4th of July on the West Michigan Coast

Happy (almost) Fourth of July! Since it is one of our favorite holidays, we have compiled a list for you and your family to tackle the holiday in style – all the way up and down the West Michigan Coast. Read along so you can plan ahead!

Holland:

Butch’s 3rd of July BBQ

When: July 3rd, 2019, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: Butch’s Dry Dock

Cost: (A very Patriotic) $17.76 per plate

Chef Ryan of Butch’s Dry Dock will be firing up the grill and serving a special holiday BBQ menu. Each plate includes a choice of mouthwatering BBQ protein, two sides, and a sweet treat to top it all off. Also featured: $4 frozen drinks! This special menu will take place on the deck and pub only, reservations encouraged but not required. Spend your evening at Butch’s, celebrating freedom and good food!

2019 Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast

When: July 4th, 2019, 6:00am – 10:00am

Where: Graafschap Fire Department

Cost: $5 for Adults, $2 for kids

Start off your 4th of July celebrations getting served pancakes! Firefighters will be serving pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee, and juice. This is also a great photo op: several firetrucks will be on display, so you can document your future firefighters!

Downtown Holland’s Fourth of July Celebration

When: July 4th, 2019, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where: Downtown Holland – 8th Street

Cost: Free!

Spend your evening on the streets of Downtown Holland and take in over 30 street performers for free! Expect to see a little bit of everything: musicians, jugglers, aerial acrobats, dancers, magicians, and more. A bonus – if you wear red, white, or blue, you can receive 20% off one item at participating businesses, just follow the balloons for big savings! Check here to see which of your favorite Downtown Holland Businesses will be open for the 4th!

Independence Day Celebration Freedom & Fireworks

When: July 4th, 2019, 4:00pm – 11:00pm

Where: Kollen Park

Cost: Free!

Fireworks start at 10:25

A family-friendly event, bring your kids to Kollen Park for games, vendors, live music, and even a live martial arts demonstration. With plenty of food booths to choose from, nestle in at 10:25 for fireworks at dusk over Lake Macatawa, complete with live music accompanying. This event will guarantee to leave you feeling patriotic – and impressed.

Grand Haven:

Grand Haven 4th of July Celebration

When: July 4th, 2019

Where: Downtown Grand Haven

Cost: Free!

Experience 4th of July in one of Michigan’s most-loved beach towns! The 4th of July parade runs from 8:30am – 11:30 am, and then spend the day walking around Downtown Grand Haven and on the Public Beach! Round out the day with a highly patriotic fireworks show, beginning at 10:00pm.

South Haven:

South Haven 4th of July Parade

When: July 4th, 2019, 11:00am -12:30pm

Where: Downtown South Haven, Phoenix Street South Haven

Cost: Free!

Come celebrate the 150th anniversary of the community of South Haven! This year’s parade will be a particularly special event, celebrating the 170th anniversary of this particular parade. You’re not going to want to miss it!

South Haven Light Up the Lake – Fireworks

When: July 3rd, 2019, 10:30pm – 11:15pm

Where: Riverfront Park – at the Southside Marina, Water Street South Haven

Cost: Free!

Take in some of the best fireworks on the coast the night before the holiday even begins! The show begins at dusk, and can be seen from Riverfront Park, as well as North & South Beaches. An added bonus: coordinating music will be available through Cosy 103.7! Tune in and make the most of your night.

Saugatuck/Douglas:

Saugatuck-Douglas 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

When: July 4th, 2019, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: Coghlin Park – Culver Street Saugatuck

Cost: Free Admission!

Spend your 4th of July on the Art Coast of Michigan! Activities abound all day: grab a bite at the food trucks and beverage tent from 2:00-3:00pm, take in the parade through downtown Saugatuck, and settle in for the fireworks show, starting at dusk. The Waterfront Festival is a family friendly event, complete with music, food, children’s activities, and more, beginning at noon.

