Giving is an art form, much like selling luxury real estate. It’s best if you know who will be on the receiving end of that gift—their desires, their motivations and, perhaps most importantly, how they prefer to spend their free time.
A recent survey by Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Luxury Institute illuminates the key homebuying preferences of the nation’s wealthiest, and it might as well work like a holiday wish list. For instance, 31% of affluent consumers today said they want open floorplans—so perhaps they would like a sleekly concealed television for their new great room. Or, 16% said they want a wine room in their home, so they might like the air of a one-of-a-kind decanter. With that in mind, Previews® has collected a range of gift options based on what affluent consumers told us they want most in their place of residence this year.
Wants: Open Floorplan
Gets: BeoVision Avant by Bang & Olufsen
This flagship flat-screen television has a powerful sound panel that unfolds when the television is on, as family and friends gather around it. When it turns off, it cleverly retreats inside—perfectly blending into your great room. BeoVision Avant’s innovative stand program includes wall, floor and table options for $7,995. To find a store near you, visit www.bang-olufsen.com.
Wants: Wine Cellar or Wine Room
Gets: Decanter or Bottle Corks from Crest & Co.
Members-only luxury e-tailer Crest & Co. just might be this year’s go-to guide for high-end holiday shopping—especially when it comes to gifting the “unimpressed.” What do you give the wine collector who has everything? Try the sculptural $660 “Ambassador” decanter set from Lobmeyr or the whimsy Trio of White Glazed Bustelli Bottle Corks for $1,900. Visit www.crestandco.com to inquire about memberships, and enter invite code “Previews.” You may also contact the concierge at concierge@crestandco.com or +1 (800) 376-1518.
Wants: Four or More Garages
Gets: CXC Simulations
For the car enthusiast, gentleman racer and even pro-driver, there is nothing more exciting than being able to drive a dream racecar on the track. At $50,000, CXC Simulations’ Motion Pro II is nearly the next best thing to driving a real car on a real track. For most, it’s even better. Visit www.cxcsimulations.com to learn how to buy.
Wants: Space to Display Art Collection
Gets: Maria-Luise Bodirsky’s Confidence for Daum
The mark of an enduring artist is the inspiration each creation provides. So imagine what Maria-Luise Bodirsky’s Confidence for Daum will inspire. This limited edition duo of independent yet united figurines is the physical embodiment of Khalil Gibran’s poem “On Marriage,” in which he said, “But let there be spaces in your togetherness.” Confidence is part of the new Daum Art Edition and is priced at $2,700. Available at the Daum-Haviland Flagship Boutique, 499 Park Avenue, New York City. Call (212) 355-2060.
Wants: Fully Wired Environment
Gets: Lalique Aerosystem from Crest & Co.
Tech aficionados will find the best of both worlds in the Lalique Aeroystem: extraordinary acoustics enhanced by crystal. Priced at $22,000, the speaker system is designed in collaboration with electronic music genius Jean Michel Jarre and showcases Lalique’s iconic motif: a masque de femme signifying the mythological story of the water nymph Arethuse, who was transformed into a fountain by Artemis to fool Alpheus, her suitor. Visit www.crestandco.com to inquire about memberships, and enter invite code “Previews.” You may also contact the concierge at concierge@crestandco.com or +1 (800) 376-1518.
Wants: Separate Guest House
Gets: Metaphysics Sideboard from Bespoke Global
Sometimes you need that one statement piece to make a room stand out to your guests. Enter the Art Deco-inspired Metaphysics Sideboard by Hagit Pincovici. Modern yet versatile, the $8,965 sideboard’s bold colors and stacked, asymmetrical drawers strike a compelling interplay with the brass legs. The result is pure, clean elegance. To purchase, visit www.bespokeglobal.com.
Wants: Home Gym
Gets: TechnoGym
TechnoGym’s Personal Collection, designed by prominent Italian designer Antonio Citterio, just might be what your personal trainer ordered. The collection includes the Run Personal (treadmill), Recline Personal (recumbent bike), Cross Personal (elliptical), Unica (functional trainer) and the award-winning Kinesis Personal, which can be personalized from a variety of finishes (from wood to chrome) to fit seamlessly into your home’s design. Price is upon demand. Visit www.technogym.com to find a store near you.
Wants: Outdoor Kitchen
Gets: Lynx Grill Professional Line
Foodies and outdoor grillers alike swear by the Lynx Professional line. It’s incredibly elegant, comes in both built-in and freestanding models and is made from a special stainless steel that won’t rust, even in extreme weather conditions. Prices range from $2,799–$7,699, depending on the size of the grill. Call (888) 289-5969 or visit www.lynxgrills.com.
For the complete survey results, visit www.previewsinsideout.com/WealthyConsumerSurvey2014.