What Defined Wealth to You as a Child?

A friend recently posted on Facebook that when she was a child, she thought only rich people had medallions on their front gables. She then posed the question, “What defined wealth to you as a child?” It’s an interesting question — especially now as an adult. The answers were interesting — and perhaps a touch entertaining — the whole perception versus reality thing. Here are 13 things people posted in response to her question as well as a few that we crowd-sourced for this article. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

Intercoms

While it always seemed when you spotted these in a friend’s house, they were broken, when they DID work, it was fascinating. No more screaming that “DINNER’S READY!” A simple touch of the button allowed you to announce the news.

Central Vacuum System

The first time I saw one of these, my mind was blown. You just had to hook up the vacuum to the little hole in the wall, and the days of vacuum bags and long cords were a thing of the past. Definitely a rich person home feature!

“Bonus” Room

Yes. Something about the ’80s brought about a shift in verbiage. No longer were these spaces called playrooms. They took on a decidedly more sophisticated feel. Henceforth, this space shall be called the BONUS room. It could function as a playroom, sure, but it could also be a second family room, an in-home theater, or any other fancy idea a homeowner had.

Gable Medallion

The item that kicked this whole discussion off, a medallion on the front gable could easily be seen as a sign of wealth. Or perhaps it was just a fancy piece of decor picked up at the local hardware store. Who knows?

Double Ovens

If you had double ovens, it meant you had double the money of an average homeowner. Or double the friends to feed. Either way, you were the elite.

Dramatic Window Treatments

Some homes had curtains, but rich people had drapes. These dramatic window treatments were a key indicator that an interior decorator had been used in the home aesthetic creation.

Sunroom

This space straddled indoors and out. Typically a glass-enclosed space, which allowed for the sun to shine in, it also was protected from the elements and outfitted with typical living room furniture, making it a year-round liveable space. And an enviable one at that.

Powder Room

While in essence, this space is a half-bath, a simple name adjustment — and perhaps some floral wallpaper — suddenly turned it into a powder room. That is, it was a space for elegant ladies to steal away so they could touch up their makeup and run a comb through their hair. So chic!

A Two-Story Home

Back in the ’80s, we were coming off decades of ranch-style and split-level homes. The re-emergence of two-story homes, for some, meant not only double the floors but double the income.

In-Ground Pool

If a family had the money to spring for an in-ground pool, it was definitely a sign of wealth.

A Housekeeper

Call this person what you will — a housekeeper, a maid, a “cleaning lady.” It didn’t matter how you referred to them. They still meant that the family didn’t have to spend their Saturdays doing chores and cleaning house.

Canopy Beds

If you had one, you know. And if you didn’t, you still know. The canopy bed was the ultimate in luxury. People who had canopy beds were basically royalty.

Stereo System

When you were at someone’s home who had a stacked stereo system — complete with glass-front storage case — you knew you were in the presence of wealth. In fact, the more remote controls, the better!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©AlessandroBiascioli/Shutterstock.com.