“Opulence is not abundance. Opulence is the aesthetic of abundance.” -Natalie Wynn
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Figure 1: Luxury retail brand -Ventura Interiors by FADD Studio
uxury!
What
exactly
defines
luxury? There has never been an unambiguous answer to it. Luxury is more like a sensory feeling that one experiences and interprets it. From the age of Maharajas to the colonial era and to today’s age of modern times the definition of opulence has varied to an enormous extent. The perception of characterising aesthetics of luxury space has renovated and evolved according to the lifestyle ideas and concerns of those particular social context. Changing scenarios from working with meticulous skilled artist to produce intricate details and carving to creating technology driven machine based finishes and products the implements have changed over time. In a country like India, with diversity in social and culture aspects, numerous traditional elements have found their prominence in different modified and elucidated ways.
Luxe Fits Every Style as diverse as the particular aspects of luxury design may be, one statement holds true: Every style has a luxury option. Whether your tastes are ultra-modern or tend to veer more towards a comfortable country aesthetic, there are ways to ensure a luxe feel. [a](Published online by Tara Mastroeni on August 18, 2020, Article: Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors-)
Figure 2 : Art deco influence in contemporary designs.
In today’s contemporary1 times an Indian consumer is a well-travelled person and travelling has become an extension of his lifestyles. The global influence in choices has become perceptible. Interior trends are inescapable and an expression of the age we live in. Trends could also be influenced by certain art movements, countries, nature, colours, patterns, or even socio-cultural aspects from across the world. Trends are transitional some trends vanish within a limited short span of time while some are eternal and set a stronger impact.
Trends like Art Deco was one of the most exciting and influential styles of the 20th Century, and it is one that still influences design today. As a style, Art Deco is easily adapted to suit any interior so that hints of the style still remain. Contemporary re-imaginings of Art Deco furniture are still being designed, which proves the enduring allure of Deco’s inherently opulent and luxurious style. .[b] (Published online by The Art of Bespoke in Style Guides, Article: Art Deco Interior Design Guide)
Home furnishing trends revolve around intimacy, warm textiles, muted colours and soft furniture as a result of changeable times and a major global world order, trends have been around, as a deeply rooted human need for renewal and change. It is an expression of hope for the future, or a snapshot of the current times. Trends can be expressed as expressions of reactions in time and the basic cultural mood we find ourselves in, which guide our choices in interior design.[c] (Written by Maja Hahne Regild in, 2019, Article: Current Trends , Book : BoConcept. From Figure 3: Luxury Interior design trends- Mood boards Denmark to the world. Trends 2019 on page 44)
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Contemporary- marked by characteristics of the present period.
Today’s Influential Aspects for Creating Luxury Spaces.
Figure 4 : Studio Taan designs plush yet relaxed interior for 'kasu vana' luxury holiday villa in Goa, India
We are currently living in a world which is very fast paced and globally influenced. The spaces designed are symbolic of the modern –day lifestyles, functionality and aesthetics. Nowadays aesthetic cohesion of comfort, modern – traditional aspects, eminence and excellence of space are prime key points influencing any luxe ambience. Amongst the plethora of choices that have become available, the contemplation between choosing a minimalistic design or an opulent design idea persists. While pompous, extravagant designs might be a guilty pleasure for a choice of interiors, it often becomes a struggle to conserve such elaborate elements in its actual format, especially in today's era. Considering these attributes a melange of both styles seems to be an intelligent and feasible approach.
Sustainability Nature is something that transcends all cultural preferences because all over the world there is natural connection of human with natural materials and environment. Generation today have developed a sensitised approach towards sustainability to be practised in the interiors. Practises to create soothing environs by consciously stylising the interiors with landscape features arouses a rhythm with nature. Designers today have evoked a realisation towards sustainability and explore many progressive materials which aid in reusing materials which have low impact on the environment.
Figure 5 : Composition of planter and accent chair enhancing the ambience of the residential space –Interior project based in Moscow in the year 2019
Working with natural materials like stainless steel , stone, wood , brass , copper, actually adds to the design as it ages as its been used and enhances the appearance. Use of nature inspired elements in a space delivers a sense of calm and idea of Zen away from the cacophony of the urban day setup and strengthening the human- nature bond which contributes to a luxe environ.
