Photo by Teodor Skrebnev on Unsplash
Wondering whether your property can be considered as a luxury one, or need some ideas for a renovation project? Then check out my checklist of every feature a luxe home should have below.
- Home Gym
First on the list has to be a home gym. Home gyms are essential to those living a luxurious life because it means they do not have to leave the privacy, safety and comfort of their own home to work out. Additionally, home gyms mean that no matter how busy their schedule, a person can still squeeze in a quick workout to keep their body in shape.
Home gyms can vary in size from a single workout machine or bench to entire custom-built spaces with spring floors and a full complement of ellipticals, bodyweight machines, weight benches and yoga balls. Another feature common in home gyms is a wall of mirrors, as these will allow you to check your form as you work out.
Right now, interactive fitness equipment such as Peloton bikes are very popular because they provide the structure and motivation of a public class, while still offering the convenience and privacy of working out in your own home.
- Outdoor Kitchen
A hugely popular feature in the realm of luxury homes right now is the outdoor kitchen. This is an alfresco space that is so much more than a simple BBQ, as it also provides all the modern conveniences of a real kitchen such as running water, refrigeration, and preparation space.
Additionally, outdoor kitchens can be fitted with your choice of cooking methods including teppanyaki grills, pizza ovens, and charcoal grills allowing you or your staff to whip up delicious treats entirely out-of-doors.
- A Games Room
A games room is a wonderful addition to a luxury property as it provides the opportunity to relax, kick back and have a lot of fun either with friends or alone. Traditionally a games room would include features like card tables and pool tables and while these are still common occurrences video games are also very popular right now.
Indeed, in many high-end game rooms, you’ll find huge screens or projectors designed to make the video game experience even more immersive. Of course, these screens will be overlooked by comfortable, relaxed seating, and be hooked up to all the latest video game consoles including the Xbox 1 and PS5, as well as some of the more popular consoles such as the N64, Sega MegaDrive and the Dreamcast.
Some people even choose to furnish their game rooms with full-size arcade machines such as pinball machines, Pacman and Street Fighter. For properties at the highest end, it’s not unknown for personal bowling alleys and basketball to be installed either.
- Hot tubs
Whether it comes along with a swimming pool or is a stand-alone luxury feature a warm and bubbling hot tub is essential for fun and relaxation. Oh, and they are bound to impress your guests as well with many luxury homeowners installing them in the visitor part of their property as well as the main part.
You can even get sophisticated hot tubs on the market known as swim spas, that use a cleverly crafted stream of jets to support you and provide you with enough water resistance so you get the full swimming experience.
- Robust Home Security
It makes sense that with such a wonderful home filled with wonderful things, a good security system should also be a priority. Usually, luxury homes will be fitted with top-of-the-line systems that include movement alarms as well as CCTV. Windows and doors will also be fitted with alarms that notify a central system of unauthorized entry. Some even have features such as security shutters and panic rooms fitted to minimize vulnerability to home invasions.
Very high-end properties may even have private staff monitoring these systems, patrolling the grounds, and on call for any emergencies.
- Home Cinema
Why spend time hanging out with the riff-raff at the Cinema when you can enjoy all the dazzle and glamour of the movies in the privacy and comfort of your own home? That is precisely the thinking behind high-end home cinemas and many luxury houses now boast them.
Of course, things need to be done right during installation so that means the best screen and sound system you can get along with real cinema seats and a popcorn machine. Ensure the room is light and soundproof so you can enjoy the wonder of the big screen at home without it impinging on anyone else’s fun. Oh, and a popcorn machine for fresh snacks and a fully loaded candy bar will further enhance the experience.
- Walk-In Wardrobes
If the Kardashians have taught us anything it’s that a luxury property has to have a walk-in wardrobe space. These spaces are not like traditional wardrobes at all, but instead huge areas that are fitted with clothes display, and storage, as well as plenty of comforts to make selecting your outfit and getting dressed every morning a delight.
Rails for hanging clothing will be fitted at different heights, along with shelves and draws which can be used to store clothing, shoes or accessories or display the owner’s current favourites. A popular addition is an island in the centre of the room that is at around waist height and fitted with a glass top padded case for jewellery and watches. Mirrors and plenty of them are also essential for this type of room because the user will need to be able to check their reflection from any and every angle to ensure they are presentable and ready to take on anything the red carpet throws at them.
- Your Very Own Wine Cellar
Last of all, what luxury property is complete without its very own wine cellar? After all, without a wine cellar where will you keep the libations you will astound and amaze guests with when they visit?
Some properties come with wine cellars already built in. However, if yours does not you may wish to consider installing a wine cellar pod. Another option is a spiral cellar with hydraulic glass doors and temperature regulation so you can ensure that your Cheval Blanc 1947 is kept at the perfect temp at all times.
