Are wellness clubs the solution to life’s daily stresses? Innovators in the health and wellness field are putting their energies into exploring the option, and they have no shortage of clients willing to test the theory. At its essence, a wellness club offers a holistic approach to healing by addressing everything from mental burnout to lingering physical injuries and struggles with reaching long-term health goals. They do not provide quick fixes but rather a method for rebalancing the body to support healing and an improved lifestyle. Below, we reveal just some of the wellness experiences making waves right now.

Remedy Place

Remedy Place is a social wellness club launched in Los Angeles in 2020, and at the time, its approach was considered the first like it in the world (a New York club has also recently been opened). Founded by Jonathan Leary, M.D., the goal of the club was to help people find an internal balance by answering the body’s and mind’s needs in one facility. It’s a 360-degree approach to healing that allows members to take advantage of highly trained experts – everyone from recovery specialists to naturopathic doctors to nutritional bartenders is available. The company explains: “Much more than just treating symptoms, our approach targets and resolves issues before they arise, resulting in a better, stronger, healthier you – from the inside out.”

Right now, memberships start at approximately $500 per month, and while they are encouraged, they aren’t required. However, reservations are. The Los Angeles club offers a fantastic array of treatments and services, including cryotherapy, meditation, infrared saunas, vitamin IV drips, lymphatic drainage massage, sound baths, and much more. But what makes this wellness club genuinely unique is that members are given social group support through workshops, mixers, chats, and other activities meant to help ease the isolation that can be detrimental to a person’s well-being and growth.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

While not a social wellness club in the sense that it offers memberships, CIVANA, in the awe-inspiring Sonoran Desert, follows a similar path as Remedy Place. CIVANA emphasizes human connections as it takes guests through a series of socialized classes like sunrise hikes, kayaking, Chakra Yoga, and floating sound healing. The notion of “revive to thrive” weaves throughout their spa treatments, whether it is the aqua therapy circuit (their KLAFS SANARIUM® is rumored to be the only one like it located in the continental U.S.) or any of their massage therapies. Even astrological mapping and a Meditation Labyrinth are available at this Carefree, Arizona, spa, per the experiences of Travel + Leisure’s contributing digital editor, Maya Kachroo-Levine.

The extraordinary beauty of the retreat is undeniable, and the number of classes, treatments, and services is remarkable. Still, it is their recognition of how deprivation can be damaging that makes it particularly intriguing. They offer courses like Mindful Mixology, where “your chief mixologist shows how (and why) juices, shrubs, herbs, and spirits come together to complete a unique and delicious craft cocktail.” And while many wellness retreats focus on vegan and vegetarian menus only, CIVANA’s zero deprivation approach allows for mindful eating using the best ingredients, no matter your dietary preferences.

CIVANA recently partnered with Deepak Chopra to create “an Ayurveda-centric retreat focused on holistic well-being” in Carefree. The Chopra Health Retreat is a five-day program that includes “one-on-one Ayurvedic consultations, and daily yoga and meditation,” among other experiences, according to Travel + Leisure. Why is such a holistic approach being embraced by wellness clubs and spas now? Chopra explains to the Magazine: “‘In the last few decades, wellness has changed to include not only physical, emotional, and mental well-being, but also career, social, community, and financial well-being. They are all integrated, in that all of these buckets correlate with each other. Until they are all addressed, we are missing some of the essential components of wellness.’”

Amangiri

Set amid 900 acres of Utah’s red-rock desert landscape, Amangiri has seen the change in the wellness world and has embraced it. While still offering an impressively comprehensive menu of spa services and daily activities, general manager Julien Surget confides to Travel + Leisure that wellness “‘goes beyond the walls of a spa … It’s about physical well-being, it’s about pampering, it’s about mental health and just generally taking care of oneself.’” The Magazine reports that “luxury wellness no longer leads with hot stone massages and Biologique Recherche facials. Instead, five-star resorts are creating full-blown sanctuaries where their clients can truly heal.” And although this change has been coming for decades, there is no doubt that the upheaval presented by the pandemic pushed the movement forward.

Now, outdoor experiences and movement classes are a significant part of their offerings, and Amangiri’s holistic programs “draw from other cultures” and provide “spiritual counsel.” Here, guests can enjoy connecting with nature through their luxury “Wellness at Camp Sarika” program, which offers “an extensive menu of spa therapies inspired by traditional Navajo wellness practices, as well as Aman’s Signature treatments,” according to the resort. You can take part in grounding rituals to renew your sense of self and experience Yoga in sight of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before going to the Aman spa for a purifying massage, oxygen facial, water shiatsu, or red clay body wrap. Finish your spa experience by finding internal peace and serenity while floating in warm saltwater imported from the Dead Sea before joining friends for a special dinner at the foot of towering mesas at The Desert Lounge.

âme Spa and Wellness Collective

Martha Stewart Living has been impressed with how the shift in luxury wellness clubs, like the one at âme Spa and Wellness Collective, has embraced technology to mitigate challenges like insomnia, an all-too-common ailment associated with stress. How can technology help the sleep-deprived? The Magazine reveals: “At Gharieni Group, âme Spa and Wellness Collective’s equipment partner, [âme Power Nap] therapy utilizes computerized massage tables and movement-controlled music to facilitate deep [sleep], helping to reset poor sleep patterns.” Additionally, the Tibetan singing bowls therapy is designed to rebalance your body’s energy fields, while Fijian body butter massage “hydrates the body and calms the mind.”

At âme, they recommend that members and non-members alike book a wellness circuit that includes a stop in the aroma and music therapy steam room, as well as a stay in the Himalayan salt room. Hot salt massages are also getting more attention, as they “use negative ions to cleanse and detox the lungs, and radio frequency skin tightening, which utilizes radio waves to boost collagen production,” according to Martha Stewart Living. The fitness club offers personalized assessments to help establish goals and the best ways to achieve them. Whether you want to focus on meditation and breathing, low-impact water activities, or HIIT, the club can craft a program to address the healing requirements for over-stressed minds and evolving bodies.

Spa Montage Palmetto Bluff

The Spa Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, has long gotten attention for its enticing treatments and services. However, it is their commitment to wellness and desire to help guests connect with the earth, each other, and themselves that has earned it considerable praise and attention. TripSavvy remarks that its location alone makes it a terrific spot for reconnecting with nature, as “Montage Palmetto Bluff sits within a pristine nature reserve on the banks of the beautiful May River.” Guests can begin their days with outdoor Yoga and then venture on customized itineraries filled with paddle boarding, hiking, biking, and more.

Bespoke spa experiences use “the best that spa science and ancient healing wisdom can offer” with the goal of providing body balancing as part of a “comprehensive wellness journey.” From the “Wildflower Ritual” to the full-body exfoliation, hydrating body milk, and nurturing massage treatments of the “Pure Bliss” experience, therapists will respond specifically to your needs to better help you achieve a sense of peaceful stillness and rejuvenation.

Wellness Collective at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

The Wellness Collective at Rancho Valencia in San Diego has been grabbing headlines. And for a good reason. Martha Stewart Living raves: “The Gwyneth Paltrow-approved spa at Rancho Valencia is tranquil, serene, and totally equipped to help you and your party make some serious and sustainable changes to your health and well-being….” Here, the Wellness Collective believes that guests can immerse their minds, bodies, and souls in practices that will help them achieve serenity, fitness, and overall health.

The luxury wellness club has recently been renovated and provides a variety of membership options. The Collective advises: “Every detail at our Forbes 5-Star rated Southern California spa resort is meticulously tailored to create the ultimate destination for wellness and tranquility, starting with the basics like freshly-made organic fruit and vegetable juices, to the Serenity Yoga Pavilion, Pilates studio, advanced exercise programs, and fitness sessions hosted by top-tier wellness professionals.”

From diamond lifts to LED phototherapy, skin and facial therapies abound. Manual lymph drainage is said to accelerate healing while relieving stress and improving immunity, and “The Kur” incorporates a soak, cooling body wrap, and therapeutic massage to help alleviate mental and physical pressures. But it is “The Wellbeing Ritual,” a bespoke program, that is applauded for incorporating many of the elements emblematic of this holistic wellness club. A restorative soak is followed by dry skin brushing and a body wrap to help detoxify and “remineralize” the skin. From there, “treatment culminates with a guided meditation, facial massage, and nutrient-rich balm application” in an effort to promote harmony, balance, and, hopefully, long-term wellness.

