashes and colors.”

A thoughtful, modern kitchen update that takes design cues from other spaces can truly make a difference in everyday living.

“It’s always said but it is so true – it’s the heart of the home,” Ms. Woolley Sauter said of the kitchen. “It’s also the first room you walk into to start your day. It truly sets the mood for the day.”

The post Upgrade the kitchen with high-tech amenities and guest-worthy décor appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

For this year’s Milan Design Week, online marketplace Artemest, which curates a selection of high-end, handmade Italian furniture, lighting and décor, had six global firms design rooms in a historic Milanese apartment using pieces from its makers.

L’Appartamento, a 1930s-era apartment at Via Cesare Correnti 14, celebrates Italian craftsmanship and design.

“We wanted to bring this stunning apartment back to life and show how different interior design studios, each with its own style and design approach, can work with Artemest to create inspiring and surprising interiors that celebrate authentic Italian beauty,” said Ippolita Rostagno, founder and creative director of Artemest, in a statement.

In the room

The designers sourced 130 pieces from the Milan-based Artemest’s site for the project.

The entryway, designed by T.ZED Architects, with locations in Dubai and Luxembourg, showcased the light that pours into the apartment, as well as its historical features, using mirrors and rugs scattered over the original hardwood floors.

In the hallway, by French designer Anne-Sophie Pailleret, who also designed the studio, the only blank space that was found in the apartment features textured wallpaper, ceramic floor tiles and modern wall sculptures.

Dublin-based Kingston Lafferty Design installed a striking mirrored sculpture in the center of the living room and added colorful, sculptural furniture to boot.

A monochrome palette highlights the original finishes in the dining room, by Houston-based Nina Magon, while artistic furniture and décor give a contemporary twist.

The bedroom also draws on the origins of the building. The firm Styled Habitat, based in Dubai, was inspired by the romantic side of the ‘30s.

Finally, the terrace was decked out in tropical vibes using bold colors and layers of patterns by Miami firm MONIOMI Design.

The entire apartment was pulled together with a custom fragrance by Artemest and Cereria Pernici 1892.

L’Appartamento is on public view from April 18-23.

The post Artemest’s L’Appartamento shows off Italian and international design appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Landscaping is a true art form, whether it involves patches of deceptively haphazard wildflowers or rows of perfectly sculpted hedges.

The award-winning James Doyle Design Associates, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, recently published a book of its work that showcases how the firm combines nature and art in its landscaping projects.

Founded in 1993, the firm designs projects large and small across the United States and Canada, some of which are found in Intersection of Art and Nature published by The Images Publishing Group, alongside notes and sketches that illuminate a bit of the design process.

Here, principal James Doyle and partner Justin Quinn discuss the book and all things landscaping with Luxury Portfolio.

How did you start on your path to landscaping?

James Doyle: I am in fact a landscape designer, whilst many others in my office are landscape architects.

I started as a horticulturist and decided that I needed the creative outlet as a designer. I started designing gardens and landscapes, and the business evolved into today’s practice of landscape architecture.

Justin Quinn: A landscape contractor friend brought me along for a breakfast meeting, where he was to meet up with a landscape architect to review some plans.

I saw this guy’s renderings and was in awe – so much so that I changed my academic major from horticulture to landscape architecture the next day.

Fast forward two decades and that same landscape architect, Anthony Tavares, is now part of our design studio.

Your firm’s new book is called Intersection of Nature and Art. What is that intersection for you?

Mr. Doyle: The intersection is typically a juxtaposition between the natural surroundings and a designed art piece. It can be a wonderful opportunity when curated and designed in a thoughtful fashion.

Mr. Quinn: Our best design work is often informed by a site’s natural conditions and our desire for artistic expression.

Our practice centers its craft around the intersection of the two: nature and art.

Many of your projects feel quite sculptural themselves. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Mr. Doyle: Art takes on many forms, and we have been creating these forms by sculpting our plant material. They provide structure, they can be the winter spine of our landscapes and the walls of our outdoor rooms.

Mr. Quinn: In part, we devise our landscapes as an artist or sculptor would.

Layers of materials – horticulture and hardscape – comprise the landscape and are applied to a site guided by some grounding concept.

