Unless you've been taking a social media hiatus for the past few months you won't have escaped the 'quiet luxury' trend, that's fast becoming the overarching theme of all things style-related in 2023.
Originating from the stealth wealth 'Rich Mom' fashion trend the ideology is now a key interior design trend for 2023 where the desire is to create laidback luxury that offers an enduring sense of style.
Calming interior paint color trends and pared-back furniture choices all feed directly into the 'quiet luxury' trend by creating an effortlessly chic home that feels luxurious in design, without feeling ostentatious.
What is the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic?
The term 'quiet luxury' for interiors refers to taking a more modest approach to luxury design. The overall aim is to create a sophisticated aesthetic that reservedly whispers luxury, rather than one that screams extravagantly expensive and OTT – despite being a look that instantly makes a home look more expensive the approach is always subtle.
Personally, I see it more as an interior movement than merely a 'trend' because longevity is at the very core, an interior scheme that turns its back on fast fashion, instead seeking a timeless appeal in all aspects. This pleasing aesthetic is not going to go away anytime soon and therefore feels like a reassuring way of creating a more considered home to last for years to come.
"The ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic has, somewhat ironically, entered the interior stratosphere anything but quietly," says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's trend expert. "First seen on the runways, the trend has quickly made its way into our homes. However, unlike many trends we see, this one is arguably not even a trend at all – it’s less about a specific look and more about creating an atmosphere that is timeless and evokes a feeling of understated elegance."
"The aesthetic really focuses on making every moment and every corner of your home matter and incorporating quality, well-crafted pieces that stand the test of time."
While bold color trends, maximalist wallpaper trends, and 70s-inspired interior design are all trending at one end of the scale there’s also a staggering amount of homeowners seeking subtle sophistication for their interiors. There are those who have coined it 'minimaluxe' with the idea that it takes a minimalist approach to luxury.
Whatever you choose to call this understatedly chic interior, here's how to get the look in your own home...
5 key 'quiet luxury' interior design rules
Explore how to champion 'quiet luxury' in your home to craft a timeless decor that oozes a subtle sophistication that feels opulent, not ostentatious.
1. Set the tone with soothing shades
As with any decor, this look is very much dependent on getting the color palette right. The tonal color palette to encapsulate ‘quiet luxury’ is a paired-back one, primarily made up of calming neutrals and the best white paint colors to create a simple canvas to build upon.
That’s not to say accent colors are not welcome – merely that if there are additional pops of color incorporated those shades are more saturated and subtle, rather than bold and bright. The accent tones within this luxurious look are more like highlights and hints of natural pigment rather than out-and-out color trends.
Similar to the Japandi design trend the accent colors are primarily those inspired by nature, so they feel more natural and in keeping with the quiet color scheme. Working with a soft color palette is also integral when looking at how to create a stress-free home, which this trend also taps into perfectly.
“Opt for a natural, soothing color palette," says Lick’s trends specialist, Matilda Martin. "A 'minimaluxe' color palette takes its inspiration from nature’s neutrals; the colors found in sand, stone, soil, and wood. On your walls, go light and airy with whites or earthy and grounding with beiges, taupes, and greiges. Bring in warmth through richer wood tones, textured stones, and ceramic finishes. The key is to keep things neutral and tonal.”
Matt Emulsion | $70/£45 per Gal/2.5 L: This soothing shade of off-white is ideal for warming neutral interiors. The whisper-soft white features a delicate drop of pink undertones that add delightful warmth. The understated matt finish adds to the overall luxe qualities.
Modern Emulsion | $65.84 / £56 per Gal/2.5L: Farrow & Ball's creamy white is a good foundation color to build this neutral decorating scheme on because it offers a level of warmth that brilliant whites fail to do. Pared back, timeless, and dependable as an elegant shade of white to layer other neutrals seamlessly.
Flat Matte Emulsion | $58.98/£47 Gal/2.5 L: "Blank Canvas is a timeless warm white that offers versatility and comfort," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color & creative services at Behr Paint Company. "It is perfect for any home project because it pairs well with other colors, patterns, and materials, allowing them to stand as the focal point." The key to the 'quiet luxury' trend.
2. Keep things simple
Most, if not all, luxury properties take a more minimalist approach to the decor and layouts. 'Quiet luxury' is no exception, as it encourages curated investment pieces that deserve more recognition, and as a result, less really is more.
A key ethos behind the ‘quiet luxury’ trend is to take a more minimalist approach, paring back visual clutter in order to give fewer items more room to breathe and therefore feel more considered within the space.
