Rediscovering Liveable Luxury: Paul Newman's 60s Parisian Living Room

Quiet luxury may be on its way out, but what's taking its place? Homeowners are now embracing a balanced approach that honors high-end materials while grounding them in everyday practicality. French interior design offers the perfect blueprint for this new liveable luxury.

Take the Parisian apartment of actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, where they lived from 1960 to 1961 while filming Paris Blues. Though over 60 years have passed since the space was photographed, its understated Francophile elegance still feels remarkably relevant. The room combines opulent elements like marble, crystal, and a gilded mirror with grounding touches such as stoneware, wood furnishings, and a woven basket.

This contrast is central to nailing 2026's favorite high-end aesthetic. The new luxury is all about incorporating pieces that feel emotional and evoke a sensory response. Inspired by Paul and Joanne's home, we've delved into where this shift comes from and how to use French design to bring it to life in your own space.

Recreate Joanne and Paul's Look at Home

To help you capture their style, we've curated an edit of items that echo the couple's living room decor:

• Natural Wood Storage: A mid-century record console or bookshelf adds warmth and personality, grounding statement materials like marble.
• Ornate Mirror: A gold-rimmed mirror with intricate detailing makes a timeless statement and visually enlarges the room.
• Vinyl Record Player: A retro turntable brings the same good vibes and serves as a conversation piece.
• Crystal Wall Sconce: For the glamour of a chandelier with easier installation, place these on either side of a fireplace for a cohesive look.
• Persian-Style Rug: An ornate, washable rug in warm tones adds color and texture, anchoring the space.
• Sculptural Vase: A sleek black glass vase adds a modern edge to any sideboard, perfect for displaying a few stems.

The Power of Textiles and Color

As seen in the Persian rug and linen tablecloth, incorporating textiles is essential to grounding a luxurious scheme. Megan Slack, design expert and head of Celebrity Style at Homes & Gardens, explains: "The natural grain of fabric is a wonderful option for grounding luxe materials like marble and gild."

A wooden sideboard is another accent that creates a lived-in feel, adding personality while remaining down-to-earth. Adding pops of color, like the green in this space, is also crucial to escaping the quiet luxury beige bubble. Design expert Graeme Smith notes: "A well-chosen color scheme provides a versatile foundation that allows your personal style to shine through, while also creating a calm and inviting atmosphere."

Though these touches may seem small, they represent a commitment to design that feels both functional and elevated. It's luxury, but designed for living.