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Inspiring Luxury Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas
Bedrooms are being transformed into upscale retreats overnight simply with the addition of luxury bedroom wallpaper. Monochromatic spaces are getting a lift with pops of color and pattern from statement wallpaper, while rooms filled with color feel tied together by the introduction of complementary prints. And gorgeous textured wallpaper can create a cozy, moody space that homeowners will love to sink into at the end of a busy day. If your room is ready to be elevated and personalized, read on as we reveal some of our favorite luxury bedroom wallpaper ideas.
Textured Wallpaper
Adding textured wallpaper to an otherwise minimalist or neutral bedroom provides an instant visual lift. Southern Living is a fan of using “nail-headed” grasscloth wallpaper throughout a space to give it an upscale and glamorous feel. Beyond its sophisticated aesthetic, grasscloth is also an environmentally-friendly luxury option that resists fading, can provide heat and sound insulation, and is remarkably long-lasting.
Upholstered Walls
Designer Jade Joyner of Metal + Petal tells My Domaine that upholstered walls are having a moment; “‘With the hectic, modern lives we all lead, people are wanting a soft oasis with luxurious fabrics to come home to and relax in.’” Drenching your walls in fabric brings a lush grandeur to your space. While the practice has been celebrated by royalty for centuries, the trend feels delightfully current. How does it work? Traditionally, the fabric is pulled over battens that are then attached to the walls to provide texture and an irresistible sense of cocooning that is perfect for upscale bedrooms. Everything from silk to cashmere to suede is being used. However, this process can take a significant amount of time. Luckily, today’s designers can create a similar effect by installing paper-backed fabrics that are equally rich in texture but can be applied quickly in much the same way as classic wallpaper.
Boho Murals
When people think of bohemian-inspired rooms, they often picture an eclectic blend of riotous color and pattern, which tends to feel more suitable for sitting rooms or living rooms rather than a bedroom oasis. Surprisingly, luxury bedroom wallpaper can perfectly combine the desire for a boho-glam aesthetic with a sense of serenity. And the key lies in the size of the print.
A recent redesign by Eleven 11 Design grabbed the attention of the editors at The Spruce. A bedroom wall was painted with a dramatic pitch black paint to draw attention to the back of the sizeable space as people entered. It was effective, but it lacked the vitality the designers sought. Instead of hanging a large-scale piece of art or crafting a massive headboard, they choose a “bigger than life floral” mural-like wallpaper to run from the ceiling to behind the bed. Impressively finished to resemble a single sheet, the brilliant bedroom wallpaper brings color and dimension to the wall while creating a focal point for the room.
Dramatic Design
If you love your minimalist furniture but struggle to find suitable artwork or accessories to infuse some visual drama into the space, The Spruce suggests choosing luxury bedroom wallpaper that makes a statement. Originally featured on Homepolish, The Spruce loves how a “dramatic cabbage rose wallpaper lends a pop of pretty to [a] modern bedroom.” The Magazine assures that “while the pattern is pretty busy, it does not overpower the minimalist-inspired furniture.”
More ornate wallpaper patterns done in rich hues of red or black can also create a statement look for your bedroom. And if you want to embrace the drama, Southern Living suggests playing off the depth of color in the wallpaper by “dressing your room in strong, dark décor.”
Moody Shades
If you want your bedroom to resemble a warm and inviting retreat, think about adding wallpaper in wonderfully moody shades like dark greens, blues, and grays. My Domaine reveals: “Many of us shy away from decorating with dark colors, because they can leave a space feeling smaller. But that’s not always a bad thing.” You don’t need your bedroom to feel expansive necessarily – “you need it to feel cozy and warm. And a darker palette can help you set that tone.” Supplement the space with gorgeous blackout drapes and plush bedding, and you will successfully create a bedroom that feels like a welcoming oasis.
Nature Details
The notion of bringing nature inside the home has been gaining popularity over the last couple of years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Today, interior designers are working hard to incorporate green details into bedrooms and living spaces, often referencing the outdoors in room accents and wallpaper. For example, The Spruce adores interior designer Tiny Rich’s recent NYC apartment redesign, which saw banana leaf wallpaper applied to bedroom walls to “[pour] on the Hollywood glamour.”
Southern Living is enthusiastic about taking nature-inspired details and pairing them with metallics. One of their favorite wallpapers features “prominent gold traces” along the branches and leaves of an arbor-inspired pattern. The gold in the paper not only elevates and modernizes the print but it pairs exquisitely with gold-accented furnishings to create a “very cohesive and sophisticated look.”
