Five Luxury Materials to Help High-End Clients Upgrade Their Spaces

By Industry Partner 2020, A Cyncly Company

Designers are benefiting from customers willing to invest more in design services, particularly higher-income clients who are actively seeking to upgrade their spaces with high-quality materials. Leverage these current pricing dynamics by learning about five exceptional materials that can elevate kitchen and bathroom designs for high-end clients. 
 
The most recent Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) from the National Kitchen Bath Association (NKBA) features several promising findings for designers. Perhaps the most positive of the quarterly report’s survey results has to do with an increase in “pricing power” that designers are currently enjoying. 
Pricing power refers to the ability of a business to raise prices without reducing demand for its services or products. According to the NKBA, designers across the United States are seeing that their customers are willing to pay more for design services than they were before. 
 
However, it’s important to remember not all customer segments are the same. Designers surveyed for last quarter’s KBMI said that price-sensitive customers were less likely to spend, but higher-income customers made up for this decrease. This higher-earning demographic isn't just unfazed by higher prices, they’re actively looking to upgrade their spaces with higher-quality materials. 
 
When it comes to creating spaces for high-end clients, attention to detail and quality craftsmanship is important. Every element – from the layout to the colors and, most importantly, the materials – represents an opportunity to reflect a luxurious and sophisticated style.  
 
Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the most obvious spaces to implement high-quality materials. These rooms, more than others, provide a stage to showcase materials that exude elegance. Here are five original materials for bathrooms and kitchens that will leave a lasting impression on discerning clients. 
 
1. Calacatta marble

Calacatta marble is a favored choice for high-end bathrooms and kitchens. A rare and expensive marble variety, it features a distinctive white background with dramatic grey veining that creates a stunning visual impact. 
 
Calacatta marble can be used in countertops, backsplashes, or even as an accent wall to infuse a sense of timeless grandeur. 
 
2. Macassar Ebony wood 
 
There’s a wonderful warmth inherent to Macassar Ebony wood. Its deep brown, almost black, coloring is interspersed with fine, golden lines. It somehow combines subtlety with an opulence that few other materials can match.  
 
Macassar Ebony wood can be used for cabinetry, paneling or even flooring in both kitchens and bathrooms.  
 
3. Onyx
 
It’s nearly impossible for anything made of onyx not to be a focal point. The translucent stone comes in a spectrum of hues and possesses the unique ability to transmit light. The interplay of light and color in onyx can make any space sparkle. 
 
Onyx is most often used in countertops and sink basins, but its natural glow also makes for captivating wall cladding.  
 
4. Leathered granite 
 
Striking to the eye, soft to the touch, leathered granite offers the perfect balance between luxury aspiration and tactile practicality. This finish provides a textured surface that adds depth and dimension to any design, all while maintaining an air of refinement. 
 
Leathered granite can be used on countertops, kitchen islands and even as a backsplash. 
 
5. Hand-blown glass 
 

As an accent, few materials can compare to hand-blown glass. It immediately elevates the ambiance of any design for high-end interiors by infusing a sense of artistic charm. The individuality and craftsmanship of glass also resonate especially well with clients seeking one-of-a-kind, bespoke creations. 
 
Hand-blown glass can be used in a variety of products, from intricately designed chandeliers to custom-made cabinet hardware and even mosaic tiles. 
 
Inspiration for high-quality designs 
 
Designing for higher-income clients requires a keen eye for selecting materials that embody luxury, elegance and uniqueness. The five materials mentioned above each bring their own distinct characteristics that can transform bathrooms and kitchens into spaces of exceptional beauty.  
 

| 4/2/2024 8:29:05 AM | 0 comments