SIGHTS
A private elevator or entrance, a security system with motion sensors, a spacious entryway (high ceilings, marble floor, mirrors, decorative embellishments) which opens up to a large living area (custom furniture that fits the owner’s sense of style, a state of the art sound system and TV, an opulent fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows that boast skyline views, etc.), rooms branching off from the main living area (guest bedrooms, a laundry, a sauna, a workout room with high-end equipment, an office or library, an elegant dining room, bathrooms), displays of artwork (paintings by one’s favorite artists, statues or glasswork, collections that align with one’s interests), a few signature antiques or pieces with historical significance (a bed frame from the White House, an Egyptian handmade window screen, etc.), sophisticated technological sensors for optimal temperature and lighting, electronic shades or awnings for one’s private terrace, top-of-the-line kitchen appliances and granite countertops, rare imported flooring, custom moldings, cabinetry and fixtures, a wine fridge or temperature-controlled wine pantry, a sprawling master bedroom (sometimes on its own level with luxury carpeting and bedding), throw rugs and pillows, freshly cut flowers, staff (a housekeeper, maids, a nanny), French doors leading to a tiled patio (loungers, an umbrella, a small private pool or spa, a bar and outdoor sitting area, a barbeque, security railing, ambiance lighting)
SOUNDS
Soft music from a sound system, the ding from one’s private floor elevator, the click of shoes over marble or wood floors, the slide of the door opening or closing, the electronic whir of shades being positioned, the soft whump of a gas fireplace turning on, kitchen sounds (preparing meals, glassware and cutlery clinking, plates being set out on a table, the pop of a cork, wine glugging through an aerator, voices and laughter while entertaining others, water rushing out of a faucet), splashes coming from the private pool or spa, the creak and scrape of patio furniture, an occasional helicopter or plane flying past, the wind sliding through the leaves of potted plants on the outdoor patio, street sounds (traffic, sirens, music) from far below
SMELLS
Fragrant woods and oils, fresh-cut flowers, cleaning products, cooking smells, aftershave or perfume from the occupants, air freshening products, clean linen
TASTES
Good quality wine and other alcoholic beverages, bottled water (sparkling and still), food prepared at home or brought in by caterers for entertaining
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
The smoothness and weight of quality bedding, one’s feet sinking into a plush carpet or throw rug, the feel of the night air sliding over one’s skin while on the terrace, the silkiness of one’s favorite wine after a long day, tucking one’s feet up in an overstuffed chair or lounger to read or watch TV, the slide of water on one’s skin in the pool, hot sun that turns the patio’s tile warm, always-clean surfaces
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
A home invasion
Financial troubles that lead to unpaid rent
Booking a penthouse suite (if in a signature hotel) and discovering it was double-booked and now unavailable
A building fire that shuts down all the elevators
A guest who drinks too much and ruins an expensive antique or irreplaceable furnishing
An embarrassing theft (of an item belonging to one’s guest) that occurs while hosting a party
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
A chef, a doorman, a housekeeper, a nanny, caterers, cleaning staff, interior designers and their employees, maintenance personnel and delivery people, the owner or renter
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Black-tie event, elevator, limousine
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Penthouse suites are at the top floor of a building and include stunning city skyline views. Perceived to be the height of luxury, these suites are expansive, opulent, and have all the amenities a person might need. Penthouse suites may be rented short-term or long-term, or even purchased outright, and will be styled according to the tastes of the owner (either the building owner if it is a rental space, or the actual owner if it belongs to someone else). If this is a hotel penthouse suite, the furnishings will lean toward a more “clean” design with less personal touches, but it will still have all the modern amenities and be a suitable space for both relaxation and entertaining. When using this setting, think about how the furnishings and the character’s interactions with them can reveal his or her personality to readers, either through comparison or contrast.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
Neda smiled, throwing me a half-wave as she chatted with two paunchy men about the painting above the fireplace, a gift from her parents. I took the wave to mean she’d be over in a minute, after her father’s pot-bellied friends snuck a few more glances down her dress while she gestured at the crayon-esque artwork. It was a Guston, whoever the hell that was, and I thought my nephew could draw a little better, frankly, but Neda had lit up when she’d unwrapped it. The gift, I was sure, was more for me than Neda—a message from her sharp-eyed father telling me I wasn’t good enough for his daughter. I sipped at my tart wine, wishing it was lager, and realized he was right. I didn’t belong in this world of white custom sofas, trendy seagrass throw pillows, and marble statues of women holding water jugs. This whole apartment was stuffed with expensive things I could never afford.
Techniques and Devices Used: Contrast, symbolism
Resulting Effects: Characterization, reinforcing emotion