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COASTAL QUIET LUXURY
“Quiet luxury is an understated design trend that emphasises tranquility, sophistication and classic elegance.”
The Quiet Luxury trend is all about creating luxurious, high-end spaces that exude quality, comfort and elegance without being overly flashy or ostentatious.
Are you looking to upgrade and change up your home's interior and create a space that exudes simplicity, elegance, and sophistication? Then turn to the latest interior design trend - Quiet Luxury. This trend merges the minimalist, muted tones and textures of traditional luxury with a softer, understated approach, creating a new level of harmony.
Let’s explore what this trend is, why it is the latest interior design trend of 2023, as well as its defining elements, and style rules to achieve a serene, luxurious, tranquil space.
The Quiet Luxury Interior Trend of 2023: Embracing Tranquility and Elegance
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends come and go, each bringing its own unique flavour and perspective to our living spaces. The year 2023 has seen the rise of a particularly captivating trend that has taken the design world by storm: The Quiet Luxury Interior Design Trend. After years of bright, bold, maximalist interiors dominating, people are shifting towards a desire for simplified, calming spaces — what is music to my ears... Quiet luxury design creates a refuge and retreat within the home. The neutral palette and focus on craftsmanship evoke a sense of timelessness that helps the stresses of everyday life melt away. As wellness and self-care continue to be priority areas of focus culturally, serene, spa-like interiors created by the quiet luxury aesthetic will only rise further in popularity.
While 'old money' and quiet luxury certainly have many similarities, the two concepts are not necessarily synonymous. However, the TV series Succession may have popularised a new wave of the trend. The series follows a wealthy American family who embrace their old-fashioned values in modern times through lavish yet timelessly elegant interiors. I am quietly a big fan of this series which you can watch here. Similarly, the quiet luxury home trend takes many cues from fashion design, incorporating luxurious fabrics and textures to establish a sense of elegance without being over the top.
Quiet Luxury is a celebration of understated elegance, a retreat from the bustling world into a haven of tranquility and refined aesthetics. This trend is all about the art of restraint. It's a departure from the ostentatious and flamboyant styles that have dominated interior design in the past. Instead, quiet luxury embraces subtlety, sophistication, and a harmonious balance of elements. It's an invitation to explore the beauty of simplicity, where every piece, colour, and texture is thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of refined opulence without the need for overt displays of wealth.
“The quiet luxury trend beautifully lends itself to the coastal style. The casual elegance of coastal design seamlessly aligns with the relaxed sophistication of luxury.”
Who Is This Style Ideal For?
As people seek to strike a balance between the demands of modern life and the need for pure serenity, quiet luxury design has emerged as the perfect antidote. The Quiet Luxury interior style is ideal for anyone who is looking to create a space of relaxation and tranquility. This trend is perfect for those who want spaces that invoke serenity. And, quiet luxury with a coastal twist meets these needs perfectly, offering a blend of comfort and style that resonates deeply with individuals seeking a sense of belonging and respite.
“Quiet Luxury offers a respite from the chaos, allowing individuals to create spaces that promote a sense of well-being and mindfulness. In a way, quiet luxury brings together the best of both worlds; a sophisticated elegance that’s not overpowering and peaceful.”
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Defining Features of the Quiet Luxury Interior Trend
The beauty of the Quiet Luxury trend is its subtleness that comes from the selection of high-quality and timeless materials to create a balanced and sophisticated feeling.
This design style requires careful curation of furniture pieces, accessories, lighting fixtures and materials — focused on using premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and sophisticated styling. Natural materials like wood and stone are also key elements in designing a quiet luxury home, as they bring an organic touch that feels comforting and refreshing. Additionally, incorporating items with subtle details into the overall design will give it a sense of sophistication without looking too extravagant. Using finishes such as matte or satin can help to create a subtle yet luxurious feel throughout the space. The goal is to evoke a sense of calm and relaxed sophistication.