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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Whether you are a culinary master or just enjoy experimenting with dishes you see on Top Chef, incorporating luxury kitchen design ideas into your remodel can help create a space that sparks creativity and joy. Personalization is key. For some, the perfect kitchen will include open shelving and bright colors. For others, glass countertops and bespoke scaling can make all the difference. If you are about to embark on a kitchen refresh, read on as we reveal some of our favorite ways to use luxury design elements to create a gorgeous new space.

Personalized Scale

Culinarians confide to Food & Wine that one of the most critical luxury kitchen design ideas they embraced while building or remodeling their homes involved ergonomics. Kitchens were literally scaled to fit their bodies. For some, like chef Michael Solomonov, that means that “his stove is built into the wall ‘above [his] waist,’” allowing him to more comfortably and efficiently cook his dishes.

Are you a baker? Unless you are particularly tall, a standard countertop is likely to be too high to roll out dough or knead it easily. Instead, consider setting up a baking station with a work surface that is waist height (slightly below the elbow).

For anyone planning on entertaining in their kitchen, guests will be well-served with multi-level counters. The lower level is effective for fresh food prep, while the higher counter can be ideal for staging or serving scrumptious platters. That taller counter can also make for a terrific breakfast bar for casual meals. Pull up some comfortably stylish bar stools, and you’ll be ready to indulge.

Impeccable Countertops

Speaking of counters, experts agree that choosing impeccable countertop materials will go a long way toward creating a luxury kitchen. Martha Stewart Living admires marble because “it has more consistent veining (as opposed to flecking) within single slabs, and there are many colors to choose from.” However, you may need to reseal it twice a year to keep it from becoming stained or scratched. Granite is heat-resistant and requires little maintenance, although there is a great deal of variation from piece to piece, so you’ll need to work with your designer to choose precisely the stone slab that will be installed in your home.  Meanwhile, soapstone can be an impressively dramatic choice, although the installation can require some delicacy and care.

Want to bring a luxurious feel to a contemporary kitchen design? Concrete countertops may be your answer. Concrete can be dyed or stained to create a truly bespoke counter. However, they are extremely heavy and can be expensive to install and transform to your exact specifications. Recycled glass also offers a chance to create a genuinely custom space. These counters are versatile, working well in contemporary and more traditional kitchens. They are also the most eco-friendly option available, but their custom installation and unusual process mean that they are also the most expensive.

High-Performance Kitchen Islands

My Domaine cheers: “Islands in the kitchen are getting bigger—and we’re all for it.” Ultra-wide kitchen islands are becoming a “must” luxury design element. These customized islands don’t just make a statement; they are delightfully functional for storage, food preparation, and entertaining. And if you are torn between adding a full-sized dining table or a waterfall-edge island into your open kitchen, the Magazine suggests you connect the two. My Domaine explains: “Not only does this setup make it easy to expand the part when unexpected guests arrive, but it lends a very appealing aesthetic element to the space….”

Are you concerned that a large-scale island may feel out of place in a historic home? A recent redesign by Kara Mann perfectly mixes old and new elements. The Spruce marvels: “The addition of a sprawling kitchen island is integrated into the historic home by adding delicate antique-style wooden legs [under an extended stone counter] to give it a lighter profile.”

The choice, when mixed with the “seamless built-in cabinetry” and professional (yet largely hidden) appliances, helps to complete a kitchen design that “exudes quiet modern luxury mixed with a timeless aesthetic that feels perfectly suited to the way we live now.”

Luxury Kitchen Lighting Design

Upgrading your kitchen’s lighting design is well worth the splurge. If you have a large, open-concept kitchen, your lighting design has to be functional while also creating a warm and welcoming environment. Professionals love the idea of layering lighting so that your kitchen can benefit from a combination of natural light from skylights and windows and the glow from statement pendant lights, task lights, and designer lamps (or sconces) done in high-end finishes.

Designer Caroline Harvey agrees that lighting can absolutely make a space feel more luxurious. Harvey relates to The Spruce: “Large gold lantern pendants and chandeliers elevate kitchens from ho-hum to ‘wow’… Mini lamps are having a major moment these days….”

Bold Backsplash Tile

One thing luxury kitchen designs often have in common is that they brilliantly reflect the personality of the owners. If you feel inspired by kitchens done in dramatic or moody hues, a new backsplash tile can be a sophisticated focal point while not competing with the other design ideas incorporated into the space. For example, The Spruce raves about a kitchen done by Leclair Decor, which “uses striking finishes like bronze mirrored backsplash tile, mixed black and brass metals, rich walnut cabinetry, and a moody, masculine color palette for a refined take on modern luxury that makes the space feel grander than its proportions and fit for entertaining.”

Are you craving bold color in your otherwise dazzlingly white kitchen? You can do this with colorful countertop appliances, serving dishes, and linens – and you can do it by employing a striking tile that is both patterned and richly colored. My Domaine is a fan of having a statement backsplash. Among their favorites is a dynamic “flower” tile; “The bright and cheery pairing of blue and yellow is echoed in the homeowner’s accessories and appliances too, bringing a cohesive and intentional feel to [a] slightly off-the-wall look.” There is no doubt that your finished space will be packed with personality.

Eye-Catching Artwork

While your culinary creations may be works of art to all who taste them, experts suggest to The Spruce that literal works of art are the luxury kitchen design elements that can make a space feel beautifully tied together. Designer Caroline Harvey tells The Spruce that this design idea “‘makes the space feel thoughtful and like an extension of the rest of the home instead of ‘just’ a kitchen with cabinets, countertops, and appliances.’” You can position pieces on high open shelves (away from cooking splatters), hang them over refined Art Deco-inspired bar stations, or cascade artwork down the wall to act as an eye-catching divider between the cooking and eating areas of your open kitchen. And if you do decide to display noteworthy pieces, be sure to light them well so that their inclusion feels intentional and they get the attention they deserve.

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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If you are dreaming of a winter getaway, a stay at a luxury ski lodge may be just what you crave. From the ski-in, ski-out access to the opulent rooms and upscale amenities, there are gorgeous hotels that truly combine outdoor adventure and indulgence. And you don’t have to be an expert skier to enjoy them. Below, we reveal some of the impressive ski lodges giving us wanderlust right now.

Montage Big Sky

One of the Montage’s newest properties in the United States is a stunning mountain ski lodge in Big Sky, Montana. Travel + Leisure reports that guests “can indulge their mountainside fantasies, including ski-in, ski-out access to Big Sky Resort’s 5,850 skiable acres in the winter, and access to Spanish Peaks Mountain Club’s 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course in the warmer months.” Want even more outdoor fun? Nordic skiing and snowshoeing excursions around the resort have earned raves.

For epicureans, Travel + Leisure reveals that “after a day of adventure, guests can return for a bite to eat at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Cortina, grab an après-ski drink at the lobby bar and lounge, Alpenglow, or snag something a little more casual at Backcast Bar & Grill, the resort’s pub.” For anyone longing for a well-deserved spa break, the signature Spa Montage awaits. This nature-inspired retreat offers sophisticated services (including a high-tech Oxylight facial), access to a breathtaking indoor pool, and his and her relaxation lounges. After spending an hour or two in this luxurious sanctuary, you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to hit the slopes once more.

 St. Regis Deer Valley

Luxurious amenities and personalized service are synonymous with the St. Regis name. At the St. Regis Deer Valley, they are only the start of the extraordinary experience. It’s no wonder the hotel has become a celebrity haven as ski aficionados flock to this awe-inspiring ski lodge overlooking the Wasatch Mountains. If you are eager to hit the slopes, the hotel offers enviable ski-in, ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort – a ski-only resort. The area is known for fantastic powder, with significant snowfall starting by mid-December.

Less than 10 minutes from downtown Park City, Utah, this lodge also offers some incredible opportunities to indulge. And if you are a film fan, combining skiing and the Sundance and Slamdance Film Festivals in January can be the ultimate winter vacation.

Inside the ski lodge, the opulent suite accommodations are not to be missed, with deluxe suites featuring multiple fireplaces, butler service, and stunning views of the mountains. Sumptuous dining is always on the menu at their restaurants, but for a bespoke experience, make a reservation to dine in the St. Regis Wine Vault. You’ll love the hotel’s nightly Champagne sabering ritual, sinking into an outdoor hot tub, and rejuvenating at the irresistible hotel spa.

