A truly luxurious home isn’t about perfection—it’s about how it makes you feel. The most elegant spaces today are shifting away from over-styled interiors and towards something calmer, more considered, and quietly refined.

As a lifestyle editor focused on affordable luxury, I’ve found it’s often the subtle details lighting, scent, and thoughtful styling—that create that expensive, polished feel. And no one understands this better than Gemma Schofield, founder of Lifestyle Home Collection. In this interview, she shares her expert approach to creating a home that feels calm, elevated, and effortlessly put together.

1. Your work has always centred around beautiful homes – what does a truly “luxurious” home feel like to you beyond how it looks?

A truly luxurious home to me is defined by how it makes you feel the moment you walk through the door. It should feel calm, grounded and effortless – never staged or overly curated. For me, luxury is about space to breathe, thoughtful details, and an environment that supports your lifestyle seamlessly. It’s the quiet confidence of a home that functions beautifully while still feeling personal.

2. Many women want their homes to feel calm, polished, and elevated, but don’t always know where to start. What’s the first thing you would change in a space to instantly transform the atmosphere?

Lighting – always. It has the power to completely transform the mood of a room. Swapping harsh overhead lighting for softer, layered options like lamps, wall lights and warm-toned bulbs instantly creates a more inviting, elevated feel. A glow from a candle also adds to the ambience. Lighting is one of the simplest yet most impactful changes you can make, and it sets the tone for everything else in the space.

3. Fragrance is often the final layer in a home – how do you approach scent when creating a space that feels considered and inviting?

Fragrance is the invisible layer that brings everything together. I approach it in the same way as textures or colour – very intentionally. A space should smell clean, balanced and subtle, never overpowering. I like to layer scent through candles and diffusers so it feels softly present, creating an atmosphere that enhances the room without ever dominating it.

4. Do you think every home should have a signature scent? And if so, how can someone find one that reflects their personal style?

Absolutely – a signature scent gives a home a real sense of identity. The key is to think about how you want your space to feel: fresh and uplifting, warm and cocooning, or soft and calming. From there, you can explore fragrance notes that align with that mood. It should feel like an extension of you – something that becomes instantly recognisable and quietly memorable.

5. In your experience, what are the small, often overlooked details that make the biggest difference when it comes to creating a beautiful, put-together home?

It’s often the simplest details that have the biggest impact – neatly styled surfaces, beautiful hand soap, fresh towels, decluttered corners. Even something as small as matching hangers or well-folded linens can elevate a space. Introducing subtle finishing touches, like a well-placed diffuser or a softly scented candle, can also add that final layer of polish. These details create a sense of order and intention, which is what makes a home feel truly ‘put together.’

6. Your aesthetic feels very intentional and refined – how do you balance making a home feel styled, but still warm and lived-in?

It’s all about intentionality and authenticity. A home should never feel like a showroom. I focus on layering – mixing textures, incorporating personal pieces, and allowing a little imperfection. Books, meaningful objects and soft textiles bring warmth and character, ensuring the space feels lived-in while still maintaining a refined, considered look.

7. For busy women juggling work, family, and everything in between, how can they create moments of calm and luxury in their everyday routine at home?

It really doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Small rituals, that are simple to do, make the biggest difference. Lighting a candle at the end of the day, making your bed beautifully in the morning, or taking five minutes to reset a room can completely shift your mindset. These small, intentional moments create pockets of calm that feel indulgent, without requiring extra time.

8. Are there certain rooms where fragrance and ambience matter more than others? How would you approach spaces like the bedroom versus the living area?

Yes, definitely. In the bedroom, I always lean towards calming, softer scents – think lavender, musk or gentle florals – to encourage rest and relaxation. In living spaces, you can be a little more expressive, using warmer or fresher notes that feel welcoming and sociable. Each room should have its own identity, with fragrance supporting how you want to feel in that space.

9. What are the most common mistakes people make when trying to create that “expensive-looking” home feel?

Overcomplicating it. There’s often a misconception that luxury means more – more décor, more trends, more styling. In reality, it’s about editing. Clutter, poor lighting and too many competing elements can make a space feel chaotic rather than elevated. Simplicity, cohesion and a focus on quality over quantity are what truly create that refined, expensive feel.

10. If someone wanted their home to feel more like a sanctuary – somewhere they genuinely love coming back to — what would your approach be?

Start by removing anything that doesn’t serve you or bring you joy. From there, build a foundation of calm with neutral tones, soft textures and a layout that works effortlessly for your lifestyle. Then layer in the details – considered lighting, comforting textiles and a signature scent that instantly puts you at ease. A sanctuary isn’t created overnight; it’s curated slowly and intentionally so it reflects your life and supports your wellbeing in a meaningful way.