DESIGN DETAIL MODERN LUXURY

Interior designer David Flack’s five tips for creating an elegant and contemporary home

1 Keep it simple The original proportions of the rooms in this apartment were good, but there were too many elements going on, which confused the eye and made the space feel cramped. I de-cluttered it, removing everything from the wallpaper to the crystal chandeliers, and retaining only the features that brought classic touches to the home. 2 Don’t commit to too many ideas A scheme needs a thread that pulls it together and allows you to use the same language in every space. In this duplex, we employed a limited palette of materials and colours to subtly convey both contrast (light and shade), and repetition – this creates a sense of harmony in a home. 3 Choose strong, statement materials Bronze, wood and marble add a glamorous edge to classical architectural details. 4 Work with the dimensions of your home Make the most of your house’s best features, such as gloriously high ceilings. 5 Create strong sight lines Here, some of the most impactful pieces of furniture and lighting direct the attention to a specific space or corner of a room. Playing with perspective creates flow through a space.