20 luxuries to make your dream home
There’s something about a truly luxurious home. We’re not talking about frivolity. We’re talking about comfort—about making your home a place you want to be. Whether you’re building a custom home for yourself, a space for loved ones, or an accessory dwelling for renters, it’s important to include functionality, comfort, and style in your design.
To help you plan, we’ve put together this list of things you can say “yes” to when designing your home. We recommend you pick at least a few. Details like these can add up, meaning the difference between bare bones and real luxury. The key is to get really, really personal with these things. Think about what you like and how you live. That will help you choose items that inspire both relaxation and productivity.
1. Creative siding
There’s siding and then there’s siding that makes your home look fantastic. Natural wood, metal, and concrete are all options that offer a unique look that goes beyond mainstream siding.
2. Architectural design
Your New Avenue designer will ask you what architectural styles you like. Do you want something totally unique? Prefer a modern look? Take a minimalist approach to your life and style? Want something ultra-creative or something that matches other nearby buildings?
Your custom home or ADU will last for generations, so it’s important to choose something that both inspires you and makes you feel at home.
3. Landscaping and hardscaping
Patios, decks, retaining walls, built-in planters, water features…everything you put in your landscape contributes to the overall feel of the home. The right features can help your yard feel more natural and open, giving you a sense of calm as you enjoy your home.
4. An outdoor kitchen
There’s something about cooking and enjoying a meal outdoors. An outdoor prep area and sink make it easier to spend more time outside with loved ones. We love the idea of cooking up homemade pizza in an outdoor pizza oven or gathering with friends around a barbeque. If you’re a sports fan, consider a TV to bring the best of the indoors and outdoors together.
5. A built-in bar
A built-in bar brings entertaining to a new level. It can mean more storage and display space for special wine glasses, beer steins, and beverages. It makes a home feel more upscale and is a must for people who love to entertain. Install one indoors or outdoors (or both).
6. Custom cabinets
Solid-wood, custom-built cabinetry with high-end hardware make a world of difference in a kitchen’s overall look and feel. Most families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and making this environment feel fresh and upscale will give everyone a boost. Your designer can create a cabinet system that will do anything you need it to do.
7. Countertops
Stone or quartz countertops give your kitchen a look that’s both clean and luxurious. You use your counters every day, so it’s important to use a material that’s easy to maintain, durable, and beautiful.
8. An outdoor shower
This is a must for homes that are near beaches or other sandy areas. Pool owners can benefit, too. But you don’t have to need an outdoor shower to enjoy one. It’s also a great place to bathe a pet or just enjoy a refreshing rinse.
9. High-end windows
There are so many things you can do with windows. Custom casements, tilt-and-turn, dual or triple panes. Your designer can help you choose the style and type of windows that will make your home energy efficient, ultra-comfortable, and absolutely beautiful.
10. Insulation
The right insulation will keep your temperature right year round and save you money on energy. Rigid insulation and exterior continuous insulation on the walls and the roof are “extras” that are really more like “must-haves” if you want superior temperature, sound, and moisture control.
11. High-end kitchen appliances, range hood
The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house. It helps to have high-end appliances, an induction cooktop, a powerful and great-looking range hood, and time-saving pot fillers. We think it’s 100% worth the investment to make the kitchen a place that makes your life easier and a space you will enjoy.
12. Casework
Your casework should include lots of built-in cabinets, custom built-in closets, and gorgeous bookcases. Whatever your family enjoys and needs, make sure you have beautiful, usable space to store it.
13. Smart home features
Internet-enabled devices are important for today’s busy homeowners. Smart systems, thermostats, outlets, and switches can save you time and money. And, since smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life, it’s worth investing in high-quality, connected devices.
14. Custom bathroom vanities and storage
Your bathroom vanities are critical in storing first-aid, grooming items, makeup, and cleaning supplies. With custom-designed vanities and other storage in your bathroom, you’ll always have a place for everything. Pro tip: add outlets inside your cabinets to charge electric razors, plug in hair dryers, or even keep a smart speaker to enjoy while you relax in the bath.
15. Interior design
“Interior design” can mean two things. One aspect of interior design is making sure the flow of your home works amazingly well and that your indoor spaces are both beautiful and user-friendly. Your New Avenue design professional does this as part of your design process. The second aspect of interior design is all about the things you add after construction: furniture, decorations, artwork, draperies, etc. If you want an expert eye, your New Avenue designer can design and purchase the “extras” that make your home complete.
16. Custom tiles
It’s so easy to go so wrong with tile. But when tile is done right, it can really pop as modern art or blend in as a comfortable background. To get the look you’re going for, have New Avenue’s design professional design your layout and have New Avenue’s skilled contractor install it.
17. Lighting
High-end, designer lighting works in two ways. First, it produces the light that fills your home and affects how you see everything around you. It also serves as décor. The right pendant or wall sconce can increase the comfort level of a room even when it’s turned off.
18. Sound system
Integrated audio systems and top-of-the-line speakers can fill your home with the music and podcasts you love. It’s a nice touch whenever you need a sound boost.
19. Doors
Your main entrance is like a first impression. It should reflect your unique style and add both security and efficiency to your home. Many people also want sliding doors to connect the main areas of the home to the outdoors.
20. Decks, fences, and gates
Decks, fences, and gates should be made of high-quality materials. Strong, attractive woods like ipe and decorative hardware can go a long way in both durability and style. Have your designer add a personal touch by adding decorative and functional features.
Your home isn’t just a place to eat and sleep.
It should be a place where you can relax, work, grow, entertain guests, and enjoy life. Putting a little “extra” into your home’s design will pay off now and for as long as you own it. If you have any questions about trends in luxurious home design, or would like to bounce some of your ideas off our team, schedule your free call today. We’ll answer all your questions and introduce you to the design–build team that’s perfect for your project.
