Amthal Karim – Head of Design at Furniture And Choice – shares her monthly overview of on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers.
Immerse yourself in luxury – but do it quietly. That’s what the latest fashion and design reports are telling us Quiet Luxury is a fast evolving trend which relies on premium materials, fine detail and letting the inherent quality of a product shine through.
But what does this mean for furniture? Until recently, opulent furniture was characterised by a flamboyant show of gold or silver accents and statement features. The latest look demands understated luxury – the details you notice only when you get up close like exquisite piping on a sofa arm or the premium hand-feel on a fabric.
Quiet luxury is the combination of a return to all things classic and a desire for better quality products. Interior design has seen a strong movement towards retro, timeless pieces which evoke nostalgia but are also – most noticeably – built to last.
Customers have moved away from the ‘fast-fashion’ mindset where they choose a piece of furniture simply because it looks great on their social media feed. Furniture that is durable, well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing without having to shout about it – that’s the quiet luxury look.
Sofa upholstery is an area of interior design where luxe is playing an important role. We’re noticing the introduction of mixed materials and a strong desire to take familiar fabrics to a new level.
Standard linens and plain velvets are being elevated with shimmer-effect, two tone weaves and distressed finishes. Fabrics such as chenille might have been considered a thing of the past but suddenly it’s avant-garde because it’s durable and resistant to pilling.
It’s important to understand – however – that investing in good quality craftsmanship and everything labelled ‘vintage’ is not just a fad for the current generation. In the current climate we’re all looking to make the most of the resources we have – and this is where quiet luxury comes into its own.
Customers expect luxury materials that look chic, but they must also be sustainable. So, the new look velvets are made of recycled polyester utilising plastic that would otherwise have gone to landfill. Modern fabrics deliver on being eco-conscious but also perform well on rub-tests, stain-resistance and softness.
It seems quiet luxury is pushing us to a position where the modern customer really does want it all. After all, the long-term value that a beautiful piece of furniture brings to your home is just as important as how good it looks over the years.
