Professionally designed spaces have depth and layers to them, each element adding its own touch while perfectly playing off of the others.

One of the tricks for putting together such a complex yet cohesive space is all about the mix of materials.

“Matte and shiny, textured and flat, patterned and plain: These contrasts make a space feel more dynamic,” said Colleen Simonds, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based interior designer.

“You need those elements in order to feel something when you walk into a room,” she said. “This is what makes a room feel alive and evoke emotion.”

Spice of life

Forgetting to consider the range of materials throughout a room can have unintended, but décor-devastating, consequences.

“When you have a space that doesn’t have the mix it can feel one-dimensional, flat and overall uninspired,” Ms. Simonds said. “You just feel bored.”

Using too much of the same good thing can also make a room appear a bit fake, like a carbon copy of page in a one-note design catalog: Think stark industrial, blindingly shiny contemporary, cabin in the woods, midcentury modern overload.

“Mixing things like industrial elements with clean, feminine lines helps a space feel balanced, not themed,” said Sarah Storms, founder of Styled by Storms in New Jersey. “When you mix elements, it makes a space feel considered and curated.”

Texture is key when it comes to adding to the material mix – a wood floor, wool rug, lacquered furniture, gleaming brass light fixture, soft linens and matte wallpaper all bring a different feel to the same space.

“Every interesting room is going to have some stone, wood, glass, metal, leather and fabric,” said Caroline Kopp, founder and principal of the Connecticut-based Caroline Kopp Interior Design.

“That can apply to pretty much any style or color palette, but this mix of elements is what brings interest to a room,” she said. “The more objects and surfaces in a space, the more you can mix different kinds of stones or metals or textiles.”

Textiles are important in not only adding a wide variety of textures all on their own, but in sewing all of the materials and layers of a room together.

“I love imagining an invisible thread that runs through the space,” Ms. Storms said. “For example, reupholstered antique dining chairs in a contemporary, textured jacquard in a mix of blues is a bit of a juxtaposition to the antique dining set, but it is also the element that makes it work within the space.”

To really kick it up a notch, a few unexpected or uncommon materials will do the trick.

“Unique materials create extra intrigue and individuality in your space,” Ms. Kopp said. “A super-unusual slab of marble on a wall, a glass-mosaic mural installation, a patterned wallpaper on the ceiling – things like this function as art in your space and give it that oomph and sense of daring you are not going to get from run-of-the-mill ‘safety’ materials.”

Stir it up

There are plenty of ways to be safe about mixing a variety of materials in a space, however.

First, think about how all of the interior ingredients interact with each other, and then make sure to add some of each flavor.

“A shiny, hard surface can feel colder versus a cozy surface that will feel warm,” Ms. Kopp said.

“The shiny surfaces will reflect light, as opposed to velvets or other textiles that will absorb it,” she said. “Mixing in the warm and the cold makes for a multi-dimensional feel.”

Also make sure that each finish, warm or cold, is repeated more than once so that the room feels cohesive rather than a single piece sticking out – Ms. Storms recommends using everything at least three times.

“This can be a mix of one statement piece, such as a hammered-copper sink, that you support with small, even tiny, other elements of copper,” Ms. Storms said. “This makes the mix feel intentional, not accidental.”

Another way to ensure a unified look is to choose items in the same color family for each element.

“This tonal look is found in fashion, yet translates to the home perfectly: Think leathers, specifically luggage-colored or saddle tones, mixed with a metal that has luster to it [such as brass],” Ms. Storms said.

A color can also be used to anchor the whole space, especially when there are a seemingly wild variety of other colors and patterns together.

“Mixing patterns and prints within a single room can provide an incredibly energetic space, but it also needs to be grounded,” Ms. Storms said. “Adding an anchoring color, such as black, in the textiles or metal can ground a space and keep it from [being] overwhelming.”

And never forget the classic wedding adage: “Make sure something is old,” Ms. Simonds said. “Everything cannot be new. If it’s all new, it will feel straight out of a catalog.”

Last, even if a room leans industrial or rustic or vintage, keep it luxurious by remembering to layer in some finer materials such as marble, natural fibers and polished metal.

“A beautiful, supple wool curtain over a concrete wall or a stunning, custom, leather ottoman in front of a steel-faced fireplace – those are successful mixes of rough with elegant that give you that luxe finished product,” Ms. Kopp said.

Mastering the mix, in general, lends a more high-end feel to any space.

“Mixing materials, when done well, brings a more luxe, curated sensibility to the home,” Ms. Storms said.  

