Start building your dream
Trend Spotlight: Muted Luxury in Modern Lighting Design
15 November 2023
Project Inspiration
In the dynamic realm of interior design, trends come and go, but some leave an enduring mark. One such trend that has been quietly making waves is the shift towards muted luxury in modern lighting design.
In the third of our trends series, we explore muted luxury when applied to the subtle elegance of luxury lighting fixtures. We'll discuss how it affects modern design and fits well with the overall concepts within modern lighting design.
The Essence of Muted Luxury in Lighting Design
Luxury lighting fixtures have long been associated with ornate chandeliers and elaborate designs, but the current trend is steering towards a more restrained aesthetic.
Muted luxury in lighting design emphasizes the use of subtle materials, clean lines, and a restrained color palette. Instead of ostentatious displays, designers are opting for fixtures that exude sophistication through simplicity, creating a sense of quiet opulence.
Luxury light fittings Case Study: Elizabeth Bolognino
Muted design principles are executed perfectly in this Upper East Side project designed by Elizabeth Bolognino, photographed by Adam Kane Macchia. Elizabeth Bolognino is an international Interior Designer who is known for a warm, yet refined sensibility in her signature "layered minimalism" style. She creates timeless interior designs using a mix of contemporary and antique.
In this project we see a combination of classic design with flares of colour, which creates a fun, yet minimal and serene space. The interior showcases the Gabriel Scott Myriad Chandelier 12 and Large Briolette Pendant, both displayed in a classic Alabaster White glass & Satin Brass metal.
You can view the full project case study here on the Elizabeth Bolognino website.
Integration into Modern Lighting Design
Modern lighting design has always been synonymous with innovation and pushing boundaries. Muted luxury seamlessly integrates into this ethos by offering a contemporary take on opulence. Designers are incorporating sleek, minimalist fixtures that serve as functional works of art. These fixtures not only provide practical light but also act as statement pieces that elevate the entire design scheme.
When considering lighting for luxury lighting design, the key is to strike a balance between functionality and elegance. Homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards luxury lighting fixtures that serve as both statement pieces and sources of ambient illumination. This convergence is exemplified in the use of brushed metals, frosted glass, and neutral tones—materials that seamlessly integrate into the muted luxury narrative.
Modern lighting design case study: Jennifer Welsh
Another example of muted luxury is the luxurious Lenox Avenue designed by Jennifer Welsh. Jennifer Welch is a highly respected interior designer, well known in the industry for the commitment to detail. She designs the interiors of each client's home to match their lifestyle and preferences. The design style is sleek, sophisticated, and includes texture and comfort.
This stunning kitchen interior combines drama and playfulness to create a striking yet inviting space. The kitchen features four Luna Pendants, which Jennifer describes as:
"adding the perfect touch: light, airy, and perfectly complementary to the marble and windows."
You can view the full project case study on the Jennifer Welsh website.
Smart Technology in luxury lighting fixtures.
The use of smart technology is pivotal when exploring lighting for luxury lighting design. Smart home systems let users adjust brightness and color to match their desired level of luxury.
This combination of understated elegance and cutting-edge technology defines the new wave of luxury lighting fixtures. Today's consumers expect the clean lines of modernity coupled with a refined simplicity.
Staying on trend with modern lighting design
In the ever-changing landscape of interior design, the trend of muted luxury emerges as timeless. For some, this boils down to a simple philosophy or a state of mind - that is is not a trend but rather a way of life. Timeless design maintains it's value as trends do not usually influence it.
By embracing simplicity, clean lines, and subtle materials, luxury lighting fixtures are redefining opulence for the contemporary age.
Although the term 'muted luxury' is new, the design principle is something that has been part of the Gabriel Scott brand since it's inception in 2012. We design our lighting collection with three key principles; timeless, customisable and versatile. A product design concept needs to align with this aesthetic for us to take the idea forward. The impact of the piece is through the use of bold forms, elegant lines, delicate detailing and contrasting hardware.
To capture refinement and sophistication, focus on craftsmanship, quality, and elegance in your components. Subtle details and a minimalist aesthetic, rather than relying on overt branding. Combining elegant luxury and contemporary lighting design results in visually stunning spaces that feel calm and sophisticated.
As we look to the future, it's evident that muted luxury is here to stay, leaving an indelible mark on the world of interior design.