Our studio combines materials into legible geometries often juxtaposed against organic textures and forms.

There are fantastic planning details and sketches throughout your book. When it comes to a new project, where does the thought process begin?

Mr. Doyle: For me, the first visit is hugely impactful and inspirational.

Our staff takes some initial thoughts to a higher level of design.

Mr. Quinn: In no particular order, the site, the client, lots of internal discussions and whatever grounding idea that makes the process or outcome more meaningful.

We are fortunate to often work with many disciplines and design teams, and it’s always insightful to hear what others have to say.

What are some essential elements of successfully designed landscaping?

Mr. Doyle: Everyone enjoys beauty, so a well-designed planting plan is most important.

Mr. Quinn: Composition and meaning.

Your projects blend nature and functionality for the people who live with your landscaping. How do you keep these outdoor spaces usable?

Mr. Doyle: Our outdoor spaces have not only a visual impact, but an opportunity for a physical experience also – some more passive than others.

We will continue to entice our clients and their families to enjoy the outdoors, whether it is a walk in a beautiful meadow or exercising in a pool or a sports court.

Mr. Quinn: We start by valuing whatever nature exists on a site. This assessment often differs amongst our team based on our individual experiences.

We then get to know our clients, interpret their desires, then work out the balance of function and nature during the design exercise.

It’s a practice, and we are dealing with living things, so it isn’t always A-to-B or a home run. Good gardens take time.

What role does sustainability play in your designs?

Mr. Doyle: This is not an agenda we have to push anymore. Our clients want their new landscapes to be beneficial to the natural world, and they are willing to explore design opportunities to enable this.

Mr. Quinn: We do a lot of little things, but don’t make a big stink about it, like planting enough trees to create shade, using local materials and managing all the stormwater on a particular site.

Sometimes we make these things noticeable, but most often not.

The post-war landscape is dying.

That Wonder Years lawn and foundation planting that supports little life and requires constant maintenance is losing its appeal.

To address this, you will see a lot of meadows in our work – both abstract agrarian and wildflower pollinator types.

There are entire pages filled with lists of plants for different projects in your book. What are some of your personal favorite plants to work with?

Mr. Doyle: I love plants and collect a lot of herbaceous material.

I’ve probably called out some of my favorites over the years, but I am seeking the unknown and researching new plants for our changing climate.

Mr. Quinn: We use many plants that can be considered common but, hopefully, we will use them more creatively.

For example, we’re using a native bunch grass, Little Bluestem, and about 15 other grasses and 25 forbs to transform a relatively dull pasture and create a meadow with seasonal interest.

We will then be obsessive with how we cut the paths through the meadow to create form and intrigue.   

Why is it important to consider nature and the outdoor environment of our homes?

Mr. Doyle: The future is in the hands of the next generations, and we need them to be more sensitive to our environment than we have been.

We have to go beyond sustainable and think about ecological restoration.

Bringing biodiversity back to fields, farms and our landscapes should be a huge priority.

Mr. Quinn: Experiences gained through the intimate participation of nurturing and being responsible for plants and nature, or even simply being in a great outdoor space that promotes nature, produce well-being.

The post James Doyle Design Associates: Beautifully blending art and nature in landscaping appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Neutrals are the well-loved, time-tested heroes of the decorating world.

Following a few simple principles, neutral spaces can create an inviting, serene and enduring environment at home.

“Neutrals are calm, quiet and welcoming – like a warm hug,” said Leia Ward, founder and principal of LTW Design.

Hue harmony

Although using bold colors at home does have a certain flair, in Luxury Portfolio International’s May 2022 State of Luxury Real Estate report, which surveyed affluent consumers around the globe, the majority of respondents said they preferred a neutral color palette.

Neutrals are not only a bit easier to work with but create a calmer feeling and never go out of style.

“I like to make our interior spaces feel relaxing and like a refuge for our clients,” per Ms. Ward, whose firm provides both interior design and luxury home staging services.

“Neutrals provide a solid base and foundation that is timeless and can be built upon to fit the client’s specific taste,” she said.

Neutrals never have to mean cold, impersonal spaces. Ms. Ward recommends keeping the tones warm.