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Italian fashion house Ferragamo is celebrating a noteworthy historical era for a modern push.

The brand’s latest advertising campaign, titled “New Renaissance,” odes its namesake artistic time period in the city of its birth. Made with the cooperation of the famous Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the most famous paintings in the world, the fall/winter 2023 slot showcases all that Florence has to offer.

Firenze and friends

Florence sits at the heart of the new campaign, widely considered to be the center of the Renaissance.

The European city also hosts the Ferragamo headquarters and the beloved mansion of the founder. Drawing a line between a hailed artistic tradition and the luxury brand, Florence serves as the tether between them.

Like the Renaissance, humanism and craftsmanship anchor the fall/winter 2023 visuals.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Uffizi Gallery, the campaign includes a variety of some of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries’ most well-known pieces, opening with a model gazing into the camera in front of Giorgio Vasari’s Portrait of Alessandro de Medici, the first duke of Florence. Mr. Vasari, the painter, is considered by most in the Western world to be the first-ever art historian, known for his canonical works that document traditions and shape the field as it is practiced today — he was also the designer of the museum, which used to be offices for the de Medici clan.

The creation and a close-up of the young model’s face are the first to appear on screen, setting the tone for the entire collective. Florence’s Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore sits within the painting’s left hand side, opposite from the depiction of the de Medici family member — built from 1296 to 1436, the building has become a signature symbol of the Italian hub.

Shigeru Umebayashi’s “2046 Main Theme” plays, sounding distinctively classical with its use of strings, though composed for a film revolving around the literary genre of science fiction.

These meetings of the future and past create a middle ground, where references from history have a place in modernity. The dynamic is not only at play in the campaign, but in the clothing items themselves.

Draped fabrics, metallic shine and jewel tones, beloved in the Renaissance, are paired with fluffy jackets, bodycon fits and contemporary cuts.

The models who don the interconnected styles mingle in a space adorned with the world-renowned painting, gathering around a table topped with pairs of shoes. A photographer sits with his back to the camera, tinkering with his craft, while the rest of them range from singers to creative producers to traditional models.

As the artistic figures slowly congregate around the footwear, the space begins to feel like a workshop, a shared setup between Ferragamo and Renaissance creatives — it should also be noted that Salvatore Ferragamo was a shoemaker from 12 years old onward, which began his fashion career, adding another level of significance to the tabletop items.

With the gallery’s permission, the label also dedicates individual landing pages on its website to a few of the paintings in honor of New Renaissance.

Francesco Granacci’s Giuseppe condotto in prigione is one of them, Ferragamo tying the artwork and its story — which is hashed out on the same page for those who do not know about the narrative — and linking it to a responding outfit from the collection. Purity and nuptial themes grounding the telling of the tale, a long, white, draped dress is shown in front of the classical piece.

Another core painting of the historical era, Annunciazione by Paolo Veronese, is one of the individual works given a spotlight.

The Christian story of the Virgin Mary is told through a modern lens, complemented by a stormy gray trench coat and oversized handbag worn by a male model who poses in front of the canvas.

Giovanni Bellini’s Allegoria sacra is also platformed, which like the other paintings, revives practices from the Greek Golden Age with new perspectives. Ferragamo adds another layer to the series, applying a 21st-century voice to the telling and presentation.

Art at work

Many luxury maisons are turning to history’s creative minds and their projects in helping their modern products shine.

The Renaissance especially has proven to be a fruitful source of advertising for fashion brands, allowing Italian houses particularly to assert heritage and create space in a historically artistic country.

Some are pairing the era’s classical art with contemporary projects, revealing ways that ancient works can still interact with the field (see story), while others are doing similar things to Ferragamo, dropping entire collections that revolve around the treasured time in history.

This has been a specifically popular choice this year in 2023, as Beyoncé embarks on her Renaissance tour, partnering with luxury names to craft clothing and looks for the occasion.

French fashion label Balmain worked with the performer in March, codesigning a collection drawing on Renaissance traditions and the namesake tour’s album (see story). Plated tops, sun motifs and more ended up in the final cut of the array, which like Ferragamo, allowed centuries-old styles to still be a part of the conversation without sacrificing relevance.

This article originally appeared on LuxuryDaily.com.

Luxury Portfolio is pleased to bring you the latest trends and insider takes through our exclusive partnership with the go-to destination for luxury news. Subscribe today.

