Quiet Luxury Design Trend
September 2023
What is quiet luxury?
Quiet luxury is a trend that’s seemingly everywhere today, from fashion to interior design. It focuses on higher quality products and timeless designs - without some of the more obvious statements of wealth, such as loud logos. As indicated by the name, it’s the opposite of loud in many ways. Quiet luxury focuses on understated designs. You won’t find bright colors or ostentatious patterns. Instead, whispers of wealth come from the higher end materials and the subtle, refined atmosphere in a home.
Quiet luxury is synonymous to understated elegance. In our homes, it can be achieved by curating a calm atmosphere that exudes a sense of splendor - with seemingly minimal effort. How is this achieved? Think minimal but artfully put together interiors, neutral color palettes, and high-end materials and finishes - such as authentic wood, marble and other stones, and natural fabrics.
Where did the quiet luxury trend come from?
Quiet luxury is more of an anti-trend, due to its focus on timeless pieces and high-end investment pieces that will never go out of style. Yet while quiet luxury has always been around, it’s definitely having its moment in the spotlight. Just look at fashion trends on social media, and you’ll see posts and pins on clothing pieces that will withstand the test of time, such as sleek maxi skirts, linen shirts and slacks, and classic loafers.
Quiet luxury has no doubt been one of the biggest fashion trends in 2023, but it’s not limited to the world of shoes and handbags. Interior designers are also getting in on the look or, rather, putting a name to the high-end trend that’s always been around. Quiet luxury works equally well for fashion and design in the moment because it suits the overall industry focus on livable luxury.
Another reason why quiet luxury seems to be so popular nowadays is because it has widespread appeal. Though it may seem exclusive, we’re seeing it span all age groups. The new focus is to make luxury more attainable for anyone. A home that’s designed in the quiet luxury style doesn’t need to have every high end piece that can be squeezed into a space. Instead, it’s about investing in a few key pieces that will last, and making them focal points of a more minimalist design.
Here are some general recommendations for creating a quiet luxury ambiance in your own space:
Invest in furnishings with high end materials that will last for years to come, such as real solid wood furnishings. An authentic wood dining table can be enjoyed for meals upon meals, and even refinished to give it an updated style and life. This can also include accent furniture. For instance, a real wood, living edge cocktail table can make a beautiful focal point in your living room; an heirloom quality display cabinet can be enjoyed and passed down for generations; and a solid wood chest is both durable and timeless.
Choose luxurious fabrics, such as velvets, for upholstered furniture. High quality natural fabrics like linen and cotton are popular for many reasons. They give off a high-end, European look, and they can also suit many people’s desires for more sustainable fashions.
Purchase a hand-knotted area rug in a traditional or casual style that can add artwork to your floor. By choosing a more neutral color palette, the piece will suit any existing furniture and decor you have, and fit with the quiet luxury theme of your room.
Opt for mostly solids with a few patterns or two that you really love. This can include paint colors, furnishings, and items like accent pillows and throw blankets.
Incorporate organic silhouettes into your home. Rounded furniture, like sofas, sectionals and loveseats, as well as coffee tables and other accent pieces are popular due to the soft and inviting feel they can help curate. They can help a room flow and seem elegantly put together.
Feature soft and muted color schemes. While you can incorporate some of your favorite colors, stay away from neons and statement colors, and focus more on your neutrals and calming, cool shades.
Upgrade the lighting in your home. One of the most overlooked elements of design is lighting. Generally, soft supplementary lighting gives off a higher end look than harsh overhead lighting. You’ll want to stay away from sparkling chandelier lights and statement light pieces. Instead, include some strategically placed floor and table lamps to provide gentle illumination in your space.
Quiet luxury is easy to attain with a focus on the right items. You can mix high and low end pieces, and strategically choose pieces to invest in that will be enjoyed for years to come.
