The Search is On for HGTV’s Ultimate House 2018

HGTV’s Ultimate House Hunt 2018 has teamed up with Luxury Portfolio International for the seventh consecutive year, kicking off the quest to find the ultimate luxury home in several categories, including waterfront homes, curb appeal, homes with history, and more.
Voters browse a list of some of the world’s most luxury homes and vote for their favorites, and then they are officially entered in a $10,000 sweepstakes. Each category features spectacular properties, and these three are just a few examples.

Amazing Kitchens
This kitchen is arguable the most important spot in the home, for gathering to share a meal and making memories cooking alongside loved ones. These state-of-the-art kitchens are nothing short of gourmet and stunning.

Mountain Views Kitchen in Avon, Colorado
$13,750,000
This six-bedroom home has unobstructed views of the mountains from its high-end kitchen.

Farmhouse Kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia
$2,675,000
A kitchen that combines modernity with rustic comfort, the exposed beams, vintage cabinetry and clean marble countertops make for a truly unique kitc

Waterfront Homes
Each property in this category showcases a beautiful waterfront retreat, from Sardinia to to Boca Raton. Some of the properties are:

Seaside Villa in Sardinia, Italy
Price Available Upon Request
The villa is secluded, tranquil, and utterly breathtaking, off of the Costa Smeralda.

Luxury Beach Home in Boca Raton, Florida
$11,500,000
This massive 10,780-square-foot mansion is move-in ready, surrounded by 202 feet of waterfront.

Modern Masterpieces
These homes were designed without tradition in mind, from the architecture to the finishes.

River Views in Quebec, Canada
$1,245,626
This property provides panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River from all three floors.

Sustainability in Dallas, Texas
$3,500,000
Each element of this home was locally sourced, so homeowners can be sure the environmental impact of this home was minimal.

Photos courtesy of Luxury Portfolio International

August 3, 2018 Comments Off

The Future of Luxxu Luxury Lighting

with:Mia Ingui

Luxxu, hitting the market of luxury lighting in 2015, is looking to bring unique Portuguese design to the global market. CEO of Luxxu, João Barros, discusses what is coming next for this brand and why this is a project of which he is proud.

Barros defines Luxxu as a luxury lighting brand, which later expanded into the luxury furniture market. “Today, the brand is separating the two concepts in two different brands, Luxxu Modern Lamps and Luxxu Home,” he said, a huge move for the company.

In a sea of luxury interior design brands, Luxxu is defined by its unique aesthetic. “Thanks to the timeless aesthetic that does not follow trends, the brand is gaining its place in the luxury furniture market,” said Barros.

Though Luxxu is a very recent brand, it has several defined bestsellers, most coming from the Empire collection. There are several other projects that Barros is very proud Luxxu has completed, from designs in Victoria Secret’s Bali to Four Seasons Beverly Hills.

Luxxu also collaborated with well-known luxury brand Swarovski to incorporate its crystals into some designs. Teaming up with this established brand is great news to Barros. “This exclusive consumer can consider us a trustworthy brand,” he said, “This partnership has a lot of unexplored potential that we will explore for Luxxu Modern Lamps.”

Reaching 3 million euros in sales as of last year, Luxxu’s value is exceptionally high for a new brand. Barros attributes the success to the marketers, the large focus on target markets, and the available customization options for clients. “Hours spent studying of the best strategies to grow in the design world have helped us to bring our unique designs to such an exclusive target,” he said.

In the future, Barros predicts many new releases for both branches of the brand. “In 2020, I foresee that the brand will reach high values in sales very superior to those we hit last year,” Barros said. “I also see in the future of the brand, stores or showrooms fully decorated by Luxxu. The entire Luxxu team sees the brand with a strong position in the luxury market.”

Photos courtesy of Luxxu

August 1, 2018 Comments Off

Fabulous Finds: Construction Underway on New Los Angeles Condos

with:Kristen Ordonez

Capturing the charm of Silver Lake, Vica is a unique mixed-use real estate offering that will be the first new condominium development in the Los Angeles neighborhood in 10 years.

Vica, meaning “the life,” was developed to complement the eclectic vibe of the neighborhood and the community, according to Justin Barth, principal of Los-Angeles based developer Barth Partners. Barth, alongside Ireland’s Barry Leddy Developments, aims to fulfill the housing demands of the community and to create a living experience that articulates the style and personality of Silver Lake.

Vica is prominently located close to Hollywood and Downtown, amidst some of the most spirited coffee shops and contemporary eateries in the area. Designed by Killefer Flammang Architects, the development will boast 31 exquisite residences, as well as five penthouses, which will each feature an interior staircase that leads up to a private rooftop terrace.

Designer Laura Derland and the Loraline Design team have also created interiors that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine and dark and light within the communal spaces and residences.