The post Ferragamo brings high art to luxury fashion for fall/winter 2023 appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

French lifestyle brand Lalique is teaming up with The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills to host a high-end experience involving wine flights and savory sweets.

An immersive crossover activation between the brand and hospitality leader brings together Lalique’s crystal craftsmanship, aged options from French winery Vignobles Silvio Denz and the culinary expertise of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills team. Accepting reservations through the end of October 2023, the limited-time program prominently features Lalique products, giving guests the opportunity to indulge in gourmet chocolates meticulously paired by the partners.

“We’re pleased to continue our work with the team at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and see this project come to fruition,” said James Mun, president and CEO of Lalique North America, in a statement.

“The partnership exemplifies Lalique’s extensive knowledge and experience within the hospitality space, and we’re excited to host admirers of the brand, old and new, to immerse themselves in the world of Lalique.”

International indulgence

Designed by interior stylist Lawren Howell and Los Angeles’ ISA ISA floral studio, The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has transformed its grounds to house the event

Inspired by the Bordeaux region of France, the space is adorned with Lalique’s pieces, including Cactus tables, Languedoc vases and Champs-Elysées bowls, embracing elegance against a backdrop of white oak flooring and chinoiserie motifs.

Stationed within the five-star hotel’s Lobby Lounge, the endeavor aims to provide an unmatched experience for the discerning clientele that seek a fusion of refined flavors and opulent surroundings.

A curated arrangement of glasses from the crystal label’s “100 Points Collection,” procured alongside world-renowned wine critic James Suckling, allows guests to appreciate the full profile and body of reds, whites and rosés.

Served in Lalique’s 100 Points universal glass, Maisons Roses de Lafaurie 2021 joins a strawberry chocolate ganache made with a roséwine jelly filling, while a duo of Château Péby-Faugères 2012 served in Lalique’s 100 Points Bordeaux glass is paired with a 66 percent dark chocolate and raspberry ganache made with a red wine jelly filling.

Lastly, visitors can sip on Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey 2012, made available in Lalique’s 100 Points Champagne glass and paired with a white chocolate ganache with a yuzu infusion to create a refreshing essence and a white wine jelly filling.

Culinary director Steve Benjamin and executive pastry chef Mathias Boirie, who helm the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills team, planned the pop-up in collaboration with the Vignobles Silvio Denz of Saint-Émilion, France — the private vineyard is owned by the Lalique Group.

At its core, the pairing-centric edition embodies a tried-and-true promotional tactic for the crystal pioneer, frequently and strategically engaging fans of top-tier lodgings to boost its product line (see story).

Lalique & Vignobles Silvio Denz Wine and Chocolate Tasting Room reservations can be made by email, at EspeletteBevHills@waldorfastoria.com, or by phone, at 310-860-4020.

“Our team is excited to unveil this stunning new space, paired with such a delectable tasting program,” said Mr. Benjamin, in a statement.

“Hotel guests and locals alike will enjoy French wines perfectly paired with sweet treats freshly prepared by our world-class pastry team,” he said. “There is a natural synergy as we continue building upon our longstanding partnership with Lalique, which can be seen in various places throughout the hotel including the main entrance door handles and crystal paneling in the Lobby Lounge Bar.”

This article originally appeared on LuxuryDaily.com.

Luxury Portfolio is pleased to bring you the latest trends and insider takes through our exclusive partnership with the go-to destination for luxury news. Subscribe today.

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Breathtaking Trophy Estate on South Jupiter Island

Jupiter, Florida, United States
$49,500,000
Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc.
LuxuryPortfolio.com web ID: HVAG

Georgian Stone Home on 152 Acres

Greenville, Delaware, United States
$18,000,000
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate
LuxuryPortfolio.com web ID: KMEQ

The Oaks – A Magnificent Estate Home on 17 Acres

Indian Hill, Ohio, United States
$7,900,000
Sibcy Cline Realtors
LuxuryPortfolio.com web ID: YXBF

Spectacular New Gated Estate in the Heart of Brentwood

Brentwood, Tennessee, United States
$6,599,000
Parks Realty
LuxuryPortfolio.com web ID: LZDK

The post LuxeSelect August 2023: Curated homes starting at $3 million appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

For the 12th consecutive year, Luxury Portfolio International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World have partnered with HGTV to put on the contest. Over 1.2 million consumers cast their votes in eight different categories, choosing a beach property in Sarasota, Florida, as the overall winner.