“We are loving warm sandy tones right now – think camel,” she said.

The designer even calls her signature look “warm minimalism.” To pull it off, texture is key.

“Texture, texture, texture – combining linen with velvet and wools or mixing chunky with smooth,” Ms. Ward said. “Creating that contrast and juxtaposition makes a room feel warm and layered.”

A neutral backdrop also means punches of color can be safely added to a space on a whim without having to do a major décor overhaul.

“Any color can be layered in, and also removed if in the future a client changes their mind,” Ms. Ward said. “However, the neutral foundation will always remain.”

Whether using neutrals in a bedroom, bathroom or main living space, there are a few tricks to keep in mind.

“A mistake is using too many different neutrals in one space,” Ms. Ward said. “I recommend picking a palette with three neutral colors and sticking to it – then adding depth with various textures layered throughout.”

Ms. Ward also avoids small, fiddly furniture and objets, which can make a room feel messy.

“I prefer fewer items in a room, but ones that are bold and hold their space,” she said.

“For accessories, I love an oversized vintage pot with three-to-four-foot-tall branches on a coffee table – think bold and statement-making and uncluttered.”

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When it comes to unwinding at home, a go-to for many is a soak in the tub, although the degrees to which a bathroom transports one to a relaxing spa varies.

Luckily the spa environment can be replicated at home with the right design choices, peaceful colors, natural elements and thoughtful finishing touches.

“When I’m thinking of a spa bathroom and designing for a client, I’m thinking light and airy,” said Brian Brown, principal designer at Brian Brown Studio in San Diego. “It should just be super-low maintenance and easy to use.”

Natural order

While what reminds each individual of a spa experience differs, there are some elements that make it easy to create that atmosphere at home.

A standalone tub, rather than a tub/shower combo, is key.

“The ultimate luxury element is definitely the standalone carved marble bath,” said Alexander Purcell Rodrigues of Alexander Purcell Rodrigues Design in New York, Los Angeles and London.

“Sometimes actually we raise the bath onto a pedestal, which is quite nice – when the client has a room with a view, if they want to see the window they can gaze out from the tub.”

Add a tub to a large, open wet room with built-in elements such as large stone shower benches, and one is transported to the spa.

Whether wet or mostly dry, the bathroom needs to be a uniform space. To tie it all together, both designers go with a more neutral color palette with natural textures.

“I tend to do things that are more neutral because they’re more calm and serene,” Mr. Brown said. “I’ll use accents of black, like black fixtures, to make something stand out so it’s not just a total neutral palette.”

Then, he recommends adding “natural materials in a smart, modern way – using a different mix of them so the textures play off of each other. You need some sort of interest in there.”

Mr. Rodrigues often opts for stone.  

“I really like natural materials,” he said. “If you use stone a lot, it begins to give that natural feeling that you’re in the earth and surrounded by nature.

“And you can mix up stone textures as well, either by using the same stone but treating it differently by leathering it or brushing it, or using stones with different textures, begin to play with those interplays of materiality,” Mr. Rodrigues said.

Whether a matte or texture tile or nature stone, Mr. Brown said it should be carried across entire walls and to the ceiling – no more tiling just inside the shower glass.

 “It’s more luxurious and it just has a much nicer effect,” he said.

Peace full

There are plenty of small touches, as well, that add up to a full spa atmosphere at home.  

“I think that lighting is a huge one, and something that’s overlooked a lot,” Mr. Brown said. “You’ll never see harsh light in a spa.”

Mr. Rodrigues agrees.

“You need directional lighting in a bathroom,” he said. “Practically, you have to be able to shave and all that stuff, you have to see at some point. But if you want to relax, you want to be able to turn the mood down and turn the lights down.”

Mr. Brown likes to add indirect lighting sources underneath vanities and behind mirrors. Automated systems can also lower larger lights to a spa setting.

Fixtures such as faucets and handles, too, are important to the total package.

“More so than the color of the fixture, it’s the weight of the fixture,” Mr. Brown said. “How does it feel in the hand? Does it feel relaxing, does it feel solid, can you get a good grip on it? The nice spas that you go to have nice fixtures. It makes a huge difference in the way it feels.”

