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Here's how to get the 'quiet luxury' look at home — without breaking the bank
This on-trend aesthetic is all about sophisticated design, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Your secret's safe with us!
"Quiet luxury" has been a buzzy phrase in the fashion world for about a year now, and the aesthetic has definitely made its way to interior design. As a longtime home editor who has interviewed hundreds of pros and studied trends, I'm not one to jump on every design fad. But quiet luxury is different ... hear me out!
What is quiet luxury exactly? As the name suggests, it's a look that is chic and high-end, but not flashy or ostentatious. Think elevated basics that will stay in style forever: In your closet this may translate to a classic leather tote bag; in your house, it could mean a simple wool throw blanket or a sturdy stoneware vase. (Remember the homes in the show Succession? They're quiet luxury at its finest.)
The cool thing about this trend is that you don't need to be a member of a billionaire media-empire family to achieve the look. You just have to follow a few simple tips, and when you do shop for your house, look for accessories and furniture that appear more expensive than they really are. Not sure where to begin? Read on! Then, check out our stories on how to make your bedroom smell amazing and re-create the feel of a luxury hotel.
Put it in neutral
There's a reason so many people like wearing all black or all white — it never goes out of style and a monochrome look (or one with subtle color variations) can make even inexpensive stuff seem posh. You can easily get the same effect at home by sticking to a subtle color scheme. Are your walls painted white? Instead of choosing high-contrast colors like red and bright blue for your accessories, go with neutrals and earthy tones like cream, tan, soft black, olive green and navy.
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This 8-inch-tall fluted ceramic vases would look stunning on a dining table. Just fill it with fresh or dried flowers and you've got an instant centerpiece.
It's easy to have a ball decorating (get it?!) when you invest in fun pieces like this velvet throw pillow. At 10.6 inches, it's a great accent, especially paired with some patterned square pillows. More than 1,000 shoppers gave it a five-star review, commenting on its softness and how fun it is to hold.
Look for vintage-inspired or handmade touches
The more one-of-a-kind a piece looks, the better. Imperfections are welcome — because quiet luxury design should feel lived-in, not too stiff or pristine. Ceramics are a great way to achieve this, and so is art (and I'm not talking museum-quality stuff — inexpensive prints and beloved photos are perfect).
I can't get over the price of this 9-inch-tall stoneware pitcher. The graceful curved handle makes it look handmade, and the matte finish is so modern (it also comes in black and beige). Plus: It's dishwasher-safe!
I've been looking for some modern landscapes to hang on my walls and these minimalist 8-by-10-inch prints really appeal to me with their soothing colors. You can't beat a set of six for $15! You can buy them framed for about $65, but I would get a different frame for each one to make them look a little more special.
Stick to subtle patterns
This goes hand-in-hand with rule No. 1 about using neutrals. Stripes, checks and Persian rug-style designs all fit the bill as long as you stick to tone-on-tone versions. Nothing loud, nothing that screams "look at me!" Remember: quiet luxury is about whispering, not shouting.
You can't go wrong with simple striped throw pillows, and these boast an impressive 2,700 five-star ratings, with shoppers loving the linen fabric's thickness and durability. Just keep in mind that these are covers only, so you'll need inserts. My favorite high-quality inserts cost about $24 for an 18-inch square, but you can also try this trick: Fit a pillow you already own that's the same size or slightly larger into the case and voila, what's old is new again!
The windowpane plaid pattern on this fringed blanket is simple and lovely. It's generously sized at 60-by-80 inches, and it gets more than 1,900 five-star reviews, including this rave: "I have now bought five of these Arus Highlands Collection throw blankets. They are perfect for our family — long enough to cover my 6-foot-tall husband from neck and shoulders to over his feet with room to spare. They are not too heavy, wash well [and] fold up beautifully. I heartily recommend them."
If you're obsessed with all things Joanna Gaines and Magnolia Home like I am, you'll want to jump on her collection of rugs with Loloi. They feature vintage-inspired patterns that I'm pretty sure will be in style forever. This rug is machine-washable, so it'll probably last forever too!
Choose natural materials
Wood, leather and certain kinds of stone can add warmth and permanence to a space, especially if they're in soothing colors. Look for pieces that highlight the uniqueness of the material, whether it's showing the grain of the wood or the marbling of the stone.
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The organic shape of this bowl, which is carved from a solid piece of reclaimed wood, makes it look so special. At 12 inches long, it's the perfect-sized server for apps like cheese and crackers or crudite.
I like travertine as a rustic-looking alternative to marble. Both are natural stones, but travertine usually has a more subtle pattern and comes in warmer colors, which are currently trending. This 12-inch-long tray is big enough to fit a couple of candles or dish soap and a sponge.
Make a statement with lighting
If all this cream and beige is making you snooze, you can always go a little more glam with lighting. Most designers will splurge in this area because beautiful fixtures are like jewelry for a room. Layer table lamps, floor lamps and overhead fixtures, and make sure to fit them with warmer-toned light bulbs.
Popularized in the 1970s, mushroom lamps are back in a big way — and they just keep getting more fun(gi)! This sleek brass version would be perfect for a desk or homework station.
With this lamp, you get two trends in one: It's also cordless, which designers have been loving because it means the fixture can go anywhere, like a kitchen island or bookshelf.
Gold accents give these sconces a glam touch without looking over-the-top. The black shades and partially exposed bulbs (make sure to get Edison-style bulbs to complete the vintage-y look) remind me of old-school library lamps.
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