When we think of luxury, our minds often conjure images of sprawling estates, opulent chandeliers, and grand displays of wealth. But what truly defines a luxury home in today's world, particularly in a region as rich in tradition and natural beauty as Central Kentucky?
We sat down with Vince Thompson, esteemed architect and founding partner at Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture & Design, to explore what this era of luxury real estate looks like and what amenities are shaping modern high-end homes in the region.
Beyond Square Footage: A Shift Towards Personalized Living
Thompson sees the definition of a “luxury home” in Central Kentucky as moving away from traditional markers like size and opulence, and toward something more meaningful: personalized, well-crafted spaces that enhance daily life.
"Today, luxury is less about square footage and more about the quality of the experience within the home," said Thompson. "By capturing functionality through thoughtful planning rather than just volume, we’re able to honor traditional layouts and proportions while delivering homes that fully support contemporary lifestyles."
This philosophy underpins Thompson’s designs, which masterfully blend respect for tradition with the demands of modern-day living. The result? A home that feels both timeless and perfectly tailored to its residents.
Future-Ready: Smart Home Features & Integrated Technology
Modern luxury is inextricably linked with cutting-edge technology, but the goal isn't just about having the latest gadgets. It's about seamless integration that genuinely enhances day-to-day living. Thompson emphasizes that "the key to successful technology integration is flexibility." Rather than installing permanent, quickly outdated infrastructure, the focus is on smart, future-ready planning. This approach ensures that technology elevates the living experience without overcomplicating or inflating costs down the line.
"One of the biggest challenges we’ve encountered is when permanent infrastructure is installed for a technology that quickly becomes outdated - particularly in areas like whole-home audio or automation systems,” said Thompson. “Technology evolves much faster than building methods, so our goal is to incorporate it in a way that minimizes disruption to the architecture and interiors over time.
"For instance, ceiling-mounted speakers were once standard, but many are now obsolete and costly to remove or replace. Instead, we focus on smart, future-ready infrastructure - like prewiring garages for EV chargers, even if the homeowner doesn’t yet drive an electric vehicle."
Home as a Sanctuary: Prioritizing Wellness and Recreation
The concept of the home as a sanctuary has gained traction in recent years. This translates into a demand for features like saunas, cold plunges, spa-style bathrooms, meditation rooms, and tailored fitness spaces, all designed to support physical and mental wellness.
"More than ever, we see that clients are prioritizing spaces that offer escape, restoration, and personal reflection without needing to leave home," said Thompson. "These spaces provide a quiet counterbalance to the busyness of everyday life, encouraging stillness and self-care."
“From a design standpoint, we focus on natural materials, filtered light, calming palettes, and acoustic privacy. Whether it's a solarium that invites morning yoga or a steam room that mimics a high-end spa, our goal is to create experiences that are both restorative and personal,” said Thompson.
Balancing these private sanctuaries with areas for entertaining is an art form. "We often create multiple living zones within a single residence - each with its own character and purpose," said Thompson. "Open concept living spaces connected to the kitchen are ideal for everyday family life and casual entertaining; formal living rooms offer a more refined setting for intimate gatherings; and intentional spaces like libraries, game rooms, or studies that allow for quiet retreat or focused activity."
Working with Nature’s Gifts: Sustainability & Biophilic Design
There is also an increased demand for sustainability and designs that harmonize with the natural environment. Thompson explained how he utilizes “passive strategies” to incorporate sustainability.
"Passive systems are rooted in nature, and we believe in considering them from the earliest stages of design to reduce reliance on mechanical systems. In Kentucky, that often means leveraging solar orientation, daylighting strategies, and thoughtful overhang design," said Thompson. "By carefully placing glazing and accounting for sun angles throughout the year, we can optimize natural light and control heat gain, improving comfort while reducing energy demands. Rather than forcing building systems to work harder, we aim to design in harmony with the elements, allowing the architecture itself to contribute to the home's performance and efficiency."
