Cover Chinese portrait doors are used to hide the entertainment system in the music room, which features furniture and authentic stuffed animals and skins from the Victorian period
Chinese portrait doors are used to hide the entertainment system in the music room, which features furniture and authentic stuffed animals and skins from the Victorian period
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What does “old money” look like, and how can you incorporate it into your home?
Understated luxury is “a serene and refined form of opulence that you’re comfortable with and enhances your well-being physically and spiritually,” defines lifestyle authors Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre.
The “old money” aesthetic has always been synonymous with quiet luxury. Think art collections, antiques and heirloom pieces that have been in the family for generations. “It does not have to scream by calling too much attention or by having obviously expensive pieces or status symbols. It prefers quality and timelessness—the classics of tomorrow that the next generation can inherit,” share Toledo and Vijandre. The “old money” style is commonly perceived as more understated compared to the ostentatious showcase of “new money.” While “new money” aesthetics proudly displays wealth and avant-garde innovation, “old money” places value on discretion, elegance and family history.
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Above Antique wedding art from India, which shows a maharaja dancing with his many wives, is displayed at the entrance to the kitchen of Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre’s home
Antique wedding art from India, which shows a maharaja dancing with his many wives, is displayed at the entrance to the kitchen of Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre’s home
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Designing one’s home in this style takes balance and symmetry. Everything in a room should work in harmony and shouldn’t sacrifice comfort for aesthetics, marrying both for a cosier feel. A soothing colour palette is preferred and materials play a key role with a penchant for natural textures that embody confidence in their wealth. “Fabrics like silk, damask and linens for sofas and curtains. Abaca and silk for rugs. Wood, marble and travertine for floors and furniture,” says Toledo.
Vijandre notes that it’s important to have a mixture of old and new furnishings. “It should look lived in and not like it was just bought and fixed by the interior designer yesterday,” he explains.
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Proper lighting also contributes immensely to how lively a space can feel. “Some natural light together with thoughtfully designed interior lighting, table lamps with warm bulbs that are inviting and make the area glow, track lights for artworks and objects to name a few,” shares Vijandre.
Above The serendipitous pairing of a Neapolitan statue of the Virgin Mary and a locally sourced ivory dormido against Albertus Seba snake prints from the 18th century
The serendipitous pairing of a Neapolitan statue of the Virgin Mary and a locally sourced ivory dormido against Albertus Seba snake prints from the 18th century
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Ultimately, understated luxury is something that speaks to you on a personal level. For instance, incorporating art into your home is a great way to elevate its design, but only if the works resonate with you will it be truly effective. Because what is a home that doesn’t make people welcome but a house? “Old money and understated luxury whispers, it doesn’t follow trends. It prioritises comfort and one’s personal taste and style,” quips Toledo.
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Credits
Photography: Albert Labrador
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