Minimalism
Figure 6 : Minimalistic style – Muted ambience -Luxury residential interior by Essajees Atelier in Mumbai
The driving force for minimalism2 to take popular positon in the current day practises is it seems to be an intelligent approach for designers for balancing elegance, functionality, flexibility and opulence. It gives a borderless multifunctional approach towards designing spaces. . This style is more about ration design production, more about simplicity, a responsive design that would stand the test of time and still contribute to the timeless quality of the space .Having elimination of various ornamentation in design helps in maintenance of these spaces. Thus the character of elements in these spaces stand out as unique which emphasis on details and materials that would be of great importance and an exquisite possession. Clear lines, and muted ambience with accent element in space achieves equilibrium between the level of subtlety and magnanimity to craft a luxury ambient space. Muted colour schemes of the structural elements help to accentuate furniture and statement pieces elevating any division to give a more sophisticated look.
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Minimalism - a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme sparseness and simplicity
Realising the factor of globalisation it is observed that the new contemporary approach to design is a product of several style influences and infusions and also blending cultural context. Hence to create a balance this style is adapted which promotes pairing down elements in many ways but to an extent that the elements are pure enough to become timeless and not bound to a particular cultural context .This makes all spaces comfortable and visually appealing, appreciating the unique expressive qualities and details the materials has to offer to augment human experience.
Modern and Traditional
Figure 7 : Traditional style of arches are reinterpreted in raw and more engineering modern way Misu 2, Bangalore, completed in the year 2019,- Luxury Restaurant interiors by Fadd Studio
A hybrid design scheme achieved by a harmonious collaboration of modern3 and traditional4 elements and styles. This scheme of design propagates a comfortable luxe character by reinterpreting of a classical traditional style commending the design components and fundaments which have prevailed by the elements of time.
3 4
Modern - Relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past. Traditional - Existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established.
Explosion of Colour
Figure 8 : Use of a Statement Dark colours of green and complimenting lighting design scheme accentuates the soothing mood and character of the space. Sacramento Vault (Abdul Halder Flaghip Store) New Delhi in 2019 by Pantone Collective Design Studio.
One of the most statement styles to get luxe character are by unifying the elements of space with having an elaborate emphasis on monochromatic colour scheme with infusion of contrasting elements like metal that accentuates the chic and elegant side of the space. The character of spaces can be narrated according to the ascendant colours used giving a various opportunity of exploration for it to be interpreted. It is more like a progressive composition of different elements, light and monochromatic scheme of colour that creates a bold impression.
CASE STUDYFrangipani 14
FADD Studio 10000 sq.ft Hosur, Tamil Nadu Year of completion -2019
Figure 9 : View of the corridor of the Apartment
The site is located in a luscious tropical zone, the exterior of the holiday home is character with shades of Grey and Prussian blue columns. The interiors of this luxurious house are a complementary contrasting to the exterior and are burst of boldness and drama. A meticulously detailed geometry of vibrant blue, soft peach and muted grey tiles imparts a chic and rhythmic energy to the space. The geometry continues into the ceiling that is composed of thin slatted pinewood and it curves at the passage leading to the far side of the house. Doors are concealed, only seen by the handle to give an uninterrupted feel to the passage.
[d] (Published online by Fadd Studio on their website in the year 2020 under residential project: Frangipani 14) Figure 10 : Passage view with concealed doors and patterned flooring
The living room has neutral warm tones setting a backdrop for the furniture to take prominence. Statement lamp composed of an umbrella perched above a chandelier along with a boxing bag designed by Philip Stark (French Architect) anchors the main living room set up giving an eye-catching luxe character. The open plan is designed in a manner to that it harmonises the space and compliment the ceramic installation by the famous designer Vinod Daroz. Figure 11 : View of the living area showing the accent elements used to enhance the space.
The soft and wintery pallets of the guest room sets a cosy comforting ambience. The master bedroom has a grandeur expression with brass highlights in the elements used. The bathrooms are given warmth by materials and lights giving a character of opulence to it. All the rooms have a view to the outside green gardens creating a cohesive connectivity with the nature to amplify the soothing character of spaces.
