All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Marlborough Lodge in New Zealand Completes Luxurious Additions

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New Zealand’s boutique luxury gem, The Marlborough Lodge, recently completed the property’s third stage of a four-stage renovation. The new additions feature a stand-alone spa, guest entertaining area with a bar, retail store, wine shack and other enhancements.

Just in time for New Zealand’s summer season, the new refurbishments and additions continue to add to the lodge’s unique appeal as a premier luxury lodge in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. One of New Zealand’s newest luxury lodges, The Marlborough Lodge offers the perfect basecamp to discover the bounty of Marlborough, a region rich in culture, nature, food and wine and more.

The Marlborough Lodge’s third stage of renovation centered on converting the on-site 1913 chapel into a small spa, guest entertaining area with bar and retail shop. The renovated chapel measures approximately 592 square feet, and the spa measures approximately 183 square feet. Open seven days a week by appointment, the spa menu focuses on offering massage treatments initially with plans for adding additional wellness treatments including facials, hair masks and other rejuvenation and relaxation treatments based on guests’ needs.

With deep green walls, Moroccan-inspired lighting, candles from New Zealand artisan makers Ashley & Co., and more, the spa interior evokes tranquility from the moment upon entering the room. Angela Dillon, co-owner and managing director of The Marlborough Lodge spearheaded the design and interiors of all the new spaces, taking her inspiration from the variety of textures and colors throughout the main lodge. The refurbished structure has been designed to flow on from the main house and fit with the lodge’s overall aesthetic and theme. Natural tones mix with the original chapel Rimu wood and exposed beams made from 100-year-old kauri wood.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Head Chef Sam Webb oversees the food and beverage offering at the lodge’s The Harvest Restaurant, open to lodge and non-lodge guests. Focusing on fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced produce, Head Chef Webb’s a la carte menus is complemented by a selection of wines with an emphasis on New Zealand, but includes an international selection. Guests can enjoy dining at the Chef’s Bench or taking a tour with the Chef through the lodge’s extensive vegetable and fruit garden, cooking demonstrations and more.

The lodge store carries products made from the Marlborough area working closely with local craftsmen and artisans with items such as bags, caps and clothing designed just for The Marlborough Lodge’s guests, while the new wooden wine shack across the creek offers the perfect space to enjoy private wine tastings from the plethora of extraordinary winemakers in the region.

Photos courtesy of Marlborough Lodge.

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Sustainable Design Highlights

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Not all trends have staying power  — some of interior design’s most lasting legacies started out as fads, while other trends seem to have vanished as fast as they appeared. Along with selecting sustainable products, it is important to take a closer look at black finishes, marble in home products, bright colors and geometric patterns.

Three Feel-Good Sustainable Products

Not only does green living reduce the carbon footprint today, but it paves the way for a better tomorrow. For starters, Malvina from Newport Brass exceeds WaterSense requirements while meeting water-saving standards set forth by the California Energy Commission and CALGreen. Meanwhile, the Tinka collection from Les Jardins Solar Lighting features interchangeable solar lighting modules. Not only are they transposable across the entire Les Jardins Solar Lighting line, but the module produces 500 lumens of LED light and up to 200 hours of life per charge. And finally, the LED BUSTER Bulb from Buster + Punch is an innovative eco-friendly LED alternative to traditional filament bulbs and the first to implement novel changes in design. In the end, any of these must-have products not only help the environment, but help us feel good, too.

Malvina
Newport Brass

Geometric lines and exact planes come together in Newport Brass’ new Malvina faucet, an engineering marvel inspired by the iconic smooth stucco and concrete of contemporary architecture. Whether it’s the solid-brass rectangular lever or perfectly scaled cross handles, all fixtures are meticulously shaped and expertly finished at Newport Brass’ California facility in order to achieve a striking and precise design. With a deep commitment to sustainable manufacturing processes, Newport Brass takes pride in energy-saving methods that shrink emissions, recycle materials, enhance resources, and lessen waste.

