$1,000,000.00
December 24, 2010What Will It Get You in a Home Today?
If you’re in the market for a new home and you have a cool million-plus to lay down for it, your dollars will probably translate into marble countertops and Brazilian cherry floors – at the very least – in today’s extremely competitive real estate market.
From the cloud-piercing condos in the Gold Coast to the waterfront manors of the North Shore, we will show you what interior elements you can expect to see as you survey potential properties in this price range with your real estate agent. Past the “notice me” front gates or manicured doormen under grand porticos, here is what you’re likely to find.
Stone Countertops – A gourmet kitchen is one of the key features of a luxury home. It is expected by most buyers and is the deal-breaker when it comes to signing on the dotted line. The most important element of the ultimate cooking space is what lies on top of the counters. Gorgeous slab marble or granite will stir as much excitement as if it were an exhibit in the Guggenheim. Custom and elaborate decorative edge details are also imperative for showcasing the home’s uniqueness along with the chosen species of stone – ideally, these details should differ from the island and the peninsula to the perimeter.
Pro-Style Appliances – Stainless steel is de rigueur. For those appliances that are not fully integrated, manufacturers and sizes will vary, but what remains the same is the stylized quality of these functional pieces of equipment. Be on the lookout for coordinated stainless steel cladding if the appliances are not of the same suite (the same suite guarantees matching handles), and expect to see brand names reflecting the kitchen industry’s most respected manufacturers, such as Sub-Zero, Viking and Wolf.
Custom Cabinetry and Woodwork – Cabinetry and woodwork in kitchens, bathrooms, media rooms, laundry rooms, bars, home libraries and other rooms should be composed of many sophisticated styles and layouts, but they should also coordinate with each other, as well as with the style of the interior. Unfortunately, many designers in the kitchen and bath industry do not have a clear understanding of how to integrate form and function seamlessly. Details are paramount in cabinetry, crown moldings, furniture moldings, light rails, door profiles, end panels, corbels and turnings – they all fit together and serve the intended purpose only if they were professionally designed and installed. If they were not, your search for the perfect property should continue, since they are statistically proven to be the largest investment in every home!
Lighting – One of the most important features of any residence is lighting. It can make everything in the house look its best due to its ability to capture attention, accentuate the positive, and camouflage the negative. However, it will stand out like a sore thumb if not done correctly. All lighting fixtures should be appropriate in task, scale and form, and unique to the surrounding interior décor. What most people do not know is that any property you are interested in should be seen not just in daylight, but also after dark. It is amazing how a space can be transformed from day to night!
Master Closet – A custom-designed, walk-in closet complete with doors and drawers to keep even the most expansive wardrobe in perfect order will be required by every woman and appreciated by most men. Interior compartments that illuminate automatically when doors are ajar, drawers lined in velvet, dressing counters, center islands, shoe walls and seating all come together for the perfect place to start (and end) your day.
Hardwood Flooring – Some of the best homes in the world have hardwood flooring, and a million-dollar property should follow suit. Whether exotic cherry, mahogany or earth-friendly lyptus or bamboo, it has to be the real deal (and so much the better if it is heated for the chilly winter months). Beware of too much wall-to-wall carpeting. Even though it is comfortable for Northern climates, it can wear, stain and collect allergens – all visually and physically uncomfortable aspects that you will want to avoid.
Consummate professionals in the big business of interior design will have no problem guaranteeing that their clients will receive all of the above million-dollar home amenities in order to capitalize on a potential future sale. A home is a savings account – hire the right professionals to correctly deposit your millions, and when you are ready to sell, you will be able to withdraw with interest.
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