Adding trendy home features for short-term gain or mere spectacle is no longer what buyers expect in a luxury property.
Home design often starts with a deceptively simple idea: put people first. From Louis Sullivan’s “form follows function” to Le Corbusier’s vision of a house as a “machine for living,” the idea that homes should align with daily life has long informed how great spaces are made.
But in the world of luxury real estate, that ethos wasn’t always present. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, spectacle became the driving force — square footage for the sake of scale, glossy finishes to grab attention, and layouts that looked impressive but didn’t serve a practical purpose.
Now, the luxury market, especially in South Florida, is finally catching up.
Today, it’s about refocusing on spaces that reflect how we live, not just how much we can afford. Truly discerning buyers now want homes that prioritize wellness, anticipate social gatherings, and offer a restful retreat.
So, why now? Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents:
A fundamental change in real estate expectations post-pandemic
The rise of this lifestyle-driven approach isn’t just a fleeting design fad. It’s a response to a market that has fundamentally changed.
In the wake of the pandemic, people turned their homes into offices, gyms, and even fully-functioning cocktail bars. In response, luxury developers re-evaluated ongoing real estate projects and re-imagined what kind of home buyers will want — and pay top dollar for.
Hybrid and remote work redefined how we use space. Wellness evolved from an indulgent amenity to a core feature. Ultimately, luxury buyers began rejecting grandiose designs in favor of homes that reflect who they are and how they actually live.
The pandemic is now a thing of the past, but lifestyle-driven design isn’t going anywhere.
As buyers continue to prioritize flexibility, wellness, and purpose-driven living, the demand for homes that reflect those values continue to grow.
The luxury market rewards thoughtful design
And while this emphasis on function over form has immediate benefits to homeowners, it also has great long-term value appreciation as well.
Post-2020, we saw listings with dedicated home offices, flexible living areas, and wellness-oriented amenities saw sharp increases in buyer interest and price resilience.
In South Florida, homes with seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces and wellness-focused consistently draw premium offers.
In the first six months of 2025 alone, the entry price of the top 10% of single-family homes in Miami jumped to $2 million — which used to be just $722,000 in 2015.
This is where function over form proves its value. It’s no longer about adding trendy features for short-term gain. Whether a buyer is a young family, a remote-working couple, or a retiring downsizer, they are looking to live in a home that aligns with day-to-day living.
Investors and developers, too, are taking note.
Key pillars of lifestyle-driven luxury homes
The South Florida market has a great selection of lifestyle-focused homes that make the most of their waterfront setting.
Luxury homes that sell don’t emerge from cookie-cutter blueprints. They’re shaped by a deep understanding of how people go about their lives. These are the key areas where today’s luxury homes are focusing on.
Wellness and relaxation
Luxury today is about restoration. Spa-inspired features like soaking tubs, steam showers, and organic materials help create spaces that soothe mind and body. These homes are designed for mental calm, with quiet zones, natural textures, and lighting that mimics natural circadian rhythms.
Work and productivity
At least for some, the workplace is still at home, but that doesn’t mean productivity should suffer. Floor plans now incorporate dedicated offices, soundproof zones, and seamless tech integration. Whether it’s a full-time home office or a hybrid workspace, the design allows for focus and function.
Entertainment and social flow
Entertaining is no longer reserved for formal dinner parties. Today’s homes are designed for the way people host those cocktail hours on the terrace or family movie nights in the oversized family room. Fluid indoor-outdoor layouts, multifunctional great rooms, and chef-grade kitchens allow a residence to adapt to intimate hangouts or big occasions.
Smart and sustainable living
Luxury home buyers are increasingly becoming more eco-conscious. There’s now a preference for energy-efficient appliances, low-emission materials, and widespread home automation. Smart systems handle everything from lighting and climate to security and sound, so residents can offload the tedious aspects of home management.
Privacy and customization
No two households are the same and floor plans must reflect that. Spatial logic and flexibility allow for separation where it’s needed (guest quarters, teen suites) and connection where it’s wanted. These homes allow for personal retreat and shared experiences to coexist seamlessly.
Where you’ll find lifestyle-driven properties in South Florida
Stamm Development Group (SDG) has been ahead of the curve, embedding lifestyle-first thinking into its South Florida portfolio from day one. With a growing footprint in markets like Delray Beach and Palm Beach County, our projects reflect a nuanced understanding of what today’s buyers and investors want.
Here’s a glimpse of where you can find functional and lasting luxury home design:
- 415 Andrews Ave pairs 6,000 square feet of elegant living with five bedrooms, luxe finishes, and a coveted address near Delray’s coastline.
- Sage 1015 is a five-bedroom, five-bath stunner in Delray Beach, offering 5,000 square feet of sleek, air-conditioned living just a few paces away from the coast.
- The Bal Harbour at Cache 11 brings 11 bold, design-forward homes to central Delray Beach. Each one offers 4–5 bedrooms, striking architectural styles, and standout features like private pools and club rooms across nearly 8,000 square feet.
Check out our portfolio to find more South Florida luxury properties.
Invest in South Florida luxury real estate
South Florida’s near-perfect weather and stunning coastline make it an ideal market to invest in a luxury home.
At SDG, we’re all about forward-thinking design and results.
From high-net-worth buyers to real estate investors and developers, our team works with a range of stakeholders in luxury residential and mixed-use projects. Our goal is to reduce risk, elevate design, and deliver exceptional, high-value assets for our partners.
Whether you want to ensure architectural coherence or look for premium properties in competitive markets, SDG can assist you.
Get the clarity and expertise you need to execute. Send us a message or call us directly at 561.962.0075.