Tinka
Les Jardins Solar Lighting

A true standout in modern design, Tinka brings a whole new meaning to green living. Available in teak or colorful aluminum finishes, the light is a must-have for brightening backyard gatherings, glamping trips and every adventure along the way. The replaceable and interchangeable solar LED module can simply swap out your old solar modules with new ones as our renewable lighting technology evolves. Because our lanterns are designed to be timeless, they can travel with you through life and never end up in a landfill. With dimming capabilities and a motion sensor, a lantern from the Les Jardins Solar Lighting collection is far more than just attractive outdoor lighting: It brings luxury within reach and embraces cutting-edge solar technology at the same time.

LED BUSTER Bulb
Buster + Punch

Magic happens inside the resin light base at the center of the LED BUSTER Bulb. That’s because it performs two incredible functions: a focused spotlight to illuminate surfaces below and a warm ambient glow to light faces and spaces around it. With an E26 base, it can also be used as a direct replacement for standard screw-thread incandescent bulbs. Defining the next evolution in an industry that is undergoing a change in ideals, the LED BUSTER Bulb raises the bar in lighting technologies.

Photos courtesy of DRS and Associates.

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Psychology and Color: How to Craft Your Home’s Interior

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Whether you’re purchasing a new home or revamping your existing space, there are many different facets of decor theory to consider. One of the most important decisions to make is which colors you will utilize, a decision that will set the mood for your home. The savviest of designers and homeowners will consider the science of color, and further the psychology behind the way our brains interpret different hues and shades. When selecting a color scheme, it’s wise to understand the way these colors will make us feel. Whether working with shades of passionate red or warm tones of yellow, experts at Arhaus, an interior furnishing company, offer great tips on how to execute knowledge based on color psychology in interior design.

Start With Walls

 

Rooms with the absence of color, especially stark, white spaces with oppressive lighting, can make us feel uncomfortable. We have definitive reactions to color, especially on a subconscious level, so it is important to factor this in when deciding the layout and color scheme of room. Starting with the walls, try and think about the room’s intended purpose, and decide on paint color from there. Is this going to be a living room where the family relaxes as the long day is winding down? Or perhaps it’s a bedroom with a luxurious view of rolling hills or a coastline?

 

Due to the way that our brains process color, you will want to select a color that will promote a certain mood. Blues and greens can offer a feeling of relaxation, especially in rich, warmer shades. Blue is especially desirable in the bedroom as it can promote calmness and aid in sleep. Green traditionally is perceived as familial, which can be a great choice for a living room. Adding supplementary furniture, such as a patterned sofa or loveseat, can add to the mood of the room and help it become the ultimate room to spend time with the family.

Stock the Room

 

Surely, a chic and luxurious home will need furnishings; we can’t just live in an empty house! It is important to “stay within the lines” regarding furniture and decorative pieces. If you’re going for a rustic, mountain vibe, an abstract, post-modernist painting surely won’t pull the room together.

 

We can generally rely on our intuition when it comes to design, and when all else fails, go with pieces that you like! With that said, we must consider each item within the context of color scheme. Neutral colors, like browns, blacks, and grays, can be used to balance a room. Consider a brown or black exterior surface (especially fine cabinet wood), which can help to offset the color profile and bring the room a more subtle, cohesive look. A black bookshelf with matching end tables beside a deep burgundy wall can exude feelings of passion, warmth, and creativity – perfect for a den or a studio.

Finishing Touches

 

Once you’ve got the room essentially put together, with your color scheme well-solidified, it’s time to add the final touches and make it truly your own space. An excellent way to add a personalized element to your home is through old family heirlooms. Now, we’re not talking your grandmother’s prized Waterford crystal china, but an old quilt she made years ago can add a cool, retro feel to a room – while simultaneously honoring your family and heritage.

 

The same sentiment rings true for artwork, such as paintings or sculptures. A fine piece of art can add an element of sophistication and elegance to any room, but try to avoid heavy contrast between your room’s color scheme and the paintings! Once you’ve personalized your space and implemented colors you love, you will be ready to enjoy it for years to come.

