Little Luxuries: Adding Indulgence to Everyday Spaces
Holly Lamont, Founder and Creative Director of Holla Design on creating a home that feels unmistakably yours
Creating a home that feels indulgent doesn’t require a full renovation or an extravagant budget. True luxury comes from thoughtful details, spaces that feel considered, personal and genuinely enjoyable to live in.
I founded Holla Design because I love helping homeowners create layered, characterful interiors that work beautifully for real life. Indulgence isn’t just about marble staircases and opulent chandeliers; it’s about living in a home that feels unmistakably yours.
Texture that invites you to linger
One of the simplest ways to introduce a sense of indulgence is through texture. Soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and rugs instantly add warmth and tactility. I often layer contrasting materials, woven textiles, velvets and natural fibres to create depth and comfort. This approach works particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms, where a space should feel relaxed, cosy and welcoming.
For many residential projects, it’s this kind of considered layering that transforms a room without the need for major structural change.
In my own home, I’ve used lots of natural wood, particularly in the dining table and sideboard, paired with natural fibres such as linen and cotton upholstery. Woven textiles, especially through cushions in both the living and dining spaces, add softness and depth without feeling overworked. It’s a simple way to make a room feel warm, layered and inviting.
Confident colour, used with intention
Colour plays a powerful role in shaping how a space feels. While neutral schemes can be beautiful, colour brings richness and depth when used thoughtfully. Painting skirting boards, doors or highlighting coving can add impact without overwhelming a room. The key is balance, confident choices that feel intentional rather than overpowering.
In the Tarvin Treat study, we painted the ceiling in Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke and took the colour a third of the way down the walls. It instantly added interest and made the room feel more considered, without feeling too dramatic.
Helping clients feel comfortable with colour is often where a home begins to take on real character and confidence.
Wallpaper that makes a room feel complete
Wallpaper is one of my favourite tools for creating indulgent interiors. A well-chosen design instantly adds personality and polish, making a room feel complete. It works especially well in smaller spaces such as hallways and cloakrooms, but can be just as effective in larger rooms when used with purpose.
One of my favourite projects is Pickmere Party Barn, where we used House of Hackney’s Hollyhocks wallpaper in the dining area. The bold floral design immediately set the tone for the space, giving it a vibrant, playful energy. In the open-plan layout, the wallpaper anchored the dining zone and gave it a clear identity, while still allowing the rest of the room to feel cohesive. Paired with deep aubergine walls and statement lighting, the result feels luxurious, joyful and intentionally designed.
It’s often these detail-led decisions that bring residential interiors together in a way that feels complete rather than pieced together.
Lighting that sets the mood
Lighting has a huge impact on how a home feels, yet it’s often overlooked. A single overhead light rarely creates a space that feels warm or indulgent. Instead, layered lighting allows a room to adapt throughout the day, balancing practicality with atmosphere.
I approach lighting in layers: functional lighting for everyday tasks, ambient lighting to soften the overall feel and accent lighting to highlight architectural features or artwork. Table lamps, wall lights and floor lamps add depth and warmth, while dimmers give flexibility and control.
In residential interiors, lighting is often what transforms a room from well designed to genuinely inviting. When it’s considered as part of the wider interior scheme rather than an afterthought, lighting becomes the final layer that elevates a space from practical to indulgent, somewhere you truly enjoy spending time.
Personal details that tell your story
The most indulgent homes are those that feel genuinely lived in. Artwork, meaningful objects and carefully chosen accessories bring personality and depth. I always encourage clients to choose pieces they love, whether that’s a vintage find, a bespoke item or a treasured keepsake.
Designing around how someone lives and what matters to them is at the heart of creating interiors that feel authentic and enduring.
Luxury that actually works
For me, indulgence is never about something that looks good but does not fit into real life. The most luxurious homes are the ones that feel effortless to live in. That means prioritising comfort, clever storage and layouts that make everyday life easier, not more complicated. When a room functions well, it naturally feels calmer and more inviting, and you want to spend time there.
The most successful interiors balance beauty with practicality, where every detail has a purpose. That is when a home feels truly indulgent, not because it is extravagant, but because it is thoughtfully designed and built for living.
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