From an elegant hallway mirror to a sophisticated entryway candle, discover unique ways to add luxury to unexpected places in your home. Learn from an Interior Design Blogger and a CEO who share their expert insights. The first insight reveals how an elegant hallway mirror can add depth to your space, while the final tip uncovers the secret behind a luxurious pantry with custom shelves. In total, there are twelve insights that will inspire you to reimagine your home with a touch of luxury.
- Elegant Hallway Mirror Adds Depth
- Serene Reading Nook in Hallway
- Guest Room Office with Art Piece
- Velvet-Lined Bathroom Closet Shelves
- Luxurious Walk-In Closet Transformation
- Marble Countertop in Laundry Room
- Wooden Panels Enhance Home Office
- Sophisticated Entryway Candle
- Two-Way Fireplace Connects Spaces
- Creative Lighting Enhances Atmosphere
- Velvet Curtains in Home Office
- Luxurious Pantry with Custom Shelves
Elegant Hallway Mirror Adds Depth
In my home, the most unexpected place I’ve incorporated a luxurious touch is the hallway leading to my home office. Most people overlook hallways as purely transitional spaces, but I saw it as an opportunity to create a dramatic moment of visual surprise.
I installed a custom floor-to-ceiling antique mirror with an elaborate, hand-carved gilt frame that almost completely fills the entire wall. The mirror not only provides a great sense of depth and light, but it also transforms what could have been a dull corridor into a gallery-like experience. I purposefully chose a frame with subtle baroque detailing that catches the light differently throughout the day, casting delicate shadows and creating an illusion of movement.
I positioned a slim console table with a marble top and brass sculpture legs beneath the mirror; it appears as though it was taken from a Parisian apartment. The tableau is finished with an antique crystal vase filled with fresh white orchids and a single, well-chosen art book.
The result is remarkable. What was once a simple passageway now feels like an intentional design moment—elegant, unexpected, and utterly luxurious. It improves the entire home’s aesthetic, proving that luxury isn’t just about grand spaces, but about thoughtful, transformative design in even the most overlooked corners.
Emma Blake
Interior Design Blogger, dreamyhousedecor.com
Serene Reading Nook in Hallway
An unexpected yet luxurious touch in my home is a small, elegant reading nook in the hallway. I added a custom-built velvet armchair, ambient lighting, and a curated mini-library with rare, leather-bound books. This area, though modest in size, creates a serene escape, blending functionality with sophistication.
This little oasis not only elevates the hallway but also offers a moment of calm amidst the day’s chaos. It’s a reminder that luxury isn’t about scale—it’s about creating intentional, meaningful spaces that enrich everyday living.
Shehar Yar
CEO, Software House
Guest Room Office with Art Piece
During the pandemic, I had no choice but to convert my guest room into my own home office and it stuck since then. It’s not a typical spot where people think of going all out, but I decided to elevate the space with a custom leather desk chair and a sleek, contemporary art piece on the wall. The chair adds an element of sophistication while being incredibly comfortable, and the art piece brings in a personal touch, making the office feel more like an inspiring environment rather than just a workspace.
Samantha Odo
Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager, Precondo
Velvet-Lined Bathroom Closet Shelves
Sounds random but I’ve done a small touch to the bathroom closet. We added velvet-lined shelves and soft LED lighting that made it feel like a boutique instead of a storage space. Every time I grab a towel or skincare product, it feels intentional and indulgent.
Tom Molnar
Operations Manager, Fit Design
Luxurious Walk-In Closet Transformation
The walk-in closet.
First of all, I sacrificed one of four bedrooms for it.
Second, I did not leave an inch untouched.
There is storytelling Positano-meets-Miami-meets-Beverly Hills wallpaper on the wall in mustard, black, and white.
Then there is black and white striped wallpaper on the back of the custom arched cabinets, gold hangers, and handles.
An indecently expensive, larger-than-life leopard from an auction of a ’70s Las Vegas mansion sits on the sideboard, guarding a leopard curtain surrounded by two art deco lamps that illuminate a (faux) zebra rug covering a glossy epoxy floor.
Daniela Gottschalk
Interior Designer, Tinzeltown
Marble Countertop in Laundry Room
As an interior designer, I’m always looking for ways to bring beauty and life into rooms that you would commonly overlook. When it comes to a luxurious change I have made in the past, the best example I can think of is with one of the laundry rooms I was working on.
