If you’ve purchased a new property this year and are looking to give it a new lease of life, then redecorating and filling it with some beautiful new furnishings is one of the easiest ways to inject a little luxury. But if you’re eager to create a living space that really stands apart from the crowd, then splurging on some opulent features is guaranteed to give it the ‘wow’ factor.
From heated swimming pools to smart home safety systems, these four features promise to do just that, and have the power to transform your home to an opulent abode you’ll want to live in for life.
A heated indoor swimming pool
In the UK, few homes have swimming pools of their own, and those that do usually opt for simple set-ups that can be covered over in winter when not in use. A luxury home, though, doesn’t skimp on the very finest money can buy, which is why some of the wealthiest homeowners in the country have opted for full-length, fully-heated swimming pools that can be used year round. To protect residents from adverse weather, they’re usually housed indoors, and might even be accompanied by a sauna, steam room or jacuzzi for the ultimate at-home swimming and spa experience.
A home fitness centre
Going to the gym is an important way to keep fit and maintain optimal health, but having to queue for the equipment and machines you want to use after a long day of work is an inconvenience that many of us could do without. If you’ve got the space at home, then a private fitness centre, kitted out with all of the latest, state-of-the-art gear is a no-brainer, and will allow you to work out in complete privacy whenever the mood strikes. As we head towards winter, the idea of not having to leave your home to get into a session in is likely more appealing than ever, so it’s the perfect time to go all out and use that extra space that’s been sitting empty. While some homes might have a treadmill or a few free weights to use at home, you’ll only find plush fitness centres like this in luxury abodes, and putting one in is a great way to add value.
A personal wine cellar
If you’re a keen collector of fine wines, then you’ll need somewhere to store all of those prized vintages, and while most people simply pop them in a cupboard or the fridge, depending on what type they are, a true wine connoisseur knows that each and every bottle should be kept at optimal conditions in order to retain and improve its taste. So, if you’re wondering which luxury feature to add to your home next to elevate it from the norm, then having your own personal wine cellar installed is an excellent idea, and will allow you to keep your fine wines organised and out of the way, whilst still easily accessible should you decide to crack one open.
A modern, high-end smoke alarm
A smoke alarm might not be the most glamorous inclusion you could expect to find in a luxury home, but it’s certainly one of the most essential – and while there’s no denying that opulent extras like hot tubs and fitness centres are perhaps a more appealing way to spend your money, you can’t put a price on safety. Granted, smoke alarms aren’t just for luxury homes, and all homes should have one. But, if you have the money then it’s worth investing in the very best money can buy, and it’s an investment you’re unlikely to ever regret.
Artificial intelligence has infiltrated just about every area of home safety and security, and that includes smoke alarms, with the latest and greatest offerings on the market sending speedy alerts straight to your smartphone should smoke or carbon monoxide be detected. Google Nest is one of the best modern systems currently offering this type of functionality, and is so advanced that it even self-tests to ensure it is continually optimised and performing as it should.
If you’re planning on splurging on an all-new smoke alarm system, then don’t be tempted to install it yourself. Find a company that does professional smoke alarm installations to ensure that yours is working correctly from the off, as it’s not worth taking the risk of not having it set up as it should be.