A residential marvel designed by architect Roger Ferris just splashed onto the market in Water Mill, NY, for $27.5 million.
The five-bedroom stunner on 1.6 acres serves up gorgeous views of Mecox Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
“It’s an extraordinary property,” says listing agent Enzo Morabito, of Douglas Elliman – Sag Harbor. “It’s located in a very top-of-the-line spot near the village of Southampton.”
The lot was purchased in 2014 for $4.3 million, and the steel-frame, 9,700-square-foot home was custom-built in 2017.
Living room
(Realtor.com)
Perched above a striking landscape and conservation area, the dramatic design boasts four levels with “walls of frameless structurally glazed glass units,” according to the listing. The modern abode is crowned with a rooftop terrace and an outdoor kitchen.
A boring glass box it is not. Color is employed boldly throughout the home.
The modern interiors are designed to offer views from nearly every room—particularly from the spectacular, glass-walled living room.
A bright-hued kitchen is outfitted with glossy cabinets, solid-surface countertops, and a glass backsplash.
Kitchen
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Underfoot, a white resin, gloss-finish flooring is used—a perfect contrast to the home’s vivid palette, which includes a vibrant light fixture, banana-yellow statement wall, and a pop-art-inspired bath.
Bathroom
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A spacious primary suite features double bathrooms, including one with a soaking tub and an office. Wall-sized, sliding glass doors capture the views and open to a private terrace.
From the gardens and the pool area to the decks and terraces, there are plenty of spaces to soak in the surroundings.
Just above the heated, illuminated pool is a sleek glass bridge that connects the home’s two wings.
“Whoever buys this house will likely own two or three homes,” Morabito says. “It was built to the highest standards and has always been used as a secondary home.”
Pool
(Realtor.com)
The property’s luxurious amenities include a wet bar, gym, media room, elevator, four-car garage, pool cabana, and private dock.
“Its proximity to the ocean and Southampton and being close to New York [City] are what someone will be looking for,” Morabito adds.
Bedroom
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In addition to the main gated estate, a renovated guesthouse on a separate parcel is available for $7.5 million.
The three-bedroom dwelling was built in 1956 but underwent a full renovation just three years ago.
Sustainability and environmental consciousness, as we know, are becoming increasingly important owing to the dangers of climate change constantly looming upon us. As such, finding ways to reduce waste and minimise our ecological footprint has become a priority. When it comes to home décor, one area where we can make a significant impact is our approach to furniture. Before simply tossing away old or unwanted pieces, there are often opportunities to repurpose, reuse, or recycle them, giving them new life and reducing the demand for new furniture.
But, how? Don’t worry, we are here to your rescue! According to Sajal Lamba, Co-founder and Director, Wriver, change is the only constant as the saying goes and there are plenty of ways one could go about curating your most personal spaces. “Reinventing ways to express your lifestyle choices through your living space can be a truly authentic way to tell your story to those you invite into your home or workspace,” he added.
The interior designer further mentioned that what we do with our interiors is a reflection of our most personal aspirations and value. “The key to the synchronicity of design and functionality within living spaces is in how you curate them based on size and flow of traffic together with finer details like the shape, colours, and types of furniture you choose to bring together,” he said.
While there are many expert tips out there, Lamba shared a few key aspects around re-imagining your interiors with accessible furniture.
Reconfigure your furniture: Instead of multiple pieces that you might traditionally choose, fill a room with accent pieces that until now, were enjoyed in the privacy of your bedroom or study room. “Break up a sectional. The fact that a sectional was purchased to fit together a certain way doesn’t mean it absolutely has to stay in that configuration. Often the pieces can be reconfigured into a new layout that might fit a new space better,” he explained.
what we do with our interiors is a reflection of our most personal aspirations and value (Source: Pexels)
Multiple pieces into one unique statement: Consider curating pieces in a way that extends or adds space. “Add an ottoman to an existing sofa or lounge chair and you’ve created a comfortable spot. Or simply re-upholster your sofa-go from a bold colour to magnificent prints! A simple redo like that can change the mood, look and feel of a space. Try incorporating a low or seat-height ottoman-coffee table to create a corner where no corner existed before, and shift a section over to expand the amount of usable seating area,” hhe said.
