Quiet luxury is over, but what's replacing it? Rather than a return to full, opulent glamour homeowners are embracing an in-between approach that honors the beauty of high-end materials, while grounding them in real-life practicality. French interior design provides an excellent blueprint for this new liveable luxury.
Take, for example, actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's living room in their Parisian apartment. The couple lived in the flat from 1960-1961 while filming , and, though it's been over 60 years since the space was photographed, its understated Francophile approach to luxury still feels relevant. It incorporates opulent materials like marble, crystal, and a gilded mirror, but grounds them with modern touches like stoneware, wood furnishings, and a woven basket.
This contrast is central to nailing 2026's favorite high-end aesthetic.
The new luxury is all about incorporating pieces that feel emotional and evoke a sensory response. Inspired by Paul and Joanne's home, dove into where this shift has come from and how to use French design like the couple's to bring it to life. We also curated an edit of items that look like those in Paul and Joanne's living room, to make it easy for you to recreate their style.
George Oliver Barajas Record Storage Console
Natural wood is the perfect way to ground statement materials like marble and gild. This stylish mid-century shelf is the perfect place to store your records or books for a strong dose of personality.
A gold-rimmed mirror with an ornate frame like this one, makes a real statement. If you're looking for an utterly timeless way to make a room appear larger, this is it.
A vinyl record player is a must-have if you wish to replicate the good vibes of Joanne and Paul's living room. This one has a stunning look and comes at an affordable price point, making it easy to unlock the same energy.
La Scala Candle Wall Light
This beautiful wall sconce has all the glamor of a crystal chandelier with easier install. I think it would look beautiful on either side of an fireplace for a stunning cohesive look.
This living room features a Persian-style rug, and this stunning one from Matthew Williamson's collaboration with Ruggable is ornate and storied. It has the added benefit of being durable and washable. Its orangey red shade feels like a sunset on your floor.
Allmodern Mable Black 13.45'' Table Vase
Sleek and sculptural, this black glass vase adds a modern edge to any sideboard. Its distinctive shape makes it a striking accent, even when displayed alone, while the 4'' mouth is ideal for a few statement stems or simple greenery.
As we see in the Persian rug and linen tablecloth in Paul and Joanne's living room, incorporating textiles is an essential element to grounding a luxurious scheme. Megan Slack, design expert and head of Celebrity Style at , explains: 'The natural grain of fabric is a wonderful option for grounding luxe materials like marble and gild.'
The wooden sideboard is another accent that creates a lived-in feel, and is easy to add to any home. It has personality, but also feels down-to-earth.
Incorporating pops of color, like the green in this space is also essential to escaping the quiet luxury beige bubble. 'A well-chosen color scheme provides a versatile foundation that allows your personal style to shine through, while also creating a calm and inviting atmosphere,' explains design expert Graeme Smith.
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Though these touches are small, they represent a commitment to design that feels both functional and elevated. It's luxury, but designed for the living.
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