Over many years, fast fashion and bold designs have dominated the world of home decor. In such a world. The followers of home decor and design have just embraced subtlety. This refreshing alternative is quite luxurious. The concept celebrates subtle sophistication and focuses on craftsmanship’s beauty and timeless materials’ value. The design trend was quite popular in the 90s, with neutral colours and uncluttered spaces. As history repeats, the 21st century has picked up on the trend. Join us as we explore what quiet luxury truly means, its growing popularity, and how to incorporate its principles into your home for a refined, serene living environment.
What is quiet luxury?
Quiet luxury is a home decor arrangement that prioritises subtle sophistication over flashy displays of wealth. The trend focuses on using high-quality materials and craftsmanship to create a serene aesthetic look. The use of quiet luxury in home decor creates a classy environment that displays value through the quality of the decor rather than its visual impact.
Quiet luxury: Historical significance
Quiet luxury, emphasising understated elegance and quality, has deep historical and cultural roots. Its origins trace back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries when Europe’s and America’s emerging capitalist classes adopted subtle styles to distinguish themselves from the ostentatious displays of the aristocracy. This period, known as the “Great Male Renunciation,” saw men’s fashion shift to sombre suits and muted colours, moving away from flamboyant attire.
In the 1990s, designers like Donna Karan and Miuccia Prada popularised practical, streamlined clothing, reflecting broader cultural shifts toward a more casual yet status-conscious uniform among affluent professionals.
In the 2020s, quiet luxury has gained renewed prominence, with brands like Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, and Hermès embodying this ethos by emphasising premium materials and enduring design.
Why is quiet luxury so popular now?
Quiet luxury is gaining popularity as people shift away from ostentatious displays of wealth towards a more nuanced and refined approach. This trend reflects a growing desire for authenticity and substance in home design. The focus on understated elegance resonates with those who prefer a timeless, sophisticated look over transient trends. Additionally, the emphasis on quality and craftsmanship aligns with an increasing appreciation for sustainability and ethical consumption.
Features of quiet luxury
High-Quality Materials: Premium materials are the key focus of quiet luxury. Premium materials enhance the aesthetic appeal and ensure durability and longevity. Materials such as marble or granite add a touch of timeless elegance and bring focus to spaces such as countertops or flooring. Fabrics such as high-thread-count linens, luxurious silks, and soft wools are also used to add a sense of comfort and elegance.
Craftsmanship: The art of quiet luxury depends majorly on craftsmanship. This means careful work on details in construction and design. Whether furniture or cabinets, the target is to achieve perfect precision and quality. This gives each piece a unique look of the highest standard while maintaining the house’s overall aesthetic.
Neutral Color Palettes: Another critical feature of quiet luxury is neutral colours. While designing a home per the standards of quiet luxury, using beiges and greys is the most common. These colours do not overwhelm the space as they provide a versatile backdrop.
Minimalist Design: Minimalist design is characterised by its clean, simple lines and an emphasis on functionality and form. Uncluttered spaces with carefully selected pieces are a crucial feature of the quiet luxury design.
Subtle Elegance: Design sophisticated but not overpowering elements, such as discreet hardware and understated patterns. Discreet hardware, understated patterns, and elegant accessories enhance the overall ambience without dominating the space.
How do you implement quiet luxury at your home?
Invest in quality basics
Investing in quality basics means using timeless and durable furniture and fixtures. These elements promise longevity. Materials such as solid wood or high-grade metal are preferred when selecting the pieces, along with designs with a classic appeal. Investing in well-crafted basics ensures your home maintains an elegant and cohesive look while providing lasting value.
Opt for neutral tones
Neutral tones create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Off-whites, greys, beiges, and subtle taupes can be used for walls, upholstery, and decor.
The use of such tones promises serenity and timelessness. This approach ensures that your space remains elegant and adaptable over time.
Focus on texture
Rich textures add depth and visual interest to your home. To do so, you can use a variety of fabrics, such as luxurious wool throws, airy linen curtains, and smooth silk cushions. The use of various textures contributes to a sense of comfort and refinement. By focusing on texture, you can add sophistication while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
Embrace minimalism
Minimalism is the backbone of the quiet luxury design. Try to use well-designed furniture and decor that make a statement through their quality and form. The idea is to present each piece as it serves a purpose and contributes to the overall harmony of the room. The use of minimalism also helps avoid visual clutter and adds refinement to the overall atmosphere of the rooms.
Highlight craftsmanship
Highlighting craftsmanship means choosing items that demonstrate exceptional skill and attention to detail. Look for handmade or bespoke pieces that are crafted with care and precision. These items often feature unique elements that reflect the artisan’s expertise, such as intricate woodwork, fine stitching, or custom finishes. By incorporating such pieces, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your space but also celebrate the artistry and effort behind each creation, contributing to a sense of understated luxury.
Decorate your home using everyday items
Quiet luxury stands for what belongs to you. You can use your everyday items to decorate your home as a quiet luxury. For example, you can use a classy pot in your kitchen to hold your favourite spoons or have a beautiful vintage tray on your coffee table to display candles or small decorative items.
