Giava Interiors: How to Bring the Old Money Aesthetic into the Modern Home

A quiet shift is taking root in interior design — one that favours heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Referred to as the “old money aesthetic,” this design philosophy goes beyond visual appeal. It embraces substance over spectacle, restraint over excess, and legacy over novelty.

More than a style, the old money aesthetic reflects a value system rooted in generational wealth and enduring tradition. It evokes permanence — of homes created not for fleeting social media moments, but for the inheritance of future generations.

Interior designer Vinette Diab-Nicholls, CEO and Head Designer at GIAVA INTERIORS, shares her expert insight on how to cultivate this coveted aesthetic within a contemporary home. From thoughtful material choices to skilled craftsmanship, she outlines the essential elements that give the old money aesthetic its unmistakable depth and quiet confidence.

Invest in Solid-Wood Furniture: The Foundation of Longevity

At the heart of the old money look is furniture made to last — not for seasons, but for generations. Solid wood, particularly oak, walnut, or mahogany, forms the backbone of this design approach. These pieces bring warmth, integrity, and a character that only deepens with time, developing a patina that tells a story.

Flat-pack or trend-driven designs are best left aside. Instead, look for heirloom-quality items: a well-proportioned dining table, a classic roll-arm sofa with turned legs, or a robust cabinet with understated detailing. Even contemporary pieces should maintain a sense of grounding and pay homage to classical proportions. Here, quality of craftsmanship always takes precedence over decorative excess.

2. Celebrate the Unique: Custom and Handcrafted Pieces

In the world of quiet luxury, true exclusivity lies in craftsmanship, not branding. The old money aesthetic favours pieces that feel bespoke — custom-built furniture and hand-finished details that speak to artistry and intention.

Commissioning local artisans or boutique workshops allows homeowners to create made-to-measure elements that truly fit their space and story. A hand-turned baluster, a tailored built-in library, or perfectly stitched drapery can elevate a space in a way that off-the-shelf items never could.

Accessories also benefit from this mindset. Hand-knotted rugs, bespoke lighting, and artisan-made décor items carry a tactile richness and soulfulness. Even seemingly mundane details — such as drawer pulls, curtain rods, or lampshades — take on significance when carefully selected from craftspeople who value precision and heritage.

3. Choose Materials That Age Gracefully

There is a certain quiet confidence in materials that improve with time. Natural stone, solid timber, unlacquered brass, and full-grain leather offer enduring appeal — maturing beautifully rather than wearing out.

From honed marble countertops to hand-finished oak floors or linen upholstery that softens with use, every surface can contribute to a sense of timelessness. Textiles should lean into natural fibres — wool, cotton, and linen over synthetic alternatives — for a tactile, organic feel.

Flooring options such as herringbone parquet, limestone slabs, or reclaimed wood add historical resonance. Layering rugs with a vintage look introduces softness and narrative, further reinforcing a sense of continuity across time.

The Interior Designer’s Role: Curated Restraint

While this aesthetic draws from history, it is never accidental. Restraint is central to its elegance — and that level of refinement often requires a trained eye.

An experienced interior designer brings clarity and cohesion, helping to edit rather than embellish. Designers fluent in the old money vernacular understand how to source enduring materials, balance textures, and create flow without overstatement. Their skill lies in curating spaces that feel collected over time, not assembled overnight.

Whether styling a panelled study, a formal drawing room, or a serene bedroom dressed in crisp, monogrammed linens, a knowledgeable designer ensures each element contributes to the whole — elevating a home from stylish to storied.

Blend Tradition with Modern Touches

While the old money aesthetic leans on legacy, it need not reject the present. Modern pieces can bring freshness and vitality when chosen with discernment. The goal is not contrast for its own sake, but harmony.

Think sculptural light fixtures in classical rooms, or abstract art hung above an antique sideboard — touches that inject energy without overwhelming the integrity of the space. Clean-lined furniture in durable, natural materials can balance ornate millwork or traditional finishes, offering visual relief.

Technology, too, can be integrated subtly — motorised window treatments concealed behind drapery, or invisible audio systems — maintaining comfort without disturbing the visual narrative.

This approach is not about contradiction, but conversation. When modern clarity meets traditional depth, the result is a space with both soul and sophistication

Embrace Quiet Colour and Understated Glamour

In keeping with its ethos of subtlety, the old money palette leans towards muted, natural tones. Soft taupes, rich ivories, navy blues, moss greens, and ochres create a serene foundation for layered textures and materials.

Patterns should be used with restraint. Traditional motifs such as pinstripes, damasks, or florals work well when paired with solid neutrals to avoid visual noise. The goal is to achieve a sense of calm refinement — a room that feels composed rather than curated.

Texture adds dimension: polished wood, burnished brass, handwoven textiles. Glamour, when it appears, is always understated — a gleaming candlestick, a silk lampshade, or the soft glint of antique mirror glass.

7. Design with Legacy in Mind

The old money aesthetic is not defined by cost, but by value. It celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design choices that stand the test of time. In an age of disposable style, this approach is a quiet rebellion — one that honours provenance, embraces patina, and cultivates depth over decoration.

By investing in quality furniture, commissioning bespoke pieces, prioritising durable materials, and working with professionals who understand the nuances of the aesthetic, a home becomes more than just beautiful — it becomes meaningful.

It becomes a legacy.

Contact: Giava Interiors
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By Vinette Diab-Nicholls, CEO and Head Designer at GIAVA INTERIORS