Luxury home building is constantly changing as affluent homeowners elevate their style of design, quality, and function in their homes. In 2024, design themes are ramping up to reflect personality and lifestyle in the luxury home building market. From hobby rooms to outdoor living to energy-efficient fireplaces, we’ve put together our top 5 “must haves” for luxury homes.
#1. The Hobby Room
A hobby room is a place to unwind after a hectic week that is special to you and your personal interests. From an intimate art studio to an arcade, the ideas are endless when incorporating a hobby room into your luxury home. This art studio with reading loft is perched among the tree canopy with both a public and private deck – the perfect spot for a thriving artist!
For gaming enthusiasts, add an arcade room where retro game lovers can relive their games of the past. Add a billiard table, poker table, and foosball table and have the ultimate game room for the entire family to enjoy.
On a quieter note, start your day in your personal reading and writing room. Start your morning with a cup of coffee and a good book while sitting in a comfortable chair with natural light streaming into the room.
#2. Luxury Bars and Wine Cellars
For the suave connoisseur, a luxurious speakeasy style bar in the basement is top on the list. The overall theme stems from the elements of the 20’s like brown leather, dim lights, and faded furnishings. Rustic chairs, ceiling treatments, and moody lighting create an atmosphere that will embrace your guests and send them back in time but with all the modern amenities. A speakeasy-style bar exudes sophistication, charm, and a sense of nostalgia, the perfect setting for entertaining guests.
Wine cellars have been topping the luxury home list for many years and continue to have a presence for wine enthusiasts growing collections. This year, you’ll see considerable transformations in wine cellars from the dark, tucked away storages space in the basement. Wine cellars are fast becoming the focal point of the living space, customized to fit each homeowner’s needs. Often with an adjacent wine tasting room or backdrop of a Tuscan style bar, homeowners are finding ways to display their wine as works of art.
#3. Wall of Windows
Floor to ceiling windows are a defining feature of luxury homes for creating a connection to the outdoors while flooding interiors with natural light. Window walls can enhance the visual appeal of a luxury home creating an impression of expansiveness and sophistication. The main advantage is maximizing natural light and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day producing a bright and airy atmosphere.
When you have a tremendous view of Lake Minnetonka, let the setting become a piece of artwork through floor to ceiling windows. Not on the lake? This Mid-Century Modern home sits atop a beautifully wooded bluff with impressive views of the wetlands in nearly every direction. While their sleek and modern aesthetic complement contemporary architecture, a wall of windows can be designed in a mixture of styles.
While large windows may raise concerns about energy efficiency, advancements in glazing technology have made it possible to mitigate heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. High-performance glazing systems and insulated frames help maintain a comfortable environment while minimizing energy consumption.
#4. Outdoor Charm
Luxurious outdoor spaces are a seamless extension to the home, beyond the outdoor kitchen or patio spaces, they create an opportunity to enjoy nature, entertain guests, and relax in style and comfort.
The charm of these outdoor spaces is to create zones specific to the intended use. A sophisticated lounge area with a firepit creates a cozy atmosphere for enjoying the space on cooler evenings. High-quality outdoor sound systems, televisions, and integrated lighting systems are ideal for entertaining.
For our Birch Bluff Escape project, part of the lakeside lot was carved out to create a sunken area with grass for yard games including a patio, firepit, and hot tub. The use of high-quality materials and innovative design creates an inviting atmosphere for entertaining guests or relaxing after a hard day’s work. Lounge chairs and daybeds invite homeowners and guests to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
#5. Energy Efficient Fireplaces
The warmth and ambiance of a fireplace is a definite “must have” in luxury homes, and gas fireplaces have become a popular choice in luxury homes because of their convenience, efficiency, and aesthetics. Easily customizable in terms of size, shape, materials, and finishing details, gas fireplaces are a great choice for a seamless look.
High-quality materials such as premium metal panels, split fieldstone, and finished plaster offer a sophisticated and upscale personalized appearance. Most gas fireplaces are equipped with advanced features such as remote-control operation, programmable thermostats, and flame modulation settings for precise heat control and customization.
The energy efficiency of a gas fireplace is an attractive option for luxury homeowners, especially models with sealed combustion systems and heat exchangers to maximize heat output while minimizing heat loss. Advanced safety features provide peace of mind for homeowners to ensure safe operation.
Whether you are building new or doing an extensive renovation, we’d enjoy the opportunity to talk with you about your dreams and vision. Contact us today!
