Brad here: This article is part of a series that brings in the creative voices from Float Studio, our Manhattan based design studio founded by my myself and Nina Etnier in 2013. This one is co-written with Emily Siegel, Designer at Float Studio.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how luxury at home doesn’t have much to do with price. It’s more about intention and the small personal touches that quietly elevate the everyday. In my opinion, the most compelling interiors aren’t built from a matching set. They’re assembled over time to create a curated collection of what you love. That’s where personality lives. Affordable luxury, to me, starts with trusting your eye instead of chasing a look.
An eclectic mix of objects helps a space tell your story. When I come across something I love but can’t immediately place, I ask myself one question: would I still want it sitting alone on a shelf? If the answer is yes, it belongs. Pieces chosen with that kind of intention always find their place.
One of my favorite examples is how I store my jewelry. It all lives in a silver ashtray I picked up at a flea market for a few dollars. The mix of metals catches the light throughout the day and feels quietly indulgent like a still life that changes as I move through it. Another easily thrifted item is unique china or pottery. At this point, I only ask for unique china as gifts. Using beautiful plates and cups daily feels far more luxurious than saving them for a special occasion. Affordable luxury shows up when the “good stuff” becomes part of your routine.
There are a few places where a small detail makes an outsized difference. Doorknobs, for example, where adding tassels in a dramatic deep burgundy instantly makes the space feel more layered and intentional. It’s the kind of detail you notice subconsciously, but it changes how the room feels. I really love the color and texture of the ones above! The same goes for cabinet hardware. It’s so easy to swap out those builder-grade cabinet pulls for something more unique and considered. As long as the screw holes line up, it’s one of the easiest ways to make a space feel upgraded.
The small details don’t end there, a vintage tablecloth thrown over an awkward surface can make it feel cared for and add warmth without a big investment, and adding a pop of color to your bathroom with a colourful or pattered towel is a kind of luxury too. A little more on the involved side could be installing wallpaper (which isn’t for the faint of heart) but there’s something undeniably luxurious about waking up in a room wrapped in pattern. It shifts the mood of the entire space and suddenly mornings feel slower, softer, more intentional. I’ve been loving the cozy cottage vibe.
None of this is about spending more or following trends. It’s about paying attention. Choosing pieces that elevate your daily rituals and letting your home feel quietly, comfortably indulgent without trying too hard.
—Emily Siegel, Designer at Float Studio.
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