Muskegon/Ludington:

Fireworks On Deck

When: July 4th, 2019, Dusk

Where: Muskegon Lake

Cost: Free!

Enjoy the fireworks show aboard the USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum, considered to be the “best seat in the house.” This display over Muskegon Lake is truly unlike any other. This World War II landing ship is located at the Mart Dock in Downtown Muskegon, just yards from where the fireworks will be going off.

St. Joseph/New Buffalo:

Reds, Whites, and Brews

When: July 4th, 2019, 11:00am – 6:00pm

Where: 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, MI 49101

Cost: $5 admission

Celebrate the 4th of July by sipping on craft cocktails, wine, and cold brews with fun tunes in the background.

Live Music Lineup:

1:00pm – 3:30pm: J R Clark and the All Star Blues Mob

4:00pm – 6:30pm: Risque band

Independence Day Concert:

When: July 3rd, 2019, 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Where: Shadowland Pavilion, Silver Beach County Park

Cost: Free!

Gates open at 5:30 for a night of music, food, drink, and fun! Van Dyke Revue takes the stage at 6, SMSO Concert begins at 9, and round out the evening with fireworks at 10, accompanied by some of our patriotic favorites. Gather around a picnic table or stretch out on a blanket, and take in the best that summertime has to offer.

Tulip Time: Fast Facts

Local or not, the annual Tulip Time Festival here in Holland, Michigan is an event you’re not going to want to miss. This nine-day festival celebrates everything Dutch, and visitors experience vibrant parades, colorful blooming tulips, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

To add even more excitement into the mix, Tulip Time has been voted one of the Top 10 Best Small Town Festivals. Read along with some of these fun facts about our small town and it’s big party:

Did you know: Holland boasts over 5 million tulips during our festival. Tulips are located in city parks, public attractions and parks, and along our streets! This year, you can even Ask Alexa to track the tulip bloom for you, to keep up with every bulb this year.

The average time spent at Tulip Time for all visitors is 2.67 days. That time could be spent watching the parades, checking out the tulips on Windmill Island, or shopping and eating at Downtown Holland’s very best shops and restaurants.

There are 3 main parades that take place on 8th street. Volksparade comes first, otherwise known as the “People’s Parade.” Kinderparade is on May 9th, and features local school children dressed in their Dutch Best. Lastly, the Muzikparade, performed by marching bands and Holland’s best musicians (did you know: you can stream the parade from wherever you are! Click here to check out your options).

The average rating for visitors of Tulip Time is 9.10 – That means guests are very likely to recommend visiting Tulip Time to others! We are firm believers that it is impossible to have a bad time at the Festival, and this report from Hope College proves it!

At the end of it all: you can take home some bulbs for yourself! Take a piece of Dutch Heritage home with you, buy your own at Nelis’ Dutch Village, Veldheer Tulip Garden, and Windmill Island Gardens.

The Tulip Time festival is the pride and joy of our town, and we want you to experience all of it! Check out the full schedule here so you don’t miss a thing.

If Tulip Time is on your schedule this year, stop by and say hi! We’re located right downtown on 8th street, and we’d love to chat about all the things we love about Holland with you!

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Exceeds Record $112 Billion in Global Sales Volume for 2018

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today reported that in 2018 its affiliated brokers and sales professionals achieved more than $112 billion USD in global sales volume, the highest annual sales volume performance in the history of the brand. Additionally, 27 affiliated companies surpassed $1 billion USD in sales volume in 2018.

“Experts predicted that 2018 would be a slow year for the global real estate market,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Despite the forecast, our talented affiliated companies and their sales associates continued to perform at the top of their game to drive a year-over-year sales volume increase that is truly remarkable. We are going to keep the momentum going in 2019 and we will continue to empower the Sotheby’s International Realty network by offering innovative products, tools, and research to provide best-in-class service.”

