As the first impression a visitor receives, the front door is arguably one of the most important pieces of your home. Whenever you’re rushing to get out the door, walking back in from a long day or inviting guests in, the front door should be a reflection of you and your style.

For a bolder style, look toward a deep blue colored door like this. The clean lines and bold colors are sure to turn heads. Add floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the sides to create a sleek and stylish look.

Photo courtesy of Urban Front

Photo courtesy of Urban Front

The glass around this front door also works to bring a modern flair. Both doors are conversation pieces for the home, inviting you and your guests in.

Photo courtesy of John Cullen Lighting

For a more comfortable and warm approach, look toward different materials and textures. This rustic wooden door establishes an inviting atmosphere, and the dramatic lights add a striking feature. The distinctly modern approach paired with the rustic wood creates the perfect balance.

Another way to find a door with a more relaxed style is in its colors and simple design. The recessed doorway draws attention to the simplicity of this home. The light fixtures and the paneling complement each other on their simplicity. Meanwhile, the neutral colors brighten the exterior on a sunny day and complement the hues on a rainy day, too. This stoop is sure to invite you in.

Photo courtesy of Garden Trading

Brick walls, although historically having a more industrial style, have become a trend in luxury apartments and homes. The rustic appearance, regardless of the colors, shapes or textures, can add a beautiful backdrop to any room.

For a more rustic and historical appeal, look toward bricks with unconventional shapes. The individual stones create a unique composition, while the neutral colors add to the realistic style. Pair it with metal counters like the one in this space, or with more wooden finishes for a softer and less industrial design.

Photo courtesy of LisaSarah

Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture

When it comes to the industrial design, however, balance is key. This style can be either perfected or overdone with brick walls. Soft fabrics on the furniture, found in this apartment, create the perfect confluence of style and comfort. If the bricks are only on one wall of the room, pair the other walls with large and industrial-style windows. They not only bring in a flood of natural light, but add the finishing touch to the trendy style.

For a softer look that’s still on-trend, look toward colored brick walls. Paint them white or a color that complements the furniture in the room to achieve the perfect design. The white backdrop behind the strikingly blue couch adds a unique touch that isn’t too overbearing. Meanwhile, the green colored brick walls that perfectly match the couch create a unique and eccentric style sure to turn heads.

Photo courtesy of Woodchip and Magnolia

Photo courtesy of Wallsauce

Inman News names Joyce Rey, a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialist affiliated with the Beverly Hills South office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, to the inaugural Golden I Hall of Fame, the highest honor in luxury real estate presented to the top luxury agents and brokers in the United States.

“I am so honored to join the Golden I Hall of Fame,” said Rey. “I have an energetic spirit and am always committed to excellence in everything I do. I could not have achieved this honor without my wonderful clientele, fabulous staff and colleagues, and sensational friends and family.”

Over her more than four-decade career, Rey has amassed more than $4 billion in career sales. With a dazzling list of accolades, awards and sales records, she is known, most of all, for her incomparable knowledge of the luxury marketplace, her acute ability to negotiate even the most complex transactions and her particular talent for putting clients at ease.

No stranger to success, Rey is designated one of “The Los Angeles 500 Most Influential People” by the Los Angeles Business Journal, named the “First Lady of Luxury Real Estate” by the Chinese media, described as the “Billionaire’s Broker” by Luxury Real Estate and called the “Grand Dame of Real Estate” by the Los Angeles Times. She is also ranked in the Top 20 Luxury Brokers in L.A. County by “The Real Deal” Los Angeles. Passionate about helping others, she serves on the Southern California Executive Board for UNICEF, the Los Angeles Library Foundation Advisory Board and the Coldwell Banker Community Foundation Board. She has also is a member of the Women’s Presidents Organization and served on the Board of the Blue Ribbon Support Group for the Music Center.