Imagery courtesy Arhaus.

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Find Your (Second) Home for the Holidays

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FOR ISLAND HOPPING FAMILIES

Kukui’ula
Kauai, HI

 

Located on the sunny south shore, Kahalawai #38, a contemporary home designed by Dean Sakamoto and Kelly and Stone Architects and inspired by the designs of mid-century Hawaiian modernist Vladimir Ossipoff, embraces the island landscape with spaces for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: With warmer temperatures year-round, Kauai continues to be a popular family destination for the holidays. This home’s open floor plan allows families to enjoy their time together both indoor and outdoor. The ample outdoor space overlooking the lush landscape of the island makes for the perfect backdrop during a Thanksgiving meal with friends and family.

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay
Lahaina, HI

This fully-furnished 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence, which is currently on the market for $5,950,000, offers incredible sweeping ocean views.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Perched above the famed Kapalua Bay, Residence 1404 offers some of the best views at Montage Kapalua Bay with enough room to comfortably host and entertain the entire family. Additionally, the lanais offer prime viewing to Maui’s world-famous sunsets. The home is just steps away from a variety of activities for all ages including, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, or simply relaxing beachside. Groups of any size can also enjoy two world-class golf courses, hiking, walking and biking trails and so much more.

FOR FAMILIES AVOIDING THE COLD

Maravilla Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Casa Higuera is one of the only fully turnkey custom homes currently available at Maravilla Los Cabos, a private residential community situated between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez. The community spans both Las Viudas Beach and the renowned Santa Maria Bay, encompassing two of the few year-round, swimmable beaches in Cabo. The five-bedroom, 6.5-bath home features 4,059 square feet inside and 4,908-square feet of outdoor space, as well as a 951-square-foot garage.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Built with familial holiday celebrations in mind, Casa Higuera offer multiple spaces for entertainment. The full gourmet kitchens (both indoor and out) boast SubZero, Miele and Wolf appliances, along with a fire pit, barbecue and Kalamazoo pizza oven. The property’s private infinity pool features a floating dining palapa for al-fresco gatherings, while the home’s lower-level basement features a family room equipped with a full bath, 85” flat screen TV, shuffleboard and pool table as well as a walk-in 180-bottle wine cellar.

Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, SC

Tucked into Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff is 119 August Lane. This charming three bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home priced at $1,889,550 is inspired by low-country architecture and features timeless, comfortable design inside and out. Among many features, this home allows for year-round living afforded by expansive porches and Carolina room with fireplace.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: Ideal for multi-generational families, couples with young children and groups looking to entertain, the residence features spacious gathering areas, including an open living and dining room, expansive kitchen, Carolina room and a fully-appointed screened-in porch.

FOR FAMILIES WHO LOVE A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Nakoma Resort
Cilo, CA

Nakoma Resort is located in Northern California’s eastern Plumas County, a region known as the “Lost Sierra.” Surrounded by mountain peaks and the Plumas National Forest, Nakoma offers an escape from the traffic and crowds around Lake Tahoe. The modern resort is home to a minimalist 42-room Lodge, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Clubhouse, 18-hole championship golf course, Altitude Recreation Center, 12 Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired villas and Ascend Residences at Nakoma, a collection of mountain-modern homes.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: The snow-capped Lost Sierra is your destination for family winter play away from the crowds. Ascend Residences offer open floor plans with ample space for entertaining family around the annual Christmas tree plucked from the surrounding landscape. Families can avoid the lift lines, whip down the tubing hill or jump on a fat bike to ride atop the snowy trails. Snow permitting, Nakoma will groom 2.5 km of cross-country ski trail steps from a crackling fire in the Wigwam Room. Families who want to explore further into the Lost Sierra can plan an adventurous snowmobiling tour.

