What are the "must-haves" for today's luxury home owners . . . the most popular design trends and amenities that will provide them with a lifestyle, not just a place to live? What are they seeking which will help them to create beautiful, livable spaces that meet their aesthetic, functional and economic goals . . .
As an interior designer in Orlando, Florida I work with clients to design, or redesign their luxury homes. I initially meet with these homeowners to discuss ways on how to best blend their lifestyle with their design style to meet the multiple needs of those who will be living in the home.
The overall theme I am hearing from this clientele puts great emphasis on convenience and simple sophistication. They want their home to be transformed, with an atmosphere only found in 5 star grande retreats. Function and comfort have quickly become a top priority for this upscale homeowner. They also want a home where they can close the door on the hustle and bustle of the outside world to entertain both family and friends. In a word, they are looking for an oasis.
The following are some of these most requested design trends and amenities:
Interior and Exterior Space The luxury homeowner is looking for 3500 to 4000 square feet under roof - minimum, with 4 to 5 bedrooms, 3 to 4 baths. They also are requiring larger, optional outdoor living areas for cabanas, bars, pools, spas, recreational courts, fire pit seating areas etc.
Entertainment Areas The kitchen has always been considered to be the "heart" of the home. Luxury homeowners want this area to be designed to accommodate their desire to entertain on a grand scale, both formally and informally. Gourmet kitchens for the interior and exterior are considered "must-haves", complete with high end energy efficient and sustainable appliance packages. Wine cellars, butler's pantry, walk-in kitchen pantry and central serving islands have become expected amenities.
Oversized Master Bedroom/Bath Suites This area will often include a library, sitting room and dramatic master bath where luxury homeowners can go to "retreat, refresh, and become rejuvenated" both physically and mentally! From the finest Egyptian bed linens to a master bath area complete with doorless multihead showers, whirlpool baths and towel-warming drawers/racks . . . attention to individual customized design detailing is essential to create the spa experience at home.
Home Office Suites Technology, the internet and wireless communication have transformed our daily activities. Luxury homeowners view in-home office suites as their personal headquarters to manage their busy lives.
High Home Technology Technological advancements have made it possible to assemble a superior surround sound theatre experience for in-home entertaining. People are now watching more movies than ever . . . but, they no longer have to leave the home to do it! The high performance of technology stretches beyond entertainment to bathrooms and kitchens where sensored faucets that shut on and off automatically are becoming a popular request. Also the opening and closing of room darkening window coverings at the touch of a button has become an extremely popular feature as well.
All of the above trends and amenities have been designed to delight, meet the changing needs, improve the quality of life . . . and lifestyle, of the most discriminating homeowners.
