Our perception of luxury is always evolving, and its definition depends on two things – the zeitgeist and who you ask. Clean beige minimalism has been in favour for several years, but it appears the tide is turning back to out-and-out splendour once again – and it’s being done in a way that feels achingly cool and contemporary.
You’ll see details such as rich upholstery, hyper-polished chromes and characterful burr woods in abundance – all of which reintroduce warmth for a dynamic finish.
The result is still sophisticated and inviting, but gives neutral staples a welcome edge. All it takes is just one big-impact piece to transform a room. And John Lewis is bringing sumptuous elegance home with its ‘Modern Luxe’ collection – one of five recently launched design styles, also including ‘Rustic’, ‘Timeless’, ‘Heritage’ and ‘Scandi’.
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The go-to metal
Could 2025 be the year chrome becomes the default metal? From dining chairs to side tables, many of the hero furniture pieces are outlined in undulating tubular chrome. It plays just as well against leather as it does cord or velvet, and instantly gives metallic framing a fresh update.
The palette
Earthy chocolate tones are key to nailing ‘Modern Luxe’ – they’re neutral enough to ground the look, but more intense and interesting than beige. Large upholstered pieces will anchor a living area – the ‘Pleat’ sofa is a lozenge-shaped beauty in deep ginger – but you can also introduce these tones via subtle touches, such as a cocoa-hued cushion, or napkin on your tablescape.
With roots in the 1920s Art Deco scene and a spike in popularity in the 1970s, burr wood is experiencing a comeback, and its hypnotic swirls also echo this cocoa palette. Select pieces with rounded silhouettes that lean into its organic sensibilities.
The lighting
Adding pendant lights in cluster formations, like the eye-catching ‘Bubble’ and ‘Spaceship’ designs, will spotlight key areas while allowing a room to retain pockets of moodiness. These are enduring statement pieces that elevate any space, regardless of what you rotate in and out in the future.
In fact, if John Lewis’s latest range teaches us anything, it’s that while the interpretation of its charms may ebb and flow, luxury never goes out of style.
3 key pieces from the ‘Modern Luxe’ collection
With an emphasis on hyper-polished chromes, rich upholstery, and characterful burr woods, John Lewis’s newest range proves that a single show-stopping piece can transform a room and give neutral staples a welcome edge. Here are three key pieces from the collection to get you started:
John Lewis Spaceship Ceiling Light
John Lewis Glass Side Table
Main image: ‘Pleat’ four-seater chaise-end sofa, £3,299; coffee table in walnut, £399; ‘Spaceship’ ceiling light, £250; all available at John Lewis
Shop all this and get free, personalised advice with home design stylists in-store and online at John Lewis
