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Achieve the look: "Quiet luxury" in interior design

HBO’s Succession is here for a final season, and all anyone can talk about is quiet luxury. What is it? Does it matter? And… How do you achieve it?

de gournay wallpaper chinoiserie
March 29, 2023
Luxury wallpaper by De Gournay

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With HBO’s hit-show Succession coming back for a fourth and final season, the topic of “quiet luxury” has been popping up again. While it mostly refers to the discreet yet outrageously expensive fashion the Roy family tends to deck themselves in, we think it’s time to talk about it in an interior design context.

As an interior design company specialised in luxury suppliers, we’re deep into these topics and brands, and can’t wait to discuss further who’s doing it the best and how you can achieve the look in your next interior design project. 

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What is “quiet luxury”?

For the uninitiated, this is the topic of the moment. Quiet luxury, by definition, is luxury that isn’t loud about its cost. It is minimalist, without any obvious branding, and is only noticeable to those who know about the brand. It is the physical manifestation of “if you know, you know”.

In line with the upsurge in interest for “old money” and the associated class rules of the elite, quiet luxury exposes a desire to be perceived as rich without the associated tags of “tackiness”. 

Late 2010s fashion was all about overt opulence and branding (e.g. Gucci’s logo becoming a best-seller pattern). The 2020s, with its constant recessions and rising inequality, is discreet, more focused on living luxury than actually flaunting it to those who “don’t get it”. 

Of course, this rhetoric is not a moral leap from the previous commitment to gaucheness and overconsumption. It is a more refined yet equally classist take on showing off a higher socio-economic status to the world.

What does “quiet luxury” look like?

“Quiet luxury” is difficult to detect, but once you see it you can’t miss it. In quiet luxury design, you will see quality furniture pieces, a balanced design style and a neutral colour palette. Also, add some outrageously expensive art on the walls. But make the artists behind the obscure, abstract and almost unrecognisable (unless you’re in the know). Here are some of our favourite examples in action.

Minimal Luxe Living Area by Hommés Studio

The design below looks minimalist, discreet, perfectly symmetrical. Some even would say bare. However, only the coffee table and two sofas come up to 20,000 USD.

Minimal luxe living area by Hommés Studio

Menorcan home by Ábaton

This beautiful Menorcan villa is simple and slightly rustic, blending traditional Spanish coastal elements with the cutting edge and minimalist design. As an example of “quiet luxury at work”, the rattan chair visible below is the Carl Hansen & Søn CH25 Lounge Chair; upwards of 3,000 EUR. While its design is discreet, a trained eye can see the touch of Scandinavian chicness all over it.

Beautiful Menorcan villa by Ábaton

Carpets and rugs by Pinton 1867

Rugs are a staple of luxury homes, and one look at the Pinton rug selection and you’ll know we’re talking about real high-end stuff over here. The Teles rug, one of their range’s standouts, is 15,444 EUR. If you’re an interior designer, you can directly source their range by joining Portaire, for free.

Teles rug by Pinton 1867

If you love this rug as much as we do, you can check out more of their products just below.

The Cloud sofa by Restoration Hardware

This modular sofa, purchased by the likes of business mogul and influencer Kylie Jenner, has become a total viral sensation and a signifier of wealth. The design of the sofa is simple, and the textiles used are earthy and natural. The price tag? 9000–12,000 USD for the minimum components, with prices going higher with more modules. Now if you see it, you’ll know.

Cloud sofa photography by Nioby Trivett

Wallpaper by De Gournay

Have you ever looked at wallpapers and wondered about the artists behind them? With De Gournay, you can rest assured that every panel is done with the highest levels of craftsmanship and artistry and plenty of technical knowhow. With three options available – pret a porter, personalisable and completely bespoke – their wallpapers are bound to make a statement. Also, each panel starts at 700 GBP, so be ready to dish out some money for wallpaper that is truly art.

Chinoiserie wallpaper by De Gournay

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