Photo Credit: Michael Berio
Southwest Florida aka Paradise Coast is ideal for outdoor living, so it’s no wonder that luxury home trends continue to move in the direction of a more casual lifestyle with a vacation resort-like ambiance.
Bigger, better and more elaborate outdoor living spaces are trending, becoming an extension of the home itself. The vibe is relaxed, and the goal is to create an Instagram worthy retreat, that rivals the most sophisticated 5-star resort. Gone are the days of the caged-in feeling of the screened-in lanai. Buyers want unobstructed views, open to the sunshine and fresh air, albeit with remote-controlled automated retractable screens.
Indoor and outdoor living areas are now being seamlessly integrated with floor to ceiling walls of sliding glass doors, which effortlessly retract and open the interior living areas to the exterior, and matching flooring materials inside and out. The exterior living space has evolved into a prime gathering spot, complete with multiple lounging areas arranged around focal points, like fireplaces or fire pits and big screen TV for friends and family to enjoy the ‘big game’. Custom-designed outdoor kitchens with elaborate grills, smokers, wood-fired pizza ovens, or flattop gas grills, complete with beverage centers and standalone ice makers, have become the new norm, complemented by stylish patio seating for ‘al fresco’ dining. Pools have become architectural statements, with built-in sun shelves, water features, fire bowls, and integrated spas. Landscaping architects increasingly incorporate indigenous plants, which adds authenticity and comes with the additional benefit of requiring less irrigation and pesticides. The separate pool house, or casita, is making a comeback as a luxury retreat for overflow guests or family, offering the ultimate in privacy.
Photo Credit: Michael Berio
Interior design trends for 2020 include a resort-chic vibe and casual open-concept floorplans. High volume ceilings together with lots of oversized windows bring in lots of natural light. While the kitchen continues to be the heart of the home, it has evolved into a spectacular focal point designed to make a statement, featuring oversized islands, a La Cornue range, multiple professional glass door refrigerators, bespoke European cabinetry, appliances, and hardware. A separate butler’s pantry, outfitted with freezers, wine coolers, the obligatory Miele built-in espresso maker, dishwashers and sink prep areas, has become a ‘must’. Adjacent dual master suites are a newly emerging luxury trend, and although not everyone uses both bedrooms, buyers do increasingly desire separate master bathrooms and separate couture-worthy walk-in closets. The master bathroom itself has evolved into a private spa-like oasis custom-designed and meant to pamper, incorporating a massage room, steam room, sauna, outdoor zen-garden shower, or simply a space for your Peloton.
Exterior elevations also have evolved, reflecting a cleaner, less complicated look, smooth stucco walls, flat tile cement roofs, and square windows with minimal or no exterior trim. Tech-savvy buyers must have state of the art AI-driven home automation and energy-efficient ‘green’ features encompassing not only renewable building materials but also high SEER rated HVAC systems, Low-E window packages, and tankless water heaters. Also trending are climatized garages large enough for a collector, complete with a rapid charging station for the electric vehicle of your choice. Finally, no Florida home would be complete without a whole-house generator with an intelligent electronic switching panel, so you don’t even notice when the power goes out.
The service we provide to our clients goes beyond just identifying and acquiring the perfect building lot in paradise. We also assist in assembling the entire project team, consisting of an architect, interior designer, landscape architect, and general contractor, who work seamlessly together to realize our clients’ vision, and we typically accompany our clients throughout their entire journey from groundbreaking to house warming party.
For more information, please contact Cynthia Joannou at 239-273-0666 or cynthiajoannou@gmail.com.
Cynthia Joannou is the exclusive real estate agent representing the Barefoot Beach, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