Delicate Patterns in Stunning Hues
A delicate print can create a beautiful motif for bedroom wallpaper, but the impact may not be as significant as you would like. There is a solution. My Domaine confides: “Even subtler prints, like pinstripes, can make a statement when rendered in a stunning color. So don’t be afraid to be bold with your palette.” The Magazine advocates for “emerald greens and sapphire blues” but agrees that “you could just as easily opt for a lighter shade and pull it off.”
Fine Art
Better Homes & Gardens has been following the unique art of Malene Barnett, a “multi-disciplinary artist and founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild” who designs “handwoven rugs, carves complex markings into ceramic tiles, fuses brilliantly colored portraits from cut glass, and handcrafts intricately patterned clay vessels.” It is no surprise that the Magazine was thrilled to see Barnett create a fantastic collection of “five lively, tactile wallpaper styles, which repeat the geometric shapes, dotted patterns, and rippling lines found in Barnett’s work.”
The resulting wallpaper will inspire; “From a distance, the wallcoverings offer subtle texture and a wash of color, but a closer look reveals the intricate details that make up these works of fine art.” The effect is particularly stunning when used throughout an entire room. Barnett tells Better Homes & Gardens: “‘I envision this collection really embodying spaces, not just covering an accent wall but truly filling a space.’”
Ceiling Highlights
When starting your bedroom remodel or refresh, don’t forget to look up. Too often, we overlook a room’s fifth wall, which can leave the space feeling unfinished. The good news is that luxury bedroom wallpaper applied to the ceiling, no matter the size of the room you are decorating, can transform the room into a genuinely gorgeous space. Do you have vividly colorful bedroom walls? The Spruce loves the idea of spicing up an otherwise bland white ceiling with geometric wallpaper that references the primary wall color.
Do you have an attic bedroom you would like to redesign? Jenny Wolf Interiors tells The Spruce that they recommend hanging the same wallpaper on the walls and low, slanted attic ceilings to create a cozy space that may even feel bigger. How? The Magazine reveals that “covering all five surfaces in the same pattern can make ceiling height in cramped spaces seem much taller.”
Does your bedroom feature a recessed ceiling with an impressive central light fixture? Elizabeth Gordon Studio, based in Los Angeles, is an architectural interior design firm that favors showcasing this kind of detail in bedrooms and living rooms. The editors at The Spruce were wowed by a design that used metallic wallpaper on a recessed ceiling. The darker blue tones of the wallpaper beautifully complemented the lighter shades on the walls. At the same time, the gold branch pattern worked brilliantly against the newly installed “gold Flame Flushmount light fixture by Global Views.” The finished effect produced a coolly elegant and serene room that dazzled.
Hand-Painted Wallpaper
To truly personalize your space, you may want to consider investing in hand-painted wallpaper. This type of luxury bedroom wallpaper, like those available from de Gournay, offers exceptional quality, custom color, and bespoke design that works perfectly as a focal point while also establishing the palette for your room. de Gournay reveals that the company’s mission is to help you realize “your dreams of a perfect interior,” whether that is a gold-leaf ceiling, an Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, or an Art Nouveau space. Even a “19th-century French Scenic” or a style that celebrates “the artworks, costumes and stage designs of the Ballet Russes” are possibilities. Whatever your inspiration, companies like de Gournay can bring your design dreams to life in a showstopping room with an undeniably opulent appeal.
Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.
The post Inspiring Luxury Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
The 10 Best Champagnes and Sparkling Wine to Try Right Now
How do you pick the best Champagne or sparkling wine for your next celebration? There is no single answer; palates can vary wildly. You may love dry wines and gravitate toward brut Champagnes or tend to like a hint of sweetness, and therefore, search your wine shop’s shelves for extra sec varieties. “Vintage” Champagne made from one year’s extraordinary grapes can be dazzling, but there are also breathtaking sparkling wines crafted from grapes sourced over many different years. Simply put, there is a world of options waiting for you. If you are on the hunt for a fabulous bubbly to sip and serve, read on as we reveal the best Champagne and sparkling wine to try right now.
