Bringing the Resort Home: how to infuse vacation luxury into everyday living….
As a luxury residential architectural designer, I've learned that what we're really responding to isn't extravagance—it's thoughtful design that supports how we want to live.
You know the feeling.
The moment you step into a world-class resort or luxury short-term vacation villa-where time slows, your shoulders drop, + everything feels intentionally effortless.
As a luxury residential architectural designer, I've learned that what we're really responding to isn't extravagance—it's thoughtful design that supports how we want to live.
The good news? You don't need to book another flight to feel that way.
You can design it-right at home.
This interactive guide will help you translate the best elements of travel-inspired luxury into a residence that feels restorative, indulgent, + deeply personal-every single day. Yesssss!
Step 1: Identify Your Signature Resort Experience
Before we talk materials or layouts, let's start with intention.
Think about your favorite place you've ever stayed.
Not the most expensive-the most memorable.
👉🏾 Interactive Prompt:
Which experience resonates most with you?
A serene coastal retreat with endless light + ocean air
A European boutique hotel rich in texture, history, + intimacy
A wellness-focused spa resort grounded in nature
A modern desert escape with seamless indoor-outdoor living
Your answer becomes the design compass for your home.
Luxury design succeeds when it reflects your emotional response to space, not a trend.
Step 2: Design for Arrival (The Check-In Effect)
Exceptional resorts or luxury short-term villas don't begin at the pool—they begin at the arrival sequence.
At home, the entry is often overlooked, yet it sets the emotional tone for everything that follows.
Resort-Inspired Design Moves:
Layered lighting that shifts from day to evening
Natural materials (stone, wood, plaster) that immediately ground you
A sense of progression-never revealing everything at once
👉🏾Ask Yourself:
When I walk through my front door, do I feel welcomed... or rushed?
A thoughtfully designed entry should feel like crossing a threshold into calm.
Step 3: Create Spaces That Encourage Slowing Down
Luxury resorts + short-term vacation villas are masters at giving us permission to pause.
Your home should do the same.
Architectural Strategies That Change Daily Behavior:
Wider hallways + softened transitions between rooms
Purposeful "pause points" like window seats or reading alcoves
Furniture layouts that encourage conversation—not just TV viewing
👉🏾 Interactive Exercise:
Which room in your home should be used more slowly—but isn't?
That's your opportunity for transformation.
Step 4: Bring the Spa Home (Beyond the Bathroom)
True wellness design extends far past a soaking tub.
Resorts + vacation villas succeed because they engage the senses holistically.
Think in Layers:
Sound: integrated acoustics, water features, or quiet mechanical systems
Touch: heated floors, honed stone, hand-troweled plaster walls
Scent: natural ventilation, garden adjacency, subtle material aromas
👉🏾 Design Check:
Does your primary suite feel like a place to retreat-or simply sleep?
Wellness-focused residential design is about restoration, not excess.
Step 5: Blur the Line Between Indoors and Out
One of the most powerful lessons from resort + luxury short-term design is connection to nature.
In high-end residential architecture, this often becomes the defining feature of a home.
Resort-Level Enhancements:
Large openings that fully dissolve walls to the outdoors
Covered exterior living rooms with the same finishes as interior spaces
Outdoor kitchens + fire features designed for year-round use
👉🏾 Imagine This:
What if your morning coffee felt like a terrace in Tuscany—or a cabana in Cabo?
That's not fantasy. It's architectural intention.
Step 6: Elevate the Everyday Rituals
Luxury isn't about grand gestures alone-it's about making the ordinary feel extraordinary.
Resorts + luxury vacation rentals obsess over small moments. Your home should too.
Truly consider:
A kitchen designed like a chef's prep space, even if you cook casually
A coffee or cocktail station that feels ceremonial
Thoughtful lighting scenes for mornings, afternoons, + evenings
👉🏾 Quick Reflection:
Which daily ritual would you most love to elevate?
That's where meaningful luxury lives.
Final Thought: Design a Home That Feels Like Coming Back, Not Coming Down
The most successful resort-inspired homes don't replicate a destination-they capture a feeling.
As an architectural designer, my role is to translate your experiences, travels, + aspirations into spaces that support how you want to live-not just how you want your home to look.
When done well, your home becomes:
A sanctuary
A retreat
A daily reminder of the life you've intentionally designed
And the best part?
You never have to check out.
“True story….that’s MY purpose!”
That part! I thoroughly enjoyed our time together as always. Your energy keeps pushing me + I will forever be grateful. 🙏🏾
Until next time…
Live.Love.Design.
xo Renae
(All pics are courtesy of my Pinterest)
Designing for the Senses: luxury residential architecture that cultivates calm, comfort, + connection….
