HOW TO BALANCE OPULENCE AND BUDGETS IN LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN

Giulia Quaglia, projects director at XBD Collective on cost-saving strategies that shape high-end designs

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In the world of luxury interior design, the phrase “cost management” doesn’t exactly evoke visions of lavish toasts at a glamorous rooftop bar. In fact, it might sound more like the kind of term you'd hear at a boardroom meeting-far removed from the world of high-end residences, opulent finishes, and those “can't-believe-it's-real” design moments.

But if you're leading a luxury design project, like our team does, you'll know that behind every velvet-lined sofa and custom chandelier is an invisible hand, quietly balancing the delicate scales of budget and vision.

So, let’s talk about cost management in luxury interiors, the unsung hero of every stunning space. Spoiler alert: It’s far more interesting than it sounds.

The art of luxury design, and the cost that comes with it

When you're working in the high-end design space-whether it's Dubai's magnificent villas or a chic penthouse in Montecarlo - there's an unspoken truth: cost management is everything. We've all been there, watching a project come together, as dream teams of architects, interior designers, and artisans work tirelessly to transform an empty space into a one-of-a-kind sanctuary. The walls are transformed into pieces of art, the flooring is sourced from the finest quarries, and the textiles? Let's just say you'll want to wrap yourself in them like the finest silk.

But all of that magic comes with a price. And in a world where design is an expression of a client's wealth and status, that price tag can often spiral if you're not managing it from day one. So, how do we maintain the delicate balance between splurging on statement- making pieces and keeping the budget on track?

The common thread: Universal design principles