In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with the temptation to buy more, do more, and have more, the concept of intentional luxury offers a refreshing shift. The opposite of mindless consumption, intentional luxury is all about striking a balance in your choices, ensuring that our indulgences are not just about excess but about truly enhancing our lives. This matters because living with intention allows us to savor what’s important, avoiding the clutter—both physical and emotional—that often comes with mindless consumption. Intentional luxury is one of the midlionnaire core tenants and the secret to how we are able to live so well. Let’s talk about what intentional luxury means and our secrets to achieve it, so that you can curate your ideal life in an attainable way.

What is intentional luxury?

Intentional luxury is about making deliberate choices that enhance your life without overwhelming it. It is the practice of mindfully choosing and indulging in high-quality experiences, products, and moments that genuinely enhance your life, rather than accumulating possessions or indulging in excess for its own sake. It’s about focusing on what truly brings joy, comfort, and value in the long-term. Unlike conventional luxury, which can sometimes be driven by status or impulse, intentional luxury emphasizes quality over quantity, sustainability over waste, and meaning over mere acquisition.

5 tips for embracing intentional luxury

1. Quality Over Quantity: When it comes to luxury, more isn’t always better. Intentional luxury is about choosing quality over quantity. Whether it’s investing in a beautifully crafted piece of furniture, indulging in a top-tier restaurant that you’ll talk about for years, or purchasing a timeless wardrobe staple, the focus is on selecting items that are built to last and making choices that bring lasting satisfaction.

2. Mindful Purchases: Intentional luxury is rooted in mindfulness. Before making a purchase or indulging in an experience, consider its impact on your life. Will it bring you long-term joy? Does it align with your values and priorities? By approaching luxury with intention, you avoid the trap of mindless consumption and ensure that each choice contributes to your overall well-being. Here’s an example of how you can put this into practice: When you’re online shopping, add everything you want to your cart but then wait one hour before completing the purchase. Then, go back through your cart and delete (or ‘save for later’ if possible) any items you feel less excited about. You’ll be surprised at how often you change your mind!

3. The 95/5 Rule: A cornerstone of intentional luxury is the 95/5 rule. The idea here is simple: save on 95% of your purchases and then splurge on the 5% that truly makes a difference. By being thoughtful and economical in most of your spending, you create the budgetary space to invest in those select luxuries that have an outsized impact on your life. You can read our article on the 95/5 rule here.

4. Know When to Leave the Party: One of the most important principles of intentional luxury is knowing when to leave the party. This isn’t just about physically leaving a social event; it’s about understanding when to step back from indulgence to maintain balance and avoid excess. Luxury is best enjoyed in moderation. Whether you’re at a lavish event, indulging in fine dining, or even spending on high-end goods, knowing when to draw the line is key. This principle ensures that your indulgences remain special and don’t lose their value through overexposure.

5. Curate Your Environment: Intentional luxury extends to the spaces you inhabit. Curate your home with pieces that bring you joy and reflect your personal style, and make sure your home reflects you and your values. The more satisfied you are at home, the less you’ll need to seek happiness elsewhere. You can check out our recommendations for everyday savings and curated luxe products for inspiration.

Make intentional luxury a habit

Intentional luxury is an ongoing practice that can take time to internalize. You can read our tips on how to create lasting habits, but we recommend starting small in this case. Little changes add up and become easier over time.

In the end, intentional luxury is about balance—enjoying life’s indulgences while living within your means. It’s about savoring the moments, the items, and the experiences that bring you genuine joy and making space so that they are attainable. So, as you navigate your journey of luxury, remember: it’s not about having it all; it’s about having what matters most.

Embrace intentional luxury with us.