Why ‘quiet luxury’ works well in Northern Districts homes

Also known as warm minimalism, the popular ‘quiet luxury’ trend is characterised by understated elegance with a focus on quality materials and subtle colours. 

Here in the Northern Districts, homes tend to be light filled, spacious and solidly built. These attributes work well with the ‘quiet luxury’ look, which is all about classic, timeless style. If you’d like to add some warmth and charm to your home’s interiors in time for summer entertaining, or for an upcoming sale, here are some ways to get started. 

Declutter and introduce a warm, neutral palette. 

The first step to giving your home a refresh is always going to be decluttering - selling or donating things you no longer need, cleaning out cupboards and framing and hanging those pictures you’ve had hanging around. A good clear-out is essential when selling your home, but it’s also a good idea to do it before Christmas so your home feels fresh and organised for the holidays. 

Once you’ve done that, you might like to consider a fresh coat of paint. Cold, sterile whites and sharp angles are out – now it’s all about soft, muted colors like cream, oatmeal beige and taupe to create a calm backdrop. These tones reflect natural light and look fantastic with pops of colour, such as plum, deep pink, mustard, rich blue and sage green. 

If you’re repainting, Kitty Grey from Wattyl is a great choice - it can look cream or soft grey depending on how the light falls. Light colours also work really well with natural materials such as weathered timber, linen, marble and slate.

Choose rich, high-quality natural fabrics

Tactile fabrics are popular right now, including rough linen for curtains, velvety sofa fabrics and soft bouclé armchairs. Long curtains that fall from ceiling to floor look luxurious, as do antique or colourful touches, like silky cushions or an old Turkish rug to add depth and warmth. 

As always, thinking about how you use the space will help you guide your decision making - comfort and function should always come first. 

Choosing furniture that is both stylish and functional

If it’s time to update a key piece of furniture, such as a sofa or dining table, think about function and simplicity. Do you need space for four people to watch a movie, and will your dining table also double as a work space? Opting for larger pieces will give you a more streamlined look than lots of smaller pieces. 

A mix of antique and modern pieces is a key quiet luxury feature. Marble coffee and occasional tables remain popular, as do timber tables in round, organic shapes. King Living in Chatswood has some stunning marble dining tables, as well as dining chairs you can customise to suit your space. 

Let there be light. 

Good lighting can transform a space. Start by working with your natural light, and then think about how you use your living areas and add extra lighting where you need it. Task lighting in the kitchen, including LED strips over your worktops, will make cooking much easier. Pendant lamps over your dining table look wonderful, as do table lamps for later on in the evening when you want to relax. Hunt on Facebook Marketplace or Etsy for antique or vintage table lamps – there are some wonderful finds on there that just need a new shade. 

Add some finishing touches

Now that you’ve focused on the bigger items, add a few personal touches. A large, abstract artwork or a collection of framed paintings and prints will both look wonderful, as will artworks and sculptures made from natural materials such as stone or wood. Indoor plants and fresh flowers will bring your rooms to life and create a serene look. Look for simple planters in concrete or ceramics and dust off some antique vases to add a bit of charm. 

Thinking of selling? Talk to us

Styling your home can make a huge difference when it comes time to sell. If you’d like to have a chat about how to prepare your home to achieve a fantastic result, reach out to Page&Co today.