Here are some design elements that allow you to create a minimalistic and subconscious aura of luxury:
Subdued Colour Palette: The colour palette of quiet luxury is characterised by soft, neutral and muted tones that create a calming and cohesive environment. Think creamy whites, warm taupes, soft greys and natural earth tones are staples of the quiet luxury colour scheme.
High-Quality Materials: From marble countertops to oak flooring, fine woods, natural stone, plush textiles and brass fixtures. Quiet luxury emphasises craftsmanship and durability over flashiness.
Natural Textures: Emphasise texture rather than patterns; soft fabrics such as cashmere or silk should be used to create a plush, elegant, and cosy vibe. Natural fibres and textiles like linen and wool add cosy, inviting texture without being showy. Avoid shiny synthetics.
Organic Shapes: Curved lines and elements help soften the space for a calm vibe.
Timeless Elegance: Quiet luxury design is rooted in timeless aesthetics rather than fleeting trends, ensuring that your space remains chic and relevant for years to come. The furniture and accessories are selected for their comfort, excellent craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Intentional Accents: Curate the space thoughtfully, selecting items that hold personal significance and contribute to the overall sense of tranquility. Every element in a quiet luxury space is carefully selected and placed, from the furniture to the decor, ensuring a harmonious and intentional ambiance. Thoughtful, meaningful details and accent pieces add depth without detracting from the serenity.
Balanced Symmetry: Create balance in your space through symmetrical arrangements and layouts, promoting a sense of order and harmony.
Considered Lighting: Ensure proper lighting with layered ambient, task and accent lighting.
Minimalistic Approach: Embrace minimalism and simplicity in design, favouring clean lines. Less is more in quiet luxury design. Spaces are uncluttered, allowing each piece to shine and contribute to the overall atmosphere. Avoid over-accessorising the space.
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Coastal Style Quiet Luxury Design
Imagine a coastal retreat that embraces the quiet luxury trend. Soft sandy tones, gentle ocean blues, and a touch of seafoam green set the stage. Furniture adorned with plush cushions and upholstered in luxurious fabrics invite you to sink into comfort. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, while sheer curtains dance in the ocean breeze. Decorative elements such as driftwood sculptures, seashell-adorned mirrors, and marine-inspired artwork will give an effortless coastal feel.
The style features organic, natural elements that epitomise beachside living, like stone, rattan, driftwood, and painted wood. Combining this with a quiet luxury design, you can create a space that provides tranquility and elegance. Incorporating soft ocean shades like beige, white, grey and blue create a serene coastal atmosphere. Incorporate natural textures like weathered wood and rattan, a serene colour palette inspired by ocean hues, and subtle nautical accents. Think elegant coastal cottages with a focus on comfort, beauty, and a connection to nature.
The coastal design twist of the Quiet Luxury trend is essentially a less formal, laid-back version that creates a fresh and relaxed atmosphere. Here are some more tips:
Incorporate driftwood, rattan, linen and other natural coastal materials.
Use soft watery blues, creams, sand tones and greys on walls or furnishings.
Add subtle nautical accents like ropes, shells or sailboat artwork.
Allow lots of natural light and open, airy spaces.
Incorporate indoor plants, especially palms, ferns and succulents.
Creating a coastal-style quiet luxury space is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and serenity to your home.
“The intersection of quiet luxury and coastal creates the ultimate in laidback, serene interior design, perfect for a beach house or any home desiring a touch of luxe seaside living. The premium materials and soothing palette reflect the easy, peaceful vibe that comes from living near the ocean.”
The Quiet Luxury Interior Trend of 2023 celebrates the marriage of tranquility and opulence, offering a haven of serenity in a fast-paced world. Its ability to create spaces that are both elegant and inviting has captured the hearts of design enthusiasts and homeowners alike. By understanding its defining features, key elements, and style rules, you can effortlessly bring this trend into your own home, creating a sanctuary that speaks to your personal style and the need for a peaceful retreat. And for those who love the coast, infusing the quiet luxury trend with coastal design elements adds a refreshing twist that resonates with the beauty of nature and the allure of quiet elegance.