Weston - The Trend for New Luxury Contemporary Homes
Leslye Fligor
Contributing Author and Weston Resident – LandVest | Christie’s Int. RE
Have you noticed how many new luxury homes being built in Weston are ultra contemporary in
design? In just the past twelve months, Weston has had eight homes sell for more than $7.3
million and four of these are contemporary.
What is a contemporary home? A contemporary home is a house with design elements and
features that reflect today’s style of architecture. Although like a modern home, contemporary
houses have characteristics such as clean lines, natural lighting, and a minimalist feel. The
focus of the new contemporaries is to abandon what is not utilized often in a home and give
focus to rooms and spaces that are used and appreciated by today’s buyer.
Luxury contemporary homes provide a sense of tranquility, simplicity, and sensibility.
Landscaping is natural and not fussy – fewer trees allow for more natural light. Rooms are
often multi-purpose with gathering spaces, building materials are natural or easy to maintain,
and embrace Biophilic design - the trend towards indoor-outdoor living, the return of wood and
other natural elements, and the utilization of smart-home technology for energy efficiency.
Design elements that are often incorporated in these chic new abodes include maximizing
space for guests to park their cars on a planned parking court instead of a tight congested
driveway. Front doors are not just functional but an important artistic design statement. Foyers
are typically light filled dramatic spaces with high ceilings, floating staircases, multiple seating
or conversation areas, and often a view the back yard. Walls of glass, neutral tones, and
specialty lighting are important design features.
Luxury contemporary kitchens typically have deluxe European appliances, quartz countertops,
an oversized island for casual dining, and cabinetry is unadorned – often no knobs at all. Large
mudrooms help to keep homeowners organized and clutter out of sight and may include
conveniences for pets such as a wash station.
Primary suites may have dressing rooms and private balconies. Deluxe bathrooms are essential
and include soaking tubs, heated marble flooring, walk-in showers with walls of glass, and
fixtures that are unadorned.
Patios are highly valued and often located so they can be viewed and accessed by many rooms
and usually have an exterior fireplace. Swimming pools are back in favor, but no curves or
slides! Sleek, smaller pools for plunging or lap pools are what today’s luxury buyer is seeking.
Is the luxury Contemporary style home a trend only to be replaced by an alternative style? It’s
hard to know. What is true is how Biophilic design gives pause to how beautiful extreme
simplicity can be for both viewing and living.