If I am being honest, 'quiet luxury' has never been my favorite interior design style. I'm a bit of a maximalist, and the modern cream and tan 'old money' rooms that appeared on my timeline felt too sterile for my taste. It turns out, I just needed to go back in time to find the stealth wealth aesthetic that appeals to me: Elizabeth Taylor's living room.
A series of photos from 1987 shows Elizabeth reclining on the gray sofa in her Los Angeles home. The room has dark wood walls, with a Tiffany lamp behind the sofa and a small tree in a woven planter. In the background, one catches a glimpse of Liz's ornate chandeliers. It's quintessential quiet luxury, the '80s way.
What do I love about Taylor's space? First, the living room is expensive-looking, but understated. Rather than flashy finishes or high-drama materials like marble, she opts for a more classic dark wood look that feels simultaneously grounding and elevated. The cream sofa is a timeless bright spot that whispers its high price tag. It's proof that there's no single aesthetic for a quiet luxury living room.
Shop the look
This stylish tiffany lamp is a beautiful celebration of the classic look. It would look perfect on a console table behind a living room sofa.
Understated yet elegant (just like Elizabeth's sofa), this piece's understated design makes it a versatile choice for every kind of home. It features supremely comfortable upholstery and plush back cushions that add a sumptuous feel to its classic image.
This woven planter is similar to the one in the background of Elizabeth Taylor's living room. It's perfect for adding some subtle texture and elevation to your favorite plant.
Secondly, I love that this living room feels uniquely Elizabeth Taylor. Rather than simply tapping into the most popular trends of the moment, it features antiques and personalized art that celebrate the Hollywood icon's taste.
The figurine candlestick holders and the unusual, bikini-clad statue in front of the actress are the best examples.
Finally, the contrast of the more modern gray living room sofa makes the room all the more interesting.
Rather than sticking to a single modern or classic aesthetic, Elizabeth Taylor's space merges the two for an eclectic and intriguing space. It's a signal not to be afraid of mixing different styles, and that sometimes the most 'old money' luxurious rooms can be created in the merge between the two styles.
'Quiet luxury' has more than one meaning, as evidenced by Elizabeth Taylor's living room. What does it look like to you? Let us know in the comments.
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