2008 Mod Selection Réserve Vintage
The experts at Food & Wine agree that if you want to be considered an expert on everything Champagne, you’ll want to sip, savor, and sip again the 2008 Mod Selection Réserve Vintage. It’s an extravagance at $480 per bottle. Still, between the masterminds behind the Champagne and the extraordinary growing conditions that year, it’s an experience you are unlikely to forget. The Magazine confides: “The raconteur masterminds behind Mod are Brent Hocking (known for DeLeón Tequila and Virginia Black whiskey) and hip-hop artist Drake (aka Champagne Papi).” What makes the 2008 Mod Selection Réserve Vintage one of the best Champagnes in the world? Food & Wine applauds: “[This] will age superbly well, and you’ll find warm, toasty aromas open up to orange peel, apricot, and rich baking spices. [It is] full-bodied with super-fine beading and nicely balanced.”
2007 Taittinger “Comtes de Champagne” Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Although wine critics and oenophiles rarely agree, when it comes to the 2007 Taittinger “Comtes de Champagne” Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne, the reviews are unanimous. This Champagne is stunning. James Suckling gives it 98 points exclaiming: “Fine and tight bead give the Champagne a luxurious mouthfeel,” and it showcases “lemon zest, green apples and hints of white peaches.” If you look for minerality in your Champagne, you’ll love the chalky minerality here. It will age brilliantly, so you can certainly place this in your cellar for years to come. However, it’s going to be nearly impossible not to open it immediately. The price point is high, averaging around $250 per bottle if you can locate one (2006 is even more dear). But you will almost certainly love every precious drop.
Krug Grande Cuvée Champagne 168th Edition
The Krug Champagne house has been blending grapes to produce extraordinary Champagne since 1843, and, as the digital magazine Liquor.com reveals, “each year, this bottle is formulated from 250 different vineyard plots and as many as 150 reserve wines from up to 12 different vintages.” It’s another example of a Champagne that offers beautiful complexity. The Magazine reports: “The Grande Cuvée captures the pure essence of great Champagne—bright, crisp, vivid, with layers of intricate baking spices, apple pastry, pear tart, and distinctly chalky minerality.” The color is light gold, and you’ll understand from the first sip why this House is known for producing one of the best Champagnes in the world. Liquor.com‘s editor, Kathryn Maier, cheers: “Krug Grande Cuvée is my personal go-to whenever I can justify the cost. Its bold yet refined flavor and fine bead make it a true delight to sip.”
Not surprisingly, The Krug Rosé is also delightful and ideal for anyone who enjoys delicate strawberry notes. And if you are a collector, keep your eye out for the 1928 Krug. The last bottle that came to auction sold for more than $21,000, but if you adore savoring the aged notes of apricot and honey and the bragging rights for winning one of the most expensive Champagnes in the world, get ready to bid.
NV Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut
The Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut is another terrific example of a non-vintage Champagne. Critic James Suckling declared this particular Champagne unique because of its “simultaneously mellow and lively balance and the harmoniously dry finish” and “discreet citrus, apple-ring, and toasty character.” It is an elegant sip, golden straw in color, and it offers a fresh crispness that works perfectly on its own or when paired with food. Speaking of pairings, Food & Wine highly recommends trying this with your own version of “Oysters Rocafella,” originally crafted by Mario Carbone to honor Jay-Z and his Roc-A-Fella record label. In it, the Magazine reports, “Carbone tops the oysters with a tangy vinegar-shallot mignonette, plus a Champagne-infused foam and frozen Champagne grapes.” Pair the dish with the Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, and get ready to feel like a star.
NV Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé
The Jouët family is noted for being not only incredible winemakers but for making wine with food in mind. This sparkling rosé lives up to this ideal, and it would be one of the best Champagnes you could choose for any food-forward event, from dinner parties to divinely indulgent nights at home. You’ll love the natural acidity and the soft fruit notes on the palate. Food & Wine is undoubtedly a fan. If you are searching for a delightful brunch, dinner, or cocktail party appetizer to pair with it, they adore its play against the flavors of glazed-beet-and-burrata toasts. Curious about how to make the snack bold enough to pair with the Champagne? The Magazine reveals: “To intensify the flavor of boiled beets and form a rich glaze, chef David Hawksworth cooks them a second time in sherry vinegar and sugar.”
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame
Veuve Clicquot is almost always a good idea. And at other times, it is a great one. The distinctive yellow label is iconic, making it one of the most recognizable Champagne bottles in the world. The Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut frequently finds itself on lists of the best Champagnes. Although the honor of the rarest of the Veuve Clicquot Champagnes goes to the 1841 Veuve Clicquot, bottles of which were rescued (perfectly preserved) from the bottom of the Baltic Sea. While most of the bottles were sent to a museum, a few were sold at auction, fetching an impressive $37,000 per bottle.
