Having a luxury home isn’t all about size and location. The individual features inside (and outside) of a home can have just as much of an impact on how luxurious a home is. Below are just some of the most sought-after luxury home features today’s homeowners are looking for.
Grand staircase
Imagine entering your home and being greeted with a sweeping staircase! Such a feature can wow guests and make for some incredible family photo opportunities. Such staircases can also add a lot of value to a home. If you don’t already have a grand staircase in your home, you’ll likely struggle to add one without carrying out some major renovations. Those who are blessed with one of these staircases may want to consider ways of making this feature shine such as installing decorative railings or hanging a chandelier above.
Double garage
Why settle for a single garage when you can have a double garage? These coveted features allow space for two vehicles – or one vehicle and space for hobbies. Some have two garage doors, while others have a single entrance. They’re much more popular in the US than they are in the UK due to homes generally having more land to build upon. That said, some homeowners may have the space to extend and build one of these garages. Such a feature is likely to increase home value dramatically.
Walk-in wardrobe
Walk-in wardrobes provide a private space for displaying and trying on clothes. They are features commonly associated with the rich and famous. You can make your walk-in wardrobe as basic or as lavish as you desire. High-end features to consider could include velvet lined drawers, shoe display cases and a central island. You can build a walk-in wardrobe by either building an extension or converting an unused space in your home (an unused garage or loft could be a great space to use). Make sure your walk-in wardrobe is kept tidy so that you have room to move around in it and so that you can easily find the clothes you want to wear.
Private pool
A home pool could give you a private place to practise lengths, cool off and host pool parties. Pools come in many different shapes and sizes and can be located indoors or outdoors. Above-ground pools are the most popular and budget-friendly option. In-ground pools are more expensive but can be fully customized (which could include adding features like diving boards, slides or heating). Just remember when installing a pool that this feature will need to be carefully maintained. You can learn how to do this yourself or you can hire a pool cleaning service to keep your pool safe and hygienic. Adding a pool cover will help to keep your pool clean when not in use.
Hot tub
Another luxury feature to consider splashing out on is a hot tub. Whereas pools are typically cool, a hot tub is great for warming oneself up in on a cold night and you may get more year-round use out of it. Choose from a variety of different styles including above-ground hot tubs and in-ground hot tubs, and decide whether to place it outdoors or keep it under shelter in a conservatory or summer house (such a room could even be turned into a private spa with features like a sauna integrated). As with pools, hot tubs need to be kept well maintained to make sure that they are clean and working properly.
Home theatre
If you’re a cinephile, a home theatre could be the ultimate luxury feature to consider. This is a private cinema-style room for watching movies. Such a room could contain a projector and screen or a wide screen TV. Other features to invest in to give this room an authentic movie theatre feel include surround sound speakers and home theatre seating. Working with a professional company offering home theater and AV installation in DFW (or elsewhere) can ensure that all aspects of the sound and visuals are up to par for your space specifically. It’s also common for people to paint the room a darker colour in order to reduce glare and enhance the viewing experience.
Wine cellar
For those that love wine, a private wine cellar could be a coveted luxury feature. To build a wine cellar, install wine racks and consider setting up a dedicated cooling system. Keep the room dark and moisture-free if you can. You could even consider features like UV-filtered glass for viewing bottles. Of course, you will also need to keep your wine cellar stocked up, which will involve investing in an array of wine bottles upfront and regularly replacing bottles when they are used.
Natural stone countertops
A sought after luxury kitchen feature is natural stone countertops. Materials like granite and marble are often viewed as the most luxurious options and can add a huge amount of value to a home. Features like a breakfast bar or kitchen island made from these materials are particularly coveted. When installing natural stone countertops, make sure that the cabinets are strong enough to support them. Keep these countertops well maintained by periodically sealing them and always using cutting boards when preparing food.
Underfloor heating
A unique way to distribute heat though rooms is to install underfloor heating. This is a great way to keep hard floors warm in winter and can also help spillages to evaporate. The bathroom is the most popular room to install underfloor heating in, although you can install this heating system in any room. Decide whether to use electric mats or a plumbed-in hydronic system (the latter option is more expensive, but may provide more effective heating).
Residential elevator
Why take the spiral staircase when you can take the elevator? An increasing number of high-end homes are now installing their own elevators in them to access different floors. Residential elevators can be particularly practical in homes owned by older people with mobility issues. Of course, installing an elevator can be very costly and you will need to schedule annual servicing to make sure that your elevator is kept in safe working condition. You’ll find that elevators come in a range of different sizes and styles, with some being more luxurious than others.
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