“We are honored and excited that this remarkable property overlooking scenic Point of Rocks captured the attention of so many HGTV House Hunt voters,” said Michael Saunders, founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company, the firm listing the winning property, in a statement.

“This stunning seaside sanctuary with private access to Point of Rocks provides an oasis for collecting shells, viewing marine life, snorkeling, paddle-boarding and kayaking.”

The winners

The Sarasota retreat, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, also won in the “Beachfront Homes” category.

Another Sarasota listing from Michael Saunders & Company came out on top of the “Waterfront Homes” list.

An 1830s mansion in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, listed by Latter & Blum, was chosen as the best “Downtown Dwelling.”

A contemporary home in nearby Lafayette, Louisiana, also listed by Latter & Blum, won the “Outdoor Escapes” category.

A Tudor-style mansion in Newtown, Connecticut, listed by William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, was voted to have the best “Curb Appeal.”

Stonewall Farm, a sprawling estate in Granite Springs, New York, also listed by William Raveis, beat out the competition for “Countryside Retreats.”

The award for “Amazing Kitchen” went to a Denton, Texas, home listed by Ebby Halliday Realtors.

And another Louisiana firm, Rêve Realtors, had the New Orleans listing that won the “Homes With a History” category.

The post HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2023 winners announced appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Egypt has always fascinated adventurous travelers looking to peer into the country’s ancient history, and a cruise down the Nile River is one of the best ways to step back to the time of the pharaohs.

Steamer ships have long ferried curious passengers along the river, stopping to take in the most amazing historic sights of Egypt, such as one of the originals, the 100-year-old Steam Ship Sudan.

“A cruise on board the Steam Ship Sudan is a journey back in time,” said Anne Dumesnil, director, North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, for Voyageurs du Monde, the travel company that bought and restored the ship in 2000.

“The Steam Ship Sudan takes its passengers to explore Upper Egypt – the trip down between Luxor and Aswan offers both views of pharaonic sites and wild shores,” she said.

Time travel

Considered one of the longest-lasting civilizations in known history, the Egyptian empire began around 3100 B.C.E. and held on until being finally conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.E. to become part of Macedonia.

Known for its god-like pharaohs, mind-blowing construction of stone pyramids and temples, carved sculptures, treasure- and mummy-filed tombs and hieroglyphs, signs of the ancient desert civilization can be seen all over present-day Egypt, especially along the Nile River.

The lifeblood of the region, the Nile is over 4,100 miles long, its two branches flowing north through Sudan and Ethiopia, entering Egypt before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea near Cairo. 

In the late-19^th century C.E., tourists began flocking to Egypt to see the ancient sites along the river on steamer ships such as the Steam Ship Sudan.

Part of British travel empresario Thomas Cook’s Nile fleet, the SS Sudan made its maiden voyage in 1921, just in time for the “golden age” of the Nile River cruise in the ‘20s and ‘30s.

Famed British author Agatha Christie took a ride on the SS Sudan in the ‘30s, even setting her acclaimed murder mystery, Death on the Nile, on a steamer.

The ship was purchased by Voyageurs du Monde at the turn of the following century and carefully restored for new generations to hop aboard.

Luxor to luxe

In the 21^st century, a six-day cruise aboard the SS Sudan passes by numerous historical highlights along with views of modern-day life in Egypt.

“From the upper deck, guests can see the suspended life on the banks: trotting donkeys, children playing in the water, fellahs working the fertile lands,” Ms. Dumesnil said.

“And modern life also: cities, minarets and churches; on the Nile: the ballet of feluccas (traditional sailboats) loaded not only with passengers, but also chicken, sheep or bags of wheat,” she said.

While adventurers can see plenty of ancient sites on board, the ship docks for numerous trips on land to see thousands of years of history.

In Luxor, the Karnak Temple Complex (2000-1700 B.C.E.) and the Temple of Luxor (1400 B.C.E.), as well as the Temple of Seti I in nearby Abydos, are must-sees.

Just outside of Luxor, travelers will explore the Valley of the Pharaohs, where Egypt’s rulers were buried between 1150 and 1069 B.C.E., and the Valley of the Queens, where their wives’ tombs are found.

Further along the Nile are the Temple of Edfu (237 B.C.E.) in Edfu, and the Temple of Philae (690 B.C.E.) in Aswan, where the land of Nubia once began.

While on the SS Sudan, guests will enjoy a luxurious atmosphere in the rooms and suites, elegant restaurant and lounge. Décor includes Egyptian fabrics and crafts side-by-side throwback early-20^th-century furniture and wood paneling.