With Halloween just around the corner and the holidays coming up as well, households are getting ready to entertain their guests. Whether it be a costume party or a simple dinner with close friends, there’s always room to revamp your home in time for the holidays. Here’s how:

Photo courtesy of Lights4Fun

Photo courtesy of Lights4Fun

1. Spooky Decorations

A Halloween party wouldn’t live up to its name without the classic decorations. Orange and black are the go-to colors, while a pop of purple can be just what the setup needs. Add lanterns, candles and spooky lights for the perfect composition sure to charm your guests. Pumpkin lanterns also add the perfect seasonal decoration. The orange hues bring a warm and inviting light into the space to make your guests feel comfortable.

2. Making Room for Guests

It’s time to make room around the table for the guests that’ll be coming to join in on the celebration. Add a larger table and comfortable chairs to make everyone feel welcomed. A wooden table adds a rustic style while contributing to the seasonal atmosphere. For Halloween and into the holiday season as well, providing enough seating is a must.

Photo courtesy of La Residence Interiors

Photo courtesy of Interflora

Photo coutesy of Interflora

3. Prepping for Thanksgiving

Halloween decorations don’t always have to be spooky, though. Add more seasonal options with a cornucopia and a beautiful arrangement of flowers. This way, the decorations can be up well into November and for Thanksgiving as well. These assortments of flowers, haystacks and pumpkins offer a charming composition sure to turn heads during the holiday season.

Some of the most affordable beach towns to invest in for 2019 lie on the Gulf Coast, especially in Texas.

In four-season coastal communities such as Port Aransas, Texas on Mustang Island, the average 50-foot Gulf front lot costs under $1 million — well under the $4 million to $5 million-plus average found in coastal California and Florida. “In addition to the bottom-line profits, people fall in love with our island. We’re an authentic beach community with a laid-back lifestyle more in tune with life in the tropics,” notes Keith McMullin, broker/owner of Port Aransas Realty.

In 2019, Texas housing sales recovered after second-quarter declines, trending upward amid lower mortgage interest rates and a robust economy. Mortgage applications for home purchases and refinances continued to rise, nudged by further dips in interest rates. “The construction of high-end, luxury homes and condos in Cinnamon Shore, Palmilla Beach, and Sunflower Beach have played a significant role in our expansion to new markets. We remain somewhat of a secret outside of Texas, but that is changing as more people discover the affordability and allure of Mustang Island,” according to McMullin.

Texans capitalized on lower rates, pushing mortgage applications for home purchases up 15.6 percent year to date (YTD). Refinance mortgage applications (more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations), have nearly doubled over the past six months. “Large areas of Mustang Island were undeveloped until recent years. Of the 367 miles of Texas coastline, the bulk of the land available for development is located on Mustang Island. We simply are not as widely known as other more mature beachfront communities,” says McMullin.

Investing in Texas real estate has been a no-brainer. Since 2010, the population has grown by 3.5 million, a million more than either Florida or California — converting into one and a half million new homes. Some 2 million of those people came from elsewhere attracted by new jobs, a fast-growing economy, more reasonable home prices, no state income tax, and a state ranked among the world’s ninth strongest economy.

“When compared to investing in other vacation/second-home markets, our story is very compelling. Lower property acquisition costs coupled with the vibrant Texas economy and steady population growth has created a healthy investment opportunity through appreciation and vacation rental income,” says McMullin.

For small coastal communities like Port Aransas, 2019 visitor arrivals from Texas and around the U.S. have so far exceeded last year’s numbers by 40 percent. Those arrivals are expected to rise, thanks to 3,300 out of 4,200 lodging units (up from 2,200 last year) that are now open for business (since Hurricane Harvey) with elevations of 10 to 11 feet above sea level.