Figure 12: View of the master bedroom showing the brass finish metal bed
Figure 13 : Ceramic installation by Vinod Daroz adding unique highpoint character to the space.
Figure 14 : View of the luxury ambient bathroom
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Figure 15 : Interior design mood board
oncluding the conception of
luxury spaces in today’s contemporary world is that it cannot be confined to any rules but it could be synopsized by designing spaces that have well achieved synchronisation of elegance, excellence in quality and prominence. The ability to transform a space into a work of art by creating a well-balanced sensation of comfort, sublime, exclusiveness and pleasure to habituate are basic fundaments of characterising luxury in spaces.
Figure 1:
https://faddstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/6-0013-Ventura-768x1024.jpg
Figure 2:
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/70/74/2f/70742fa1241411363694df42a5bfd75b.jpg
Figure 3:
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/86/b7/1c86b70797f33e6c2b1ad690a5c22b20.jpg
Figure 4:
https://www.designboom.com/design/studio-taan-laterite-kasu-vana-holiday-villa-interior-goa- india-06-11-2020/
Figure 5: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/91/6d/c3/916dc327f4af49963aca5dc88682ea94.jpg Figure 6: http://www.essajeesatelier.com/residential Figure 7: https://faddstudio.com/work/misu-2/ Figure 8: https://cdnimd.worldarchitecture.org/extuploadc/img_14.jpg Figure 9: https://faddstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/37-0040Hosur-FADD3667-768x1024.jpg Figure 10: https://faddstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/22-0023Hosur-FADD3389-Recovered-768x1024.jpg Figure 11: https://faddstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/5-0011Hosur-FADD3158-1024x768.jpg Figure 12: https://faddstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/26-0032Hosur-FADD3544-913x1024.jpg Figure 13: https://faddstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/14-0037Hosur-FADD3589-768x1024.jpg Figure 14: https://faddstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/29-0031Hosur-FADD3505-776x1024.jpg Figure 15: https://www.florim.com/en/cedit/collection/policroma/
DIRECT REFERENCE MEDIUMS: [a] Article
: Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors
Publisher : Tara Mastroeni Published : Updated August 18, 2020 Link : https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/decoration-design-ideas/why-our-brains-love-
luxurious-interiors/
[b] Article
: Art Deco Interior Design Guide Publisher : The Art of Bespoke in Style Guides Link : https://www.theartofbespoke.com/editorial/art-deco
[c] Article
: Current Trends Book : BoConcept. From Denmark to the world. Trends 2019 Author : Maja Hahne Regild Published : 2019 Page no. : 44
[d] Article
: Residential | Frangipani 14 Publisher : FADD studio Published : 2020 Link : https://faddstudio.com/work/frangipani-14/
DERIVED CONTENT REFERENCE MEDIUMS 1. Article
: ‘Minimalism With Opulence’ – AVG Architecture En Interiors’ Game Plan For 2020
Publisher : Bineeta Ghoshal Published : Updated August 18, 2020 Link : https://worldarchitecture.org/article-links/effgp/-minimalism-with-opulence--avg-architecture-en- interiors-game-plan-for-
2020.html
2. Article : This Mumbai apartment is a lesson in slow living in a city that never sleeps Publisher : Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar -Architectural Digest Published : Oct 08, 2020 Link : https://www.architecturaldigest.in/content/mumbai-apartment-lesson-slow-living-city-never-sleeps/#s-cust0
3. Video : Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen reflects on the influence of Danish design in a short film by Vola Publisher : Dezeen Published : Sep 13, 2019 Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbk5sy6Ntds&ab_channel=Dezeen
4. Architecture /Interior firm –Websites/ Social media Name of the firm : Essajees Atelier
Link : http://www.essajeesatelier.com/about-1
Name of the firm : FADD Studio
Link : https://faddstudio.com/
Name of the firm : Pantone Collective
Link : https://www.instagram.com/pantonecollective.in/?hl=en
Name of the firm : Studio Tann
Link : https://www.instagram.com/studiotaan/?hl=en