What is modern luxe interior design?

Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or you’re thinking about refreshing your existing interiors, there are many design styles to consider. Modern luxe interior design is a sophisticated style that blends contemporary elements with luxurious finishes and high-end materials, emphasising clean lines, minimalism, and functionality alongside hints of opulence and elegance.

The modern luxury aesthetic we know today draws inspiration from modernism, a design style that dominated the early 1930s and thrived well until the 1960s. It was known for its clean lines and minimal fuss. Unlike the ornate, overly decorated Victorian style, modernism focused on simplicity, functionality, and a sense of order.

At the same time, luxe design borrows elements of traditional luxury interiors, like marble, gold, and velvet. It’s all about using fewer, but more impactful, statement pieces and maintaining a ‘less is more’ approach to decor. This style also pulls from different modernist sub-movements, like the geometric flair of Art Deco or the bold shapes of Bauhaus.

In this blog, we’ll outline the key design features of this modern luxe interior design and share some ideas for how to create this aesthetic in your home.

Key characteristics of luxury modern interior design include:

• Quality over quantity: Think high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The focus is on having less pieces but making them more impactful with a greater sense of luxury.
• A neutral base with bold accents: You’ll usually find a base of neutral tones like whites, greys, and beiges, highlighted with rich, bold colours, and metallic finishes such as gold, silver, or brass.
• Sophisticated simplicity: Balance sleek, modern forms with plush, comfortable elements to create a space that is both stylish and liveable.
• Attention to detail: Custom or bespoke elements, from furniture to lighting, ensure each piece fits perfectly into the overall aesthetic.
• Subtle glamour: Incorporate luxurious textures and finishes, like velvet upholstery, mirrored surfaces, and high-gloss finishes, to add a sense of understated elegance.

Modern luxe interior design is all about creating spaces that feel refined, comfortable, and effortlessly elegant. Combining both modern and luxury design features, the overall effect is both functional and fabulous.

With these key features in mind, take a look at our ideas for bringing your luxe modern kitchen, bathroom and living room visions to life.

Modern luxury kitchen ideas

Neutral shades are perfect for kitchens because they can be applied to rooms of any size. A palette of soft neutrals, like warm whites, light greys and beige tones, creates a sleek and timeless backdrop on which to layer up the luxury.

Introducing bold accent colours like navy, emerald or charcoal on your cabinetry, backsplash or island will add depth and sophistication. We recommend opting for metallic detailing (gold, brushed brass or chrome) for your fixtures and handles as a nod to the modern luxe vibe. 

Where you’ll really want to lean into luxury is the materials. Marble or quartz are perfect for countertops and backsplashes as they offer durability and easy maintenance, alongside opulence. Adding glass or mirrored elements to your upper cabinets can also make the space feel larger and add a touch of glamour.

For your furniture, a mixture of modern and timeless pieces will tie the room together. Install statement lighting, such as a large crystal chandelier, over the kitchen island and contrast with sleek leather bar stools with metal frames. Integrated or built-in appliances will help maintain clean, uninterrupted lines.

For the flooring, we recommend luxurious laminate flooring. Wood-look laminate mimics the appearance of oak, walnut or ash and provides warmth, while stone-look laminate, resembling marble or slate, offers a sleeker and more luxurious feel. Laminate is also really easy to take care of, so you get the look these high-end materials bring to your space in a low-maintenance package.

Modern luxury bathroom ideas

There are several ways to create a modern luxury bathroom, starting with your choice of colour scheme. A monochrome palette with shades of white, grey, and black will create a sleek, sophisticated look, while soft neutrals like beige, taupe, or soft grey will have a calming effect. Both are ideal for creating a modern luxe design, but if you have a smaller bathroom, then keep things bright to maximise the light in the space.

When it comes to materials, bathrooms are another place to lean into quality materials. Marble or quartz counters, vanity tops, and shower wall panels offer a sense of luxury, with options ranging from subtle veining to bold, dramatic patterns. Integrate large mirrors with sleek, frameless designs to enhance light and make the space feel larger.

The ultimate modern luxury feature for your bathroom is a freestanding bath tub. Choose a style in a sculptural shape to serve as the focal point. Acrylic, stone resin, or even marble will add an extra touch of elegance, then match it with a chic floating vanity.

For your bathroom floor, our range of luxurious vinyl tiles offer the look of gorgeous natural materials while being waterproof, durable, and easy to maintain. Opt for a stone-look vinyl in the style of marble, travertine or slate, or a wood-look vinyl with the appearance of oak, dark walnut, or ash. You could also play with geometric tiles in patterns like herringbone or chevron. Unlike traditional vinyl flooring which is sold on a roll, luxury vinyl tiles are sold individually and are fitted more like laminate.

Modern luxury living room ideas

In keeping with other rooms, a neutral foundation is key to achieving luxury modern interior design in your living room. Start your moodboard with a soft base for your walls and floors and choose warm wood tones for your floor and coffee table.

Plush textures are also key to elevating your living room - like velvet, silk, and leather for upholstery, cushions, and throws. These fabrics add a tactile element that enhances the chic-but-cosy feel. Invest in statement seating, such as a leather or soft velvet sofa, and an elegant pair of armchairs with clean lines and smart fabrics.

For the rest of your furniture, contrast your luxe fabrics with low-profile, minimalist pieces such as a TV unit in a high-gloss finish to keep the space looking sleek and uncluttered. Bold and modern lighting fixtures - oversized floor lamps, sculptural chandeliers, or statement pendant lights - offer both form and function to finish the room.

When it comes to flooring, soft and sumptuous carpeting is the only way to go. Plush pile carpets in neutral shades offer a soft, inviting base, while a subtly patterned carpet adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. Look for quality materials like wool or high-quality synthetic blends that offer a luxurious feel underfoot. At Tapi, carpets are our thing! With our wide collection of styles, depths, and finishes, we’re sure to have the perfect flooring option for your home.

Ready to start your luxe design makeover?

It’s always best to start from the ground up! Visit your local Tapi store and chat with our expert floorologists about our stunning range of flooring options that can add a touch of luxe to any room.

And if you need more luxurious interior design inspiration, check out our blogs on minimalist interior design, how to add Regencycore to your interiors, and how to create your own hotel-inspired bedroom.