lux·u·ry
ləkSH(ə)rē,ˈləɡZH(ə)rē/
noun: luxury
The state of great comfort and extravagant living.
Luxury is a big word. Visions of opulence, grandeur, and yards of draping velvet in rich colors near instantly appear in one's mind. When designing a project I always ask my client what "is" luxury to them. Answers are usually close to the pre-mentioned followed often and quickly by the clients disqualification of worthiness.
A LITTLE HISTORY: Early Romans openly debated the ethics of luxury and created laws on such, limiting excessive shows of wealth by restricting how much could be spent on banquets and adornment. Sumptuary laws, as they were known, where regulated through the Middle Ages into early modern period. Enforcement of the laws was a constant problem in cities due in part of becoming less able to distinguish social rank especially in merchant cities as wealth grew and distributed widely. Eventually it became easy to purchase a license of exemption from sumptuary rules. Sumptuary laws have since metamorphosed into what we recognize today as luxury taxes on large boats, fancy cars or extraordinary jewelry.
For most of us luxury can be anything we give high and exceptional regard from ordinary things. A down-filled chair and ottoman facing the garden used for reading or a round free standing tub in the middle of your bathroom to retreat after a long day can be your luxury.
One of the great joys of my work is creating a luxurious environment for my clients -- whatever luxury is to them. Live in your luxury!