The most fun part of every remodel? Perusing—and choosing—some life-enhancing frills.
In our book, Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home, we polled members of the Remodelista Architect & Designer Directory to come up with a list of extras, large and small, that are worth the splurge. They may not be inexpensive, but they’re often money well spent. We’ve lived with many of these details ourselves and are eyeing several more for future remodels. Here, 15 worth considering.
![photovoltaic (pv) panels integrated into a standing seam metal roof. photograph 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/building-integrated-solar-metal-roofing-733x487.jpg)
1. A standing seam metal roof
The favorite roofing material of every architect we polled? Hands-down the vote goes to “low maintenance, high aesthetic” standing-seam metal. Energy-efficient, sustainable, and long-lasting, metal roofs also provide a nice pitter-patter in the rain. See Hardscaping 101: Standing Seam Metal Roofs on Gardenista for the lowdown.
2. Solar paneling
If you’re looking to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, the time may be right to go solar. See Gardenista’s Hardscaping 101: Solar Panels Pros and Cons and then get inspired by architect Rafe Churchill’s solar Connecticut Farmhouse, standing seam metal roof included.
![dinesen meets radiant heat flooring. photograph via dinesen. 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dinesen-wood-floor-planks-733x445.jpg)
3. Radiant heat flooring
If you’re just embarking on a renovation or building a new house, consider installing radiant heating (also known as underfloor heating), an energy-efficient way to keep warm throughout the cold months. “As an architect who has supervised and survived many remodels, I have experienced radiant floor heating in other people’s houses and covet it in my own,” writes our own resident architect, Christine.
![the sloan white vertical double panel radiator by uk company hudson reed. 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Hudson-Reed-Sloan-Wall-Panel-Radiator-Remodelista.jpg)
4. Flat-panel radiators
“Imagine a heating system that isn’t seen or heard,” writes Remodelista’s Janet of flat-panel radiators. The embodiment of quiet, gentle warmth and minimalism, these European designs, now making inroads in the US, free up floor space, operate efficiently, and look good too.
![a minimalist fireplace in a house remodeled by napa, california, designer 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/caroline-leonhardt-renovated-cottage-fireplace-douglas-sterling-remodelista-733x489.jpg)
5. A fireplace or woodstove
A fireplace can have enormous impact as an architectural detail, and a woodstove is a significant and efficient heat source, points out Seattle architects Malbouef Bowie. “You can have a really simple interior,” architect Tiffany Bowie says, “and if you add a focal point, it really grabs people’s attention and interest.”
![sheila narusawa\2\17;s neatly organized pullout pantry. photograph 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/shiela-narusawa-cape-cod-matthew-williams-remodelista-9-733x1102.jpg)
6. Pullout shelving in kitchen cabinets
For storing appliances and pantry items, architect Sheila Narusawa suggests installing pullout shelves. “They bring all of the hidden items at the back into the light, making them easy to reach—and easy to put away,” she says.
![in julianne moore\2\17;s nyc kitchen: a la cornue range. photograph by&# 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/julianne-moore-nyc-matthew-williams-remodelista-03-1-1-733x886.jpg)
7. A top-of-the line range
The race cars of the kitchen, a beautiful range is what we recommend for when your midlife crisis hits. In actress Julianne Moore’s NYC kitchen: a glamorous La Cornue range. (For more, see Behind the Scenes: 5 Design Lessons from Julianne Moore.) And for more stove lust, see 6 Château-Style Cooking Ranges and Beth Kirby’s Star Is Born Kitchen, Lacanche Included.
8. Double dishwashers
Have a large family or love entertaining? BAR Architects of San Francisco suggests adding a second dishwasher to handle overload. (And wash efficiently with Domestic Science: How to Load a Dishwasher.)
![a san francisco design by bathroom expert malcolm davis. he shares his tip 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/malcolm-davis-architecture-cook-residence-bathroom-733x856.jpg)
9. Antifog bathroom mirrors
Architect Jordan Parnass of Brooklyn, New York, recommends installing antifog bathroom mirrors; they save time in the morning, especially if two or more showers need to be taken.
