Inside Story: Five steps to get the ‘quiet luxury’ look

“This movement looks towards simplicity and refinement whilst creating serene, calming spaces that bring us joy.” Cambridge interior designer Georgina Robertson steps into the world of ‘quiet luxury’

You may have heard the buzz around the new trend that has been taking the fashion industry by storm - ‘quiet luxury’. It’s not uncommon for us to see trends move from fashion to interior design and vice versa. But what exactly is ‘quiet luxury’, why is it becoming so popular, and how can we embrace it in our interiors?

Quiet luxury as an interior design trend is defined as effortless elegance and understated luxury with a timeless appeal. This style goes back to basics with simple design principles, layering without clutter, craftsmanship and high quality materials that stand the test of time. This movement looks towards simplicity and refinement whilst creating serene, calming spaces that bring us joy.

Now more than ever, we are improving and renovating our existing homes instead of moving and we’re seeking comfortable, effortless, classy spaces whilst avoiding ostentatiousness. So how exactly do you create a ‘quiet luxury’ interior for your home?

Keep it Simple
The key ethos behind the quiet luxury trend is to take a minimalist approach to decor and layouts. This style encourages curated investment pieces that deserve more recognition in any given space, and, as a result, less is more. By no means are we going for a completely minimalist interior design, but to give the key items more room to breathe and to be appreciated and considered in the space.
Decluttering is essential to ensure the space doesn’t feel overcrowded or overwhelmed by items. Having fewer items means you can invest your money better, making each and every item count. Sticking to natural materials like glass, ceramic, and wood will give the space a polished, organic feel.

Select Soothing Shades
As with any decor, this look is very much dependent on getting the colour palette right. The quiet luxury trend encapsulates a tonal palette that is pared-back and made up of calming neutrals. We’re not talking about the revival of the white-on-white we’ve seen before, but instead warm neutrals paired with nature-inspired muted tones like sage green, warm almonds, and muted blues.
Accent colours can be used, but only as pops of colour rather than dominant colours, and it’s important to remember that even accent colours should be more saturated and subtle, not bold and bright. Accents should be used as highlights and hints of pigment when it logically makes sense to incorporate another colour.

Choose Elevated Materials
The materials you choose for this trend are arguably the most important. Materials really matter when you’re looking to emulate irresistible quality. Soft silks, velvets, boucle - this trend welcomes furnishings that ooze opulence. The key is to incorporate layers of plush materials that look expensive and appear tactile.
Similar to quiet luxury in fashion, opt for fewer pieces that are made from quality materials with no brand-names or logos. Build your space with texture and versatility by using natural materials such as real wood and marble. These materials look and feel far better without being in your face. Natural materials will always be timeless, but they will also age and adapt with time to add character to your home for years to come.

Invest in Craftsmanship
Quiet luxury is more about the thought process behind the selection of each piece of furniture. It’s about who made the pieces, and how and where they are made, rather than the price and brand association.
If your budget allows, always choose custom, bespoke pieces of furniture rather than buying the same things your friends have that are mass-produced. If you have a restricted budget, the best way to do this is by buying vintage or antique furniture but remember, old - not bold!
This trend also benefits from softer shapes rather than harsh edges. From a curved sofa and round coffee tables to waterfall islands, the approach is about creating a gentleness to the geometry so the spaces flow more freely and no one piece feels clunky or dominant.

Get the Lighting Right
Good lighting is key to any interior design scheme; it will make any space feel more luxurious as long as you get it right. For an ultra-luxury look, I always use soft diffused lamps and fixtures with warm bulbs to make the space feel more inviting and to give the furniture and accessories a warm glow - steer clear of bright white.
As with the materials, ensure you are layering plenty of light sourcing that can be controlled separately - for example, ensure you can turn your task lighting off once you have finished with it. Incorporating some beautiful lamps, wall lights or back lighting helps to bounce light around the room to make everything feel soft and expensive.

Meet the Designer
Georgina is the founder of Cambridge’s Georgina Robertson Interiors. With her grandma a seamstress, she was inspired by fabrics, colour and the concept of design creation from a young age. Growing up, she worked extensively with furnishing fabrics, learning bespoke curtain making and design. With an extensive career in marketing, Georgina then decided to pursue her passion and talent for interior design into creating sophisticated, luxury interiors.
Find out more at georginarobertsoninteriors.com