Lux living | Windsor Star

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After two years of isolation and rolling restrictions, the pandemic has caused many Canadians to do some serious life analysis. Have you decided that 2022 is your year to go big? Maybe you are thinking of buying that luxury vacation home, that you have been pining after for the last couple of years (hello, digital nomad!)? You are not alone.

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“Due to the pandemic the current trend of purchasing a luxury secondary home has exploded,” says Jon Iesalnieks, sales representative from Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc. “People have realized a luxury property is not only an excellent longterm investment, but people want to enjoy a little slice of heaven now too.”

It’s good to keep in mind that the luxury home market is an entity unto itself and has changed over the years. How so?

“It’s not just about having the biggest house and showcasing your ostentatious wealth,” says Laura Hay, principal designer and founder of Laura Hay Decor & Design. “Luxury vacation homes today have a complete package

of workspace, wellness amenities, entertaining zones, family comfort and the latest technology,”adds Hay.

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Hay and her team have been designing homes for over a decade and recently created two luxurious vacation homes with serious design clout.

In Nassau, Bahamas, Hay and her team designed a 3,200-sq.-ft. contemporary condo that boasts an infinity balcony pool, an extra-large outdoor living and dining area and stunning vistas. And, in Naples, Florida, they designed a 4,800-sq.-ft. modern farmhouse style home with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, a stunning private courtyard connected to all the main floor bedrooms and a private guest house.

Though very different in their design ethos, they both have one thing in common: understated luxury. “The demand from my clients today is for purposeful elements in a luxury home. For example, smart technology to simplify day-to-day activities, large kitchens that are integrated into living areas and decor pieces that are personalized including curated artwork,” says Hay.

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She also sees an array of new luxury design trends for 2022 emerging. “Many of the luxury homes I have designed are in warmer climates,” explains Hay, “so the need for top amenities outside is a priority.”

Amenities such as an elaborate outdoor kitchen and bar equipped with an outdoor pizza oven, entertaining zones that include a built-in fireplace and a saltwater pool, large dining areas and landscaping so beautiful it will make you weak in the knees. These home benefits have one purpose: to enhance your lifestyle experience. Of course, nothing says luxury lifestyle like an amazing location.

“It’s all about exclusivity, privacy and views that will take your breath away,” says Hay. “People more than ever want a connection to the outdoors, they want to see vistas from every room, and they want easy access to the outdoors at all times.”

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Inside a luxury vacation home, you will find the standards such as large walk-in closets, marble-clad bathrooms and a wine cellar. However, you may not expect sport simulation rooms, full-sized gyms, sustainable gardens and bespoke furniture — furniture that is custom, one-of-a-kind and suited to the homeowner’s specific taste and requirements.

“I see a movement away from formal furniture and a shift toward a more relaxed coastal and earthy-inspired colour palette,” says Hay. Her clients want fabrics and finishes that are natural and comfortable but with a uniqueness all their own.

“When it comes to luxury living, nothing is off the table. That’s what makes this type of design so exciting,” concludes Hay.

And just like that, 2022 could be your year for luxe living, think “champagne wishes and caviar dreams,” Robin Leach would be proud.

This story was created by Content WorksPostmedia’s commercial content division.