Interior designers reveal the trends to look out for
Luxury wellbeing suites, pools and private theatres — these are most popular high-end home upgrades in 2021
The trend for ‘ iceberg’ homes — properties with lavish mega basements — is far from over. Subterranean renovations are still highly coveted, but people are being even more creative with how they’re using them.
“The pandemic has shown how our homes are critical to our sense of wellbeing, and this is being reflected in how people are configuring their properties,” says Christian Carboni, director of Plan C ( weareplanc.com). “There’s currently a trend for creating luxury wellbeing suites with infrared saunas — they’re the next big thing in detoxing and anti-ageing — as well as steam rooms, Pilates studios, reformer rooms, gyms and spas.
“These are sometimes housed in garden studios, which are becoming more like individual properties in their own right,” he continues. “Plus, they’re often on more than one floor, perhaps with subterranean levels.
Christian and the Plan C team are also seeing a rise in demand for mega home offices, which are brought to life as sleek data and communication spaces equipped with the latest technology, either in basements or in garden rooms.
Lockdown has meant bringing everything you might need into your home, explains Mike Fisher, creative director and founder of Studio Indigo ( studioindigo.co.uk).
“We’re currently working on a couple of projects that have pretty much everything included, such as a swimming pool, spa, chef’s kitchen and nightclub. There’s also a demand for theatres that people can use to host private concerts with popular artists or evenings with high-profile speakers.”
Digging down can be the most viable option for getting your hands on extra living space.
“When going underground, it’s important to factor in as much height and light as possible,” says Mike. “The sky’s the limit in terms of budget, but you’re looking at around £1,000 per square foot of basement shell with fit out costs on top.”