Whether it’s how we decorate our homes, the food we eat, or the technology we buy, what we own often says a lot about us. Many of these things have, however, become status symbols, and here are some that we can’t seem to justify.
Designer Yoga Mats
Most people have a yoga mat lying around at home, but new designer mats are being made with premium, eco-friendly materials and feature unique designs. For many, this kind of investment symbolizes their commitment to wellness, something they want to show off to others around them.
Gourmet Coffee Machines
The likes of Nespresso and Breville tell customers that their machines will offer them the ability to create barista-quality coffee in the comfort of their own homes. This is popular for those who want to impress guests or prove their love of gourmet coffee to others.
Smart Home Devices
Over the last decade, many smart home devices have been introduced to the market. Brands such as Amazon Alexa and Google Nest offer consumers convenience, and many people consider smart home technology to be at the forefront of secure and savvy households.
Artisanal Bread
There has been a bit of a boom in recent years when it comes to artisanal breads such as sourdough and focaccia. Made using traditional baking methods and natural ingredients, these loaves usually come with a much higher price tag than the average sandwich loaf.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have been viewed as symbols of innovation and environmental responsibility, and this is, in part, down to car manufacturer Tesla. The BBC says the vehicles changed people’s perceptions of EVs. “Its price was also a statement, with Roadster models starting at £77,375 – leaving it to the domain of the wealthy.”
Minimalist Furniture
The clean lines and functional designs of minimalist furniture are often associated with modern and high-end interiors. Minimalism is also marketed as more than just an interior style; it is also a lifestyle choice that reflects a consumer’s ability to see beyond the consumerist nature of modern society.
High-End Fitness Memberships
Having a membership at an exclusive gym is a big monthly cost, and often these clubs become social hubs for networking as well as working out. For some, unique classes and sought-after personal trainers are draws, as they show someone’s commitment to their health and fitness.
Designer Pet Accessories
Everything from collars and leashes to clothing for your pets can be bought from luxury designer brands such as Gucci. These accessories are often inspired by trends in human fashion and therefore allow owners to extend their own style to their pets.
Premium Cookware
Frequently given as wedding gifts, high-value pans such as Le Creuset and All-Clad are known for their durability and quality. These pans will often be used by celebrity chefs and foodie influencers who are looking to show viewers that they are committed to professional cooking.
Specialty Fitness Equipment
Another health and well-being status symbol, owning specialist fitness equipment is often seen as a commitment to your own well-being as well as a luxury to have space for. The likes of Peloton also offer consumers advances in technology, such as live-streaming classes from the comfort of their homes.
Luxury Bed Linens
Investing in high-thread-count bed sheets is often seen as a way to show your good interior taste as well as your commitment to your well-being. This is most likely driven by the fact that luxury hotels will provide customers with luxury bedding, providing customers with the best quality sleep.
Gourmet Salts
Gourmet salts such as Himalayan pink salt and Fleur de Sel are celebrated for their unique flavors as well as the mineral content they offer. According to the Telegraph, retailer Harvey Nichols saw a 252% rise in the sales of gourmet and flavored salts in 2015, demonstrating their growth in popularity over the last decade.
Designer Sunglasses
Frequently featured in fashion magazines and at celebrity events, sunglasses have long been an essential accessory among the rich and famous. There are many luxury brands using high-quality materials and innovative designs to create unique and sought-after pairs of sunglasses.
Subscription Services
Benefiting from a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers can sign up for subscription services for almost anything. From foods and wines to beauty products, they offer specially curated products that might not be available in the shops. Companies often market the services as convenient, exclusive, and sometimes personalized.
Tech Wearables
Products such as smartwatches are a symbol of being technologically savvy as well as a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. They also show that someone is connected to the world, with the devices offering more and more impressive technology. As with a lot of tech, the consistent new releases keep these devices desirable.
Exotic House Plants
House plants are a great way to add some color and improve the air quality in your home, but some people take this a step further with rare plants such as variegated monstera, which are highly expensive. Often featured in interior magazines, social media has also boosted the popularity of these exotic plants.