The development’s amenities include a meditation garden, state-of-the-art fitness studio, The Lounge at Vica, a pool and spa observation deck, and a 3,000-square-foot, ground-floor retail space with unmatched outdoor dining experiences near Sunset Boulevard. Vica’s versatility makes it a standout development for an assortment of buyers, from entrepreneurs and professionals to young singles or couples.

“People longing for more connectivity with one another and the world around them will find Vica unlike any other available new living opportunity within Los Angeles,” Barth affirms. — Kristen Ordonez

Photo courtesy of Vica

July 31, 2018 Leave a comment

Furniture for Savoring Every Moment of Summer

with:Marlene Ridgway

Extend the comfort of your home outside with Vondom — an avant-garde inspired furniture brand.

Look no further for the perfect outdoor furniture this summer. Vondom embodies quality, innovation, and drama in its designs, which explains the inspiring success of the company. Prestigious in its designs but also in its experience, this furniture appears at resorts such as the Oliva Nova Beach & Resort in Valencia, the Temptation Hotel in Cancun, and The Beach Club Kallis Visby in Sweden.

Whether at a resort, beach club, or in your backyard, Vondom takes the spotlight. The sleekness of each piece brings a sense of elegance to any commercial or residential space. Minimalists will love Vondom’s collections. The lines, fabrics, and colors all create a sense of peace that ensures total relaxation.

In these hot summer months, pool-goers, entertainers, and afternoon-nappers can now relish in the sun in ultimate comfort, with Vondom daybeds, sun chaises, and canopies. Modern, sleek, and quality-made, these products take lounging to the next level.

Ulm and Vela — designed by Ramon Esteve, Vondom’s artistic director — are just two of the collections offered, but there are over 45 available. Both collections are designed with color-changing light features that make it easy to incorporate them into a variety of spaces. The crisp and neutral shades that Ulm and Vela use are softened by the warmth of light. When the pieces are illuminated from underneath it creates a mesmerizing place to rest, day or night.

Vondom’s outdoor furniture is perfect for stretching out to soak up the sun, taking a nap, or decompressing by the pool. With retractable sunroofs, adjustable positions, swivel mechanisms, and designs that ensure comfort, you won’t have to the flee the sun for the indoors.

Photos courtesy of Xavi Gordo and Vondom

July 28, 2018 Comments Off

Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club and Residences To Open in South Carolina

with:Unique Homes Staff

Located just 30 minutes south of Charleston, the Timbers Kiawah will be the first private residence club on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Developers unveiled the first model residence at this exclusive new property, which is slated to open in October. It will feature 21 residences in 3 oceanfront buildings, every room having a panoramic view of the Atlantic.

Each resident will be provided with full access to the club’s many luxury amenities, which will include a private clubhouse with a central lounge area, valet, temperature-controlled wine storage, kids play room and state-of-the-art fitness facility that will serve as the hub of the new resort. The private beach club will offer residents a luxurious oceanfront pool, bar/grill and beach services.

Kiawah Island itself boasts a long list of amenities that residents will be able to explore, including an inland waterway with access to the marina, which offers boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, crabbing and fishing, an optional membership to the Kiawah Island Club, offering private golf, tennis, fitness, dining, spa and sporting club, and wildlife viewing, including bottlenose dolphins, river otters, white-tailed deer and loggerhead sea turtles.

Residents will be 30 minutes from Downtown Charleston, minutes away from Freshfields Village, a boutique shopping and dining center, and 45 minutes from Charleston International Airport. Kiawah Island is also South Carolina’s prime location for sandy beach, a 10-mile long crescent, with 123 acres of parks and 30 miles of biking trails for those who love adventure.

The Ocean Club residences include 18 three-bedroom residences at approximately 2,200 sq. ft., starting at $475,000, and the three penthouse residences, at approximately 3,600 sq. ft., and start at $1,285,000. The architecture and design of the property is by Poss Architecture + Planning.

Kiawah Island is a prime travel spot today for those wishing to enjoy golf, luxury beaches and relaxation. Travel + Leisure named Kiawah Island the #2 Island in America in August of 2016.

Photos courtesy of Timbers Kiawah

July 27, 2018 Comments Off

Making A Blanket Statement

with:Marlene Ridgway

Statement throw blankets are the perfect way to seasonally decorate, soften a space, and bring a personal touch into any room.

Is there anything quite as tempting as curling up on the couch with a soft blanket?

Throws are functional and don’t crowd a space as other bulky blankets might. With the right design, fabric, and color, throws are an easy way to spruce up your decor without committing to major design changes.
Ditch boring blankets for exciting prints and cozy materials. A thoughtfully placed throw can lighten a room for summer or bring a pop of color in the winter.

