Luxury finds function in compact appliances
Small homes are expected to dominate some parts of the real estate market in the coming year, according to experts.
Millennials are predicted to make up 33 percent of buyers soon, and baby boomers are expected to represent 30 percent. Both of these groups are seeking compact lifestyles, yet both expect fashion-forward kitchen and bathroom style and amenities.
No one knows how to do small kitchens like those who live in New York City, San Francisco and Chicago. With profoundly precious real estate, a 900-square-foot condominium could come with a $1 million price tag, or higher. But no matter the dollar amount, incorporating maximum function is a challenge.
Urban microunits are not the only accommodations that demand scaled-down appliances. We are beginning to see prototypes for modular tiny houses that come with the smallest version of luxury appliances possible. Granny flats and lockout units are considered in new housing communities for income-generating potential.
Real estate experts tell us that the Midwest is turning into a magnet for millennials, as there is strong affordability in 15 of the 19 largest Midwestern markets. Realtor.com says that Madison, Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, lead the pack of Midwestern cities with an average millennial market share of 42 percent or higher.
Even in these states, a starter home tends to be smaller, with a yard and a garage. Alternatively, in downtown Madison, a two-bedroom, 1,191-square-foot condo is on the market for $339,000. A comparable unit in a major downtown city on the coasts would sell for at least three times that amount, making the highly desirable lifestyle of living and working in an urban center unreachable for many.
Let's look at some of the leaders in the appliance industry that offer slimmed-down versions of products in 5,000- to 8,000-square-foot luxury homes. Look to Bosch for a suite of high-end appliances including a 24-inch wide speed oven, microwave and microwave oven. It also offers a dishwasher that's just 18 inches wide.
Our European friends have always led the way with smaller appliance technology because of how the typical European city dweller has lived for generations, adapting modern conveniences with precision and flexibility to confined living situations in old structures.
For innovative and sleek refrigeration, investigate Liebherr. Do not be afraid of a brand that may not be known in your part of the country. Liebherr is a family-owned company based in Germany that has been a global leader in refrigeration for more than 50 years. You can be confident that Liebherr brings fresh European design to the North American marketplace. It offers outstanding built-in, free-standing and fully integrated appliances, an extensive selection of wine storage units and even a new cigar humidor.
The most popular in New York City is the HCB 1030 - a 24-inch-wide fully integrated refrigerator and freezer with state-of-the-art technology that allows you to control the units separately. From a design standpoint, the slim door dimensions and attachment method allows an installation similar to a yacht or fine motor home. This space-efficient unit is perfect for condominiums, small urban homes and galley-style kitchens.
• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.
© 2017, Creators Syndicate