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