7 Splurgy Home Upgrades That Prioritize HAPPINESS Over Everything
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Is there a dream space you have always secretly wanted for your home? A screening room worthy of a media mogul? A wellness zone where you can exercise and then relax in a sauna or steam room? A wine "cellar" that's nowhere near the basement, where you can properly entertain your friends over a rare bottle?
Now's the time to make it happen. And you don't have to start from scratch. There are excellent options available that make customization and quick installation easier than ever, but the real payoff is in the joy they'll bring you.
Below, you'll find ideas for seven creative spaces that will make you happier at home.
A Truly Stunning Entryway
Pictured above: Getting exterior details right is the key to a house that makes your heart skip a beat. A hot entry, like the Custom Grid Arched Pivot Door from Maiden is a modern showstopper.
A Hollywood-Worthy Media Room
Say goodbye to crowded bars and sticky-floored movie theaters forever. The best movie-watching experience is made even better with a luxurious place to sit. Elite HTS offers customized seating specifically designed for home cinemas and can be configured for any space you can carve out. Their selections include Sectionals, Recliners, “Theater Beds” (shown here), and “Cuddle Couches,” with multiple arm styles, upholstery options, and, of course, discreet (but necessary) cupholders. Configure your pieces directly on their site.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD A SCREENING ROOM
Whether you choose a 98" QLED 4K SamsungTV or a classic projector and drop-down screen, don’t skimp on a great surround sound system.
Comfy seating is non-negotiable. Choose options that allow you to lean back and prop up your feet. Add in storage for extra pillows and blankets too—oh, and don’t forget the popcorn.
If you have the space, ask your contractor to build different levels, so no one’s view is obstructed.
The Ultimate Wine Tasting Room
If you love to entertain over a bottle (or case) of vino, a dedicated wine cellar might be just the thing to lift your spirits. Brands like Heritage Vine can turn any area into an ideal environment for wine storage (like this space that houses over450 bottles). Add a bar table to complete your Napa-esque tasting room.
A Complete Wellness Zone
If you currently trek down to a basement tread-mill, why not give your home a proper makeover with a home gym and spa? Iron House Design specializes in creating holistic spaces—complete with high-end workout equipment, lounge seating, and recovery zones (often with a massage area or steam room)—meant to match each client’s fitness and health goals. Ideally, you’ll want to dedicate at least 500 square feet to all the kettlebells and whistles.
Complete your retreat by adding a little heat therapy to your post-workout (or post-workday) recovery routine.
BEFORE YOU GO ALL IN
Steam showers and even ready-made saunas require a bit of extra reinforcement, from waterproof enclosures to cement floors, so check with a contractor first.
A Swanky Backyard Villa
If you’re lucky enough to have the extra outdoor space, choose an addition (in this case an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU) that feels special. Rost Architects offers fully customizable Villa plans, ranging from 360 to 1,200 square feet, for studios to three bedrooms with one to two bathrooms. Whether it’s for a home office, guest suite, pool house, or studio space, these builds are a home away from home in your own backyard.
An Instant Outdoor Kitchen
Trex, a well-regarded source for low-maintenance decking, offers an outdoor kitchen constructed with 304-grade stain-less steel. The Trex Ready series lets buyers choose from seven design layouts in six ready-to-ship, powder-coated finishes. For a fridge, you’ll need a GFCI outlet with a surge protector. If you opt for a sink, you’ll need to call a plumber. Otherwise, place it wherever you want and fire up the grill—noone will ever know it’s not a built-in.
A Private Plunge Pool
Occupying no more than 13' x 7' at their largest size, Soake Pools’ petite styles make them ideal for most spaces. They come standard with LED lighting and a fully tiled interior, and you can add heating, cooling, spa jets, a waterfall feature, and a static swim system. Get one of these and your friend group will expand exponentially.
FIND YOUR STYLE
These pools come in five sizes; can be installed flush, partial, or above ground; and have four cover options.
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