A new luxury is emerging

Everyone has their own definition of luxury.

But there’s also a common sense of what luxury means as a whole. For decades, luxury for many people was often defined by status. A nice car, a house, a watch, a home – it was often related to material goods. It was something you'd sometimes even work for, often for years. Let’s be honest, some people even saved money to buy a designer bag.

Now, the idea of luxury is slowly shifting.

It’s moving towards something quieter. Peace of mind. Connections that feel valuable. In times of AI, depression, burnout, and rising challenges, it seems that something is shifting in what people truly value.

People are waking up to the illusion that a nice material lifestyle can be a lot of fun, but it doesn’t really guarantee you health or peace of mind. It can feel shallow, and people now long for more depth.

People also realise that, by the end of this life, they’re leaving without any of it. So why chase a lifestyle?

For more and more people, luxury means things like:

• Having enough time to focus on what you truly like.
• Having the freedom to live a more relaxed lifestyle.
• A slower way of living, driven by purpose over status.

For some, it can also mean investing in a project, finally following a hobby, or fulfilling a dream. The definition of luxury is slowly changing as our perceptions are changing. Humanity is slowly waking up from many distortions that once shaped Planet Earth.

Many can feel that the way we used to live is no longer what we want. Especially in today’s world, with the rise of technology, there are new advantages but also new challenges. Everything is more fast-paced, so the need to calm down and take time for yourself can feel like a true luxury.

In times of overconsumption and access to social media 24/7, where you’re presented with all kinds of ideas, images, but also problems from random people across the world, it can be a luxury to simply take a break from social media and focus on your life. It can feel like breathing out.

In times of a results-driven society that still measures success by certain parameters to tick off, it can feel like a luxury to spend the weekend offline without thinking about work or other people’s expectations of you.

At a time when we have access to more possibilities than ever, while reported cases of depression and disease are on the rise, it can be a luxury to detach and calm your mind.

In times of generous access to various sources of data and information, and so many possibilities and options, it can be a luxury to step back and ask yourself what you truly want.

Past generations may have longed for some of the things we experience today in terms of possibilities. Yet sometimes, we crave what they had: more privacy, less access to noise or constant stimulation, and sometimes even a calmer life. Even if it brought other challenges for them, and life certainly wasn’t necessarily easier, today many people consider it a luxury to go back to the roots. More and more people may consider the countryside, fresh food, and meaningful conversations a luxury. For others, it may be something completely different.

That’s the beauty of luxury – it means so many different things to different people.

And by all means, it doesn’t mean our material lives have to vanish entirely or that we should never enjoy a luxurious holiday, a luxurious car, or a nice piece of fashion – quite the contrary. These things can be interwoven with this new definition of luxury, but to me, it feels like they simply become more of an experience you enjoy rather than a necessity to be someone.

As AI and generalised design become more and more common, including in how we produce things, handmade items can take on a new meaning. Some may appreciate the luxury of owning a high-quality piece made from beautiful fabrics.

But it’s also about the art of living. Fast-fashion brands and cheaper furniture can make us question how we live. Nice surroundings and a warm atmosphere can be a true luxury to spend time in. They can provide new inspiration and give the mind a break while appealing to the senses.

I personally feel that the way we used to define luxury is slowly shifting and will shift dramatically in the next years and decades.

And sometimes, it’s not about mourning old lifestyles for those who think back to the good old days when certain things were status symbols. Sometimes, it’s about moving with the times and questioning whether those things really mean as much as we once gave them meaning. Of course, that’s always an individual choice.

For those who want to stick to the traditional way of luxury, I’m sure there are plenty of options too.

But when you combine luxurious things with a new level of awareness, one that’s rooted in authenticity, fair trade, and a greater good for all, it can leave you with a deeper sense of making a true impact.

The more conscious we become of our actions, the more we can drive change on this Earth.

And maybe that’s the true luxury. Understanding that we’re the creators. We shape our communities, cities, and towns through our actions or lack of action.

The world will continue, but the question is how. It’s not predefined; it depends on what we make of it. And maybe, by starting to question the status quo, we’re already heading towards a future that’s brighter than some of the general forecasts may predict. It depends on us. So the question is not, will this Earth change? It becomes: What impact do you want to make, and how are you going to contribute to it?

The definition of luxury is ever-changing, depending on where you stand in life.

For me personally, my current definition of luxury is about having the freedom and creativity to build a business I truly value, one that follows the whisper and rhythm of my soul, but also to enjoy certain high-quality products. Having both – a conscious lifestyle with certain products you value – is, for me, the ultimate way of enjoying life while appreciating the things around you.

It’s about following my deep inner senses and creating a life that feels more and more like me, beyond someone else’s standards or adapting just to survive.

Journal prompt

What does luxury mean to you?

Feel free to follow @pureinspirationbylaura on Instagram and share your thoughts.

8 November 2026