As a custom home builder in Salt Lake City, we’re on the front lines of what’s trending when it comes to home design and décor. There are plenty of luxury home features to get excited about and there are many we’re really looking forward to for 2019. Luxury homes are more than just homes, they are gathering places, space to unwind, entertain and delight the senses. Luxury homes are status symbols and homeowners delight in sharing their beautiful spaces. At Ironwood Custom Builders, we’ve talked to our homeowners to see what they want in a luxury home. Some of these features and amenities just might surprise you. On the other hand, a lot of what used to be standard in a new home, but went out of style at some point, has made a comeback. From sport courts to indoor pools, there’s a luxury home feature for everyone on this list.
Top Trends in Luxury Home Design
Gourmet Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and homeowners are going all out to make theirs a wonderful and fully functional space. From smart home features built into appliances – your fridge can automatically add milk and butter to your grocery list – to second service kitchens – homeowners are doing it up right. We spend a good deal of our time in the kitchen and it should be fully functional, right down to the space saving drawers that house the microwave.
Sport Court
Sport courts have been around for a while now, but are becoming more and more popular. In regions where weather can be inclement, a sport court is a great thing to have. Whether it’s used a warm spot for a quick pick up game of hoops or for dance recital practice, having a sport court is becoming standard for many busy families. For those times when it’s too hot or too cold to play outdoors, a sport court is a great place to blow off some steam.
Bowling Alley
It’s not just Elvis and the president who have a bowling alley in their homes. Today more and more homes are installing single lane and double lane bowling alleys into their designs. Like a sport court, the bowling alley is a great place to blow off steam and have fun with the whole family. They’re surprisingly easy to maintain and can be a lot of fun for the neighborhood kids. The bowling alley is also the place most homeowners really get their whimsy on. You’ll see all kinds of themes when it comes to in home bowling alleys. From space age lanes to mystical forest themed bowling alleys, people let their imagination go while when decorating these fun spaces.
Pools
Pools have long been a feature of luxury homes – outdoor pools that is. Now, people are building indoor pools in their custom homes and most of them are absolutely stunning and awe-inspiring. Many will be reminded of Roman baths, while others take on a more mystical vibe. Great for fitness, but also wonderful as a space to relax and get away from the daily grind.
Grand Walk-in Closets
Grand walk-in closets have usually been reserved for celebrities like the Kardashians or royalty. We’ve been building large walk-in closets in our Salt Lake City custom homes for a long time and no one has ever said they wanted a smaller closet. The bigger the better it seems when it comes to closet space and organization. We heard you!
Wine Cellar
Wine cellars have been popular for a while now, but usually not the grand ones we’ve been seeing more and more of. You’ll find whole lower levels dedicated to storing and showcasing fine wines and other liquors. Luxury wine cellars are pretty detailed – the environment needs to be controlled to store the wine properly. With today’s technology it’s getting easier and easier to store wine at the optimal temperature and humidity level. You’ll often find large humidors in these spaces as well.
Waterfront
Waterfront property has long been a status symbol, especially in places with fewer bodies of water. Todays waterfront homes have space for tennis courts, firepits, lawn games, and of course all the boating. Homes on the water can be smaller or large, but usually always have all the amenities one could desire. Waterfront homes are usually built on acreage and somewhat isolated away from the neighbors. Think Kennedy compound in Martha’s Vineyard – luxury and privacy.
Smart Technology
Smart Technology has been around for a while now, and it just keeps getting better and better. Many home builders have partnered with companies like Amazon, Google and Apple to design their homes with the technology in mind. Amazon’s Alexa is showing up as a standard feature – preprogrammed – in many luxury homes. Soon the technology will be seamless and you’ll just talk to the home to create a reminder, grocery list, or even plan a party.
Reclaimed Materials
Luxury homeowners want their space to be unique. We don’t build cookie cutter homes in Salt Lake City, we build homes that reflect the personality of the family that lives there. Homeowners are opting for reclaimed materials like lumber that has a history – maybe an old ship or maybe lost when the ship sank like the lumber found in Lake Superior a decade ago. Iron girders from demolished bridges and buildings are also turning up in custom homes. These unique features make the home stand out.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are not new, they’ve been a staple to the Hollywood elite for a while now, but they are now making their way into mainstream America. You’ll find outdoor kitchens in homes in Salt Lake City, and if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. We have a perfect climate for the outdoor kitchen. Getting together with friends to watch the game and cook up a fresh pot of chili can now be done while enjoying the great outdoors.
These are just some of the luxury home features we’re looking forward to for 2019, there are sure to be more and what is trending today, will become dated tomorrow. For now, these luxury home features are all the rage, and for good reason.