Houston Chronicle Sunday

Luxury condos sparkle with high-end finishes

- By Valerie Sweeten

Those special touches are what make a home a home, and that’s no different when it comes to Houston’s luxury condos.

The finishes for your condo are the baseline for setting the tone for the home. Think of the big picture from ceiling to floor, where finishes can include flooring, cabinetry, countertop­s, backsplash­es, vanities, and tile.

They also are the customized, finessed accents that allow for more comfortabl­e living. Today’s condo homeowners have options with European-imported cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, floorto-ceiling windows, highspeed wiring and expansive storage.

High-end finishes are expected these days in the new condo market, especially with items such as top-of-the-line marble, Liostone Giordano flooring, Neolith and porcelain products.

Nancy Almodovar, president and CEO of Nan & Company Properties, said there are many varied choices.

In the most lived-in rooms, builders have thought of everything. The River Oaks condominiu­ms offers Carrara Italian marble, Gaggenau appliances, and Poggenpohl cabinetry.

“Both the kitchens and bathrooms are getting larger than ever before,” said Almodovar. “Just because you are moving into a high-rise doesn’t mean you need to give up the space. Special touches include the high-end appliances, cabinetry, and countertop­s, along with the spacious walk-in closets.”

High-end appliances are part of the finishes buyers can look forward to, such as Gaggenau, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Miele. Newer buildings are focusing on custom brands such Snaidero with a clean, contempora­ry look.

“You will see Miele appliances, Italian cabinets and quartz counters, to name a few of the highend features in luxury condos,” Almodovar said.

Bathrooms get their own special touches with luxury hardware and stunning marbles. Closets also can be customized with finishes.

At The Sophie on Bayou Bend, homeowners can enjoy spa-style bathrooms complete with Brizo fixtures and Toto toilets.

There’s no shortage to pet-friendly finishes in Houston condos, which are now offering walking paths, porch potties, and pet spas for residents. These include The Westmore, The Wilshire, Giorgetti Houston, Residences at The Allen and The Sophie, among others.

Developers are listening to what is highest in demand, so look for what suits your lifestyle.

“The most in demand are areas for pets, especially pet-washing stations,” said Almodovar.

Keep in mind that some finishes could be out of the box design-wise and might have to be specifical­ly requested.

“These tend to be special ordered items, especially if you want the higher-end options, which luxury buildings will offer,” Almodovar said.

 ?? Courtesy of Shoot2Sell ?? This One Park Place kitchen offers gorgeous views.
Courtesy of Shoot2Sell This One Park Place kitchen offers gorgeous views.
 ?? Courtesy of Vladimir Ambia ?? High-end finishes are expected these days in the new condo market.
Courtesy of Vladimir Ambia High-end finishes are expected these days in the new condo market.
 ?? Courtesy of Vladimir Ambia ?? A chic desk and modern shelving are used in this home office.
Courtesy of Vladimir Ambia A chic desk and modern shelving are used in this home office.
 ?? Photo courtesy of Connie Anderson ?? Kitchens often boast sweeping views from floor-to-ceiling windows as well as offer the latest high-end appliances.
Photo courtesy of Connie Anderson Kitchens often boast sweeping views from floor-to-ceiling windows as well as offer the latest high-end appliances.

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