While you often get the real estate agent’s point of view on what makes a home luxurious, architects have a unique perspective that buyers and sellers may not always have access to. That’s why in the newly-released Connecticut Design Guide 2026, the editors of CTC&G sought input from top architecture leaders and tastemakers in New England.
Here are their takes on what truly makes a home luxurious, so you can keep this in mind next time you’re house-hunting or renovating with the goal to add value to your home.
“Floor plans that are designed with intention-prioritizing flow, functionality and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living.”- Arpita Muchhal, Arpita Muchhal Design, muchhal.com
“It has little to do with money and excess: it’s more about refinement and grace.”- Susan Alisberg, Alisberg Parker Architecture and Interior Design, alisbergparker.com
“Our clients know that they won’t find a similar design in another home. We work hard to source materials that are unique while not necessarily the costliest.” – Pete Michalsky, Wadia Associates, wadiaassociates.com
“I am not certain ‘elements’ make custom homes luxurious as much as the way a design is customized to create a lifestyle around its occupants.” – Christopher Pagliaro, Christopher Pagliaro Architects, christopherpagliaroarchitects.com
“Natural light, organic materials, classic proportions, bespoke details and seamless indoor-outdoor flow create immersive spaces that inspire daily life.”- Michele Rudolph, Riverside Design, riverside-design.com
“Luxury is a feeling of well-being and comfort.”- Amanda Martocchio, Amanda Martocchio Architecture, amandamartocchio.com
“Beautifully scaled rooms, hand-worked plaster walls, custom-designed cabinetry and zinc countertops.” – Jon Halper, Halper Architects, halper.com