“Afloat, the Steam Ship Sudan takes over the splendor – lacquered wall paneling, brassware, thick fabrics and oriental carpets adding to the luxury of the slow pace of the landscape drifting past,” Ms. Dumesnil said.

For more about travel in Egypt, read High Road to Cairo in the March 2023 issue of Luxury Portfolio magazine.

The post See the ancient sites of Egypt aboard a historic Nile steamer appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

A new series of striking stone mantels has been chiseled from a collaboration between design innovator Holly Hunt, founder of Chicago-based interior design studio House of Hunt, and celebrated stone purveyor Marmi.

Ms. Hunt worked collaboratively with the Marmi team to create the customizable fireplace surrounds, Editions No. 1, Mantels, selecting the company’s most interesting stones and employing her talent for combining the classic and modern.

“We wanted to offer something new in the hearth space,” Ms. Hunt said. “We envision this collection in homes where a fireplace can be a focal point in the space.”

Life’s work

Ms. Hunt is well-versed in product design, having opened her first eponymous home furnishings showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart in 1983, forever changing the way furniture and other items were displayed – in a gallery setting with a wide mix of design styles and artisans.

Over the decades, Ms. Hunt began designing her own furniture, lighting and textiles while expanding HOLLY HUNT showrooms internationally before selling the company to Knoll in 2014.

“I wasn’t sure what the next chapter of my career would look like exactly, though I knew it would continue to be in the creative arena,” Ms. Hunt said. “I found my passion and life’s work in the design world, so it’s difficult for me to imagine doing anything outside of this industry.”

Starting House of Hunt in 2020 was a “natural evolution” for the design veteran, applying her experience to create sophisticated, luxurious interiors.

“The House of Hunt philosophy combines a passion for design and artistry, an understanding of composition and construction, and an obsession with refinement and detail,” Ms. Hunt said.

“Our goal is to create a sense of modern living that is relevant and timeless, where shape, materials, precision and scale take center stage.”

Ms. Hunt found a kindred spirit in Marmi president Magd Riad, who she met in 2009. The two became friends and collaborators, with Marmi supplying stone for various HOLLY HUNT projects.

It was only natural that the two would eventually work on a joint project that is a modern take on classic stones.

On fire

Marmi has a design showroom in Atlanta, Georgia, though its parent company, Marmonil, was founded over 50 years ago in Cairo, Egypt.

Harvesting impeccable natural stone slabs from widespread quarries and utilizing master craftsmen, Marmi’s marble, granite and limestone is found in prestigious architecture and design projects all over the world.

Its own Editions collections, which will be crafted with a variety of partners, will put the focus on design that showcases the beautiful features of its stone, which the inaugural Editions No. 1, Mantels with Ms. Hunt captures perfectly.

“Our goal was to extract the most stunning design elements from a solid block of stone in order to create boldly shaped, finely detailed mantels that could serve as the focal point in one’s home,” Ms. Hunt said.

“Together, we worked with my former colleague and architect, Neil Zuleta, and top Italian artisans to produce a collection of 12 customizable, made-to-order designs engineered from specially selected and precisely cut blocks of stone with bronzed metal accents,” she said.

The stones selected for the collection were chosen not only for being beautiful, but for having interesting colors and patterns and being less-frequently used. They also had to have the right mass and strength for the designs and pair well with metals.

The resulting cut and carved mantels can be customized by clients with a variety of stone and metal options, each piece one-of-a-kind.

“The hearths not only serve as distinctive centerpieces within a space, but also as sculptural art,” Ms. Hunt said.

“It was perfectly in my design aesthetic, in that House of Hunt is all about classic proportions and modern, yet timeless, design,” she said of the collaboration with Marmi.

And Ms. Hunt is not likely to stop creating new pieces any time soon.

“Product design will always be a part of my DNA, and that will continue with House of Hunt,” she said.  

The post Marmi x House of Hunt equals design-forward mantel masterpieces appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Luxury buyers are choosing to relocate to the western desert state in droves to take advantage of its weather, nature and multitude of activities – all of which have made it a favorite vacation destination for decades.

“Luxury buyers who once used their time for R&R in Arizona have begun to turn their focus toward full-time residency,” said Denise Pruitt, Realtor with Scottsdale, Arizona-based Arizona Best Real Estate.

Rising temps

Arizona is certainly becoming a real estate hot spot.