However, if you want to gift yourself or a loved one another impressive bottle of Veuve Clicquot, Liquor.com recommends Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame. The Magazine reveals: “Clicquot tapped Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama to design a special label and presentation box for their prestige cuvée, the vintage-dated La Grande Dame 2012.” Happily, the taste is everything you expect from Veuve and more. The Magazine raves: “As for the taste, beautiful toasty notes of crème brûlée and honeycomb find pops of fragrant white flowers and honeysuckle. Granny Smith apple, Bosc pear, and lemon zest add layers of complexity, while a fine thread of stony minerality solidifies this remarkable Champagne.”
2007 Agustí Torelló Mata “Kripta” Cava Brut Penedes
Gorgeous sparkling wine is being produced in Spain right now, including some Cava that will make you an instant fan. The indigenous grapes wearing the Cava designation are just one of the reasons that Cava has such a unique flavor profile. The grapes are the foundation of sparkling wines known for their acidity, freshness, and rich character. If you are new to the designation, Food & Wine thinks that the 2007 Agustí Torelló Mata “Kripta” Cava Brut Penedes is among the best. The Magazine confides: “The football-shaped bottle may be bizarre, but the old-vine Cava inside it is one of the region’s most subtle and nuanced.” If you are already a Cava fan, you’ll love this vintage’s toasty bread, white fruit, spice, and fennel notes. Robert Parker rates this wine with an enthusiastic 93 points; “The palate has clean, pungent, delineated, sharp citric acidity, good integration and balance, and a long aftertaste.” It’s hard to find, so you might be tempted to buy two: One to sip and share and one to save for the next balmy evening.
Podere il Saliceto ‘L’Albone’ Lambrusco di Modena
Some of the best sparkling wines are not expensive – and they aren’t white. In fact, Food & Wine adores the latest generation of Lambrusco sparklers. The Magazine raves: “It used to be assumed that all Lambrusco was sweet, since the U.S. market was flooded with that type in the ’70s and ’80s, but secco (dry) styles are now widely available and great as an aperitivo—like a vivacious, bitter, and fruity warm-up for another more serious wine—or with anything from salumi and cheese to simple savory fare.”
If you are new to Lambrusco, Food & Wine recommends trying the Podere il Saliceto’ L’Albone’ Lambrusco di Modena, made in stainless steel using natural fermentation. It has no filtering or fining and minimal sulfur. It has a lovely long finish and bright mineral accents. You (and your guests) will be thrilled that you gave it a try.
2011 Best‘s Great Western Sparkling Shiraz
It’s already unusual to sip sparkling red wine, but it’s even rarer to find hosts serving a sparkling Australian Shiraz. This is the time to give it a sip, particularly if you want something that captivates the palate at your next brunch or barbecue (it’s also a Christmas favorite for Aussies). Food & Wine suggests sipping 2011 Best‘s Great Western Sparkling Shiraz; “The red fizz is as broodingly dark violet in the glass as its still counterpart, and while it tends to sport gobs of brambly fruit, it can also share still Shiraz’s savory bacon-and-herb aromas.” Not surprisingly, given those notes, you can’t go wrong pairing it with options like barbecue ribs, Chinese roasted duck, bacon and egg brunch dishes, roasted turkey, or creamy dark chocolate mousse.
Prosecco Rosé
Prosecco Rosé is on its way. It might not be immediately clear why this inexpensive sipper is a cause for celebration, but the announcement was met with delight by oenophiles everywhere. Why? Prosecco and rosé were never allowed to mix. Martha Stewart Living explains: “While sparkling rosé wine has been on the market for many years, the official rules from the designation of origin (DOC) for Prosecco did not permit pink versions of Italy’s signature sparkling beverage. Three winemakers—Mionetto, La Marca, and Gancia—are toasting the launch of their own Prosecco Rosé D.O.C. in the United States for the first time ever.” So, if you want something genuinely not seen in the United States until quite recently at your next festive gathering, it’s time to buy a bottle or two to see which one will please your palate the best.
