The start of a new season can lead to many new opportunities. For homeowners or interior designers it means the chance to reorganize and redecorate using new styles or regimens, one being Feng Shui.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese belief system with the idea that one’s living space can nourish positive energy. With the fall season right around the corner, there are a few simple ways one can take advantage of some of these concepts that can improve the atmosphere of the home.
Photo courtesy of Artisanti
Accents
As a material, metal represents intelligence and mental strength in Feng Shui. As an addition to the home, metal will attract positive energy while accentuating the fall season, including metal accents in items such as vases or wall decor which can enhance a space. Incorporating metallic paint colors like bronze, gray and gold can have the same effect.
Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture
A bowl of fruit in a kitchen symbolizes a home that will never be without food and encourage healthy eating. Place bright, red apples in a stylish bowl to add a seasonal, stylish touch. Scented candles fill any room with a fall aroma, such as the enticing smell of apple pie or the crisp fall air. These scents will calm you while the decorative candle complements a room.
Give the people entering your home a reason to take a moment to pause by hanging artwork on a wall. Place it in a foyer or front hall so guests take their time as they come in.
Photo courtesy of Garden Trading
Organization
Removing the clutter in a home is another way to fix the harmony in any space. Opulent organization techniques, like renovating a closet, will refresh a room’s ambiance. While organizing a space, rid yourself of items or furniture that don’t add purpose to the area.
Shelving allows for an interesting focal point while allowing you to reorganize personal items. Larger shelves give more room to add decorations, books and storage.
Photo courtesy of Covet House
Outdoors
Keep your outdoor space neat and remove tired-looking flowers or plants. Chrysanthemums, for example, bring in good luck and are often used in the practice of Feng Shui. They add balance to a person’s life and can balance out the look of a front yard with a pop of color. Flowers evoke feelings of beauty and grace. If gardening isn’t your thing, opt for artwork for either inside the home or in the yard.
Doormats are the best way to have some flair and attract the possibility of new opportunities. Get into the habit of putting out new ones every week and steer away from your typical “Welcome” Funky patterns and designs can improve any dreary front porch or walkway. New habits spark good energy during any new season.
Photo courtesy of LisaSarah – designs in steel
Photo courtesy of Melody Maison
Featured image courtesy of Lights4fun
With the last few weeks of summer ahead, now is the perfect time in much of the country to embrace the warm summer days and spend time in the sun. A perfect outdoor dining area can allow you to spend more time with family and friends and soak in the sun at the same time. Here are a few tips to design the area that will best work for you and your home:
Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture
Photo courtesy of Go Modern
1. Consider the Colors
It’s always important to take into account the colors of the outdoor area. If the outdoor area is more centered around nature, consider more earthy colors that blend right into the background, creating a soft, calm atmosphere. For a bolder style, however, pick a color that contrasts sharply against the background.
With this area, the lighter pinks and tans behind the dark table and chairs create a beautiful distinction of colors. Whichever your style, make sure to consider various colors in your design process.
2. Working with the Landscape
When working with nature, there are mainly two choices: working with the land or changing the landscape to fit your needs. Keeping the land untouched will allow for a more natural atmosphere, while changing the landscape may be more accessible and practical for an outdoor dining area.
For example, this bench by the pool allows a great lunch or dinner with family and friends. While nature is not emphasized, it creates a sleek, clean design that’s easily accessible to the house and pool, allowing for gathering around the table at any time.
Photo courtesy of Garden Trading
Photo courtesy of Go Modern
Photo courtesy of Lagoon
3. Creating Shade
While the idea of an outdoor dining area underneath the bright sun is important, practicality should always be a factor. With the sun out all day, it may get too hot to stay outside and enjoy the summer air. Remember to provide adequate shading, whether that’s with a tree or a canopy, so you and your guests are able to spend as much time outside as you would like.
This outdoor dining area was built with a roof for this exact purpose. Crafted with natural wood, it forms a calm atmosphere blocking the sun but keeping everyone close to the nature that surrounds them.
4. A Style that Fits You
Whatever the design, make sure that it fits your personality and will be used often for gatherings of family and friends.
Photo courtesy of Lagoon
When the weather is warm, it is important that luxury homeowners have a backyard suitable for entertaining — whether it is to host an intimate family gathering or a large celebration with friends.
With spring in full force, it’s time to say hello to outdoor picnics, long days spent in the pool, and family barbecues.
In order to refresh your backyard in time for spring, we explore a few quick tips that will help your space to feel both luxurious, yet livable.
