Quiet luxury is a trend that has permeated the world of fashion, but is now making waves in interior design too. Gone are the days when overt displays of wealth were the predominant status symbol, and understated elegance is reconnecting with wealth and taste in the form of quiet luxury, or “quiet” luxury.
The HBO series Succession (2018) is an example of how a quiet luxury aesthetic has permeated pop culture. “It’s not about flashiness or extravagance, it’s about timeless design,” says interior designer Minnie Bhatt. Say goodbye to brand logos and over-the-top design; it’s the neutral palette and refined basics that make this style movement beautiful beyond branding.
“The aesthetic of the old wealthy is one of traditional luxury,” says Bhatt, who often features antique and vintage furniture, luxurious textiles such as silk and velvet, and carefully selected collections of art and antiques. Soft, muted tones work with high-quality materials to create a sense of tranquility and sophistication in luxurious spaces, but when it comes to decorating in quiet luxury, intuition takes precedence over rulebooks. The Stealth Wealth atmosphere is one where new-age minimalism can be finely customized to suit any nuance, as long as it remains refined and subtle. Inspired by the idiom “money speaks, wealth whispers,” the mystique is doubled by displaying one’s status rather than flaunting it overtly.
“Quiet luxury in architecture embodies refined and subtle elegance through understated details, quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design choices,” says Mehzabin Khakhariawala, lead designer at Spiro Spero.
Whether it’s a clever mix of beige, cream and white, or strategic use of colour within a muted setting, there’s plenty of room for individuality.Similarly, in the fashion world, chunky and brightly coloured garments are used to contrast muted ensembles.
“Quiet luxury goes beyond beauty to also embrace functionality and sustainability,” adds Kahariawala. Material selection and upcycling, energy-efficient design, eco-friendly building materials, and community collaboration are some of the eco-friendly measures that ensure lasting sophistication.Get the trends right:
If you want to join the trend, check out these expert-approved tips
- Repurpose branded items with creative embellishments
2. Invest in long-lasting textiles that are elegant yet durable.
3. Promote local products, including markets and crafts
4. Look to heirlooms and family albums for inspiration.
5. Incorporate natural elements to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors and provide a seamless, serene experience.
6. Add a personal touch to subtle tones, let your personality shine through and let it be a source of inspiration for incorporating personal touches that resonate with your story.
7. Blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors with natural elements like plants, organic textures and earthy colours. This creates a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
