Subtle By Design

Forget flash—2025’s most coveted interiors embrace warmth, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance

No doubt you’ve heard the term Quiet Luxury, probably in the context of fashion and clothing styles. As a buzz phrase, it achieved viral status a few years ago. But today’s top designers and homeowners in the know are making quiet luxury a thing in the realm of home décor and interior design. 

These days, it’s still one of the most popular and coveted aesthetics around. And we’re here to show you just how to get it for your home. Whether it’s for your main residence or a vacation home, quiet luxury can truly elevate your home’s look and vibe. 

What is Quiet Luxury?
Before we dive in, let’s elaborate a little on just what we mean when we say “quiet luxury” in this context. There are no hard and fast rules, of course, but basically we mean an elegant, refined  approach to furnishings and décor that doesn’t shout its privilege, expense, or rarefied lineage. In clothing, it means eschewing the majority of logos and obvious designer pieces in favor of a more clean-lined, high end (but not haughty) approach that emphasizes comfort and timelessness. 

Aim High(-end) 
If there’s a number one rule for quiet luxury, it’s probably this: Focus on the highest possible quality and level of skill in craftsmanship in your price range. Look for classic lines and timeless styles that won’t go out of style as quickly as more trendy items.

Along the same lines, select the highest possible quality materials wherever you can. Wood, stone, marble, and other natural materials mesh well with luxury home fabrics, especially linen, silk and even velvet, like one of the 38 new fabrics from famed interior designer Rose Uniacke. .“Clients are moving away from shiny surfaces and towards tactile ones. The elegance is in the restraint. It’s about how something feels—its weight, its finish, its presence in the room without dominating it.” says Uniacke, whose projects are a masterclass in understatement. 

Quiet luxury and sustainability go hand in hand, so when you choose durable, high-quality pieces that last longer, you’ll reduce waste. You can carry that theme through your furnishings and into signature art pieces, like Arteriors’ Kazu floor sculpture of driftwood and mangrove tree on an iron base. 

Think Minimalist, Not Industrial 
Too often, quieter and more restrained décor crosses over into a cold, industrial look. The current preferred iteration of quiet luxury home décor embraces minimalist lines, though not necessarily full-throated minimalist decor principles. Think “clean and lived-in,” not “sterile and antiseptic.” Look for clean lines and functionality, then concentrate on building uncluttered yet functional spaces with a homey feel. 

For inspiration, look at modern interpretations of Scandinavian and Japanese design, as well as interiors designed by Rose Uniacke, including The Buckingham and the designer’s own home.

Stay (mostly) Neutral 
Soft neutrals such as soft greys, creams, and taupes help create an atmosphere of tranquil peace. Use charcoal grey, espresso, and deep navy or black as an accent color. 

You don’t have to abandon vivid colors altogether. Just pick an accent wall or large decorative pieces (think artwork, curtains, throws and pillows) to round out the space, then use a well-matched tone there with a light touch to create more visual interest. 

Light it up – Thoughtfully
Use soft, diffused lighting to make the room warm and inviting. Also, layer your lighting sources, with ambient, task and accent lighting. Play around with placement, brightness and angles to maximize the feeling of soothing depth and ambience. Use sheer curtains to enhance the natural light and make the space seem more airy, open and welcoming. For quietly luxurious lighting, look at Jonathan Adler’s new Charade Studded Table Lamp and Arteriors’ Chanell Lamp. 

Go Bespoke
Because quiet luxury means choosing fewer pieces that are exquisitely made, as opposed to filling up a room with midlist or cheap furniture that won’t last long, you might find yourself staring at a blank space or two. To fill in and create your own personal narrative, incorporate bespoke and vintage pieces, as well as collections and souvenirs. 

Incorporating treasured pieces and touches is the perfect way to make your home’s quiet luxury more personal and reflective of your own style and history. Designer Giancarlo Valle says, “We’re designing forever pieces. Clients want things that don’t need replacing—things that grow with the home.” 

Eschewing trends and flashy pieces for exquisitely made, beautiful designs helps elevate any home from the merely comfortable to the truly sumptuous and serene, something we all crave in these turbulent times.