Port A is definitely on the upswing, with new developments that include:

The destination’s first conference center, slated to open in 2021 for gatherings of 500 to 2,000 attendees.
225-room conference center hotel, slated to break ground in February 2020.
A new beachfront/bayfront marina and resort
Cinnamon Shore, an upscale 1,000-acre master-planned beachfront, family- and pedestrian-friendly community that will add Cinnamon Shore South, a $1.3 billion, a 300-acre expansion that will more than quadruple the existing community. It will include luxury homes, Town Center residences, community pools, a dining district with several restaurants, a retail destination, a health and wellness center, and a boutique hotel.
Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community opened a new golf course on June 1st with 9 holes of links-style play, plus THE LOOP – a 3-hole, par 3 course, plus a driving range. Palmilla Beach’s homes range from condos and townhomes to cottages and custom homes. Homesites begin in the $200s and completed homes from the $500s.
Sunflower Beach Resort & Residences, nestled among 50 acres of protected dune preserves, features beach homes, several lots and 21 single-level poolside condos. It has nearly completed the first phase of 25 new ultra-luxury one- and two-bedroom beach cabins priced from $382,000 to $499,000 at The Camp.

Photos courtesy of Cinnamon Shore

In luxury apartment buildings and community residences, amenities are everything. Without a vast array of opportunities for residents to live in the ultimate luxury, the quality drops. With this in mind, developments have been finding new and creative ways to elevate the standard of luxury living when it comes to amenities — and it’s through art itself.

Luxury residential buildings are fostering creativity for their child residents. Through different art-focused programs and amenities, the opportunities for children to explore their imagination are now limitless.

Photo courtesy of LoveWell Creative

Photo courtesy of THREE MARKS

The luxury Manhattan condo 277 Fifth Avenue, in partnership with the global luxury service brand LIVunLtd, is providing opportunities for children to participate in music classes, dance classes, arts and crafts. The playful atmosphere in the rooms inspires children to have fun and get creative.

Meanwhile, at the Brickell City Centre in Miami, the Reach and Rise luxury condominiums have installed amenities for children with an artistic twist. While some walls have screens for interactive games, others are blank and allow for children to write and draw. The colorful furniture allows for creativity to flourish.

Photo courtesy of Swire Properties Inc

Photo courtesy of Miller Hare

But these amenities aren’t always exclusive to children — at 1000M in Chicago, the residents will have access to both a music conservatory and a sound studio. The soundproof room is perfect for anyone looking to advance their skills or begin learning a new instrument. Either way, both children and adults can now feel artistic and inspired.

Photo by Alem Sánchez.

With literally millions of shades and hues to play with, color can also be intimidating. In a recent post by Northeast Meetings + Events, a series of experts give their professional advice on how to utilize color to enhance an entertainment venue and decoration. Fulfill the entertainer in yourself with their insight!

Expert advice varies on if there should be a color limit or if there’s a perfect strategy to picking colors. But when you do, internationally recognized color expert Leatrice Eiseman suggests starting with one lead color. “Then build the other colors around it.” And always take into consideration the existing room’s colors and lighting. “Whatever the venue is you’ve got to take into consideration what is already there that is immovable. What could you do to draw attention away from or disguise a presence of color that really is interruptive?”

As Director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training, and the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Eiseman definitely has the know-how on color. She says that early in her career people outside of fashion didn’t pay much attention to color. “When I started out I’d often meet with a bunch of engineers sitting there with crossed arms,” she says. “But people have realized the psychological impact color has. … Color is a very important aspect of any work you do across design industries.”

When using color in decor, for events or otherwise, consider the mood you want to establish.

Photo by Kaboompics.com

“The use of cool colors and hues such as blues can help calm and relax individuals and generate clearer and a more relaxed mind-set, great for business sessions,” says Sarah Kelly, senior event producer with Cantrav Services. She often incorporates color to set a mood. “While the use of warmer colors and hues such as ambers and reds can help stimulate and generate a more active and warm response, great for team-building or brainstorming sessions,” she adds.

Photo by Pixabay.

Photo by Designecologist.