In today's most refined residences, luxury is no longer measured by size or spectacle alone. For discerning homeowners, the true hallmark of luxury residential architecture is how a home feels— how it restores calm, enhances comfort, + supports meaningful connection.
In today's most refined residences, luxury is no longer measured by size or spectacle alone. For discerning homeowners, the true hallmark of luxury residential architecture is how a home feels— how it restores calm, enhances comfort, + supports meaningful connection.
As a seasoned architectural designer specializing in high-end home design, l've seen a distinct shift: clients are no longer asking only for beautiful spaces; they are asking for homes that support well-being, longevity, + everyday ease. This is where wellness-focused design becomes essential—not as a trend, but as a philosophy. Our philosophy. Our authenticity. We are definitely listening + executing. #YesIndeed
The evolution of luxury: from visual impact to sensory experience:
Traditional architectural design often prioritizes visual appeal. Elevated residential design goes further, engaging all five senses to create homes that feel intuitive, restorative, + deeply personal. I know you’ve heard me repeat this time + time again; this is extremely imperative if you want the best outcome possible.
The most successful high-end homes:
Reduce stress the moment you arrive
Feel effortless rather than performative
Support both vibrant entertaining + quiet retreat
This is the foundation of wellness-driven luxury design. Each + every time. #TrustTheProcess
Visual calm in high-end home design:
In luxury residential architecture, visual comfort is achieved through restraint + intentionality rather than excess. Editing is our biggest helpmate within every project.
Key strategies include:
Thoughtful proportions that feel balanced + timeless
Layered natural light that evolves throughout the day
Cohesive material palettes that allow the eye to rest
Neutral tones-warm stone, natural wood, soft plaster—create depth without visual clutter. When paired with clean architectural lines, they result in spaces that feel both elevated + emotionally grounding. That does not always mean light + airy as most would assume; dark + moody neutrals are creating visual comfort with balance + stunning layered lighting design.
True luxury is not overwhelming; it's calming.
Acoustic comfort- a quiet luxury:
Sound is one of the most overlooked elements of high-end home design, yet it has a profound impact on daily experience. I wholeheartedly stand by this principled design element in our residential + non-residential projects.
Wellness-focused architectural strategies include:
Integrated acoustic insulation + sound-absorbing finishes
Thoughtful spatial planning to separate active + private zones
Natural ambient elements such as water features or breezeways
When sound is controlled, a home feels serene, intimate, + private-qualities that define modern luxury living.
Tactile design- materials that invite connection:
Luxury is experienced through touch as much as sight; allow me to elaborate.
In refined residential architecture, materials are chosen not only for beauty, but for how they feel over time:
Honed stone instead of high-gloss finishes
Hand-finished wood that offers warmth + character
Soft, natural textiles that balance architectural precision
Every interaction-opening a door, walking barefoot across a floor, resting a hand on a railing—reinforces comfort + craftsmanship.
These details are subtle, however, they shape how a home is experienced every day.
Wellness-focused design through air, light, + scent:
Scent + air quality are powerful contributors to emotional wellbeing + are integral to wellness-focused design. Candles, diffusers, + incense are exemplary within the home’s atmosphere, however, from an architectural design standpoint, it is not quite what I mean.
Architectural solutions include:
Cross-ventilation that encourages fresh airflow
Seamless indoor-outdoor connections that bring nature inside
Natural materials that age gracefully + emit subtle, organic scents
Rather than relying on artificial enhancements, luxury architecture allows the home to breathe-creating a sensory environment that feels authentic + restorative.
Designing for connection- the heart of luxury:
At its core, exceptional luxury residential architecture is about connection. Most truly + intentionally. Connection to:
Family + guests, through inviting gathering spaces
Nature, through daylight, views, + outdoor living areas
Self, through private sanctuaries designed for rest + reflection
The most successful high-end home designs balance openness with intimacy. Grand spaces are complemented by quiet retreats.
Social zones flow naturally, while personal spaces provide refuge.
This balance is what transforms a house into a home that supports wellness + longevity.
The new standard of high-end home design:
Today's most desirable homes do not announce their luxury loudly.
Nope…instead, they reveal it through:
Calm rather than chaos
Comfort rather than excess
Connection rather than spectacle
When architecture is designed for the senses, beauty becomes lived-in, wellness becomes intuitive, + luxury becomes timeless.
For homeowners investing in a residence that supports not just how they live-but how they feel-wellness-focused luxury residential architecture is not optional. It is the future of high-end home design + we are so in that vibe.
