There is no point in restraint when it comes to a dream home. The name itself implies lofty ideals that are indulgent and opulent. The real question is- what décor elements and features bring a home out of the realm of reality to dream level? For starters, without an underwater room, wine-on-tap and hammock flooring, your dream home is just a flight of fancy without anything fancy. And that’s pretty boring. So, may we suggest…
An indoor slide.
Photos: Core
Let’s face it. Stairs are boring. And if you are uber-rich, shouldn’t everything in your life be about making things easier and more fun, even if it is going to your main floor from upstairs? And if you are clever about your design, you can create a noteworthy focal point at the same time.
A secret wine cellar at the end of a spiral staircase.
Photos: imgur
Hidden staircase with a secret wine cellar? This just shouts intrigue and cloak and dagger, even if the only mystery you are going to solve is which Cabernet Sauvignon to serve with dinner.
A regular spiral staircase.
Photo: imgur
A spiral staircase is grand, and if placed correctly can be the show-stopper on your main floor. There is so much opportunity to weave in intricate, interesting décor details. Open spindles and open risers are ideal if you want to mesh the staircase into your space, or close it in with textured plaster or ceramic for a more contemporary look.
Floor-to-ceiling windows. Everywhere.
Photo: denoxa
Natural light is a must for any homeowner, but for dream homeowners, it’s an absolute must. Not only do stunning floor-to-ceiling windows pull in tons of light, consider the vistas offered through them. Bare windows are best for the views, or if you need privacy options, use retractable shades.
A below grade, glass-encased room that looks out into a moat-like pool.
Photos: Guz Architects
A moat-like pool sounds like an extra feature that would lift a regular home to dream-home status. Comfortable, custom seating nearby is a nice touch, with the glass water wall behind.
Glass floors.
Photos: Tradition
Gaze down upon your treasures. Glass floors are a fancy detail that is most definitely part of the dream home realm- as you would need dedicated cleaning staff to maintain them after use. Having glass floors gives an entirely different dimension to uninterrupted sightlines, and gives you a bird’s eye view of your home’s symmetry in design.
A retractable window wall for the summer.
Photo: BWArchitects
If the above design isn’t to your liking, we have 14 others here. Dream homeowners should be able to enjoy all the seasons in their splendor without having to leave the living room. A retractable window wall lets you have that connection with outdoors, ready to pull back to take in the summer breeze, or go into place to shelter from the elements.
And a rooftop patio for all of the time.
Photo: Corinthia Hotel
There is no better way to while away those evenings than on a rooftop patio, where you get those million-dollar views. Glass railings are a nice way to enclose and define the space without blocking the sightlines.
An 18-person hot tub.
Photo: spambient
Because a hot tub for less than 18 is not nearly big enough when you are talking dream home. This proves a valuable point. When planning a dream home, take a common home feature and make it bigger. This one not only features tons of seating, you’ve even got a built-in bar. Yes, of course with a built-in TV. Order it here.
And an 800-square-foot sauna.
Photo: Partisans
Like the Grotto Sauna on a private island just outside Toronto. Saunas are an excellent home feature to promote health and wellness, and this one is extra-fancy because of its size and also the rich curves creating a porthole to take in the views and a skylight. The rounded edges here create calm.
Hammock floors.
Photos: IF
A dream home means having options everywhere, so why not have material on your floor that is conducive to hanging out with your book, or grabbing a quick nap? These are playful, and hint of those summers at sleepaway camp.
Full-ceiling skylights.
Photo: Golden Crown
If a skylight is a portal to the outdoors to access light and air, it only makes sense to make them broader to better accomplish that task. You can sleep under the stars without swatting away mosquitos or wicking away the morning dew.
An aquarium bed.
Photo: imgur
“Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.” It’s perfect when you can combine your hobbies with your furniture, and this aquarium bed gives new meaning to sleeping amongst the fishes. For a more authentic experience, ask Alexa to play ocean sounds while you fall asleep, dreaming of the seashore.
An extensive in-home library.
Photo: imgur
For a bibliophile, an extensive home library is the whole dream home. It’s even better when you’ve got a comfy chair with a view and a ladder to reach those original editions. All that is missing here is a fireplace to curl up in front of.
With a hidden room behind it.
Photos: Creative Home Engineering
Good reads are based on good settings, so shouldn’t your home library have a hidden room to stash your top-secret belongings? There is a great mystery story here, just waiting to be told.
A Star Trek-themed theater room.
Photo: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Just one of many nerd dens in this $35 million Florida estate. Your dream home should reflect your personality and passions, so if Star Trek is your jam, you should have a den to recreate the experience whenever you feel like it. Authenticity and details matter here, so go all out to recreate it. You can afford it!