Stretching a few plush throws across any bed or couch can add layers and a decorative touch. Layering is a great way to mix and match designs and add complexity to your room. The additional warmth is an easy way to spruce up your everyday furniture. Pairing throw blankets with metal furniture or placing them against other sharp surfaces can create a contrast that will entice visitors to stay awhile.

Choosing different fabrics are another way to make a statement when selecting a new throw. Ultra soft or simple comfort can help set the atmosphere of a room.

Massimo Alba’s ‘Yes Yes Yes’ blanket and Coralie Miessen’s ‘Home’ blanket are fun ways to personalize your home.

And Oyuna offers a cashmere option known as the ‘Uno Throw’ that will encourage a lazy afternoon full of lounging. After relaxing, the ‘Uno Throw’ can be casually folded across bench seating to invite guests.

Photos courtesy of WallpaperSTORE* store.wallpaper.com

July 25, 2018 Comments Off

How To Weather The Decor Dilemmas of Modern Farmhouse

with:Marlene Ridgway

Photo by Bert Vanderveen, Verellen Furniture

Revamping past trends is hardly a new concept, but modernizing farmhouse decor can still be a challenge. Avoid cliches and break away from traditional choices that can make a space feel themed and overdone.
Focused designs call for a certain amount of balance, which is a great place to start when shopping for a specific space.

Weathered Works

Rustic and weathered pieces will be rightfully tempting. Not only do these looks add a cozy and comfortable feel to most rooms, but they’re inherently a large part of Farmhouse decor. The best way to avoid overdoing it with rustic and weathered styles is to pair them with their opposites.
Wood and stone look great with clean lines and smooth finishes. Soft fabrics and plush rugs can also be combined with natural components that will stand out among diverse materials.

Photo courtesy of Woodland Creek Furniture

Photo courtesy of Woodland Creek Furniture

Accents Not Props

Accents are the perfect opportunity to bring your room to life. A carefully chosen accent can be playful while unifying. A thoughtfully selected plant, antique sign, or a modern piece of art is an opportunity to personalize a space.
Overly obvious props will make a room feel staged. Repurposed mason jars are a thing of the past, but unique pictures of nature or wildlife are a smart way to tie in classic aspects without over-decorating.

A Touch of Nature

One or two natural elements can go a long way in Modern Farmhouse Decor. Choose a focal point to find inspiration and then build around it. Materials such as stone can be paired with modern touches to create a balanced look.
It’s easy for a modern look to take over, but polished surfaces and vibrant colors still have a place in Modern Farmhouse decor when they work together with other influences.

Stone Forrest Natural Bathtub

Photo by Bert Vanderveen, Verellen Furniture

Neutral Not Boring

Neutral colors such as tan and gray urge accents to really pop. A textured, gray fabric will highlight greenery or the subtle reds in a brick wall. Neutral flooring and walls are another way to keep Farmhouse decor modern.
Painted wood floors or a rustic paint job over brick is key to sprucing up traditional farmhouse elements.

July 23, 2018 Comments Off

Unique ceilings reaching new heights

with:Unique Homes Staff

Residences at Prince Street. Photo courtesy Aaron Thompson.

Outfitting homes with an artistic ceiling creates a complete, dynamic space, often tying assorted aspects of home design together, from art to functioning space. In these examples, designers inspired to use interesting techniques have created complex designs that demand people to look up.

Gallery-Style Spaces
The character of a home is often shaped by the items inside it, including art or artistic detailing. Helping to define a home’s character, high ceilings within the home allow ample wall space for art lovers to adorn their walls with prized masterpieces. One example is seen in this Artefacto-designed residence in Bal Harbour, Florida, which boasts 10-foot-plus ceilings with customized panel backlights and recessed lights. The Oceana Bal Harbour unit also features floor-to-ceiling windows framing the breathtaking ocean and Intracoastal views.

Photo courtesy Barry Grossman.

Embracing the Outdoors
A space can evoke different feelings depending on the environment, both inside and out. To embrace the elements, some spaces utilize the outdoors by bringing them in. Miami’s Brickell City Centre boasts a $30 million climate ribbon, a steel-and-glass elevated trellis that hovers over the retail center. An achievement in artistry and first of its kind, guests and residents of Reach and Rise can gaze at the sculptural element, as it protects them from inclement weather, captures sea breezes to regulate air flow and temperature, collects rainwater for reuse and allows them to enjoy natural light in an open-air environment.

Photo courtesy Brickell City Center.