My current frequency is alignment. Designing is my passion, yes, however, over the past few years, I’ve recommitted my passion through service by just loving + sharing. Honestly, it fuels me to keep engaging + educating discerning homeowners as well as small business owners like myself on the powerful impact-fulness of thoughtful architectural design in the built environment.
“Happy New Year from the Sola fam to you + yours! Wishing you a very blessed + prosperous year….blessings all year long!”
Yes, Lord….lead and I will follow. As always, you know I thoroughly enjoyed myself with you guys.
Until next time…
Live.Love.Design.
xo Renae
(All pics are courtesy of my Pinterest)
Sustainable Luxury: how eco-friendly architectural design elevates high-end renovations….
Luxury residential design is evolving. As an architectural designer specializing in high-end renovations, I've seen a clear shift among discerning homeowners: true luxury today is defined by intelligence, longevity, + environmental responsibility.
Sustainable architecture is no longer a niche-it is the gold standard for refined living. When executed thoughtfully, eco-friendly architectural design elevates luxury homes beyond aesthetics, creating residences that are healthier, more efficient, + more valuable over time. Sustainability isn’t a compromise- it’s a modern luxury. Let’s explore how green design enhances wellness + property value. #Yessss
Luxury residential design is evolving. As an architectural designer specializing in high-end renovations, I've seen a clear shift among discerning homeowners: true luxury today is defined by intelligence, longevity, + environmental responsibility.
Sustainable architecture is no longer a niche-it is the gold standard for refined living. When executed thoughtfully, eco-friendly architectural design elevates luxury homes beyond aesthetics, creating residences that are healthier, more efficient, + more valuable over time. Sustainability isn’t a compromise- it’s a modern luxury. Let’s explore how green design enhances wellness + property value. #Yessss
I couldn’t agree more with Lissome/ Imran Amed. True luxury lies in intention. In the most successful renovations, every design decision serves a purpose-enhancing comfort, longevity, + daily experience. Sustainable design allows us to refine a home rather than overstate it, creating spaces that feel calm, balanced, + deeply considered.
Clients often tell me they want a home that "feels right." Eco-conscious architectural design delivers this through better light, improved air quality, acoustic comfort, + seamless spatial flow-elements that are sensed rather than seen, yet unmistakably luxurious. Here’s a few illustrations of just that.
Redefining luxury through sustainable design can be challenging for some, but I look at this challenge as our ethical responsibility.
Affluent homeowners increasingly seek residences that reflect discernment rather than excess. Sustainable luxury focuses on precision-homes that are meticulously designed, deeply comfortable, + built to endure.
From improved indoor air quality to superior thermal and acoustic performance, sustainable architectural strategies enhance daily living in ways that are subtle yet transformative. This is luxury that is felt, not flaunted.
Premium sustainable materials for high-end renovations are imperative as well as strategically necessary.
One of the most compelling aspects of sustainable luxury design is the quality of materials now available. Environmentally responsible options align naturally with upscale residential architecture:
Responsibly sourced + reclaimed wood for custom flooring, paneling, + millwork
Natural stone, recycled metals, + low-carbon concrete that offer durability + timeless elegance
Low-VOC paints, finishes, + sealants that protect indoor air quality without compromising visual depth
These materials develop character over time, reinforcing the long-term value of a luxury renovation.
Energy efficiency as an essential luxury feature is a solution worth designing around.
In high-end homes, the most sophisticated systems are often invisible. Sustainable architecture integrates advanced performance seamlessly into the design:
High-performance building envelopes + insulation systems
Energy-efficient windows + glazing that maximize natural light while controlling heat gain
Smart home energy management systems that optimize comfort + reduce consumption
For affluent homeowners, energy efficiency is not about restraint -it's about precision, control, + effortless comfort.
Architectural design that responds to site + climate are exemplary in the pre-development stage of architectural design. Exceptional residential architecture begins with context. Sustainable design prioritizes harmony with the home's location, climate, + surroundings.
Through strategic orientation, passive solar design, + natural ventilation, luxury homes can reduce energy reliance while enhancing spatial quality. Expansive glazing, indoor-outdoor living spaces, + biophilic design elements strengthen the connection between architecture + landscape-an increasingly valued feature in high-end real estate.
Long-term value in luxury home renovations are the goals to be set amongst the team. Discerning homeowners understand that sustainability is a strategic investment. Eco-friendly luxury renovations are more resilient, adaptable, + attractive in the premium housing market.
