“Quiet Luxury” Home Edits You Can Do for Under $100
Can we talk about how much “quiet luxury” has taken over our feeds this year? Warm neutrals, soft greys, nothing shouting for attention, just spaces that feel considered. The instinct is to assume it comes with a designer price tag, but honestly, most of it comes down to styling and a handful of small, smart swaps.
We’ve pulled together some edits that genuinely change the feel of a room, and every one of them sits comfortably under $100.
Edit the clutter before you add anything
This is the one nobody wants to hear, but it’s free and it makes the biggest difference. Take half the items off your console table, mantel, or kitchen bench. Group what’s left in odd numbers, like a candle, a small bowl, and a stack of books, at three different heights. Instantly calmer, instantly more expensive looking.
A chunky knit throw
A textured, cotton or bouclé-style throw draped over the arm of a couch or the end of the bed adds warmth and softness for well under $100. Lovely neutral-toned options in cotton and linen are perfect options for spring and summer. Stick to oatmeal, stone, or soft grey rather than anything with pattern for a classic look.
We love:
From left: Elysian Waffle Throw, Target Dolly Chunky Textured Knit Throw, Linen House Lorne Throw in Jade and Pillowtalk Sofia Chenille Chunky Knit Throw.
A sculptural vase with real (or good faux) branches
This is one of those tricks stylists swear by. A tall, smoky or ribbed vase with a few dried branches or eucalyptus stems creates an elegant, sculptural moment for next to nothing, especially if you’ve foraged the branches on a walk. Affordable vase ranges are readily available and add instant interest and style. Pair it with a simple linen table runner underneath, or add it to the kitchen counter for added interest and fragrance.
Our picks:
From left: Robert Gordon Terrain Vase, Muse Flow Decorative Vase, Bed, Bath and Table Cascade Ceramic Vase and Anko Tall Ribbed Ceramic Vase.
A ceramic or stone tray for the bathroom or bedside
Corralling your skincare, jewellery, or everyday bits and pieces onto a tray immediately makes a space look styled rather than cluttered. You can pick up stone and marble-look trays for next to nothing at discount department stores. Look for those or matte ceramic finishes rather than anything glossy or coloured. Stone, marble, or matte ceramic are less likely to date quickly.
We are loving:
From left: Morgan and Finch Scallop Marble Tray, Country Road Loft Marble Tray, Circa Ceramic Tray and Early Settler Poppi Bathroom Tray Pearl.
Warm, low lighting
Swap one bright overhead bulb for a warm-toned lamp or a set of pillar candles. Department stores, like Kmart, have simple ceramic and glass table lamps that fit this brief perfectly, often under $40. Quiet luxury is as much about atmosphere as objects, and softer light does a lot of the work.
Our picks:
From left: Kmart Fern Table Lamp, Douglas 50cm Rattan Table Lamp, Ikea Astrid Table Lamp and Santina Glass Table Lamp.
A jute or sheepskin accent piece
A jute pouf as an extra footrest or side table, or a sheepskin thrown over the back of an armchair, brings texture without adding visual noise. You can easily find an excellent jute pouf, sheepskin, or faux fur accent for around $50–$70 at homeware retailers.
Our picks:
From left: Target Cream Faux Fur Mat, La Grace Home Ombre Hand Braided Jute Cotton Pouf Ottoman and Aria Scalloped Natural/White Jute Indoor Mat.
Simple, oversized art in a plain frame
Skip anything busy or “matchy.” One large, simple print, such as a landscape, an abstract wash of colour, or even a black-and-white photo, in a plain timber or black frame reads as far more expensive than a gallery wall of small, mismatched pieces. Most home decor and department stores offer oversized framed prints that work perfectly for this.