Global Growth

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also reported growth across its global network. At year-end, the network totaled more than 990 offices in 72 countries and territories and more than 22,500 affiliated sales associates worldwide.

In the United States, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand achieved more than $100 billion USD in sales volume in 2018. This year witnessed continued significant growth by the brand’s existing affiliate companies through talent attraction as well as mergers and acquisitions. Most notably, the brand increased its market presence in Essex and the Acton-Boxborough area of Massachusetts; Greater Portland, Oregon; and Nashville, Tennessee. The brand also entered several key new markets last year, namely, Bandon, Oregon; Huntsville, Alabama; the Sandhills Region of North Carolina; Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and Ventura, California.

Outside the United States, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand achieved more than $12 billion USD in sales volume in 2018 while continuing to expand into key markets. In Europe, the brand grew its presence in Menorca and Madrid, Spain; Sylt and Bern, Germany; Kitzbühel, Austria; Zurich, Switzerland; and Slovakia. The brand also sold the rights to the island country of Cyprus. In Asia, new offices were opened in Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Bangkok, Thailand, and agreements were signed to expand into Jakarta and Bali in Indonesia, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam and the Maldives. The brand also saw growth in Mexico City, Mexico; the Metropolitan area of Puebla; Valle de Bravo and Malinalco in Estado de Mexico; and Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán in Morelos.

Marketing Innovation

2018 was an impactful year for the brand with the roll-out of new tools and offerings. Sotheby’s International Realty became the first real estate brand to launch and implement a virtual staging augmented reality app, transforming the home buying and selling experience for sales associates and consumers with the launch of Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty℠. Design Vault, a cloud-based ad-builder tool was also unveiled, allowing companies and agents to create advertising, marketing and social assets with ease. The brand entered a custom-publishing relationship with The Wall Street Journal / Barron’s Group to present RESIDE®, a bespoke luxury lifestyle magazine providing affiliate companies around the world a turnkey solution to creating a customized, branded magazine. The publication’s inception also birthed the brand’s new podcast series. In partnership with Inman, an exclusive channel called Leading in Luxury was launched, featuring experts from the Sotheby’s International Realty brand discussing trends, best practices and innovations in luxury real estate.

“As much as it was revolutionary, 2018 was also an affirmative year for the brand,” said Kevin Thompson, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The Sotheby’s International Realty brand has always stood at the forefront of innovation in the industry, but we recognize that in order to maintain this standard, we need to continue to press forward. With the launch of new technology and tools, we continued that tradition, always aiming to provide industry-leading levels of service that sales associates affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty around the world are known for.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand website, sothebysrealty.com, saw another record year with more than 30 million visits, a 13 percent increase year-over-year, with 13 percent of traffic generated from new users. Top searches on sothebysrealty.com in the United States included New York, New York; Malibu, California; and Los Angeles, California. Outside of the United States, the top locations searched were London, United Kingdom; Paris, France; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Lake Como, Italy; and Sydney, Australia.

Additional Achievements

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s affiliated companies and sales associates raised nearly $1 million USD to date for New Story, the brand’s charitable partner and a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The funds raised have gone directly to the construction of new homes in Morelos, Mexico for families who lost their homes in the 2017 earthquakes.

“It was awe-inspiring to visit the families in Mexico whose lives will be forever changed by the generosity of our network,” said White following a recent trip to visit two recently constructed communities in Mexico. “Partnering with New Story as a charitable partner allowed us to extend the services we provide daily: to help people discover homes that allow them to live their best life.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand claimed 40 of the top 250 sales associates in the Individual Sales Volume category of the 2018 REAL Trends/The Wall Street Journal “The Thousand.” In addition, 12 teams affiliated with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand were recognized as being among the top 250 teams in the nation by sales volume. The annual report ranks America’s top 1,000 residential real estate agents and teams based on 2017 annual sales volume and transaction sides.

