There are many features that can make a home feel luxurious. In Santa Cruz, CA, these include expansive views, high-end finishes and fixtures, gourmet kitchens, and plush master suites. Of course, every home is unique, but these are some of the things that you can expect to find in many luxury properties on this sunny slice of the Southern California coast.
If you’re building, buying, or remodeling a luxury home in the area, here are some features you might want to look out for, or consider adding, to your dream home.
For the living room
The living room is one of the most important rooms in the house, and it should be a space that you’ll want to spend time in. Here are some features that will help make it your favorite room in the house:
A statement fireplace. A stylish fireplace can be an ideal focal point for a living room. It adds literal and figurative warmth and can help delineate spaces, which is particularly helpful if you have an open floor plan.
Fireplaces are functional and they can give you the chance to display your own artistic and style preferences. Grab a few fireplace ideas from Architectural Digest here.
Floor-to-ceiling windows. Expansive windows are a must. They let in natural light and provide stunning views of the outdoors, especially if your house happens to be right on the beach.
Homes that maximize views also typically fetch higher prices.
High ceilings. High ceilings make a room feel airy and more spacious. They also add a sense of grandeur.
Luxurious furniture. Of course, no high-end living room is complete without top-quality furniture. Choose furniture that is both comfortable and stylish. Check out some seriously luxe brands here.
For the bathroom
For many home buyers these days, one of the most important rooms to pay attention to is the bathroom.
There are several key features that you should look for when choosing or designing a bathroom. First, you’ll want to make sure that the room is spacious and well lit. Next, you’ll want to choose bathroom fixtures and finishes that are of the highest quality. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the bathroom has all the latest technology and amenities.
There are a variety of luxury features you can add to your bathroom to make it more comfortable, stylish, and functional. Here are a few of the most popular features to consider:
Heated floors. Why freeze your toes off when you can keep them warm and toasty? Radiant floor heating is a must-have for any luxury bathroom.
Rain shower head. Say goodbye to uneven spray, and enjoy the feeling of raindrops falling on you instead. A rain shower head also provides more complete coverage.
Body jets. Get a massage while you shower. They may seem a bit gimmicky, but many people have found body jets great for relaxing and unwinding after a long day.
Double sink. If you have the space, a double sink is always a great addition. This allows you and your partner to have your own sink and counter space.
For the bedroom
The bedroom is the one place in your home where you can truly relax and escape from the outside world. It should be a haven of rest and relaxation. As such, it’s important to choose a calming color palette and furnishings that promote a sense of tranquility. It’s also important to consider the layout of the room and make sure there is ample space for all your bedroom furniture.
When planning the bedroom of your luxury home, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, you will want to have a comfortable bed. Not only is it the centerpiece of the bedroom, it’s also crucial to your getting a good night’s rest. It should be large enough, and it should have a high-quality mattress that provides support and comfort. For more advice on choosing a mattress, have a look at Wirecutter’s reviews of the best mattresses.
Plenty of storage space. This can be in the form of built-in closets or dressers. There should also be a place to store luggage, as well as a safe for valuables.
In addition to these basics, there are a few other luxurious touches that can take your bedroom to the next level.
A fireplace is a cozy addition that is sure to please while a sitting area is perfect for reading or enjoying a morning cup of coffee.
If you have the space, a dressing room or walk-in closet is a must-have for any luxury bedroom.
For the kitchen
For a luxury home, a well-equipped kitchen is a must. Here are some features to consider adding to the kitchen of your luxury home.
A kitchen island with plenty of prep space. As any cook will tell you, space is often the ultimate luxury. Give yourself the gift of plenty of counter space.
Professional-grade appliances. While many home cooks are content with mid-range appliances, if you’re looking to take your kitchen to the next level, consider investing in professional-grade appliances. Not only will they provide superior performance, but they’ll also add a touch of luxury. Some high-end appliance brands that bring up the value of a kitchen include Miele, Viking, Sub-Zero, and Molteni.
A walk-in pantry. Make it easier to get organized, plan meals, and know when to restock supplies.
A wine fridge. If you love wine, then you know how important it is to store it at the right temperature. A wine fridge will help ensure your precious bottles’ longevity.
