High-end master suites are often decked out in luxurious furniture, flat-screen TVs and even the occasional fireplace. They’re so inviting that the occupants might not want to leave for work in the morning.

But since leave they must, more homebuyers are asking for ways to make that morning routine as breezy and convenient as possible.

That need for ease has led to a few alterations to the usual bedroom-and-bathroom setup, said Mike Scarlett of Scarlett Custom Homes: “his” and “hers” sections of the master closets — or separate closets altogether, and plenty of natural light in the bathroom to illuminate women’s makeup area, for example. And, so people don’t have to miss a second of the morning traffic or weather reports, a TV for the bathroom.

Mr. Scarlett said that although many customers are set against having TVs in their master suites, the idea of a small bathroom TV is gaining traction. Customers like the idea of being able to shuttle around while they get ready and not miss the news. Accordingly, he’s added more home plans with TV nooks in bathroom countertops and walls.

Scarlett Custom Homes just won best master suite (and overall favorite home) in the Green Built Parade of Homes on display near Frisco, and he said the judges had been particularly impressed with the bathroom areas and closets.

The need-for-convenience idea manifests itself in customer demand for things such as mini coffee bars in the room, said Laurie Moore-Moore, founder of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. Homebuyers don’t want to have to haul themselves blearily to the kitchen for that morning caffeine jolt.

“People are looking for the bells and whistles that will let them do things faster, easier,” she said. In this case, that means having coffee machines and mini-refrigerators right there in the suite.

The master suite is the staging area for the beginning of the day, but it’s also the refuge after that day is done with. Ms. Moore-Moore said homebuyers want to relax in their suites, so they want their bathrooms to resemble miniature spas, complete with a massage table or a little corner for a yoga mat.

Exercise equipment has been a fairly common feature in the master bedroom, but now, more people want it near the bathroom area to maintain that spa-like feel. Soft-surface furnishings such as chaise lounges are increasingly popular, too, she said, along with bathtubs that include mood lighting.

Source

http://www.dallasnews.com/

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