Leave it to Italian designers to create the ultimate in luxury rocks for sexy lightscaping around the home.

These remarkable lighted rocks by Oluce look as if they might have been swiped from the lawn of a distant planet. In reality, though, they were created by Italian designers Marta Laudani and Marco Romanelli with Massimo Noceto. Made from weather-tested polyethelene, these lighted Oluce stones glow with the aid of a screw-in fluorescent bulb.

Dont expect to find these luxe rocks in your local hardware or lighting store though. They are available by special order and then only in large quantities–whatever that means. Current prices for the rocks generally run in the $500+ range, while the glowing Oluce table lamp runs over $1700 on Amazon.

I hope to see some of these luminous beauties in San Diego’s luxury homes before too long. They would look lovely sitting on a table or other surface providing soft and romantic accent lighting.

For additional information, you may call ylighting at 866.428.9289 (This is an unpaid, unexpected and unsolicited commercial)

I wonder if these lighted rocks would attract bugs???

Other fun and imaginative luxuries for the luxury home:

D. Porthault Sheets and Linens

The Luxury Blingdex

The Intuitive Luxury Home

As well as other recent luxury reads:

The Snoring Room
The Self Service Spa (Do it at home?)
Long-Lasting Roses
Induction-Cooktop for the Luxury Kitchen
Ultimate Phone for the Luxury Bath
How to Hide the Bedroom TV
Switchable Mirror Glass Windows
SONOS: The Ultimate Sound System
Haute Refrigerators for Cool Kitchens?
The Overflowing Infinity Tub
Wine Storage for Oenophiles
The Illuminated Bathtub

The post Glowing Rocks for Luxury Homes appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

What kinds of rooms might go into a luxury home? The possibilities are as varied as lifestyles.

I recall a luxurious mansion in Houston’s lovely River Oaks that had, in addition to every other conceivable room, a luggage room. It was a sensible space that accommodated the traveling owner’s large collection of leather suitcases, trunks and garment bags. When a trip was planned, the butler would retrieve the appropriate luggage and assist with the packing.

When expense and space are not restrictive issues, the floor plan of a luxury home can truly reflect the lifestyle of its owner.

Some of the more common possibilities might include:

• A large morning room off the kitchen for casual family dining. This is simply an expansion of the traditional breakfast room.
• Large formal dining rooms still prevail and are a must for indoor formal entertaining.
• A butler’s pantry between the kitchen and formal dining area that may be equipped with china cabinets, lined flatware drawers, crystal storage and wine refrigeration.
• An oversized and well-organized pantry in the kitchen that has room for a freezer.
• A master closet that invites relaxation.
• A temperature-controlled wine room that might even accommodate a tasting table or two.
• A game room that might hold a pool table, arcade games and even a karaoke stage.
• A high-ceilinged music room for the grand piano and other musical enjoyment.
• Forget strip closets. Luxury homes demand oversized and highly organized walk-in dressing rooms.
• Personal gyms are a common requirement in luxury homes. They are typically located off the master bedroom or near outdoor amenities.
• The plush home theater with cushy seats, popcorn machine and huge screen have become very popular.
• A home library offers a quiet room for books, reading and reflection.
• A conservatory provides a glass-walled transition between the luxury residence and its natural surroundings–and is a lovely spot for casual entertaining.
• A sunroom may be located anywhere in the home, but provides a casual place to enjoy sunshine and views.
• Home offices are often a requirement for busy owners and their staff.
• Outdoor living rooms and areas are treasured in warmer climates. See photo above.
• A large laundry and project room may have multiple washers and dryers, a steam closet, and cabinets for project storage. It should also have space for a large, multi-purpose table.
• A snoring room off the master bedroom. Enough said….

Common to luxury homes in San Diego are loggias and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens, which allow for year round outdoor dining and entertaining. It is also not uncommon to find poolside cabanas, dressing rooms and steam rooms. In mountain communities, luxury chalets will likely have mud rooms and ski lockers.

As suggested earlier, it is the lifestyle and taste of the affluent that will ultimately determine the configuration of their luxury homes.

The post Rooms and More Rooms in Luxury Homes appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

by Roberta Murphy

It is a tough task in relativity to define a luxury home.

One’s perspective has as much to do with the definition as does the opulence, location or architectural significance of a particular property. One man’s simple home is another man’s castle, and vice versa.

Perhaps it is easier to consider what a luxury home is not. It is not a cookie cutter home in a subdivision tract, even if it is magnificently appointed. Why? It is probably lacking in presence, in architectural originality and may very well be lacking in coveted location.

New subdivisions throughout affluent communities are abounding in 5000 square foot stacked boxes with crown moldings, coffered ceilings and granite surfaces. The prices may reach seven figures, but do they really qualify as luxury homes? I have argued this with other luxury home specialists, and as soon as we agree upon a particular standard, exceptions to the rule emerge.

I am one of several directors with Windermere Exclusive Properties’ Distinctive Properties division in San Diego, CA. Luxury real estate in San Diego County is our specialty. It is our task to collectively approve or disapprove a listed property for that coveted “Luxury Home” designation.

It has proven to be a sometimes-difficult task. Price alone does not distinguish that status. It is location, property entry, arhcitecture, decor, decadent amenities, entertainment capability, lovely grounds and myriad other details that help a home stand out from the ordinary. A supersized McMansion does not qualify as a luxury home, unless it has the requisite extras, superior location and a view…perhaps. Or what about a cute $2 million cottage in Malibu that lacks both architectural clout and luxe surfaces? Does exquisite location make up for a dated or tacky interior? An architecturally significant home on a Midwestern prairie might qualify, even though it lacks in modern opulence.

As discerning and honest luxury real estate professionals, we believe we know one when we see it–especially when the home has all the markings of luxury, location and panache. What I am hoping occurs within this site is the discussion and display of luxury homes. I hope we can discuss trends, touches and tools that help to define the luxury home and luxury living. I am hoping we hear not only from Realtors, but from interior designers, builders, home stagers and other seasoned professionals who contribute to the luxurious homefront.

And from this continuing interchange, perhaps we can develop ongoing relationships where we can share information, ideas, trends–and perhaps even referrals to those professionals we will have come to know and respect.

The post And Just What Is A Luxury Home? appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.