When considering a remodel of your New York City home, a luxury design is likely at the top of your mind. Headlines on design websites proclaim the latest luxe trends, and articles in your favorite magazines share tips to make your space look expensive at every budget. Paging through design magazines, watching Architectural Digest’s celebrity home tours, or even reviewing contractor websites are great ways to get inspired for your home.
But how can you ensure the luxury look you see online translates to your space in real life?
Whether your taste is refined and modern, or maximalist and eccentric, you can achieve a luxury aesthetic that also showcases your unique style.
If you are looking for a luxury-inspired remodel, here’s what you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover:
- The basic elements of a home remodel
- What defines luxury in a remodel
- Luxury remodel aesthetics in NYC
- How to revitalize your NYC home
Basic Elements of a Home Remodel
A home remodel consists of reworking an existing space to make it new. This can vary in scope — a full gut renovation takes your space all the way down to the studs and starts fresh. A smaller scale renovation may just update a single area, like a bathroom or primary suite.
A home remodel of any scale usually includes the following:
Structural & Layout
Most remodels require some layout and structural changes. Whether it’s expanding a closet, reconfiguring a bathroom, or opening up a kitchen & dining area, remodels typically start by assessing the structural changes needed.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems need to be updated as well. Making a plan for any new circuits or plumbing lines and ensuring your new space is set up correctly is the next step.
Finish & Design
The last elements are the materials and finishes. This is where the luxury aspect comes into play the most. The interior design and materials in your space set the style and tone — it’s the details that add polish and elevate the design.
What Defines a Luxury Remodel?
A luxury remodel can look very different depending on your personal taste. However, there are a few elements all luxury remodels have in common.
Natural Materials
A luxury aesthetic isn’t always about name-brands and logos (although if glam is your style, there’s a place for that!) It lets the finishes you choose do the talking. Choosing natural fibers and materials add a higher-quality feel to your space — in part because they offer sustainability, durability, and ease of care.
A hand-tied wool rug will stand the test of time, real, rich hardwood floors can be refinished many times over, and soapstone countertops will develop a desirable patina with wear over time. Linen bedding can elevate your space and create a hotel-like environment. Opting to adorn your home with luxe linens, quality hardware, and real wood will instantly elevate your space.
Precise, Custom Design
Precision is a key factor in a luxury remodel. A few millimeters may not seem important, but that gap in a baseboard signifies carelessness — which reflects on the homeowner.
Luxury remodels demand close attention to detail, to ensure corners are perfectly mitered, cabinets are thoughtfully designed to fill space, and furniture fits perfectly with ease. When these details are taken care of, a home can be a perfect backdrop that facilitates luxury elements.
Elevated Functionality
A luxury remodel also creates a more functional space. For some, this might be integrated smart home technology throughout a home. For others, it may be a wet room shower with a soaking tub for a spa-like experience.
Whatever your lifestyle demands, a luxury remodel meets the requirements elegantly.
High-Quality Details
Finally, the smallest elements in your home can have a big impact on how it feels. Close attention to detail is a must for luxury remodels. These may look like hardware details that feel true to your home’s pre-war construction, mirrors placed just so, to bounce natural light around your narrow brownstone kitchen, or bedside sconces at the perfect height to complement the bed frame.
When the small design details are thoughtful, they make the whole space feel cohesive and high-end.
Luxury Remodeling in New York City
In New York City, particularly in Manhattan, housing styles vary. Pre-war co-ops, townhouses and brownstones, loft-style condos, and modern new construction are all available.
Each one of these can lean into luxury — one practical tip we always share with NYC clients is to adapt the building’s original style to meet your personal tastes.
For example: juxtapose unique historical details in your brownstone with your simplistic and sleek decor. Alternatively, leverage a modern and sleek space to highlight your colorful art collection. The result of a luxury remodel should always be a space that feels true to your style while maximizing the value of your space for the future.
No matter your style and the type of building you live in, we can elevate your home into a luxe and special space.
Want to Revitalize Your NYC Apartment or Brownstone?
MTK Contracting is a women-owned general contractor specializing in luxury renovations in Manhattan, NYC, and other surrounding areas.
When taking on a home remodel, especially in a busy urban area, it’s vital to work with a team that makes the process smooth and easy. The best way to ensure you get the result you hope for? Choose a local team with experience in your desired luxury aesthetic. We know NYC — from the strict permitting requirements, to the top market trends, to the unique constraints of historical spaces.
And we have experience crafting a variety of high-end designs, from royal opulence to light, bright, and airy modern spaces.
Learn more about our luxury remodeling services and see how we can transform your space.