Viceroy Snowmass

Recently ranked as the best Colorado ski hotel by Travel + Leisure readers, Viceroy Snowmass seemingly has it all. Called a “mountain utopia,” this chic ski lodge features modern accommodations that are large, luxurious, and perfectly appointed for guests enjoying a week of outdoor adventure. More than 3,000 skiable acres await you, and guests have immediate access to the Elk Camp Gondola.

When you aren’t on the slopes, there is much to recommend this upscale gem. Their restaurants include everything from fine dining to quick on-the-go bites, with every menu highlighting organic, regionally sourced fare. The luxury spa caters to guests who want deep relaxation after a hard day of skiing or snowboarding and to patrons eager for a fast reinvigorating treatment that can get them back on the slopes as quickly as possible. It’s the latter that inspired a whole new set of ski-in, ski-out spa services. The hotel’s general manager Robert Purdy explained to Travel + Leisure: “‘We developed these treatments for skiers who don’t want to miss a minute of action on the mountain.’” Enjoy hot stone and reflexology massages, as well as warm sea salt baths before pulling your ski boots back on for another run (or two). And just in case you want to indulge before heading out, the Magazine reports: “They include a light menu of a salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and balsamic vinaigrette as well as a Champagne cocktail to really up your pampering game.”

The Glen House

If cross-country skiing is on your mind, then the recently updated The Glen House in New Hampshire should be part of your itinerary. Nestled at the base of Mount Washington, the ski lodge makes the most of its access to the extraordinary vistas. TripSavvy reveals: “During the winter, the Glen House has ski-in, ski-out access for cross-country skiing on the Great Glen Trails. For those who prefer to shred at a full-on resort, Wildcat Mountain is a short drive away and has green, blue, and black trails.” The hotel sits adjacent to the Great Glens Trails Outdoor Center, so tubing and snowshoe excursions are easily planned.

Inside the pet-friendly boutique hotel, guests enjoy contemporary interiors, large rooms, and stunning balcony views. After a long day of skiing, the heated saltwater indoor pool may prove too tempting to resist.

Grand Hyatt Vail/Hotel Talisa

The Grand Hyatt Vail (until recently known as the Hotel Talisa) is a favorite for honeymooners who want to combine a romantic getaway and world-class skiing. Martha Stewart Living loves the old-world elegance of the village and finds the hotel’s recent chic upgrades to be just one of its many selling points. Set on the banks of Gore Creek, this “elegant ski-in, ski-out sanctuary” features 285 rooms, tantalizing dining options, and a must-visit spa that offers upscale treatments, including mountain mud baths, reinvigorating massages, and body scrubs made from local botanicals. Plus, who can refuse a dip in a steaming jetted tub after a day on the slopes? Speaking of skiing, the Magazine reports: “Opposite the beloved Back Bowls, Blue Sky Basin has a distinct backcountry vibe. Trek here for mountain views, plush powder, and terrain suitable for intermediates and up.”

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

TripSavvy reports, “Stowe is arguably Vermont’s swankiest ski town, and the Lodge at Spruce Peak is where you go for a premiere stay.” This luxury ski lodge features spacious rooms and suites with marble bathrooms and balconies so guests can enjoy the incredible views. Most importantly, the lodge grants guests “ski-in, ski-out access to Spruce Peak.” It also offers an array of other winter activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and snow biking.

Once you have finished conquering Spruce Peak, it’s time to embrace some serious indulgence. TripSavvy cheers: “At this hotel you’ll also find a full-service spa with an extensive treatment menu, a spacious outdoor heated pool with hot tubs, a mix of gourmet and casual dining options, and access to the property’s mini “village” at the bottom of Spruce Peak Mountain.” Time to book your winter escape right now!

One Ski Hill Place

Recently ranked as the “Best Overall” among Breckenridge ski lodges, TripSavvy is undoubtedly a fan. Why? The Magazine explains: “The ski-in, ski-out location, on-site swimming pools … and sumptuous guest rooms (featuring fireplaces and soaking tubs) make One Ski Hill Place unbeatable.” Rather than creating a traditional ski lodge, this upscale Colorado resort features “the most luxurious condo-style accommodation in Breckenridge.” Each unit features a gourmet kitchen, soaking tub, and fireplace.

Of course, the real draw for skiers is the hotel’s direct access to four different ski lifts. It also boasts a ski concierge. The impressive spa is a must-visit. Their comprehensive menu of services is capped off with an oxygen massage that addresses any altitude discomfort and, of course, the sore muscles that come from a day of adventure. Movie screening rooms, a billiards room, a fitness center, and two indoor pools complete this thoroughly tempting package.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole has been a favorite hotel for adventure travelers since it opened. Lauded for its Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond service, this alpine ski-in, ski-out lodge sits at the base of the awe-inspiring Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A stay here can include some of the most celebrated skiing in the country. But the outdoor activities don’t have to stop there. The hotel suggests that guests also can “watch bears, bison, elk, and wolves roam their natural habitat during a private wildlife safari,” among other amazing excursions. In fact, while the hotel’s amenities and mountain access wow Travel + Leisure, they urge visitors not to ignore the surrounding beauty. The Magazine applauds: “Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole’s close proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park makes it an ideal choice for travelers hoping to explore some of the country’s most beautiful parks during their mountain getaway.”

After a day of dazzling skiing, guests can head to the spa for a massage or any of their sophisticated services, soak in the heated pool, and indulge in the delights of the Westbank Grill (one of several highly-praised restaurants). Ultra-luxurious suites and residences offer valley or mountain views, fireplaces, balconies, and marble bathrooms. The spacious floor plans make each of the ski lodge’s rooms and residences feel like an inviting home-away-from-home – one you may never want to leave.

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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Now is the perfect time to embrace indoor-outdoor living. With some investment and planning, you can modify your property to take advantage of fantastic views, connect with nature, or create your dream entertaining and lounging space. From a screened porch to a poolside pavilion, the options are seemingly endless. Below, we review some of our favorite ways to make the most of your home’s indoor-outdoor living potential.

Remodel a Terrace or Patio

If you already have an open-air patio or terrace, there are numerous ways to upgrade the space so that you can fully embrace indoor-outdoor living. Start by adding more lighting. From romantic vintage-inspired string lights to festive lanterns, lighting can significantly alter the mood of your space. Next, consider putting up a shade sail to protect your sitting or dining area if your terrace or patio is without cover. Leafy pergolas or open arbors are also terrific ways to add shade and beauty to existing terraces or patios.

Building a fireplace or installing a sleek gas fire pit will make your outdoor living room inviting throughout the year. Just be sure to pick a design that references your home’s existing style so your remodeled patio feels like part of a cohesive plan. If a fire pit or fireplace is not possible, invest in some quality heaters to make your space more comfortable as temperatures cool.

Adding a permanent outdoor kitchen and grilling station will also increase your ability to enjoy indoor-outdoor living. One of Southern Living’s favorite designs sees a “fully functional outdoor kitchen … discreetly tucked into its own area for ease in entertaining and dining outdoors.” The kitchen even features a “dishwasher so that [hosts] needn’t leave the party to begin clean-up.” And while reviewing plans, don’t forget to find a secure and stable location for a wood-fired or gas-powered pizza oven – one of the year’s most popular outdoor kitchen appliances.

Finally, durable yet upscale furnishings are critical when creating an indoor-outdoor living space that will be an extension of your home. Designers suggest to Martha Stewart Living that homeowners should “look for fully upholstered outdoor sofas made in sturdy fabrics that can hold up to extra moisture, heat, or humidity.” Interior designer Alicia Murphy also recommends that homeowners incorporate “‘outdoor rugs and pillows that are textural and feel elevated enough that they could be in your living room, and really add a level of finish that makes the space feel complete.’”

Design a Screened Porch

One of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite ways to enhance a home’s indoor-outdoor living potential is to design a screened porch. Jeff Rossen of Rossen Landscape suggests to the Magazine: “If you have a second-story deck, enclosing the area underneath can turn a dreary spot into a cozy outdoor living room; if you are adding an entirely new porch, Rossen recommends placing it behind your home and to the side for optimized flow.” The flooring and finishing materials will also have a significant impact on the ambiance of the new screened porch. For example, pavers will make the porch feel more like an outdoor patio, while wood flooring or tile covered by an indoor-outdoor area rug is more likely to feel like a continuation of your home.

Your plans for the room will guide how you decorate the space and what fixtures are installed. Ceiling fans and inset ceiling heaters are clever additions that make your screened porch usable even when the temperature changes. If it is meant to be an entertaining space, consider what appliances need to be supported to make the area an ideal place for hosting celebrations or cozy get-togethers. Rossen confides to Martha Stewart Living that he “often installs masonry fireplaces, bar-ready plumbing, outdoor kitchens, recessed lighting, and televisions … for his residential clients” to make the new porches even more appealing.