Grand View Lodge
Nisswa, MN

Spread over 750 acres, Grand View Lodge offers a variety of private, luxury lodging options with cabins, townhomes, villas and clubhouse suites dotting the shores of popular Roy and Gull Lake. Owners and guests enjoy access to 2,500 feet of sandy beaches along two glacier formed lakes, several tennis courts, an indoor pool with waterslide, 54 holes of championship golf and the award-winning Glacial Waters Spa.

Why it’s a fit for the holidays: The Lodge becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays with ice skating, hockey, skiing and snowboarding nearby, tubing, sleigh rides, ice fishing and snowmobiling. There will also be an abundance of holiday festivities for families, including Santa Elf Tuck-ins, stories with Mrs. Claus, wine tastings and s’mores by the bonfire. After a long day of winter activities, families can gather together in their cabins near the fireplace to share gifts and spread some holiday cheer.

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Northern California’s Newest Water-Centric Residential Community Under Construction

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California’s Northern California Delta region can soon expect a new residential community – Delta Coves, a “wildly water-centric” real estate development in Contra Costa County, is currently under construction.

Aimed at celebrating the laid-back boating lifestyle the Delta is famous for, the project will feature approximately 560 waterfront residences with private boat docks, a 230-slip marina and a private club, the Island Camp, a 4,500-square-foot activity hub, complete with a clubhouse, fitness facilities, pool area, event lawn and a picnic pavilion upon completion. Real estate offerings will comprise four product lines, with 1,800-4,000-square-foot single-family homes ranging from $700,000 to $1.2 million. In conjunction with the completion of the first six model homes, sales will launch in spring 2019.

Delta Coves is situated in a prime location, just four minutes from “fast water” at the gateway to 1,000-plus miles of waterways for unlimited boating, fishing and water sports pursuits. The development is an hour east of San Francisco, an hour northeast of San Jose and Silicon Valley, an hour southeast of Napa and 45 minutes east of Oakland by car. Additionally, BART’s new Antioch Station, which is only eight miles away, will offer easy commutes to future homeowners.

The California Delta is formed at the western edge of the Central Valley at the crossroads of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. The American, Mokelumne, Cosumnes and Calaveras Rivers feed into the two major rivers. The Delta flows west through a maze of 57 islands and channels, then on to San Francisco Bay, finally joining the vast Pacific Ocean.

In all, the Delta boasts 57,000 acres of navigable waterways. As the largest freshwater estuary on the West Coast of the Americas, this vital resource supplies fresh water to more than 23 million Californians, provides habitat to hundreds of distinct species of wildlife and sustains hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland that produce about 45 percent of the nation’s fruits and vegetables.

Photos courtesy of Claire Marshall.

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2019 Interior Design Trends

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As we enter 2019, here are four interior design trends to watch, according to today’s top interior designers as told through Ketra.

Technology Brings Another Dimension

photo by Ketra

In 2019, smart home technology will be a must — whether it’s remote lighting control, window shades built for energy savings, or full-home voice automation.

 

“One of the major advantages to tech and connectivity in the home is the ability to manage the property remotely, with doorbells now doubling as security cameras, wireless thermostats that can be preset or adjusted while away, or programmable lighting and window shades for energy savings and to make it appear that people are in the home,” explains Erin Ruby, founder of Erin Ruby Design, LLC.

 

“Technology always has something new that peaks a client’s interest,” adds Rendell Fernandez, design director at Pembrooke & Ives. “Voice actuated smart speakers now add another layer of home automation controls that were non-existent just a few months ago.”

Investments in Meaningful Furnishings

In 2019, there will be a greater value in selecting quality products. “In response to the culture of fast furniture and disposable pieces purchased solely for convenience, more and more manufacturers are offering quality products in reasonable lead times,” Ruby says.

 

“Even IKEA is making fine crafted products now! Businesses are seeing the value of investing in meaningful pieces, be it furniture, artwork, or lighting, to elevate the experience within their space and offer a more thoughtful representation of their culture and brand.”

photos by 1stdibs

Neutral Hues are the Best Canvas

According to the team at Pavarini Design, 2019 will bring about neutrals grays and pale pastels that contrast early ’80s varieties of pale plums, pomegranates, and violets contrasting dark charcoals.

