From the category archives:

Luxury Home Trends

The Man Cave

I have heard a new term this past year used on some Real Estate shows and on a couple of commercials. Men, seeing that their wives and girlfriends get to decorate the house and claim nearly every room in the home, are now requesting a room of their own – the Man Cave. The cave usually is a media room, or basement room, where the men can retreat to and, well, be men. Watching sports on TV, having a beer, and playing poker are just a few luxuries men now can enjoy…without women.

In Jackson, Wyoming, a home is currently for sale with it’s very own Man Cave. Take a look at the photo, from Gerry Spence’s luxury log home he has for sale for a cool $35 Million. He had it designed to look like a cave, with rock paintings and all. I wonder how much this cost for him to create. The home is truly beautiful and each room is unique. I am just not too sure if I would want to watch a movie in a cave, but I am sure the men love it!

0 comments

New Construction on the Lake

The new design the last couple years for custom built homes in Minneapolis combines many different types of architecture. This home, built by Stonewood Builders, is almost whimsical. It has touches of Victorian with the multiple gables, style of a cottage, and hints of Arts & Craft. Stone and rock are integrated in many of today’s homes making the home feel more in tune with nature and the surrounding landscape. It doesn’t hurt to have a beautiful lake in the backyard for some additional eye candy!

0 comments

Soaring to New Heights

Being a Minneapolis Historic Home Specialist, I am used to seeing ceiling heights of homes from 10 – 12 feet high. The high ceilings not only showed some grandeur in certain homes, but also helped with air flow and gave relief from warm weather since air conditioning did not exist.

Now home builders are hearing from consumers that they want high ceilings back. Many luxury home owners have two story family rooms, but now kitchens, libraries, and bedrooms are reaching above 10 feet as well.
We have been looking for a home as most of you know and like the option builders are offering to put 9 foot ceilings in the home. Not only for the main floors, but builders are doing it for basements as well. Now we don’t have to feel so cramped! The National Association of Home Builders predicts that most new construction homes will have 9 foot ceilings on the first floor by 2015.

0 comments

Must Haves for the Luxury Kitchen, Part 2 of 3

Countertops were featured in the first post of this series, highlighting some of the new construction materials available to affluent clientele. Another item that is a must for any luxury kitchen in Minneapolis is Drawers.

No, I am not talking about just any old, boring drawer, but drawers that actually serve a purpose other than holding your spatulas. The new appliance drawers free up space, while adding convenience.

Warming drawers have been around for a while, but the new ones have improved air control. They also feature variable temperature controls, with automatic shutoffs, as well as divided compartments so you can keep your veggies and roast separate from each other.

Dishwashers are now found as two individual drawer units. This configuration allows you to do smaller washes, saving water and energy. They also give you the option of a delicate cycle for your fine china and crystal.

One of my favorite new options is the microwave drawer. No longer do you have to mount it above your stove, or take up precious counter space. Now you can cook your food in a pull out drawer at knee level. It is definitely a “think out of the box” design and one I would love to implement in my own home.

Finally, an option to keep your husbands beer out of the fridge. Similar to the dishwasher drawer option, the Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer drawers can hold bear, ice, pop, etc. They can easily be installed in a luxury bedroom suite or in the media room for added convenience.

When looking at ways to add this new trend your kitchen, take into account your current cabinet setup. You will want to visualize how you cook and use your current appliances, and then integrate the selected drawer into the most utilized position. Contact a local cabinet showroom for ideas, or an appliance gallery.

0 comments

2007 Trends for the Luxury Home

Trends are always changing, especially in the real estate market. Yesterday it was granite, today it is concrete and glass. But no matter what, trends always start with the affluent. Here are the Top 10 New Trends for Luxury Homes.

  1. Eco-Friendly – affluent home owners are seeking alternative choices for saving energy by “Going Green”. But some are also choosing to pick building materials that are chemical free, or recycled. For example, Bamboo wood is being used for hardwood floors instead of expensive, rare exotic woods because is grows more quickly than a hardwood forest.

  2. Outdoor Kitchens – when entertaining, why transfer all the food from the kitchen to the patio, when you can prepare the food in your outdoor kitchen and enjoy the scenery at the same time? It is common place to have a stainless steel grill, sink, warming drawers, and fridge that costs tens of thousands of dollars.

  3. Nice Warm Floors – no longer just for the bathrooms, radiant heat is now available for the kitchen, patio, and even under hardwood floors. A very nice feature to have in Minnesota during the winter!

  4. Home Spas – for those that don’t have time to travel to an expensive spa resort, luxury home owners are now creating the spa experience in the master bath, through saunas, luxury bathtubs, and steam showers.