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty Welcomes Andrea Crossman

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that Andrea Crossman has joined the premier West Michigan brokerage. Representing discerning clientele along Lake Michigan and around the world, Ms. Crossman is regarded as a leading luxury real estate professional and has earned local and global renown.

“Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty is a market leader with a dedicated leadership team which allows them to continue to attract the best talent in the business,” noted Philip White, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.

With decades of experience in the real estate industry, Andrea Crossman has become a leading force and household name, servicing clients from the sugar sand beaches of Harbor Country to the crystal blue waters of Manistee. Andrea Crossman annual team sales production has exceeded $60M.

Andrea Crossman’s remarkable past accomplishments include 15+ year Top Producer, 2002- 2018 Top Selling REALTOR®, 2013-2018 International President Premier Team (including the accomplishment of top overall volume performer), #1 Producer in the State of Michigan, and #5 in North America. Having been recognized by the Wall Street Journal in the top one percent in sales volume nationally, Andrea Crossman continues to lead the way in market expertise.

Andrea’s desire to provide discerning, extraordinary service to her clients has led her home to Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty.

“I am thrilled to join Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty and its top affiliates around the world who represent Sotheby’s International Realty®,” said Andrea. “I look forward to offering my clients many exclusive marketing opportunities and international listing exposure. I have found and appreciate the truly hands-on ownership at Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty that will afford my clients the exposure that they could only get from the #1 Luxury Real Estate Brand in the world, Sotheby’s International Realty.”

Specializing in waterfront and luxury real estate along the captivating 456 miles of the West Michigan lakeshore, Andrea Crossman is an expert in evaluating and marketing properties throughout West Michigan and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Andrea is a respected businesswoman, avid reader, critical listener and acutely aware of what defines a quality life. Her upbeat, laid back, friendly persona and keen ability to create unique opportunities that put people and places together have elevated her to the top of the real estate profession.

The Collector’s Edition | Caring for Your Private Art Collection

Filling your home with art is both a way of expressing yourself and curating the mood and atmosphere of your space. Think of your home as your own gallery, a blank slate with endless possibilities to surround yourself with artwork that inspires. Perhaps you consider your art collection in a methodical way, procuring only a few pieces to fill white walls in need of a focal point; or maybe you’re an art lover, eager to diversify your collection with oil paintings and sculptures alike. No matter your goals or methods, collecting and displaying art in your home is a personal endeavor, but there are a few things to keep in mind once you have an established collection.

Hire an Art Consultant

Sonia Gherardi, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Part of the challenge of sourcing art is determining which pieces will work in your home, and how to obtain them. Hiring an art advisor or consultant—like Sotheby’s firm Art Agency, Partners—is an important step in ensuring that your collection is a thoughtful representation of your tastes. Curators that are linked to art institutions are not ethically permitted to be paid to advise private collectors on specific purchases, though they will sometimes be willing to direct you to catalogs, exhibitions, or galleries to help you make an informed decision; art advisors or consultants, on the other hand, are able to give you advice about which specific pieces to buy—and they have access to more off-market opportunities.

In addition to helping you determine and develop your taste, an art advisor generally has a strong network of galleries and collectors, which means they’ll be able to give you better access to opportunities ahead of the general public. Avoid overpaying for a work with an advisor’s guidance, who will be willing to bid for you at auctions and to arrange the logistics of transportation and installation. With their insider information and expertise, an adviser will be able to help you build a collection through both gallery purchases and public auctions.

Netherlands Sotheby’s International Realty

With a large art collection, it’s likely that not every piece will be displayed in your home at all times. Whether you choose to store additional pieces in your own home, in a specialized art storage facility, or in a private museum will depend on how vast and prestigious your collection is. Creating your own art storage will require determining where in your home is a suitable environment—avoid spaces with air vents or windows, which can damage art by exposing it to sunlight or air, causing fading or mold. Insurance is essential for any collector.