Thompson also described biophilic design, which integrates natural elements, light, and outdoor views, as an essential part of creating meaningful, livable homes in Central Kentucky.
"We look for opportunities to connect occupants with the natural environment - often through large expanses of glass, framed views, and thoughtful transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces,” he explained. "While not every room needs a wall of glass, identifying key moments in the home where the landscape can be celebrated adds depth and serenity to the experience."
A notable example is their renovation and addition to the Isenhour residence on Lakeside Drive, where they carefully positioned spaces to take full advantage of the sweeping views of Lexington’s reservoirs, allowing nature to become an integral part of the home's atmosphere.
The Defining Element of Luxury Real Estate… Customization
What truly sets a modern luxury home in Central Kentucky apart? According to Thompson, it all comes down to customization. The emergence of highly personalized spaces reflects a shift in luxury living – where individuality and daily experience are just as important as aesthetics.
“We’ve designed everything from bourbon cellars and private sports bars for collectors to custom card rooms for mahjong and poker nights. We’ve even incorporated rooms dedicated solely to pets and specialty features like centrally located aquariums that visually connect multiple rooms," he explained. “These spaces not only serve a functional purpose but also bring joy and character to the home."
As a region, Central Kentucky’s landscape, history, and collective culture represent unique values and priorities for luxury homeowners.
"While luxury in other regions may prioritize scale or flash, here it’s about crafting homes that are deeply personal, timeless, and rooted in place. The clients we work with aren’t just seeking high-end finishes; they want homes that reflect their values, lifestyle, and long-term vision,” said Thompson.
"We aim to design homes that feel grounded and enduring - avoiding short-lived trends in favor of materials and forms that will age gracefully,” he continued. “That often means integrating natural materials like Kentucky limestone, reclaimed wood, and brick that speak to the local landscape and heritage. Whether we’re blending traditional architecture with modern needs or creating one-of-a-kind interior spaces, the focus is always on authenticity, craft, and a strong sense of place."
The initial discovery phase with clients is crucial for uncovering these unique desires. "It is all about listening. Some clients come in with a clear vision, while others need time and guidance to articulate what will truly enhance their daily lives,” Thompson explained. “Ultimately, our goal is to translate those early conversations into spaces that are not only beautiful but perfectly designed with how each client wants to live."
Luxury Real Estate Trend Forecasting
Looking ahead, Thompson anticipates that wellness-focused amenities will be standard in future luxury homes. "Features like spa rooms, steam rooms, and cold plunges are now being integrated more regularly as homeowners prioritize health, recovery, and self-care. I believe they’ll become just as expected as home gyms or media rooms in high-end new builds," said Thompson.
If you are considering building or renovating a home, Thompson encourages people to think beyond their current needs and consider how their lifestyle might evolve over time. "The most successful homes are those that balance immediate desires with long-term flexibility. Thinking through how your family might grow, how your routines may shift, and how systems can be upgraded down the line will ensure your home continues to serve you well for years to come."
Meet the Expert
Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture & Design is a collaborative design firm focusing on detail, clarity, and innovation. Their design philosophy is deeply entrenched in Kentucky’s architectural history and dynamic landscapes. They approach architecture with a rich awareness of regional traditions coupled with the ever-evolving technologies to produce buildings with a lasting, distinct appeal. Learn more about their services by visiting their website or contacting them at (502) 424-0032. Stay up to date with their work by following them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass
To learn more about Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass’s signature services for builders and remodelers, visit us here or email [email protected]. Stay up to date with the latest sale properties, local real estate news, and community updates by following @ChristiesBluegrass on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
At Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass, we believe that luxury describes an experience. With Central Kentucky’s best REALTORS® and a powerful global platform that offers world-class marketing, industry-leading technology, and international reach, the firm is focused on providing the highest level of service and professionalism to clients at every price point. Celebrating all that the Bluegrass State has to offer; we are excited to speak to you about our full range of services and more. Luxury Lives Here.