Create the Ultimate Sunroom

Are your rear windows providing enough natural light? Do you have the views of your gardens or pool that you want? Replacing your current windows to create the ultimate sunroom could be a terrific solution. My Domaine applauds: “A sunroom that opens into a covered outdoor living room beside a pool gives you the best of everything, and you’ll never have to call it an early night because of the rain.” Southern Living remarks that by adding “large sheets of glass [to] wrap the corners on upper floors” upstairs rooms will have access to enviable amounts streaming sunlight and sky views.

Install Folding Glass Walls

Consider linking your bedroom or living areas to surrounding landscape or water views by installing folding glass walls or moving wall systems. More comprehensive than sliding glass doors, these folding glass systems effectively remove the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces. Picture creating a more dynamic relationship between your home and nature. Custom folding glass configurations, including curved or corner designs, allow your walls to effectively disappear whenever you want to relax in the open air or open your space up for entertaining. Modern systems offer nearly effortless operation. As an additional benefit, these high-performance systems when closed also provide better protection against escaping heat or air conditioning and are available with storm protection for coastal properties.

Construct a Shaded Pergola

If you already have an outdoor dining area that you enjoy, upgrade it for improved indoor-outdoor living by framing it with a shaded pergola. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens reason: “Not only will it make your dining area cozier for your guests, but the overhead covering will provide welcome shade on hot, sunny days.” If the flooring is already concrete, tile, pavers, or crushed gravel, lay down an area rug under the dining furniture to visually enhance your outdoor dining room.

Next, consider lighting. Better Homes & Gardens recommends “[hanging] a few lights from the pergola for a finished look that will allow you to continue using the space after the sun sets.” Vintage-inspired Edison string lights are a dreamy (and popular) option. However, if your goal is to create a more glamorous environment, hang a chandelier from one of the pergola’s sturdy overhead beams to illuminate your summer evening dinner parties.

Build a Poolside Pavilion

Does your property feature nautical themes and a coastal vibe? Recreating that atmosphere in a poolside cabana will perfectly tie your indoor and outdoor spaces together. To do that, Southern Living recommends renovating a cabana or building an “open-air pavilion” decorated in a “blue-and-white color scheme, canvas curtains, a porthole-style window, and lots of chairs for lounging [to] reflect [your] coastal style.” And if hosting is on your mind, consider installing a full outdoor kitchen inside the pavilion to maximize its potential. When it is finished, it will undoubtedly be your favorite place for pool parties, barbecues, and entertaining on warm spring and summer nights.

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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If you love discovering new matcha recipes, you are not alone. While this finely ground Japanese green tea was once limited to ceremonial teas in Japan and China, in recent years, the popularity of matcha powder has grown exponentially worldwide. Now culinary-grade matcha is used in a delectable variety of desserts, smoothies, cocktails, and more. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite recipes that make the most of matcha’s vivid color and unique flavor.

Matcha Latte

For anyone who loves starting their day (or ending it) with soothing hot tea, Molly Yeh’s “Matcha Latte with Honey” will be too tempting to resist. Yeh’s latte is one of Food & Wine’s favorite matcha drink recipes because it is “a delicious drink that is easy to make at home.” How easy? All you need to do is sift your go-to matcha powder into your favorite mug and then add hot water – stirring until you have dissolved any lumps. Then add in hot milk (oat milk or other vegan alternatives work well) and honey (or agave), according to your taste. It’s a simple way to elevate your cup of tea while also enjoying some of the health benefits associated with matcha.

Vegan Fruit Smoothies

If you love the idea of a matcha latte but want something cool and refreshing to start your morning, EatingWell raves about a whipped, fruity matcha recipe that practically allows you to “taste the rainbow.” The Magazine explains: “Just blend your preferred nondairy milk with frozen fruit for the base, then top with a whipped matcha foam that uses aquafaba – the liquid from a can of chickpeas – to make the beverage completely vegan.” We love the idea of using frozen blueberries in this smoothie, but EatingWell also recommends trying raspberries or mango chunks.

The process is remarkably similar to blending a standard smoothie in that you begin with adding the nondairy milk (or cow’s milk if you prefer), frozen blueberries, and agave into a blender and then pureeing it until it is as smooth as possible. The matcha powder and sugar are whisked together in a bowl and then beaten with the aquafaba as fast as possible using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk to create the fluffy foam. Once you have the whipped matcha done, you can top your smoothie with it and enjoy. Yum!!

Matcha Highball

Aficionados of Japanese whisky will adore mixologist Jason Patz’s “Matcha Highball.” According to his recipe in Food & Wine, you’ll need to start by chilling Collins glasses. Then, “combine the whisky, lemon juice, Honey Syrup, and matcha; shake vigorously.” Naturally, the kind of whisky used can make all the difference; Patz recommends using 12-year Japanese whisky, preferably Hibiki, if you can find it. Once you have shaken your concoction, pour the tempting libation over ice in the pre-chilled glasses. Because matcha is prone to sticking to the side of the shaker, Food & Wine recommends “[pouring] club soda into the shaker, [swirling] around to rinse, then [stirring] into the glass” so that you don’t lose any of the matcha’s unique flavor and stunning color. Add a lemon wheel as a garnish, and you are ready to serve.

Overnight Oats

EatingWell suggests trying their “Overnight Matcha Oats with Berries” recipe for a heart-healthy, low-calorie, vegetarian breakfast option. This matcha recipe is wonderfully meal-prep-friendly, which is perfect for busy days. As the Magazine reveals, simply “combine milk, oats, matcha powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, and salt in a pint jar and stir.” From there, place sliced almonds, blueberries, and raspberries on the top, and then add the cover and refrigerate the mix overnight. And to be sure that this satisfying breakfast treat doesn’t spark any wheat sensitivities, EatingWell cautions that using oats that are explicitly labeled “gluten-free” can be critical, “as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley.”

Matcha-Dusted Almonds

Homemade caramel and roasted almonds are always a winning combination, but when you add matcha to the mix, you have an elevated snack that your family and friends will adore. It’s already among Food & Wine’s most popular matcha recipes; “These supercrunchy, salty-sweet almonds … tossed in a homemade caramel, then dusted with fragrant green tea powder and sea salt” yield an irresistible snack. This snack is as delicious as it is eye-catching.

Gold-Flecked Quail Eggs

Are you looking for an undeniably elegant matcha appetizer for an upscale dinner party or cocktail hour? Martha Stewart Living adores serving “Gold-Flecked Quail Eggs with Matcha Salt.” Dazzling and decadent, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, provided you have a steady hand with tweezers and a small paintbrush. Start by boiling and then chilling your quail eggs, as you would normally. Lightly brush each egg with egg white to create a surface that will hold the topping (the Magazine suggests working with one egg at a time). Next, Marta Stewart Living suggests: “With tweezers, apply a small piece of gold leaf to egg white and gently brush with a small paintbrush to affix.” While you would typically serve your eggs with a side of salt, the Magazine instead recommends stirring matcha powder and flaky sea salt together for a tantalizing twist.

White Chocolate Mousse

Molly Yeh’s decadent “Matcha White Chocolate Mousse” is one of Food & Wine’s favorite luncheon (or any time) desserts. The Magazine raves: “Light, toasty matcha powder balances out the sweetness of white chocolate in this luscious four-ingredient mousse.” Sifted matcha powder and heavy cream are stirred together until the mixture is lump-free. Additional heavy cream and white chocolate are whisked with the matcha-cream blend and then heated until the chocolate is entirely melted. After the homemade whipped cream is incorporated, as you would with a traditional mousse, it’s critical to let the finished mousse set for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before you add toppings like fresh berries, extra whipped cream, or chocolate shavings. It’s a gorgeous update of a classic mousse recipe that will shine at your next celebration.

Matcha Ice Cream in Green Tea Tuiles

Do you want to elevate how you serve ice cream at your next gathering? One of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite matcha recipes can do just that. How? By exchanging traditional ice cream cones with homemade matcha tuiles. The Magazine confides: “The sweet earthiness of matcha powder grounds this sophisticated take on an ice cream cone.” And the transformation comes quickly, as the only significant adjustment you need to make to your standard tuiles recipe is the addition of matcha powder to the dry ingredients before forming and baking the cookie. Once the tuiles are created, all you need to do is fill them with your favorite matcha ice cream for a stunning dessert that will thrill the palate.