Decluttering your home is essential to ensure the space doesn't feel overwhelmed by the sheer weight of 'stuff', from furniture and accessories to personal possessions. Employing good home organization ideas is key to maintaining a more minimalist approach to living.
Having fewer items means you can invest in better, making each and every accessory count in visual value to curate a more considered decor where every element is on show.
3. Incorporate rich furnishings
Material matters when you’re looking to emulate a look of unrivaled luxury and an irresistible tactile quality. From elegant matt velvets and chenilles to soft silk and irresistible linens and boucle, this trend welcomes soft furnishings that innately ooze opulence.
Whether used as drapes at the windows or as scatter cushions and bed linens the key is to incorporate layers of plush materials that look expensive due to their makeup. Even in the pale color scheme luxury fabrics provides a certain level of sheen and tactile appeal that you simply don’t get from flat weaves.
"The key to 'minimaluxe 'is creating a tactile space," says Matilda. "Layering natural materials adds texture, warmth, and depth to rooms with neutral color schemes. Opt for soft textures like bouclé and linen in your upholstery, untreated wooden tables with a rugged appearance, and durable materials like marble to elevate and ground your space."
When it comes to adopting the 'quiet luxury' trend in the bedrooms it's worth investing in the best sheets to ensure the basics feel luxe. These small touches are key for making a bedroom feel like a luxury hotel, with minimal furnishings helping to make the bedroom feel more expensive.
$109/£106: Laid-back linens are ideal for creating an effortlessly sophisticated feel for bedrooms. The tactile nature means washed linen is a dream to sleep on, while the rough natural appearance means they are low maintenance because no ironing is required.
$69.99: This comforting waffle weave blanket perfectly demonstrates the ethos of 'quiet luxury' where the detail is in the craftsmanship and attention to detail rather than the pattern or color. This plain throw is anything but plain thanks to its tactile design.
$70/£60: In a delicious shade of 'caramel' this plain velvet cushion cover is proof that sometimes simple designs are the most elegant, the very fabric of the 'quiet luxury' trend. Whether a couch, occasional chair, or bed this cushion welcomes a tactile design element.
4. Take a soft approach when choosing furniture
When it comes to furnishing the interior space this luxe trend benefits from softer furniture, rather than harsh angular designs that feel too brutalist within the space.
From curved couches with rounded edges to circular coffee tables and waterfall-edged consoles and sideboards the approach to furniture is all about creating a gentleness so the layout flows more freely. No one piece feels clunky and juxtaposition to the other, the entire room should flow effortlessly and feel more curated.
$1095/£895: This designer looking side table ticks all the boxes of high-end design and consideration while also being highly practical and functional with a space. The curves edges make it feel contemporary while the rattan surfaces give it character.
$2,199: This contemporary couch fuses the modern lines of Italian design with the effortless style that defines Crate & Barrel. The curved frame is topped with deeply plump cushions with a plush bench seat and back cushions with buttoning details. Tactile neutral boucle covers dress the sofa with inviting texture.
$2,098/£1,699: West Elm's Lana Bed is a modern update to the classic wingback, reimagined for the modern trend by soft, sweeping curves. Upholstered on all sides, plush to the touch, and built on sturdy iron legs, it's the perfect addition to add a luxe touch to bedrooms.
5. Choose investment fixtures and fittings
When it comes to fixtures and fittings this trend celebrates making wise investments to elevate the overall decor. It's about making every small detail count, therefore investing better to make even the little touches more of a focus. Upgrading the small details is an ideal way to make a kitchen look more expensive.
In terms of making a living room look expensive or even a bathroom, consider shutters. Shutters are the luxury window treatment that instantly exudes a level of luxury and therefore is the ideal way to welcome a touch of luxury to any room with a view.
They may be more expensive to install but the investment really shows and will stand the test of time, after all, shutters are a design feature that adds value to a house.
The smart painted finish not only looks elegant, but the shutters are also ideal for providing unparalleled levels of privacy.
“Window Shutters exude a timeless and sophisticated charm that aligns well with the quiet luxury interior trend,” says Sam Tamlyn, managing director at California Shutters. "Shutters are great for adding a refined touch to the overall decor, enhancing the sense of luxury throughout the room.”
“They can be customized to match various architectural styles and come in a range of elegant finishes, including rich wood stains, classic whites, or custom colors."
Best of all you can welcome luxe-look drapes to frame the shutters to add an extra layer of decadence to the overall aesthetic of any room.
