Sometimes, your perfect house is one you have to build yourself. That said, the best time to add luxury touches to your home is during the design phase, when you’re able to pinpoint exactly what you want and ensure the floorplan – and the structure – supports that.
Once you decide to go for it, adding a few luxury touches to the floor plan will give your home personality – and help it stand out if you decide to sell down the road. Depending on the luxury touches you go for, it may help it feel more personal, too.
Following are some of the add-ons that take a floorplan from high-end to flat-out luxury.
1. Ensuite Baths for Every Bedroom
Once upon a time having a mother-in-law suite in addition to a master suite was considered a major upgrade, but today’s homeowners are more impressed with an ensuite bathroom for every bedroom in the house. It gives everyone more privacy and makes entertaining houseguests easier.
2. A Media or Theater Room
Whether you opt for movie-theatre-caliber seating, a state-of-the-art sound and video system, a built-in snack bar, or all of the above, having a special place to curl up for Netflix nights is a major bonus.
3. An Exercise, Yoga, or Meditation Studio
Working out at home is one thing, but getting your zen on is another. Setting aside space with plenty of natural light for either of these activities is a major upgrade. If possible have built-in storage customized to accommodate towels, yoga mats, and small equipment.
4. A Mudroom and a Laundry Room (or Combo of the Two)
Having a place to dump wet boots, backpacks, and dirty laundry that’s separate from the rest of the house helps keep the messy stuff out of sight.
5. A Sauna or Steam Room
Why go to the spa if you the spa can come to you? Adding one or both of these features to a master bathroom is the ultimate in relaxation and wellness — and thus, a major luxury.
6. A Wine Cellar
Nothing says luxury like a cozy home for your precious vintage. Turn it into a gathering space with a built-in bar, storage, and seating.
7. A Finished Basement
Whether it’s just large enough to serve as a second – or third – den, or it accommodates bedrooms, bathrooms, and perhaps a kitchen, a finished basement can also be considered a luxury touch. Adding natural light with large windows and door access to a side or back patio is a bonus.
8. A Library or Office
Having a comfortable, dedicated place to work
from home is a boon for some homeowners, especially now that even running
companies can be done remotely.
9. A Grand Staircase
Something sweeping, ultra modern, or otherwise grand in some way can make a huge impact, in most cases, the minute you walk through the front door.
10. Double Front Doors
Nothing says, “Come on in!” like the thought of opening not one, but two, front doors when guests arrive (not that anyone is likely to do it). “As far as builders go, having two doors is definitely considered an upgrade,” says Emily Velazquez, who recently joined the team at Archiscapes Architects in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
11. A Three-Car Garage
Like the mother-in-law suite, the two-car garage feels so … yesterday. Today’s luxury homeowners want a space to park their day-to-day wheels and the set they bring out to play on weekends. Even homeowners with just two cars sometimes opt for a larger garage to ensure they have ample storage and workspace.
12. Multiple Fireplaces
More than just one in the main living space, consider adding a fireplace to a master bath and an outdoor patio for chilly nights.
13. Vaulted Ceilings
Cathedral and other high ceiling styles instantly make a home feel not just larger, but more grand. Make it architecturally interesting with beams, for example, and it can have an even greater impact. Add an abundance of large windows to ensure the natural light bounces throughout the room, making it feel even larger.
14. Elevator
Nothing says luxury quite like an elevator, making it easy to carry groceries and move large items between multiple floors with minimal fuss. An elevator also helps to make a multi-story home more accessible to those with physical disabilities.
15. A Butler’s Pantry
Usually nestled between the kitchen and dining room, a butler’s pantry takes the basic pantry closet to another level with built-in storage solutions and additional prep space for entertaining.
16. A Decked-Out Covered Patio
Outdoor leisure is in, says Velazquez.Forget the basic lanai and go for a
sweeping space that includes a built-in outdoor television for game days, an
outdoor fireplace for roasting s’mores on cold nights, and an outdoor kitchen
for family cookouts and holiday parties. Extend the outdoor luxuries to include
a pool and outdoor shower and you’ll turn your backyard into a staycation any
day of the week.
17. A Play or Game Room
Whether you’ve got little one with toys and arts and crafts stations, or you’re an avid pool or pinball player, having a space that’s dedicated just for fun is a luxury for many homeowners. Depending on the floor plan, this can be an extension of a family room and doesn’t necessarily need its own doorway.
18. A Double Shower and Separate Tub
Having ample room for two is a luxury in and of itself. Request built-in seating and storage cubbies for an added bonus.
19. Storage Under the Stairs
It may not seem like much, but this can add several feet of storage space to a home. Add built-ins that include the ability to hang clothing for an added bonus.
Ana Connery is former content director of Parenting, Babytalk, Pregnancy Planner and Conceive magazines as well as parenting.com.
While editor in chief of Florida Travel & Life magazine from 2006-2009, she covered the state’s real estate and home design market as well as travel destinations.
She’s held senior editorial positions at some of the country’s most celebrated magazines, including Latina, Fitness and Cooking Light, where she oversaw the brand’s “FitHouse” show home.
Ana’s expertise is frequently sought after for appearances on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America” and CNN. She has interviewed the country’s top experts in a variety of fields, including U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and First Lady Michelle Obama.