Real Estate Archives - Beacon Sotheby's International Realty

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.

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.

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.

A Sunday in Toronto

Sundays are sacred. Whether you spend the day exploring local art and architecture, browsing market stops, or indulging in culinary delights, there’s no denying the seventh and final day of the week is reserved for discovery as a ritual. This Sunday, we explore the best of Toronto.

Elegant brick homes, lush gardens, and old-world charm can all be found in the center of Toronto. Known for its distinctive tower and the critically acclaimed, star-studded Toronto International Film Festival, the city holds the top spot as Canada’s most populated metropolitan hub. The Annex and Yorkville neighborhoods, home to families and students alike, are bursting with some of the best international cuisine, cultural institutions, and boutique shopping the city has to offer. Take your cues from the locals and spend a perfect Sunday wandering Toronto’s streets.

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

For an iconic Toronto experience, wake up in one of the spacious brick homes that make the area so idyllic. This restored “Annex Style” home on Madison Avenue features a large covered entry and a formal living room, complete with gas fireplace, antique wood mantle, and marble surround. Start off by preparing a coffee in the state-of-the-art kitchen and step out into the private courtyard for a moment of tranquility before heading out into the bustling city streets.

Morning

Café Boulud, photo courtesy of Café Boulud

When it’s time to sally forth, you’ll be right in the thick of things. Venture to the Four Seasons for breakfast at Café Boulud, where chef Daniel Boulud serves up seasonal dishes in the French tradition. Drift down to Bloor, where Hermès, Gucci, and Burberry await and pop into altheisure label Kit and Ace for a flat white from Sorry Coffee Co. For boutique shopping, there’s Corbò Studio with its edited collection including J Brand and Diane von Furstenberg, and Montréal family business ça va de soi for reinvented knitwear.

Sorry Coffee Co, photo courtesy of Kit and Ace

When you’ve wrapped up your browsing, take the half-hour walk to Casa Loma, a castle in the heart of the city. Built in 1911 by businessman Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, the castle was dreamt up as a private home before financial difficulties plagued Sir Pellatt and the city took ownership in 1933. Now open to the public, Casa Loma offers visitors the chance to wander the grand 98-room castle and its surrounding gardens.

Casa Loma, photo courtesy of Ken Felepchuk / Shutterstock Inc

Having had your morning fill of history, turn your thoughts to food. For lunch, there’s Kasa Moto, with its notable sashimi and nigiri, or well-crafted bites at Chabrol for those in search of pork liver mousse and apple tarts.

Chabrol Restaurant, photo courtesy of Chabrol

Midday constitutionals can be had in nearby Queen’s Park, where Ontario’s government buildings take pride of place alongside the stately architecture of the University of Toronto’s downtown campus.

Afternoon

Royal Ontario Museum, photo courtesy of Javen / Shutterstock Inc

Start your afternoon with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum. The country’s most-visited museum, the ROM has an extensive collection of natural historical artifacts from Canada and around the world. Or dash across the street to the smaller Gardiner Museum, where a focus on clay works is punctuated by special exhibitions, lectures, classes, and an in-house artisanal gift shop.

Bay Reyna, photo courtesy of Bar Reyna, photo by Ryan Emberley

Needless to say, it’s easy to spend hours with art, but be sure to give yourself a much-needed pause for a late-afternoon cocktail at nearby Bar Reyn a, where classics like the Negroni share the menu with inventive updates like the Basil Cognac-O-Lada.

Evening

Blu Ristorante, photo courtesy of Blu

No evening in Toronto is complete without a visit to the Royal Conservatory of Music. An acclaimed educational institute, the Conservatory also offers a full calendar of concerts and performances in the contemporary Koerner Hall. After you’ve been inspired by the musical stylings of some of the world’s best performers, satiate your appetite at Blu, named one of Canada’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in 2018. The intimate atmosphere, live piano music, and extensive wine lists are matched only by the delicious, award-winning food—a perfect way to cap off a day of purposeful wandering.

No matter where your Sunday takes you, Toronto is sure to offer up cultural and culinary delights, leaving you looking forward to your next weekend in Canada’s star central city.

If your Toronto visit turns into a lifelong love, find your permanent residence from among these elegant homes, and ensure that the best of the city is always at your doorstep.