Other items to borrow straight from the spa are nature-infused scented candles or oils, matching dispensers for luxe soaps and lotions, and lavish towels and robes.

“Having things that are really plush and soft makes all the difference after you get out of a nice bath,” Mr. Brown said.

“I think sound is also a very important thing,” he added. “Make sure you have speakers in there so you can play tranquil music or whatever floats your boat.”

Last, but equally important to all of the elements in view, are the things that need to be kept out of view.

“One of the keys to a spa-like bathroom is actually storage, because if you have a bathroom with clutter everywhere it certainly doesn’t feel like a spa,” Mr. Rodrigues said. “Hide all of that stuff that really rear-ends the mood.”

The post Conjure calm at home with a spa-inspired bathroom appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Producing consumer goods, especially involving textiles, is often a wasteful process thanks to the unusable bits and pieces leftover after cutting the needed shapes from fabric.

One Canadian multidisciplinary design studio, Stacklab, is aiming to change the way that brands use manufacturing waste by turning it into design-forward home furnishings that are both stylish and sustainable with its Stackabl line of customizable pieces.

“[It] starts with a clear understanding of our role as designers,” said Jeff Forrest, founder of Stacklab. “If we set out to genuinely solve a problem, or even approach one critically, I think the topic of sustainability will come up quite naturally.

“Stackabl fits into this idea because we’re trying our best to be critical,” he said. “I think it’s important because, well, the world has lots of problems and we need to embrace a culture of design and critical thinking if we want to thrive.”

Waste not …

Based in Toronto at Stacklab, the furnishings line launched in 2021 as the culmination of an idea to “turn waste into wonders” with tech-informed design.

Stackabl’s configurator uses algorithms and robotics to identify remnants of wool felt, metal and wood at regional manufacturing facilities, pulling the needed materials to make a chair or light fixture customized by consumers on its site.

“We continue to draw inspiration from material re-use, regional manufacturing partnerships and product efficiency,” Mr. Forrest said.

“I think our focus on efficiency has led us quite naturally in the last few years to explore software,” he said. “Computation unlocks a new level of speed, automation and complexity.”

Stackabl keeps a database of scrap inventory from its local partner manufacturers and codes rules to optimize the yield of those materials.

When consumers begin designing their own pieces, the system automatically chooses which manufacturer to get the correct materials from before Stackabl crafts the item.

“We built the first batch of products around felted wool, post-consumer scrap aluminum, PET and wood because we had familiarity with those materials and an existing relationship with manufacturers,” Mr. Forrest said.

“Going forward, we hope to launch more products that use different materials and loop in more manufacturers,” he said. 

Stackabl hopes to add to its product line by partnering with more manufacturers that have an inventory of a wider variety of leftover materials and eventually removing itself from the manufacturing process to focus on the tech side.

“Where we find material, how we process it, who processes it, how we transport it, how we increase local capacities, how we improve the purchasing experience for the modern consumer – this is where the real opportunities are,” Mr. Forrest said of building a more sustainable future.

… Want not

Consumers can build their own Stackabl furniture online, choosing from 10 styles including dining chairs, a club chair, stool and chaise, and customizing everything from seat thickness to multiple fabric colors and leg shape and color.

“Too many decisions can be overwhelming or too time consuming to most people, so we have set up a system for users to make a handful of simple decisions that ultimately yields something they can call their own,” Mr. Forrest said.

To showcase what its system is capable of, Stackabl partnered with New York furniture gallery Maison Gerard to work with six designers, who each created a piece using the system’s standard parameters.

“The six designers behind our 2021 furniture collection were incredibly supportive of the project and generous with their time,” Mr. Forrest said.

“It was a career highlight of mine to work with each of them,” he said. “They each brought incredibly rich narratives and intentions to the work.”

Stackabl also offers LED-and-felt lighting fixtures in a range of sizes and shapes, taking advantage of even smaller, less usable material remnants and a lower manufacturing and shipping cost for the consumer.

The lighting line now has two designer collections – one in partnership with Maison Gerard designers, and another inspired by art deco and Miami Beach in partnership with Mindy Solomon Gallery in Miami.

No matter what Stackabl items inspire consumers, they end up with colorful, layered, one-of-a-kind pieces that are a lesson in creative sustainability.

