How interior design is embracing quiet luxury, timeless elegance and sustainability with Hermès, Loro Piana and Saint-Louis

Jul 24 , 2024

Fashion’s quiet luxury trend has reached the world of homeware, with brands like Hermès – its new collection shown here on display at Milan Design Week 2024 – Loro Piana and Saint-Louis showing the way with long-lasting quality materials in more sober colours and finishes. Photos: Handout

Sustainability goals are leading homeowners to opt for decor that is quietly elegant and goes beyond just being appealing to the eye

Luxury carpet maker Tai Ping opts for undyed and naturally coloured materials made from natural fibres like wool, silk, cashmere, jute and flex for its Biophilic Collection

In the last couple of years, the fashion world has embraced quiet luxury, an appreciation for understated quality. Now interior designers and decorators are jumping on the same unshowy bandwagon.

The trend makes abundant sense to homeowners who are increasingly conscious about sustainability and want to consume better, but less.

The design ethos that often included plenty of branded motifs and monograms, popular through the early 2000s, has fallen out of favour. Some may still embrace that “more is more” aesthetic, but many homeowners now prefer mellower designs and colours. There is a leaning towards a softer palette, one that people will be more at home with.

The Saint-Louis Folia Mini Lamp balances form and function

As with fashion’s quiet luxury trend, the sense of opulence for a quiet luxury home is derived from the quality of the pieces.

The key to achieving this is to acquire items that are, first and foremost, well made. It’s not only about how a particular piece of furniture or decor looks, but the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that enhance its look and function.

Architect Jeff Tung, who has amassed 40 years of experience in hospitality planning, design and construction, says luxury in home design should arise from details beyond those that meet the eye.

“I believe in invisible luxury design – that touches your feelings rather than just being about what you see,” he said.

Architect Jeff Tung at a Saint-Louis Folia Mini event

According to Tung, achieving a timeless design relies heavily on the quality of your homewares.

He recently showcased a series of photos of the latest collection of lamps from French crystal maker Saint-Louis, and believes there’s beauty in decor pieces that draw upon the heritage and artisanship of a particular craft.