What is a Penthouse? Tips for Penthouse Interior Design: Benefits and Disadvantages
Published: Different natural stones // Published 31.01.2024
The typical definition of luxury may be a large, spacious, and airy apartment, located in the center of an urban area. This very definition makes a penthouse the most wanted type of home. All in all, choosing an apartment should be a rewarding experience, so that you can find the ideal place to call home. So, if your budget allows for luxury and incredible views, you shouldn't settle for a simple apartment, be it a luxurious one. Instead, go for a major upgrade and choose a penthouse.
But what does a penthouse mean, and what’s the best way to define such a concept? Next, we would like to invite you into the world of penthouse apartments, to better understand the definition and origin of this concept, besides the features of the wide range of penthouse apartments available. In addition, you will receive inspiration on how to design such a space, considering the undisputed benefits and disadvantages of a penthouse. So, let's start this journey together and explore the world of penthouses.
What is a penthouse?
If you're wondering what a penthouse is and you're still not familiar with the concept, you should know that a penthouse is a luxury suite or apartment located on the top floor of an apartment building or hotel. It differs from other types of housing by its unique and luxurious features, such as panoramic views, generous living space, and ultimate privacy.
The term "penthouse" originally referred, and remains, to a smaller "house", built on the roof of an apartment building. In other words, it refers to a structure added to an existing building. In time, it evolved into a luxury apartment located on the upper level of a building. In terms of architecture, a penthouse is a specific structure on the roof of a building, without exterior walls.
Recently, luxury high-rise apartment buildings have begun to designate several units on the entire upper residential floor or several upper residential floors, including the top floor, as penthouse apartments and prepare them to include ultra-luxurious fittings, finishes, and designs that are different from all other residential floors of the building. Unlike other apartments, a penthouse offers more space, including outdoor space in the form of terraces or large balconies. They are often designed to luxurious specifications, with high-end finishes, state-of-the-art appliances, and other premium amenities. Although penthouses were originally seen as additions to existing buildings, today they are designed from the outset as part of the building plan of an apartment block or hotel. They are often associated with an opulent and sophisticated lifestyle.
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Types of penthouse apartments
Penthouse apartments can vary, based on several criteria, including living surface, design and layout, number of floors, and available amenities. Here's a more detailed classification:
Penthouses can be differentiated by available total area, such as single-floor plate penthouses, with plenty of living space. Others may be smaller, occupying only some area of the top floor. The size of a penthouse is also variable, based on the building project and the market.
Penthouse apartments can also be differentiated by their design and layout. There are penthouses with a modern design, with clean lines and minimalist decorations. Others have a contemporary or classic design, with abundant architectural details, and sumptuous decoration projects. Each style and design can offer a unique living experience.
Another way to classify penthouses is by the number of floors they have. There are single-level penthouses, which offer a feeling of open space and fluidity in interior design. Then, you have duplex or triplex penthouses, with multiple levels of living space, plus amenities such as private elevators. These can offer a more complex design.
Some penthouses come with a range of luxury amenities that add extra value and exclusivity. These may include private swimming pools, roof terraces with panoramic views, hanging gardens, or even helipads. Such amenities are often considered to be at the upper end of the penthouse market and can be much more expensive than other types of penthouse apartments. It’s important to note that every penthouse apartment is unique, and can be customized. Before choosing a penthouse, it is recommended to consult a trusted real estate agent to get up-to-date information and specific details about the many penthouse apartments available.
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Penthouse design ideas
As we have already established, a penthouse apartment is a luxurious, extremely spacious space, with dreamy views over big cities. Such a home can offer all the comfort you need therefore the interior design should match that. Penthouse apartments are designed as open spaces, so the interior design should also consider, for highlighting all the features.
Scandinavian penthouse apartment design
One of the styles often used in penthouse design is Scandinavian interior design, which ideally combines comfort with aesthetics. The simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty of this style can transform a penthouse apartment into an oasis of calm and relaxation. The Scandinavian style is a great fit for a penthouse because of the generous spaces available, but also because this interior design style promotes simple, airy furnishings.
The Scandinavian style aesthetic is based on dominant shades of white, beige, and grey, so it's wise to choose such colors for your penthouse design. It's also a good idea to go for subtle contrasts, mixing the neutral and pastel tones.
In the Scandinavian style, natural materials are highlighted. While pine and oak are the most popular, marble and granite are the recommended materials for countertops and floorings. Also, wool, linen, and cotton are excellent choices for textiles.
Simple decorations that will not clutter the space are the essence of Scandinavian design style, also found in airy penthouse design. Decorations such as wool fabrics, wood, metal accessories, and plants will be a must in a Scandinavian-style penthouse.
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Contemporary-style penthouse apartment
Contemporary style is another great idea for decorating a penthouse. The differentiators for such a penthouse design include modernity and continuous evolution, totally reflecting the spirit of the times and the latest interior design trends.
Contemporary style can require the use of a mix of shades, as you can find both a neutral color palette and intense contrasts in contemporary decoration. A contemporary design does not impose color restrictions, so the color palette can be customized to suit your own preferences and interior design trends.
Contemporary furniture pieces have graceful lines and a simple, unadorned design. Natural upholstery such as cotton, linen, wool, or silk is also dominant, plus the exposed leg furniture.
