Custom homebuilder notes subtle changes in clients' interpretations of 'luxury living'

COURTESY PHOTO In Southweset Florida, conversation-friendly outdoor areas will always be popular. This one is in the Alezio by London Bay Homes. In his years as president of London Bay Homes, Mark Wilson has learned that homebuilding trends develop over a period of time and gradually play themselves out in a manner that changes the market.

"It's the buyers who create the trends, not the builders," Mr. Wilson says. And lately, he's noticing things happening on the home front that he believes could define some new trends in custom design.

One thing Mr. Wilson is seeing: Clients have less interest in "opulence for opulence sake," and instead want "a more human scale" in their homes. "People are moving away from large spaces with columns and marble and creating spaces with a more intimate and warmer feel," he says.

He describes the overall look and feel his clients are moving toward as "the more classical definition of Mediterranean that you would find in Spain, the south of France or Greece.

"It's less elaborate, simpler in its design," he says.

COURTESY PHOTO Formality has given way to informality, as this family friendly kitchen and dining area demonstrates. Today's custom homebuyers have discovered that large formal living and dining areas are not aligned with the way they live their lives, Mr. Wilson says. "As a result, we're seeing more of an emphasis on leisure areas where the owners can enjoy the company of family and friends in a more comfortable setting."

The trend toward informality is affecting the entire footprint of the property as well as the home's interior spaces, he adds. As the custom home evolves from the concept of "making a statement" to an outlet for expressing the importance of family, friends and a leisurely lifestyle, Wilson says, London Bay Homes' designs need to adapt as well.

"For a long time, in-home theaters were all the rage," he says. "And while some people still enjoy them, we're also seeing many clients forgo them in favor of a more informal leisure environment that incorporate large-screen TVs, pool tables and bars. It's helped to make entertainment and entertaining a bigger part of their lifestyle."

COURTESY PHOTO Instead of an in-home theater, today's clients want a large multipurpose room. Wilson also says that while the custom home environment migrates from "ornate opulence" to a "homier home," he's needed to empower his in-house design staff to help clients better articulate their aspirations. "If our staff is locked into the past, they'll have a hard time satisfying the clients we're seeing today.

"We need to understand even the most subtle changes that are taking place in the marketplace so we can assist our clients in the design of a home that best suits their lifestyle. We're facilitators of a luxury lifestyle," he adds. "That means we need to be both inquisitive and innovative."

Home sweet home

How do you translate your custom home dreams into reality? Mark Wilson, president of London Bay Homes, offers these recommendations: • Carry a notebook on your travels. Jot down things you like in the buildings and homes your visit • Tear pictures of things you like from magazines. Start a file or scrapbook of your favorites. • Tour models. While some people may find it difficult to articulate their design preferences, it's a lot easier once you've seen the idea live and in person. Visit homes in the area where you will be building. And if there's a local Parade of Homes, don't miss it. • Once you have some ideas, start outlining your design plan. Consider your room sizes and how each space will be used. • Talk with at least three builders and their past clients, their sub-contractors and other business associates. • Be candid with your builder. Make sure you can talk about what you like, and what you dislike and why. The more open you are, the fewer design changes you will face. In the end, it can save you a lot of time and money.