Matcha Pound Cake with Almond Glaze

A pound cake is always a hit when hosting a brunch or luncheon. But if you want to put a twist on a classic, Food & Wine has a suggestion: “Matcha Pound Cake with Almond Glaze.” The Magazine cheers: “This pound cake recipe combines toasty matcha and a sweet almond glaze for a delicious, moist loaf.” The major difference between this delight and your usual pound cake is the introduction of culinary matcha to the dry ingredients, which are whisked together before being added to the creamed sugar, eggs, and milk. Be sure to drizzle the almond glaze over the cake while it is still warm to get even coverage. This dessert pairs well with dry or medium-dry German Rieslings and Chilean Merlots. Even a dry Sauvignon Blanc will work well with it, and it’s a particularly lovely combination for celebrations on a warm day.

Matcha Castella Cake

Japanese castella cakes, originally introduced to the country by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century, are a popular confection. A moist and firm dairy-free cake, EatingWell reports that castella “is classified as a sponge cake with just four ingredients: eggs, sugar, mizuame [a malt sweetener], and flour.” For this recipe, matcha is added to the flour before its slow incorporation (three stages are recommended) into a mixture of eggs, sugar, and mizuame. Gone is the deep yellow color of the traditional cake. As the Magazine explains, “the addition of matcha powder adds color and an earthy, sweet, nutty flavor.” Take care to refrigerate the finished cake for eight to 12 hours to let it set properly. Serve the cake cool or at room temperature after trimming the sides. While many dessert wines can work well with this matcha recipe, Champagne is always a good idea. Cheers!

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Luxury caravans have helped transform how people work, live, and play. In recent years, they have served as creative studio spaces, relaxing retreats, and plush homes-away-from-homes. While once thought of as vehicles for no-frills vacations, today’s trailers and recreational vehicles can include everything from bespoke workstations to pop-up cocktail terraces and infrared saunas. Whether you are considering installing one on your property as an upgraded work pod, reserving one for an upscale staycation, or buying one to enjoy opulent comfort while traveling, luxury caravans will surprise and tempt you.

eleMMent Palazzo Luxury Caravans

Considered one of the most luxurious caravans available in the world, the eleMMent Palazzo Superior has nearly every travel amenity imaginable. Starting at approximately $3 million, this extraordinary caravan boasts a top pop-up terrace, a stunning fireplace, and two huge flatscreen televisions. One side of the caravan features a full-wall room extension that slides out to create a spectacular living space. A proprietary air convection system guarantees temperature controls and pressurization that are ideal whether the slide-out is extended or if you are on the move. The RV also allows for individually programmed climate zones.

You’ll love the 13-foot couch that is perfectly positioned near the wine cabinet and bar. Naturally, the main bedroom is palatial; “The large [primary] bedroom features a king-size bed, manufactured by the same company that supplies beds to the British royal family and is considered the most comfortable in the world,” according to maker Marchi Mobile. The bedroom is adjacent to a spa retreat that offers a striking glazed rainfall shower, light therapy, and architectural mirrors. And if you love traveling to the snow or enjoying winter staycations, this caravan’s under-floor heating is an entirely welcome perk.

Custom Prevost Marathon Coaches

Prevost Marathon Coaches are already among the most impressive luxury caravans available today. Naturally, at a price point starting at over $2.5 million, customization is common, and nearly every aspect of the vehicle can be altered to create a truly bespoke travel experience. Marathon Coach president and owner Steve Schoellhorn tells TripSavvy that requests typically include “reclining beds, or unique exterior bay storage options like slide trays, wine coolers, and barbecues.” Enormous freshwater tanks can be added, along with lithium batteries, to allow you to stay on the road longer without sacrificing even the smallest comfort. Celebrity clients often take advantage of the ability to make this home-on-the-road their own. The Magazine reveals that Justin Bieber was recently featured in GQ in his extensively modified Prevost Marathon caravan complete with “mood LED lighting, a massive bed, a shower-meets-steam room, sauna, and custom artwork from his friend Joe Termini.”

Bowlus Terra Firma

Are you searching for an environmentally friendly way to enjoy staycations or long-distance travel? Bowlus Terra Firma is a luxury caravan that could be perfect for your needs. TripSavvy raves: “Blending the retro elegance of the 1930s Streamline Moderne design style with smart features like pet-friendly remote temperature monitoring and enhanced air filtration systems, the new Bowlus Terra Firma (starting at $265,000) takes a refreshingly eco-conscious approach to the RV lifestyle. No glue is used in the production, all the interior wood is sustainably sourced, and aircraft-grade rivets are used for strength and longevity.” The company has even improved towing to reduce the caravan’s environmental impact and improve handling.

Travel + Leisure is also a fan and praises its eco-conscious production and high-end appointments; “On the inside, they’re luxury hotel rooms on wheels, complete with en-suite bathrooms and enough onboard power to last for weeks.” The Magazine also marvels: “The Bowlus Terra Firma has safety features, including a smart brake controller, creature comforts like heated floors and skylights, and necessities like routers, charging stations, and a pop-up outdoor kitchen. Inside, you’ll find a touch-screen control panel, sophisticated HEPA air and water filtration systems, and a personalized bed for your dog.”

Living Vehicle’s Mobile Office Caravan

The last few years have reinforced the notion that you can work from nearly anywhere in the world, and Living Vehicle’s Mobile Office has taken this concept to the next level. TripSavvy reports: “The front sleeping space converts into a dedicated dual 80-inch-long walnut-desk workstation with sit-stand desk solutions. Some customers have even installed four 4K monitors on the vertical surface in front of the desk, which lowers out of sight in a matter of seconds.” The living spaces are divinely comfortable and remarkably spacious, with all the amenities professionals need to live and work on the road comfortably. The Creative Studio upgrade includes a package of top-of-the-line Apple products, including Dual Apple Pro Display 6K XDRs, your choice of Mac Studio or a 16” MacBook Pro, a wireless Magic Apple keyboard and trackpad, two Genelec The One speakers, and wired 250Hz headphones, according to the company. It’s ideal for creative professionals who need to get work done – whether it serves as a supplemental studio on your own property, as you travel, or when you are on location.

Living Vehicle is also dedicated to sustainable operations. In fact, the company tells TripSavvy that current models “‘are capable of producing more energy than solar installations on most homes,’” and they are working to create “a completely net-zero model: no power cord, no gas tanks, no water hoses, no sewer line.” The 2023 models boast Watergen© technology, which can use surplus solar power to extract humidity from the air to produce the highest-quality, mineral-rich drinking water wherever you are in the country.

Luxury Yonder Escalante Resort

Even if you haven’t committed yet to buying a luxury caravan, there are fabulous resorts near awe-inspiring natural wonders happy to host you. Yonder Escalante Resort is just one of these places. Travel + Leisure is a fan of this ultra-chic resort within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, located near Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Guests are encouraged to take full advantage of one of their vintage designer airstreams or park their own rentals. The Magazine reports that the resort’s “airstreams have been fully renovated to include all the modern amenities one would need while keeping their ’60s nostalgia charm thanks to pops of vintage decor and Western-inspired pieces.”

This glamping resort takes that moniker to heart. It features 22 acres of space, perfect for getting away from it all, despite being so close to the town. Guests can enjoy taking the plunge in a sparkling pool or soaking in the lounge’s hot tub while looking up at the stars after a day of hiking or climbing. There is an open-air lounge, a general store, and activities that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Movie lovers have something exceptional awaiting them. Travel + Leisure explains: “[Because] the entire resort is built on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater, Yonder also offers screenings of serious classics. Bring your own chair or blanket, or rent out a vintage car and watch it old-school style.”

AutoCamp Catskills

Opened in 2022, AutoCamp expanded its brand with a new glamping location in the Catskills ideal for anyone who wants to pop out of NYC for a quick getaway. Travel + Leisure cheers: “The region’s charming historic towns, vibrant cultural scene, and jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes have made it a year-round vacation destination.” While lovely boutique hotels dot the area, AutoCamp offers the chance for urban dwellers to reconnect with nature while still enjoying resort-quality amenities. And you don’t have to commit to buying a luxury caravan to do it. Here, you can reserve one.

