Staying on top of the trends in luxury real estate is a constantly evolving task – what wealthy buyers clamor for one year can be passe the next.
To demystify this highly nuanced market, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury has debuted a “Best of the Best 2023” guide for must-have high-end home essentials.
The curated guide, which hosts luxury products affluent trendsetters demand for their homes, is based on a national agent survey taken this autumn of more than 200 Coldwell Banker Global Luxury property specialists who shared their insights on the top features and amenities that are most in-demand with their luxury clientele.
In-demand luxury homes are increasingly becoming sanctuaries and retreats from the outside world. The most desirable are equipped with a chef’s kitchen with unique features and tech-enabled appliances, multifunctional indoor-outdoor living spaces that provide a seamless connection to nature, spa-like bathrooms that create an oasis-like feel of comfort and advanced smart home technology that automates functions such as privacy, security, entertainment, lighting, temperature and landscaping, accessible from anywhere. In addition, two-thirds of the property specialists surveyed agree that the biggest trend in luxury outdoor spaces is the merging of indoor and outdoor living.
Check out some of the style trends below:
Two is better than one: Double-duty kitchen islands are a leading feature
To be called a luxury chef’s kitchen, the most important feature according to Coldwell Banker Global Luxury property specialists is a double kitchen island with ample space for cooking, gathering and entertaining. Elegant oven ranges and designer appliances are also key to providing sophistication with superior function, along with statement range hoods with pops of color and unique design features that add style and personality.
Indoor-outdoor living spaces must-have amenities
Cabanas and natural water features are the most popular additions to luxury backyards. State-of-the-art cabanas and pergolas give rise to resort-style comfort and relaxation in one’s backyard, while water features — from heated swimming pools to waterfalls, fountains and plunge pools — provide an oasis-like atmosphere that luxury buyers often seek. Outdoor living areas that serve as extended entertainment spaces — such as sitting rooms, outdoor bars, expanded chef’s kitchens with pizza ovens and built-in grills, large gas fire pits and movie screening areas under the stars — are all popular.
Creating a spa-like bathroom
A freestanding soaking tub is the leading trend in luxury bathrooms that represents elegance and relaxation. Hydrotherapy showers that offer spa-like features with massage jets, customizable water pressure and a range of shower spray functions, are also all the rage, as are designated treatment rooms with spa-design elements such as heated floors and towel racks as well as infrared saunas.
Sought-after smart home technology
Luxury estates need smart thermostats that allow complete control over the temperature of the home with voice command functions, real-time air quality monitoring and sensor technology that helps conserve energy. Other desired features include advanced air purifiers that guarantee close to 100% particle-capture efficiency rates to eliminate pollutants in the home’s air, controlled by an app. Human-sized sound therapy meditation pods that mix body vibrations with immersive music and serve as a personal sanctuary to relieve stress are also en vogue, as is tech-infused fitness equipment including immersive smart gyms with touchscreen mirror displays that virtually bring a variety of fitness experts into the home.
Here in San Francisco, a luxury home on the market that exemplifies many of these features, according to the survey, is located at 2623 Divisadero St. in Pacific Heights.