Smiling at the Past
Historical architecture is highly appreciated in the design industry, as it creates a traditional atmosphere for designers to either enhance or refresh with modern additions. These traditional styles of architecture extend into the home, seen through classic ceilings that add a unique element to the space. Residences at 62-66 North Third in North Williamsburg, New York, feature exposed, high concrete ceilings as a nod to the neighborhood’s industrial past. The residences embody a sense of character, design, and detail that combines modern and traditional Williamsburg in these expansive homes.
Another example with an authentic ceiling design is in this top-floor townhouse at the Residences at Prince Street, formerly part of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. The gabled ceilings with exposed wood beams reflect an authentically of the period; existing moldings and details were replicated throughout to create a top-floor living area with skylights and a cozy feel.

Photo courtesy MNS.

July 18, 2018 Leave a comment

Grace Bay Resorts Launches Rock House Residential Resorts in Turks and Caicos

with:UniqueHomesMagazineListings

Grace Bay Resorts developer Mark Durliat introduces his new vision for luxury island living in Turks and Caicos with the launch of Rock House, a residential resort tucked into the rugged, untouched limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ north shore, the first of its kind. The first phase of Rock House is slated to be finished in 2020, with a second phase of homes to follow.

Rock House is designed to emulate a seaside town found in the South of France, Capri or elsewhere on the Mediterranean coast. 41 studio suites are on the property, with one and two-bedroom cottages ranging from 631 to 1,907 square feet and priced from $600,000 to $1.625 million. Four additional four and five-bedroom single-family estates at the hillside resort will be offered for sale in the second phase.

“We are re-imaging what it means to escape to the islands, and buyers are responding. Fifty percent of the homes have already been sold,” said Mark Durliat, CEO and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts. “With an exclusive location in the upscale residential neighborhood of International Drive, Rock House will deliver an elegant property with timeless appeal that cannot be found in a traditional oceanfront condominium.

The free-standing one- and two-bedroom cottages will include private pools and outdoor terraces, bathrooms with outdoor private shower gardens, 13-foot vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors to maximize the views of the island’s turquoise waters. Envisioned by Architectural Digest’s AD100 interior designer Shawn Henderson, each residence’s interiors will feature an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional design with Scandinavian and custom-made furnishings, porcelain and terrazzo flooring, oversized soaking tubs and Waterworks fixtures in their kitchens and bathrooms.
Rock House’s signature restaurant will offer dazzling 180-degree views of the archipelago’s barrier reef and Atlantic Ocean. A spa and fitness center, tennis courts and jogging trails will enhance the sense of well-being for residents of Rock House.
One of eight inhabited islands out of the 40 Turks and Caicos Islands, Providenciales is world-renowned for its pristine, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. It has become one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury second-home owners. Selected as one of the World’s Best Islands by TripAdvisor, the destination features diving and snorkeling in the island’s miles of spectacular coral reefs; water sports including world-renowned kite surfing, horseback riding, golfing, and notable sites including the world’s only conch farm and relics from the island’s plantation history.

Photos courtesy of Rock House

July 13, 2018 Comments Off

New York City Low-Rise Buildings with High-Rise Views

with:Unique Homes Staff

New York City is now in full summer swing, with the dark days of winter and the snowy skyline a thing of the past. New Yorkers are heading outside to enjoy the city streets, as well as waking up to sunny skyline views from their apartments.

Though the towering buildings of the city are notorious for their unobstructed views, several low-rise properties have changed that. Thanks to ingenious architectural design, these buildings provide the same high-rise views as the skyscrapers towering over them. Here are three properties currently listed that provide the high-rise views for the low-rise convenience:

The d’Orsay Pristinely located on 14th Street in Downtown Manhattan while neighboring Greenwich Village, the Meatpacking District, and the West Village, the d’Orsay is a 11-story luxury condominium that provides a view of the city reaching all the way to the Financial District. Though there aren’t many neighborhoods left in New York City where a 11-story building isn’t getting swallowed by taller buildings, the d’Orsay is structured to have just as breathtaking a view as its neighboring buildings. Hill West Architects designed the d’Orsay with these views in mind, as most of the bedrooms are situated at the front of the building with oversized windows, so residents feel like they’re looking down on the city right from the comfort of their beds.

363 Bond Street and 365 Bond Street Located in the architecturally innovative Gowanus, this pair of buildings represents the first new developments in the neighborhood — with varying scale and height to maximize the views of surrounding Brooklyn on the historic canal. Also designed by Hill West Architects, even the ground-level townhouses offer unrivaled views of the canal and neighborhood through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

70 Henry Designed by the world-renowned architect Morris Adjmi, this luxury residential property is in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Emulating the classic brownstone architecture for which the neighborhood is known, 70 Henry features five exclusive residences, including a full-floor penthouse. This penthouse is complete with stunning views of the surrounding classic architecture and vibrant NYC sunsets from the roof deck.

Photos courtesy of The Neighborhood (the d’Orsay), Tim Williams (365 Bond) and Hill West Architects (363 Bond Street), and 70 Henry

July 12, 2018 Comments Off

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