Distinctive Destinations: Welcome to the Greater Boston Area

It’s no secret that Greater Boston is home to one of the densest and most diverse real estate markets in New England and beyond, with varying market trends and distinct differences between surrounding towns and neighborhoods. Although the real estate market is certainly competitive, there continues to be a significant amount of activity in the Greater Boston area and there are plenty of opportunities for buyers and sellers.

Residents flock to the Greater Boston area for several reasons, but a few key traits stand out. Boston is home to some of the most prestigious and advanced medical facilities in the world, as well as being home to exceptional universities and other educational institutions. The Boston area is also known for housing some of the highest ranked towns in which to live, including Newton and Brookline. Boston’s small-town, historical feel and thriving sports culture are also attractive features.

The Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate in Greater Boston, Unlimited Sotheby’s International Realty, has three offices as a central hub for their surrounding communities, offering premier, highly-visible locations. Take a look at some of their listings below!

NEWTON, MA – 24 Botsford Road
$2,199,000 | 4 Beds, 5.5 Baths
Listing Agent: Aurel Garban, 617.875.1914, aurel.garban@unlimitedsir.com

Beautiful new construction in Newton’s Chestnut Hill! Features include a finished lower level with a full bathroom, storage room, and a two car garage. Easy access to the Chestnut Hill Mall, The Street and Chestnut Hill Square, Wegmans and Route 9 for commuting.

BROOKLINE, MA – 20 Chapel Street, Unit C611
$1,100,000 | 2 Beds, 2 Baths
Listing Agent: Thomas O’Connor, 617.251.6393, thomas.oconnor@unlimitedsir.com

Located in the heart of the Longwood Medical Area, and near Coolidge Corner, this rarely available two bedroom is just a quick jaunt to Trader Joe’s, a few steps to Hospitals (Brigham/Beth Israel/Children’s) and Green Line T. Emerald Necklace is right outside.

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA – 51 Iffley Road, Unit 2
$689,000 | 2 Beds, 2 Baths
Listing Agent: Sean Preston, 617.855.8502, sean.preston@unlimitedsir.com

High-efficiency new construction with private outdoor space, parking, and city views. This home is perfect for entertaining or as a soothing retreat. Close to the Orange Line and buses, many parks and recreation areas, and growing restaurant scene.

About the Affiliate

Unlimited Sotheby’s International Realty is an independently owned and operated franchisee of Sotheby’s International Realty® Affiliates LLC, specializing in full-service real estate in Boston, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, Newton, and surrounding Greater Boston communities. The company’s unique approach to marketing, innovation, and reputation for servicing extraordinary homes, combined with my knowledge of the local market and high-quality customer service, allows us to offer clients an unmatched level of service.

For more information, we can work with our affiliate, Unlimited Sotheby’s International Realty, to help find you a home in Greater Boston.

Field Notes | 5 Beautiful Lots You Could Own

It goes without saying that when it comes to real estate, location is everything. Whether it’s a neighborhood, suburb, or arrondissement, many of us place a premium on location and search carefully for the perfect home in just the right place. But there is another solution: why not build around your ideal lifestyle? A raw plot of land presents the ultimate blank slate on which to craft the home of your passions, whether they include making wine, rearing cattle, or enjoying leisurely solitude by the sea. Below, these five plots present striking possibilities for building your dream home from the ground up.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Tom Evans, Valerie Conger, & Melinda S Day, J ackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty

If you find your days interrupted by thoughts of fresh, crisp air, wide open spaces, and sweeping mountain ranges, look no further than the 105 acres at this Jackson Hole lot. Sprawling across the Bar BC Ranch, a swath of rangeland known for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and blue ribbon fishing, this vast plot is perfect for homeowners who dream of running their own ranch. A generous plot size provides plenty of space for cattle or horses to roam, while avid or aspiring ranchers can see for themselves what shaped the cowboy culture prevalent in this pocket of the country. One of the least populous states in the U.S., privacy is guaranteed, which also makes for some of the best air quality in the country and ideal conditions for nighttime stargazing.

Chile

Javier Contreras, Chile Sotheby’s International Realty

Coastal charm rule this stately Chilean plot situated on the threshold of Patagonia. Its varied grounds combine native forest, four miles of beach shore, and 27 miles of riverbank, with a total lot size of 32 acres rich with possibility. The region’s unique geography—bolstered by the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west—provide viable conditions for grape-growing, while its fertile grounds are also suitable to host sheep and other livestock. In addition, its coastal location makes this lot ideal for enjoying all the trappings of a coastal lifestyle, from kayaking and fishing to sighting dolphins and whales.

