Luxury In Perspective
How our definition of luxury is shifting to become more personal, wellness-focused and better for the environment.
By Hilary Farr
My home renovation is becoming a tragic comedy. I’ve parted with Electrician Number One, whom I nicknamed The Greek Destroyer. Electrician Number Two was perfect until a death in his family two days in took him away. Number Three: excellent first day. Then his one week of vacation was doubled courtesy of the Air Canada strike. Stress and exhaustion are now my norm.
As I sit down to write this article, what I really long for is a long soak in my tub filled with divine oils and aromas, listening to whatever I want for as long as I want and to hell with all the endless list of Other Things I Ought to be Doing running through my mind. In this moment, a worry-free soak feels like the ultimate luxury to me.
I strive for a lifestyle defined by intention, experience and visionary design. For me, the biggest luxury has always been time, but my definition is expanding to include personalization, craftsmanship and a seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality. Bonus points for pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and redefining comfort in the most elegant ways. Rather than following fleeting styles, luxury sets its own pace, creating trends that inspire the broader design world.
Spaces are now being designed with a “liveable luxury” mindset. The rise of wellness-centric design—think spa-like bathrooms, biophilic elements and serene colour palettes—demonstrates how luxury is setting new standards for healthy, intentional living. It begs the question: how do small luxuries differ across cultures and environments?
“Maybe luxury living is about creating a sense of place—one that reflects your personality, taste, and aspirations. Let’s aspire to turn everyday moments into extraordinary experiences.“
When I lived in California, I would open the curtains nearly every morning to blue, cloudless skies. I dreamed of rain, and to me, its sound beating on the roof seemed a faraway luxury. When I lived in England, the thought of sunshine year-round and a closetful of jeans and T-shirts seemed like a dream—the pinnacle of luxurious living. Luxury is all about perspective and geography!
Wherever we are, sustainability can and should be a hallmark of luxury living. Understanding the need comes first, followed by embracing the sheer, almost decadent gorgeousness and glory of natural, eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient systems and ethically sourced furnishings. You’ll notice these elements are increasingly important in high-end design. Luxury brands are leading this charge, mostly in Europe and Asia, finding ways to make opulence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. This shift not only reflects broader global concerns but also the evolution of luxury as a conscious choice—one that values longevity and impact as much as beauty.
So no matter where you live, you can decide on how to embrace and harness what resonates for you as luxury. Maybe luxury living is about creating a sense of place—one that reflects your personality, taste, and aspirations. Let’s aspire to turn everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. Like my bathtub time! As luxury continues to evolve, it will remain at the forefront of innovation, style and thoughtful living.