Hint: It all comes down to personalization within the home.
By Nikki Kallio
Creating the perfect abode now means designing with purpose. From trend-forward finishes to entire rooms devoted to passion projects, these are the features homeowners are craving now.
B&B-Like Upgrades
“The main thing that we see more of now is people wanting to potentially use [their lakefront] property as a short-term rental when they’re not using it,” says Ray Yunker, owner of Artisan Craft Homes.
“So, you’re seeing them become more bed-and-breakfast like.”
Yunker says that may mean each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom for maximum guest comfort. He says a recent project he worked on had five bedrooms and six bathrooms.
For everyday livability, Yunker says some clients even opt for a smaller kitchen in lieu of a larger family and dining room for gatherings.
“They’d rather have the space in the dining and living area than in the kitchen itself,” he says.
Regardless of kitchen size, it’s common to see homeowners installing appliances by KitchenAid, Sub-Zero and Wolf.
“When it comes to lakefront [homes], I think [homeowners are] looking for a combination of luxury and function,” Yunker says.
“So it’s not unusual to see high-end appliances in the kitchen and [features] like a waterfall countertop on the island.”
Smart Storage
In new builds and renovations, adding in a scullery or “dirty kitchen” area is becoming popular, says Garrett Cheyne, owner and principal designer at Curate Design Group. These spaces may have a door (regular or pocket) to close off the area to the kitchen, and can house appliances such as the dishwasher, icemaker, microwave, beverage fridge or smaller appliances (think: espresso machine). The extra pantry storage a scullery affords also makes it a great add-on for busy families and/or vacation properties that house many guests at once. “Your front kitchen [can be] more of a show space,” Cheyne says.
Personalized Spaces
Natalie Spiniolas, owner and principal designer at Tailored Spaces, is seeing more rooms focused on personal interests.
“We’re seeing people add in golf simulator rooms, craft rooms, more luxurious offices and exercise rooms,” she says. She even had a client who recently installed a bowling alley in their home.
“Rooms that used to be secondary rooms are becoming more important within the home and more personalized,” she says.
Curves and Metal Accents
“The other thing we’re still seeing is a ton of curves,” Spiniolas says. That includes arched doorways, fluted accents on furnishings, round and arched mirrors, and curved vanities.
“Curved elements are being incorporated in different materials in unique ways,” Spiniolas explains. Metallic touches are making their way into more areas of the home, says Spiniolas — think metal railings, kitchen island legs, and striking details like cabinet or door inlays and decorative shelving accents.
Lighting and Automation
Lighting has advanced far beyond the usual ceiling can lighting, Spiniolas explains. LED puck and strip lights are “everywhere — now they’re even running it on the sides of cabinet drawer boxes, so when you open your drawer, the light automatically comes on,” she says. Even showers can be enhanced with LED silicone strip lighting, says Spiniolas.
“There’s smart lighting that can follow the sun from morning to night, so you feel that progression from … sunrise [all the way] to sunset,” Spiniolas says. “Lighting has come a long way and it’s just going to … keep advancing.”
Newer homes are becoming fully automated, often using Lutron lighting, window shades and sound systems throughout the home. Lighting is so precise now that it can mimic the brightness of a candle, Cheyne says — and it’s all connected and accessed from the homeowner’s smartphone.
“You can literally control your home from the other side of the world,” Cheyne says.
