Quiet luxury interiors, known for their understated elegance, offer a refined approach to design that speaks for itself. But why does luxury need to be defined by a minimalist approach? While such designs are often clean and sophisticated, they tend to focus more on simplicity than on personal storytelling.
In comes Loud Luxury, breaking that mould by making a bold statement through rich and opulent colours, eye-catching decor, and unique designs that unapologetically demand attention.
Explaining how the two styles differ, Mike Whitfield, luxury interior expert at LUSSO shares: “Quiet Luxury heavily focuses on subtle touches and refined design. It’s luxury that whispers rather than shouts, embracing design elements such as minimal and clean aesthetics, high-quality materials, neutral colours and timeless decor.
“Loud Luxury, on the other hand, embraces a ‘more is more’ approach using bold designs to create memorable spaces. It still incorporates elements of quiet luxury blended with bold maximalism, striking a tasteful balance that enhances a space without overwhelming it.”
Below, Mike Whitfield, luxury expert at LUSSO, and Kat Habershon, founder of Rivela Interiors, define Loud Luxury and explain how to implement this in your home.
Every detail matters
Mike explains: “The fine details really matter when it comes to Loud Luxury, and consideration to quality should be made at every turn.”
“Focus on textures and high-quality materials, as these define luxury and are likely to transcend interior trends due to the timeless appeal of materials such as stone and marble. Think marble with distinctive veining, fluted stone, matte concrete and rich woods that add depth and dimension – these tactile elements are the foundation of luxury.”
“Colour and pattern play another key role in Loud Luxury. Colour is used to sculpt mood, ambience and identity within a space, while patterns add energy and unpredictability to a space. Design techniques such as colour drenching, with tiles for example, helps to create immersive environments that stir emotion and spark interest.”
“However, the true hallmark of Loud Luxury is individuality. It celebrates creative freedom, mixing influences, eras and design languages to reflect the unique personality of the homeowner.”
“Although Loud Luxury focuses on boldness and striking pieces, the small details still matter. Opulent finishing touches such as gold taps, decorative hardware, and accessories inject character and complete the story.”
Where Loud Luxury thrives
Kat states: “A living room is a wonderful way to go ‘all in’ with Loud Luxury. An extra large, deep-seated sofa in a forest green or a dark chocolate brown with textured cushions is always a great place to start. Bathrooms are also ideal because you can create a luxurious place to retreat to, that transports you somewhere else, away from the mundanity of day-to-day life.”
Mike adds: “Loud Luxury works beautifully in any space where you want to make a lasting impression. A living area is the perfect place to start, as it’s often the first room guests experience, so it sets the tone of a home. Pair a striking centrepiece sofa with oversized artwork, sculptural coffee tables, or patterned rugs to layer texture and personality. The key is to mix exceptional materials with expressive design details that command attention without cluttering the space.”
“Bathrooms are another ideal setting for Loud Luxury style. A freestanding marble bath instantly elevates a bathroom, especially when paired with metallic accents such as a gold floorstanding bath tap. Consider colour drenching in a rich tone such as terracotta or forest green, to create a cohesive, cocooning ambience. Unique pendant lighting adds a final note of drama and distinction to a bathroom.”
Avoiding common Loud Luxury pitfalls
“Loud Luxury should feel completely bespoke, mixing and matching high-end with unique and individual pieces. Vintage finds and collaborating with independent designers produce something far more personal.”
Mike continues: “While Loud Luxury embraces boldness and personality, there’s a fine line between curated and chaotic. The key to this interior design is confident restraint – knowing when to go big and when to pull back.”
“Not knowing the limit of where luxury turns into ostentation is a common issue, as is not allowing key pieces to breathe. Your eye needs to rest at certain points, otherwise the space becomes overwhelming.”
According to Mike, some common pitfalls include:
Over accessorising
“Too many accessories or patterns can dilute the design and lead to visual overload. Strategic empty space helps amplify statement elements.”
Clashing colours or materials
“Bold hues are essential, but they need to be intentional. Without a cohesive palette, the room can feel disjointed. Similarly, mixing too many materials can disrupt flow. High-quality finishes like marble, velvet, and concrete work best when harmonised.”
Ignoring function
“Overlooking comfort, layout, and flow can result in a space that looks beautiful but doesn’t work for daily life. Follow the 70/30 rule: 70% of the space should be grounded in a dominant style or colour palette, while 30% is for contrast and surprise. Without that balance, Loud Luxury loses its focus and becomes a collection of ideas rather than a cohesive interior.”
Kat adds: “Don’t create a Loud Luxury space just to impress other people. It has to be an individual space that feels authentic to you and the things that you love.”
