Från överflöd till minimalism - en studie av två interiörer för den ekonomiska eliten

This essay's primary purpose is to find out if there are any typical features that can be seen in the expensive homes belonging to the upper class. What makes these homes feel specifically luxurious? Is there something we can call "luxury" that is timeless? I have analysed two interiors from two different eras, both inhabited by the upper class. The concept of luxury and "good taste" has been investigated by using theories on luxury, looking on luxury products from a marketing point of view and also by applying Pierre Bourdieu's theories on cultural and economic capital. The two domiciles are highly contrasting: Hallwylska Palatset was built in 1893 and shows the typical sumptuous eclecticism of styles that was common back then. The contemporary interior of Villa Bjorkeberga represents a more minimalistic and restrained style, where the expression "less is more" is omnipresent. The two interiors have been compared and analysed from different perspectives and the conclusion I have reached is that some timeless attributes seem to be applied by the upper class, regardless of trends. Regarding different styles, they come and go out of fashion and should not necessarily be seen as typical expressions for good/bad taste or luxury. On the other hand, what becomes fashion seems to be decided by the ones with the most cultural and economic capital, in other words the upper class.