Quiet Luxury: What is it all about?

In recent years, the concept of 'Quiet Luxury' has quietly but confidently made its way into the heart of UK interior design. I personally don’t really like to call it a trend, as I believe it’s more timeless than just now, so lets call it a movement. This movement is characterised by understated elegance and a focus on quality and craftsmanship, it represents a shift away from ostentatious displays of wealth towards a more subtle, refined approach to luxury. In this life style post, we delve into what Quiet Luxury means and how to incorporate this timeless aesthetic into your home.

Natural finishes, muted tones and organic shapes create a sense of luxurious calm and simplicity.

Image: SLC Interior Design

Quiet Luxury is about appreciating the finer details that speak volumes about quality without shouting for attention. It's the art of creating spaces that feel both luxurious and comfortable, blending high-end design with a sense of calm and simplicity. This timeless movement is a response to the fast-paced, often overwhelming nature of modern life, offering a haven of tranquility and refinement.

Features of Quiet Luxury

Understated elegance is the focus on simple, clean lines and a muted colour palette. Think soft tones, warm neutrals, and earthy shades that create a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Quality over quantity is key. Every piece in a Quiet Luxury interior is chosen for its craftsmanship and longevity. Furniture selections favour handmade, bespoke items and well-crafted antiques that tell a story.

To add depth and interest without overwhelming the senses, Quiet Luxury employs a variety of rich textures. From plush velvets, to smooth marbles and and soft wools, these materials add a tactile dimension to the space.

There's a strong preference for natural materials like wood, stone, and linen. These elements bring warmth and authenticity to interiors, connecting them to the outside world.

Quiet Luxury shies away from overt branding, it’s far more subtle if there at all. The emphasis is on the inherent beauty and quality of items rather than their labels.

Materials like wood and linen, as seen in this image, bring warmth and authenticity to interiors.

Image SLC Interior Design

How to Incorporate Quiet Luxury into Your Home

Focus on Timeless Design - Choose furniture and decor that are both classic and contemporary. Look for pieces with clean lines and elegant proportions that won't go out of style. The key is to create a space that feels curated and considered, not cluttered or transient. 1970’s travertine coffee tables have made a big comeback, not just due to their retro look, but their wonderful natural and organic patina (as see in the first image of this post).

Invest in Quality - Opt for high-quality, well-made pieces. This could mean investing in one or two more expensive items rather than several cheaper, lower-quality pieces. Think of these as investments - items you'll keep and cherish for years to come. Bespoke joinery is always a good investment, just make sure you have a Designer who works with a great joinery to ensure a quality timeless piece (again, see first image image of this post).

Embrace Natural Materials - Incorporate natural materials wherever possible. Wood, stone, wool, and linen bring a sense of calm and connection to nature, key components of Quiet Luxury. These materials age beautifully, adding character to your space over time. The image above sits linen against flutted ock wood panels to create a double layered headboard. Avoid the cheaper acoustic panels you’ll find all over Instagram (they have their place), instead opt for panels from companies such as The Surface Studio, for a more refined and elevated finish.

Create a Cohesive Colour Palette - Stick to a cohesive, subdued colour palette. Soft neutrals, muted colours, and warm earthy tones work well. The aim is to create a harmonious flow from room to room, with each space feeling like a continuation of the last.

Add Textural Contrast - Play with different textures to add depth and interest. Mix smooth with rough, shiny with matte, hard with soft. This contrast creates a layered, sophisticated look that's visually and tactilely pleasing.

Let in Natural Light - Maximise natural light wherever possible. Quiet Luxury spaces are airy and bright, with an emphasis on openness and flow. Use sheer, light fabrics for window treatments to let in as much light as possible.

Minimal Decorative Elements - Choose your decorative elements carefully. In Quiet Luxury, less is more when it comes to decor. A few well-chosen pieces can make a stronger statement than a multitude of smaller items. Look for soft organic shapes in natural finishes.

Personalise Your Space - Finally, make the space your own. Quiet Luxury is not just about following trends; it's about creating a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle. Incorporate pieces that have personal significance or that you genuinely love.

Natural textures and light create a sense of openess and flow.

Image SLC Interior Design

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, Quiet Luxury, in interior design, is more than just a trend; it's a philosophy, a movement. It's about creating spaces that are not just visually stunning but also deeply comfortable and enduring. By focusing on quality, craftsmanship, and understated elegance, Quiet Luxury offers a timeless approach to luxury that is both sustainable and deeply satisfying.

We have been embracing Quiet Luxury for years, designing homes that create a sanctuary that will nurture and inspire for years to come. If you are looking to create a sustainable, tranquil haven in your home, get in touch!

Check out my Pintrest board for more Quiet Luxury inspiration.