  5. Bye, Bye, Granite – now that granite is seen in almost any home, luxury owners are moving away from it and coming up with new materials. Today, products like glass, concrete, and quartzite are being showcased in high-end homes.

  6. Media Rooms – seems like it costs $50 to see a movie today, so luxury home owners are creating their own private viewing area in their homes, complete with snack bar and wine cart. In a recent survey by Unique Homes, 67% of luxury home buyers want a media room in the home they buy.

  7. Hightech, Smart Homes – the affluent love technology and want the homes to be technologically advanced. Computers run the home so the homeowner doesn’t have to.

  8. Drawers no Longer just for Forks – not only are kitchens being equipped with warming drawers for food, but now microwaves, dishwashers, and freezers are being integrated into the luxury kitchen, adding convenience for today’s chef.

  9. Glass Walls that Move – in Florida, one luxury builder designs 90 degree window-doors which literally open up two walls of a room to the outside. It’s a great way to bring the outside in and vice versa, adding some architectural interest at the same time.

  10. Wine Cellars – in almost every ultimate luxury home here in Minnesota, wine cellars are always found. And frankly, buyers expect them now. Having a cellar that can house 1000 wines are more is the norm, with room for wine tasting as well.

0 comments

Get Your Dream Kitchen NOW!

Of course I understand it might not be in the budget to completely redesign your current Minneapolis kitchen, but you never know. Viewing real estate every week keeps me up-to-date on current kitchen trends, and most of the luxury homes I visit have something I love. Right now my current love is kitchen appliances. We are in the market for a new home so naturally I have shopped around for my favorite appliances. Being a cook, I have big eyes and maybe not the budget, but it is fun to dream anyway!

There are a couple great appliance show rooms in Minneapolis – St Paul metro area to shop for any appliances you might need. They are very accommodating and are happy to work with your project, whether it be a remodel or new home build. I already have my appliances picked out and am just waiting for the final decision on if we build or buy a resale home. Don’t be afraid to check out what’s new, like microwave drawers or dishwasher pull outs. There are truly some innovative ideas on the market today.

  • Guyer’s Builder Supply – consumers have the option of working through their builder or dealing directly with the company. If you walk the showroom yourself and are building new, tell them who your builder is and they will give you the negotiated rates. But remember that some appliances, like Dacor, have fixed rates that are not negotiable. There are numerous options available so set aside at least an hour to see it all. Locations are in Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Minneapolis, Monticello, Plymouth, and Woodbury. Visit http://www.guyers.com/ for more info!

  • Warner’s Stellian – open to the public daily, they showcase 30+ major brands of appliances, including items for the kitchen, laundry, freezers and more. They offer live displays so you can try the appliance before you buy and also free delivery in the metro-area for purchases over $500. Locations are in Apple Valley, Edina, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, St Paul, Woodbury. Visit http://www.warnersstellian.com/ for directions!

Remember, it’s your home and you know what you like. Before going to the showroom, understand what appliances you need and how you will use them. If you have certain dimensions a piece must fit in, bring the measurements so the salesman can tell you what will work. Have fun…it might take you a few trips to pick out the perfect pieces!

0 comments

You Might Want to Add This New Trend

Fire Sprinkler Systems in the Luxury Home

A new home trend that is still an idea in most peoples minds, but sure to become the future norm, is the home fire sprinkler system. We all know that commercial properties and apartments buildings are required by law to have an operating sprinkler system, but apparently there is a push to have future homes equipped with them as well.

I have some insider knowledge as my husband works for Northstar Fire Protection in Eagan, MN as a Project Manager. He designs and oversees the installation of commercial sprinkler systems. One day last year we were talking about a project he was handling in Las Vegas and our conversation turned toward real estate. He mentioned that he had the feeling sprinkler systems would one day be required in residential homes. I laughed it off at first, but as we talked further about government regulations, lobbying groups, and insurance companies, I realized that he had a great point. A Decade ago, groups successfully lobbied to have airbags installed in every vehicle, so what is to stop them from lobbying the government to require the installation of a sprinkler system in every home? It is a safety factor after all, and the government loves to regulate our safety.

While doing some research into the topic, I came across the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, a nonprofit group who’s goal is to educate the public on the benefits of the home sprinkler system. I gained some valuable insight from a survey they did in late 2005. Here are some interesting facts from them, and my husband:

  • Each sprinkler is individually activated by heat, so a localized fire in one room will be the only room affected by water disbursement (less water damage to personal items).
  • A home sprinkler system is estimated to add 1-1.5% of the total building cost to new construction. On a $300,000 home, that is roughly $3000.
  • Sprinkler heads can be recessed into the ceiling and concealed from view.
  • Smoke and toxic fumes are greatly reduced by quick sprinkler response and might even put out the fire before the fire department arrives on the scene.
  • About 69% of homeowners believe a fire protection system adds value to their home.
  • Sprinkler systems will most likely lower insurance premiums. For example, State Farm offers its customers with sprinkler systems a 5-10% discount off the premium.

