Gwyneth Paltrow’s wardrobe had the world reconsidering the definition of luxury when she entered the courtroom in March. Dressed in neutral hues and simple silhouettes, the Hollywood superstar avoided anything branded, extravagant or garish. Instead, she opted for considered, high-quality and timeless pieces. The term ‘Quiet Luxury’ quickly went viral, but the concept reaches far beyond fashion and, as designers will know, it’s a movement that’s been gaining momentum within the world of interiors in recent years.
A report from Design Worldwide Partnership (dwp) titled ‘Luxury in the 21st Century: A Holistic and Culturally Curated Approach’ explores just how much the perception of luxury has changed, and how it continues to evolve across design and architecture.
“Luxury is no longer synonymous with excess, but rather with authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship,” says Adriana Graur, Design Director at Design Worldwide Partnership. “It’s about creating spaces that are thoughtfully curated, where every detail serves a purpose and contributes to a meaningful experience,” she adds.
Below, the report takes a closer look at three key ways luxury has changed within interior design.
“The traditional definition of luxury, characterized by ostentatious displays of wealth and material possessions, has evolved into a more encompassing and enlightened concept.”
Luxury in the 21st Century: A Holistic and Culturally Curated Approach by dwp
Culturally Curated Luxury
“In our approach to luxury design, we believe in the power of cultural context. We strive to understand the history, traditions, and aspirations of the local community to create designs that resonate with the essence of the place. It’s about honouring the past while embracing the future, and creating spaces that have a genuine connection to their surroundings,” says Regis Robin from dwp.
Within the Middle East and North Africa region, we can see this in full effect in Saudi Arabian developments such as AlUla and Diriyah, both of which prioritise preserving the rich history of the Kingdom while taking inspiration from the past for the new designs.
Sustainable Luxury
A shift towards sustainability and social responsibility in luxury design is a response to the pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality, the report reads.
“Designers are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable practices into their projects. This commitment to sustainability not only reduces the environmental impact but also creates spaces that promote health, well-being, and harmony with nature.”
Tech-driven Luxury
Advancing technology is changing many things, and the perception of luxury is no exception. “Technology has opened up new possibilities for us as designers,” says Thomas Meir, Creative Director at dwp.
“We can now explore innovative materials, utilize advanced modelling techniques, and leverage artificial intelligence to create spaces that are intelligent, sustainable, and awe-inspiring. It’s about harnessing the power of technology to enhance the guest experience and push the boundaries of design.”
Advancing design software, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence all allow designers to visualize and create spaces with unprecedented creativity, allowing for the seamless integration of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. The resulting spaces will be more intelligent, efficient, and visually captivating than ever.
While the personal style of a world-famous actress brought new-look luxury to the attention of consumers across the globe, designers and architects have been shaping the trend for years.
You can read the full report from dwp here, and learn more about how tech is shaping the future of design by exploring these five A.I-imagined spaces inspired by history.