In this episode of Wealthyist, host Austin Grandinetti sits down with Amber Kolacki-Hake, designer at Wise Design Builders, to explore how affluent homeowners in the Lake Country area (and beyond) are thoughtfully redesigning their homes to match evolving lifestyles.
Key highlights include:
- The rise of multi-zone kitchens — entertainment/show kitchens with clean, streamlined islands for gathering, paired with hidden “dirty” working kitchens for serious cooking and prep, plus dedicated walk-in pantries.
- Wellness-focused spaces — spa-like primary bathrooms and dedicated wellness suites featuring steam showers, multi-sensory experiences, hot/cold therapy, and calming retreats.
- Future-proofing & aging in place — wider doorways, barrier-free showers, lever handles, drawers instead of cabinets, and holistic planning that considers resale value versus “forever home” needs.
- Four-season living — enclosed four-season rooms and lower-level remodels to maximize Wisconsin’s seasons.
- Smart, timeless technology — layered lighting controls (Lutron Caseta/RadioRA), scene settings, and flexible systems that avoid fast-outdated tech.
- Design philosophy — a holistic, “begin with the end in mind” approach that mirrors financial planning: long-term vision, master planning, education, and avoiding unnecessary spending or trendy mistakes.
The conversation draws clear parallels between strategic home design and wealth management — both emphasize clarity on goals, future needs, and building something that truly supports your desired lifestyle for decades to come.
What is Wealthyist?
Wealthyist, the podcast that discusses the lifestyles, choices, and strategies of the wealthy. Each week, the Annex Private Client team talks to experts in a variety of areas to discuss trends and paths visited by people who have built or are in the process of building significant wealth.