1. Bidets
Once considered a quirky European indulgence, bidets are now a must-have in high-end bathrooms across the U.S. The rise of wellness-focused design and a growing emphasis on hygiene during the pandemic pushed these fixtures into the mainstream. Modern versions come with heated seats, self-cleaning functions, and even customizable water pressure. What used to feel “extra” now feels like smart, sustainable luxury.
Beyond comfort, bidets also speak to environmental consciousness—a key trait of today’s luxury buyer. They dramatically reduce toilet paper use, which saves both trees and plumbing headaches. Upscale developers are even building them in as standard. The stigma is gone; in fact, skipping one might now feel behind the times.
2. Laundry Rooms With Style
For decades, the laundry room was an afterthought, hidden in basements or closets. Now, designers are turning them into functional showpieces, complete with quartz counters, built-in drying racks, and designer wallpaper. Luxury homeowners see it as part of the home’s “flow” rather than a utility space. It’s all about making chores feel less like, well, chores.
The shift comes from a larger desire to elevate everyday experiences. Custom cabinetry and natural lighting transform laundry day into a soothing ritual instead of a rushed task. Some even double the room’s purpose—folding clothes beside a built-in desk or pet-washing station. Luxury today means thoughtful convenience, not just flash.
3. Pantries That Feel Like Boutiques
Walk-in pantries were once dismissed as relics of old-fashioned kitchens. Now, they’re being reimagined as glamorous “back kitchens,” complete with beverage fridges, labeled jars, and mood lighting. Influenced by TikTok’s love of organization, these spaces blend functionality with visual appeal. The result is a pantry that looks good enough for a magazine spread.
Luxury homeowners appreciate the quiet efficiency they bring. When entertaining, the main kitchen stays pristine while the pantry hides the mess. Designers are even adding marble counters and wine storage for a mini-prep feel. It’s less about storage, more about staging calm behind the chaos.
4. Enclosed Kitchens
Remember when open-concept everything was the goal? That’s changing fast. High-end homeowners are rediscovering the appeal of enclosed kitchens—rooms that contain cooking smells, clutter, and noise. It’s a move back toward intimacy and purposeful separation in home design.
The pandemic played a huge role, with more people cooking and working from home. Suddenly, walls became welcome again. Soundproofing and dedicated space now feel luxurious compared to the constant openness of the 2010s. Privacy and peace are the new prestige.
5. Checkerboard Floors
Once seen as old-fashioned or “grandma’s kitchen,” checkerboard floors are back in a big way. Designers love their visual balance—bold yet timeless. They’re showing up in modern color palettes, like muted stone or soft neutrals, instead of harsh black and white. The look blends nostalgia with contemporary cool.
This resurgence ties into a larger “quiet luxury” aesthetic—heritage materials and subtle pattern play. Checkerboard marble or limestone feels elevated without trying too hard. It also pairs beautifully with warm woods and minimalist cabinetry. What used to scream “retro diner” now whispers “Paris apartment.”
6. Wallpaper Everywhere
Wallpaper had a long fall from grace after the 1980s, but it’s making a luxurious comeback. Today’s versions are textured, handcrafted, and often made from sustainable materials like grasscloth or silk. Homeowners are embracing bold patterns in powder rooms, bedrooms, even ceilings. The key is quality—think artisanal prints instead of mass-produced rolls.
Luxury design now favors character over sterility. A carefully chosen wallpaper can make a space feel bespoke and personal. It’s a subtle rebellion against the all-white minimalist phase. If paint is a backdrop, wallpaper is personality in print.
7. Formal Dining Rooms
After years of being labeled “useless,” formal dining rooms are suddenly desirable again. Entertaining is back, but with a slower, more intentional flair. People want spaces that encourage long dinners and conversation, not just open-concept chaos. A defined dining room signals tradition—and in luxury, tradition never truly goes out of style.
Designers are updating the look, too. Think modern chandeliers, statement art, and curated tablescapes. It’s less about formality and more about experience. A good dining room feels like a special event waiting to happen.
8. Brass Fixtures
Brass went through an awkward “tacky” phase in the 1990s, but it’s back as the metal of choice for high-end interiors. Today’s brass is softer—brushed, unlacquered, and designed to patina over time. It brings warmth where chrome or matte black can feel cold. The finish complements everything from marble to walnut.
The appeal lies in its imperfection. Aged brass tells a story, and in the era of mass production, authenticity feels luxurious. Designers love it for its timelessness and versatility. It’s not just a finish—it’s a feeling of grounded elegance.
9. Built-In Bookshelves
Minimalism once made built-ins seem dated, but they’re now a hallmark of quiet luxury. Custom shelving creates an instant sense of craftsmanship and permanence. It’s a subtle nod to a more grounded, intellectual kind of wealth. In homes dominated by screens, bookshelves feel refreshingly human.
Beyond storage, built-ins define a room’s architecture. They turn plain walls into conversation pieces. Styled with ceramics, books, and soft lighting, they blend utility and art. The new luxury is about texture and narrative—not just empty space.
10. Terracotta and Clay Finishes
Terracotta was long dismissed as too “Tuscan 2000s,” but designers are giving it a softer, organic twist. Earthy plaster walls, clay tiles, and handmade ceramics are everywhere in modern luxury homes. These materials age gracefully, creating a lived-in warmth that sleek surfaces can’t match. They remind us that imperfection is beautiful.
This shift toward natural finishes mirrors a larger trend in wellness-focused design. Clients crave authenticity and tactility—surfaces that feel good to touch. Terracotta’s color variations and texture add soul to sterile modern interiors. It’s rustic elegance, refined for a new generation.
11. Compact Luxury Spaces
Once, bigger was better. Now, affluent buyers are downsizing—but with smarter layouts and higher-end finishes. Compact luxury emphasizes intentional design: built-ins, flexible furniture, and curated materials. The focus is on living better, not bigger.
This trend emerged as remote work and urban living collided. People realized that luxury is about comfort and efficiency, not square footage. Developers are responding with smaller, impeccably designed spaces that maximize every inch. It’s the minimalist’s version of opulence.
12. Statement Laundry Appliances
Washer and dryer sets were once all about function, but now they’re status symbols. Brands like Miele and LG Signature are creating machines that look as good as they perform. Think touchscreens, quiet cycles, and sculptural design. It’s another example of tech meeting aesthetics in the home.
Luxury buyers now expect every appliance to reflect their lifestyle. Sleek finishes and hidden installations elevate the utilitarian into the beautiful. It’s not about showing off—it’s about seamless living. When even laundry feels like design, you know comfort is the new luxury.
13. Greenhouses and Garden Rooms
Once thought of as eccentric or purely practical, greenhouses are turning into status symbols. Wealthy homeowners are using them as personal sanctuaries—half garden, half retreat. Glass structures filled with greenery, art, and seating blend nature with architecture. It’s sustainability meets serenity.
Post-pandemic, connection to nature became a luxury in itself. These spaces offer mindfulness, beauty, and even home-grown produce. Designers now integrate them into high-end properties as wellness zones. What was once a hobby shed has become the crown jewel of modern estates.
This post 13 Once-Mocked Home Features That Are Quietly Defining the Next Luxury Trend was first published on Greenhouse Black.
