What is a Luxury and a Necessity When It Comes to Your Home?

Necessities: The Essentials for Daily Living

 The necessities are those things that enable a house to be livable and functional.

  1. Shelter: A roof over your head which is a secure structure to protect you from the elements.
  1. Utilities: Basic utilities like electricity, water, heating and cooling are vital for a healthy and comfortable living.
  1. Safety and Security: A secure home with essential safety features like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sturdy locks is undeniably a necessity.
  1. Basic Furniture: Every home need basic furnishing like sofas, tables, chairs, and beds. They offer the support required for daily tasks like eating, sleeping, and relaxing.
  1. Appliances: Basic appliances such as a refrigerator to keep the food fresh and safe is a necessity. Cooking appliances like Stove tops, ovens and microwaves are the bare minimums for everyday living.  Similarly, a washer and a dryer is equally important to keep our clothes clean and tidy.
  1. Storage: Basic storage items such as wardrobes, shoe racks, cabinets, bookshelves etc. will keep a home organized and clean. So these are always good to have.
  1. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures: Kitchen and bathroom sink, shower and a toilet is a basic necessity for better health and hygiene.
  1. Basic Home Décor: Proper lighting is essential for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Similarly, window coverings such as curtains and blinds provide the necessary privacy and shade.        

Luxuries: Improving Daily Life

Luxuries, however, are components that enhance a home with an additional level of sophistication, comfort, and individual expression. They are not essential for survival but can significantly improve your quality of life.

  1. Premium furniture: Custom fittings, antique furniture, and designer furnishings are all luxuries. They improve your home's visual attractiveness, but they are not required for basic functionality and comfort.
  1. Advanced Electronics and smart home systems: Large TVs, robot vacuums, high end sound audio systems or home theater systems and smart home devices all fall under luxury items. convenience is the ultimate luxury.
  1. High-quality Materials: Using high-quality materials like polished metal finishes, hardwood flooring, and marble countertops are considered luxury. Although not necessary, they significantly increase the value and charm of the living area.
  1. Recreational areas: Features like spas and large outside living areas with pools or hot tubs improve leisure and quality of life. These additions are unquestionably considered luxury items rather than needs.

Striking a balance between necessities and desires

The crucial aspect is to achieve an optimal balance between essential items and luxuries, taking into account lifestyle, financial resources, and individual preferences. It's important to make sure our home meets our fundamental requirements before investing in non-essential improvements.