Custom cabinetry. If you really want to make a statement, custom cabinetry is the way to go. You can choose from a wide variety of materials, finishes, and styles to create cabinets that are unique to your space.
A backsplash that makes a statement. Few things can transform the look and feel of a kitchen as quickly as a backsplash. Recent trends include using materials ranging from shiplap and reclaimed wood to marble and painted glass.
A kitchen table that can seat a large number of people. This is definitely a must if you’re often cooking and entertaining at the same time.
For the outdoors
Luxury home features for the outdoors can include anything from a fire pit to a built-in BBQ area. You can also use high-end materials, such as teak or cedar. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Fire pit. Nothing says luxury like a fire pit with a cozy seating area. A fire pit can be used as a focal point in your outdoor living space. You and your guests can enjoy the outdoors all year long, even in the cooler months. Not only will a fire pit keep you warm on those chilly nights, but it will also make your outdoor space more inviting. Plus, it’s the perfect place to gather around with family and friends.
Built-in BBQ area. If you love to entertain outdoors, a built-in BBQ area is a must-have. Your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills as you cook up a storm.
Hot tub. A hot tub is the perfect way to relax after a long day. Not only will it add value to your home, but it will also provide you with a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Another compelling reason to add an outdoor hot tub to your luxury home is the value it will add. If you ever decide to sell your home, an outdoor hot tub is a feature that will definitely appeal to potential buyers. Even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, an outdoor hot tub is still a great investment that will pay for itself over time.
Security
Home buyers are often willing to pay a premium for houses that come with state-of-the-art security systems.
There are many reasons why smart security systems are so desirable. First, they offer peace of mind. Second, they can help owners save on home insurance costs and premiums. And third, they’re convenient since homeowners can control their security system remotely.
For home buyers, having a smart security system is now a must-have, not a nice-to-have. And as the technology continues to evolve, we can only expect that the demand for these systems will continue to rise, especially among those looking to invest in luxury homes in Santa Cruz, CA.
Sustainability
There is a growing number of homebuyers looking for sustainable features in their luxury homes. These eco-friendly features can include green roofs and even electric vehicle charging stations.
If you’re building or remodeling your home, there are many sustainable features that you can add to make it more environmentally friendly.
Solar panels are a great way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and save money on your energy bills.
Rainwater harvesting is another great way to reduce water usage and lower the water bill.
Homeowners can also add energy-efficient windows and insulation to further reduce energy usage.
By adding these sustainable features to a luxury home, homeowners can help protect the environment, save on utility bills, and boost their home’s value at the same time.
How about a spa room?
The number of homeowners who are interested in adding a spa room to their luxury homes is on the rise. And it’s no wonder why. A soothing spa room is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. It’s also a great way to add value to your home, and it can also be a great place to entertain guests or host small events. If you have a pool, you can add a spa room with a hot tub or sauna.
Or a wine cellar?
A lot of luxury homes in Santa Cruz, CA can be found in close proximity to dozens of world-class wineries. If you have a growing wine collection and you live in this area, then having a wine cellar or wine vault can be a worthwhile investment.
Not only does it give a home that extra wow factor, it’s also a feature that’s rising in popularity among luxury home buyers. A well-stocked cellar appreciates in value over time, and it can also be a lot of fun to build and maintain.
Invest in a luxury home in Santa Cruz, CA today
What comes to mind when you think of luxury homes in Santa Cruz, CA? Perhaps it’s a large mansion with its own stretch of beach. Or maybe it’s a modern penthouse with stunning views of the ocean. Whatever your vision of a luxury home may be, there’s no doubt that Santa Cruz has some of the most beautiful homes in the world.
When you want to find your dream home here, it would be in your best interest to work with a real estate professional with a proven track record.
I, Amber Melenudo, can help you make the right choice among the properties on the market and find the listings that best meet your needs.
As a certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, I will provide you with concierge-level service, from helping you identify properties that match your criteria to providing you with information on the luxury home market and getting you the best possible price.
After living in Santa Cruz County for over 20 years, I am now one of the most sought-after realtors in the area and among the top 1% of agents in the county. Let me help you find your ideal Santa Cruz County luxury home.
Get in touch with me at 831.661.5591. Or send me an email here and let’s get started!