AutoCamp’s philosophy is “great design meets the great outdoors.” And you can see this reflected in every inch of the gorgeously redesigned airstream trailers, cabins, and BaseCamps (an airstream and a glamping tent), as well as the on-site hot tub and pool. The amenities don’t stop there. Travel + Leisure confides: “At the heart of the property is the Clubhouse, a multi-use social space for events (such as music performances and happy hours) also housing the reception area, indoor fire pit, a lounge, and a bar.” The off-site activities are also plentiful. The resort promotes forest bathing and mindfulness experiences, fly-fishing, rock and ice-climbing excursions, and even snowshoeing. Time to book your luxury caravan in the Catskills right now!

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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Ornate home decor can breathe life into rooms in need of a decorative spark. Whether you want to bring a burst of visual interest into a neutral bedroom or elevate an eclectic vintage-inspired bathroom, adding intricately detailed elements can instantly transform a space. From curved velvet sofas to gilded mirrors or toile wallpaper, the options for adding a touch of drama and opulence to your home are seemingly endless. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite ways of embracing ornate home decor.

Statement Chandeliers

The “Modern Victorian” aesthetic is grabbing the attention of designers across the globe. One of the easiest ways to embrace the trend is by incorporating ornate home decor into an otherwise contemporary space. Better Homes & Gardens explains the brilliance of the juxtaposition: “The modern influence tones down Victorian exuberance, and the ornate, romantic period style breathes life and character into the subtleties of the modern-day aesthetic.” The Magazine recommends achieving this juxtaposition by using a showstopper piece, like a dazzling crystal chandelier. One of their favorite remodels features an opulent hallway chandelier used as a focal point and visual reference for the decor in the surrounding rooms. In this case, Better Homes & Gardens reveals that “the chandelier is backed by an ornate gilded mirror flanked by white statuettes, all of which are perched on a modern studded side table and serve as a backdrop to an abstract sculpture.”

Martha Stewart Living also loves adding statement chandeliers, particularly in unusual spaces with an eclectic vibe. An example of a recent bathroom redesign they adore can be found in a stunning historic home. The Magazine raves: “An ornate French chandelier both matches and mocks the space’s serious design; its black-and-white color scheme is true to the period of the house. Hot-pink accents further jazz up the bathroom’s look.” The result is an effortless elegance with the perfect hint of glamor.

Ornate Mirrors

Hanging an ornate mirror is a quick way to use home decor to bring an opulent air to any room. This is true whether your interiors have an eclectic maximalist aesthetic or if you have a modern, neutral space. Among My Domaine’s favorite mirrors is an Arhaus Amelie Dresser Mirror in Gold. It brings to mind elegant French style; “The intertwined detailing of florals and vines elevates the arched iron frame, which channels a vintage feel that can cater to a wide variety of decorative aesthetics.” The editors adore hanging the horizontal version of this piece above a fireplace mantel and pairing it with a “neutral ceramic vase and a pair of candle holders for good measure.”

Do you have gold accents elsewhere in the room you are remodeling? Choosing an antique gilded Baroque or Victorian mirror will amplify those details beautifully. Do you have an oddly shaped blank space on your wall that has defied your best attempts at decoration? Commission a bespoke mirror with ornately detailed edges for a unique piece that will instantly elevate your room.

Bold Plush Furniture

Opulence continues to thrive at Gucci, and nowhere is that more evident than in their luxury home decor. Their made-to-order armchair features a curved frame with moire fabric on the front of the chair and a geometric design against velvet upholstery on the back. Black braiding and fringe encircle the base. Dramatic color options include Bordeaux, green, and pink. Everything about this design is eye-catching, bold, and modern while still honoring its vintage silhouette. And while the wait time for this custom piece is approximately three months, you will likely not mind waiting for this conversation starter.

Curved sofas are continuing to gain interest from designers and homeowners. Why? Expert Chris Sotz explains to Martha Stewart Living that “‘curved-line furniture feels a little sexier, a little more sophisticated. It definitely has that European look.’” Gucci agrees. Their exquisite $35,000 Capitonnè camelback sofa was inspired by 18th-century design and is the epitome of the vintage-inspired movement toward arched sofas done in rich shades with ornate detailing. Finished in red, black, or teal velvet, this sumptuous piece of home decor creates an undeniably luxe feeling in any room.

Metallic Coffee Tables

Metallic tables will brilliantly offset a room warmed by furnishings done in rich, dramatic colors. One of My Domaine’s favorite pieces of ornate home decor, a gorgeous gold, hammered metal drum coffee table, can do just this. The Magazine applauds a recent design by Alvin Wayne that incorporates this impressive coffee table as a contrast to a plush teal velvet sofa and black and white patterned wallpaper, and as a complement to the room’s round, gold-accented mirror. The living room feels thoroughly contemporary yet perfectly vintage at the same time.

Speaking of vintage, if your tastes run toward ornate antique furniture, consider gilded pieces as part of your remodel. Luxury tables like an exquisite Victorian giltwood console table, French 19th century ormolu and malachite pedestal side tables, or a gold Italian Rococo console table with a Bianca Rosa marble top may be the statement piece your space needs to feel complete.

Carved Screens

When considering how to incorporate ornate home decor into a room, don’t forget about the possibilities offered by elegant room dividers. Folding screens or panel dividers can artfully infuse a space with pops of color, intricate patterns, or metallic accents that can elevate and magnify your overall design.

Antique styles like a giltwood Rococo folding screen or Renaissance revival piece can be thrilling additions to eclectic, classic, or contemporary homes. If you want something more bohemian, you’ll be delighted by a piece like the Amber Carved Wood Room Divider Screen – a favorite of the editors at The Spruce. The Magazine adores adding this decorative screen to eclectic rooms; “This wooden divider is truly a piece of art thanks to an ornate carved design that’s sure to make it a centerpiece in your home.”

Intricately Patterned Wallpaper

An intricately patterned wallpaper often associated with the 18th century is once again the darling of the luxury design world. My Domaine reports that “toile is a highly detailed decorative print, featuring repeating, monochromatic illustrations of pastoral scenes.” Today, toile is “used in fashion, industrial design, and interiors to bring grand, old-fashioned luxury to the modern age.” And it is no wonder. The impact of this wallpaper on a room is immediate, and it works exceedingly well against the curved lines of boldly colored furniture and metallic accessories.

Better Homes & Gardens also favors the resurgence of intricate designs on wallpaper, particularly when incorporating it into a Modern Victorian-styled room. “Modern trends have revived botanical and classic prints—such as fleur-de-lys, medallions, toile, and damask—refreshed by contemporary color palettes.” Whether you use it in a bedroom as a contrast to crisp white linens and modern furniture, or you embellish your bathroom walls with it to create a background for a dazzling clawfoot tub, the addition of such ornate home decor will impress.

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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Are you searching for kitchen lighting ideas to elevate your remodel? Not simply a food prep space, your kitchen should feel like a welcoming spot for family and friends. Unfortunately, it rarely gets the upscale lighting treatments that other rooms in the house do. From glamorous chandeliers to gold pendant lights, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the right lights will take your space from fine to extraordinary. Below, we reveal some of our favorite kitchen lighting ideas that are sure to impress.

Vintage-Inspired Lighting

While pendants are among the most popular kitchen lighting ideas, a vintage-inspired system can make your newly redesigned space feel delightfully elegant. Consider hanging an oversized chandelier above your kitchen island. As My Domaine reveals, it’s “a great way to add a focal point to your space and help to create a more formal feel if you tend to dine at your island a lot.” The Magazine also favors mirror-finished chandeliers because these vintage-inspired fixtures “add tons of dimension in a predominantly-white space.” Exquisitely designed, you’ll love how these stunning pieces draw and bounce light “in a way that creates gorgeous flares at all times of the day.”

Contrast for White Kitchens

Dazzling white kitchens can often benefit from bold pops of color. Traditionally, this has come from custom appliances, but you can easily make your light fixtures the source of visual inspiration. For white kitchens, The Spruce loves a recent remodel by House of Jade Interiors. The design features “four oversized pendant shades” done in black for a sophisticated contrast against the crisp white space. The Magazine cheers: “The fixtures provide plenty of task lighting while drawing the eye toward the back of the space, which adds visual depth.” Of course, black shades are not your only option; think about dark blues or deep greens that can be referenced by door frames or windows for a variation on this eye-catching idea.

Matching Accent Colors

If your backsplash, cabinets, or bar stools feature a rich accent color, you might want to match it in your lighting fixtures. The editors at Southern Living enjoy the idea of employing lantern pendants with frames that mirror the space’s color palette. Does your backsplash or kitchen wallpaper feature an array of colors? Pick one to reference with your lantern frames to make your space feel perfectly tied together.

