LuxeSyndicate

Home Décor:
To enjoy all the comforts of home, many of the well-traveled are now
staying home. The trend in luxury lifestyle is for increasing numbers
of home owners to opt to beef up amenities in their own residences,
thus embarking on a life-long vacation. Custom homes, some priced in
the millions — are being designed around home buyers’ personalities
and lifestyles. From the kitchen to the pool area to the current
must-have technology in and outside these luxury dwellings, all are
busting at the seams with options galore.

I noticed a spike in consumers’ demands for bonus rooms. A popular
design is a bonus room which includes a home theater, media center,
billiards area complete with a wet bar and a game area. The media
center features not one, but three flat screen TVs that transform with
the simple push of a button in to a home theater, viewable from
anywhere in the room.

Technology is turning homes into life-like systems that are easily
programmable and controlled from just about anywhere. Certain systems
include integrated wiring that join the home’s electrical components to
control lighting, a whole-house audio system, security system, pool
lighting, the ability to close the garage door, or even to draw a bath
– all done from any control panel placed throughout the home. These
high-tech modern marvels can even communicate with home owners via
e-mail or text messaging. Some with digital audio packages enable a
homeowner to upload their i-Pod play list — what will they think of
next?

Entertaining at home is extremely popular in these luxury homes that
also feature large outdoor spaces for days and evenings dining al
fresco or enjoying cocktails poolside. Large verandas with fully
appointed outdoor kitchens and outdoor fireplaces are what continues to
blur the line between indoor and outdoors.

In fact, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Survey
for the first quarter of 2006 showed an increasing trend in emphasis on
outdoor living space, upscale landscaping and outdoor amenities. Kermit
Baker, AIA chief economist, says about two-thirds of architects
reported an increase in demand for outdoor kitchens, patios and decks.

Media rooms, game rooms and wine cellars are standard interior
amenities. Outside, fireplaces, private gardens, fountains and summer
kitchens are quickly becoming the must-haves as people rediscover the
luxury of staying at home.

Technorati Tags: Leisure, Landscaping, Staying Home, well-traveled, luxury lifestyle