“I think in this era it is impossible to approach furniture and lighting, or really any physical product for that matter, purely as an experiment in form or function,” Mr. Forrest said.

“With the digital tools now at our disposal, we have the opportunity as designers to tackle bigger, more complex problems,” he said.

The post Stackabl customized furnishings pack a sustainable design punch appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

There has been a surge in interest in sustainability in recent years, finally making its way to the heart of it all – the home.

The construction industry uses many materials that are destructive to the environment and human health, but eco-friendly alternatives are cropping up for nearly every need to replace them.

“All predictions point to a continued surge in building worldwide, and it is imperative that we do so in a manner that moves towards regeneration versus extraction,” said Sheridan Foster, founder/CEO of Elemental Green, an online resource for sustainable building.

“Yet what is most compelling to many is that by choosing eco-friendly materials we can enjoy the proven health benefits that come with better choices,” she said.

Murky materials

From jewelry to travel options and second homes, affluent consumers are looking to be more sustainable in many aspects of their lives.

According to a Luxury Portfolio International report released in May 2022, a full 90 percent of those surveyed said sustainability was a major factor in their home search criteria, citing non-toxic and sustainable building and design materials as a major must-have.

“We have been very pleased to see that as consumers become more aware of the many-faceted advantages of sustainable residential construction, they are starting to demand that their designers and architects offer better solutions,” Ms. Foster said.

“New materials and technologies are being introduced at an increasing rate, and consumers are eager for innovative solutions.”

The construction industry is responsible for almost half of all global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the nonprofit, nonpartisan group Architecture 2030, 20 percent of that in embodied carbon – the emissions from extracting, manufacturing and transporting a product.

Three of the main materials used in modern construction – concrete, steel and aluminum – are also three of the biggest offenders, accounting for 23 percent global emissions every year.

“One of the most commonly used building materials is concrete and, unfortunately, it is also one which has a very high embodied carbon footprint,” Ms. Foster said.

“Cement, one of the main ingredients, is manufactured in high temperature kilns which are typically powered by fossil fuels,” she said. “And to make matters worse, it causes a chemical reaction that releases carbon stored in the limestone used in the process.”

Both steel and aluminum, while recyclable, also take massive amounts of energy to make.

There are also materials that are hazardous to health thanks to the volatile chemicals they contain, including treated wood, paint and floor finishes. Off-gassing happens after they are installed or applied, releasing toxic vapors into the home.

Bright future

Moving towards a construction future of recycled, reusable and renewable materials and overall greener homes is beneficial for the planet and for people.

“Making more sustainable choices not only reduces toxins out in the environment, but also very specifically for your family,” Ms. Foster said.

Concrete alternatives range from the innovative to the old-school. New products such as Hempcrete – blocks made by adding lime to hemp fibers – are both strong and lightweight.

Others are turning to centuries-old techniques for foundations, walls and floors, such as rammed earth, an ancient method of compacting raw materials, and straw bales that can be made from agriculture waste.

Natural wood is another age-old renewable building material that is getting new life via modern techniques.

Acetylation is a substitute to pressure treating wood with chemicals to make it stronger. Cross-laminating wood – combining thinner pieces in alternating layers – creates a strong and fire-resistant timber that is even being used to construct skyscrapers.

Bamboo, technically a grass, is an incredibly fast-growing sustainable option for both construction and flooring.

Fiberglass and mineral insulation can also be swapped for a natural version – sheep’s wool.

“It sequesters carbon in your home as well as providing air filtration, moisture management and sound insulation,” Ms. Foster said.

Even materials such as ceramic tile come in eco-versions, such as Fireclay tile, which is handmade in California from recycled content, and is itself recyclable. The company also uses all renewable energy in the manufacturing process and reuses water.

To show how all of these materials can be easily incorporated to renovate an existing home, Elemental Green recently completed its first #Ecorenovate project in Chicago using everything from bamboo products and Fireclay tiles to non-toxic paint and mattresses and sustainable furniture brands.

 “Homes at all price points can be healthier, more affordable and better for the planet,” Ms. Foster said.

The post Green homes start from the ground up with sustainable materials appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.