Integrating Luxury Kitchen Design Ideas Into Your Remodel
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 ScaleCulinarians 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 CountertopsSpeaking 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 IslandsMy 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 DesignUpgrading 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 TileOne 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 ArtworkWhile 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. The post Integrating Luxury Kitchen Design Ideas Into Your Remodel appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Luxe Dinner Party Tablescapes
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 AccentsIf 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 GlasswareColored 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 DetailsGold 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 AppealFor 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 CardsWould 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 CenterpiecesFlower 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 GarnishFestive 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 TablescapesIf 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. The post Luxe Dinner Party Tablescapes appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
Chic Ski-In, Ski-Out Lodges in the United States
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 SkyOne 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 ValleyLuxurious 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 SnowmassRecently 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 HouseIf 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 TalisaThe 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 PeakTripSavvy 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 PlaceRecently 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 HoleThe 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.The post Chic Ski-In, Ski-Out Lodges in the United States appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.
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