Phoenix, Arizona, became the fifth-largest city in the U.S. in 2021 with a population of over 1.6 million, growing faster than any other major city throughout the decade previous, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Also in 2021, five of the top 15 fastest-growing cities in the country were in the state, per the census. In 2022, two – Queen Creek and Maricopa, both near Phoenix to the south and west – remained on the list.

For luxury homebuyers, Phoenix and the nearby Scottsdale and Paradise Valley to the city’s northeast are major hubs, according to Ms. Pruitt, thanks to easy access to the area’s many amenities, especially now that many can work from anywhere.

“Working remotely, for many, has led some to seek destinations like Scottsdale that boast 330-plus sunny days a year, a mild winter climate, breathtaking views, robust dining, retail and cultural resources, hiking, biking, world class golf and other outdoor activities nearby,” Ms. Pruitt said.

Signature high-end events to be enjoyed in the area include the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction, Waste Management Phoenix Open, Arabian Horse Show and, of course, spring training for Major League Baseball.

The weather is another major draw for the Grand Canyon State, in which one can experience the four climate zones that exist between Mexico and Canada in one day from a base in the Phoenix area.

“Try this one on next winter,” Ms. Pruitt said. “You start up in Flagstaff to do a few ski runs at Snow Bowl in the morning, hop back in the car and play a round of golf in Sedona, followed by a wetsuit water-ski run at Lake Pleasant, all in one day as you make the quick two-hour drive between Flagstaff and Phoenix. 

“Many long-time locals like to brag about that one if they’ve ever actually done it,” she said.

Desert dwellings

Maricopa County, Arizona, which includes the Phoenix area, also had the second-highest numeric gains in housing stock from 2021 to 2022, according to the census, sandwiched by two counties in Texas.

This boom in construction is unsurprising given the population growth in the area, and luxury buyers are creating their dream desert homes.

“Privacy, security, open space and a connection with nature remain paramount priorities for many luxury homebuyers who choose to build in Arizona,” Ms. Pruitt said.

Sleek, modern architecture is still popular, although Ms. Pruitt noted a return to rooms and separated spaces as many now work either exclusively or partly from home.

The latest home advancements are also important to include when starting from scratch.

“What is behind the walls is important to the discerning homeowner, who chooses to build to ensure that the latest technologies and ecological elements are woven into the fabric, even when it cannot be seen,” Ms. Pruitt said.

No matter if a home is a new build or not, taking advantage of the weather and outdoors is a must.

“Indoor/outdoor spaces that blend together seamlessly expand opportunities for entertaining and enjoying the Arizona climate, sunsets, local flora, fauna and more,” Ms. Pruitt said.

It is not hard to see why the state is attracting more and more luxury buyers, no matter where they may be flocking from.

“It’s very easy to blend in here, with its relaxed lifestyle surrounded by robust and quality amenities,” Ms. Pruitt said.

The post Arizona a beacon for luxury buyers looking for prime weather and relaxation appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Waterfront Jewel on Siesta Key

Sarasota, Florida, United States
$9,980,000
Michael Saunders & Company
LuxuryPortfolio.com Web ID: BTDX

Gated Royal Palm Deepwater Estate

Boca Raton, Florida, United States
$28,945,000
Premier Estate Properties, Inc.
LuxuryPortfolio.com Web ID: KWBF

Architectural Masterpiece in Cashiers

Cashiers, North Carolina, United States
$9,895,000
Silver Creek Real Estate Group
LuxuryPortfolio.com Web ID: CNLM

Exceptional Storybook Cottage in Northeast Portland

Portland, Oregon, United States
$4,000,000
Windermere Real Estate
LuxuryPortfolio.com Web ID: DZIR

The post LuxeSelect July 2023: Curated homes starting at $3 million appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Luxury Portfolio International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World are partnering with the real estate and home improvement television channel for the twelfth consecutive year to bring the fun contest to consumers.

Homes from across the United States will be chosen in eight different categories: “Homes with a History,” “Curb Appeal,” “Amazing Kitchens,” “Countryside retreats,” “Downtown Dwellings,” “Waterside Homes,” “Outdoor Escapes” and “Beachfront Homes.”

Although global properties are not eligible for the contest, there is also a gallery of beautiful properties from all over the world that voters can peruse.

Voting for the Ultimate House Hunt began on June 27 and goes through August 3, after which the winners in each category will be announced.

Cast your vote here, and afterwards make sure to enter the sweepstakes to win $10,000.

The post Vote now: HGTV’s Ultimate House Hunt 2023 appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.