LeBron and Savannah James's kitchen masters a 'subtly sophisticated' design trend that's increasingly popular for 2024

Quiet luxury may have emerged as last year's chicest kitchen movement – but designers say its influence will prevail for seasons ahead

LeBron James
(Image credit: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

For those who have a keen interest in design trends, the term 'quiet luxury' is no new phenomenon.

The movement, which first emerged in 2023, is a celebration of understated elegance, timeless appeal, and high-quality materials that combine to create a serene space. These qualities translate to all rooms, but arguably, no room lends itself to quiet luxury quite like the kitchen – and nobody has nailed it quite like LeBron and Savannah James.

Designed by Tiffany Brooks and her team, the Los Angeles Lakers player and his wife Savannah created an all-white kitchen that oozes quiet luxury – from the veined marble island, countertops, island, and backsplash to the matte gold finishes that bring just the right amount of glamor to the neutral canvas.

Decorating with marble, whether in abundance like James or through smaller accents, is perhaps the most impactful way to tap into the design trend. Opting for veined marble, similar to that in James' Beverly Hills home, is not necessarily quick, seamless, or cheap, but it's one that Harvey Jones' design expert Melissa Klink suggests is worth the investment.

'Originating in the world of fashion, we're hearing quiet luxury mentioned more and more in interiors. Within the home, we translate this term to focus on the quality of materials selected and allowing them to dominate the style of the room; the blend of unique finishes creates spaces that are immediately elegant and softer as a result of the layered combinations. Nothing garish. Think thicker worktop slabs with specialized edge detailing instead of obvious bold and colorful veins of marble,' Klink says,

A marble kitchen with pink accents

A quietly luxurious space similar to LeBron and Savannah James's.

(Image credit: Future)

Klink is not alone in her observations. Teri Simone, the head of design at Nieu Cabinet Doors, agrees but reminds us that we can tap into the look on every kind of budget.

'Quiet luxury is the subtle sophistication of design. Rather than big, chunky, blingy designs, it's flowing marble veining, luxe gold and brass hardware, and unlacquered metals that age and patina with time. Pairing marble with gold and brass has become increasingly popular in the past few years, and for good reason,' Simone begins.

'The combination of flowing movement that comes from marble (or quartz with marble veining) and the glow and glam of brass make for a space that is instantly high-end. There are ways to do this for any budget – whether it be shopping for marble replicas like quartz or porcelain counters or opting for more affordable hardware in the same brass tones. Incorporating quiet luxury into any project will give you that oasis you've dreamed of.'


Shop the marble kitchen edit

Investing in a marble countertop, backsplash, or island will impress through the years, but these more accessible accessories are also sure to stand the test of time.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.