Lisa Macchi, director of sales and marketing for Millennium Homes, a division of BNE Associates, says that The Pointe at Crystal Lake in West Orange, one of the most elegant new gated townhome communities ever built in the area, is attracting the attention of young, upwardly mobile professionals. This market wants the convenience and practicality that townhouse living provides, but doesn't want to skimp on luxurious appointments and personalized space. Gorgeous, elaborate custom moldings, such as those found Sterling's Chestnut Ridge in Bernardsville and K. Hovnanian's Woodland Estates in Scotch Plains, set off today's grand-entry foyers. Instead of the typical L-shaped staircase, sweeping circular staircases are becoming prevalent. People really like a grand-entry foyer with abundant trim details, such as enlarged baseboards, wainscoting and double crown molding.
Some upscale amenities are as functional as they are indulgent.
Some of these structured wiring packages are very advanced. People are even equipping their homes with CCTV cameras or video monitors to can keep an eye on their children as they play in the nursery, playroom, backyard or basement. Sophisticated electrical systems aren't limited to sight and sound, however. Radiant-heat keeps tile on the bathroom floor and marble in the foyer at a constant, comfortable temperature. Computer-controlled lighting systems can set a room's ambiance with the push of a button, light up a home's exterior at the smallest detection of motion or light up your pathway to the kitchen for snack in the middle of the night.