Luxury homeowners want outdoor spaces that look as curated and intentional as their interiors. Hardscaping provides the right foundation by merging natural elements with high-end structure to produce functional beauty.

Rather than settling for flat patios and standard layouts, visionary homeowners embrace bold designs that elevate their entire property. Whether you’re entertaining guests or finding personal escape, outdoor hardscape installations shape moments with elegance.

Elevated Designs

Elevation reshapes backyards with dynamic movement and visual depth. Options such as stone staircases that wind up a gentle slope, slides that sweep down into a warm pool, and waterfall-fed showers built into a hillside all create destination points that surprise and delight guests. Elevated entertainment designs are an amazing hardscaping design option for luxury homes because they introduce visual drama while maximizing space.

Tiered lounging platforms can separate spaces naturally while maintaining fluid transitions between levels. Instead of fencing, homeowners may use height differences to define entertainment zones, quiet nooks, or play areas. The result feels expansive without adding square footage, offering the illusion of multiple outdoor rooms stitched together seamlessly.

Fire and Water Features

Luxury landscapes often spotlight the duality of fire and water. Consider a sleek fire trough lining the edge of a black-tiled infinity pool or a flame-lit fountain cascading into a reflective basin that glows after sunset. A combined fire and water installation is an amazing hardscaping design option for luxury homes because it unifies elegance with functionality.

Fire and water elements expand utility beyond daylight hours. Guests stay longer when warm flames take over after dark, while flowing water brings calm during the heat of the day. Together, they transform an ordinary backyard into a sensory-rich destination made for relaxation, entertainment, and visual storytelling.

Outdoor Entertainment Hubs

Hardscaped entertaining zones elevate backyard hosting to a fine art. Built-in stone bars stocked with chilled drinks, chef-grade grill stations, and shaded dining terraces allow guests to move freely without returning indoors. Some homeowners may install sunken lounges with gas firepits at the center, creating a cozy amphitheater-style gathering space.

You can prepare full meals in a luxury outdoor kitchen. Pizza ovens, refrigeration drawers, and slab countertops transform meal prep into a high-end experience. Surrounding hardscape elements such as stone flooring, lighting, and heating systems support every moment from cocktail hour to late-night conversations.

Sculptural and Statement Elements

Some hardscaping serves as art. Oversized cut stone benches, laser-cut metal archways, and granite walls with built-in lighting showcase craftsmanship while functioning as seating or support. Designers often select polished basalt, honed limestone, or corten steel to create contrast against the softer elements of grass or water.

Statement pieces often anchor an entire layout. A freestanding tower, a vertical succulent wall, or a dry creek bed flowing under a stone bridge transforms a space into an architectural gallery.

Luxury hardscaping transforms outdoor spaces into lasting expressions of personality and taste. Design choices that use elevation, sensory contrast, and sculptural form create a unique outdoor destination.

The post 4 Amazing Hardscaping Design Options for Luxury Homes appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

A well-placed mirror can do more than reflect a pretty room; it can open up tight spaces, balance natural light, and add an intentional touch to any interior. From oversized hallway panels to subtle powder room accents, mirrors have the power to boldly enhance a space or quietly elevate it. Here are five tips for choosing the right mirror for your space.

1. Match the Mirror to the Purpose

Mirrors should serve a specific role, not just act as decorative filler. A bathroom vanity mirror, for example, needs to offer clarity and proportion. By contrast, a hallway or entryway mirror can afford to be bold and architectural, creating drama while visually expanding narrow areas.

Always ask: What is this mirror going to do for the space?

2. Frame Style Should Echo the Room

A mirror’s frame doesn’t need to match your fixtures exactly, but it should speak the same design language. Instead of focusing solely on color, think in terms of material, finish, and weight. A delicate vintage frame might look out of place next to a monolithic stone fireplace, whereas a simple metal frame or frameless design can offer just the right amount of contrast.

