Quiet Luxury: The Home as a Modern Retreat

After years of open-concept layouts and bold design, today’s buyers are rediscovering the beauty of balance. The new definition of luxury living centers on serenity, craftsmanship, and connection. Across the North Shore, quiet luxury living reflects a lifestyle of ease and intention — where comfort meets refined simplicity.

From Showcase to Sanctuary

Across the North Shore and along the Lake Michigan coastline, more buyers are searching for refined homes that soothe rather than impress. They want spaces that slow life down.

For example, cozy reading nooks, spa-like baths, and intimate dining areas create connection and comfort. Homes are now designed for how we feel in them — not just how they look.

Even in larger estates, design has softened. Layered textures, warm woods, and gentle lighting build a sense of peace. As Architectural Digest explains, today’s interiors embrace “quiet luxury,” celebrating craftsmanship, natural light, and tactile materials that make a space feel warm and enduring.

Wellness as the New Status Symbol

At the same time, wellness design continues to shape high-end living. Homeowners are adding elements that bring nature, light, and comfort indoors. For instance, indoor greenery, soft water sounds, and natural stone all promote calm and clarity.

According to Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report, mentions of wellness-inspired features in home listings — such as saunas, spa-style baths, and cozy reading nooks — rose by more than 30% year over year, underscoring how wellness has become a defining element of modern luxury living.

Across the North Shore, I’m seeing more clients add infrared saunas, cold plunge pools, and yoga rooms at home. These thoughtful spaces help them rest and reset.

Ultimately, real luxury isn’t about how grand your home is — it’s about how grounded it makes you feel.

The Role of Staging in Creating Calm

Design professionals are also embracing this softer, slower approach. Local stager Maureen Longua of Harlowe Home Staging calls it “understated sophistication.” She often combines neutral palettes, natural textures, and curated art to create balance without excess.

I recently spoke with Maureen about her creative process during the staging of my 1015 Sheridan Road listing — including how she layered light, texture, and emotion to bring this vision to life. You can watch our full conversation on YouTube here.

Design experts echo that sentiment. Houzz recently featured top designers discussing how 2025’s most inspiring interiors center on warmth, curves, texture, and materials that invite calm. Similarly, Houzz’s trend report highlights that the most successful staging feels “collected and calming rather than curated.”

Even small details make a difference. A linen throw, a ceramic vase, or soft drapes can instantly make a room feel more serene. These touches help transform houses into modern luxury retreats that feel truly personal.

A Return to Meaningful, Quiet Luxury Living

As the holidays approach, this idea of home as retreat becomes even more meaningful. Lighting a fire, gathering friends for dinner, or simply watching snow fall through the window — these moments remind us why home matters.

In essence, modern luxury isn’t about perfection. Instead, it’s about connection — to the season, to the people we love, and to the feeling of peace that home provides.

House Beautiful recently called this movement “neutral maximalism” — layered, tactile, and intentionally soothing — proving that calm design can be every bit as expressive as color.

My Perspective

I believe the most beautiful homes are the ones that nurture us. They’re places where design meets intention and luxury meets ease. During the holidays, when life feels busier, a peaceful home becomes the best gift of all.

Whether you’re dreaming of a serene lakefront escape or a timeless North Shore residence, I would love to help you find a home that feels like your personal sanctuary.

Let’s start the conversation. Follow along on Instagram @LindaKMartinRealEstate for a closer look at design, lifestyle, and life from city to shore.