Martha Stewart Living shares that the Mionetto Prosecco Rosé DOC is an impeccably balanced sparkling wine “redolent of red berries, grapefruit, and honey.” The winemakers behind the La Marca Prosecco describe it as balancing “the crisp floral flavor of traditional Prosecco with the fresh notes of strawberry and peach found in a bottle of Pinot Noir.” Meanwhile, the Gancia Prosecco Rosé is fresh and fruity with beautiful notes of red berries. Let the Prosecco Rosé adventures begin!
Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.
The post The 10 Best Champagnes and Sparkling Wine to Try Right Now appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Stylish Contemporary Island Houses
When you think of coastal style, you rarely picture contemporary island houses. More often, what comes to mind are charming beach cottages or small, white-washed homes with tiled roofs. However, modern island abodes are starting to capture the imagination, in no small part because they effortlessly exemplify the best of sophisticated indoor-outdoor living. Read on as we explore the latest approach to marrying form and function in contemporary island houses.
Light-Filled Communal Spaces
One of the first things you’ll notice about the interiors of contemporary island houses is that they are blessed with light-filled communal rooms. Upscale kitchens, opulent living rooms, and expansive music salons dazzle as sunlight bounces off exquisite finishings. At the recent Hambani Estates development in Jamaica (currently being sold through Better Homes & Gardens Jamaica), the developers took great care to create luxury villas with “a contemporary interpretation of classic design with expansive glass windows creating a solarium of living spaces inviting an abundance of natural lighting.” The result of these design goals is a wonderfully inviting villa that is infused with peaceful beauty.
Even contemporary homes not blessed with island breezes are designed to bring in abundant natural light – and sometimes, starlight. In fact, one of My Domaine‘s favorite upscale modern homes is known as the “House Under the Sky.” A delightfully wide modern home, “Maydan Architects designed the home (a 5,000 square foot, six-bedroom, six-bathroom beauty) with the objective to be able to see the sky from anywhere in the house, so skylights were incorporated into the main living space, as well as the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.” Stunning!
Indoor/Outdoor Living
When Sir Richard Branson bought Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands, it was with an eye to building vacation villas and grand estates that could be rented for luxury getaways. Among these new properties is a contemporary island house known as Point Estate. Travel+ Leisure raves about this lavish retreat. It’s set beachside and makes the most of its locale with expansive folding glass walls that erase the divide between the interior’s oversized communal living hubs and the eye-catching natural wonders beyond the deck. The Magazine applauds the contemporary kitchen and spectacular bar, as well as the swoon-worthy infinity pool and ultra-comfortable accommodations (the estate can sleep 22 guests). But it’s “the home’s open-air seaside dining pavilion built over the cliff’s edge” that truly impresses.
Floor-to-Ceiling Bedroom Windows
While moving glass systems may replace the walls of lower social spaces, many contemporary island houses also favor floor-to-ceiling windows for upper-level bedrooms. Naturally, for homes built near water, this grants upper floors access to cooling breezes and stunning views, such as the ones of Biscayne Bay that are enjoyed by what My Domaine calls a “San Marco Island Stunner.” The home is a “7,100+ square foot contemporary beauty with a heated infinity-edge pool and a rooftop deck equipped with a Jacuzzi” that overlooks the pristine waters of the Bay, the lush lawns, and, of course, the striking pool.
Of course, you don’t need to live near the water to enjoy the connection with nature that oversized windows bring. Su Casa Design has created an extraordinary interior design with entertaining spaces and bedrooms that are every bit as impressive as the exterior. Luckily, as My Domaine reports, you don’t have to choose between the two experiences; “Thanks to … massive walls of windows … whether you’re inside or out, you’ll always get an eyeful of stellar, sweeping mountainous views.”
Sleek-Yet-Natural Kitchens
While kitchens in beachside cottages typically have been small and more rustic, the kitchens in upscale contemporary island houses tend to feel bright, open, and refined. As The Spruce reveals, “with their sleek cabinetry and sophisticated color schemes, contemporary kitchens blend modern design with a minimalistic aesthetic to create a distinctive look that transcends trends.” Like the kitchens in the Hambani Estates villas, contemporary spaces are likely to feature “flat-front cabinetry, sleek fixtures, stone features, wood accents, and stylish tile.”
One of The Spruce‘s favorite kitchen designs includes two-toned slab cabinet doors done in gray and white. “A hallmark of the contemporary style,” the cabinets are set against a “marble-patterned quartz countertop and matching backsplash [that] add both timeless beauty and practical function.” Walnut shelves and richly stained wood flooring help warm the space.