![the powder room in a hardworking brooklyn kitchen by architect annabelle selldo 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Annabelle-Selldorf-Brooklyn-powder-room-Remodelista-733x933.jpg)
10. Acoustic insulation for bathrooms
As charming as open-plan loft spaces are, it’s not always charming to use the bathroom in one. Ditto for Victorians or anywhere that sound carries, such as a powder room next to a dining room. Acoustic insulation, especially in the overhaul of an old space, is a smart move.
According to Specht Architects of Austin, Texas, the job of an architect is to consider things like “solar position at different times of day, reflectivity of materials, acoustics, and many other items owners might not be thinking about.”
![for hands free dimmers, consider investing in a smart model, like the belkin we 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/belkin-wemo-wireless-light-control-switch-in-situ-733x733.jpg)
11. Dimmers on the light switches
Sheila Narusawa suggests adding dimmers to all light switches. And you needn’t wait to install new lights—introducing dimmers can be a simple home improvement project that combats harsh overhead lighting. See also: what we’ve deemed The World’s Most Beautiful Light Switch.
![a dublin kitchen by architect peter legge, who used self closing drawers w 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Peter-Legge-Ballsbridge-Remodelista-05_0_0-733x1119.jpg)
12. Self-closing cabinet drawers
Brooklyn architects Made LLC always installs self-closing cabinet drawers. Kitchens and baths look their tidiest when drawers are closed; if you live with a messy crew, spring for cabinets that close themselves.
![an electronics charging station incorporated into a henrybuilt closet 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Henrybuilt Wardrobe with Electrical Charging Station, Remodelista_0.jpg)
13. An electronics charging station
Bay Area architect Jennifer Weiss is proactive about suggesting details that clients don’t think to ask for, such as charging stations for laptops and cell phones. Virtually everyone building or remodeling a house has tech gadgets to charge and corral, and having built-in solutions adds ease and order.
![interior shutters, rather than curtains, keep a petite dining room unclutt 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Required-Reading-Beautifully-Small-Sara-Emslie-Rachel-Whiting-Remodelista-01_1-733x990.jpg)
14. Interior shutters
Averse to curtains or shades? Old-fashioned wooden shutters are a great alternative, says San Francisco designer Kriste Michelini. We like the way they filter light in unexpected ways.
![in a brooklyn heights apartment by general assembly, storage platform 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/brass-and-white-wall-sconce-in-living-room-and-pet-travel-hole-general-assembly-733x976.jpg)
15. A designated area for your pets’ things
Another tip from Made LLC: “Factor your pets and the way they live into your design plans.” If you don’t want a cat scratcher in the middle of your hallway or a dog bed on your living room floor, take the time to think this through during your remodel.
Embarking on a house project? Be sure to peruse all our Remodeling 101 posts, including:
- Five Questions to Ask When Choosing Kitchen Countertops
- 10 Easy Pieces: Architect’s White Paint Picks
- 15 Storage Ideas to Steal from High-End Kitchen Systems
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran February 5, 2014.
Frequently asked questions
What are some luxury items I can add to my remodeling project?
There are many luxury items you can add to your remodeling project, such as smart home technology, radiant floor heating, heated towel racks, a steam shower, a built-in coffee maker, wine storage, and a sound system.
Are these luxury items affordable?
The cost of these luxury items varies. Smart home technology and radiant floor heating can be expensive upfront but can save you money in the long run. Heated towel racks, a steam shower, and a built-in coffee maker can be more affordable but may add to your overall remodeling expenses.
Do these luxury items add value to my home?
Luxury items can add value to your home, especially if they are sought after by potential buyers. Smart home technology, radiant floor heating, and wine storage are features that homeowners may be willing to pay more for.
Do I need a professional to install these luxury items?
The installation of these luxury items varies. Smart home technology and radiant floor heating typically require professional installation. Heated towel racks, a steam shower, a built-in coffee maker, and wine storage can usually be installed by a handy homeowner or a professional.
How can I decide which luxury items to add to my remodeling project?
When considering which luxury items to add to your remodeling project, consider your budget, lifestyle, and the potential resale value of your home. Also, think about which features will bring you the most joy and comfort in your home.
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