You can even use color to play off of factors such as the season of the event, suggests Dwayne Thomas, owner of Portland lighting company Greenlight Creative.

“There are some perennial things. If I do a fundraiser in the fall, there’s a 50-50 chance it’s going [to show] fall colors. In winter, blues tend to be more popular, and in the summer, reds are more popular.”

“Color adds an additional depth and sparks interest,” says Kelly, who suggests that planners be bold and purposeful — but not too bold. “There are two mistakes people can make, either using too much color and overwhelming guests’ senses or being afraid to use it at all and not fully committing to the event’s theme or identity,” she says. “But, as long as you stick to some basic rules such as making sure you use colors that complement one another … there’s no reason to go wrong.”

For more color tips, visit Northeast Meetings + Events post!

Mariann Cordova

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

111 Corporate Dr., Suite. 210, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Phone: 949-307-4040 | mc@southorangecountyliving.com | www.marianncordova.agent.bhhscalifornia.com

Mariann is a multi-award-winning Realtor and marketing expert with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. Her goal always has been successful marketing of residential properties, employing professional ethics, sound planning, persuasive skills and a strong support system. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and a certificate of interior design from the Los Angeles Design Center, Mariann carries years of in-depth real estate and current market knowledge. Her fluency in English and Swedish and working knowledge of Norwegian, Danish and German are valuable assets in assisting international clients and those looking to relocate.

Listing by Mariann Cordova

Coto de Caza, California

23111 Maravilla Lane, Coto de Caza

Stunning Georgia estate is situated on 5.8 acres. Visit www.23111Maravilla.com for more information.

Video: https://vimeo.com/273382691 | Brochure: https://bit.ly/2tveiOj

Offered at $15,900,000.

Mariann Cordova originally appeared as an Elite Agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See her page here.

Peter Barkin & Mark Gilman

Compass, Barkin-Gilman Group

1200 E. Las Olas Blvd Suite 103, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Peter: (954) 675-6656 | Mark: (954) 557-8777 | www.barkingilman.com

Peter Barkin and Mark Gilman have been successfully supporting the real estate dreams of buyers and sellers in South Florida for more than 20 years. In 2002, Peter and Mark teamed together to create the Barkin-Gilman Group, a highly respected and successful brand within the South Florida real estate community.

Listing by Peter Barkin & Mark Gilman

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

AQUABLU

There are 2-bedroom and 3-bedrooms available at the beautiful development, as well as dockage.

Starting at $1,395,000.

Peter Barkin & Mark Gilman originally appeared as Elite Agents in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See their page here.

While kitchen backsplashes are known to be composed of simple tiles that blend into the background, interior designers are diversifying them with different materials and bold color palettes. Instead of overlooking backsplashes, the forerunners of the industry are bringing them in the spotlight. Here’s how:

Using bold colors and a unique design makes the backsplash of your kitchen pop, highlighting a beautiful statement area that might otherwise go unnoticed. This whimsical pattern offers can showcase bold colors for an eye-catching design. Mosaic tiles allow for a detailed and one-of-a-kind design. Pair the backsplash with more subtle, neutral-colored cabinets and countertops for a perfect balance between the two styles.

Photo courtesy of Lime Lace

Photo courtesy of Lime Lace

For a less busy design, look toward simple, geometric tiles with a dash of color. These blue tiles create a beautiful backsplash for a more relaxed style. Simple countertops and cabinets also won’t wash it out, as the bold color adds a subtle yet effective contrast. Both offer a charming addition to the kitchen.

Horizontal slabs are breaking through as one of the latest trends in the industry. Whether the idea is to go more natural looking with a three-dimensional design or the traditional sleek and modern method, this style of backsplash will always be the finishing touch to a room. One color with different shades or multiple colors can change the style it offers. For a more retro look, multiple colors — such as blue, tan and grey — provide a very specific style to the space.

Photo courtesy of Original Style