All-white kitchens have long been a favorite for coastal and island houses, but they can feel a little cold visually, even on the balmiest of nights. Synergistic Development tells The Spruce that it solves that problem by “[using] natural stone features, such as the soapstone counters and slate backsplash, to warm up the entire space.” The steady stream of natural light during the day and the illumination from pendants at night will keep the space feeling airy and approachable.
Warm and Cool Elements
Contemporary island houses are being designed to expertly mix textures inside and out. My Domaine explains: “The trick to creating an inviting modern architecture home is to juxtapose warm and cool, which is what MV Group did to … Casa Costanera, by combining elements such as exposed concrete and EPAY woods.” As you move inside this gorgeous estate, you’ll see this mixture of elements everywhere. The cool feel of a marble waterfall kitchen island, dazzling backsplash, and steel-framed windows play against the warmth of the floor-to-ceiling wood cabinetry. Together these elements create visual interest and make the space feel even more inviting than the sensational Coco Plum views already would.
Impressive Connections
Staircases can be extraordinary works of art, although they pose a conundrum for contemporary island houses. While the connection is necessary, should a staircase blend with the surroundings so that the views beyond aren’t interrupted, or should they make a statement? On occasion, the answer is both.
Referred to as a “contemporary masterpiece,” a stunning Ocean Club Estates property on Paradise Island, Nassau (repped by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate MCR Bahamas) answered the question of how to create a spectacular staircase without obstructing the ocean views. The developer built a “glass stairway leading to the second and third floors, backed by an amazing wall of glass.” In fact, the individual steps, panels, railing, and mid-way landing are all made from glass. This decision allows for continuous views from the living room, bar, and upper bedrooms – and at every point in-between.
Expansive pools often sit between homes and the rest of the yard for easy access and privacy. While pathways may be built for lower-level access to the gardens, the upper floors are left to internal staircases. A homeowner in Italy puzzled over how to make an elegant (yet practical) connection to the upper floors from outside. And while the home is not on an island, the solution devised by Milad Eshtiyaghi Studio is acting as inspiration to many owners of contemporary island houses who long to create artful connections across their properties.
In this case, the studio built what is known as “the Stairway House.” According to My Domaine, the designers crafted an awe-inspiring “stairway [that] crosses over the pool like a bridge, bringing access closer to the main entrance of the yard, while also creating a cool reflection in the pool.” The staggered stairway itself makes a statement in white as it gently climbs to the upper floor. But what is possibly more impressive is that it appears to float, as there are no heavy supports blocking the views.
Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.
The post Stylish Contemporary Island Houses appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Fine Dining Drive-Thru Restaurants
Does the idea of a fine dining drive-thru restaurant intrigue you? Over the last few years, restaurants and their award-winning chefs have had to get creative. Carry-out cocktails, pop-up experiments, and chef-led zoom classes became part of a unique phase of experimentation. But can a 10-course tasting menu work to-go? Read on as we look at the difficulties and possibilities for fine dining drive-thru restaurants.
The Challenges of Fine Dining Drive-Thrus
Undoubtedly, taking a meal crafted at a fine dining restaurant on the road is filled with challenges. Fine dining features sophisticated cuisine that hinges on a delicate balance of complex flavor profiles. That alone isn’t easy to sustain when the meal has to be placed in to-go containers and transported for some time before being enjoyed. And if the meal is being delivered over a significant distance, there is the additional risk that the food will have to be reheated, and re-firing a dish rarely produces a result as successful as the original.
But fine dining is also about the experience. The intricate plating, the perfect wine pairings for every course, and the restaurant’s atmosphere all create a uniquely sumptuous event. As chef-owner Daniel Patterson explained to Food & Wine, a great restaurant “‘creates an illusion of a life where everyone is happy to see us, every need is met, and everything tastes better.’” The best fine dining event can prompt an emotional response and inspire chefs to innovate. Patterson goes on to explain that losing that entirely would mean losing “‘risk-taking, inspiration, the sense of discovery.’”
Does that mean fine dining drive-thru restaurants and take-home options will never thrive? No. And some chefs have devised brilliant variations of in-restaurant offerings that are well worth the indulgence.
Hollywood Palladium Drive-Thru
To date, one of the most successful fine dining drive-thru experiments occurred in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Palladium. In October 2020, 10 well-known Los Angeles-based chefs came together to create a wonderfully decadent 10-course meal that guests could enjoy in their cars. Patrons followed a driving track that boasted 10 different stations – one course per station. Every car had its own waiter to help guide them through the process.
