The Importance of Comfort
What is your definition of luxury? We each have our own personal perception of what we consider splendor. For us, comfort is the ultimate luxury. The dictionary defines comfort as “a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or stress.” We believe that our well-being is directly dependent on the environments we call home.
Our interior design practice seeks to create the most comfortable and beautiful spaces for our clients--whatever your definition may be. Our vitality depends on how at-ease we feel in our homes. We design custom interiors to nourish clients, and relax their guests.
Comfortable rooms are easy to be in and enhance one's senses: chairs are as supportive as they are beautiful; mobile occasional tables are within reach to rest a drink wherever you are--no coaster necessary; throw blankets rest in baskets or live draped over the arm of the sofa or chaise longue. The lighting is layered, warm and easily dimmable. The sound quality is improved with textured wall coverings, layered window treatments, and custom carpets or rugs. To allure all of the senses, we love the surprise of a covered dish of individually wrapped dark chocolate or caramels, and scenting the air with a signature fragrance or designer candles. Soft music playing in the background always relaxes and soothes.
Fabrics should lend themselves to a feeling of warmth and coziness such as sumptuous chenille and cotton velvet, nubby boucle, soft silk, and buttery leather. A thoughtful selection of bespoke toss pillows and custom cushions with various textures promote a sense of comfort. We pay attention to details: chair and sofa arm shapes and heights. In transitional or modern settings, crisp edges, clean lines, contrasted finishes, and simple silhouettes with alternate welts are all luxe details that make an impact. In a traditional setting, perhaps you enjoy skirts, trims, buttons, tapes, and tassels to adorn your belongings.
What else makes a room feel comfortable? The furnishings are carefully curated, and the pieces are well-made and long lasting. The space is organized, uncluttered, and inviting. Comfort and quality go hand-in-hand. To our minds--comfort plus quality equals luxury.
COMFORT IN PRIVATE SPACES
One of our favorite spaces for creating a sense of luxurious comfort is in the bedroom. Primary and guest bedrooms call for layers of soft linens, woven blankets, quilted coverlets, fluffy comforters or duvets, and the perfect pillows. We’re proponents of the best mattresses and sheets one can afford. We spend a lot of time in our private spaces, and a third of our lives in our beds. Shouldn’t we invest in the best sleep possible?
There are a variety of quality linen companies we prefer: Frette, Sferra, Matouk, Porthault, Coyuchi, and more. What separates these linens is the thread count and finish. Frette focuses on “the three F’s”: fibre, finish and feel. A well-made bed is uniquely pleasurable.
Comfort in the bathroom is another consideration, from soft, fluffy towels, to good lighting. A bath pillow, bath salts, and organized storage contribute to a sense of relaxation, for you and your guests.
COMFORT IN SHARED SPACES
Whether in the living room, family room, or media room, our shared spaces deserve to be comfortable, beautiful, and personal, too. We create rooms where people want to linger. Dining rooms offer a place to gather with family and friends over an enjoyable meal or night of board games, so the seating should be deep, made-well, and supportive. The Spanish have mastered the art of sobremesa - relaxing at the table after a meal, for half an hour to two hours, conversing and laughing.
FINAL WORD
The world is a complicated place once we step outside the comfort of our homes. More and more we need the sanctuary we find within our own spaces to contrast with what we face beyond our front door.