Trends in Luxury Home Improvement

Even though the current housing market in general is experiencing a readjustment, the luxury home market is still moving.  Many owners of high end properties see their homes as long term investments as well as a great place to live, and they are putting their money into improvements.  Harvard University’s Housing Studies Center estimated that $160 billion was spent on home improvements last year, and much of that went for the latest in luxury upgrades.

With environmental issues so much in the forefront these days, “green” is at the top of the home improvement list.  Energy efficient features – extra insulation, double paned windows, Energy Star appliances, and lighting using compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs are the most popular upgrades.  But America’s top homes are also being retrofitted to tap into alternative energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal.  Environmentally conscious flooring such as bamboo or cork, and chemical free paint and building materials will help support good indoor air quality.  All these improvements will save the homeowner utility costs in the long run and dramatically improve the homes “energy footprint” on the planet.

Next on the list of favorite upgrades are kitchens and bathrooms.  High end homes are expanding their culinary activities to more than one kitchen.  A catering kitchen for dinner parties, a mini kitchen in the master suite for midnight snacks, and an outdoor kitchen for get-togethers by the pool are the latest additions to the traditional central family kitchen.

Luxury bathrooms are becoming full fledged spas with an emphasis on the shower.  Multiple head rain and steam showers include aromatherapy, and chromo therapy (colored light therapy) features to wash away stress.  Outside the shower, the sky’s the limit.  Luxury bathrooms are sumptuously fitted with everything from fireplaces, air-jet tubs, multimedia entertainment centers, wireless internet, wine coolers, smart toilets, electronic massage tables, dry saunas, tanning booths, espresso stations and towel warming drawers.

Some of these improvements may seem extravagant, but most luxury homeowners have very active lives, and it is important to have a stress-relieving refuge that can comfortably support a healthy, busy schedule.

If you would like more information on the luxury improvements or if you would like to know what your home is worth in today’s real estate market, give me a call at 425-241-9400 or email Sheila@LawrensonHomes.com