This is a fun example because when you think of a laundry room, you don’t commonly think of luxury. With this room, I transformed it by adding a beautiful marble countertop and high end hardware for the cabinetry. This, with a fresh coat of white paint, gave the room a luxurious coastal feel—all created on a limited budget. Another small change was the introduction of ambient lighting into the room, which made the room feel more welcoming—even though it was a workroom.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when renovating is overlooking the rooms that aren’t used as often. Just because a laundry room or a pantry isn’t used as often doesn’t mean they can’t get their fair share of attention. Making workrooms look beautiful will make them feel more pleasant to spend time in. This will turn a chore like laundry into less of a task and more of a reprieve.
Courtney Cole
Interior Designer, TileCloud
Wooden Panels Enhance Home Office
I added warm, wooden tones to my home office using our brown oak willow panels, all while reducing echo and improving my acoustics. My space went from having plain, boring walls that felt impersonal and cold, to having highly functional warmth and coziness.
Our panels are a great way to add a luxurious touch to any space. Every panel comes fully assembled, with each slat securely attached to the soft felt backing and ready for installation. The panels can be easily cut on site, allowing for unique combinations and total customization.
Each panel also has sound dampening properties, reducing echo and making your space feel finished, comfortable, and welcoming. This was a perfect fit for my home office to improve acoustics on work calls and reduce the volume of noise traveling out of the office.
Devon Howard
CEO, andor willow
Sophisticated Entryway Candle
One unexpected place in my home where I incorporated a luxurious touch is the entryway table. I added a sophisticated candle with a refined scent. With notes of Bergamot, White Rose, and Oakmoss, it is not overpowering, and from what I’ve been told, creates a warm and inviting first impression that lingers with guests.
David Bronkie
Co-Founder, Siblings
Two-Way Fireplace Connects Spaces
In luxury homes, we like incorporating two-way fireplaces between master bedrooms and ensuites, to serve as a feature which connects these two spaces energetically. Beyond the visual element of the flames, the presence of an open fire brings a psychological warmth and sense of romance to our day-to-day.
Our clients speak about how they enjoy retreating to their rooms to enjoy a relaxing bath, or to read a book in bed, and how these rituals now feel a lot more special. We’re constantly thinking how even the small moments of our lives can be enriched through good design.
Alla Delion
Design Director, Studiomint Design Group
Creative Lighting Enhances Atmosphere
Lighting has aided in our home to create a lovely atmosphere. Especially with creative lights from brands like Seletti which gave our home a dynamic feel, entertaining us and people who visit it.
Modestas Mankus
Founder, Talks Grow
Velvet Curtains in Home Office
I believe in creating spaces that reflect both comfort and sophistication. One unexpected place in my home where I incorporated a luxurious touch was the home office. While it’s a space designed for productivity, I wanted it to feel inspiring and serene.
I added velvet curtains and an oversized, custom-made leather chair, instantly elevating the atmosphere. The rich textures of velvet and leather look luxurious and create a sense of comfort and authority. To complement this, I invested in a statement desk lamp with a sleek gold finish, adding a subtle yet elegant glow.
These touches transformed the home office into more than just a functional area—it now feels like a place where I can think creatively and relax in style. The luxurious elements enhance the overall feel of the room by blending sophistication with comfort.
The space now feels inviting yet professional, a place where important decisions and quiet reflection happen. It’s a small investment, but it has dramatically impacted the environment I work in daily.
Fawad langah
Director General, Best Diplomats
Luxurious Pantry with Custom Shelves
Believe it or not, I decided to add a little luxury to the pantry. It’s a space you use every day, but it’s so easy to overlook. I installed custom wood shelves, painted the walls a soft, rich color, and added wallpaper to the back of the shelves for some texture. Then, I put in a brass pendant light and organized everything in matching glass jars and baskets.
Now, every time I open the pantry, it feels like I’m walking into a gourmet store. It’s practical, sure, but it also makes grabbing a snack or cooking dinner feel a little more special. It’s those little details that can make even the most functional spaces feel more personal and inviting.
Jeremy Morgan
Brand President, Groovy Hues Painting
