Selling indulgences - Home front: tips and trends from the world of residential design

Residential Architect, June, 2003 by Nigel F. Maynard

Although well-heeled clients make up only a small portion of the house-buying public, building product manufacturers still covet their business. In fact, they see limitless potential for growth in this segment, as homeowners seek to personalize their pads with posh products.

Quebec sink-maker Julien is tapping into this zeitgeist with a unique collection of kitchen sinks, featuring hand bent, welded, and polished 16-gauge stainless steel. The island version (right) takes 80 hours to complete and costs a princely $7,500. The hefty labor costs and exclusive price point are non-issues, says Richard Paradis, sales representative for the company. "Nobody is offering anything like this," he says. "We believe people in the high-end market are willing to pay for this type of quality and workmanship."

Also tiptoeing into the high-end act are Kohler, Wis.-based Kallista, whose full-sized kitchen island with pot rack, Carrara marble counter, and fireclay undermount sink (top) goes for a red-hot $15,150 to $17, 822; Walnut Creek, Calif.-based Jacuzzi with its $29,000 La Scala home-theater and entertainment-system bathtub; and Cherry Hill, N.J.-based Aga Ranges with its new $7,000 dual-fuel mega-range comprising six burners and four electric ovens.