Livable Luxury: How Stephanie Martin Designs Homes That Feel As Good As They Look

For Calgary-based designer Stephanie Martin, luxury isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating homes that enhance everyday life. Known for her warm, intentional approach to interiors, Martin is on a mission to redefine what “high-end” really means. From transforming compact condo spaces into functional sanctuaries to integrating durable, family-friendly materials into elegant designs, her philosophy centres on one thing: livable luxury. In this Q&A, Stephanie shares her secrets for layering beauty and practicality, embracing seasonal refreshes, and designing spaces that feel just as good as they look. —Noa Nichol

Luxury can mean different things to different people. How do you define “livable luxury” in your design work?

Having a safe and comfortable home is a luxury in itself. If that home also has art, beauty, functionally and intentional design, I would classify it as livable luxury. To me, the phrase “Livable Luxury” is defined by intentional design that addresses daily pain points, makes life easier and creates an atmosphere that brings a sense of joy, pride and comfort to the homeowner. While this may look different to everyone, the deeper feel of luxury is something everyone can relate to, and it doesn’t just mean fancy or precious items. High performance fabrics and durable finishes, natural, quality craftsmanship and a layering of purposefully chosen elements are all design elements that create a feeling of luxury while allowing for real life happen to amongst them. Liveable luxury is about intentionality and cultivating an atmosphere of joy and comfort.

What are your go-to design strategies for making high-end spaces feel welcoming and family-friendly?

While the idea of high-end spaces and family-friendly design aren’t usually thought of together, it’s an absolute myth that they shouldn’t be. One of my favorite strategies is to incorporate custom designed and built We custom design furniture. These pieces are made to fit the space and reflect the design but also allow us to ensure the pieces can stand up to everyday use, entertaining, and wild kids. High performance, stain guard fabrics are our go-to solution for upholstered pieces and even mix in commercial grade finishes that can last through high traffic and abuse. Spending the time to understand our client’s lives allow us to specify products with intention that match their needs and we always advocate for the use of durable, cleanable and purposeful materials.

Another approach is to curate a timeless color palette that evokes warmth and calmness, utilizing earthy tones and soft textures. This can be complemented by statement art, sculptural lighting and playful elements that invite interaction and engagement without compromising the overall sophistication of the space.

Finally, , I emphasize the importance of personal touches—photographs, heirlooms, or handmade items from family trips—that transform a high-end space into a cherished home, making it feel inviting and lived-in.

Spring is all about lightness and ease—how can homeowners introduce subtle touches of luxury into their everyday spaces this season?

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into our spaces, and subtle touches of luxury can be introduced with thoughtful details and even in small ways. Fresh cut blooms and oversized branches in a unique vase instantly add a touch of nature and vibrancy, enhancing the atmosphere. I always suggest sticking to a simple and more wild feeling arrangement  for a foraged feel, and oversized is the key to making it feel luxurious.

Seasonal swap outs for the textiles in your home also add a refreshed feel of luxury in spring. Throw pillow covers and blankets are easily changeable, go for natural fibers, lightweight linens and cottons and earthy tones to add depth and comfort while maintaining a breezy aesthetic.

Finally, consider incorporating a statement piece of art or an artisan-crafted object that reflects the season’s spirit. Whether it’s a stunning wall hanging or a beautifully designed coffee table book, these touches can transform your space, little by little, adding approachable luxury that can shift with the seasons.

What role does texture, layering, and material choice play in balancing beauty and practicality at home?

The art of layering intentionally selected materials is the key to balancing beauty and practicality in your home. Opting for high-quality, durable materials ensures longevity and resilience, while layering different materials is essential for creating depth and character. The tactile experience of a space can evoke emotions and create a sense of warmth and comfort. For instance, mixing smooth, sleek surfaces with soft, tactile fabrics—like pairing polished marble with a plush wool rug—adds visual intrigue while inviting touch. We also always highly recommend including natural materials wherever possible for a timeless and luxurious feel. The thoughtful selection of textures and materials can completely transform a space into one that is not only visually stunning but also functional and enduring.

Can you share a project where you blended sophistication with function in a way that really exemplifies your design philosophy?

We renovated a condo unit in the iconic Eau Claire Estates building in Calgary. This executive tower is one of the most sought-after residential towers in the city, however many of the units are in their original state from the 1980’s and are quite small. Not only did we open up and reconfigure the floorplan, we were also able to raise the ceiling height for 8’ to 10’ on this ground floor unit. We designed sleek cabinetry with both closed storage and open display to line the perimeter walls, offering an abundance of storage and interest. A antique cabinet, collected on our client’s travels, fits perfectly into the cabinets, acting as a media unit but doubling as an art piece.  A custom-built sofa table wraps into a double desk and precisely outlines the back of the custom sectional, maximizing seating and functionality. The reimagined home exudes livable luxury with durable finishes, well thought out design solutions and maximal functionality.

Photos by Michelle Johnson of MJay Photography