Turks and Caicos

Nina Siegenthaler & Joe Zahm, Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

For a lot that lends itself to a life of leisure and privacy, a private island in Turks and Caicos can’t be outmatched. Nestled into the west coast of Parrot Cay, this 3.3-acre beachfront parcel presents a rare opportunity to own prime beachfront real estate on the island. Its 330-feet stretch of pristine white sand and jewel-toned waters is shared only with the guests of neighboring luxury resort COMO Parrot Cay. An ideal destination for homeowners looking to develop a low-maintenance vacation or income property, COMO Parrot Cay provides estate management service, meaning your property is in good hands wherever in the world you may be.

Paradise Valley, Arizona

Cliff Davis, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

When looking to escape cloudy days and snowy weather, the American West looks particularly bright. Whether it’s horseback riding, mountain biking, or off-roading you enjoy, an arid-climate abode is suitable for a life built around the outdoors. Swap snowy weather for sunny days on these appealing Arizona acres, located in the sought-after seclusion of Paradise Valley. Comprised of four five-acre, contiguous lots, this listing occupies nearly 20 unspoiled acres in a picturesque western setting—perfect for constructing your own desert oasis. Its ideal position on the north side of Mummy Mountain is level enough for building while still at the right elevation for expansive mountain views.

Queensland

Michael Vettoretto, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty

Those tempted by the tropical life can take their ease at this Q ueensland estate, tucked inside a peaceful cove on Australia’s Magnetic Island. Comprised of three blocks of land on two titles, this lot totals almost an acre and is conveniently located near unspoiled beaches with fringing reefs along Alma Bay. Appropriate for aquatic enthusiasts looking to be active in a laid-back setting, this popular holiday destination presents a fantastic investment opportunity for developing an income property, with its waterfront location and close proximity to popular tourist attractions.

When it comes to vacant land, the possibilities truly are endless—all it takes is a little digging to unearth their true potential.

Looking for your dream vacant lot? We can help.

Featured Listing | Private Custom-Built Lakeside Cottage

Pairing peaceful surroundings with the excitement of life on the water, this lakeside home debuting to the market is a stunning retreat. Look further into this custom-built home.

1733 Forest Cove Trail, Allegan, MI| $1,350,000

Crafted to the highest standard by Mike Schaap Builders with the accompanying custom millwork of Benchmark Wood Studio, this sophisticated cottage welcomes visitors down a private drive to this exclusive property. Nestled on all sports Lake Allegan, water enthusiasts will take full advantage of the dock with hydraulic boat lift and enjoying wakeboarding, skiing, tubing and more on the refreshing waters.

Step inside to an expansive living room, boasting flooring, an ultra-grand ceiling comprised of Alder, complimenting the home’s rustic yet luxurious design. Light a fire in the gas-started wood burning fireplace, as the hues flicker off of the real stonework. Settle into a good book or simply relax and soak up the waterfront views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, as the surrounding landscape of towering evergreens and mature hardwoods nod to the year-round enjoyment.

Your culinary creations will come to life in the intricately-designed kitchen, featuring granite countertops, Cherry island top, and solid Cherry doors. Elevated with three dishwasher drawers, Limestone flooring, and professional series appliances, even the most experienced chef has the proper tools at their disposal. Everyone will have a seat in the dining room, while smaller meals can be enjoyed at the kitchen’s savvy custom built banquette.

The convenient bar makes entertaining a breeze with its ice maker and two refrigerated drawers, while surround sound throughout the great room, master suite, and kitchen, as well as the screened in hot tub porch, presents the utmost opportunity for relaxation.

Host overnight guests in the multiple main floor en-suites all boasting custom-built bedroom furniture or downstairs in the bunk room featuring 10 beds. The finished basement offers extra space for all your guests’ recreational and gaming desires while you retire to your peaceful main level master suite.

An oversized three-stall garage hosts custom storage cabinetry to stow belongings away. Give your beloved family and friends their own private retreat in the garage’s fully-finished upstairs guest apartment, boasting two bedrooms and baths, a full kitchen, and laundry.

An incomparable escape from the every day, this tranquil retreat is designed for those seeking an inspired lifestyle. Built with regards to privacy, luxury, and comfort, this waterfront cottage serves as a year-round home or charming getaway, harboring your memories for years to come.

Eager to see this beauty in person? Contact us for a tour today.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: October 2018

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles and home.