As sustainability becomes a defining factor in property valuation, homes designed with efficiency and durability in mind consistently outperform conventional renovations-both financially + experientially.
Sustainable luxury as the highest form of refinement is the achievement we all should want to strive for our projects. From an architectural designer's perspective, sustainable luxury represents the most sophisticated approach to residential renovation. It aligns beauty with responsibility, innovation with timelessness, + performance with elegance.
For homeowners seeking a residence that reflects both success + foresight, eco-friendly architectural design is not an upgrade -it is the foundation of modern luxury living.
In closing, we’ve chatted about discovering how sustainable architectural design elevates luxury home renovations through refined materials, energy efficiency, + long-term value. I’ve hoped you’ve had just as much fun as I had. I strive to share how architectural design can enlighten your wellness through thoughtful + curated choices. Thriving is all we wholeheartedly desire for you + your family, you know. It always starts with selecting the right professionals to bring your vision to fruition. Luxury meets longevity through sustainable design.
Our Sola fam wants to wish you + your family a very Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season. This year has been a year of growth, gratitude, and surrender. God is so faithful. Enjoy your holidays with your loved ones!
Until next time,
Live.Love.Design.
xo Renae
(All pics are courtesy of my Pinterest)
Balancing Heritage + Modernity: How to renovate a luxe classic home with timeless appeal….
I get this request a lot from clients who want to respectfully renovate their homes but don’t know where to draw the line within the renovation as it relates to their home’s architecture. It’s definitely a line to be drawn from an architectural design standpoint. That intricate yet delicate trained line of balancing heritage or classicism with modernity. I’ve seen it done oh so beautifully, however, there are still some renovations that are unbelievably unbalanced and typically rely heavier on the modernity rather than fully embracing the architecture’s heritage, which is so unsettling in my opinion. I feel the urge to share a few tidbits on how to honor your home’s history while bringing it into today’s world with modern materials (exterior + interior) and subtle luxury.
I get this request a lot from clients who want to respectfully renovate their homes but don’t know where to draw the line within the renovation as it relates to their home’s architecture. It’s definitely a line to be drawn from an architectural design standpoint. That intricate yet delicate trained line of balancing heritage or classicism with modernity. I’ve seen it done oh so beautifully, however, there are still some renovations that are unbelievably unbalanced and typically rely heavier on the modernity rather than fully embracing the architecture’s heritage, which is so unsettling in my opinion. I feel the urge to share a few tidbits on how to honor your home’s history while bringing it into today’s world with modern materials (exterior + interior) and subtle luxury. Let’s begin! Yeesss! This architecture is neoclassical revival with modern emphasis (peep the gorgeous windows, doors, arch, + balconies). This property is properly stunning utilizing lighting to highlight the asymmetry of the architecture….LOVE!
When planned out accurately, your renovation will marry the architecture’s heritage with modern technology advantageously. Not only will your home reflect you and your family well from an architectural design perspective, it will also create more value from a real estate perspective, which is a win-win! Let’s review a few more extraordinary case-studies to gain more insight on how a great balance of heritage + modernity should appear like!
Sublime examples…yesss! Ensuring that design principles + elements are present as well as embracing the home’s architecture goes a long way in finding great success in luxury home renovations. Those illustrations showcased notable exteriors, let’s journey into some fabulous interiors that also impressively balance heritage with modernism. Yes? Indeed!
Who doesn’t love wide plank herringbone wood floors and arched cased openings and dramatic two-story ceilings with equally dramatic and stunning windows + doors? I mean what is there not to love??? The curated lighting meets the intricate details of the railing as well as the treads and the risers with the dope ceiling details down to the potted plants and simplicity of the neutral color palette. This is one of many sensational interiors we will explore together….lovely, right?
Giving all the warm + fuzzies! Yesss! That’s exactly what great design exudes…
Love the holiday cheer in this space…classic yet plush with a modern touch!
There’s nothing like profound, thoughtful design choices to create a timeless feel…..wouldn’t you agree?
What I wholeheartedly appreciate about timeless design is how versatile + enduring it truly can be when done appropriately. A few minor refreshes every 8-10 years or even longer most times upholds the value of the investment a renovation undergoes. Embracing the home’s architecture with the personalities of the home dwellers as well as modern technology creates a balanced yet profound masterpiece. Old soul; modern spirit. That’s timeless design! I’m definitely here for that! You know, I will always remind you that selecting the right experienced and heavily trained design professionals is half the battle, so select well. I’ve totally enjoyed this lil’ journey and look forward to future chats.
Until next time….
Live.Love.Design.
xo Renae
(All pictures are courtesy of my Pinterest)