by Roberta Murphy

We’ve written about luxury closets in the past, but these days some are spending up  to $500,000 for a luxe master closet that might include a champagne refrigerator, sound system, glass-enclosed display cabinets, wet bar or even a breakfast area.

Gone are the simpler days of a luxurious dressing room. The master closet area has become a destination room.

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday on four luxurious closet areas, ranging in size from a modest 600 square feet to a dressing suite with 1300 square feet.  What are the trends with luxury closets?

Luxury home owners today want closets that invite lounging–with prized clothing and accessories on display behind lighted display cabinets. Materials used may include exotic woods, crystal chandeliers and windows that allow for natural lighting. These dressing lounges might also have a sound system, television, jewelry vaults, exercise equipment and even an office nook. Clothing is easily compartmentalized, with large and organized spaces for shoes, hanging clothes, accessory storage and vaults for jewelry and valuables.

There will also likely be a secure safe of some sort for storage of jewelry and valuables. And frequently, these safes are cleverly disguised. Another security feature might be a security camera to protect against theft and pilferage.

These master dressing areas have become trophy rooms of sorts–and are a key selling feature in luxury homes we show in our own San Diego real estate practice. Frequently, properties are crossed off luxury home buyers’ lists if  a master closet is not large enough or appointed to their standards. Rejection might also occur if there are not equally and finely appointed dual closets for couples.

What are your demands when it comes to closets? Please share your list or photos!

For additional reading:

 The Luxurious Closet
The Luxury Pantry

The post The Luxury of a $500,000 Closet appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

What kinds of rooms might go into a luxury home? The possibilities are as varied as lifestyles.

I recall a luxurious mansion in Houston’s lovely River Oaks that had, in addition to every other conceivable room, a luggage room. It was a sensible space that accommodated the traveling owner’s large collection of leather suitcases, trunks and garment bags. When a trip was planned, the butler would retrieve the appropriate luggage and assist with the packing.

When expense and space are not restrictive issues, the floor plan of a luxury home can truly reflect the lifestyle of its owner.

Some of the more common possibilities might include:

• A large morning room off the kitchen for casual family dining. This is simply an expansion of the traditional breakfast room.
• Large formal dining rooms still prevail and are a must for indoor formal entertaining.
• A butler’s pantry between the kitchen and formal dining area that may be equipped with china cabinets, lined flatware drawers, crystal storage and wine refrigeration.
• An oversized and well-organized pantry in the kitchen that has room for a freezer.
• A master closet that invites relaxation.
• A temperature-controlled wine room that might even accommodate a tasting table or two.
• A game room that might hold a pool table, arcade games and even a karaoke stage.
• A high-ceilinged music room for the grand piano and other musical enjoyment.
• Forget strip closets. Luxury homes demand oversized and highly organized walk-in dressing rooms.
• Personal gyms are a common requirement in luxury homes. They are typically located off the master bedroom or near outdoor amenities.
• The plush home theater with cushy seats, popcorn machine and huge screen have become very popular.
• A home library offers a quiet room for books, reading and reflection.
• A conservatory provides a glass-walled transition between the luxury residence and its natural surroundings–and is a lovely spot for casual entertaining.
• A sunroom may be located anywhere in the home, but provides a casual place to enjoy sunshine and views.
• Home offices are often a requirement for busy owners and their staff.
• Outdoor living rooms and areas are treasured in warmer climates. See photo above.
• A large laundry and project room may have multiple washers and dryers, a steam closet, and cabinets for project storage. It should also have space for a large, multi-purpose table.
• A snoring room off the master bedroom. Enough said….

Common to luxury homes in San Diego are loggias and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens, which allow for year round outdoor dining and entertaining. It is also not uncommon to find poolside cabanas, dressing rooms and steam rooms. In mountain communities, luxury chalets will likely have mud rooms and ski lockers.

As suggested earlier, it is the lifestyle and taste of the affluent that will ultimately determine the configuration of their luxury homes.

The post Rooms and More Rooms in Luxury Homes appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.