Ornate frames tend to work best in spaces with rich textures, layered fabrics, or traditional millwork, where they feel cohesive rather than overbearing.

3. Think in Layers

Mirrors shouldn’t always be a standalone feature. Layering mirrors with lighting, art, and furnishings can create depth and intention, especially in larger or more formally styled rooms. Picture a grand floor mirror flanked by sconces in a walk-in closet, or a pair of mirrored panels in a dining room reflecting candlelight.

This layered approach mirrors broader design trends, such as the resurgence of mixed materials, textured finishes, and warm-toned wood flooring.

4. Don’t Forget Wall Depth and Treatment

Wall surfaces influence how a mirror looks and how it’s perceived. Mounted on drywall, a mirror may feel flush and clean-lined. Against paneled wood or textured stone, however, a deeper or beveled design tends to offer better contrast.

On richly layered walls, ultra-thin mirrors may disappear altogether. Choosing one with enough presence keeps it from getting visually lost.

5. Be Strategic With Sunlight

Mirrors can enhance natural light, but careful placement is crucial. A mirror positioned opposite a window will brighten a room, but it can also intensify direct sunlight, bouncing rays onto nearby flooring. Over time, this added exposure can lead to fading or discoloration, especially with wood surfaces.

To avoid issues related to sun damage and hardwood floors, track how sunlight moves through the room at different times of day before committing to placement. Try propping the mirror up temporarily and checking for strong reflected light in midday or afternoon hours. Even a slight angle adjustment can help preserve your floors while still amplifying natural brightness.

Style That Reflects Intention

Mirrors shape the energy, proportions, and flow of a room, particularly in larger homes where design decisions are highly visible. These five tips for choosing the right mirror for your space will help you move beyond basic choices and into design that feels deliberate.

When you’re stuck between two sizes, choose the larger one. A mirror that’s slightly too big generally looks more refined than one that’s too small.

The post 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Mirror for Your Space appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

We once lived in the southern California  mountains of Big Bear Lake, and eventually owned two homes there. One was a smaller home on the slopes of Bear Mountain; the second a much larger home between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. So many fond memories were built in thos mountain.

Escaping to the serenity of a mountain home can be a dream come true for many–as it was for us. Nestled amidst nature, these homes offer a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, presenting a lifestyle substantially different from the hustle and bustle of city living.

However, purchasing a mountain home involves careful consideration. To make an informed decision and ensure a smooth buying experience, you should explore what you need to know before buying a mountain home.

Consider Proximity and Convenience

Living in a secluded environment may be appealing, but it’s important to ensure you will still have easy access to healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and other necessities. Look for homes within a reasonable distance of town centers or daily conveniences. At the very least, seek out places offering reliable transportation options to nearby towns.

Additionally, remember that some mountain roads can be tricky to navigate, especially in winter. Ensure the property you select has well-maintained roads and, if necessary, services for snow removal.

Evaluate Travel and Commute

The most important thing you need to know before buying a mountain home is what your daily travel and commute will look like. Mountainous regions often require more time for travel due to winding roads and potentially hazardous conditions, particularly in winter.

If the home is particularly remote, a potentially quick trip could quickly turn into a long, arduous journey. Balancing the allure of a secluded mountain home with the practicalities of your everyday needs is a key part of making a successful purchase.

Think About Hidden Additional Costs

Be prepared to deal with hidden costs that may not be immediately obvious. These can range from higher utility bills to heating demands in winter or increased maintenance costs for problems like weather-related wear and tear or wildlife intrusions.

For example, if you ever need to replace the window in your mountain home for a remodel, you’ll have to fork out the cash for high-quality windows that can withstand the weather and pressure conditions. Furthermore, some communities have homeowner association (HOA) fees that cover shared services like road maintenance and snow removal. These fees can add up over time, so it’s crucial that you factor them into your budget.

Inspect the Home’s Structure

Mountain homes are often subject to extreme weather conditions, from heavy snowfall to high winds, affecting the building’s stability. Look for any signs of structural damage throughout the property, such as cracks in the walls, sagging floors, or doors and windows that don’t close properly, as these indicate serious underlying issues.