Savannah, Georgia | Staci Donegan, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty

Constructed in 1908 by prominent Atlanta banker Mills B. Lane, the home has been a distinguished site in the city’s Historic Landmark District for over a century.”

Design Trends | How Texture Transforms Home Décor

Can’t decide what’s missing from your latest design project? Chances are, it’s texture. The texture is an all-important—and sometimes overlooked—element in transforming a space from flat to multidimensional, adding layers of depth and richness. Be it via countertops or flooring, creating the right atmosphere is all about choosing the right surfaces. Below, we feature nine trending surface textures and where to use them.

Concrete

Yolanda Tejeda, Chile Sotheby’s International Realty

Industrial charm doesn’t have to be reserved for the factory-turned-loft space. Concrete is a low-maintenance (and economical) way to pour on some industrial chic when it comes to your space. Flooring is a particularly savvy use of the material, as concrete tends to require minimal upkeep, and any dings, dents, and chips will only add character.

Quartz

Monty Roberts, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty

Quartz is quickly gaining popularity as a low-maintenance alternative to sought-after surfaces like marble or soapstone. As a non-porous and stain-resistant material, quartz is ideal for kitchen countertops that see lots of entertaining. Comprised of parts of natural minerals bonded together with resin, it’s also one of the more environmentally sound options on the market, taking a greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts approach to delivering a beautiful end product.

Marble

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

With extraordinary, one-of-a-kind natural veining, marble in any space creates a striking, elegant effect. While the exterior of this surface is undoubtedly strong and beautiful, it’s important to keep in mind that marble has a soft side. A porous material, it’s possible for marble surfaces to be stained from acidic liquids (white wine, lemon), meaning a degree of maintenance is required. For those who love the look without the worry, consider using the material for bathroom countertops and flooring where acidic liquids are less likely to be used.

Parquet

Dali Shoval, Austria Sotheby’s International Realty

The 1950s and 60s were a heyday for parquet flooring, but the origins of this mosaic method of arranging wooden planks in a geometric pattern dates back to the 16th century. Nowadays, parquet flooring is synonymous with elegant European interiors and Haussmann-era Parisian buildings. The more traditional parquet floors are usually arranged in chevron and herringbone patterns, cut in a range of different types of wood from oak to walnut. Despite its luxe look, parquet often surprises with its manageable options for installation and moderate price point.

Carpet

Poland Sotheby’s International Realty

Carpets are an easy way to add a layer of warmth to your home, particularly in the bedroom where it can be comforting to wake up to something soft underfoot. Unlike their predecessors, the best modern carpets are stain, dirt, and water-resistant, thanks to new advancements in manufacturing. When selecting the right carpet for your space, be sure to take traffic into account: plush, high-pile textures tend to work better in lower-traffic areas, while close-cut piles are hardier and easier to keep clean.

Wood Paneling

Nina Siegenthaler & Joe Zahm, Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

When it comes to textures in the home, why should walls be neglected? Wood paneling may have gotten a poor reputation during the mid-century era, when it covered everything from basements to bathroom walls; today, it’s the purposeful approach that makes a statement. Go all out with floor-to-ceiling paneling and tons of natural light to create a warm, modern effect, or play with thinner wooden planks in smaller proportions for geometric visual interest.

Slate

Faisal Halum, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

It’s important to consider strength, crack-resistance, and temperature-retaining properties when selecting natural stone as flooring. One of the strongest natural stone options available, slate is an ideal choice underfoot as it is durable enough to go decades without needing to be replaced, providing proper maintenance is given. While this natural beauty is great at transmitting heat and cold, it is not so good at retaining it, making it ideal for homes in warmer climates or with radiant floor heating.

Moroccan Tile

Joan Eleazer, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Whether for backsplash or flooring, tiles are a fashionable way to elevate and add luxury to a space. Some of the most well-crafted options emanate from Morocco, where the art of zellige—a process of fabrication using individual geometric pieces—is still employed today. These pops of pattern are surfacing in homes as a vibrant alternative to neutral tiles and floors.

Ledgestone

Bea Jarzynska, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

For a rustic environment full of cozy charm, consider using ledgestone. This technique of stacking stone to showcase its edge as opposed to its face creates loads of rough texture, establishing a gritty focal point that works particularly well for a statement wall, backsplash, or fireplace treatment. The variating tones and raw edging of ledgestone adds stacks of visual interest to even the most minimalist modern of spaces.

