Have you ever walked into a penthouse and felt you are surrounded by pure luxury? Yeah, same. And of course I have the blueprint. I am going to share 10 next level penthouse design ideas in this blog that will make your space look like an architectural masterpiece. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring an interior designing company in Dubai, with these tips you will turn your penthouse into the kind of place no one wants to leave.
Inspiring and Aesthetic Penthouse Design ideas
1. Sky-High Minimalism
Minimalism doesn’t mean that your space should feel like a soulless waiting room. The trick? Less but Luxurious. Everything about it is sleek, sculptural furniture, neutral colours, high-end materials like marble, brushed metal, etc. I swear, it looks gorgeous. However, most people make the mistake of forgetting texture. A chunky knit throw is needed for a smooth leather couch. A minimalist bed frame? Throw in linen bedding that looks carefully expensive. What you want is richness in the space, not emptiness and void.
2. Floor-to-Ceiling Drama
Massive windows, a hallmark of every penthouse, are the ultimate feature, so make them the star. Forget all the heavy drapes that block the view, instead opt for sheer, flowing curtains, or sleek motorized blinds that pull out of view at the flick of a button. Also, don’t forget to take into consideration how much natural light varies a space. Darker accent walls? The glow of golden hour makes it absolutely stunning. High-gloss finishes? They confirm all the natural light fed into the space and make it feel twice as big.
3. Statement Lighting
Lighting is like jewellery for your home so it should never be boring, even if the rest of the space is quite simple. Bold lighting is great as it enhances spaces that lack natural light. A massive chandelier over the dining table? Iconic. What looks like a museum piece of a sculptural floor lamp? Say less. A little change makes this possible – replacing regular ceiling lights with recessed lighting? Immediate glow-up. The ultimate goal? Your penthouse should look just as amazing at night as it does during the day
4. Luxe Textures
This is where penthouses can set themselves apart from all the standard apartments. A space shouldn’t just look good, it should also feel luxurious too. I always include high end materials, velvet, silk, polished stone, etc. A sleek leather chair next to a plush wool rug? Chef’s kiss. Even something as little as replacing the basic hardware with brushed gold or black makes everything feel excessively pricey.
5. Open-Concept Spaces
It is this area where penthouses tend to differentiate themselves from standard apartments. Good looking things don’t feel good, but the most luxurious spaces do. Unbelievably, I always mix up high material such as velvet, silk, polished stone, etc. A sleek leather chair next to a plush wool rug? Chef’s kiss. Even something as little as replacing the basic hardware with brushed gold or black makes everything feel excessively pricey.
6. Bold Art Pieces
If I see one more palm leaf print or a generic beige abstract blob, I might scream. If you’re showing your personality, you want to show your personality, thus you want to go for it and do it big. A massive black-and-white photograph? Iconic. A weird, sculptural wall piece? Even better. It is not just to fill space, but rather to say something. No, you don’t have to spend a fortune and I’ve hung vintage posters, DIYed out oversized canvases, canvas fabric panels as art. Not a horribly overpriced (or poorly produced and quality of print) department store print.
7. Indoor-Outdoor Living
If your penthouse has a terrace, why not just make use of it? For mine, I treat it like an outdoor lounge, plush seating, warm lighting as well as a fire pit if the weather allows. And let’s talk about plants. Big ones. Tall potted palms or olive trees will give you a feeling of going up a rooftop retreat. And for the ultimate flex? Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that can seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces There is nothing like a city skyline view from a glass of wine.
8. High-Tech Everything
A penthouse should feel futuristic more like manual light switches just don’t cut it anymore Smart lighting, motorized shades, and voice-controlled sound systems can instantly elevate the space, motorised shades, and voice-controlled sound systems. You will want your lights to dim, music to start, and blinds to lower with one command. The level of luxury we are referring to is that. Being honest here, having a home fully automated would be a flex and it’s practical.
9. Signature Bar Setup
A penthouse without a killer bar setup? Absolutely unacceptable. If you have a built-in wet bar or not, there is a key to make your bar look intentional. Elegant decanters with handsome matte black or gold bar tools, and a handful of actually good liquor are what I always go for. (I promise to have a talk if I see Fireball on your shelf.) Bonus if you have a backlit display or custom shelving that gives the whole setup that of an exclusive cocktail lounge.
10. Personal Touches
The biggest mistake? Packing a penthouse to look like a stage, real estate listing. A truly luxurious space feels personal. I always consider unique, meaningful pieces like coffee tables or books that I actually enjoy, travel mementos that are not tacky, and statement decor that sparks conversation. The key is in balance, it should not be cluttered but should look curated. One or two eccentric pieces? Yes. Random knickknacks scattered everywhere? Absolutely not. It is rich but lived in, not ‘I just moved in yesterday’
11. Walk-In Closets That Belong in a Movie
The lack of a next level walk in closet to your penthouse is seriously lacking. I’m referring to floor to ceiling shelving, accessories display case with glass, lighting… awesome lighting that makes everything seem designer. It deserves a place in your wardrobe that will induce the wear of it to be an experience, not a chore.
12. Spa-Level Bathrooms
There is no penthouse without a bathroom which has the feel of a luxury spa. Rainfall shower, freestanding bathtubs, heated floors, ambient lighting. Even I have a mini fridge for skincare and chilled towels. Your bathroom should make you dream of spending an hour just vibing there.
Final thoughts
A penthouse isn’t just a home, it’s a statement. And the difference between ‘nice’ and ‘jaw-dropping’? Thoughtful design. It all comes down to more luxe textures, statement lighting, and more seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The main thing is cohesion whether you’re partnering with an interior designer in Dubai or doing it yourself. Every detail must need to feel intentional, effortless, and luxurious. You do have a penthouse, so you deserve no less than iconic decor.