Seating
Whether it is a complete outdoor living room and a full-service kitchen, or a small table with chairs and an arrangement of delicate metal benches, ample outdoor seating is a must-have.
Photos courtesy of Garden Trading (above featured image, left image and image to the right) and designbotschaft GmbH (middle)
Featuring a three-seater sofa and two armchairs, the Colwell Sofa Set creates a lightweight aesthetic whilst also offering comfort. The set will look striking beside a pool, on a decking area or patio to sit and relax during the warmer months.
Fire
On chilly spring nights, a stylish fire pit or outdoor fireplace can provide some much needed warmth while it also improves the design appeal of your backyard space.
Solus Decor’s Elevated Halo Fire Table fit well into a wide variety of outdoor environments, with their clean profiles and soft curves.
Photos courtesy of Solus Decor
Lighting
String lights and lanterns help to create a relaxing ambiance perfect for entertaining all evening long.
Torche, by Les Jardins Solar Lighting, merges modern sensibility with versatile design. Torche is the ultimate outdoor accessory, especially when used as an upgraded version of a tiki torch to light darkened pathways.
Photo courtesy of Lights4fun (left) and Les Jardins Solar Lighting (middle & right)
Greenery
When enjoying an evening outdoors, it is important that your guests are able to enjoy the smell of fresh greenery and blooming flowers. Be sure to include a ton of plants and flowers throughout your backyard space.
Photo courtesy of Lights4fun
Bring fun and function to your outdoor space this spring with three collections from Vondom, by Eero Aarnio. Modern shapes and unique fun concepts are combined to make up the Roulette, Rosinante, and Peacock collections.
Eero Aarnio, the mastermind behind these designs is described as a “plastic pioneer master and a living legend of modern design,” according to the Vondom website. Aarino has been a freelance designer since 1962, and his iconic designs continue to inspire today.
Rosinante Collection
The Rosinante collection was inspired by the fascinating world of carousels and Ferris wheels. The whimsical nature of the rocking horses makes them perfect for families. With sleek lines and modern colors, the designs are equally as fun as they are sophisticated.
Traditionally a rocking horse only rocks back and forth, but this horse has a base which also enables users to spin. Because the horse was made in Spain, it was naturally named after Don Quixote’s world famous horse, Rosinante.
Another lighthearted collection by Aarino is The Roulette Collection. These undeniably bold chairs are perfect for a relaxed gathering or an afternoon outside. The designer had a concept of the chair’s leg being part of the body in his mind. Aarino ended up with a design that rocks in all directions and also spins because of its contact with the ground at one point.
The high armrests give a sense of security when spinning the chair around and also provides support while sitting. Wanting to find an international name for the chair, which also would immediately give the association for the spinning motion, Aarino ended up with the name ”Roulette.”
The Peacock collection fits in perfectly among Aarino’s other designs or stands alone to make a adventurous statement. The planter is in the shape of a peacock but the image isn’t complete without the addition of a plant to serves as the tail. The collection was inspired by the designer’s own childhood memories of the animals, which fascinated and scared him.
Photos courtesy of VONDOM
Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff just announced an offering in the spirit of their 15th Anniversary. Deemed “A Place to Create Forever Memories,” Montage introduces this $2.75M, 2,900-square-foot residence, decked out for those seeking the ultimate outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Situated within Palmetto Bluff, a 20,000-acre residential community and conservation preserve, this property is seated next to 32 miles of riverfront and marsh front coastline, with extensive nature trails, a vibrant Village center complete with river access, boat storage and canoe club. This community embraces its rich history natural rural landscape, and is a historical haven to gain a true sense of the Lowcountry lifestyle.
The collection of homes features charming, timeless interiors that have spacious living areas, celebrating authentic Southern tradition. The indoor-outdoor spaces flow naturally with breezy entryways, with other highlights including…
- Residences situated in a waterfront setting in close proximity to the resort
- Two, three, four and five-bedroom, single-story residences
- Indoor/outdoor sitting rooms with fireplaces
- Oversized master suites with his-and-hers walk-in closets
- State-of-the-art kitchens
- Antique heart pine floors
- Driveways and walkways utilizing Old Savannah brick throughout
Photos courtesy of Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff
These luxury homes offer beautiful, private tennis courts to their residents.
Following the U.S. Open’s kick off last week, we have located a few luxury spaces that feature private tennis courts. Boasting beautiful scenery and waterfront views, these homes will allow residents to practice their backhand in style.
