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Many homebuyers are shooting for the stars --designing dream homes which rival the most luxurious abodes and hotels around the world.
From sophisticated stereos to elaborate ensuites, owners want it all, says Ken Hubert, director of marketing for McKinley Masters Custom Homes, which garnered four SAM semi-finalist spots, including two for best custom home valued at $1 million or more.
"Homeowners have moved towards a cocooning lifestyle, so creating a home that is inviting and has everything you need is important.
"Your home is really a catch-all for every aspect of your life, including entertaining, recreation and raising a family, so you are seeing a lot more thought and detail going into every single home," says Hubert.
Kitchens are satisfying the tastes of even the most refined gourmet chefs, thanks to the key ingredients of commercial equipment in a classic-styled space.
"Appliances once reserved for the top restaurants are now showing up in the gourmet and classic kitchens of today's homebuyer. When they set out to design a luxury custom home, they want the best of the best."
Show-stopping garages are also popping up in many homes.
"The garage is no longer just a place for you to park. Instead we are seeing a lot of consumers choosing to include a bathroom in the garage, as well as a work area for hobbies. It's actually becoming more of an extension of the home rather than a storage space."
Technology junkies are finding ways to include equipment in every room of the home, says Dave Hepburn, president and owner of Fancy Shacks.
"A lot of people are wiring throughout every single room, so that you are able to enjoy music or surround sound in all the spaces. In one house, there was actually two kilometres of audio wiring installed," says Hepburn, adding theatre rooms are much more elaborate and common.
"People are often designing themed rooms, especially when it comes to a theatre room. In our showhome, we opted for the elegance of a 1920s theatre and people love it."
The rising trend of elevators is also finding its way into luxury homes, thanks to forward-thinking homeowners.
"People are thinking down the road and if they are planning on being in the home in their later years, an elevator is a great way to go in any two-storey or more home."
Spa-like ensuites, cosy outdoor fireplaces and exotic finishings are a few more top trends, adds Hubert.
"It's really about enjoying life to the fullest in the privacy and comfort of your own home."