‘Hushed interiors’ explained: Experts discuss the new luxury minimalist trend

Minimalism has long been a popular trend in interior design, especially in the luxury space where movements like ‘quiet luxury’, designed to convey a luxurious feel without being overstated or ostentatious, have seen recent bursts in popularity.
In the same mould as these trends, the latest luxury minimalist trend, ‘hushed interiors’, combines elements of the two to create a discrete and understated, yet opulent feel.

To explain the appeal behind the trend, Mike Whitfield, luxury interiors expert at LUSSO, and interior designer Ola Jachymiak have highlighted some of the key features of hushed interiors, and how to incorporate them in your home.
Mike shares: “Hushed interiors are a new take on minimalist, understated interior design. The style embraces sleek lines and discreet decor to make a statement, removing unnecessary protrusions or divisions, and keeping clutter to an absolute minimum. We’ve seen our customers embrace this aesthetic, with some of our best selling products in our kitchen and bathroom ranges matching the trend, and Google searches for ‘minimalist bathroom ideas have seen an 85 per cent increase in the last year.”
Minimalism does not mean emptiness

Mike explains: “When it comes to minimalist design, the most common mistake customers make is misunderstanding the balance between simplicity and emptiness. A hushed interior involves stripping back clutter in order to highlight colours, shapes and materials, however, the space should still provide functionality and style rather than leaving it feeling sterile.
“Minimalism is about creating harmony and balance, not reducing a space to its bare minimum, as this can lead to a lifeless and cold ambience. For example, basins and kitchen taps are key features of a bathroom and kitchen, they should be thoughtfully integrated into the overall space, not left isolated. A minimalist design should be uncluttered, but also needs to flow.”
Ola adds: “I believe one of the most common mistakes people make is misunderstanding what minimalism is. Minimalism isn’t about eliminating everything – it’s about making intentional, thoughtful choices. When a client wants to pursue a minimalist interior, I recommend curating a few key elements that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, creating a balanced and harmonious space.
“Instead of simply minimising, focus on creating purposeful, inviting, and refined spaces. I also emphasise that minimalist design can still have warmth and personality, using quality materials, textures, and subtle colours to avoid a sterile or lifeless look.”
A simple, neutral colour palette is essential

Mike shares: “A considered colour palette plays a crucial role in creating a tranquil ambience in a hushed bathroom or kitchen. Neutral hues evoke a sense of calmness and provide a versatile backdrop for incorporating accents and textures. Monochrome schemes, featuring different shades of the same colour, can also help to create a cohesive look.
Ola continues: “I create hushed interiors by focusing on a palette that’s soft, muted, and calming. I believe that subtle, neutral colours – like warm greys, off-whites, and gentle earth tones — help promote a sense of tranquillity.”
Texture is just as important as colour

Mike comments: “Texture is an incredibly important element when it comes to minimalism. Matte finishes, smooth stone, brushed metals and wood surfaces can elevate the space without overwhelming it. Poor use of both visual and physical texture can make a space feel cheap, whilst using texture and materials effectively will create a premium feel. The key is to avoid using too many clashing textures that can make a space feel disjointed and uncoordinated. Opt for a small selection that complements each other.”
Ola expands: “Using natural materials, such as wood, linen and stone, allows us to bring in texture without disrupting the calm, minimalist aesthetic. Layering textures thoughtfully, through rugs, soft cushions, and simple ceramics, can create a sense of depth, comfort and character. I also pay careful attention to acoustics, incorporating soft furnishings and materials that absorb sound to enhance the peaceful atmosphere. The result is a space that feels serene, grounded, and harmoniously quiet.”
Floor space is key in a hushed bathroom

Mike says: “Wall hung fixtures such as wall radiators, taps, basins and vanity units are key to achieving a ‘hushed bathroom’ aesthetic, as they keep the floor space clear, allowing for easier cleaning and the illusion of more space. For the basin, it’s best to keep it small and unintrusive. LUSSO’s Levitare basin for example works beautifully in hushed interiors. As the world’s slimmest basin, it occupies minimal space and features a concave surface for seamless drainage to ensure a minimalist appeal.
“When designing a minimalist bathroom you should consider every element, from fixtures to finishes. Avoid mismatched materials or overly contrasting colours, as these can disrupt the flow and create unnecessary visual clutter. I recommend selecting one focal feature such as a freestanding bath or vanity unit, and working minimal accessories around this such as a bath caddy, side table or indoor plants.”
Ola shares: “When designing minimalist bathrooms, I focus on creating a simple, symmetrical, clutter-free space where every element is both functional and aesthetical, always chosen with intention. The key is subtle neutral tones like whites, greys, and beiges, paired with high-quality materials such as stone, wood, metal, or micro-cement, to create a calm, inviting atmosphere.
“Hidden storage is essential to keep visual clutter at bay, and elements like a floating vanity unit or a frameless shower contribute to the sense of openness. Lighting is another critical consideration, so I ensure that it’s soft and diffused, complementing the simplicity of the design. Ultimately, our approach is to create a bathroom that feels like a peaceful retreat- luxurious yet simple, sophisticated yet comfortable.”
Hushed kitchens thrive on secret storage

Mike shares: “One of the hallmarks of ‘hushed kitchen’ design is the emphasis on clean, uninterrupted surfaces. By keeping countertops and cabinets free from clutter, the kitchen becomes a seamless and inviting space. For a truly seamless look, choose integrated sinks that are built directly into the countertop. Backsplashes are also an important element in creating clean, interrupted surfaces in a minimalist kitchen. Style continuous panels or large kitchen tiles to cover the walls behind your counters. This eliminates grout lines, creating a smooth, seamless surface.
“Hushed kitchens thrive on hidden storage solutions that keep countertops clear. Opt for pull-out drawers, corner cabinets and hidden compartments that conceal everything from cookware to small appliances. The aim is to achieve a space where only the essentials are visible, ensuring the surfaces remain clutter-free. Even wall mounted storage can be hidden within cabinets to maintain the clean lines of a kitchen.”
Ola adds: “Hushed kitchens should prioritise both practicality and visual purity. I focus on clean lines, seamless surfaces, and open spaces. It always starts with an in-depth discussion with clients to understand their needs and how they use the kitchen. We aim to maximise invisible solutions, such as hidden or integrated appliances, which are key to maintaining a streamlined look. Our minimalist kitchens embrace neutral tones, often featuring white, beige, stainless steel, or natural wood elements to add warmth.”
Partner hushed interiors with complementary trends

Mike explains: “The hushed interiors trend can be paired beautifully with a variety of styles and aesthetics. While it has its own unique identity, it works particularly well alongside similar minimalist interior styles including Scandi and Japandi aesthetics. All of these trends prioritise functionality and openness in a space, making heavy use of simplistic colour palettes and natural materials to create a stripped back, yet harmonious feel in an interior space.”
Ola comments: “I find that minimalist designs thrive alongside contemporary industrial and mid-century aesthetics, particularly inspired by the iconic case study houses of the 1960s, where raw, unpolished materials like concrete, steel, glass and wood are celebrated for their inherent beauty.”
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