Coral Gables (282 Carabela Ct)
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this Mediterranean style 2-story home boasts a yacht dock, observation tower and private tennis court.
Price: $6.9 Million
Agent: Saddy Delgado of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Miami Beach (5011 Pine Tree Dr)
Sitting on 2 acres, this 3-story Mediterranean estate offers a private tennis court with beautiful waterfront views.
Price: $24.9 Million
Agent: Ralph Arias of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Privé at Island Estates
These 16-story boutique luxury towers offer resort-style amenities, including a lighted tennis court with ocean views.
Price: Starting at $1.2 million.
Photo courtesy of Prive at Island Estates
The Grand at SkyView Parc
This property offers a range of amenities to keep residents entertained, including two on-site, full-sized tennis courts.
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Oceana Bal Harbour
This property offers its residents an active lifestyle with access to pro-like training facilities, including two championship clay tennis courts. Residents can enjoy friendly matches and sea breezes at the courts. Prices: From $3 to 30 million.
Photo courtesy of Oceana Bal Harbour
MIAMI BEACH (5185 NORTH BAY ROAD)
One of the largest waterfront properties in Miami Beach is this beautiful Spanish style gated-compound. Nestled on 4-oversized parcels, the property expands from Prestigious North Bay Road to Alton Road and offers an expansive tennis court.
Price: $6.99 Million
Agent: George M. Burns of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
On a quiet afternoon you may decide to read a book, enjoy a glass of wine or watch passersby — and, a porch is the perfect place to pass the time.
By Alyssa Gautieri
The term “porching” has become popular among Americans who enjoy spending time outdoors on their porch. With summer officially under way, we decided to take a look at some communities perfect for porching. From the coastal South to the mountain lodges, here are four real estate developments that embrace porching.
Palmetto Bluff
South Carolina
Situated in the heart of South Carolina Lowcountry, this 20,000-acre property embraces traditional Lowcountry architecture with countless porches. Views include picturesque moss-draped oaks and gas-lit walkways. Montage Palmetto Bluff also recently debuted a new Inn with a wrap-around porch complete with relaxing rocking chairs.
Photo courtesy Palmetto Bluff
Snake River Sporting Club
Wyoming
Nestled in the woods, the Residences offer expansive porches with sunny mountain views. Additionally, owners can porch up at The Clubhouse, which overlooks the Snake River. Residents may choose to grab a drink or bite to eat from the local restaurant to optimize their porching experience.
Photos courtesy Snake River Lodge
The Cliffs
The Carolinas
The Cliffs is a collection of residential communities set upon a protected national forest that extends from Asheville, North Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina. The communities offer a range of porching opportunities, from Lake Keowee to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville.
Photos courtesy The Cliffs
Kukui’ula
Hawaii
Each residence at Kukui’ula — the leading luxury resort community on Kauai’s south shore — offers an expansive patio overlooking lush tropical landscaping and a variety of ocean, golf and mountain views. Owners and guests can easily grab a cocktail or glass of wine at the nearby restaurant to complete their porching experience.
Photos courtesy Kukui’ula
These new residential options will bring two very different options to Pine Canyon residents.
Renderings courtesy Pine Canyon.
Pine Canyon, a private golf course and residential community in Flagstaff, Arizona, is preparing to break ground on estate homes and condos as the community experiences an increase in demand. Both Coconino Ridge and Mountain Vista will begin construction this summer.
Coconino Ridge, a moderately secluded enclave of 32 homesites nestled against the Coconino National Forest and overlooking picturesque hiking trails, will debut with a model that follows the 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath Coronado floorplan. The 2,660-square-foot model features an open floorplan, and utilizes center sliding doors to blend indoor and outdoor living.
Prices for homes in Coconino Ridge will range from $900,000 to $1.4 million, and the community began accepting reservations for in April.
“This neighborhood in particular really embraces its surroundings by offering design elements that strategically create a sense of inclusion, allowing the outdoor environment in and vice versa,” said Peter Burger, president of Symmetry Companies, which owns and manages Pine Canyon. “Coconino Ridge fosters flexibility when it comes to design, which is one of the reasons homeowners are offered unique options, from pocketing glass wall systems to bonus rooms, to customize their space at Pine Canyon.”
Mountain Vista, a village of condominiums that caters to buyers who appreciate a lock-and-leave lifestyle, will include 12 buildings with units ranging from 1,640 square feet to 1,990 square feet. Owners have the option of choosing fully-furnished units, and may also choose to have Pine Canyon manage their unit in their absence.