If you choose instead to store your collection with a specialized fine art storage facility, you will have the option of having a private space or a shared one. These facilities are outfitted with archival-quality conditions, like climate control, to ensure your artwork’s preservation. Sotheb y’s Greenford Park, for example, is the fine art storage facility for Sotheby’s London, and features a viewing gallery and photographic studios. Some collectors are compelled to establish private foundations or museums to house their overflow of artwork, choosing to share their collection with the public. Aiming for the best of both worlds, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen of Rotterdam has plans to open a public art depot as a special extension of the gallery, which will house collectors’ work that can be viewed by the public on an appointment-only basis.

Maintain Your Collection’s Integrity with a Conservator

Midge Carolan Berkery & David Coleman, M ott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty

The moment you make an art purchase, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a veteran collector, you need to consider how you’re going to care for and preserve it. If a piece has been poorly stored in the past, leading to damage, or if you’ve acquired a piece through auction that has been unearthed from a forgotten basement, chances are the artwork is going to need some TLC. A conservator is trained to record the damage that has occurred and to reverse the damage, a valuable resource for any art collector. Often, the fees for a conservator’s work will be covered by your insurance policy, and the fee is dependent on the type of work that needs to be performed, not on the value of the artwork itself.

Experienced collectors know that hiring a conservator prior to a major purchase is a wise move, both to protect their investment and to ensure that the installation of the piece goes smoothly. Artwork can be extraordinarily fragile and easily damaged in transport.

Make Use of Freeports for Collection Rotation

Steve Sallion, Warren Lewis Sotheby’s International Realty

Whether you’re planning to rotate out the pieces currently on display in your home, or if your private museum or foundation is under construction and you need a temporary home for the pieces being displaced, utilizing a freeport is a smart option. Freeports—warehouses located near seaports and airports that facilitate international trade—allow the import and storage of valuable goods, providing secure long- or short-term housing for artwork. Pricing of freeport storage depends on geographic location as well as size—a freeport in Manhattan will cost more than one in Portland. With extremely secure storage options and a temporary exemption from tax payments, the freeport is useful to the collector looking for a reliable way to discreetly rotate valuable fine art.

Art can transform a home, turning it into a sanctuary of creative energy. However you choose to curate your collection, be sure to protect your investment with smart storage and considered professional care.

Find the perfect blank slate for your burgeoning collection with these works of architectural art.

2019 Pantone Color of the Year | Living Coral

Pantone®, the global authority on all things color, has named a new Color of the Year for 2019: PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral. On the surface, its lively effervescence evokes both lighthearted playfulness and bold self-expression. But it’s worth diving a little deeper to really appreciate this rich, thought-provoking shade.

Because what is living coral? It’s a community of tiny organisms who work together to build unique, bustling underwater cities. The vivid tones of the coral reef is a visual representation of community, vitality, and diversity. Here on land, this hue likewise reflects our communitarian spirit: through digital technology and social media, our world is more closely networked—but at the same time, this online closeness makes us crave authentic offline interactions and meaningful connections all the more. This color acutely signifies that need for communication and engagement.

“With consumers, craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial PANTONE Living Coral hit a responsive chord,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

While PANTONE 16-1546 can add a refreshing, carefree whimsy to any home, it’s certainly a staple of the Mediterranean, where brilliantly-colored mansions are reminiscent of barrier islands rising from the reefs. Here are some places and spaces with hues inspired by Living Coral.

A Hilltop Villa in Côte d’Azur

Peter Illovsky, Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

This vibrant hilltop villa was built-in the Côte d’Azur region of southern France in 1950s, at the behest of a wealthy Italian countess. Though it has been recently renovated, its views of the sparkling sea and the twinkling city lights remain as timeless as its traditional Florentine architecture. Old-fashioned touches, like the library, parlor, and orangery, are juxtaposed with contemporary luxuries such as the state-of-the-art kitchen and sleek infinity pool.