Incorporating souvenirs
Using souvenirs is the favourite of quiet luxury designers. You can add pieces that are collected from trips or memorable weekends. Understated, well-crafted items from your travels, like artisanal ceramics or woven textiles, can also be incorporated into your home.
Mix old with new
Mixing the old with the new in quiet luxury adds depth and character to your space. Pair modern furniture with vintage pieces, like an antique mirror or an old rug, to create a balanced, timeless look. This blend highlights the beauty of both eras without overwhelming the room.
Join indoors and outdoors.
You may be surprised that your home outdoors can also be used as a part of your home decor. Elements such as bi-folds, terraces, and indoor greenery can be well connected to create a feeling of quiet luxury.
Make your place look lived-in
Another significant fact about quiet luxury decor is that you do not need to stage your house for anything. It can include items of your everyday use or that hold some meaning for you at the end of the day.
A room-by-room guide to applying quiet luxury principles
Living room
The living room, often the focal point of a home, is an ideal space to showcase quiet luxury.
- Furniture: Choose timeless, well-crafted pieces such as a plush sofa with clean lines, a handcrafted wooden coffee table, or armchairs in neutral tones. Opt for high-quality materials like solid wood, leather, or soft linens.
- Colour palette: Stick to soft, neutral hues like beige, taupe, or greige for walls and upholstery. Accentuate with subtle contrasts through cushions or throws in complementary textures.
- Lighting: Incorporate understated lighting like floor lamps with sleek designs or chandeliers with minimal detailing. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the ambiance to suit the mood.
- Decor: Use understated decor such as artisanal ceramics, sculptures, or a curated collection of coffee table books. A statement piece, like a vintage rug, can add character without overwhelming the space.
Bedroom
Quiet luxury in the bedroom creates a serene and restful retreat.
- Bed and linens: Invest in a high-quality bed frame with a classic design paired with luxurious bedding in natural fibres like Egyptian cotton or silk. Neutral-coloured duvets and pillows add elegance and comfort.
- Furniture: Include a minimalist side table and an upholstered bench at the foot of the bed. Opt for bespoke or handcrafted furniture that highlights craftsmanship.
- Decor: Keep decor minimal with soft lighting from bedside lamps, a single piece of artwork, or an elegant vase with fresh flowers.
- Rug: Use a soft, high-pile wool rug under the bed to add warmth and texture.
Dining room
The dining room should reflect sophistication and functionality.
- Dining table: Choose a solid wood dining table with clean lines. A natural finish or light stain adds timeless appeal.
- Seating: Upholstered chairs in neutral fabrics or leather complement the understated elegance.
- Table setting: Incorporate fine tableware, such as porcelain dishes and crystal glassware, alongside linen napkins for an elegant dining experience.
- Lighting: A modern chandelier or pendant light above the table is a subtle focal point. Use warm lighting to enhance the ambience.
Kitchen
The kitchen, often the heart of the home, should combine practicality with aesthetic charm.
- Cabinets: Opt for custom-built cabinetry in muted tones like dove grey or cream. High-quality wood or stone countertops provide both durability and elegance.
- Appliances: Integrate modern, energy-efficient appliances with minimalist designs that blend seamlessly into the kitchen.
- Accessories: Display artisanal kitchenware, like hand-thrown ceramic bowls or wooden cutting boards, on open shelving.
- Lighting: Pendant lights over the island and under-cabinet lighting for a functional yet stylish touch.
Bathroom
Quiet luxury in the bathroom creates a spa-like experience.
- Fixtures: Use premium fixtures like brushed nickel or matte black faucets. Freestanding bathtubs in natural stone or cast iron exude timelessness.
- Materials: Incorporate marble or natural stone for countertops, backsplashes, and flooring.
- Textiles: Opt for plush towels, bathrobes, and mats in neutral colours. Turkish or Egyptian cotton is ideal for a luxurious feel.
- Decor: Add minimalist decor such as a sleek soap dispenser, a potted plant, or scented candles in subtle fragrances.
Home office
A quiet luxury home office fosters productivity and calm.
- Desk and chair: Choose a desk with a simple yet elegant design crafted from high-quality wood or metal. Pair it with an ergonomic chair upholstered in leather or premium fabric.
- Storage: Incorporate bespoke shelving or cabinets to keep the space organised and clutter-free.
- Lighting: Task lighting with adjustable arms or a sleek desk lamp ensures functionality and style.
- Decor: Keep decor minimal with a tasteful desk organiser, framed photo, or small artwork.
Outdoor spaces
Extend quiet luxury to patios, terraces, or gardens for a cohesive aesthetic.
- Furniture: Invest in weather-resistant yet stylish furniture, like teak or rattan seating with neutral-coloured cushions.
- Greenery: Use potted plants or a well-maintained garden to add natural elements. Choose native or low-maintenance plants for sustainability.
Lighting: Incorporate outdoor lighting, such as lanterns, string, or recessed lights, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What are the benefits of quiet luxury decor?
