TREND TALK
BIG TRENDS IN INTERIORS ARE FEW THESE DAYS, WITH MICRO TRENDS TAKING THEIR PLACE. WE EXPLORE THE LATEST CRAVING: QUIET LUXE
If you’ve been anywhere near social media in the last few months, it’s likely you’ll have heard of at least one of the wealthfocused interior trends dominating the internet – be it #oldmoney, #stealthwealth, or #quietluxury.
Although they often apply to fashion and beauty, these ‘understated wealth’ hashtags have also been used about interiors. The aesthetic is all about subtlety – ‘quiet luxury’ indicates a desirable home that looks expensive… in an understated way. For those who embody this aesthetic, the home doesn’t scream ‘I have money’ in obvious, showy ways, but gives it away in smaller details. It’s top quality craftsmanship, timeless design choices and smaller details that point to a rich and interesting life, such as unique artwork and antique furniture. But why is the concept so popular lately – and is it an achievable aesthetic if you aren’t actually incredibly wealthy?
TREND ORIGINS
So where, how and why did the fascination with these concepts appear? ‘The hit TV show Succession is said to have sparked the recent emergence of these “old money” interiors trends,’ explains interior expert Anna Elkington of Melody Maison. ‘Homeowners have taken inspiration from the luxurious aesthetics in the programme, and are gravitating towards more timeless, chic interiors.’
THE ATTRACTION OF OLD MONEY
It’s intriguing that an interiors trend based on the display of extravagant wealth is peaking during a worldwide cost-of-living crisis. In fact, Anna suspects that that’s exactly why we’re all so fascinated with it right now.
‘Spending lots of money feels out of reach for most homeowners, so I think the interest in these trends is actually because they are unachievable,’ she says. ‘People love the look, and want to recreate it without actually having “old money”.’ Given how expensive everything is right now, she also suggests that many of us want to create homes that will stand the test of time, a key element of ‘stealth wealth’.
THE IDEAL HOME VIEW ON...
Do we think this micro trend is here to stay? Deputy editor Ginevra Benedetti weighs in…
While ‘quiet luxe’ has been heralded as a micro trend, I don’t see it as new at all, just the latest version of a tale as old as time: Champagne taste on a lemonade budget. Who wouldn’t want their carefully considered purchases to look good, be well made and last for years? I think it’s seen a