Referential Patterns

In much the same way that you would mirror colors, you can bring impressive style to your kitchen by matching striking patterns. My Domaine is a fan of this approach, particularly with classic designs. One of their favorite kitchen lighting choices took its inspiration from exquisite black and white parquet flooring. Pendant lights that illuminate the galley portion of a kitchen and butler’s pantry were customized to reflect the flooring with vintage-inspired white metal shades and black accent bands. The result feels both modern and iconic.

Complementary Palettes

Southern Living advises that homeowners completing upscale remodels should not “shy away from [using] complementing color in the kitchen.” Rather than having lighting disappear against bold décor, the Magazine raves about a recent design that saw a statement light take center stage over an expansive island. There, “a grapefruit pink pendant [got] playful against tropical green” on the cabinets and backsplash.

Framing Sconces

If you are remodeling a large kitchen, there may be areas that need additional lighting beyond pendants or other overheads. During the day, windows help bring in natural light to brighten the space above your sink. At night (or on particularly cloudy days), you may want more illumination. One of the most popular kitchen lighting ideas for supplemental light is a framing sconce. My Domaine concurs: “A few modern sconces can help frame a window and add task lighting above the sink where you need it.”

Will your new kitchen feature open shelving? You might be surprised to learn how well sconces support this trend. My Domaine recommends “[hanging] a couple of sconces in the open space above the shelves to help fill the walls and add a little warmth.”

Mid-Century Modern Styles

If you are already considering having gold fixtures adorn your kitchen as part of a Mid-Century Modern redesign, adding two cluster orbs that are mid-century-inspired will truly impress. My Domaine explains: “These clusters of orbs add tons of light without looking too bulky. Plus, the gold finish [will bring] out the finish on the fixtures throughout the space.”

Want something more dramatic? You’ll love adding spherical island pendants, like those that give My Domaine’s editors “major galaxy vibes.” They name this style among their favorite Mid-Century Modern kitchen lighting ideas as “they are oversized just enough to create an eye-catching focal point, but not so much that they take away from the rest of [a] modern kitchen.”

Sputnik-style lights have long been seen in upscale dining rooms, so why not enliven your kitchen island or breakfast bar with one? My Domaine agrees that these chandeliers make an impressive statement, particularly when the rest of the design is sleekly minimalist.

Choose Gold Lighting

Gold fixtures are growing in popularity, particularly in upscale kitchen remodels. If you are updating your cabinets and island to embrace a deep blue or green color palette, contrasting pendant lighting will dazzle. Depending on your space, you may opt for chunky pendants or slimmer versions in order to fit three across your island. If you are going for a slimmer pendant, Southern Living adores the idea of choosing “matte gold fixtures to provide a radiant look.”

Want just a hint of gold to bring a luxuriously warm glow to your space? My Domaine suggests you “seek out pendants with a metallic gold finish on the inside.” You’ll be thrilled at how inviting your space feels at just a flip of a switch.

Embrace Copper

You might be surprised to read that copper is gaining on brass accents in high-end renovations. If this kitchen lighting idea appeals to you, My Domaine agrees with the choice. The editors reveal: “We love how … copper pendants look over [a] kitchen island—modern, but not overdone.”

Glass Globes

Are you concerned that pendant lighting might be a distraction from your other kitchen design elements? Selecting elegant glass globes could be your solution. Southern Living enjoys this kitchen lighting idea, as “glass globe lights captivate attention without taking away from other details in your kitchen, like beautiful backsplashes, wallpaper, or seating.”

Geometric Shapes

For a glamorous kitchen update, upgrade your lighting with what Southern Living refers to as “industrially glam and wonderfully geometric” fixtures. With each glass square in these dazzling orbs outlined in gold, designers agree that large geometric “gold fixtures brighten up a space” before you even turn on the light.

Angular shapes can grab the eye, even when the light fixture is clear glass. This style works wonders for contemporary and Scandi kitchens, as they complement the style beautifully. These lights are also terrific in spaces where this modern contrast will elevate an otherwise traditional design.

Unusual Materials

Choosing fixtures crafted from unexpected materials can make your kitchen feel genuinely bespoke. It’s one of the reasons that The Spruce loves this kitchen lighting idea. They applaud a recent remodel by ReDesign Home that “installed concrete pendant lights in [a] chic black kitchen.” They are impressively crafted and thrilling to see – a definite conversation starter when entertaining. Plus, as the Magazine reveals, “the stone-like texture of the fixtures lends a splash of organic beauty to the traditional cooking space.” Inspired!

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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A dramatic roof can take a house from lovely to extraordinary. Whether you are shopping for a new home or weighing remodeling decisions, the type of roof you choose will significantly impact the home’s structure and its exterior aesthetic. With this in mind, read on as we reveal some of the most dramatic roof styles currently capturing the imaginations of architects and designers.

Dramatic Skillion Roofs

A skillion roof (aka a lean-to) is worth considering if you want a home with dramatic angles. Unlike pitched roofs, a skillion roof is sloped in only one direction – sometimes significantly so. Better Homes & Gardens explains: “This style can be applied to specific areas of a roof or across an entire home to create a bold, contemporary home exterior.” If you want your home’s roofline to have a more dynamic feel, the Magazine suggests combining skillion roofs at “various angles across different sections of the roof.” In addition to creating an eye-catching exterior, a skillion roof also offers practical advantages to anyone living in regions with heavy snowfall or rain, as the steep angles grant quick precipitation runoff.

Sloping A-Frames

A-frame homes capture the eye and generate interest whenever they appear, but they enjoyed fervent admiration in the United States from the mid-1950s through the 1970s. It’s no surprise then that with the resurgence of interest in décor and design from that period, today’s architects are creating A-frame homes with even more dramatic roof elements. One of My Domaine’s favorite recent designs came from Milad Eshtiyaghi Studio. While one side of their Shawneetown home has a steep, traditional rise, the opposite side plummets down and then swoops out into a slope that inspires thoughts of ski jumps. It’s a twist on the original “that allows architecture to integrate with nature.” It works particularly well for this project, as magnificent trees and other woodland delights surround it.

Zig-Zagging Style

If you have ever seen a roofline that seems to be a series of peaks across the horizon, you are likely to have encountered a Zig Zag or M Shaped roof. Often seen on minimalist, modern homes and other structures, the jagged rising and falling pattern is undeniably eye-catching. And as the peaks often rise above upper-level windows, this dramatic roof allows homeowners to bask in additional streams of natural light.

Modern Flat Roofs

On the surface, the idea of a flat roof sitting at approximately 10 degrees of slope doesn’t seem revolutionary. However, its appearance never fails to impress. This roofline concept, found across the ancient world, was also much loved during the heyday of Mid-Century Modern design. And, of course, Mid-Century Modern is enjoying a resurgence right now. In fact, Martha Stewart Living is a fan of “this beloved flat-roof architectural style,” not only for its visually arresting roofline but for its “big glass windows, open, airy floor plans, and clean lines.”

Contemporary homes are also embracing this dramatic roof style. Contemporary houses, especially those in drier climates, often feature flat roofs because they are easy to maintain and offer the potential for additional outdoor living space (and incredible views). If you are inspired to add this roof to your new build or remodel, but you live in an area that sees significant rain or snow, work with your builder to utilize heavy-duty materials, like rubber roofing, to ensure that precipitation will drain quickly and that the roof can handle heavy snow accumulation.

Sloped Flat Design

As the name would suggest, a sloped (or sloping) flat design is a dazzling variation on the flat roof style. Depending on the degree of the slope, this dramatic roof design seemingly references a plane about to take flight, as the roof tilts skyward. Aside from its startling angle and impressive minimalism, this design is a darling for anyone who wants to enjoy protected outdoor space close to the house. Often, the roof extends beyond the home’s structure, creating an overhang supported by beams. This overhang can provide a shaded outdoor sanctuary, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. It also helps keep the inside of the home cool during the sweltering summer months.

Stunning Inversion Roofs

Picture a standard pitched roof with two vertical rises that meet in the middle at a point with a long horizontal span connecting them. Now flip that image upside down. While not always that extreme, inverted roofs (aka butterfly roofs) feature two “wings” that slope downward to create a valley over the house. Depending on your overall design, the valley could be dead center or offset. For larger luxury homes, it’s not uncommon for a butterfly design to cover one section of the house while others enjoy sloping flat or skillion styles.