Modern Refinement in Algarve

Vilamoura Office & Virgolino Gomes, Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty

There’s no shortage of modern élan in this magnificent, spacious villa. Situated in the picturesque Algarve region of Portugal, the property is only minutes away from the marina and beaches, and its gorgeous landscaped gardens feature a saltwater infinity pool, fruit trees, and views onto a pristine golf course. That makes it a perfect paradise for sun worshippers—though the interiors are just as spectacular, with huge airy rooms, marble floors, and a movie theater and fitness center in the basement.

Romantic Villa in Lucca

Eleonora Benetti, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

Pantone says that Living Coral “embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment”. This exceptional property in the historic Italian city of Lucca achieves a similar effect, creating a sanctuary of classic opulence and charm in a world that’s constantly changing. The exposed wooden beams and rustic tiling add to the authenticity of this one-of-a-kind villa, as does the enchanting sculpture garden with its backdrop of vineyards and olive groves.

Tasteful Opulence in Opatija

Marko Pažanin, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty

Located in the famous spa town of Opatija—a favorite among the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s elites—this villa’s coral-colored exterior complements the aquamarine sheen of the Adriatic Sea, which is visible from the main terrace. You may not know by looking at it, but the majestic three-story home is close to 100 years old, bringing together an immersive blend of tradition and innovation.

This seems only natural: after all, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral is a color of nuance and contrast. It’s described as a “coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge”—so as it invigorates, it also soothes. As it invites active experiences, it also encourages contemplation.

This is much more than just a pretty pink: Living Coral is a reflection of the moment in which we live and a reminder that we must live in harmony with our surroundings, our environment, and each other.

Significant Sales | With Sotheby’s International Realty®

From a sprawling ranch in Texas to a remarkable countryside villa in Tuscany, this edition of Significant Sales also showcases homes from the United States and Australia.

New & Notable Luxury Properties For Sale | December 2018

From a palatial estate in Chevy Chase, Maryland to a remarkable Art Deco villa in the center of Rome, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale.

Chevy Chase, Maryland | Daniel Heider, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

The Corby Mansion, built in 1893 for Francis Newlands, is a landmark in America’s first planned suburb designed by Chevy Chase architect Leon E. Dessez. A Congressman and Senator from Nevada, Newlands named the estate “Ishpiming,” meaning “high ground” in Chippewa. Senator Newlands was the organizer and first president of the Chevy Chase Club as well as a developer with the Chevy Chase Land Company. This highly coveted landmark estate prompted official inquiries regarding the possibility of it serving as the Vice President’s residence. The estate was instead sold to “Mother’s Bread” heir William S. Corby in 1909.

Moscow, Russa | Natalia Filipovskaia, Moscow Sotheby’s International Realty

This 2,164-square-meter mansion is located on nearly 6,000 square meters of land. Among the offered amenities, this home features a combined hall-library, home cinema, and swimming pool. An additional building on the site showcases a garage for four cars.

Bridgehampton, New York | Beate V. Moore, Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage

This unparalleled oceanfront home was constructed in 2016 by master builder Ed Bulgin. Four luxurious ensuite bedrooms plus separate studio with bath give to breathtaking ocean views. The spectacular outdoor entertaining space surrounded by an oversized waterside gunite pool with spa, two grills, gas pizza oven, and fridge all overlooks the Atlantic. A three-car garage plus an additional one-car garage, two outdoor showers, and basketball hoop sit on nearly two beautifully landscaped gated acres.

Rome, Italy | Vincenzo Lupattelli, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

This beautiful Art Deco villa is located in one of the most elegant districts in Rome, known as Ludovisi. Very close to the famous Villa Borghese park, Via Veneto, this residence is centrally located as it is only a few minutes from the Spanish Steps, Termini station, subway, and the shopping area. The villa has four floors and was built by the famous Roman architect, Carlo Pincherle.

Discover more properties for sale, in West Michigan or around the globe, by contacting one of our agents today.

