According to the Indianapolis Star last Saturday, there are five new features that homeowners are looking for in their luxury home designs:

1 Luxurious master suites: Everyone is looking for a huge master suite with all the amenities. Many homeowners are adding refrigerators and places for coffeemakers in their bedrooms. Walk-in showers with multiple showerheads and beautiful tile are becoming the norm. And bathtubs may not be used as often, but most people still want them.

2 Ultimate utility rooms: It's not just a laundry room. Today's utility room has evolved into a "Family Studio," with a central island, lots of cabinets and storage and a large sink. The space functions as a mudroom as well for many families.

3 Media rooms: Home theaters aren't just for luxury homes these days. And they're not just for watching movies. Try a combination sports lounge, gaming area and cineplex, filled with high-tech gadgets, surround sound, quality acoustics and more. This is not only a family gathering place, but also a spot for the kids and for entertaining.

4 Keeping room: Trend watchers in the house-plan industry say the living room -- and sometimes the great room -- can feel too formal for everyday family activities. It feels more comfortable to watch a movie or relax with a book in a casual living space often called a keeping room, hearth room, morning room or even the old standby, family room. Conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen, and often built with a fireplace, these rooms offer secluded comfort.

5 E-space: With more activities in the home centered on the kitchen, it makes sense to have a central, convenient location for a computer and a place to charge cell phones, MP3 players or a Blackberry. (We refer to this as a PDA Pantry at Estridge.)