 

Benjamin Moore recently announced the Color of the Year 2019 — Metropolitan AF-690, a stylish gray with cool undertones, reinforcing that neutrals are in.

 

While most colors are driven by client preferences that illustrate the diversity of the full color spectrum, Fernandez agrees that the designers at Pembrooke & Ives stay true to neutral tones and natural finishes.

Photo by Benjamin Moore

Lights that Mimics of the Natural Spectrum of Sunlight

Natural light is a key element to think about when designing a space. “It’s our connection to nature and makes us feel good,” says Charles Pavarini III and J. Randall Tarasuk of Pavarini Design. “The ability to amplify the natural spectrum of light coming through your windows is something we have never had the ability to do before. It’s a breakthrough that is sure to find a growing market.”

 

“As the quality of lighting technology improves and evolves, this will continue to be an increasingly vital aspect of the built environment,” Ruby agrees. “Any space is only as good as it’s lighting. Lighting dictates how spaces are perceived — warm and inviting, or cold and stark.”

photo by Ketra

photo by Ketra

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KOHLER Introduces Ombré Vibrant, an Artistic Finish for Faucets

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The new Ombré finish for kitchen and bath faucets from Kohler uses an innovative technique that melds two vibrant metal finishes together to render a subtle but striking transition from light to dark.

Kohler has taken a familiar product and, inspired by the worlds of fashion and modern design, created an uncommon showpiece that is unlike anything else on the market.

The Ombré Vibrant finish makes use of Kohler’s proprietary physical vapor deposition process, which bonds the finish and faucet together at the molecular level, to create an incredibly strong surface that is both scratch- and tarnish-resistant. The finish comes in two fabrications: Vibrant Rose Gold to Vibrant Polished Nickel, and Vibrant Titanium to Vibrant Rose Gold.

The Ombré Vibrant finish is available on a curated selection of Kohler plumbing products: Components and Sensate. Homeowners can express their personal taste by using faucets with this finish as an integral design component for their home décor.

The word ombré, French for shadow or shade, has been seen on everything from haute couture gowns to celebrity hairstyles, and its ingenious use on what could be seen as an everyday product further establishes Kohler as the industry leader in finish innovation.

Photos courtesy of Jillian Rosone.

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White Quartz Crystal as an Accent Piece

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Due to their gleaming iridescent luster and milky white tones, White Quartz are often used in home design projects by interior designers.

 

As one of the most abundant stones in the world, White Quartz is often used in its most utilitarian form, serving as base material to build countertops or other solid surfaces. But consider and examine White Quartz crystals in their most authentic, raw formations when extracted from the earth: the variety of shapes and sizes from single to multi-point configurations and their gleaming iridescent luster, White Quartz displays an exquisite style and broad appeal to any interior space.

 

White Quartz’s universal look proves it works well in a busy maximalist setting or on its own in a minimalist aesthetic. Displaying this high-quality crystal in a foyer or entrance will deliver an unexpected but alluring presence, to be admired as nature’s grand work of art. Position smaller tabletop versions of the crystal on a dining room table or display it as a pièce de résistance centerpiece in any room to command attention. White Quartz’s intrinsic sculptural and natural qualities add a touch of glamour to every space it occupies.
Based in Venice, California, Mystic Journey Crystals is recognized globally as the purveyor for extraordinary, investment-quality crystals and geodes for residential, commercial and hospitality spaces.

Founder Jeffery Segal established the company in 2008 with the opening of Mystic Journey Bookstore and the intent to spread his growing passion and appreciation of large, sculptural crystals and the metaphysical properties they possess to the community. 
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Q&A: Kitchen Design Brand Showcases “True” Luxury

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Handcrafted in America since 1945, True Residential’s commitment to American-made products goes all the way back to its beginnings as a commercial refrigeration company in St. Louis.
In today’s world, where design is specialized and unique for every home, particularly in the kitchen, the brand remains vital to the industry.
A team of designers at True Residential spoke with Unique Homes about the brand’s influence on kitchen design, both in the home and commercial spaces.