6 Homes Near the World’s Top Design Events

Good design is a gateway to the world, a universal language understood around the globe. Effective design showcases the brilliance of individual creators along with the cultures and contexts in which they work. And it’s certainly worth traveling for—hence the emergence of international design weeks. Every year, amazing exhibitions of high style and exceptional craftsmanship take place in cities globally.

Here are six you won’t want to miss, along with some of the most stunning homes nearby. For true patrons, establishing a home base near these flagship events can make a one-off experience an annual pilgrimage. After all: a design enthusiast visits; an aficionado moves in.

Dubai: INDEX Dubai and Dubai Design Week

Dubai Design District, United Arab Emirates, photo courtesy of Solkafa/ Shutterstock Inc

Dubai has become synonymous with design; over the last decade, it has witnessed the rise of an avant-garde skyline whose buildings have shattered world records and won accolades. Within this architectural wonderland, the innovative Dubai Design District (d3) hosts Dubai Design Week every November. And in September, thousands of interior designers, decorators, artisans, and architects, converge on the city for INDEX Dubai.

Lewis Knollman, G ulf Sotheby’s International Realty

This spectacular penthouse, situated in the heart of downtown just across the water from d3, puts visitors at the heart of Dubai. It’s a rare unit in Burj Khalifa, the tallest freestanding structure in the world. This luxury home has a front-row seat to some of the most interesting and iconic architecture in the world.

But why fixate on the landmarks around this residence when you could be enjoying the landmark features within? Leading Dubai firm Bishop Design is responsible for the contemporary interiors, set among curving open-concept spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Stockholm: Stockholm Design Week and Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, photo courtesy of Gustav Kaiser / Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair

Nordic design is well-known around the world for its elegance and functionality, and every February, Sweden’s enchanting capital lights up the long Scandinavian winter with Stockholm Design Week and the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. Hundreds of events, exhibitions, and installations are on display, featuring work by household names as well as exciting newcomers.

Anders Elbe, Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty

A spacious loft in Östermalm is a great way to get cozy in this chilly city and take in the sights during the short days and long nights. With its edgy, sloped ceilings and exposed beams, this beautiful apartment on historic Sibyllegatan is a blank canvas—and therefore, a design buff’s dream.

Singapore: Singapore Design Week

Marina Bay Sands, photo courtesy of Ake Wa/ Shutterstock Inc

A futuristic metropolis set in the tropics, Singapore is home to some of the most striking architecture and design in the world; look no further than the famous Marina Bay Sands and the public Gardens by the Bay nearby. It’s only natural that it would be the focal point for one of the premier creative gatherings in Asia Pacific: Singapore Design Week, which typically goes for two weeks, and in its latest edition hosted over 100 events and 200,000 visitors.

Karen KOH, List Sotheby’s International Realty

Of course, many of the city’s most eye-catching design landmarks are mainstays—like this luxury condominium in District 9. The building is by the acclaimed firm Arquitectonica, and the innovative Y-shaped layout maximizes both the floorspace and windows, which overlook Singapore’s major shopping and entertainment strip on Orchard Road.

Milan: Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile; Fiera Milano

Salone del Mobile, photo courtesy of Salone del Mobile.Milano by Alessandro Russotti

The mere mention of Milan makes most people think of fashion, with brands like Prada, Armani, Gucci and Versace headquartered in the city. But every March, it’s the interior and industrial designers who truly put on a show.

Milan Design Week is arguably the most iconic event of its kind, and its crown jewel is the Salone del Mobile furniture fair. What was once a trade show is now a confluence of epic conversations and larger-than-life ideas, with installations and demos from over 2,500 companies. In the off-season, patrons can still enjoy the largest permanent trade fair in Europe, hosted by Fiera Milano.

