Quiet Luxury by Design

Written by JESSICA CINNAMON | Design by JESSICA CINNAMON | Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN

Luxury sometimes makes a splash, but there's a subtle yet powerful movement that has been bubbling beneath the surface. It’s the concept of "quiet luxury," and it’s starting to make waves. This design trend is all about living luxuriously without flaunting it. It’s luxury for luxury’s sake, without the validation. At its core, the quiet luxe look emphasizes authenticity and refinement over brand labels and flashy displays. It shows preference to discreet indulgence, while quietly heralding the hallmarks of thoughtful design, high quality, and fine details.

Quiet luxury is about enjoying the finer things in life. Influenced by the old money style, it’s a trend that can fly below the radar, but its characteristics are easy to spot if you know what to look for.

The "Less Is More" Philosophy

At the heart of the quiet luxury trend lies the philosophy that "less is more." In interior design, this translates to clean lines, functional layouts, and uncluttered spaces. These are minimalist spaces, where each piece of furniture and décor is thoughtfully selected for its beauty and functionality, contributing to the overall aesthetic without overcrowding the room.

Use Understated Elegance

By the same virtue, quality reigns over quantity, and remember that bigger isn’t always better. Instead of amassing a multitude of items, choose to invest in fewer but better items that are timeless, well-crafted, and stand the test of time, long outliving the trends du jour. Think solid wood furniture, crafted ceramics, and handwoven textiles. Artisanal items that are made, not mass-produced, exude luxury through their craftsmanship and durability.

Nail the Quiet Luxe Palette

Neutral color palettes dominate the trend, with muted tones in soft greys, warm beiges, and earthy colorways to create a sense of serenity and sophistication. Take that natural palette to the literal degree by bringing elements of the outdoors into the home. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants—living or inspired by—create a connection with nature and enhance the sense of tranquility and luxury in your living space. Monochromatic color palettes play well with this trend, adding depth and richness to a space without extravagant color schemes. Aside from their impression of effortless ease, the right colors and materials transcend fleeting trends, lending timeless elegance to a home.

Focus on the Details

Further to my point of timeless design, vintage and antique pieces add character and depth to a home while telling a rich story, either through true history or by virtue of their design. This is where touches of the old money aesthetic come in. While clearly tied to a specific time period, these pieces carry an appeal that has serious staying power.

As you shop for furniture, focus on the fine details that might go unnoticed by the unsuspecting eye. From subtle embellishments to textures, these nuanced elements add depth and richness to your home's design, elevating it to new heights of sophistication. When choosing furniture and accessories, get intimate with each piece. Sit in the chair, run your fingertips along the wood grain, and zero in on the intricacies that make it beautiful and unique.

Much like furniture, artwork can also serve as a very powerful expression of your personal style and taste and is generally considered a luxury in its own right. Choose investment pieces that resonate with you and complement the overall ambiance of your home, adding a layer of cultural and aesthetic depth to the space.

Forget big brands and lavish labels. In a world that often celebrates excess, quiet luxury offers a refreshing alternative to all the noise – a sustainable approach to everyday elegance. By embracing quality, simplicity and authenticity, you can create a sanctuary of quiet luxury that stands the test of time. It's not about flaunting your wealth but rather about curating your surroundings with care and taste, defining the art of quiet luxury in your own unique way.

Inspired by the quiet luxury movement? Discover more insider tips from top designers in our Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine. Shop our catalog or visit a showroom for expert advice and elevate your home with subtle elegance today!

Jessica Cinnamon | Jessica Cinnamon is the principal designer and founder of Jessica Cinnamon Design Inc. The firm is a multidisciplinary design company known for creating stylish and thoughtfully arranged interiors. With a holistic approach to design spaces that are tailored, enduring, and genuinely personal, they provide services throughout the Greater Toronto Area, Chicago, and Los Angeles.