By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

May 2026

Thoughtful renovation is not only about updating finishes or refreshing a floor plan. How a home feels is as important as how it looks.  Wellness spaces are now being thoughtfully woven into the everyday experiences of a home. From steam saunas to private fitness spaces these environments are designed as personal retreats for slowing down and connecting with the Nantucket experience.  Homes should feel effortless yet intentional. Spaces should flow naturally from indoors to out. Outdoor areas have the potential to function as fully realized living environments as an extension of indoor spaces. 

Materials for newly built homes are selected not only for beauty, but for performance in our demanding island environment. Nantucket living is about balancing luxury

and livability. For example, large openings that lead to patios or decks blur the lines between inside and out creating homes that respond to the seasons. Pools, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, integrated audio, and landscape lighting transform exterior spaces into destinations. A thoughtful renovation considers daily routines and responds to the realities of island living. Renovating on Nantucket isn’t just about aesthetics. Materials must withstand sun, salt, and humidity while systems must meet current codes and anticipate future needs. These upgrades improve comfort, durability and long-term value. 

Exterior fixtures and hardware take on constant exposure to sun, salt, and as we experienced this winter, often freezing temperatures. Durable materials like brass and copper are ideal especially left in natural finishes that develop a graceful patina over time. Today’s homes are integrating wine storage in more intentional ways. Rather than hiding collections away, these spaces are designed to be part of everyday living. Wine storage has stepped into the spotlight. Glass encased, well-lit displays add visual interest to dining areas, or in reclaimed spaces. My son-in-law had a small office closet turned into a wine bar with shelves above for glasses. Creative uses of space, perhaps for a wet bar, support effortless entertaining. A designated coffee bar in the kitchen is another enhancement for ease when having weekend guests in the summertime.

One of the most powerful ways to transform a luxury home into a smart and healthy home is through lighting. Intelligent lighting controls can transform your property from special to spectacular inside and out, improve everyday tasks, increase comfort and convenience, add safety and will benefit health and wellness. Imagine a home where lighting is thoughtfully programmed to respond seamlessly to the flow of your day. Arrive home in the evening to a welcoming glow, setting the tone before you step inside. Move through a warmly lit foyer to the kitchen where the prep island and countertops are lit from ceiling fixtures while undercabinet LEDs make the backsplash glow beautifully. Retreat to a softly illuminated bedroom that gradually dims interior lighting to your preference. Lighting control has become an increasingly recognized benefit of health and wellness.

Incorporating motorized shades further optimizes the impact of lighting by automatically raising and lowering shades during certain times of day and year, balancing natural and artificial light that facilitates energy savings and creates privacy with the touch of a button. The holistic approach extends into the design process. Every selection performs impeccably within the light filled spaces and demonstrates why intelligent lighting is more than a technical upgrade. It’s a thoughtful investment in how a home feels, functions and evolves over time. Before the season begins and we all become intoxicated by island activities and the demands of everyday living, take stock of what home improvements could improve your island living experience and create a plan going forward. Taking one baby step at a time often leads to big improvements for a healthier, well-functioning home. Several years ago, when I added a small back porch to my home, I never realized what big returns it would provide. Now I wonder how I ever lived without it.