How Your Love for Luxury Can Coexist with a Minimalist Heart

The Watermill with the Great Red Roof. Meindert Hobbema, 1665. Courtesy the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago.

Marrying luxury with minimalism isn't a contradiction. It's a conscious choice to surround yourself with fewer, but far more meaningful, things.


The words "luxury" and "minimalism" often feel like they belong to entirely different worlds. There’s a common assumption that if you appreciate high-quality, perhaps even high-end, items and experiences, you can't possibly embrace a minimalist lifestyle. For many, the idea of investing, say, thousands of dollars in a handbag, automatically signals materialism, a direct contradiction to living intentionally.

It's a perception I've spent a lot of time thinking about, partly because I am that person who might invest significantly in a purse, yet I wholeheartedly live a very simple lifestyle. This might seem like a puzzle to some, but for me, it has always made sense. My luxury purchases aren't made impulsively. They are strategic decisions, rooted in a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, longevity, and how that specific item aligns with my overall values and life.

This is where the perceived conflict begins to dissolve. When you approach luxury not as an accumulation of status symbols, but as a considered choice to invest in something that brings lasting joy, utility, or beauty, it can naturally align with minimalist principles. Investing judiciously in items of true high quality, things you’ll cherish and use for years, is a far cry from careless ostentation.

In fact, it can be a responsible and even sustainable choice, moving away from the cycle of disposable consumption. It's not about the price tag dictating worth, but the genuine value it holds for you. These two ideas, luxury and minimalism, can indeed work in beautiful harmony.

Interested in exploring how to bridge the gap between an appreciation for quality and a desire for a more intentional, simplified life? Download a free preview of my book, Worthwhile & Worth Having, to discover more. And be sure to find me at @hellosukio on Instagram and Substack.

Desiré Greene

Desiré Greene is an entrepreneur, design enthusiast, and self-taught interior decorator with over 15 years of experience writing about home, lifestyle, and luxury. She holds an environmental engineering degree from MIT and is committed to sustainable living.

Desiré's passion lies in empowering others to curate a refined life through minimalist practices. Her blog, The Refined Life, is a haven for those seeking a sophisticated and intentional lifestyle. When she's not writing or designing, you can find her exploring the latest trends, enjoying time with her son, or pursuing new creative endeavors.

https://hellosukio.substack.com/
Previous
Previous

What Research Reveals About Luxury’s Shifting Landscape

Next
Next

Embracing Minimalism May Mean Redefining Our Storage Solutions