Sleek Metal Roofing

Made from copper, zinc, aluminum, or steel, metal roofs boast longevity and fire resistance – a critical consideration in regions that experience fire seasons. Metal roofing is also recyclable and resistant to extreme weather conditions. Whether you opt for metal panels or shingles, the price can be quite high per square foot, even without customization. However, with a lifespan of 50 to 75 years, it’s not an investment you will need to make often.

As The Spruce points out, you don’t need a steeply sloping roof to make metal work. Standing-seam metal roofing can be installed on roofs that are gently pitched. The Magazine reports: “This type of roofing is installed in large sheets with seams that are raised and sealed tightly together to resist water. While some slope is necessary to ensure water runoff, most homes can accept metal roofing.”

Sleek metal roofing can brilliantly cap farmhouse, rustic, contemporary, and industrial homes and guest dwellings. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the metal must remain in its original color. In fact, vibrant shades that work as a contrast or in concert with your home’s color palette are encouraged. Better Homes & Gardens raves about a recent design favorite: “A metal roof dramatically enhances a three-story clapboard cottage. The bold red hue creates an appealing color palette when combined with the all-white exterior and surrounding greenery.”

Clay Tile Roofs

Houses completed with clay tile roofing undoubtedly benefit from the striking colors and eye-catching textures. While they can be extremely heavy and expensive, these beautiful tiles become exquisitely dramatic roofs for Mediterranean or Spanish-style estates. The Spruce raves that they are ideal for homes exposed to salt air, and they function exceptionally well in intensely hot climates, as their design helps keep indoor temperatures cool. It’s no wonder you often see this type of roof adorning stunning homes in California, the desert Southwest, and coastal Florida. The Magazine advises: “They can also be ideal for climates in which infrequent rains dump large amounts of water in a short time, since many styles are excellent at shedding rainfall from cloudbursts.”

Clay tile roofs are also an environmentally-friendly choice. The Spruce reports: “Tile roofs are made from earth minerals, not synthetic materials, and they can be pulverized and recycled when they are removed.” And given the range of rich colors and tile styles available, genuine roof customization can be yours.

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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A beautiful tablescape can make any dinner party feel like a luxe celebration. From colored glassware to striking centerpieces and gold accents, adding a few upscale elements can transform your table from ordinary to stunning. If you are getting ready to host, read on as we reveal some of our favorite ideas for making your dinner party tablescape shine.

Vibrant Accents

If you are searching for a subtle way to add elegance and eye-catching design to your dinner party tablescape, opt for a burst of color. My Domaine admires a setup from designer John Robshaw where a lovely blue and white tablescape was “punctuated with magenta flowers, creating an evergreen balance between warm and cool tones.” You can also reference your signature color elsewhere in small ways. For example, magenta could then appear in the ribbons used to tie napkins or on candles or vases that appear mid-table or on a nearby sideboard.

Autumnal and winter dinner party tablescapes often flow toward tones of orange, gold, red, and brown, but deciding to bring the unexpected will make your design feel all the more luxurious. Designer Temidra Willock-Morsch explains to Martha Stewart Living: “‘The trick is to take the more vibrant jewel tones—teal, sapphire, emerald—and mix them with neutrals to create a fun, but not too overpowering color combination.’”

Colored Glassware

Colored glassware is having a moment, and it is easy to see why, particularly for those hosting dinner parties in the fall. Expert Dana Dore confides to The Spruce: “‘Fall is my favorite time to incorporate colored glassware onto the table. Whether it is cranberry red, amber, blush, or blue, there is something about the richness of colored glassware that feels ‘fall’ to me.’” Are you afraid you might not have enough glassware in the same shade? That’s not a problem. Mixing and matching colors can create an elegantly eclectic tablescape that your guests will adore.

Golden Details

Gold accents are perfectly on trend for fall and winter dinner party tablescapes. Not only do they tie in with the colors frequently associated with the harvest, but gold automatically elevates a setting. If you want to incorporate gold accents in small, impactful ways, think about swapping your standard dishes and flatware for ones with a special glow. Designer Mark Feldman tells The Spruce: “‘A trend that is really popular for this upcoming season is selecting a white set of dishes and accenting them with gold serveware, flatware, and glasses. The items can either be completely gold or have beautiful gold accents, creating a warm festive … feel.’”

Want to strike an opulent tone? Decorist designer Alison Leigh raves to Martha Stewart Living that her dream dinner party tablescape would be done in vibrant blues and gold accents. Leigh loves the idea of setting the stage with “bone China dinnerware in a mixture of old patterns and geometric prints [and creating] artistry with gold flatware with a contemporary twist.” Leigh also adores adding “glassware trimmed in gold mixed with a silver goblet” and elevating the ambiance with “crystal votive candle holders in a square pattern and regal blue napkins with gold napkin rings.”

Floor-to-Ceiling Appeal

For a dramatic look, consider creating a tablescape that has floor-to-ceiling appeal. If your dinner party is outside, hanging a chandelier with gold accents or colorful glass will not only elevate the atmosphere but also give you a reference to play off of in the linens, glassware, flatware, and flowers. Want something whimsical yet luxe for an inside gathering? My Domaine was impressed by a recent design that started with a vivid mobile. Based on that, the pinks, yellows, and purples were repeated with intention on the seat cushions, placemats, flowers, and napkins. It was just the right amount of color to make the scene feel mod yet refined.

Modern Place Cards

Would you like to establish a specific seating plan at your next dinner but want something other than a plain place card? There is an endless array of options for something that can better fit your theme while helping to create your ideal dinner party tablescape. My Domaine appreciates the idea of giving a modern feel to a “timeless finishing touch” by taking a page (or card) from Brittni Mehlhoff’s book. Mehlhoff of Paper & Stitch crafted graceful place cards showing only the first initial of each guest in a bold, modern script.

Meanwhile, Martha Stewart Living enjoys the idea of having a place card do double duty. In one of the Magazine’s favorite examples, the place card included the guest’s name at the top in a lovely gold print, with the menu printed below it. The Magazine applauds: “It makes an elegant addition to the table, especially when paired with gilded greenery and a wrapped napkin.” Hosting a family gathering? Consider printing a small-scale childhood photo of each guest, framing them, and using the beautifully framed photos as truly bespoke “place cards.”

Eye-Catching Centerpieces

Flower arrangements make for classic centerpieces, but if you are crafting your dinner party tablescape in the fall, you may want to lean into harvest themes. Designer Mahaley Woods raves to The Spruce: “‘For a seasonal design, pair whole fruits or veggies and other autumnal elements with your blooms to give the table a lush, bountiful feel … This allows your table to exude that coveted fall feeling with tasteful and purposeful styling.’” Kate Fairlie at Truffle Tablescapes agrees and suggests to the Magazine that not only can you enjoy apples, pears, or pomegranates as decorations during the meal, but you can incorporate them into specialty cocktails later in the evening.

Are you searching for something that complements a moody or chic black and white palette? If flowers won’t work for the atmosphere you want to promote, My Domaine suggests keeping “the cool vibes alive with pampas grass or dried wheat.” The grass or wheat elements can be wonderfully highlighted in multiple small vases running down the table’s center. At the same time, individual wheat stems can serve as decoration on empty plates.

Napkin Garnish

Festive dinner party tablescapes can be given an extra boost when garnished with organic accents. While metallic napkin rings are graceful and classic, tucking scented herbs into your napkin display works as a charmingly unique enhancer. The experts explain to The Spruce: “Rosemary and thyme tucked into napkins can garnish G&Ts as the meal progresses, or take a sprig of your fresh, faux, or dried flower display and [keep it tucked] into each napkin. This will pull the color from the center of the table out to each guest place.”

Personalized Tablescapes

If you and your friends share a love of great music, having a dinner party that incorporates that aspect might just make it the social event of the season. Michiel Perry, the founder of Black Southern Belle, reveals to Martha Stewart Living that she loves to surround herself with great Southern style and music. Naturally, her dream tablescape would also reflect those elements. With a playlist running in the background, Perry tells the Magazine that “each place setting would be unique and represent some of my favorite Southern artists [and the] menu would of course feature some of my Southern favorites and be inspired by the music on the playlist.”

If fine art inspires you, it is likely to inspire your guests. Small artistic details on your tablescape and sideboard can convey the theme and allow you to personalize your celebration. Karin Strayborn, in an interview with Martha Stewart Living, agrees: “‘I believe adding small touches of art like statues, masks, and pictures, adds a foundational element to [a] theme.’”

Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.

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