When it comes to great design, it’s all about what’s on the surface. From glossy countertops to cozy fireplaces, inspired surroundings start with the right textures.

3D Printing and Augmented Reality | A New Path to Home Ownership

Thanks to modern advancements in augmented reality and 3D printing, redesigning a space or building a new home has never been more futuristic. We are living in an era of unprecedented innovation, where homes can be assembled from scratch in just under 24 hours, and living spaces designed from a few taps on a smartphone. More than just passing trends, these technological leaps represent a disruption of the home and design industry. Here, we examine two of the most promising advancements in home construction and retail, and why they’re catching the world’s attention.

Laying Out the Benefits of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) offers a whole new way to see the world. It’s one of today’s fastest growing industries, with experts predicting the mobile AR market will reach a value of 70 billion USD by 2023. Augmented reality sees the real, observable world overlaid with digital data or images: we’re accustomed to AR cropping up on our screens—the yellow line marker projected in live football games being one prominent example—and on our phones, as whimsical filters adorn our photographs in real time. But how does AR stand to impact our homes?

Up until fairly recently, the use of AR in the interior design space was beset by growing pains, but a combination of savvy developers and strategic partnerships is finally allowing the market to flourish. What if you could reimagine a room in a myriad of configurations without the need for hauling furniture around? Retailers of luxury furnishings and high-end décor are permitting customers to bring their products home and try them out—digitally. Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty℠ makes it possible to conceptualize your rooms in the palm of your hands, providing a long-awaited tool for interior design enthusiasts and more casual browsers alike.

Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty is the firs t real-estate branded AR app available for Apple iOS-enabled and Google’s Android-enabled devices. Utilizing the power of the Google ARCore platform in tandem with online luxury furniture marketplace V iyet, the app enables users to scan their environs with their phone and then place, rotate, and adjust furniture as they see fit. Customers can test individual pieces or select from a wide range of preset looks, ranging in style from mid-century modern to traditional contemporary.

With simple features and real-time results, designers aren’t the only ones enjoying Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty’seasy user experience. By allowing prospective homebuyers to preview any house in their personal taste and style, the app is a powerful tool for sellers and real estate agents looking to increase buyer confidence in the purchasing decision. Whether you’re decorating your own home or someone else’s, it’s not hard to see how augmented reality opens new doors for visualizing any space.

3D Printing and the Future of Housing Fabrication

Another advancement taking the home and design world by storm is 3D printing. When it comes to framing and raising a new build, what once required hours of labor and a hefty budget can now be accomplished in less than a day for a sliver of the cost.

Photo courtesy of New Story Charity

In 2017, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand partnered with non-profit N ew Story in their mission to provide homes for under-housed families in Haiti, Mexico, El Salvador, and Bolivia. Pairing technological advancements from Austin-based startup ICON with donations from partners like the Sotheby’s International Realty network, New Story has created a 3D printer capable of creating a home in just 12–24 hours for the low cost of $4,000 USD.

Programmed to create the foundation and walls of the structure via a concrete-extruding printing apparatus, The Vulcan 3D printer produces single-story, 650-square-foot structures that represent a breakthrough in housing relief efforts worldwide. ICON co-founder Jason Ballard says 3D printing is something of a “unicorn technology” for the construction industry, singular in enabling faster, better, and cheaper projects to be completed with new creativity.

While many families in have already begun their lives in new, traditionally constructed homes made possible by New Story, more will soon receive a home in the world’s first ever 3D-printed community in El Salvador, and the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is proud to play a part in such a life-changing initiative.

What does 3D printing mean for higher-end homes? Flexibility. Liberated from the confines of traditional building materials, architects planning the 3D-printed homes of the future have a wider palette of shapes to choose from: according to New Story, “nearly any 2D floor plan imaginable can be printed”. Eco-consciousness is another factor that may drive luxury buyers to seek out cement homes, as the process creates very little waste, and the double-layer insulated walls are well designed for energy efficiency with a continuous thermal envelope. For those looking for a visionary, unique method of building, 3D printing may offer a path towards fresh, responsible design.

Far from fleeting trends, these modern innovations in the home and design space may very well become the norm. With the increased efficiency, convenience, and potential to transform lives made available by these recent breakthroughs, a technological revolution has never looked so bright.

We invite you to join Sotheby’s International Realty in supporting New Story’s efforts to build relief housing in Haiti, Mexico, El Salvador, and Bolivia. With tomorrow’s technology, we can create a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.