And a 1980s arcade room.
Photo: imgur
This one was built by a father-son duo. You should probably hire them to do yours. For dream homeowners of a certain age, many a Saturday afternoon was spent cruising the arcade with a fistful of quarters, cheering your friends on to their high score in Ms. Pac Man. This arcade is stocked with all the games you remember, along with retro bar stools and a candy dispenser so you can relive the good old days.
A Lego wall for the kids.
Photo: imgur
The junior set deserves some input to their dream home as well, and if you canvassed a room full of kids, chances are a Lego wall would rank very highly in must-have features. How amazing to be able to mold your creations at eye-level, and equally amazing for the parents, who won’t have to trip on Legos underfoot.
A dining room swing set.
Photo: Duffy London
Will set you back $6,900, but so worth it. Having a swing set for your dinner table is highly efficient as you can burn some calories while eating your dinner. Also- it‘s fun and whimsical, which should be the overarching theme of a dream home.
A pub-inspired basement.
Photo: imgur
Believe it or not, this was also a DIY job. In the era of work-live-play at home, it only makes good sense to have your local conveniently located in your own home. This snug pub has all the hallmarks of an authentic British pub, with warm woods and frosted glass.
And an underground bowling alley.
Photo: Clutch Design Studio
Just think of how great your game would be if you had your own bowling alley right in your home. This one is particularly rich with wood detailing and stone tunnels that resemble a mine shaft.
More amazing basement designs here.
A wine dispenser in the kitchen.
Photos: Napa Technology
This bad boy will preserve four bottles of wine for up to 60 days — not that you’re actually going to need that kind of time. Buy one here. If having a large wine cellar isn’t quite enough for your dream home, up the ante with an in-kitchen wine dispenser to facilitate serving and storing. It might be a bit much for a lone home cook, but no doubt would be the central point during your parties.
And a walk-in beer cooler.
Photo: KegWorks
In lieu of a food pantry, which you definitely won’t need. Buy it for $7,299. And beer drinkers should have options too, including having ample, temperature-controlled storage in this walk-in beer cooler. There is enough room for your select IPAs and craft brew gems, along with your kegs and handy tap for when you’ve got a crowd.
A shower at the foot of your bed.
Photo: imgur
Because you’re filthy rich. Having a shower right next to your bed is handy, especially when you oversleep. What this middle-of-the room shower limits in terms of privacy, it makes up with convenience.
A hammock-shaped bathtub.
Photo: Splinter Works
UK design firm Splinter Works’ “Vessel” comes in a variety of colors, including silver, bronze, and even pink. This bathtub truly invites rest and relaxation, although– much like with a real hammock, you might have a hard time getting in and out. Pro tip- buy yourself a matching footstool and handrail to facilitate entry and exit.
An indoor pool with a swing.
Photo: imgur
A high-end home might have an indoor pool- but a dream home elevates that experience with a swing. Another nice touch here is the built-in benches with tons of throw pillows for relaxing upon, post-swim.
Photo: imgur
This dreamy hot tub next to a rugged stone fireplace is the ultimate spot to unwind. A bank of windows overlooking the forest gives the sensation that you are outside without having to deal with the elements and pests.
A second fireplace on the back porch.
Photo: imgur
There is nothing more elegant than a graceful verandah, and this gently curved porch is that and more. The tall stone fireplace is the perfect centerpiece in this outdoor space, tying it all together while radiating warmth.
An outdoor kitchen.
Photo: imgur
Outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular, even amongst the regular non-dream homeowners, because it increases your useable living space. It also is so much easier to be able to prep and cook all in the same spot, without carting all your supplies in and out from your kitchen to your grill.
And an outdoor living room.
Photo: FG+SG – Fernando Guerra
As seen here in São Paulo, Brazil’s Lee House. A room without walls, but with all the comfort and style of the indoors is a decadent choice. Seating that inspires conversation is important, as is an eye-popping fireplace for those chillier nights
And while we’re at it, an outdoor bathroom.
Photo: OutdoorLiving
Whether you choose to have a full shower in the great outdoors, or just want to rinse off after spending time outside, an outdoor shower is a must. This one incorporates lots of plants in the shower enclosure, to emphasize the outdoor component.
A bed that rocks.
Photo: imgur
Lull yourself to sleep with a rocking bed. Its curved lines provide an interesting canopy and headboard, although making it in the morning might be a challenge.
And finally, a luxury tree house in the backyard.
Photo: imgur
Who doesn’t love a treehouse nestled in the woods? This treehouse falls decidedly into the glamping category though, with its soaring ceilings and catwalks.
