The quiet luxury aesthetic requires a bit more effort than the name suggests: This trend in decor—particularly with color—is all about exuding subtle sophistication. Instead of putting your high-end items front and center, intentionally design your space to make you feel upscale without obsessing over it.
“The design is not necessarily minimalist, it is curated, timeless and has a sense of character,” says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. To convey calm luxury, a specific palette of hues and tones must be achieved to match that mood.
“In the world of decor, although most people still think of beige and creams, we are seeing the use of bolder colors and tiptoeing away from the neutral tones that we have seen so much of and for so long,” says Steven Gottlieb, and an agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Muddier colors and rust really seem to be in upholstery now, so it makes sense to see colors follow. Saturated colors are specific and may be too bold for some people to live with, but color is making a comeback. “
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Meet the experts
What is quiet luxury?
The characteristics of this aesthetic begins with simple colors that evoke a feeling of elegance – not hassle-free.
“Quiet luxury colors are soft, neutral tones that evoke a feeling of calm and relaxation,” says Danielle Perdue, interior designer and founder of DK Home. “Soft, muted blues that reflect the water or sky; Pale grays and earthy beige tones that resemble the natural environment. “
When combined with the right furnishings, these hues evoke a look that is at once indulgent but reserved and serene. The way Gottlieb describes it, the use of simple colors in high-end fabrics is quite a luxury in fashion.
“The traditional colors for 'Quiet Luxury' are muted tones in the taupe, beige, gray and cream families, similar to what we've seen from the show's costume department Consequence“he says.” Luxury clothing brands such as Brunello Cuccinelli have used these color palettes to convey a simple and comfortable, yet expensive look with high-end fabrics and materials in these muted or “calm” tones. “
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The best colors for a calm luxury aesthetic
When it comes to painting colors in particular, you want to look for a palette with softer tones that create a sense of calm: some of her favorites from Benjamin Moore include Pale Oak, White Dove, and Quiet Moments. In Sherwin-Williams, she opts for natural linen, mindful gray and Drift of Mist.
While many of these colors are off-whites or neutrals, you can also opt for blues and greens. For deeper, more exciting options, Kantz suggests Sherwin-Williams Colors Thunderous, Carnelian, Forged Steel, Preludes and Antiquarian Brown.
“Off-whites and shades provide an amazing backdrop to other natural surfaces, while deep, muted greens and darker earth tones create a depth of space that is on the floor, creating a more dramatic setting for this aesthetic,” she says.
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How you apply your colors is also important – especially if you're aiming for a finish that shines in a subtle way.
“The quality of the paint or finish can often convey a sense of quiet luxury, even more so than the choice of color palette,” says Gottlieb. “Finishes such as Venetian plaster or high-gloss varnish are expensive to achieve and do not hide brushwork imperfections.”
Decor that complements calm luxury colors
To choose a color palette for your particular space, Kantz suggests looking at your existing furniture, artwork, lighting, and accessories to decide whether a lighter color scheme feels more cohesive. You can then begin adding elements of more dramatic, deeper tones from room to room with your rugs, artwork, pillows, and blankets.
Basically, a neutral backdrop provides a blank canvas for the rest of your space.
“Choosing a neutral color palette like cream or white for your wall, rugs, tiles or sofas allows for bolder choices when implementing soft pastels, metallics and earthy tones,” says David Harris, agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Deeper, richer colors can be best implemented through soft furnishings such as throws, pillows and bedding.”
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Once you've decided on your colors and painted your walls, the details are all about decorating in quiet luxury. Metallic accents like gold, silver and bronze add a touch of sophistication. If you go more of a nature-inspired route, forests and natural textures like rattan and pale oaks, work with calm luxury colors by adding warmth and depth.
Look for “iconic furniture pieces or styles of furniture that are simple yet elegant, with a curved or rounded shape,” says Kantz. And the pros agree that real materials are worth splurging on: Avoid wood laminate and faux finishes in favor of real wood floors and flagstone.
Ultimately, the main rule to remember is not to overdo the opulence – as the name implies, keep it quiet. “Less is more,” says Perdue. “Go with simple furniture layouts that feel relaxed and inviting yet sophisticated—not busy or overwhelming.”
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens