Apr. 18, 2007 - Raleigh NC Real Estate >>Luxury Home Trends in the Triangle

I think I've mentioned this previously, but I grew up in Dallas, TX in a real estate family.  I learned a lot about homes as I was growing up.  One of the things I realized is that, in Texas, everyone thinks bigger is better!!  Joking aside, Dallas is a trend setter in terms of the latest custom features for single family homes.  In my market, the Triangle market, we do things a bit slower. 

Details that showed up in homes in Dallas and Chicago a couple of years ago are now starting to make their way to the Triangle.  A couple of trends that are making it include:

• 4" recessed lights vs. the standard 6" recessed lights
• Wine Cellars- People are spending more time collecting wines and aging them not only as a hobby, but for family occasions.  We've seen an increase in the number of basements built in new homes and this provides the adequate space and temperature controls required for a wine cellar.
• Media Rooms-Movie Theatres right in your own home with "stadium seating".  This is another popular feature with luxury basement homes.
• Rubbed Bronze Fixtures-I know these have gone in and out in other areas but this is just now making it our way over the past year or so.   
• Furniture for Master Bath countertops and 1/2 Baths- The developer at Wakefield had special furniture imported from Italy used for his countertops in his personal home. 
• Travertine Floors.  Homes in the Triangle are more traditional than those seen in the mid-west, California, and Florida so most of the flooing you will see in this area is hardwood.  These floors are more "southern" and typical for the area.  In addition, the labor expense for stone floors is our market is much higher than other parts of the country. 

If you are planning a move to the Triangle and are interested in Luxury property you may want to keep this in mind.