Quiet luxury in interior design? What is it exactly?
The quiet luxury trend (although, to us at least, it feels somewhat antithetical to trends) underlines excellent design and unique handcrafted pieces. It’s simple and stylish, combining minimalism with high-end or handcrafted materials to create a relaxing and sophisticated setting. It’s about incorporating artisanal elements that can transform your living space into something serene—a space that whispers luxury instead of screaming it.
So how do you go about a quiet luxury glow-up? How do you select artisanal furniture and homeware that fits the bill? Lucky you, that’s right up our street; sit back and read on.
What is quiet luxury?
Quiet luxury, as the phrase might suggest, is not about flashy brands, those sought-after labels, or sky-high price tags; it is about creating a space or look that feels expensive and luxurious without shouting it from the rooftops. It’s the opposite of crass and flashy—understated, advanced, and super stylish. This style is the epitome of quality over quantity.
The term “quiet luxury” has definitely gained more popularity recently, but where did it come from? Well, we’re not exactly sure, but its modern popularity appears to be down to a combination of several things. Recent TV shows like Succession highlight understated luxury, and of course, people like the idea of appearing wealthy without trying too hard. Stealth wealth has become a bit of a thing lately, ‘in vogue’ as they say. Then there was that whole pandemic situation, where people began to appreciate their homes (since they were stuck in them almost 24/7!) and desired to make them feel special as they spent more time there. This resulted in a bigger focus on unique and/or high-quality pieces rather than speedy and cheap products from that well-known Swedish retailer or big box stores.
Of course, some people claim that quiet luxury has always existed, and it has, in a sense. It’s like that secret visual code for wealthy people who don’t like to boast. If you know, you know. So, while it is extremely popular right now, it is actually a timeless style and way of living, both at home and on an individual level.
How to get the quiet luxury look at home
To keep it short and simple, choose items that are well made and timeless over those that are trendy or needlessly expensive. Create a place where you can relax and appreciate the finer things in life with unique touches not commonly found. A little says a lot when we’re talking quiet luxury. Making a space that is both visually impressive and welcoming without going overboard is your end goal.
Look for high-quality artisanship
Interior design that is quietly luxurious highlights fine materials and quality craftsmanship. Look for pieces made of solid wood, natural stone, and other high-quality materials. Support local artisans and traditional craftsmanship with some ethnic ottoman cushions. Seek out fine finishes and avoid furniture held together with glue or staples. Pick handmade goods over those that are manufactured by machines whenever you can. Not only are you aiming for pieces that are unique, but also those of the highest quality, resulting in a truly luxurious feel.
Aim for minimalism over maximalism
Quiet luxury employs a ‘less is more’ strategy, showcasing minimalist design principles while being warmer and more elegant than austere minimalism. Select some customized fixtures, seek out bespoke textiles, and order custom-built pieces that reflect your preferences, hobbies, and lifestyle. Concentrate on fewer, better-quality items as opposed to an abundance of decor. It’s not difficult, really; just keep that focus on quality over quantity and uniqueness over mass production.
Choose high-end materials and fabrics
If you really want to achieve that subtle luxury look, select high-end materials and fabrics that can enhance your space’s beauty. Choose natural and premium fabrics or, as we prefer, rare ethnic textiles that are rich in history or one-of-a-kind. A couple of tips:
- Wool is perfect for area rugs and throws, and many wool rugs are artisan made using traditional hand knotting or hand tufting techniques. New Zealand wool rugs in particular are pretty special; we’re big fans.
- Silk is.. silk. Pretty synonymous with luxury, so it’s easy to go a bit crazy with silk and overdo it, so be careful, but that said, silk is especially great for curtains and cushions or for adding a touch of shine and softness.
- Good-quality cotton is ideal for bedding and upholstery, presenting both sturdiness and luxury. What’s the most luxurious cotton? Surprisingly, it’s not Egyptian cotton, but a toss-up between Supima cotton and Sea Island cotton. It might be a little difficult to get hold of either one, but if you can, that’s some serious, quiet luxury.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics because they lack the luxurious feel and durability of natural materials.
Pictured above, a red and yellow ottoman we’ve crafted using rare, vintage textiles sourced from the hill tribes of Southeast Asia.
Highlight nature in your home design
Let the sunshine in! Natural light is an essential component in creating a peaceful, luxurious atmosphere. Large windows, skylights, and clever room layouts can all help you take advantage of natural light. It is incredible how much brighter and airier your house can feel being awash with natural light.
Luxurious natural light? This is a little harder to achieve without making big changes, but if you are lucky enough to have or can create large, tall, or multiple windows up high that let light come in, you can create something magical. Think about the light coming through those tall, arch-shaped windows of Grand Central Station. Granted, your home is probably a little smaller, but you get the idea.
Try different colors
Playing around with color can give your area more character and depth, but avoid adding too many bright hues and tones. Start with a neutral base palette (beige is boring, we know, but it works) and then add a few subtle pops of color on top with accessories or fixtures.
Soft, muted tones are effective for a quiet luxury look, adding warmth and sophistication without overwhelming. Your main aim is to keep a tonal balance throughout, ensuring that every color works with and enhances the others. Don’t go color crazy; stay away from rainbows; shoot for serene and cohesive to exemplify the quiet, luxurious aesthetic.
Final thoughts
Thoughtful design, high-quality pieces, artisan touches, and simplicity are our four cornerstones of quiet luxury. You can transform your home into a serene retreat by using high-quality materials, seeking out unique treasures, and creating refined spaces by sticking to a less is more philosophy. Remember that quiet luxury is about understated elegance and making every detail matter.
On the uniquely artisan side, we’ve got you covered with lighting, cushions, and more. One of our newest additions is a bohemian light fixture made by repurposing an artisan-crafted bamboo fish trap. Feel free to explore our full range, and add some down low luxury to your home while supporting genuine craftsmanship..