How has the appliance industry changed since True Residential began, from the early 1950s to now?

When True started in 1945, they were only selling commercial refrigeration. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, commercial-style equipment in the home became popularized. That trend has continued to grow. Today, people have more apps and technology at their fingertips than ever before to help them cook like the pros, therefore, they’re seeking for more commercial-style equipment
True Residential has stayed true to its commercial roots providing a unique, commercially styled product that also performs like one. We are always demanding more from our appliances. True has always been at the forefront of increasing efficiency without sacrificing performance or quality. We’re proud to be an original Energy Star partner.

Kitchen design by Vanessa Deleon.

what is the brand's top priority with regard to design?

Providing a premium commercial-style refrigerator, both inside and out. We try to be on the forefront of trends like custom colors and various product configurations to provide truly unique options for designers, builders, specifiers, and clients.
This year we unveiled four additions to the Build Your True collection — a system that allows consumers and/or designers to choose from a variety of our products and customize them in one of our custom color and hardware finishes. To cater to the color-happy trend, we added an eye-catching cobalt blue joined by matte white and matte black finishes to round out our roster of stunning custom finishes.

what do professionals and chefs look for in appliances?

Chefs look for function above all else. We have had numerous professional chefs choose our appliances, Wylie Dufresne among them. The 42-inch fridge alone offers 24.44 cubic feet of stylish, stainless refrigeration. This detail offers chefs ample space for food storage in a hygienic environment designed to keep items fresh.
True’s cascade airflow — a system exclusive to the brand — provides consistent temperatures throughout the unit. We also outfit each refrigeration unit with incredibly sturdy drawers, offering chefs the commercial strength they rely on at work — in their own personal kitchens.
In terms of organization and style, our refrigeration units come with streamlined handles, TruLumina lighting, steel-encapsulated glass shelves, and 36 color combinations for designers and homeowners to choose from.
And while all the appliances we offer are energy efficient and designed with function and form in mind, we have the highest-performing, most energy-efficient Clear Ice Machine available on the market today.

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Four Concepts Trending for Your Bath This Fall

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Though simple and based around functionality, bathrooms are incredible spaces to decorate and explore with the imagination. With the fall season approaching, luxury brand Maison Valentina offers unique design tips to showcase the most popular 2018 fall trends that redefine the bathroom.

Mix and Match
As one of the most private spaces in the home, the bath is meant to reflect personality. As a result, the space isn’t limited to just one style or concept. Designers encourage homeowners to have fun and mix together aspects from different trends to achieve the look that most reflects you. Pieces from Maison Valentina’s ATO Collection are perfect for this, showcasing metallic finishes and stone/gem accents that are consistent in the industry.

Round Mirrors
When it comes to decor, mirrors are a necessity in any room of the home, including the bath. Whether you are looking to makeover the entire room or just want to update your style, an excellent addition includes the use of round mirrors. These types of mirrors are iconic as they add new dimension to any space. A room’s composition is naturally made up of straight lines and right angles, which is what makes a round mirror’s silhouette a welcome addition above a boxy chest or a linear mantel. As always, the bigger the piece the greater the impact.

Freestanding Bathtubs
This fall, bathtubs come back stronger by being more unique, comfortable and offering more space for ultimate relaxation. The freestanding bathtub has remained a consistent trend for bath designers, as it is found in a multitude of shapes: square, oval, round, asymmetrical or rectangular. To maximize the “wow” effect, designers often install these tubs in the center of the room as statement pieces.

Brass
Specifically regarding metallics, brass is having its moment. Sleek designs and minimal detailing ensure the brass look is contemporary and not too vintage. Classic, golden, brass tones that are warm and subtle can elevate the space to both look chic and pair very well with a monochromatic color scheme.

All photos courtesy Maison Valentina.

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