These finds may help to tell a story of understated quietude without spending a fortune. (Which is shorthand for here are a few cozy ingredients for comforting rooms that won’t require you to add a second job or sell the kids.) These decor pieces below aren’t overscaled and may calm a corner of a den, home office, bedroom, or stair landing. Also be inspired by Michael Del Piero whose spare, textural, soulful work makes a case for quietude.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Tell a Story of Understated Quietude
If you love a minimal Belgian look, this chair may appeal:

I certainly don’t need another chair in my life (I have a slight chair hoarding issue), but isn’t this understated one swell?

Can’t say enough nice things about the tray table too – I own three of them because of the versatility and low cost.
Nearly Natural creates some of the best everlasting plants and trees, and you can see two of them here:

The beads are just perfect for every vignette imaginable…coffee tables, accent tables, nightstands, fireplace mantels. Still every stylist’s secret, I even drape special ones on lamps and bed posts:

Ideas for Inexpensive Decor & Understated Quietude
Does my chair remind you of the one on my mood board? Here are more ideas for that European inspired warm and cozy opulent vibe:


Are you rushing through small miracles? It’s okay if you are. What’s wonderful about true Presence is how time is a spiral. Even if you missed the miracle the first time around, its memory may revisit you later as awe and wonder show up with sweet consolation. We don’t always recognize the miracle instantly. I can’t claim to understand the inner workings of any of this; I can only testify Presence indeed draws near to the openhearted, to the brokenhearted.

Michael Del Piero Inspo
What is cozier than a gorgeous design book too pretty to hide on a shelf? This one showcases Michael Del Piero for those captivated by spaces where a sincere soulfulness and desire for the purely necessary prevails.

Photos: Richard Powers; Interior Design: Michael Del Piero
I learned about Del Piero’s work at a Chicago showhouse many moons ago. Her handsome book published by Beta-Plus is the next best thing to experiencing the beauty in person. (Even the physical book is a texturally wondrous object to display with its linen cover!)

Del Piero’s projects are organized into four sections: Relaxed, Refined, Rough and Restrained. For me, these qualities reside in the body of the designer’s signature work, and I admire how she remains true to a timeless aesthetic, indifferent to TikTok-y trends or reinvention.

Soulful Interiors: Hog Creek (East Hampton, New York)
In a secluded East Hampton hideaway, crisp white rooms are layered in a globally sourced collection of textures.

Important works of art mix with modern rustic forms.

The home’s interior style is purposefully spare to leave space for beautiful work yet imagined.


Do textural pieces collected by Del Piero hail from off the beaten trail, discovered through friendship with locals?

Lakeside Retreat in Fond Du Lac, WI
A major renovation for a small, 1920s stone cottage on the lake in Wisconsin, this home is now graced with wood floors from Paris and antique French stone.

Vintage and custom pieces sing harmoniously in a home that is both luxurious and livable.


How to add European villa sophistication yet retain earthy cottage charm? Skip the clutter, and hire Del Piero!

The cottage’s kitchen was re-oriented to capture the light and beautiful waterside views.


Oh, this kitchen! Did you even notice the refrigerator in the image above? How does one camouflage an object as imposing as a refrigerator in a minimalist setting?

Only Michael Del Piero magic is up for the task!

Do add this stunning book to your collection, and visit the designer at her Chicago Design Studio or Hamptons Design Studio.

Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
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