Additionally, pay close attention to the roof, as it is one of the most critical parts of a home facing mountain weather. Ensure the roof is in good condition, properly insulated, and has an appropriate pitch for shedding snow. If possible, hire a local home inspector who’s familiar with the specific challenges of mountain homes and have them perform a comprehensive examination.

Understand the Lifestyle

The mountains offer a slower pace of life, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing. However, they also bring challenges like potential isolation, limited nightlife, and occasional inconveniences like power outages or closed roads. Interactions with local wildlife can be thrilling and challenging, as animals like deer or bears can wander into your property.

If you relish solitude and the outdoors, the mountain lifestyle may be perfect. Before buying a mountain home, spend some time in the area to understand if the lifestyle suits you.

The post Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Mountain Home appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

The garage isn’t solely for storing cars and forgotten items. It should be a calculated area that increases the value of your household. If your garage seems to lack function, read on. Here are some ways to repurpose your garage into an efficient space.

Ultimate Mechanic Workshop

If you have a deep passion for tinkering with cars, bikes, and other mechanical projects, consider transforming your garage into the ultimate mechanic’s workshop. Start by installing a top-of-the-line workbench with sturdy drawers and a spacious countertop for all your tools and equipment. Add ample storage options, such as wall-mounted cabinets and shelving units.

Then, apply a durable and protective floor coating that guards against oil spills, grease stains, and other potential damage. A well-equipped workshop will be the perfect haven to indulge in your mechanical passions and bring your projects to life.

Inviting Guest Space

Transform your garage into a beautiful, welcoming guest space for family and friends. This additional living area can feature a cozy bedroom, a bathroom that’s complete with luxury amenities, and a quaint sitting area. Guests can enjoy the privacy this secluded garage makeover provides.

Indoor Playground for Kids

When the weather gets cold, the playground outside doesn’t seem as appealing. Bring the fun inside with an indoor playground full of your kids’ favorite activities.

Start with a cushioned floor that will support any falls. Then, add fun amenities. You can incorporate plenty of storage, plush cushions to jump around on, or a cozy swing.

Take advantage of the vertical space by adding ladders, a short climbing wall, stairs, and different levels for your kids to explore. Your children may also love the addition of a slide for easy access to the ground level.

Personal At-Home Gym

Fitness enthusiasts can bid farewell to gym memberships and embrace a bespoke workout studio that brings the epitome of personalized fitness to the comfort of their own homes. Build an at-home gym in the garage with an array of cutting-edge equipment thoughtfully chosen to elevate your workout experience.

Select from an assortment of stylish flooring options. Then, elevate the ambiance further with a tailor-made sound system to savor your favorite songs as you exercise in your exclusive workout space.

Art Studio

Is there an art form you’ve always wanted to try but have never had the space to store the equipment? Or perhaps you love to create, but the house doesn’t supply you with the room you need to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Creative minds can let their imagination soar in their very own art studio. Storage for supplies, ample workspace, and a soundproofed area for peaceful concentration will make your garage the perfect creative oasis.

Bonus Living Space

Transform your garage into a captivating living space, perfect for stylish entertainment. Envision a cozy lounge area adorned with a luxurious sofa and a sleek entertainment system. The modern finishes infuse an air of elegance and sophistication.

Whether you’re hosting a movie night with friends or relishing in a cocktail hour, your garage-turned-luxurious den is bound to become the talk of the town. Embrace the endless possibilities of this exquisite haven.

These ways to repurpose the room will spark inspiration and guarantee the garage is an efficient space. What luxurious design do you have in mind?

The post 6 Ways To Repurpose Your Garage for an Efficient Space appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

In today’s fast-paced world, adding a touch of luxury to our lives can elevate our moods and improve our overall well-being. If you crave a more luxurious lifestyle, below are three effective ways to get started right away.

