What is avant-garde interior style? A bold reading of classical elegance

Avant-garde is a luxurious, showy and out-of-the-ordinary approach to interior architecture in which classical and modern lines are brought together boldly and originally. Artistic detail, rich materials and assertive forms give a space elegance and prestige.

Three pillars

• Elegance and display: ornamental detail, curved forms and designs that demand attention.
• Luxury and comfort: rich, high quality materials that create comfortable, prestigious rooms.
• Originality: artistic touches and bold colour combinations that build a singular atmosphere.

Key characteristics

• Classical detail: carving, cartouches, mouldings and columns take the foreground.
• Assertive design: large scale furniture, striking accessories and art objects.
• A rich palette: purple, navy, emerald, black and gold recur throughout.
• Luxurious materials: marble, velvet, silk, brass and gold leaf deepen the sense of richness.
• Artistic touches: paintings, sculpture and bespoke lighting add art to the room.

Materials

Marble, velvet, brass, silk and gold leaf. Used together they reflect light in different ways, creating a layered, deep richness.

Where it works

Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hotel and lobby spaces, villas and luxury residences.

How to keep it balanced

• Choose one strong focal point per room; if every surface is assertive, none of them reads.
• Do not spread gold and brass everywhere — gather them at three or four points.
• Dark rooms need more lighting layers; a single ceiling fitting suffocates an avant-garde salon.
• Where ceiling height is limited, prefer wall lights to a large chandelier.