What gives a home a sense of grandeur?

Some homes create an immediate sense of grandeur, where all it takes is one step inside the front door to behold the carefully curated look and feel poured into every detail. 

The popularity of luxe finishings has seen more home owners opt for high-end fittings and fixtures. So, it’s no wonder new home builders such as Porter Davis are staying ahead of this trend by developing designs that integrate grand proportions and all-you-could-wish-for floor plans.

Inspired by upmarket hotels, resorts and the fashion capitals of the world, Porter Davis’ designs aim to achieve an aesthetic of relaxed opulence and sophistication.

Here, we look at some of the elements that make a home look and feel as luxurious as a six-star hotel.

Let there be light

A home with spacious rooms is a great start. High ceilings can let in more natural light and avoid the stuffiness or cramped feeling of a dark, small space.

Voids, or double-height ceiling spaces, are commonly associated with grand homes, says Keith Fuller, Porter Davis senior designer.

“Large stair voids or voids over main living spaces allow additional light, airflow and a real feeling of spaciousness,” he says.

“It’s a high-end look we’ve seen anywhere from a penthouse apartment in Manhattan to coastal Hamptons homes.”

The Toorak Grange, a five-bedroom, five-bathroom 58-square-metre home design by Porter Davis, features a void over the rear living area. 

With double-storey windows, this space is drenched in crisp light and is also a perfect place for a centrepiece pendant light. 

On-trend fixtures and fittings

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make all the difference. While grand homes are often classically styled, many also include subtle nods to what’s currently in vogue.

Currently, this is seen in the form of brushed brass fittings, says interior designer Kelly Donougher from 13Interiors. 

“We are seeing clients really tend towards those luxury brushed brass finishes for fixtures and fittings, and pairing those with door handles and even kitchen sinks,” she says.

“Brass finishes can certainly add the wow factor and it’s easily carried through with styling elements to add the finishing touches and ultimately create that grand aesthetic.”

Rooms … and lots of them

When we think grand, we think castles or mansions with an abundance of rooms; something akin to the Cluedo house with a library and ballroom. 

While those may be out of the question for most, a large home can typically accommodate a guest room, a study and even a formal dining room. 

“In the Toorak Grange, you’ve got a really functional living and a meals space for the family, as well as a formal dining room that could be used as an everyday space,” Fuller says.

“There’s a private guest bedroom downstairs, and in the master, a beautiful big en suite and dressing room.”

Style consistency

A consistent style is the hallmark of a well-thought-out interior design. Nothing too matchy-matchy, but colours that complement each other and tie rooms – particularly open-plan spaces – together.

“Open-plan living spaces, high ceilings and styling a home with a consistent style and colour palette are all ways in which you can create a beautiful grand feeling,” Donougher says. “Proportion and balance with design is everything when it comes to creating a beautiful interior that flows and creates that look and feel of grandeur.

“This is achieved through many elements in home design, from the beginning stages of the structural requirements right down to the furniture planning and styling.”

Picking and choosing the all-important finishes of your new home can be a tough task. To make it easier, Porter Davis has a World of Style showroom where customers can experience a personal interior design consultation and be guided through the finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, appliances and even technology for their new home.

The team at World of Style work hand-in-hand with the in-house design team at Porter Davis, so they have a close understanding of the floor plans customers are working with.

With carefully thought-out spaces, luxe fixtures and cohesive styling, you can create a home that’s sure to impress.