Elevator more luxurious than your home

For decades, the elevator has been one of the most essential yet overlooked elements of building design. While lobbies, lounges, and hallways often get the spotlight, elevators have slowly faded from architectural artistry into bland, metallic boxes. Yet, historically, elevators were once celebrated as chic design statements—intimate spaces that echoed the grandeur of the buildings they served.

Today, with design innovation shaping every aspect of modern architecture, it may be time to revisit the art of the elevator and bring back the sophistication that once defined this vital space.

The Forgotten Elegance of the Elevator

Interior designers like Jonathan Baron, who has spent nearly 30 years refining luxury buildings across New York, often note that elevators are treated as an afterthought. Developers focus heavily on the lobby design or hallway aesthetics, but the elevator is frequently left as a purely functional component.

This wasn’t always the case. A century ago, elevators were designed as transitional architectural marvels. The ornate tracery on the elevator doors of the Woolworth Building in New York beautifully mirrored the marble and bronze used elsewhere in the structure. Similarly, the Art Deco elevators of the Chrysler Building and the intricate woven metal cabs of the Seagram Building elevated everyday rides into memorable experiences.

Elevators were once the “most intimate experience one has in a building,” as Baron puts it. Step inside, and you would encounter elegance that reflected the identity of the entire structure.

From Architectural Icons to Functional Boxes

The decline of elevator design tells a larger story of cultural shifts. Early elevators were adorned with chandeliers, mirrors, and plush seating to comfort riders who were uneasy about this “levitating taxi.” When electric elevators reduced ride times, the need for such comforts diminished.

By the mid-20th century, elevator cabs became standardized, stripped-down boxes clad in plastic laminate panels. These prefabricated designs allowed developers to select finishes from a catalog without much thought to cohesion with the rest of the building. What was once a key design opportunity became a place for cost-cutting and standardization.

Modern examples like the metallic bays of One World Trade Center stand in stark contrast to the Gothic-inspired elevators of the Woolworth Building. Function replaced flair, and an opportunity for artistry was lost.

Why Elevators Matter in Modern Design

While lobbies and public spaces shape first impressions, elevators are the most frequent touchpoint for residents, employees, and visitors. On average, people spend several minutes a day inside an elevator, making it one of the most-used spaces in any building.

A thoughtfully designed elevator can:

• Reinforce the architectural identity of a building.

• Offer a sense of luxury and sophistication.

• Create emotional connections by transforming a mundane experience into something memorable.

• Serve as a branding tool in hotels, residences, and corporate towers.

Durability vs. Design: The Core Challenge

One reason elevator design has lagged is its durability requirements. According to Marilyn Sygrove, an interior designer specializing in luxury condos, elevators are among the longest-lasting spaces in a building. Unlike a lobby, which can be updated with new furniture or finishes, elevators often need a full rebuild to change their look.

As a result, many building owners choose neutral, flexible designs that won’t clash with future renovations. While practical, this often leads to uninspired spaces that lack personality.

The Cultural Influence on Elevator Design

Elevator aesthetics have always mirrored cultural attitudes. In the 19th century, ornate elevator cabs helped normalize a new and intimidating technology. In the mid-20th century, cultural minimalism and cost-efficiency pushed designs toward simpler forms.

Today, as buildings embrace experiential design and Instagram-worthy spaces, the elevator is slowly regaining attention. Modern culture prizes environments that are not just functional but also shareable and memorable—making the elevator an untapped canvas for creativity.

Examples of Chic Modern Elevators

Not all modern elevators are bland. Some designers and brands are reimagining these spaces with bold creativity:

• The Mayflower in Queens: Elevators feature striking gold-colored grillwork, tying in with the building’s luxury aesthetic.

• One Rockefeller Park: Elevators echo the nearby Hudson River with wavelike interior textures, blending design with location.

• W Hotels: Known for eccentric experiences, W Hotels feature themed elevators like a neon-lit cab with a glowing beetle in Brisbane and a dramatic all-red interior in Barcelona—encouraging guests to snap elevator selfies.

These examples show how elevators can become branding opportunities while enhancing the guest or resident experience.

The Case for Bringing Back the Chic Elevator

Elevators have the potential to be more than just vertical transport. They can:

• Reflect history and culture: Art Deco, Gothic, or futuristic themes can tell the story of a building.

• Enhance luxury living: In high-end residential and commercial spaces, elegant elevators reinforce exclusivity.

• Encourage creativity: A striking design element can set a building apart in a competitive real estate market.

• Promote engagement: Social-media-friendly elevators, like those in boutique hotels, drive organic promotion.

As Joshua Nelson, founder of Elevator Scene, points out, an elevator is a “free opportunity” for design and branding. Yet many owners fail to recognize its value.

How to Reimagine Elevator Design Today

To revive the chic elevator, designers and developers can take several approaches:

1. Integrate Architecture and Interior Design

Elevators should not feel disconnected from the building. Using similar materials, colors, and motifs creates a seamless transition from lobby to cab.

2. Embrace Technology

Smart lighting, digital displays, and interactive panels can turn an elevator ride into an engaging experience. Technology allows for customization while maintaining durability.

3. Experiment with Materials

Beyond laminate panels, modern elevators can incorporate glass, stone, textured metals, or sustainable materials for added sophistication.

4. Create Identity and Storytelling

Just as a hotel lobby tells a story, so too can an elevator. Whether reflecting local culture, historical references, or futuristic aesthetics, the cab can carry meaning beyond function.

5. Focus on Comfort and Mood

Lighting, sound, and even scent can be adjusted to make the elevator ride pleasant rather than a moment of discomfort.

Looking Ahead: Elevators as Experience

If design is about shaping experiences, then elevators must be part of the conversation. Instead of being treated as afterthoughts, elevators can be reimagined as micro-environments that leave lasting impressions.

As our culture shifts back toward valuing unique, stylish, and engaging spaces, elevators are poised for a revival. Designers, developers, and even tenants can push for more thoughtful approaches—reclaiming the elevator as a symbol of chic sophistication.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to bring back the chic elevator. Once regarded as architectural jewels, elevators have the potential to once again become symbols of artistry, branding, and luxury. They are more than metal boxes with buttons—they are intimate spaces where design, culture, and technology intersect.

By reimagining elevators as integral parts of building design, we can turn everyday rides into moments of elegance. Whether through historic revival, bold modern creativity, or smart technological integration, the elevator of the future can combine durability with beauty—transforming an overlooked necessity into a celebrated feature.