What Is Demure Décor? How to Add the Sophisticated and Stylish Trend to Your Home

TikTok has a new beauty trend, and it's spawned a home design extension. It all started in August when influencer Jools Lebron posted a video about her "very demure, very mindful" makeup—a shift away from aesthetics like heavy contouring, dark eyeliner, and bright lipstick in favor of a more everyday, natural look. The phrase and video soon went viral; now we have demure décor, a similarly understated vibe for the home.

“It's a design approach that whispers rather than shouts," says Laura Hammett, the founder and creative director of her eponymous interior design firm. "It's really about finding that perfect balance between luxury and livability." Here, we take a closer look at the viral trend so you, too, can channel the sophisticated aesthetic.

What Is Demure Décor?

Pulling off the demure décore look is an exercise in subtlety. “It’s about creating spaces that feel intimate and luxurious, without being overtly bold or flashy,” says Elizabeth Vergara, owner and principal designer at Vergara Homes, a luxury design and build firm. “The style focuses on subtle details, neutral color palettes, and a calming, serene atmosphere.”

In other words, it's a pared-down approach. You're not creating a blank box, though—instead, demure décor calls for a thoughtfully curated space where all elements are focused on functionality and elegance. The result is sophistication without fuss.

Key Principles

The demure aesthetic is the opposite of maximalism. “Key principles of demure décor include restraint and balance,” says Vergara. “Every piece feels intentional.” Above all else, though, it's about comfort. Just as demure beauty prioritized casual over formal, this is a similarly everyday look.

Still, a cozy, lived-in home that retains its elegance and sophistication can sound like a contradiction—but it’s doable. “It reminds me of the timeless elegance we see in Parisian apartments or the refined simplicity of contemporary British design,” says Hammett. “The focus is on quality over quantity and letting each piece breathe and tell its own story. It shares DNA with the 'quiet luxury' movement, where the emphasis is on exceptional materials and craftsmanship, rather than obvious branding or bold statements."

Main Elements

Like quiet luxury, demure décor places an emphasis on quality, but also simplicity. To achieve this look, you'll need to pick the right materials. "I use beautifully textured, natural fabrics like linens and bouclés in soft, tonal colors," says Hammett. Similarly, Vergara emphasizes natural materials like wood and stone. “Textiles like velvet or cashmere are often used to introduce gentle textures without overwhelming the space,” she says.

Of course, lighting is important too. “It plays a crucial role," says Vergara. "It's often soft and ambient, and enhances the soothing atmosphere." In terms of a backdrop, simple, classic architectural elements are the way to go. These minimalist principals go for furniture, too, according to Vergara: Graceful, timeless silhouettes are the main priority.

Get the Look

The demure home begins with a clean slate, so if you want to implement it in your kitchen or living room, it's essential that you pare down your belongings first. Vergara recommends removing unnecessary items and focusing on creating a clean environment. From there, you can start to consider color palette, furniture, and decor. “Think soft grays, creams, and beiges,” she says. ”Then focus on selecting a few high-quality, timeless pieces of furniture. Layer soft textiles and add thoughtful, understated decor items, like ceramic vases or minimalist art.”

When acquiring pieces, remember the less-is-more maxim, and look for quality and functionality. "I've learned over my 20-year journey that it's better to invest in fewer, better pieces than to fill a space with items that won't last,” says Hammett. “Focus on creating moments of calm throughout your home with thoughtfully arranged vignettes and plenty of breathing space between pieces.”

Above all, though, be sure that the home you create is comfortable and livable. “The spaces we inhabit have the power to influence how we feel,” says Hammett. "So take your time to collect pieces that truly speak to you and bring you joy."