In the realm of ultra-luxury real estate, the UAE continues to shine as a key global player. Here, luxury homes are not just places to live but rather statements of the extraordinary. Demand for premium properties has reached record levels across our nation, especially in Dubai. More than 100 $10 million-plus homes were sold in the Emirate during Q1 2024, a 19% uptick compared to the corresponding period of last year.
Of course, with high demand comes high expectations. As CEO and Founder of AHS Properties, it’s my job to stay abreast of the latest trends in the ultra-luxury real estate space. Given the sums of money they are investing, our clients expect constant innovation – not only in terms of the customer experience we offer but also in relation to the presentation of their prospective homes.
So, what does it take to craft elite spaces for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)? This month, I intend to shine a spotlight on the latest trends in ultra-luxury interior design.
Striking décor choices
While it can be difficult to pinpoint common themes in the ultra-luxury space (more on this later), there are a number of design trends that are currently in vogue among wealthy homeowners. Opulent textures, such as marble, onyx and velvet, are proving extremely popular among HNWIs. Some of our clients prefer a minimalist aesthetic, whereas others favour a more eclectic, bohemian approach, but one thing that has never gone out of style is the integration of superior-quality materials.
Bespoke art and accessories also represent a hot commodity right now. Wealthy individuals have collected art since time immemorial, but it is becoming increasingly common for HNWIs to purchase bespoke works for their ultra-luxury properties. As you’d expect, this also provides luxury real estate buyers in the Middle East with an opportunity to incorporate local influences into their homes, such as arabesque motifs, geometric patterns and Islamic calligraphy. From specially commissioned paintings and sculptures to high-end objets d’art, the right accent pieces can really bring interior spaces to life.
Seamless integration
Any interior designer worth their salt will tell you that functionality and comfort are just as important as aesthetics. This is especially true when it comes to ultra-luxury residences because, despite their grandeur, these are still spaces that are intended to be lived in and enjoyed.
It’s little wonder, therefore, that integration has become an increasingly important focus in the premium property market. It goes without saying that this applies to technology – smart homes proving more popular than ever among HNWIs – but it also extends to furniture, storage and appliances.
If I had to choose one phrase to describe the contemporary shift towards integration, it would probably be: ‘Hidden but accessible’. While many luxury homeowners prefer not to have household staples such as additional seating, office equipment and flatscreens on permanent display, they want to be able to use them at a moment’s notice.
In the context of premium real estate, seamless integration is about ensuring that homes are visually flawless without compromising on liveability.
Occupier-centric design
As I mentioned earlier, it can be extremely difficult to identify a common thread that unites premium properties, other than to say they tend to be designed according to the specific requirements of their owners.
In truth, wealthy homebuyers have always demanded bespoke living spaces customised to their personal preferences. From one-of-a-kind furniture commissions to hand-painted décor, and even private gyms and spas, nothing is impossible when it comes to ultra-luxury real estate.
At AHS Properties, it is our mission to deliver customised, high-end residences in Dubai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Each of our offerings is meticulously designed to cater to the distinct preferences of our wealthy clientele, who are – understandably – unwilling to settle for anything but the very best. Most HNWI buyers also want their homes to stand out from the crowd.
So, while it may sound paradoxical, the main element that elite residences have in common is that no two are the same. And, in my opinion, this is precisely what makes the ultra-luxury property segment so exciting.