Focus on the Little Things

Sometimes, all it takes to bring luxury into our lives are small changes that make a huge difference. Simple acts, such as sipping your morning coffee out of a beautiful porcelain cup, surrounding yourself with fragrant candles, or using high-quality bed linen, can provide a sense of indulgence.

Another approach to embracing the little things is incorporating self-care rituals into your daily routine. A relaxing bath with your favorite essential oils or a quality skincare routine can leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.

Splurge for Big Events

Special events, like birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements, are the perfect opportunity to treat ourselves or our loved ones to something extraordinary. For example, booking a luxury vacation or a fine dining experience provides unforgettable memories to cherish for years to come. You could even go all-out for extra special events and get a luxury car rental; it’s simple if you know what to look for in a quality exotic car rental. These one-time investments are a fantastic way to truly relish exceptional moments and reinforce our deserved sense of luxury.

Buy Fewer but Quality Things

Less is often more, especially when it comes to luxury. Prioritize purchasing high-quality, timeless items like designer clothing or well-crafted furniture. By investing in fewer but better-quality items, you create a foundation of luxury in your life that withstands the test of time. Plus, doing so means you appreciate and treasure each piece, developing a mindful connection to your belongings.

Living a luxurious life can translate to better mental health and increased self-esteem, as these small indulgences allow us to revel in our accomplishments and enjoy moments of indulgence. Remember that adding a touch of luxury to your life doesn’t have to break the bank—it’s all about finding ways to enhance your everyday experiences through deliberate choices.

Overall, learning how to add a touch of luxury to your life can be as simple as enjoying the little things or as grandiose as investing in quality experiences. Embrace these three main tips, and start reaping the rewards of a more luxurious lifestyle.

The post How To Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Life appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

5 Awesome Kitchen Renovation Ideas to Design Your Dream Kitchen

Are you planning a kitchen remodel? If yes, you may know that it is a time-consuming process and may prove challenging if you are running short on ideas. Here are 5 practical ideas to inspire you to design your dream kitchen. You don’t have to shell out a lot of money for a kitchen renovation – all you need is some creativity. 

However, make sure you call a pest and cockroach exterminator before you start the kitchen remodel, as one pest can start a nuisance. 

5 Ideas to Transform Your Kitchen

• Cabinet Magic 

Cabinets take the most amount of kitchen space, so make sure they add a ton of personality and drama. You can consider two-tone cabinets where you have complementary colors for walls and cabinets.

If you are interested in a sophisticated look, opt for high-gloss cabinets. Their smoothness and shine will add a factor of classiness in the kitchen. 

Before you install the cabinets, make sure you call residential pest control to get a cockroach control done. Pests like cockroaches multiply quickly and can infest the entire kitchen in no time. Buy cabinets whose doors close tightly because cabinets are one of the first places pests like to hide. This is an ideal time to improve upon cabinet functionality during your kitchen remodel–and should not add much to your total cost.

• Creative ‘Sink’ing

Think you have to stick to the regular, boring sink in the kitchen? Not anymore. The common farmhouse sinks are becoming history as unique sinks are making a loud statement. 

You can now select sinks that have intricate designs and are made from unexpected materials. Some sinks even boast beautiful ornate fixtures to add style to your kitchen remodel. 

Covered kitchen sinks are also gaining popularity. You can slide and cover the sinks and add more prep and counter space instantly. They can make your kitchen look clean even if you have a sink full of dirty dishes because the covered sink conceals the dishes. 

• Light the‘Wow’Up

The right kind of lighting can completely change the way your kitchen can look and feel. You can experiment with the brightness of the bulb or use an interesting lighting fixture to elevate the wow factor of the kitchen.

Pieces like pendant lights add ample light to the space while creating a bold statement. The right lighting can tie the whole room together or stand out amazingly.

