DESIGN HANDBOOK
The Kathy Kuo Home Guide To Quiet Luxury
Hi cuties! I am so excited to get into one of my favorite “trends” of the moment: Quiet Luxury!
I put the word “trends” in quotes because while I know this concept is is very of the moment online right now—thanks to celebs like Sophia Richie and Gwyneth Paltrow (hello, #SkiTrial wardrobe), and shows like “Succession“—I really see it as being the exact opposite of a traditional “trend.”
“Let me put it this way: I see Quiet Luxury as being a movement based on quality materials and craftsmanship, longevity and timelessness, and on being about intrinsic beauty and elegance. Basically, it’s an ethos I’ve been drawn to my entire career in the interiors realm..I just didn’t know it had a viral name!”
To me, Quiet Luxury is the essence of both effortless sophistication, as well as comfort and livability. It’s that feeling when you walk into a room and you instantly want to sink into the sofa and curl up with the cashmere throw blanket that’s draped over the side. Each piece is beautifully curated and well made, but the goal is warmth, comfort, and staying power—not flashiness or showing off a designer label.
I love the Quiet Luxury concept because it advocates for less consumption and more quality. You may spend more up front, but you spend less overall because you’re choosing pieces you’ll love forever. It’s also so much more sustainable. Read on for my tips on how to get this look in your own home!
New-Age Minimalism
In many ways, Quiet Luxury is sort of the next stage of minimalism. If a carefully curated look appeals to you, without much clutter or superfluous items you don’t really need, the obvious next step for your aesthetic is Quiet Luxury.
“You know don’t need an excessive about of stuff to be happy and comfortable…so take your time researching items that speak to you.”
At the heart of this design aesthetic—also called “Stealth Wealth”—is the idea that less is more and intention is everything. In the long run, adopting a mind-set of new-age minimalism is going to help you make your furniture choices more confidently and resist the environmentally problematic onslaught of “fast furniture.”
Emphasis On Investment Pieces
The No. 1 way to bring the Quiet Luxury look and feel into your own home is to focus on investment pieces over fleeting trends. When you’re choosing any piece of anchor furniture, think about whether you can picture it in your home in 10 years…in 20 years…and beyond. Ask yourself if you love the look and feel confident in the craftsmanship.
I think for some shoppers, it can be harder to wrap their mind of around spending more in the short term when cheaper options are out there. But I promise that you won’t regret making the investment in better quality and enduring design because you won’t find yourself having to replace your anchor pieces every couple of years.
Materials Over Labels
And finally, though I’ve mentioned quality materials here already, I’ll say it again because it bears repeating: A designer label really doesn’t mean anything unless its backed up by premium materials and impeccable craftsmanship. This honestly goes for anything—fashion, handbags, shoes—but I feel like it’s a major factor for furniture and decor.
If love a certain style, we all know you can find a million items that have the “right look” at discount retailers, or you can find yourself getting fixated on a specific items because it has a big name behind it. I encourage you to do your Quiet Luxury homework and read up on the materials a given items is made from before purchasing.
Look for words and phrases like teak, mango wood, cashmere, velvet, linen, hand-woven, wrought iron, and hand-painted. Doing some reading up about materials and manufacturing practices is not only going to make you a more informed consumer, but it’s also actually truly fascinating!
Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