American Express and Resy sponsored the event, and by all accounts, it was an extraordinary success. Only new dishes were featured, and the goal was to make them as delightful as they would be in the chefs’ restaurants. For example, if you are a huge fan of Nancy Silverton and her Osteria Mozza, you would have loved her “spiced lamb ribs with tzatziki and Armenian spices.” If you adore Japanese desserts, Konbi’s station featured, among other decadent options, “a caramel and ganache tart infused with Hojicha green tea.” Dream of a truffle pomme fondue? Jon & Vinny’s mortadella sandwich featured a truffle pomme fondue that thrilled the palate. All in all, it was an exciting opportunity to take a unique foodie adventure with some astonishing food. And it was such a success that this fine dining drive-thru event will likely become part of an annual celebration.
The Grove Drive-In and Picnic Society
The Grove, an upscale town-like shopping area in Los Angeles, created a combination fine dining outing and drive-in movie night. Set up for 120 cars, the event included gourmet meals catered by Curtis Stone, a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur. Intriguingly, Curtis Stone was also encouraged to bring fine dining to The Grove as part of a four-month residency. Picnic Society became a full-service restaurant with al fresco dining that was both Bohemian and elegant. But what made the pop-up even more interesting was that Stone decided to create an extensive grab-and-go menu that included tantalizing and sophisticated takes on classic picnic foods. Each meal was developed to take it on the road without losing any of the in-restaurant quality. And judging by the repeat customers, it worked astoundingly well.
The Traveling Pop-Up Diner
Diners offer tempting nostalgia and delicious comfort food but are rarely considered part of the fine dining sphere. Resy and American Express aimed to change that by creating a traveling pop-up that combined the cozy comforts of nostalgic diners with some of the best restaurants in every city they visited. They challenged the restaurants to develop thoroughly tempting takes on the dishes that the cities were known for inventing (or improving). Travel + Leisure reports that the pop-up featured stunning dishes from Chicago’s Andros Taverna, Philadelphia’s Osteria, Washington, D.C.’s Anju, and NYC’s Michelin-starred Rezdôra. The Magazine reveals: “Menus [were] a pre-fix of four courses with beverages provided by Other Half Brewing Company, HOXIE Spritzer, and Volvic Water.” Not surprisingly, the “seated” meals at the outdoor pop-up diners sold out quickly, but a lucky number of epicureans were able to reserve drive-thru take-out orders to savor at home.
The Canlis Experiment
The upscale Canlis restaurant is located in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Known for serving James Beard Award-winning cuisine, Canlis shifted to crafting gorgeous-yet-comforting meals for take-out, drive-thru, and meal delivery. While their lunch meals changed gears to offer the “best burger in town,” the family dinner delivery service also became wildly popular by April 2020. It was the safest way to keep the restaurant’s staff employed and to provide high-end, sophisticated food to families in the neighborhood. The experiment also sparked a heart-warming coming-together of neighbors and other restaurateurs who, according to Food & Wine, donated everything from equipment from gourmet test kitchens to to-go containers to help Canlis with the transition.
Guests reserved in advance, and specific meals were available on a given night. Naturally, their already famous cassoulet dishes were a hit, and Canlis’ ability to switch gears meant that the farmers who were their farm-to-table suppliers stayed in business. It also meant that families could still enjoy the highest quality meals made with seasonally-inspired ingredients at a time when those options were rapidly dwindling.
Fine Dining Drive-Thru and Zoom Classes
If you have ever dreamed of learning to cook from a celebrated chef, there may be an option that allows you to do it from your own kitchen. Across the country, chefs examined ways to bring some of the fine dining elements directly into households. One of the most inventive plans was the creation of zoom dinners. Essentially, guests would make a reservation, visit a restaurant’s temporary drive-thru or curb-side pick-up station, take home a prepared basket of ingredients (with much of the preparation already completed), and finish their gourmet meal with the help of the restaurant’s chef over a zoom call. Some of these calls were private, and some included group meals to help foster a social dining atmosphere that was otherwise impossible to replicate. The experiments received rave reviews, as people were able to enjoy fantastic, gourmet meals, complete with wine pairings, in an environment that could be dressed up (or not) for a memorable evening. The idea of chef-led zoom meals was so attractive that they continue to be offered to this day. In fact, many famous chefs have joined the movement and now offer private zoom cooking classes in exchange for donations to their favorite charities.
