Just like the style, these shades make their statement. 
The understated luxury aesthetic necessitates more effort than its name implies: This trend in design—especially with paint shades—is centered on exuding subtle sophistication. Instead of showcasing your luxury items prominently, you carefully design your space to feel upscale without being overt about it. “The design is not necessarily minimalist, it's curated, timeless, and embodies a sense of lived-in character,” says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. Conveying understated luxury involves channeling a specific palette of hues and tones to achieve that ambiance.

“In the realm of decor, although most people still think of beiges and creams, we are beginning to see the use of more vibrant colors, gradually moving away from the neutral tones we saw so much of for so long,” says Steven Gottlieb, an agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Earthier colors and rust hues seem to be trending now in upholstery, so it stands to reason that we will see paint colors follow suit. Rich colors are distinctive and might be too intense for some people to live with, but color is making a comeback.”

Werner Segarra

What is Subtle Luxury?
The features of this aesthetic start with simple colors that evoke a sense of understated elegance—not showiness. “Subtle luxury paint shades are soft, neutral tones that create a sense of tranquility and relaxation,” says Danielle Perdue, interior designer and founder of DK HOME. “Soft, muted blues that reflect the water or sky; pale grays and earthy beige tones that mimic the natural environment." Paired with the right furnishings, these shades create a look that's indulgent but restrained and serene at the same time. According to Gottlieb, subtle luxury in fashion involves using simple colors in high-end fabrics. "The traditional colors for 'subtle luxury' are muted shades in the families of taupe, beige, gray, and cream, much like what we saw from the costume department of the show Succession," he says. "Luxury clothing brands like Brunello Cuccinelli have used these color palettes to convey an effortless and comfortable yet expensive look with high-end fabrics and materials in these muted or 'quiet' tones."

Chad R. Mellon

The Best Paints for a Subtle Luxury Aesthetic
When it comes to paint shades in particular, Perdue recommends selecting a palette with softer tones that evoke a sense of tranquility: Some of her favorites from Benjamin Moore include Pale Oak, White Dove, and Quiet Moments. At Sherwin-Williams, she prefers Natural Linen, Mindful Gray, and Drift of Mist. While many of these colors are off-whites or neutrals, you can also choose blues and greens. For deeper, more dynamic options, Kantz suggests the Sherwin-Williams shades Thunderous, Carnelian, Forged Steel, Prelude, and Antiquarian Brown. “Off-whites and greiges provide a stunning backdrop to other natural finishes, while deep muted greens and darker earth tones add depth to the room that is grounding and creates a more dramatic atmosphere for this aesthetic,” she says. How you apply your colors matters as well—particularly when you're aiming for a finish that exudes subtlety. “The quality of the paint or paint job can often convey subtle luxury, even more so than the choice of color palette,” Gottlieb says. “Finishes like Venetian plaster or high-gloss lacquer are expensive to achieve and don’t hide brushstroke imperfections.”

Decor That Complements Subtle Luxury Colors
When choosing a color palette for your particular space, Kantz suggests examining your existing furniture, artwork, light fixtures, and home accessories to determine if a lighter color scheme will feel more harmonious. Then, you can start adding elements with more dramatic, deeper tones from room to room with your area rugs, artwork, and pillows and blankets.
Essentially, a neutral backdrop offers a blank canvas for the rest of your space.
“Choosing a neutral color palette like cream or white for your wall, carpets, tiles, or sofas will allow for bolder choices when incorporating soft pastels, metallics, and earthy tones,” says David Harris, an agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Deep, richer colors can be best implemented through soft furnishings like throws, pillows, and bed linens.”
Once you've settled on your colors and painted your walls, decorating in subtle luxury is all in the details. Metallic accents like gold, silver, and bronze add a touch of sophistication. If you prefer a nature-inspired approach, woods, and natural textures like rattan and pale oaks work with subtle luxury paint colors by adding warmth and depth.
Look for "iconic furniture pieces or furniture styles that are simple yet elegant, with a curved or rounded shape," Kantz says. And the experts agree that authentic materials are worth the investment: Avoid wood laminate and faux finishes in favor of genuine wood flooring and stone countertops.
Ultimately, the main rule to remember is to not overstate opulence—as the name implies, keep it subtle. “Less is more,” Perdue says. “Go with simple furniture layouts that feel relaxed and inviting yet sophisticated—not busy or overwhelming.”