10 Luxury Products Custom Builders Should Know Now
Though the coronavirus still has everyone on edge, it’s a perfect time for custom builders and architects to do some research on what kinds of cool luxury products are available on the market for their customers. We found nine you should check out.
The stock market is bracing for a bumpy future, but before the world went haywire, 2019 was a good year and 2020 was slated to be a good one for the luxury real estate market as well.
Crunching the numbers from the U.S. Census Data confirms that custom home building expanded, supported by low mortgage interest rates.
Made a Mano
In addition to kitchen and bath fixtures, this Danish brand manufactures bold interior and exterior tiles that are made from glazed ceramic and natural vocanic style. Artisans apply a variety of Asian, Dutch, and geometric designs on tiles in various sizes. Pricing on request.
Samuel Heath
Part of the brand’s Landmark Industrial Collection, this wall-mounted basin faucet draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement. It can be configured with the lever on the left or the right and comes in eight finishes, including urban brass, polished nickel, and stainless steel with matte black.
But the wealthy are spending money again. Some of the hot U.S. markets are expected to be the Miami and Los Angeles areas. What effect the homebuying market has on the custom home building market remains to be seen, but all signs point to a robust year for the sectors—providing the economy stabilizes after the current public health crisis.
Either way the market moves, this is a good time for design and construction professionals to bone up on what’s happening in construction technology, building science, and new product introduction.
La Cornue
The CornuFé 110 43-inch range features two electric convection ovens, five gas burners, and a large storage drawer. It’s available in eight classic colors and three trim accent choices--polished brass, stainless steel, and polished copper. Four Suzanne Kasler Couleurs and two trim accent choices of stainless and brass are also available. Units start at $10,450.
So what are luxury buyers looking for in their homes? It depends on who is buying. Tim and Julie Harris, real estate agents and coaches, say young wealthy buyers are looking for homes measuring at least 5,000 square feet, with extra space for specialty rooms, contemporary interiors, privacy and security integrated systems with smartphone connections/operations, and essentials such as great outdoor spaces, and commercial grade kitchens and appliances.
For luxury buyers more than 50 years old, contemporary and modern homes are also in, as are big windows, clean/open lines, and new technologies in materials.
No matter the buyers, certain products and materials have resonance. We have have found some for you to consider.
A version of this story ran in Custom Builder’s sister publication residentialproductsonline.com
Gaggenau
The manufacturer modular cooktops and ventilation appliances can be combined to create a custom kitchen. Fitting together perfectly, the collection includes grill, steamer, downdraft ventilation, deep fryer, and induction or gas cooktops ranging from 15 to 36 inches. Pricing on request.
Nanz
The No 8677 bin pull has an oval dome center and is secured on either side by teardrop-shaped flanges. A simplification of traditional apothecary pulls, it’s suitable for period and contemporary interiors, the company says. It measures 1½ by 3 7/8 inches and comes in 28 finishes. Pricing on request.
Lefroy Brooks
This exposed GoDolphin thermostatic valve features an 8-inch rose and an adjustable riser pipe. Priced at $2,508, it comes in chromium plate, antique gold, or satin nickel finish and has ceramic cross handles.
Kallista
The For Town kitchen faucet with sidespray by Michael S. Smith harkens back to the elegance of a 1930s Park Avenue apartment, the brand says. Made from solid-brass, it has a two-handle, deck-mount bridge, 8-inch center, and a spout that rotates 36 degrees. It comes in two finishes. Priced from $3,495.
Boffi
Part of the Italian brand’s K collection by Norbert Wangen, the K6 monoblock features a sliding top with a dual function—concealing the working area when the not in use and also serving as a countertop. The worktop slides alongside the depth and not the kitchen length. It encloses an oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, cupboard and drawer space. Pricing on request.
Artistic Tile
Carved from Bianco Carrara marble, Dune evokes a windswept desert, the company says. Light plays upon the carved and ridged surface creating dramatic surfacing that can be used for interior walls, backspales, and shower stalls. It’s also available in Smoke limestone. It’s priced from $195 per square foot.
Smallbone of Devizes
The United Kingdom brand specializes in bespoke cabinetry and other furniture for the home. Custom projects can be handmade from a variety of species, as sustainable European oak, rosewood, mahogany, American walnut, and maple. The company’s American flagship is in New York City. Pricing on request.