Meet Quiet Luxury—the Latest Home Design Trend That's All About Effortless Sophistication

Interior designers share their tips for bringing the quiet luxury aesthetic into your home.

Like coastal grandmother, cottagecore, and the unexpected red theory, fashion trends have a way of making their way into home décor. Quiet luxury is no exception. The trend, which is defined by lived-in and effortless sophistication while keeping quality in mind, has become increasingly popular on social media and in the fashion world at large. Now, quiet luxury is the latest trend in interior design, and it’s the perfect style for those who value simplicity and understated elegance.

Meet the Expert

• Andrea West, Interior Designer and Owner of Andrea West Design

• Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, former ASID National Board Chair

Related: Bookshelf Wealth Is the Ultimate Design Trend for Readers

What Is Quiet Luxury?

Quiet luxury refers to a home décor style that is both effortless and elegant. In the same way that quiet luxury in fashion is all about styling pieces that are timeless and chic, quiet luxury in the home relies on classic basics and interior design staples. “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."

Instead of the aim being perfection, quiet luxury aspires to a lived-in, sophisticated aesthetic. “The quiet luxury home décor trend is all about living in beautiful places that don't feel overdone,” says interior designer Andrea West. To incorporate quiet luxury in your space, start by finding elevated ways to support your everyday routine.

Key Features of Quiet Luxury

Some defining traits of quiet luxury include neutral colors, classic silhouettes, and simple yet functional pieces. Where other home décor styles may strive for perfect symmetry and precise color matches, quiet luxury is marked by having a little more wiggle room in these regards. “We want your home to feel authentic to you and not another repeat of the same all-white kitchen with black windows,” says West.

Quiet luxury relies on elevated simplicity, establishing a space that is both refined and visually interesting. Think natural and high-quality materials, clean lines, and timeless styles. “It's about creating a serene atmosphere that exudes effortless sophistication,” says Kelly.

How to Bring Quiet Luxury Into Your Home

No matter your budget or the size of your home, quiet luxury is a home décor style anyone can achieve. Try these tried-and-true expert-approved tips to add a little bit of effortless elegance to your space.

Use Everyday Items As Décor

Quiet luxury is about creating a space that works for you. “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.” Investing in special, unique, or refined yet eye-catching items you’ll always use is one easy way to embrace quiet luxury without contributing to clutter.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

The old adage that less is more is definitely true when it comes to quiet luxury. “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. Displaying too many items can make a space feel cheap, even if the items are high-quality and expensive.

Illuminate Thoughtfully

Lighting is an incredibly impactful, yet often forgotten ingredient in establishing the look and feel of a space. “Incorporate layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and ambiance throughout the room,” Kelly says. Equally important is incorporating natural light. Strategically placed windows and sheer curtains can enhance the sense of openness and airiness in your space, she says.

Incorporate Souvenirs

Your home should be a reflection of you, so use pieces from your travels to tell the story of your life. “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.

Embrace Architecture

Sometimes exploring quiet luxury means embracing the design of your space and choosing décor that emphasizes 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.” Subtle touches can completely transform the look and feel of a room.

Mix The Old With The New

Incorporating vintage or antique pieces into your space alongside new finishes, like countertops and hardware, creates a luxurious yet understated feel. “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."

Connect Indoors With Outdoors

Allow your outdoor space to be an expansion of your home and, thus, your home décor. “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. Apply all of the same principles to your outdoor space to create a quiet luxury feel.

Add Artisanal Touches

You don’t have to shop at luxury retailers to achieve an elegant home. In fact, one-of-a-kind items often feel even more luxurious. “Display handmade ceramics, woven textiles, and artisanal pottery to add character and authenticity to your décor,” says Kelly. Part of the fun of creating the quiet luxury look is sourcing special pieces from unexpected places.

Let Your Space Look Lived-In

Embracing the quiet luxury trend involves allowing your home to look lived-in, instead of 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

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.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.