Quiet Luxury—The Elegant Design Trend

by Lysi Bishop Real Estate

Photos courtesy of Lysi Bishop Real Estate

We love a good pop of color, bold decor choices, and a room wrapped in stylish wallpaper—trends like maximalism and pattern drenching bring color and texture to a home for a burst of personality that makes a home truly unique. But on the other end of the design spectrum lives the elegance of quiet luxury—a design direction that lends itself to a more understated aesthetic.

This understated approach to home design focuses on curated simplicity, refined quality, thoughtful details, and a sense of calm that elevates the everyday experience. Quiet luxury embodies a refined elegance that whispers rather than shouts. Well-known interior designer Andrea West says the quiet luxury home décor trend is "all about living in beautiful places that don't feel overdone."

The quiet luxury approach emphasizes neutral colors, classic silhouettes, and simple yet functional pieces. Interested in creating this serene yet sophisticated ambience in your own home? Focus on following a few of the tips below!

Celebrate everyday items in your decor.

Create a space that works around the way you live, and don't be afraid to display items you use in your everyday routine. This can be a beautiful pot on your stove, a unique vase on your kitchen counter that holds cooking utensils, or a display of glassware and serving platters that get used most for meals. More and more, we are seeing useful, everyday home items designed around aesthetics and not just function.

Opt for quality over quantity.

Quiet luxury is all about enduring beauty. Opt for materials that are known for their quality and longevity, such as rich wood, marble, and natural stone. Choose textures that feel sophisticated, like soft linens, velvet, and cashmere. These materials age beautifully, developing character over time, and contribute to a space that feels grounded and luxurious without being over-the-top.

Prioritize Craftsmanship & Detail

Invest in timeless pieces. When designing for quiet luxury, it's the small details that make the biggest impact. Opt for custom-made furniture or handcrafted pieces that showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Whether it's a handmade wooden coffee table or a bespoke light fixture, high-quality details contribute to the luxurious feel without feeling flashy.

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 - use lamps, sconces, and picture lights to add to the luxury experience of your home. Embrace natural light too - it is one of the most affordable ways to enhance luxury in your home. Design around windows to accentuate light, and use sheer curtains to enhance the sense of openness and airiness in your space.

Mix old and new.

Add warmth and approachability to your home by adding vintage or antique items to rooms with newer finishes. When using an elevated material in your space, include something storied or rustic. Try a worn wood bowl on your marble countertops, a vintage rug on rich wood floors, or a thrifted piece of artwork on your mantel or shelves. This gives high-end opulence a more authentic and timeless feel.

Bridge interior and exterior spaces.

Expand your home’s interior space by thoughtfully connecting it with outdoor areas for a luxurious feel that hints at leisure. This doesn’t have to mean sprawling, expensive patios - foster a relationship between inside and out by adding casual seating vignettes just beyond the back door and bringing greenery into your home. Bonus points for adding interior-style furnishings to your outdoor spaces, like comfortable furniture, an outdoor rug, even lighting fixtures.

Add artisanal touches.

Instead of filling walls with mass-produced art, invest in items that speak to you or have meaning. A single, striking painting or a few carefully chosen handmade pieces can elevate a space with subtlety. 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. We love collecting these items on a special trip, adding even more meaning to your home’s decor.