id Library: Effortless Elegance

In interior design, it’s time to meet “relaxed luxury,” an of-the-moment décor movement coined by renowned architect and designer Chad Dorsey, who details what it means to live laidback (yet still elevated) in Relaxed Luxury, which is being released by Assouline on 25 February.

In his latest book, the renowned architect and designer introduces readers to this concept, providing an insightful guide to creating spaces that are understated yet deeply impactful. Dorsey takes us on a visual and conceptual journey through more than a dozen of his most iconic projects, spanning penthouses, historic homes and modern bungalows, primarily across his home state of Texas.

White seating makes way for the blues and greens of a splashy 1978 screenprint by Larry Poons in this otherwise neutral living space. Dorsey commissioned a custom area rug to fill the expansive living room floor and added a deep-seated sectional, making the interior feel current, relaxed, and casual but luxurious. © Nathan Schroder

Alongside the stunning imagery, the book is filled with actionable advice, including recommendations on paint colours, clever space-saving solutions and mood boards to inspire readers to bring the essence of relaxed luxury into their own homes. The central idea, as Dorsey explains, is to create spaces that feel approachable yet sophisticated, where the tactile and sensory experience of materials plays a starring role. “Relaxed luxury is understated,” he writes. “Often quiet, it can go unnoticed, but the user with a discerning eye will appreciate the details and the soothing feeling.” His ethos resonates with the growing desire for homes that exude authenticity and ease, favouring thoughtful details over ostentation. 

Andy Warhol’s portrait of Jackie Kennedy is framed by a console table by Marc Newson and a stool from Maison Gerard underneath a chandelier from Allied Maker and rug from The Rug Company. A deep black behind allows the colors, metals, and tones to effectively make an impression. © Douglas Friedman

The book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to live beautifully, proving that true luxury is not in excess but in the details that make life more meaningful. Assouline.com