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Luxury Vehicle Display Garages
Luxury vehicle display garages are becoming increasingly popular, as collectors want to showcase their exotic cars on their property while protecting them from the weather. Auto warehouses are terrific options in a pinch, but they limit access to these treasures. Luckily, with some imagination, planning, and investment, you can create a space that allows you to appreciate these exquisite autos every day. Read on as we reveal some of the most innovative luxury vehicle display garages in use right now.
Luxury Auto Gallery
When NBA superstar LeBron James purchased a home in the tony Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood, it wasn’t a surprise that the property had what the listing referred to as an “auto gallery.” According to My Domaine, James is known for having a “storied car collection that includes a Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a restored 1975 Chevy Impala.” Any home of his would need the facilities to display and easily access these sought-after automotive treasures.
Of course, you don’t have to be in the NBA to create a luxury vehicle display gallery. Even a three-car, single-level garage can be renovated to perfection with the addition of marble floors, custom lighting, climate control systems, and rotating platforms, as well as upgraded ventilation systems for showing off engines. Of course, if you are displaying luxury automobiles on your property, you should increase your security. Experts tell The Spruce that installing a smart system with motion sensor lights and wireless keypads could be the way to go. Even starting by covering the windows or swapping your current garage door for a windowless version can help increase security. As a bonus, going windowless in your garage will also reduce the UV rays directed at your vehicles.
Remodel with Vehicle Lifts
If you are planning an above-ground garage remodel, you might want to include lifts and double-height ceilings in your new space. Hydraulic lifts allow you to stagger the display of your vehicles at different heights and take advantage of the vertical space available. When four or five cars are parked directly next to one another, it can be challenging to see the full beauty of these stunning exotic vehicles. Incorporating hydraulic lifts give you a much better visual. Also, while remodeling, talk to your designer about creating a bespoke lighting system. As designer Jen Stark tells The Spruce “‘many people don’t give much thought to it when they build or upgrade their garage, and the lighting can make or break a space.’”
The Car Bar
If you are considering transforming your current space into a luxury vehicle display garage and also want the room to feel like an upscale gathering spot, you are not alone. In car-centric cities like Los Angeles, so-called “Car Lounges” or “Car Bars” are among the most frequently added amenities in extreme luxury homes. As Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate reported, many of these homes have “glass-encased rooms ready to protect the most valuable of cars, as well as adjacent rooms with wet-bars and couches for entertaining while being surrounded by the very best.” In fact, when an estate on Bel Air Road in Bel Air, California, came on the market, it was discovered that an entire nightclub-like lounge had been built within sight of an extraordinary collection of 30 rare and exotic vehicles.
A Subterranean Addition
If you already have your dream home in place and have no desire to create a space that disrupts the current look of the house, think subterranean. By digging out a new lower level, either under the house, the driveway, or existing out-buildings, you can design a beautiful space that offers easy access to any luxury vehicles you are currently warehousing. The new level can have a number of possible entrances for auto load-in – from a winding drive to a glass elevator on hydraulic lifts. Once in the underground garage, the vehicle can be placed on an expansive turntable that allows for easy repositioning whenever you need to park or use one of the automobiles.
While building the space, consider putting in fire-rated glass partitions to protect your vehicles and the rest of your property. Once the partitions are designed, you can carve out an opulent retreat to relax while gazing out over your stunning collection. In fact, when subterranean display garages are added, it’s not unusual to see upscale amenities like home theaters, wine cellars, tasting rooms, and game rooms included in the extra space.
The ‘Supercar Capsule’ Display Garage
The brainchild of Italy-based designers ASZarchitetti and Dubai-based SuperFutureDesign, the ‘Supercar Capsule’ is a free-standing gallery that allows your luxury vehicles to be displayed as you would any piece of fine art. Whether you want to showcase the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe (the most expensive car ever sold at auction), a deeply prized Ferrari, or a pristine vehicle you’ve owned since your youth (or all of the above), a ‘Supercar Capsule’ will allow you to tell its story. The free-standing capsule can be completely customized and features a massive pedestal and transparent windows that can be treated to keep harmful UV rays from damaging the cars’ finishes. It’s climate-controlled and can include specialty lighting design. It can even be crafted with multiple layers, should you want to display more than one exotic car. Now, you just need to decide where on your property you want to put this extraordinary auto gallery.
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