• Add Personalities of the Wallpapers 

Wallpapers are a simple way to give your kitchen a brand new look. You can choose a floral print, vintage-inspired or an abstract-print, depending on what you prefer. Look for patterns that will blend in with the existing interiors. If you want to choose a colored wallpaper with no print, choose a color that is a contrast to the rest of the kitchen.

• Touch of Green

A bit of greenery will be like a breath of fresh air in the kitchen. Just place some potted plants on the floor or put some flowers on the countertops or the kitchen island. You can even have a small vertical herb garden in the kitchen. The greenery and pop of colors of the flowers will liven up the place. 

Before you start renovating the kitchen, you must get pest control done and check for cockroach infestations. Renovating a kitchen is not an easy task and it may all go to waste if there is a pest infestation. Consult an experienced pest management company to inspect your house. 

Author Bio:

When people find their homes and offices infested with pests, it is not uncommon for them to panic. Raymond Web has taken the task to educate people on pest prevention and control strategies helping them keep their surroundings healthy, safe and pest-free. Being the digital marketing manager for Take Care Termite and Pest Control, in Tracy, CA, he has in-depth understanding of people and their pain points due to pests, which he efficiently uses in his content to educate people and add value to their lives.

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Wondering about Luxury Home Trends for 2019? Here are some things you might want to consider in your purchase or remodel of your luxury home.

By Jennifer Karami

While the average sale price for luxury homes nationwide rose 4.7 percent annually to $1,772,000 in the fourth quarter of 2018, a few things remain constant: the kinds of features and luxury home trends  associated with high end residences.

Money can buy you a lot of things, and in luxury homes, several amenities ring universal, says Los Angeles-based agent Alec Traub.

“The higher the price point, the more features buyers expect and that desire intensifies,” he said.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a luxe abode in 2019 –or just love daydreaming about them–these are the features and luxury home trends to watch this year.

1. Privacy

“In higher price points privacy is one of the things people are expecting. If you buy a $5 million home, you don’t want to see your neighbors or have someone on the street be able to walk up to your front door. People want gates, walls and hedges, but they must be aesthetically pleasing–no big chain link fence– especially somewhere like LA where you have a lot of celebrities, which adds a whole different layer to it as well.”

2. Smart Security

“In addition to the privacy element, there is the security element. Most homes these days on the higher end allow you to remotely control everything from lights, fireplace, pool, air conditioning and security cameras from an iPad or a phone. It’s something that’s almost come to be expected. Rather than, ‘that would be nice,’ it’s become, ‘that needs to have it.’

We’re also seeing super high tech safes hidden in closets for valuables like expensive jewelry, watches or purses. Or they’re being displayed in a way where you can’t just open a drawer and take something. You have to open up your closet drawer like you unlock your phone.”

3. Smaller Pools

“A pool is expected, but these days, no one really wants a big deep pool taking up the whole backyard. Instead, my clients are looking for smaller plunge pools that are almost glorified jacuzzis. While houses have been built bigger and take up more space on the lot, the pool is still something people still want and expect–just less of it.”

4. Guest Suites

“Luxury buyers I’m working with this year want guest suites. It doesn’t have to be detached–it could be downstairs off the garage, or a bedroom with en-suite bathroom that can be used for a live–in nanny or maid, or friends or family who come to visit. My clients want that extra space, as well as rooms that can be a home office, as well as a gym or workout room.”

5. Upscale Design Touches

“I’ve seen an emphasis on imported finishes–but pieces imported to LA from Italy as opposed to New Jersey. In the kitchen, an obvious design choice is still Ceasarstone or quartz over granite, but also high-end appliances. A $5 million home shouldn’t have Kitchenaid or GE. Not because they’re bad, but because they don’t fit with the narrative of a luxury home. Similarly, if there are sliding doors, my clients want them to be pocket doors that disappear into wall. Those are the kinds of added touches expected in a luxury home.”

6. The Power of Two

“A lot of homes I’ve shown have a trend of two. It’s no longer one stove and oven, now it’s two stoves, two ovens, two dishwashers, two sets of washers and dryers, and all upscale, designer brands. Luxury means never waiting or having dirty clothes or dishes.”

