For the average homeowners, spa-like bathrooms, coffee bars in the master suite, and Olympic sized pools with swim-up cocktail bars are not a part of their homes' architecture.

These amenities are part of the high-end housing market, though, and if a trend plays well among the elite, it will morph into a scaled down version adaptable to the average residences.

An example of this is the home office. Post World War II housing was built for economy and efficiency. Mid-century modern housing was built for comfort and entertainment. Only the wealthy had rooms that served as offices, and those were usually labeled as dens, and were often the domain of men. Men's dens.

But as McMansions became the rage, these oversized houses would include space for a home office. By this time, technology was commonplace, and people needed a place for their computers, and to have a place to work at home.

The home office, among other features, became the amenity du jour.

So builders of average homes started including office niches in the kitchen, or gave over space to the family room to accommodate a computer desk.

View a model home now, in the first few years of the 21^st century, one designed for the average homeowner, and there will be a space dedicated to office work, be it bill paying, home organization, or operating a home-based business.

But there's no need to wait for the developers to build a home with those cool features you see in the magazines.

The smart homeowner can adapt a trend to suit her needs now, with a little imagination, and a modest budget.

The coffee bar in the master suite isn't practical for most homeowners. Either the master suite isn't really a suite, but a bedroom with a bathroom attached to it, or it's just a bedroom that's bigger than the other two in the house.

But the idea of drinking that first cup of coffee in the warmth and comfort of your bed is appealing.

Ask yourself: Is there a space or surface in this room that would accommodate a coffee maker and cups?

Chances are you can clear part of your dresser top, add a small bench or stool to the corner, or, if you have a bathroom attached, put the coffee pot on the vanity.

Because a coffee bar is really just a coffee maker with a bar under it, you can adapt this to your own home.

Do you like to watch the morning news with your coffee? Install a flat screen tv and you have yourself a quiet, comfortable morning suite in which to enjoy your coffee and start the day.

The spa-like bathrooms are generally too expensive for the average homeowner, but that doesn't mean your own bathroom can't be a sweet retreat. Even the smallest bath can be relaxing if the color and lighting are right.

Paint the walls a quiet green or blue. Install new shower doors and, if possible, a new, larger tub with water jets. Replace your vanity with one that is furniture like. If that's beyond your budget, put a skirt around the vanity or paint it a coordinating color. Put in either pot lights or add a dimmer switch to your existing lighting. Use plenty of candles and treat yourself to bath oils. Eat chocolate while soaking in the tub. You'll feel quite elite.

Now, how can you turn that rubber blow up pool the kids splash around in into an Olympic sized pool with a swim up bar?

Well, you can't. But you can invest in a good above ground pool or outdoor Jacuzzi. But if a pool isn't really want you want, but rather a luxurious outdoor room then let the children keep their kiddie pool and you create a more adult space.

Is your back patio nothing more than a concrete slab with an aluminum awning? If the awning is in good shape, keep it. If now, tear it down and either extend the roof or purchase a good solid awning.

Paint your concrete slab. If you have a knack for it, faux finish it to create a stone effect, or whatever strikes your fancy. Using block, build a quarter or half wall around the perimeter.

There are several kinds of outdoor shades on the market, from inexpensive plastic to high-end outdoor fabric. Use these to create an enclosed space that can be opened up when you want.

Add a misting system and outdoor ceiling fans to keep cool in the summer heat.

Now add a good barbeque grill, and some really nice outdoor furniture. Build a small bar and you have a great outdoor space for relaxing, entertaining, or just watching the kids play in their little rubber blow up pool.

The high-end amenities seen in high-end homes may be beyond the average homeowners budget. But remember, high-end amenities can be scaled down to adapt to your budget and your lifestyle. So peruse the magazines with an eye to creating your own version of those expensive rooms, and soon you'll be the trendsetter in your own neighborhood.