Timeless appeal: Quiet luxury designs remain stylish and relevant over time, avoiding the need for frequent updates. This ensures your home continues to exude elegance and sophistication.
Increased comfort: High-quality materials and thoughtful design enhance a more comfortable living environment, enhancing overall relaxation and enjoyment.
Enhanced resale value: Well-crafted, timeless decor often appeals to buyers, potentially increasing your home’s market value and attracting discerning purchasers.
Reduced clutter: A minimalist approach leads to a cleaner, more organized space, promoting a sense of calm and order in your home.
Sustainability: Prioritizing quality over quantity means fewer replacements and less waste, supporting a more sustainable lifestyle and reducing environmental impact.
Subtle sophistication: The understated nature of quiet luxury highlights refined taste and elegance without being overtly flashy, creating a sophisticated ambience.
High-quality craftsmanship: Investing in well-made, bespoke items ensures lasting value and showcases artistry and skill.
Things to avoid when decorating your home as per quiet luxury
While designing your home according to the quiet luxury standards, it is easy to get overboard or miss out on the key factors determining the overall idea of a minimalist and timeless home. Here are some things that you must avoid to create a harmonious home that speaks for quality and not shine.
Overly trendy items: Steer clear of fleeting trends that may quickly become outdated.
Excessive ornamentation: Avoid decor that is overly ornate or busy.
Bright, bold colours: Limit the use of bright or neon colours that can detract from the serene quality.
Mass-produced furniture: Refrain from items that lack uniqueness or craftsmanship.
Cluttered spaces: Avoid overcrowding rooms with too many pieces or accessories.
How quiet luxury supports eco-conscious living?
Quiet luxury emphasises timeless design and high-quality materials, inherently supporting eco-conscious living through several key practices:
Reducing waste through longevity
By investing in durable, well-crafted items, quiet luxury reduces the frequency of replacements, thereby minimising waste. This approach contrasts with fast fashion’s disposable nature, promoting sustainability through longevity.
Promoting ethical consumption
Quiet luxury prioritises quality over quantity, encouraging consumers to make mindful purchases. This shift from mass-produced goods supports ethical consumption by valuing craftsmanship and responsible production methods.
Utilising sustainable materials
The movement often incorporates eco-friendly materials, such as natural fibres and responsibly sourced wood, with a lower environmental impact. For instance, brands are exploring innovative materials like mycelium-based composites for building applications, offering biodegradable alternatives to traditional construction materials.
Incorporating reclaimed and natural elements
In interior design, quiet luxury embraces reclaimed materials and natural elements like wood, stone, and metal. These materials add elegance to a space and have a longer lifespan compared to their synthetic counterparts, enhancing the environmental friendliness of quiet luxury design.
Affordable quiet luxury brands for your home interiors
| Quiet luxury brands | Best known for |
| The White Company | Elegant, timeless textiles and home essentials |
| H&M Home | Affordable, stylish decor and accessories |
| Marks and Spencer | Quality furniture and classic home accents |
| Dusk | Luxurious bedding and soft furnishings |
| John Lewis | High-quality furniture and contemporary design |
| Layered Lounge | Handcrafted rugs and unique home textiles |
| Restoration Hardware | Exquisite furniture and upscale decor items |
| Serena & Lily | Coastal-inspired and artisanal home decor |
| West Elm | Modern, high-quality furniture and decor |
| Pottery Barn | Classic, well-crafted furniture and home accessories |
Housing.com POV
In conclusion, quiet luxury is more than just a design trend; it’s a thoughtful approach to creating spaces that embody timeless elegance and enduring quality. By investing in high-quality, timeless furniture and opting for neutral tones, you establish a refined backdrop that enhances comfort and promotes a serene atmosphere. The focus on rich textures and minimalism ensures your home remains uncluttered while highlighting craftsmanship and attention to detail. Create a refined and comfortable space with luxurious materials like leather or silk. Choose subtle artwork and decor, and keep the area clutter-free to let each item shine.
FAQs
What is quiet luxury in interior design?
Quiet luxury is all about creating a stylish and elegant home using high-quality, classic items. It avoids flashy trends and focuses on subtle, timeless beauty.
How do you bring quiet luxury into your home decor?
Choose classic and well-made furniture to achieve quiet luxury, use soft, neutral colours, and add rich textures.
What are the colours for quiet luxury?
Quiet luxury uses calm, soft colours like beige, grey, and off-white. These colours help create a peaceful and classy look.
What materials are ideal for quiet luxury decor?
Use high-quality materials such as natural wood, stone, silk, and linen.
How does quiet luxury differ from minimalism?
Quiet luxury is about subtle elegance and using high-quality items, while minimalism focuses on having very few items and being very simple.
What are the benefits of incorporating quiet luxury in a home?
It makes your home look timeless and stylish, increases comfort, reduces clutter, and can boost your home’s resale value. It also supports sustainability with durable items.
Can quiet luxury be achieved on a budget?
Yes, you can achieve quiet luxury without spending a lot by choosing a few well-made, timeless pieces. Focus on quality over quantity, and look for budget-friendly options that still look elegant.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
