Designing Discreet Spaces in the Home for Intimacy

Traditional high-end interior design often saw the ideas of a sanctuary as being spa-like bathrooms, or perhaps minimalist primary suites. But our views on wellness are becoming more holistic, and our understanding of how our immediate environment shapes our relationships grows stronger. It's as simple as couples having more and better sex when the space around them encourages it.

Architecture and design impact our mental health, mood, physical health, and much more, so why can’t it shape our love life? These private spaces, like our bedroom and en suite, are not just about aesthetics but indulgence and exploring our identity.

Lifestyle suite

Luxury will always be not about expensive off-the-shelf items, but customization. It was always the domestic cinema room and wine cellars that really spoke to us. But as society becomes more sexually liberated, there are more people using their homes to express their sexuality. But, importantly, it’s not obnoxiously in the guest's face - after all, there is some taboo and discretion left, which is inherent to sexuality. This is where we need to get creative about balancing expression, functionality, design, and discretion.

To balance those, it’s worth coming back to the goal of the space. Many staples include soundproofing, of course, and smart lighting systems, which can dramatically change the mood of the room in a moment’s notice. High-quality materials like deep-pile velvets or supple leathers are where you need to strike a balance so the home doesn’t look like a strip club - this is where double-sided materials, which can be custom-made and flipped over, are useful.

Physical spaces deriving from digital exploration

The broader culture of this movement is coming from online spaces, which is often where sexual journeys are discovered. It’s where culture is shared and proliferates; where online forums provide a new language of expression, and safety parameters to keep exploration contained in a safe space. So don't be afraid of technology in the bedroom.

Fetish is all about exploring these inner quirks and fantasies. It’s about rejecting the vanilla - what mainstream society has taught you to suppress - and instead connect and celebrate desire in and of itself. Many of us have kinks, and it’s deeply personal - much like our home decor and furniture. In fact, we see many similarities between the bedroom and what goes on inside, where property shows and movies tell us how to live, and how to conform. 

High-end sensory design

When designing a room dedicated to intimacy, the choice of materials is the most important thing to get right. To truly indulge, the space must appeal to all five senses. Audio systems, which can be embedded into furniture, can play your favourite sexy playlist, climate control makes sure you’re comfortable, regardless of how dressed you are or aren’t. You’ll want your favourite smells on an incense.

Designers often suggest rich, dark tones like charcoal or deep burgundy to create a cocoon effect. But custom-built furniture is where you can pick up an ordinary lounge chair and clip it onto a rope to create a sex swing - or to turn a futon into a massage table. Double-use furniture will be needed to keep the discretion, and high-quality craftsmanship is what will make these transitions smooth.

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