Quiet Luxury Is the Home Design Trend That Whispers Elegance
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Loud décor aesthetics are fun and lively. Trends like maximalism and pattern drenching bring a riot of color and texture to a home for a blast of energy that can’t be denied. On the other end of the spectrum, we have quiet luxury—a design direction that speaks to understated opulence. To learn more about the style, we chatted with designers about key components and how to get the look.
What’s Behind Quiet Luxury
Like many design trends, quiet luxury started in fashion when people began stepping away from logo-forward apparel and leaning into luxury brands without a logo in sight. “Quiet luxury embodies a refined elegance that whispers rather than shouts,” says Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, former ASID National Board Chair. “It’s about curated simplicity, where quality materials and thoughtful details elevate the everyday experience.”
It echos the “old money” tenets of a lived-in, sophisticated presentation—an “if you know, you know” vibe that doesn’t draw attention to itself. Interior designer Andrea West says the quiet luxury home décor trend is “all about living in beautiful places that don’t feel overdone.”
Key Features of Quiet Luxury
The quiet luxury trend emphasizes neutral colors, classic silhouettes, and simple yet functional pieces. It highlights quality and luxurious furnishing, even if those pieces come straight from the thrift shop. “It’s about creating a serene atmosphere that exudes effortless sophistication,” says Kelly. Following, see some of our favorite ways to bring the look home.
Celebrate Everyday Items in Your Décor
Sarah Elliot
Quiet luxury is about creating a space that works around the way you live. “Don’t be afraid to display items you use in your everyday routine,” says West. “This can be a beautiful pot on your kitchen counter that holds the spoons you cook dinner with every night.” Using unique items passed down from earlier generations or thrifting special everyday pieces is one easy way to embrace quiet luxury without contributing to clutter.
Opt for Quality Over Quantity
Given the ubiquity of inexpensive, poorly made furniture and décor, it can be hard to resist the siren song of new things. But for the quiet luxury look, focus on fewer, high-quality pieces, instead. “Select a few statement pieces that speak volumes in terms of design and material quality, rather than overcrowding the space with unnecessary items,” says Kelly.
Illuminate With Intention
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting. “Incorporate layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and ambiance throughout the room,” Kelly says. And don’t forget to lean on natural light, as well. Design around windows to accentuate light and use sheer curtains to enhance the sense of openness and airiness in your space, she says.
Display Souvenirs
Individualized décor reflects the inhabitant’s personality—what better way to tell your story than to display items you’ve collected while traveling? “We love adding in décor pieces that are collected from trips, such as an original painting that we can have framed to fit the space or a beautiful sculptural piece that adds so much to any bookshelf,” says West—the more unique your souvenirs, the better.
Lean In To Architecture
Kip Dawkins | Designed by Sara Hillery
Sometimes, exploring quiet luxury can be as simple as highlighting the design of your space and choosing décor that brings out its architectural strengths. “We recommend finding ways to enhance the softer silhouettes throughout your home, especially if your architecture has them originally,” says West. “This can be adding in an arched mirror or a curved island.”
Mix Old and New
Megan Larsen Photography
Mixing and matching vintage or antique items with newer finishes and appliances creates a hallmark of the style. “We are all obsessed with marble, and I love that it adds an element to your space that is authentic and timeless,” says West. “When using an elevated material in your space such as marble, we love adding in vintage accessories such as a worn wood bowl that makes the elevated elements look more approachable and warm.”
Bridge Interior and Exterior Spaces
Expand your interior space by connecting it with outdoor areas for a luxurious feel that hints at leisure. “Blur the boundaries between inside and outside by incorporating elements like bi-fold doors, terraces, and indoor greenery, fostering a seamless transition between spaces,” says Kelly. Bonus points for adding interior-style furnishings to your outdoor spaces, like comfortable furniture, lighting fixtures, and so forth.
Add Artisanal Touches
You don’t have to shop at luxury retailers for an elegant home. In fact, one-of-a-kind items add texture and often feel even more deluxe. “Display handmade ceramics, woven textiles, and artisanal pottery to add character and authenticity to your décor,” says Kelly. Hit the craft fair or even highlight homemade treasures that are uniquely your own.
Allow a Lived-In Look
Meagan Larsen Photography
Quiet luxury is the opposite of sparse and sterile—and an important part of that look is allowing your home to be lived-in, rather than feeling too staged. Instead of storing away all of your personal items, put them on display. “This can be a stack of beautiful books that show your interests, a collection of framed pictures on a wall, and an oversized candle that is part of your wind-down routine at the end of the day,” says West. “Find a pretty box to put your TV remote, and have it within reach to make your routine part of your décor.”
Invest In Timeless Pieces
Artjafara / GETTY IMAGES
Quiet luxury embraces timeless pieces over fleeting design fads. When in doubt, always go with the classics, especially when investing in pricier pieces. “Opt for heirloom-quality furniture and accessories with clean lines and impeccable craftsmanship that stand the test of time,” says Kelly.
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