7. Overly Customized

“There is also a risk with ultra luxury homes in that features might be too customized to fit an individual need. I’ve seen houses where a musician put in a recording studio, and a basketball player had a full court. Those are things that won’t appeal to everyone, and as a result, can negatively affect a sale.”

We keep a close eye on luxury home trends and if you feel we have missed something that is up and coming, please feel free to comment!

Author bio: Jennifer Karami is a writer at Redfin, a technology-enabled real estate brokerage. Redfin’s mission is to redefine real estate in the customer’s favor

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Yahoo reports that this average-looking suburban home hides inside a Renaissance-era castle, with hand-carved columns, exotics woods, 400-1000-year old priceless furnishings, tapestries, gilded ceilings and precious luxury fabrics that run $150 per yard. In fact, the dining room draperies are estimated to have cost around $14,000. It is, in other words, a hidden castle.

The home is dark, but leaded glass windows allow gem-like light to filter into the rooms.

Owned by the Right and Honorable Dowager Countess of Shannon, Almine Barton, who purchased the home in 1979 and raised her family there. A world traveler, Almine Barton lectured frequently on the play of light in art as well as spiritual healing. Hence, the dark rooms and leaded glass windows that play with light at different times of the day, shedding beautiful colors over the rooms. 

Her goal in selling this hidden castle is to downsize to a more manageable home. We must wonder, though, how many of the attached fixtures, fabrics and columns will remain? It would seem there is much hidden value in this hidden castle–especially when it is priced at $399,000!

Don’t miss seeing the photos below:

Hat Tip: https://www.yahoo.com/realestate/boring-facade-hides-outrageous-interior-011637537/photo-the-almost-too-normal-exterior-1453771007449.html

—Roberta Murphy

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As one of the top luxury real estate markets in the world, Miami has become the playground of the rich and famous. Celebrities and business moguls alike invest in Miami real estate to get their own piece of Magic City’s incredible vistas, beautiful beaches, and nightlife.  Those who seek a secure home with all of the latest technology and furnishings will find all of that and more in most Miami luxury buildings and developments, in addition to privacy and unobstructed ocean views. However, that kind of prestige comes at a heavy price tag, and in some areas of the city, it is not unusual to pay upwards of 10 Million Dollars for a home. So which areas in the city boast the best amenities? The following neighborhoods are just a few popular destinations for those who seek to join the Miami elite.  South Pointe

1. (South Beach)

Located at the far end of the world famous Miami Beach is South Pointe, better known as South Beach.  A popular neighborhood for those looking to take in Miami’s world famous nightlife. The area is known as one of the most affluent areas of Miami, and thus is home to many celebrities. The current average listing price for a home in South Pointe is $2,516,716, and the area is almost entirely walkable, with most housing only steps from upscale dining and the beach.  

1. Downtown Miami

   

Downtown Miami is split into two major districts, Downtown and the Brickell Financial District. The area is a culturally rich, urban center that has seen immense growth over the last few years, thus attracting many young professionals to the area.  In fact, the Brickell District is one of the fastest growing financial hubs in the country. Real estate in Downtown Miami ranges from affordable old fashioned studios to multi-million dollar newly-constructed condo and penthouse towers. The stars in Miami are everywhere, even in its architecture. “Starchitect” Zaha Hadid constructed his first residential tower in the United States.  The current average listing price for the Downtown Miami Area is $1,694,105.

• 
  

  Coconut Grove

  

Coconut Grove is a quiet, historic neighborhood of Miami, known for its exquisite 20’s style homes. It is a great place to raise a family.  According to local Miami Real Estate agent, Ines Hegedus-Garcia, “Coconut Grove is not only home to the best private school in South Florida, Ransom Everglades, but also has some amazing single-family homes.” The area is safe, private and pricey, with an average listing price of $1,081,997.

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