Our Favorite Materials for Livable Luxury
From the Journal of NIID
At NIID, we believe true luxury isn’t just about how something looks—it’s about how it lives.
Our clients come to us because they want homes that feel elegant, layered, and personal—but they also want to live in them. They want soft furnishings that stand up to real life, lighting that shifts with the mood, and materials that age beautifully, not preciously.
Here are a few of our favorite go-to materials that strike that perfect balance between beauty and function:
✨ Perennials & Soft Performance Fabrics
We reach for Perennials time and time again because it feels like luxury—but performs like a dream. Soft, durable, and kid-/pet-/life-proof, it’s perfect for upholstery and high-use pieces.
✨ Brushed Brass Finishes
Warm, timeless, and quietly elegant—brushed brass adds depth and softness to hardware and fixtures. It ages gracefully and always adds just the right amount of glow.
✨ Patterned Rugs That Ground a Room
Whether vintage or new, a subtle pattern in a rug hides everyday wear while adding character and movement. It’s one of our favorite tricks for creating livable elegance—especially in family spaces.
✨ Fireclay Tile
Handmade, textural, and endlessly customizable. We love Fireclay for kitchens, baths, and mudrooms—it brings soul and substance to any space.
✨ Belgian Linen Drapery
Always a yes. Belgian linen brings softness, movement, and effortless beauty to windows. We love it for Roman shades, panels, and layering with sheers for added texture.
✨ Lutron Dimmers & Lighting Systems
Lighting is everything—and we often incorporate Lutron dimmers or smart lighting systems into our projects to help our clients shift the mood throughout the day. A space glows differently when the lighting is thoughtfully layered.
Whether you’re planning a renovation or simply dreaming about a more elevated home, these materials are a beautiful starting point. They're the kinds of details that make a space feel intentional—and truly lived in.
