What Is Gen Z’s “Quiet Luxury” Trend?

Gen Z is the next generation breaking into the homebuying market, and a trend they’ve been buzzing over is the appeal of “quiet luxury.” 

What makes luxury quiet? 

It’s all about understated elegance and opulence, according to Martha Stewart, which notes that the trend began in fashion when people began shying away from logo-forward apparel.  

“It echoes ‘old money’ tenets of a lived-in, sophisticated presentation – an ‘if you know, you know’ vibe that doesn’t draw attention to itself,” Martha Stewart says. It places emphasis on not overdoing design. 

What does it mean for Realtors®? 

“Quiet luxury isn’t just a passing design trend for the next generation; it’s a return to enduring value,” notes PAR District 1 Vice President Stephanie Biello. “In markets like Bucks County and Philadelphia, we see younger buyers moving away from flashy status symbols and focusing heavily on unique provenance, architectural integrity and authentic craftsmanship. They want homes that tell a story through understated elegance. It’s about investing in properties that whisper quality rather than scream it.” 

“The trend is completely redefining how we position high-end real estate,” she adds. “Today’s younger buyers aren’t chasing raw square footage for the sake of status; they are prioritizing curation, substance and emotional resonance. For real estate professionals, this means shifting our focus from selling physical boundaries to articulating the narrative of a curated lifestyle.” 

What does quiet luxury look like at home? 

From Martha Stewart, here are five ways quiet luxury is showing up in the homes of Gen Z and others hopping on the trend.  

1. Displaying everyday items as décor. 

This may include leaving a beautiful pot on the kitchen counter or displaying an aesthetic array of skincare products on the bathroom counter. 

2. Opting for quality over quantity. 

Quiet luxury focuses on fewer, high-quality pieces rather than more inexpensive ones. Pieces that make a statement, whether through design or material quality, are go-to choices. 

3. Using lighting intentionally. 

Layered lighting creates depth and ambiance that elevates any room. This is achieved through incorporating ambient, task and accent lighting, as well as leaning on natural light. 

4. Adding artisanal touches. 

Luxury retail pieces aren’t required to achieve the quiet luxury trend. One-of-a-kind items, like handmade ceramics, woven textiles and artisanal pottery, add character, authenticity and a deluxe feeling.  

5. Allowing for a lived-in look. 

“Quiet luxury is the opposite of sparse and sterile – and an important part of that look is allowing your home to be lived-in, rather than feeling too staged,” Martha Stewart says. This may be achieved by incorporating personal interests, like books and framed pictures.