Interior Design Ideas for Luxury Penthouses in Houston

Houston’s luxury penthouses have some of the most gorgeous interior designs in the city—and as part of the interior design team at the Holloway Design Group, I need to share some of the incredible tips I’ve come across. 

We’ve been working in the Houston area for a while now, and we’ve been privileged to work on transforming some amazing empty spaces into sophisticated and comfortable homes. 

Today, I’ll be showing you how you can do the same with your interior penthouse design while keeping your personal signature style. Let’s jump right into it!

Let There Be Light!

One of the reasons anyone buys a Houston penthouse is the views. Who doesn’t love looking out over the Houston skyline or admiring the Buffalo Bayou? But let’s not forget that windows also bring light into your penthouse—and a penthouse’s floor-to-ceiling windows are world champions for letting natural light inside. 

You don’t always want a view (or to be viewed!). We like using sheer and flowy curtains to frame windows, as they won’t block the light or the view. Light tones are best, and motorized blinds are essential for keeping things functional and giving you privacy at the click of a button. 

Woman enjoying morning sunlight by a large window with flowy curtains, designed by a Houston interior designer for optimal natural light.

Cozy seating by your penthouse windows is also a fabulous idea. Imagine yourself, sprawled on a chaise longue or ultra-soft sofa, gazing out at the panoramic sunset views, or reading an enjoyable book, with a chilled glass of wine to hand. Isn’t that the life? 

Go with the Flow

When you live in a penthouse, open-concept living is baked into the floor design. The big challenge is looking at this huge space and transforming it into spaces where you live, eat, sleep, and entertain without breaking the flow of that open space. 

We love to use rugs to subtly indicate different spaces. A huge, plush rug in a living area can be an anchor for your seating arrangement, while a more modern rug with a geometric design can indicate that an adjacent space is a dining area. 

Statement furniture is another way to hint at the differences between spaces without breaking the flow. Here at Holloway, we adore custom-designed sofas and sculptural chairs. These are works of art that you can sit in! This kind of furniture tells a story, adding to the character and uniqueness of your house.

Go Natural: Add a Luxury Touch

If you’re living in a penthouse, luxury is a given—and no Houston penthouse is complete without gorgeous materials. We like to mix and match a modern finish with natural textures for a varied and timeless look. 

Luxurious green and gold living room decor with velvet sofa, framed artwork, and plants, showcasing elegant Houston interior design.

Materials like marble, wood, and leather are great, but don’t forget there is a world of gorgeous fabrics out there, too! Velvet accent chairs in a deep ruby color with a satin throw casually draped over is a small touch, but one that gives your entire space a touch of understated elegance. 

Turn Your Walls into a Visual Feast

We all know that the Houston arts scene is one of the most remarkable in the country, which is amazing news for penthouse owners who want their living space to feel truly luxurious. James Holloway is always working with local art talent to create bespoke pieces for our clients, from large abstract paintings to gallery-style installations and much more.

Don’t stop at art; mirrors are also perfect for the long and expansive walls of your penthouse. Why not make an oversize mirror a crowning glory? Mirrors not only make spaces larger, but a floor-to-ceiling mirror is a statement

With all that said, less is more in luxury penthouse design. We think more in terms of curation than filling a space up. Everything in a penthouse should earn its place, adding up to a cohesive look that supports the expansive flow of the space. Don’t clutter with curios!

Gift Yourself with a Functional, Stylish Kitchen

A Houston luxury penthouse kitchen is so much more than a place to cook. It’s also an entertainment and living space. An open kitchen with a gorgeous island is perfect, especially when you use waterfall-style marble countertops and chic barstools.

Cabinets shouldn’t be neglected either. We love to mix matte with high gloss to create an added layer of visual interest to otherwise everyday storage situations. Don’t forget open shelving, too, especially if you have dishware and unique kitchen accessories to show off! Our top tip is to use smart kitchen tech like wine coolers, smart ovens, and in-built coffee machines for an easy, yet stylish life.

Bedroom or Sanctuary—Why Not Both?

Who needs a castle when you have a penthouse, your sanctuary in the skies? We love to turn these spaces into luxury hotel experiences with ultra-comfortable upholstered headboards, cozy textures, and amazing bedding. Neutral with bright pops of color is a fantastic way to go; pick an accent color!

We also recommend custom-built closets to maximize your storage space without having to compromise on style. With some smart lighting, your luxury penthouse bedroom will be a place you’ll never want to leave!

Get Rugged in the Great Outdoors (Of Your Penthouse Balcony)

Don’t forget your balcony! Houston’s amazing climate (at least for 70% of the year) makes outdoor living enjoyable at all times of the year. We love teak furniture and large planters for the natural feel, but don’t stop there.

Stylish penthouse balcony with teak furniture, lush greenery, and cozy seating for enjoying Houston's outdoor living

A firepit with outdoor rugs and throw blankets is a great way to add a rugged touch to your outdoor experience (and stay warm on cooler nights). When you look out at this space, imagine yourself entertaining guests or just relaxing as you gaze out over Houston. What feels right to you?

Create Your Dream Penthouse Living Space

Designing a luxury penthouse in Houston isn’t difficult, but to do it well, you need to master the blend of elegance and luxury living with comfort. At the Holloway Design Group, we help people like you to do this every day, creating stunning living spaces that also feel like a home.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or need help to give your penthouse a makeover, we hope this article has given you some great ideas and even a little inspiration. If you’re ready to start making your vision come to life, reach out to us—we can help! Schedule a consultation.

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