In contemporary design, black and white marble floors and natural stone such as travertine are the best choices. Onyx mosaics can also add a sophisticated vibe to the interior design of a contemporary-style penthouse apartment.
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Industrial-style penthouse apartment
Although industrial layouts may seem cold and masculine, they are highly original and interesting, which is why an industrial-style penthouse apartment layout can seem like a great choice. Such a design will blend the old with the new, conversely highlighting technology with natural elements.
Unfinished walls, concrete, old supports, factory-style flooring, rusty metal bars, exposed pipes - these are all industrial-style differentiators. That's why you need to introduce these features into the design of an industrial-style penthouse, which you can "soften" by combining them with the right colors, accessories, and textures.
Although dark colors tend to minimize space, the square footage of a penthouse and open spaces allow for a dark color palette approach. Use shades of dark brown, dark grey, white, black, bronze, and other colors that could underpin this style of design. The key is to make all elements in the decor look raw.
Finishes such as brick and raw natural stone easily find their place in an industrial-style home design. Decorative stone types such as slate are also ideal for an industrial style of furnishing.
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Tips for setting up a penthouse
When designing a penthouse apartment, it is essential to consider its differentiators. Here are some tips for starting such a project:
One of the main benefits of a penthouse is the outdoor space, such as a terrace or balcony. This space can be transformed into a relaxing oasis with plants, a dining area, a barbecue, or even a small swimming pool, depending on the size and possibilities. Outdoor space is one of the most wanted features of a penthouse, and the right design can increase the property value.
Because of the generous space, the interior design of a penthouse allows for greater freedom. Open-plan areas can be created, with the kitchen, living room, and dining area set up in the same space without being cluttered. Sumptuous features such as a fireplace, bar, or even a small cinema can also be used. Don't overlook the importance of a clever interior design that highlights the unique features of a penthouse.
The top-floor penthouse benefits from plenty of natural light. It is therefore essential to enjoy it by strategically placing windows and furniture to maximize natural light throughout the apartment. It is well known that exposure to natural light can improve people's mood and productivity.
In a penthouse, you can easily display artwork, thanks to the height of the ceiling and the available space. A collection of art can add personality and elegance to the apartment. The art market has grown significantly in recent years, and buying artwork to decorate luxury apartments is trendy.
The benefits of living in a penthouse
If you are planning to buy a penthouse apartment, you should know that many benefits come with such an apartment. Here are the essentials:
1. Sublime views and plenty of natural light
One of the biggest benefits of living in a penthouse is the view. The elevated position of these apartments offers spectacular views of the city for the owners. These panoramic views can be extremely relaxing, improving the residents’ well-being. A penthouse also features glass walls and sliding glass doors, thus providing spectacular views, besides plenty of natural light.
2. Spacious and luxurious furnishings
Penthouse apartments are generally larger than regular apartments, offering more living space. This makes them ideal for families with more space necessities, or people in search of more space for recreational activities. Many penthouses also have spacious terraces, perfect for gardening, relaxing, or spending time outdoors.
3. High level of privacy
Because of their prime location, penthouses offer a higher level of privacy compared to regular apartments. As the only apartment on the top floor and often with private elevators, a penthouse apartment means more privacy than any other apartment. With no neighbors and diminished noise, the resident will enjoy a quiet atmosphere and relaxation in a residential area.
Also, such an apartment comes with more security, as the chances of your apartment being robbed are extremely low, as the top level is unreachable.
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Disadvantages of living in a penthouse
With all the benefits of a penthouse, there are also some disadvantages, such as:
1. High purchase cost, plus high maintenance costs
Despite all the benefits of a penthouse, one of the major disadvantages comes from the high cost of purchase and maintenance. In addition to the purchase price being much higher than other apartments, penthouse owners have to cover the costs for services such as cleaning, elevator maintenance, security, and other building amenities. Because these costs are shared among a smaller number of owners, each penthouse owner will have to contribute a larger amount, which can significantly increase monthly expenses.
2. Difficult partitioning of penthouse space
Another obvious advantage of a penthouse is the internal division of space in the apartment. Most of the time, such a space has open space and is without walls, but with beams and columns arranged in areas that are less comfortable to use. Therefore, the design process is complicated without the help of an interior designer.
3. Access problems
In a penthouse, access can sometimes be difficult. Usually, these apartments are located on the top floor of the building, which means it takes time to get there, especially when the elevator is out-of-order or crowded. This can be a disadvantage for older people or those with mobility problems. Also, evacuation is more complicated, in the event of a fire or earthquake.
4. Continuous exposure to bad weather
One of the disadvantages of a penthouse apartment can also be exposure to strong air flows. Being on the top floor of very tall buildings, penthouse apartments are constantly exposed to strong winds and cold air blows. Therefore, the penthouse’s exposure to noise and cold is unlike the quiet vibe of an apartment on the first floor of a building. Such disadvantages may vary depending on the specifics of the building, location, and individual preferences of each tenant. Potential buyers need to consider such details and analyze all that fits their situation.
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Living in a penthouse offers many advantages such as panoramic views, generous living space, luxury, and privacy, but it also comes with disadvantages such as high maintenance costs and access issues. However, with creative design ideas, a penthouse can be transformed into a custom sanctuary. Choosing the most suitable penthouse requires careful consideration of individual needs, budget, location, and lifestyle. Consider your options carefully and set your priorities before you buy!
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