While huge luxury homes with 4000 square feet or more would greatly benefit from an in-house sprinkler system, homes of 1200 square feet might not feel the need for installation. Some city codes require homes with three above ground levels install a sprinkler system on the third floor, especially if you are converting attic space into finished square feet, example being a Queen Anne Victorian historic home.

If you are thinking of installing a system into your new home, make sure to use a professional fire sprinkler company. Most states require the work to be completed by a licensed contractor.
Don’t get me wrong, the availability of a sprinkler system is a great home option. It not only can save lives, but it can also reduce substantial insurance claims against loss. We plan on building a new home in the future and will definitely install a fire sprinkler system. I just hope installation never becomes mandated by the government.

Has anyone installed a sprinkler system into their home, or have you seen it in the marketplace?

0 comments

Popular Kitchen Trends in Minneapolis – St. Paul

If you are thinking about remodeling your current kitchen or building a new home in which you want a unique kitchen space, consider a few of the new trends showing up in local luxury homes.

A popular cabinet trend is the two-tone approach. Some people like to have the center island be constructed of a different species of wood, or just stain it a different color than the main cabinets. Other choices include having different upper and lower cabinets, or actually creating upper cabinets that differ not only in color, but style as well.

Another must have for homes in Minnetonka or Wayzata are super-sized center islands. Since the kitchen is the new area for entertaining, the island must be large enough to cook, showcase, and eat all at the same time. Popular options include granite countertops, wine storage, gas cooktops, sinks, and artwork displays, just to name a few. Don’t forget to make it feel like a piece of furniture, too. Adding columns and bookshelves help transition the room from cooking to lounging, and in some instances, provide a more casual atmosphere.

One more thing, add glass doors to cabinets. Not only does it break up the look of the kitchen, but it adds interest and allows a homeowner to showcase glass artwork or antique dishes. You can even place recessed lighting inside the cabinet to highlight the pieces when guests visit.

Look for future blog posts that feature new trends for the Luxury home owner in Minneapolis, or comment on anything you are seeing in your local real estate market!

0 comments

Unique Surfacing Material Breaks the Mold

Mother of Pearl Wall Tiles

For centuries this beautiful milky shell has graced fine jewelry of Kings and decorated intricate pieces of furniture. Now one company has taken the leap to integrate the material further into our lives. The Maya Romanoff Corporation in Chicago, known for pioneering new surface materials in the design industry, has developed a way of taking Mother of Pearl and inlaying it onto wall tiles.

Maya’s innovative design comes in various color hues from snow white, light shade of pinks, to charcoal grey, and a very beautiful green. The shell is inlaid onto tiles, which can then be placed on your walls, much like any other tiles used in today’s modern design. The overall appearance can be quite dramatic and inspiring.
The product is so new that I have yet to see it implemented into any Minneapolis luxury homes, but I am sure with such a clever way of bringing the Mother of Pearl texture into local estates, it will be seen in the very near future.

0 comments

Minneapolis New Home Features, Part 3

No longer just a Patio

The Parade of Homes is winding down this week with only four days left. I will be heading out to Cottage Grove today to view one of the Featured Luxury homes, which I will discuss later. One trend I have been seeing this past tour, which I really like, is how the outdoor patio is changing. No longer is it just a wood deck for having an occasional meal, but now is becoming an outdoor retreat for relaxation and a new extension of the home.

Us Minnesotans love nature. So it should be no surprise that we enjoy the outdoors, even in winter. Builders realize this and are taking advantage by creating a space for all seasons. With the back porch being covered by a vaulted roof one can sit outside and enjoy a rain storm. With the area being screened-in, we don’t have to worry about the mosquitoes biting. Even if it is snowing, we can burn a real fire and snuggle up under a blanket.

While some might prefer the classic sun room which is glassed in and quiet, I like to hear the birds chirping and the breeze rustling. If I had the porch shown in the photo, I would most likely never leave. It has a feeling of warmth from the wood siding and the stone fire place that you just don’t get from an indoor gas stove. Of course if you like the rustic, cabin feel, then this is for you.

There are so many options to add to a home, that most forget about the exterior. Now we have a new option and I hope to see this theme repeated in the future. Now if I could just take this exact space and add it to my current home. Too bad, for now I will just have to settle for my small, uncovered, tiny wood porch.

0 comments

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →