The residence is located at 17 Upper Phillimore Gardens in central London’s exclusive Kensington, an affluent and metropolitan area. It is near the well-known museum district of South Kensington.

The former girls’ preparatory school might have the heftiest of price tags, but it comes with some sweet perks. The house has 10 bedrooms, an underground swimming pool, sauna, gym, screening room, and secure “panic room.”

Its breathtaking interior features marble pillars, hardwood floors, brass and gold accents, vintage furnishings, and priceless pieces of art.

AIDS philanthropist and daughter of a former Ukrainian president (as well as close friend to Elton John) Olena Pinchuk bought the property is 2008, as the recession began to take hold of the U.K. She paid (a mere) $127 million at the time.

In (close) second place on Yahoo! Finance’s “World’s Most Expensive” list is the home of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton: Buckingham Palace. The famed, 300-year-old townhouse is allegedly worth $1.55 billion. It has an astounding number of rooms (755 to be exact) and houses the royal family, its various staff, and members of the British monarch.

Photos and details courtesy of Yahoo! Finance, CompareCamp.com, and My Fancy House

The post This $1.58 Billion London Villa is the World’s Most Expensive Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Mediterranean-style compound developed by Mohamed Hadid is called Palazzo di Amore (“Palace of Love”), a breathtaking villa nestled on 25 acres, possessing (practically) every architectural and design luxury known to humankind.

The most stand-out feature of this marvelous property for sale is “the combination of amenities,” said Joyce Rey in an interview with Haute Residence. She and Stacey Gottula are the listing agents.

“I have seen many of these [amenities] in other homes, but not all of them in one place,” she said. “It really is impressive.”

Besides the property’s triple-digit price tag, other jaw-dropping features are a private waterfall; gorgeous, twin-curving staircases; spacious-beyond-belief dining and living rooms that open onto the grounds; a chef’s kitchen with a commercial walk-in refrigerator; and views of the iconic Los Angeles canyons, city lights, and ocean. Outdoor recreational facilities include a swimming pool, spa, outdoor barbecue area, and tennis court.

The six-building house can accommodate a high volume of guests, as it provides garage parking for 27 cars and has parking for up to 150 cars on-site.

The newest addition to the estate is a 15,000-square-foot entertainment complex that includes pristine pools lined with majestic, 70-year-old olive trees; a discotheque/ballroom with a state-of-the-art laser light system and revolving dance floor; a bowling alley; and a 50-seat theater with a dressing room for live stage shows (in addition to movie screenings).

The home’s stunning architecture is credited to Bob Ray Offenhauser, and Alberto Pinto is responsible for the outstanding design features, which incorporate rich textures, fabrics, and tiles, as well as exotic furnishings.

Palazzo di Amore’s main residence is over 35,000 square feet; there are 12 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms, and the master suite, alone, is 5,000 square feet. The home is well protected, having three sets of double gates, and a “security guard house.”

The home’s current owner is real estate entrepreneur Jeff Greene, who bought the property in 2007 and has invested tens of millions to complete and expand it. He also had his wedding there, according to Joyce Rey.

Joyce Rey and Stacey Gottula are no strangers to the real estate industry. The ladies set the national sales record in 2010 when they sold Le Belvedere, another Mohamed Hadid estate, in Bel Air for $72 million.

Ms. Rey is also known for making the “highest sale ever” recorded in 1978, when she sold the former Sonny and Cher estate for $4.2 million (an astounding price at the time).

“It shows you the tremendous advantage of investing in residential real estate in the United States,” she said.

Up until Palazzo di Amore hit the market, another one of the country’s most expensive homes was located in Hillsboro Beach, Florida. Both estates are currently listed with Coldwell Banker.

Photos and details courtesy of Coldwell Banker Previews International

The post America’s Most Expensive Homes for Sale Lists at $195 Million appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Designed by architecture firm SAOTA, the building includes a wide range of elements that help integrate the structure into a steep slope, and are instrumental to its southern-facing orientation. These include (but are not limited to) the home’s single-pane roof (sloping in the direction of the topography), large glass walls, and expansive outdoor deck.

Interestingly, the roof is tilted in a way that allows for direct sunlight, and its composition responds to solar analysis. Temperatures are carefully regulated inside the home through the use of a combination of architectural and scientific techniques, such as high-performance glass purposefully installed to minimize heat gain.

Cove 3’s vast openings to the south and east, coupled with incredibly spacious living quarters, create the sensation that one is physically “sitting in the landscape,” as opposed to feeling enclosed in a room while peering out.

The residence is (approximately) 10,818 square feet and features a neutral palette of ivory, stone, and shell, which beautifully complement the natural-looking architecture. This is especially observed from the master bedroom. Another fascinating touch is frameless glass sliding doors that can fold away and connect the bedroom to an upper-level patio (providing quite the ocean view).

The infinity-edge pool is especially mesmerizing, as it visually blends (especially from the angle shown below, left) with the ocean that is only a bit further away. A wide-set staircase (below, right) connects the main and upper levels.

Additionally passing through the residence’s three levels is a stunning, sculptural spiral staircase.

SAOTA designed Cove 3 in conjunction with its interior design studio Antoni Associates, a Cape Town-based firm. To emphasize the home’s “strong architectural lines,” the team took a minimalistic approach when it came to adding furnishings, according to a recent Design Boom report.

Photos and details courtesy of Design Boom

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#1: Crème de la Crème

Drenched in creamy beige tones, and outfitted in luxe, modern furnishings, is an apartment owned by Related Companies CEO Jeff Blau.

The sumptuous three-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom co-op located at 1040 Fifth Avenue (a Rosario Candela-designed building) is currently available with a new, lower price tag of $34.5 million. The apartment originally listed for $43 million back in January, and was brought down to $38 million before being taken off the market in June. The re-listed space has a light, airy feel, and features extraordinary Central Park views, a media room and staff quarters, wood-burning fireplace, and terrace off the master bedroom.

#2: Deluxe Duplex

Another swanky suite making a second appearance on the market is an apartment spanning two floors of the Carhart Mansion on East 95th Street.

The impressive, 10,350 square-foot space has a whopping 17 rooms, including seven bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms, a library, family room, study, and exercise room. Listed at $34.9 million, this grand duplex is coated top-to-bottom with intricate, ornate details (wood carved panels, marble floors, crown molding), and additionally features 20-foot-high ceilings and three French doors.

#3: Tremendous Townhouse

Nestled in the center of Lenox Hill, on East 64th Street, is a newly-renovated, five-story townhouse for sale at $10.9 million that is certainly not short on luxury features.

Eleven-foot ceilings, a grand staircase, and large terrace overlooking a landscaped garden are only a few of this property’s fabulous facets. Additionally, there is an oak-paneled library, a master bath (spanning the width of the townhouse), and several wood-burning fireplaces with carved marble mantels.

#4: Simply Harmonious

Warner Music Group COO Robert S. Wiesenthal is currently asking for $10.5 million for his lavish East 63rd Street, five-story townhouse.

Similar to the previous property, this six bedroom, seven bathroom home has also been entirely renovated. It has a state-of-the-art kitchen, two wood-burning fireplaces and terraces, new roofing, and updated electrical and air conditioning/heating systems. The detailed and sharp-looking interior features a primarily neutral base, with pops of color throughout (such as in the carpeting).

#5: Pleasant Penthouse

For a slightly more modest price, there is a penthouse with an interesting history available at 160 East 72nd Street for $7.25 million.

Quite possibly one of its main (of many) intriguing facets is the fact this triplex penthouse used to be a squash–tennis court. It is equipped with 14-foot ceilings, light-filled rooms, an expansive terrace, multiple wood-burning fireplaces, and a solarium.

Photos and details courtesy of Wall Street Journal, Curbed, Douglas Elliman, and Sotheby’s

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The answer can be found in Manhattan’s famed Pierre Hotel, where the 39th floor is currently available for lease at a whopping $500,000 per month.

The 39th floor includes the hotel's prized, two-bedroom Presidential Suite, which can be booked as a regular hotel suite for $20,000 a night, or (for extended stays) $400,000 per month. However, when combined with the floor’s adjacent rooms—as indicated on the listing—it becomes a palatial 4,786-square-foot mega-suite with six bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms.

The elegant, fully-furnished suites possess a wide range of luxury elements. The living, dining, and sitting rooms are complete with custom furniture, couture fabrics, and Murano glass chandeliers. Other features include high ceilings, en-suite marble baths (resembling spas), and curated artwork.

An ideal Upper East Side location, facing Central Park, provides the lucky inhabitant(s) with spectacular, panoramic city views.

Additionally included in the eye-popping price tag are the premier amenities provided by the Pierre Hotel, such as a private elevator landing, butler service, twice-daily housekeeping, and a chauffeur-driven Jaguar.

This is the first time the Presidential Suite has been offered for extended stays, according to the hotel. As part of the newly-launched Pierre Hotel Residences program, the grouping of suites that comprise the 39th floor can now be rented altogether, or separately, on a month-to-month basis.

The Pierre Hotel initially opened for business in 1930, and was designed by New York architecture firm Schultze & Weaver. It is located at 2 East 61st Street, at the intersection of Fifth Avenue.

Photos and details courtesy of The Wall Street Journal, Curbed, and Town Real Estate

The post This Luxurious Pierre Hotel Suite is NYC’s Priciest Rental appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

#1: Rotating Splendor

Two, gigantic rotating mirrors installed inside the Victoria and Albert Museum have collectively been described as an “experience,” as opposed to actual objects.

The impressive structure—built for the 2014 London Design Festival by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby—reflects paintings in the museum’s Raphael Gallery. The two, enormous panels resemble the appearance of airplane wings, and are suspended just below the vaulted ceiling. Each of the two structures moves independently from one another, and pivots around a central, horizontal beam. The mechanism turning them is hidden from view.

#2: Creative Viewpoint

Two architecture students creatively used mirrors in their design of this “lookout point” in a Scottish national park.

During their final year at Glasgow’s Strathclyde University, Angus Ritchie and Daniel Tyler built what appears to be a mirrored cabin called The Lookout, which perfectly blends in with its picturesque surroundings. The wood-framed structure has built-in benches placed at different elevations, aimed at framing different views in the landscape.

#3: Funhouse

Just a few added mirrors transformed this regular house into a fun, playground pavilion for young students.

Danish architects MLRP designed the Mirror House as part of Copenhagen’s Interactive Playground Project. Mirrors were affixed to the gabled ends and doors of the structure, similar to that of a funhouse, allowing children to view their amusing reflections at recess. The building serves as a flexible space and restroom for kindergarten classes.

#4: The “Reflective” Slide

No need for stairs at this Tokyo office. Employees use a slide to return to their workspace.

The slide is hidden behind a mirror-covered wall designed by Japanese studio Schemata Architecture Office, which also helps to elongate the space. The slide's entrance shoot can be accessed by climbing up a ladder to a partial second level, used as a storage area and restroom. The office additionally features a dome-shaped reflective lamp (seen above in the mirrored wall), which hangs over a meeting area and is over 11 feet in diameter.

#5: Breathe Easy

This structure called Breath Box has 300 mirrored “flaps” that are lifted up and down by the breeze.

Montpellier studio NAS Architecture designed the pavilion in La Grande Motte, France for the Festival des Architecture Vives, a French design competition that takes places every summer. Designers Hadrien Balalud de Saint Jean, Guillaume Giraud, and Johan Laure sought to create a structure that both reflects the scenic location, and works well with the coastal wind. The final product features a billowing façade that gently moves with the seaside gusts.

Photos and details courtesy of Dezeen

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After five years of construction, his earth-friendly condominium concept called Bosco Verticale (which means “vertical forest”) has officially opened its doors in the city’s up-and-coming Porta Nuova district.

Two visually striking and landscaped towers comprise Bosco Verticale, with one standing at 112 meters (over 365 feet), and the other reaching 80 meters (about 260 feet). Together, they house a combined 113 apartments—all of which offer extensive city views.

The hallmark of Bosco Verticale is, of course, the vegetation integrated into its buildings, which includes a total of 780 planted trees, and a number of shrubs and plants, spanning 1,000 different species.

Each apartment has its own private garden that protects the interior living quarters, as the leaves filter sunlight and help reduce noise and air pollution.

Boeri told Design Boom he sought to increase the site’s biodiversity and bring a more “natural sphere” to an area devoid of much greenery. He and fellow designers Gianandrea Barreca and Giovanni La Varra met with horticulturalists and botanists to devise and execute a plan that would bring this idea to life.

However, there is no need for “all hands on deck” to maintain the extensive flora. The lush greenery residing on each of the staggered, concrete balconies is watered through a self-replenishing irrigation process, as greywater (or wastewater) is recycled on-site.

Photovoltaic panels located at roof level convert sunlight to electricity, further contributing to the skyscrapers’ self-sufficiency.

Boeri told reporters that Bosco Verticale is an architectural and botanical experiment, and that he intends to closely monitor its continuing impact on the surrounding environment.

Photos and details courtesy of Design Boom and Dezeen

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Owned by actor and Oscar-winning director Mel Gibson, the picturesque property is currently on the market for $29.8 million. It includes three spacious villas enveloped by 500 acres of lush, privately-owned jungle, and serves as a supremely luxurious and secluded tropical retreat.

The 9,193-square-foot Spanish Colonial-style complex built in 2002 is only a short walk away from sumptuous, white-sand beaches.

Playa Barrigona boasts many architectural features, including vaulted ceilings, intricately-carved Costa Rican wood (native to the area), Spanish and Italian tiles, beguiling arches, and ochre paint.

Casa Guanacaste—the largest of the three separate villas that comprise the estate—claims seven of the 11 total bedrooms, and eight of the 14 bathrooms.

Meanwhile Casa Barrigona has a poolside cottage, while Casa Dorada touts a loft with additional living space.

Picture-perfect mountain and ocean views, a swimming pool, and a 3,173-square-foot open-air dining hall are only a few of this compound’s many sensational benefits. In addition, a traditional Indonesian hut shipped from Bali (and re-assembled on-site) is located on the premises (shown below). For those traveling to this remote sanctuary by air, there is also a grass helipad.

Playa Barrigona offers extreme solitude and serenity to its occupants, which happens to be this particular escape’s two main selling points (in addition to its overall beauty).

The Lethal Weapon star purchased the property in 2007 for $25.8 million, according to a recent Vanity Fair report. It was originally listed in 2010 for $35 million.

Photos and details courtesy of Architectural Digest, Christie’s International Real Estate, Vanity Fair, and Curbed

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Needless to say, his Hell’s Kitchen digs are flooded with pops of color, wild patterns, and (of course) his iconic designs.

Rashid and his wife Ivana looked at 63 different residences before choosing the two-story Hell's Kitchen townhouse with ample outdoor space, set into a building designed by Smith-Miller + Hawkinson. His three pre-requisites, according to New York Design Hunting, were: high ceilings, daylight, and a different level for his child to sleep on.

Cosmetic changes were made to the 2,800-square-foot apartment to better accommodate Rashid’s unique taste. This included the installation of a shimmering, green-mirrored backsplash in the kitchen, and white wood floors.

The bright, sometimes neon, shades of the upholstery, carpets, various appliances, decorative sculptures, and paintings greatly stand out against the primarily white-washed walls and floors.

His daughter Kiva’s nursery contains funky furnishings, such as “The Floob lamp,” which is Rashid’s design for Foscarini; a hot pink rocking chair by Bailey Rocker; and a curvy crib (aptly named “The Tulip crib”) by Leander.

His meticulously-organized closet proudly displays his signature style (cue the color-coded hanging shirts and a perfectly-placed array of sunglasses).

Much of the décor in the apartment, including the wallpaper in the guest bedroom (below), bears Rashid’s own designs for various companies.

Being surrounded by his own work provides Rashid with a comfort zone that continually inspires him, reports New York Design Hunting.

“Living with all my stuff gets me into my own world,” the designer said. “I can find the soul of my work.”

Photos and details courtesy of Curbed, New York Design Hunting, and Living

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The following five completed structures are some of the most outstanding winners from this year’s festival.

#1: Best House

The festival awarded House for Trees in Vietnam as the world’s “Best House.”

Vo Trong Nghia Architects was inspired by the startling amount of greenery covering Ho Chi Minh City (only 0.25 percent) and designed these simple, yet exquisite structures as a nod to the area’s roots as a tropical forest. Interestingly, the houses dually function as both residences and “pots” for rooftop trees.

#2: Best Housing

Taking top honors in the “Best Housing” category was The Carve by Norwegian firm A-Lab.

The intriguing façade appears “carved-out” of the building’s superbly-angled structure—a design feature that allows for optimal light. The building is one of seven comprising the city of Oslo’s waterfront “Barcode Project,” which guarantees regulated green areas. It is also part the soon-to-be “Opera Quarter” within the city’s up-and-coming Central Business District.

#3: Best Villa

Dune House by Fearon Hay received the highest accolades in the “Best Villa” category.

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, about an hour outside of Auckland, Dune House features a sophisticated, yet non-intrusive design that blends in well within its surroundings: a natural dune zone along a popular, white sand beach. It currently serves as a private home.

#4: Best New and Old

The best transformation from past to present went to Chinese architecture studio Neri&Hu for the firm's design of Rethinking the Split House.

Its renovation of a dilapidated 1930s townhouse in Shanghai scored them top honors in the “Best New and Old” category. What was once a single-family house is now a split-level series of three different luxury apartments. The most awe-inspiring feature of the rehabilitated structure is the rear wall of the three-story building, which was sliced away and replaced with glass.

#5: Best Hotel and Leisure

Son La Restaurant by Vo Trong Nghia was named world’s “Best Hotel.”

When it comes to eco-friendly designs, Vietnam appears to be paving the way, especially with this not-so-typical restaurant. The entire project maximized use of local resources, including workers and materials such as bamboo and stonework. It is built to withstand monsoons and the hot, humid temperatures that are typical of the area.

Photos and details courtesy of Huffington Post and Dezeen

The post Spotlight on 5 Winners from the 2014 World Architecture Festival appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

#1: S-house

Visually stimulating and structurally bewildering defines the layered S-house, built by Yuusuke Karasawa Architects in Saitama, Japan.

The home is an architectural metaphor for the concurrent “diversity and order” in our time spent using the Internet. Perhaps the building’s most mind-boggling facet is, according to the specifications, the fact that there are only two floors. The home is comprised of a complex system of diagonal surfaces that clash into one another, creating offset platforms (access to additional space) and a specialized path of circulation.

Glass panes ensconcing the entire building allow for plenty of natural light to practically fill every inch of the home (minus the rooms set aside for “private functions,” as reports have stated).

#2: Kezmarska Hut

This one may take a couple extra blinks to fully process. The Kezmarska Hut by Atelier 8000 takes on the appearance of a object that has just fallen out of the sky.

Kezmarska Hut is the result of an international contest to design a lodge located in the high Tatra Mountains of Slovakia. Although visually disorienting, this imaginative building functions as a sustainable dwelling and resting place to accommodate adventurers year-round. The highest point of the tilted cube beautifully intermingles with the nearby mountain peaks. The façade consists of reflective squares made from aluminum, glass, and photovoltaic panels, forming crisp lines. Alternatively, the interior features wood finishes and furnishings.

#3: Scape House

Built on a hillside in Shiga, Japan is a vertical wonder called Scape House.

FORM | Kouichi Kimura Architects is responsible for this interesting, angular abode. The client requested an open interior space with optimal views of a nearby scenic lake, all while keeping the neighbors’ eyes out of the home. The seemingly conflicted plea resulted in a spacious and light-filled abode. Strategically-placed windows and a dynamic layout configuration provide adequate space and maintain privacy.

#4: Villa Moerkensheide

A house dubbed Villa Moerkensheide in Belgium is a “triple threat” with its outstanding architecture, interior design, and landscaping.

Designed by Belgian architect Dieter De Vos, the residence also happens to have a three-pronged structure. The two-story brick dwelling created as a “trio of cubes” is conjoined in the middle by a triangular space, with a spiral staircase (resembling a spine) at the center. Features include sweeping, arched windows and three different gardens, framed by the house at different points in the perimeter—designed to catch the light at different times each day.

#5: Chimes

The concave sides of this home called Chimes, designed for a pianist in England, appear “scooped-out.” (Perhaps by the world’s largest spoon?)

The client’s main request to the designers at David Sheppard Architects was adequate space for her two pianos. The large, curving exterior walls were built to capture the sunlight at different angles, which also happens to improve the acoustics inside the home.

Photos and details courtesy of designboom, ArchDaily, and Dezeen

The post 5 Odd and Unique Homes from Around the World appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

#1: Wooden

The chaotic composition of Peter Glassford’s sculptural wall installation makes for an invigorating addition to any interior.

Create an eye-catching feature wall with these large wooden tiles, which are available in four different finishes and can be custom-crafted to specific dimensions. Glassford assembles random-shaped pieces from discarded furniture to create a unique and mesmerizing collage. Pricing for Glassford’s wall covering is available upon request: 212.679.0312.

#2: Patterned

Interlam’s designs draw inspiration from the environment, infusing motion into their exquisite panels.

The company's Art Diffusion line is comprised of wavy and fluid textures, dramatic shapes, and carved patterns, offering a sensational alternative to traditional flat wall panels. Interlam offers over 150 patterns to choose from. Click here to receive a quote.

#3: Cast Rock

ModularArts offers panels made entirely of mineral, making them durable, safe, and healthy for the entire family.

The extravagant, dimensional panels interlock, creating a continuous panel-to-panel alignment. They contain no plastic and are free of VOC’s and urea-formaldehyde. To obtain a quote or place an order, e-mail info@modulararts.com or call 206.788.4210.

#4: Intricate

Radlab is a Massachusetts-based design firm that creates one-of-a-kind wall features for a wide variety of clients.

Pictured above is a Radlab creation completed this year for Gradient Corp., a company specializing in the sciences. The “Gradient Wall” embodies the complexities of the firm's work, and is currently installed in its Cambridge lobby in Massachusetts. Each of the 221 unique “cells” that make up this wall was constructed based on an algorithm; the end result is astounding. Request a quote by contacting Radlab through its website.

#5: Metallic

Giles Miller Studio’s brilliant ceramic wall design resembles a gilded honeycomb.

The “Alexander” wall unit’s shimmering metallic finish will draw the attention of all. The identical pixel-shaped pieces are hand-assembled at different angles, allowing light to “dance” across its delightful façade. Prices start at approximately $2,007 per square-meter.

Photos and details courtesy of Peter Glassford, Bespoke Global, Interlam, modularArts, and RADLAB

The post Create a Whole New Dimension With These Five 3D Wall Panels appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron is behind the building’s strikingly elegant exterior design, and Parisian design team PYR—led by Pierre Yves-Rochon—is responsible for its luxe interior. Defortuna has reportedly used PYR in his very own home in Key Biscayne.

Landscape artist Raymond Jungles was hired to create a supreme outdoor experience for Jade Signature residents.

Based on released photos, renderings, and videos, this unique, harmonizing blend of designers appears to have unlocked the key to oceanfront bliss—engaging all senses and truly “blurring the lines” between the beauty of nature and physical structure.

The building itself is geometrically bewildering, as it possesses a thunderous parallelogram shape, rising 57 stories high. There are a total of 192 condominium units, each bearing its own 25-foot terrace and breathtaking oceanfront view.

Units range from one-bedroom and two-baths, to five-bedroom residences. The 56th floor and portions of the 57th are part of an ultra-luxe, 11,661 square-foot penthouse suite, currently available for $29 million.

Additional features of this new development include two swimming pools, three entire floors of luxurious amenities (such as a spa and fitness center), beachfront bar and grill, and secluded cabanas.

There are also three separate, aesthetic gardens with hammocks. Jade Signature’s landscape designer reportedly used a different blend of vegetation for each one.

Photos and details courtesy of Jade Signature and Curbed

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Designers Marko Macura and Ingeborg van Uden, the firm’s founders, are the creative minds behind this new ensemble of simple, yet exquisitely-shaped items.

The collection is made from a wide variety of materials, including marble, porcelain, steel, wood, and cork, and features clean lines that form a sleek and chic appearance.

From wooden coat hooks and marble tablet stands, to oversized cork bottle stoppers, the collection is comprised of many different objects that are not only visually appealing, but also suitable for everyday use.

Studio Macura gives a new definition to the words “watering can” with their stunning porcelain vessel entitled: Boca. Each of its “branches” serves a different function; plants can either be sprinkled gently from the shower opening, or watered with a single stream from the spout. The decorative felt ring is designed to collect any leftover water droplets.

Pero is a 3D-printed bookmark featuring a sculpted dove with a long string, saving the last page read. The adorable bird that perches on top of the book comes in three different positions — standing, pecking, and flying — and an assortment of colors. (There is also a snail version called “Sporo.”)

Minimalistic in style, but graceful in stature are Studio Macura’s take on two living room staples: side tables and a magazine rack. Kamen is a set of two marble side tables that are two different heights and diameters. The combination of a conical marble base and an ultra-thin circular steel top forms an elegant piece for any interior design style. Meanwhile, Lako — their bent-steel wire rack — is perfect for storing reading materials in the most stylish and simplistic way.

The design firm's line debuted at the illustrious French trade fair Maison & Objet 2014 in Paris last month, where great minds in interior design converge to share new ideas and creations.

Photos and details courtesy of Dezeen and Studio Macura

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The following five unconventional seats currently available for purchase truly stand out as more than just places to sit.

#1: Alice

Alice is an innovative piece from Edra built to brighten anyone’s at-home "wonderland."

This unique and lightweight armchair designed by Jacopo Foggini is not only a seat, but also a delightfully unusual light fixture (there is an LED light feature underneath that shines through the chair’s polycarbonate structure). It is also capable for indoor or outdoor use. Alice comes in a variety of bright colors — such as lemon yellow, fuchsia, petrol blue, and light green — and is priced at $13,785.

#2: H Studio Shai Bench

Get the conversation swirling with the hand-tufted H Studio Shai Bench.

The chaise features a curling, eye-catching wooden frame, acrylic legs, and luxurious detailing. Best of all, the suede fabric comes in a multitude of different colors. Button tufts come standard; however, Swarovski crystal accents are also available for an additional fee. The H Studio Shai Bench is available from Bella Dimora for $8,762.

#3: The Immersive Audiophile Pod

Pump up the volume (literally) in this perfectly modern pod-shaped seat.

Five speakers are built into the pod's ceiling, producing noise that is not only heard, but also felt. The 16 GB iPad shown above is included with the chair, providing content from one’s music library or the Internet. The chair is hand-crafted in Germany, and features a dyed-leather exterior, plush lime-green microfiber upholstery, and a stainless steel base that can rotate up to 350 degrees. This surround-sound seat is priced at $32,000 and can be purchased from Hammacher Schlemmer.

#4: Cradle

The Cradle by Richard Clarkson is sure to breathe new life into any interior.

Handmade in New Zealand from local materials, this intriguing piece beckons one to crawl into its spherical shape for a unique seating experience, perhaps one resembling a cuddle. The cradle is priced at $8,400.

#5: Vermelha

Edra’s Vermelha resembles red licorice laces that have been overlapped and woven into a delicious wraparound armchair.

Brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana are the designers behind Vermelha. This expertly woven seat takes at least several days of highly-skilled manual labor to complete. The chair is comprised of a steel frame and five hundred meters of special rope that has an acrylic core, covered in cotton. Prices for Vermelha are available upon request.

Photos and details courtesy of Edra, Switch Modern, STYLEPARK, Bella Dimora, Hammacher Schlemmer, and Richard Clarkson

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Even more jaw-dropping than the monthly cost is the space itself, which is designed to look like an actual palace, with Versailles-esque touches throughout.

The three floors available for rent include a whopping 22 rooms of pure luxurious splendor: a Louis XV-style living room; a library/media room; an oak-paneled sitting room; a sleek and modern kitchen; four extensive bedrooms; and unfathomably ornate bathrooms. The pad was recently renovated and restored by prominent designer Alberto Pinto.

In addition to its ideal Upper East Side location, the apartment has beautiful street views from just about every room, and a nice-sized deck overlooking Central Park.

The apartment (which occupies the entire second, third, and fourth floors) is one of five inside the impressive limestone and brick corner property at 828 Fifth Avenue—a historic Edwardian Georgian building that goes by the name “Berwind Mansion.”

Last year, Russian billionaire businessman Roman Abramovich made an attempt to purchase all five units, with ideas of transforming them into one, humongous and lavish single-family home. However, according to reports, his hopes were dashed when the owner of the triplex co-op, heiress Angelika Ivanc, decided against selling it (perhaps his $75 million offer was not to her liking?) and instead put it up for rent.

Photos and details courtesy of Curbed, New York Daily News, and Stribling & Associates

The post Live in this Outrageous Fifth Avenue Rental for $150,000 a Month appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The nearly 7,000-square-foot ranch was allegedly built for the crooner around 1957, and is located in the gated Thunderbird Heights community in Rancho Mirage. It is situated on about an acre of land, and boasts breathtaking views of the mountains and Coachella Valley.

The classy and streamlined look of the famously-owned abode shouts mid-century elegance. It has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a copious amount of luxury features.

In addition to a pool, spa, and home theater, the home has retractable glass walls that open its full backside, leading to extended patios with barbecue area and bar.

The ultra-plush master bedroom has a private patio, fireplace, and lavish marble bathroom en suite, while the guest wing has its own separate entrance.

Additional features include an impressive pillared entry, custom doors, formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

Midcentury movie posters enhance the décor, perpetuating a nostalgic “Bing Crosby” theme throughout, as the current owner also happens to be a fan.

The $5 million asking price is a 43 percent jump from several years ago, when it appeared on the market for $3.495 million.

The increase is attributed to “extensive” renovations to the home and improvements in the local real estate market, according to the listing agent, as area homes are being sold between $2 million and $5 million. Another possible cause could be the lingering (but false) rumor President Obama was purchasing a house nearby.

Photos and details courtesy of Wall Street Journal, Curbed, Palm Springs Life, and VRBO

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#1: French Farmhouse Becomes Airy Family Retreat

Paris-based architects Septembre recently transformed an old farmhouse in France’s Loire Valley into a spacious and airy vacation home.

The 19th century structure was restored to its original glory, while being adapted into a new use: a family retreat from city life. The external stonework was redone, missing tiles on the gabled roof were replaced, and internal wooden beams received a fresh treatment.

To “gently” preserve the building’s initial look, the architects used rugged materials with natural appearances, and hired a local craftsman to complete the oak doors, kitchen elements, wardrobes, and shelves. Additional modern updates included the installation of floor heating, large windows, and glass doors, and the insulation of the ceiling and walls.

#2: Army Barracks are Transformed into Stylish German Loft

The design team Ippolito Fleitz Group overhauled what used to be army barracks into a modern-yet-funky loft in Esslingen, Germany.

The 4,305-square-foot apartment is chock-full of style, with a sleek, suspended fireplace, ‘60s-inspired wall art, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

After serving as army barracks, the space was first transformed into an office before becoming the trendy living quarters it is now. In addition to its varied history, the loft’s uniqueness is further propelled by touches of eccentricity, such as a stacked-cube kitchen island with a light fixture just above that is shaped like an upside-down table.

#3: London Children’s School is Converted to Multimillion-Dollar Flat

A Tudor-style building in London — designed as a children’s school in 1853 by architect Benjamin Ferrey — has been converted into a swanky flat, currently on the market for $2.4 million.

The transformation from schoolhouse to apartments took place in 1991, headed by architect Tony Fretton, who is also responsible for designing the British embassy in Poland.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,637-square-foot loft features a historic, brick infrastructure and an airy white-washed interior, with a mezzanine-level office overlooking the spacious first floor. Paddle steps also lead up to a picturesque rooftop terrace.

#4: Old Yorkshire Barn Turns into Modern Home

Earlier this year, British studio Snook Architects transformed an 18th-century Yorkshire barn into a modern abode. A soaring family kitchen, chunky wooden beams, and exposed brickwork are the creative staples of this now ultra-chic home.

Prior to renovations, the structure was almost completely dilapidated, with the roof “on the verge of collapse,” according to the architects. The roof was replaced with a system of pegged-oak trusses (beams), and all external walls were secured with a steel structural frame that sits inside the existing masonry.

The finished result maintains the “spirit” of the barn, while infusing modern touches throughout, such as a glazed first-floor gallery, which is a walkway built along the interior sides of the home that overlooks the ground floor from above. A stone fireplace, timber-framed windows, and a poured concrete floor complete the “honest utilitarian” vibe of the original space.

Photos and details courtesy of Dezeen and Curbed

The post Get Inspired by These 4 Cool Home Conversions appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The current owner and resident is 76-year-old Christian de Guigne IV, whose family is of "social royalty" and has maintained possession of the home — and its surrounding 47.5 acres — for more than 150 years.

Christian de Guigne II, in conjunction with notable architecture firm Bliss & Faville, allegedly built the 16,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style home in 1918 (conflicting reports say the home was as wedding gift from Christian de Guigne I in 1913).

Currently, the superb layout includes seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms (another account states 11), a formal dining room, a ballroom, a flower-arranging room, a swimming pool designed by landscape architect Thomas Church, and six rooms designated for staff.

Christian de Guigne III hired interior decorator Anthony Hail in the 1960s to outfit the home, which resulted in De Guigne Court's feature in Interior Design & Decoration in 1966. (Think: marble floors, velvet-tufted couches, and animal print rugs.) Last year, the home was named one of the country’s top five most expensive.

Although the lavish estate has made headlines for its hefty price tag and exquisite architecture, it may be best known for its complex past, centering on a long line of socialites. Generations of De Guignes maintained highly opulent, almost fairy-tale-like lifestyles throughout the years while residing at the mansion.

After the property’s sale, owner Christian IV sought to retain “life estate,” which would allow him to live there for the remainder of his life. It has been rumored that his peculiar request was off-putting for potential buyers, as De Guigne Court was recently taken off the market.

Photos and details courtesy of Curbed, The Steeple Times, and The Devoted Classicist

The post This $100 Million Hillsborough Mansion Has Deep Aristocratic Roots appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Built to provide warmth and privacy, the original canopy bed was utilized in medieval Europe by lords and noblemen. Today, it represents an elegant statement piece. Although most modern versions are sans curtains, they still exude a sumptuous and romantic feeling. Sleep like royalty, and indulge in a modern-day canopy bed, as the following five are currently available for purchase.

#1: Regal Sleep

Feel like a royal heir in the billowy, ultra-luxe Empress Canopy Bed by Haute House.

Marketed by Horchow, this bed features a scalloped alder wood frame and button-tufted headboard, a combination that gives off a “regal” appearance and is sure to infuse luxury into any sleeping quarters. The cotton upholstery comes in a creamy, light versatile color, and bed frames are available in three different sizes. Prices for the Empress Canopy Bed begin at $6,999.

#2: Into the Forest

Escape into an enchanted forest with this unique take on the canopy bed.

Anthropologie’s Forest Canopy Bed — priced at $5,598 — stands at 84 inches tall and comes in either black or white. The whimsical, hand-forged iron branches twist and wind overhead, and are also shown crisscrossed as a makeshift headboard and footboard.

#3: Sweet Dreams

Enjoy a sweet slumber of kings, queens, and castles in this detail-oriented version of a canopy bed.

The Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture Canopy Bed features an antique white iron frame, and comes in five different sizes. There is also the option of having curtains on either side, as a nod to the original canopy bed. Prices start at $2,975.

#4: Black Magic

The Keating Canopy Bed by Williams-Sonoma has a sharp, ultra-modern design that works well in a contemporary setting.

The dark, rich finish on the solid oak frame highlights its marvelous, architectural nature. Handcrafted in France, this bed — which is priced at $2,395 — features square posts and can be left open and airy, or have fabric draped across.

#5: Laid-Back

Although minimalist in design, the PCHseries Canopy Bed embodies total relaxation and seclusion.

The simple, yet sophisticated structure sits lower to the ground than the other four pieces to give it a more “laid-back” vibe. Made of solid teak, this bed has ultra-crisp lines, square posts, and a natural oil finish. It comes in two sizes (King and Queen) and costs $5,500.

Photos and details courtesy of Horchow, Anthropologie, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture, Williams-Sonoma, and PCHseries

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#1: Ari Gold's House from Entourage

The home of Jeremy Piven’s unforgettable Entourage character Ari Gold — a sly, persuasive and, at times, volatile movie agent — is now for sale for $4.995 million.

The Hollywood Hills residence was once owned by Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, known as “America’s first television family,” and featured in their 1950s and ‘60s sitcom. Previous owners even claim Ozzie Nelson’s ghost still roams the property!

Originally built by architects Frank Kegley and H. Scott Gerity in 1916, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom home has undergone an interior makeover since the famed turn-of-the-century TV show was filmed there.

The 5,283-square-foot residence features three fireplaces, a screening room, in-ground pool, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas. The home’s new white-washed walls — coupled with large windows — give off a light and airy vibe, and the brand new kitchen is designed with a remarkable marble backsplash and Viking appliances.

#2: Lucille Ball’s Former Residence

The 1926 Spanish-style mansion once rented by I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is currently listed for $6.985 million.

Although renovated with contemporary features to accommodate for today’s lifestyles, the Beverly Hills home still maintains its “Old Hollywood” charm.

The main level of the seven-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom abode features a formal entrance, sunken dining room, picture windows overlooking the front lawn, exquisite crown molding, and French doors — not to mention a brand new kitchen and luxurious bathrooms.

Also included in this warm, yet stylish home is a guest house located in the backyard, five-car garage, and large deck overlooking the pool.

#3: Blair Waldorf’s Real Life Penthouse from Gossip Girl

The Upper East Side penthouse in New York City filmed as Gossip Girl character Blair Waldorf’s ultra-chic residence was recently on the market for $30 million.

The Fifth Avenue apartment was reportedly used for exterior shots only, whereas interior scenes were shot at a different location. However, this residence is certainly not lacking in any of the regal qualities featured on Gossip Girl, as Blair, portrayed by actress Leighton Meester, lived quite the lavish lifestyle.

The four-bedroom duplex located right on Central Park features picturesque views of the city skyline from a wraparound terrace, a pergola on the lower level, media room, and gym.

Former owner Stephen F. Cooper, chief executive of Warner Music Group, purchased the apartment in 2004 for $20 million.

The home was purportedly sold for $35 million earlier this month, but if it should re-appear on the market sometime soon, Gossip Girl fans could get another chance at purchasing an elegant piece of New York City property.

Photos and details courtesy of Curbed, Hollywood Reporter, MSN.com and The Agency

The post A Trio of ‘TV Show Homes’ Hit the Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

#1: Reflective Splendor

The Brasilia nesting tables by Edra have a splendidly unique table-top structure.

Priced at $9,580, Brasilia features a carefully-arranged, overlapping mosaic of reflective acrylic shards, set in a 6-millimeter aluminum frame. International design stars and brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana created the attention-grabbing piece to exemplify the angular stones the capital of Brazil stands on. The Italian-crafted piece is available in different sizes and colors, and also as a singular, larger coffee or dining table, to suit a variety of spaces and needs.

#2: Natural Beauty

Up the ante in a rustic room with this lustrous yet earthy statement piece.

The Sequoia table by Brabbu — available for $15,558.62 — has a truly unique, amoeba-like shape that embodies both a luxurious and natural feel. Named after the ancient tree spirit, the piece features a walnut root veneer tabletop with matte finish, revealing the tree’s actual rings, which is only enhanced by the glorious texture of its brass bark base.

#3: Golden Grandeur

The Newton Gold Myrtle dining table will dazzle dinner guests with its over-the-top opulence.

Marketed by Boca do Lobo, the gilded table is manufactured from the highest-quality materials. Its base is constructed with gold-plated aluminum spheres, while its top is made with an incredible myrtle burl veneer (both are finished with a high-gloss varnish). The fluid structure is so mesmerizing, it almost appears as if the table is growing upwards. All Newton tables, which comfortably seat 8-10, are custom-made, and specific sizes and colors are available for an additional charge. Prices start at around $56,600.

#4: Breath of Fresh Air

Make a splash with a table that changes shape to suit all entertaining needs.

The Draenert Intermezzo swivel glass coffee table by Georg Appeltshauser—whose price is only available upon request—is attractive and ultra-modern. Its glass plates can swing apart to enlarge its structure, or can be pulled back together to form an enclosed shape. Described as a metaphor for “drawing a breath,” this changeable piece comes in different styles. The top plates come in clear or white glass, while the base is available in high-polished chrome, matte chrome, or matte nickel. A combination with brass parts is also possible.

#5: Uniquely Functional

Different and Different’s Tabasse steel coffee table is a triple threat: sleek, contemporary, and functional.

Complete with an integrated magazine rack, this limited edition eye-catching table serves as an unforgettable centerpiece for any room. The stunning, asymmetrical structure has many different combinable options. It is available in painted steel or stainless steel, as well as in aluminum and wood, and solid wood species including beech, oak, or walnut (in either a waxed finish or painted). The table is also earth-conscious, as its steel components are 100% recyclable. (Pricing for Tabasse will be given upon request.)

Photos courtesy of Edra, Brabbu, Boca do Lobo, and Archiproducts

The post 5 Ultra-Luxe Amorphous Tables to Amplify Any Room appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

SLS Lux’s 57-story mixed-use tower — located across the street from the billion-dollar Brickell City Centre — promises to infuse even more luxury into a community already known for its vibrant culture, superbly lavish residences, and the finest in dining and entertainment.

Plans for the awe-inspiring modern structure, designed by Arquitectonica and Yabu Pushelberg, include 450 residences and 85 luxury suites, and the building will feature the first LED façade by prominent lighting artist Ana Martinez.

The new SLS Lux is anticipated to offer a myriad of amenities and services to satisfy a variety of needs. Residents and guests will be treated to a private rooftop pool terrace, tennis courts, fitness centers, an outdoor theater, private residential elevators, a wine cellar and cigar room, limousine services to a private beach club, and two ground-floor celebrity chef restaurants: Katsuya and SBar Lounge.

One of SLS Lux’s most eye-catching attributes is sure to be the museum-quality art peppered throughout the property, featuring works by Fernando Botero and Fabian Burgos. Earlier this year, Botero’s acclaimed $3 million Torso sculpture was moved to SLS Lux to be on permanent display while sales of the property are ongoing.

Leading global hospitality and real estate development company sbe is behind SLS Lux, which the company regards as an “elevated” version of its award-winning SLS Hotels and Residences. SLS Lux Brickell is the result of a collaboration between sbe, The Related Group, and the Alan Morris Company, following the success of the SLS Brickell Hotel and Residences, which is already sold out.

The Brickell site — set to open in 2016 — is the second of two SLS Lux developments by sbe, with the first debuting in Las Vegas this past Labor Day weekend.

The post SLS Lux Infuses Opulence into Miami’s Landscape appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The newly-built 60,500-square-foot home located in Hillsboro Beach, between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, is currently listed at a whopping $139 million. The design of the breathtaking 11-bedroom, 17-bathroom home, called “Le Palais Royal,” was reportedly inspired by the architecture of the Palace of Versailles in France.

Encircled by a gate decorated with 22-karat gold leaf, this magnificent dwelling is bursting with the finest amenities, including a $2 million marble staircase, 30-car subterranean garage, and an 18-seat IMAX theater with a 50-foot-widescreen. And if the state-of-the-art security system is not up to par, there are also kennels on the lower level built specifically for guard dogs—for extra protection.

The property’s extraordinary level of opulence does not end with its interior. Just outside, there is a 4,500-square-foot infinity-edge pool complete with an LED-lit, double-loop water slide and—perhaps the most jaw-dropping feature of all—a glass-bottomed Jacuzzi suspended above the pool.

Miami-based architect Denio Madera is the interior designer responsible for the wall-to-wall splendor of this awe-inspiring abode, which sits on 4.4 acres, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway.

The home is currently in the final stages of construction and, according to the owner’s representative, the home is projected for completion by late 2015.

Photos and details courtesy of Wall Street Journal, Curbed, and FloridaMoves.com

The post $139 Million Florida Mansion is One of the Country’s Most Expensive Listings appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

#1: Resort Living

This wonderfully lavish canopy bed is perfect for curling up with a book on a brisk fall day.

Sexy Furnishings' Siesta Patio Canopy Bed offers a retractable sun guard for optional shade, and an all-weather white cushion, which perfectly contrasts the dark-brown wicker woven frame. With such a round and inviting shape, the piece—currently priced at $1,214—just beckons to you.

#2: Umbrella Drinks

Ring in the first cool breeze of fall from this ultra-luxe outdoor lounger, which can be taken apart to be used as either a bed or dual-person lounge.

Priced at $1,399.95, Soma Classics' Hampton Day Bed comes with UV and moisture-resistant cushions and pillows, two side-stands for drinks, a large umbrella and woven frame made from materials built to withstand the elements.

#3: Romantic and Cozy

A plush, canopy day bed in a luxurious dark shade begs for an outdoor seating experience to be shared with a significant other.

The Hampton Canopy Day Bed by Forever Patio—priced at $2,702—comes in two different wicker frame shades (Chocolate or Heather), and is made with durable materials for optimal weather resistance. Its alluring shape fits well in different locations of the house, such as porches, guest bedrooms, and even rooms with limited space.

#4: Conversation Starter

The round, modern shape of this scene-stealing outdoor lounger is sure to keep the conversation flowing.

Marketed by Opulent Items, the spacious, four-piece weather-resistant set consists of a sofa, two benches and one table, and can be snapped up for $2,000. All pieces can be rearranged to create unique shapes, and those cute throw pillows are also included.

#5: Fire Pit Nights

There is nothing quite like sitting fireside on a crisp fall evening, and this popular four-piece set brings a touch of luxury to that relaxing picture.

Thos. Baker’s bestselling wicker collection is available in a new color weave called “Java,” which has a beautiful rustic finish. Prices range from $2,495 to $2,795 (depending on fabric choice), and each set includes two large chairs, an ottoman and a side table.

#6: Stargazer

Turn a few heads with this peculiar design piece, created to provide the ultimate stargazing experience.

The Unusual Outdoor Rattan Lounger has an ultra-modern shape and two-way lounger layout that encourages a relaxing outdoor experience with family or friends. Currently priced at $1,500, the weatherproof rattan frame and cushions also come in different colors.

Photos courtesy of Sexy Furnishings, Soma Classics, Houzz, Opulent Items, and Thos. Baker

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