Ivan Imbriani, I taly Sotheby’s International Realty

To really embrace the spirit of industrial design, escape to t his turn-of-the-century loft. Originally a distillery for Compari, the building has undergone recent renovations; the eclectic mix of materials—checkered tile, wooden paneling, exposed brick—makes this home a feast for the eyes and a rare collector’s item. Not to mention, 10 Corso Como, a hub of Milan culture and style, is just down the street.

New York: NYCxDesign and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair

NYCxDesign, photo courtesy of NYCxDesign

Each May, New York City becomes the center of the design world with NYCxDesign, a series of fairs, events, and celebrations that span all five of its boroughs. Of course, Manhattan is at the heart of the festivities, and the ICFF at the Javits Center has been an institution of luxury style for over three decades.

Steve Sallion, Warren Lewis Sotheby’s International Realty

Manhattan may be in the thick of the action—but after several consecutive days of events, Midtown can be exhausting.This converted Brooklyn condominium is a perfect oasis for design aficionados looking to take a breather: originally constructed in 1927, it once served as the printing facility for theNew York Daily News, but now offers 4,000 square feet of outdoor living space, a two-tiered private garden, and an open-concept interior that gives the owner complete creative license.

São Paulo: DW! São Paulo Design Weekend

DW! São Paulo Design Weekend Installation, photo courtesy of DW! São Paulo Design Weekend

São Paulo has always known how to put on a show, and DW! São Paulo Design Weekend is no exception. Though it’s younger and less established than its counterparts in Milan and New York, DW! is known for its wide selection of featured events, and is the largest design festival in Latin America.

Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty

For a home away from home in South America’s design capital, it’s difficult to do better than this apartment. Not only does the building bear the signature of modern design legend Daniel Libeskind, but the interiors have been meticulously appointed by noted Brazilian decorator Dado Castello Branco. To top it off, this retreat among the treetops comes with furniture from Minotti, along with the latest home automation systems.

Design weeks invite you to enjoy an ephemeral experience—a fleeting snapshot of world-class style that lasts for just a few days. But you can turn a weekend into a lasting work of art: whether you’re looking for a blank canvas to style, or a turnkey showroom featuring the work of today’s top artisans, there are apartments waiting for you the world over. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find one just around the corner from your favorite festival of contemporary design.

Take inspiration from the world’s top design destinations, and source your own home with remarkable details.

Mood Board | Cottage Charm, Cabin Chic

When it comes to rural escapes, it can be easy to be pulled in several directions at once. A cabin in the woods, or an escape by the sea? The timelessness of a log cabin or the bright refinement of an English country cottage? Whatever your aesthetic, you’re sure to find a detail to suit your taste from these two approaches to the weekend retreat—whether you’re leaving home on an adventure or bringing fresh design to your existing space and staying put.

Cottage Charm

Farmhouse kitchens, whimsical gardens, and crisp whites are the hallmarks of the country cottage. A bright, light-filled sitting room, a stone-and-shingle home in Connecticut—these are the fertile grounds where cottage living is perfected. Bring this style into your every day with plush reading chairs, recreation fixtures and appliances, and oceanic blues as an accent. No matter how far you reside from the countryside, these touches create comfort to unwind in—wherever you may be.

Cabin Chic

If the decorous calm of cottage life is not quite for you, look to the rugged coziness of cabins instead. Here, think Muskoka and Colorado, ski chalets and pioneer homes. While exposed beams and ample paneling is conventional cabin décor, elevate this style with contrasting stonework and rich textures. The traditional cabin is small, but today’s iterations are bespoke and polished. Outfit even your weekday residence with the trappings of forest expedition—live edge woods, antlers, warm layers—and you’ll be able to feel remote wherever you are.

It’s possible to capture the romance of mountains, the mystery of the sea, and the allure of the rolling hills through a handful of purposeful design decisions. Collect your books and blankets, paint a room a pristine white, bring in some warm wood paneling, and see where your cabin and cottage remodel takes you.

Discover a cozy cottage or cabin – give us a call to begin your home buying experience today.