What You Should be Doing to Create a Lifestyle of Luxury at Home
My penny-drop-moment was knee deep in luxurious Egyptian cotton bedlinen, next to a rack of six washing machines and tumble dryers, in the bowels of a luxurious motor yacht. I was substitute 4th stew - it doesn’t get more lowly than this. I wasn’t trusted to launder the guests clothing - I was 31 years old. It was a lifeline job, as I’d just left the yacht I was working on mid-season, due to a chauvinistic captain. Walking away from one yacht with my suitcase in tow, I conveniently bumped into an old friend from Australia, Johnny Seven (he had a friend Johnny Six, don’t ask, I didn’t nickname them). Their 4th stew had just broken her leg and they were in a bind. I didn’t think twice and unpacked immediately. The chief stew assigned me to the laundry, and cleaning the crew mess. Initially I was only allowed to launder crew uniform and bed linen. Given that there were fourteen crew with 2 changes of uniform a day, there was plenty to do.
During my many hours ironing and pondering life, I thought that I would like one day to live a life so luxurious that my bed linen would be ironed too. Of course, I realised, that could be anytime - all I needed was to iron it myself - and I have been doing so ever since. Even if I don’t iron a t-shirt, I will iron the duvet cover. There is something glamorous and elegant about climbing in between freshly laundered crease-free sheets. It is like being in a hotel every night. I can live like a guest on a superyacht.
This made me think that there must be many other ways to create a lifestyle of luxury at home. And they don’t have to cost a buck. Welcome to my world of luxurious living, where opulence meets style and comfort. From self-care rituals to cultivating a refined mindset, I present you a collection of ideas that will help you live a truly indulgent life within the sanctuary of your home.
IRON YOUR BED LINEN
Once, I dreamt of sending my bed linen out to a service, but now I enjoy the ironing. It is my Sunday evening ritual, with the teley on and a glass of wine or a cup of chamomile tea. I spritz the linen with some homemade lavender fragrance and find unusual amounts of joy in those neatly organised stacks as they grow.
the Art of Dressing Up
Transform your daily routine into an opportunity for self-expression by embracing the art of dressing up. Even if you're not leaving the house, dress in clothes that make you feel confident and stylish. Find your style and make-up and wear it daily. Keep your wardrobe small and nimble. By taking the time to curate your appearance, you'll feel a sense of luxury and elevate your mood. Take a moment the night before to plan your outfit. Wear jewellery. Strive to look nice every day, even if you are working from home. You never know when someone will knock at the door - it’s that age-old adage! I love to wear an apron when cooking to protect my clothes. And when there is some grubby cleaning or mucky gardening to do, have a set of stylish workwear instead of a tracksuit. I love the Seinfeld clip about wearing sweatpants to remind me!
Create a Culinary Adventure
Explore the world of gourmet cooking and elevate your meals to a new level of sophistication. Experiment with new recipes, flavours, and techniques. There are so many choices online if you don’t have any cookbooks. Transform your kitchen into a culinary playground! Set a beautifully styled table and enjoy your meals with a glass of fine wine or a refreshing mocktail. This might just be one meal a week where you can really plan ahead with interesting, seasonal ingredients. But remember the classic French way to eat, is to sit for each meal and be mindful about what you are eating, even if it is just cheese on toast.
Cultivate a Reading Paradise
Create a cosy reading nook where you can escape into the realms of literature and imagination. Surround yourself with plush cushions, soft throws, and a collection of your favorite books. Immerse yourself in literary works that inspire and transport you to different worlds. Let the power of words take you on a luxurious journey without ever leaving the comfort of your home. I have books that I can dip into at any moment, that will immediately bring a smile to my face. Beverly Nicholls is my favourite author - Down the Garden Path, Merry Hall, The Tree that Sat Down. These are all books of an era, very different to our own, that are utterly transporting. Read more about my ideas for creating a reading nook in the Irish Times here and in my article on my blog here.
Find your Luxury Mindful Practise
Journaling for 5 minutes before bed, or when you wake in the morning, is such a simple and effective way to nourish your mind, and soul. Mindfulness, to me, is a little like exercise - you need to find the practise that you enjoy the most. I don’t like meditating, but when I notice I’m becoming anxious, I will hum. Explore yoga or Pilates to cultivate a sense of peace and clarity. Take time to reflect, set intentions, and express gratitude for the abundance in your life. Hugh Grant says that him having a gratitude journal would be “absurd”, rather he has a list of things he hates. You see, everyone needs to find their own groove. Yet being mindful and thoughtful about your actions will really guide you towards living luxuriously at home. You will notice things more and enjoy the little notes of the fragrance of living, rather than the onslaught of the full scent.
Host Intimate Gatherings
Most people shine in smaller groups. Additionally, you may not have a huge space for inviting lots of people. Yet the luxurious homes and yachts I have had the privilege to work in, have all been the scene for many gatherings for friends and family. Host intimate gatherings with loved ones to create memorable experiences within your home. If you have regular friends, plan themed dinner parties or game nights. Set an inviting ambiance with soft lighting, scented candles, and interesting background music. Have some signature dishes in your repertoire so the food is not stressful, and you can focus on being a glittering host.
Curate a Personalised Art Collection
I am so tired of seeing bland homes with no decoration on the walls. Art doesn’t have to be expensive. Just support local artists wherever you travel, or closer to home. Pick things that inspire you. Transform your home into a personal art gallery by curating your own collection of meaningful art. I love to gift my husband some pottery or a painting from a market. Explore pieces that have different art mediums to create a diverse and captivating collection. Art also adds texture and layers to your home, and points of interest to chat about with friends. These are luxury things that can be passed on to your children too.
COLLECT Plants
Don’t overlook the beauty of nature. If you have the space, create a serene outdoor oasis. If you have a balcony, patio, or garden, transform it into a tranquil retreat. Surround yourself indoors too, with potted plants and blooming flowers. A luxury living tip, is to always choose large - pick a large plant, or one that will grow big, and then have smaller and interesting ones on window ledges or the sideboard. Seize any opportunity to have fresh flowers in vases too. In my work, we have standing orders with the local florist so that there is always a beautiful bouquet on hand. However, if you can find a local grower, it really is the best, as these will be seasonal flowers and more likely, less sprayed than internationally transported blooms.
LAYER YOUR HOME WITH Music
A little caveat here - I have struggled so much with the onset of digital music (that may make me seem old, or perhaps you agree?) I enjoyed putting on an album and listening to the whole thing. Compilation albums were great too - the predecessor to the music mix. Yet digital is where we are at, and it does help discover artists or genres that are unfamiliar at first. So, immerse yourself in the world of music and let it elevate your mood and ambiance at home. Whether you're dancing to your favourite tunes or enjoying a relaxing evening with classical melodies, music adds an extra layer of luxury and enjoyment to your home. I love an eclectic mix of Yo Yo Ma, Manu Chao, Blondie, U2, Olivia Rodrigo, Emma Shapplin’s Carmin Meo. They all evoke memories and inspire me to live luxuriously.
Unwind with Self-Care Rituals
Taking a little time for yourself is the ultimate indulgence. I don’t have a bath, but it is a top priority when we get our own home, If we go away for holiday, and there is a bath, guarantee I will be in it! So pamper yourself with indulgent self-care rituals that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Create a spa-like atmosphere by taking long, luxurious baths with aromatic bath oils and soothing bath salts. You can make your own, and there are lots of ideas in my Half Light Half Dark book. Treat your skin to homemade facials using natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, and avocado. Prioritize quality sleep by establishing a calming bedtime routine and investing in a comfortable mattress and luxurious bedding (I favour linen bedding over cotton).