Making bold ‘mismatched choices’: Let’s say you want to add some end chairs to your dining table or create more seating space in your living room. “Instead of buying matching furniture for what’s already existing, shift and play around with the sofas and chairs you already have – be bold and embrace a bit of ‘mismatch’ because that certainly tells a story that is unique to your personality! Use almost anything as a low table. Designers often praise stool tables as multifunctional design superheroes, but really so many items can serve double duty as a small table or seat.”
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Experiment with functionality: Perhaps you need more working space or maybe you want to simply make a bold statement – and that’s where you can experiment with the functionality of furniture. “Consider how pieces like chests, chairs (especially durable indoor-outdoor seats), crates and the like could be used to act as a small table in the bathroom, at the foot of the bed, on the patio — the list goes on and on, and the results are often beautifully unique,” Lamba said.
By embracing these practices, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to home décor while also adding a unique and personal touch to our living spaces.
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After capping the 2021 season with a Super Bowl win for the Los Angeles Rams, cornerback Jalen Ramsey‘s performance seemed to justify the five-year, $105 million contract he signed with the team in 2020.
But that same contract spelled salary-cap trouble, following a woeful 2022 season for the Rams. As such, Ramsey was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a draft pick in March. And while the trade means a change of coasts, at least Ramsey will continue to reside in a sunny clime.
As a result of the deal, Ramsey is selling his knockout 10,100-square-foot mansion in Hidden Hills, CA, for $13,995,000. If he snags that amount, he’ll make out nicely. Ramsey bought the seven-bedroom home (which includes a recently added guesthouse) in 2020 for $9.5 million.
The property offers amenities galore, including a basketball court, home gym, sauna for post-workout aches, gaming room, move theater, wine cellar, and a training hill built into the backyard for sprinting practice.
Built in 2020
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Living room
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Kitchen
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Screening room
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Home gym
(Realtor.com)
Privacy and serenity are guaranteed in this swanky, guard-gated community—an area that’s famously populated by celebrities and captains of industry.
This masterpiece of a home features three levels of posh details, such as Italian marble and white oak floors. An open layout allows seamless movement from room to sun-filled room.
Watch: Former QB Ben Roethlisberger Is Selling a Pennsylvania Spread
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There are fireplaces in the living area and primary bedroom, which has a two-sided version with a mini living room on one side. The primary bath is immense, with a standalone soaker and walk-in shower.
But the outdoor spaces might be even more amazing than the house itself, thanks to the many full-sized trees, terraced gardens, huge pool, and built-in barbecue area.
Primary bedroom
(Realtor.com)
Main bathroom
(Realtor.com)
Covered outdoor lounge
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Pool and gardens
(Realtor.com)
Sport court
(Realtor.com)
Sprint-training hill
(Realtor.com)
Ramsey starred in college at Florida State before he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. His seven seasons in the NFL have been impressive: He’s garnered 375 solo tackles, 77 assists, 19 interceptions, and one Super Bowl ring.
This story is from Karl Boericke. He is the author of The Frugal Berry, money-saving tips of all kinds for home, office, and small business.
In 1990, I was honorably discharged from the Navy and quickly found a job in an electronics manufacturing company as a technician in their test department. While renting an apartment at the time, I wondered how I would ever be able to afford to buy a house with my meager salary. I had heard that buying a duplex was an inexpensive way to live and build equity in a home.
After looking at a few mobile homes and quickly realizing the long-term downside to such an “investment,” it became clear that buying a duplex was my best realistic ticket to home ownership. I lucked out in finding a great real estate agent who gave me some sage advice. Even though I could buy a duplex with a VA loan with almost NO cash up-front, she advised me to use an FHA first-time buyer mortgage. This would cost me some money at purchase, but it would give me the possibility of using my VA loan in the future for my “next duplex.” This thought stimulated my imagination, and seemed like an impossibility at the moment, but I followed her advice and kept this long-term idea in storage for another time.
Before I bought my first duplex, I was spending $525 per month to rent a studio apartment that consisted of a kitchen, bathroom with stand-up shower, and an all-purpose room that held my bed, dresser, couch, and a small TV placed on top of my file cabinet. After buying, I was now living in luxury. I had two bedrooms, a living room, a spacious kitchen with laundry hookup, and a full bathroom. I was now renting out a one-bedroom apartment below me for $425 per month, and my mortgage payment was $653 per month, which included real estate taxes, mortgage interest and insurance. This meant that my effective cost of housing per month went from $525 while renting to $228 for more space and home ownership.
Twenty-five months later, I bought my second duplex. This time I used my VA loan, and had very few out-of-pocket costs at closing. I moved into this new duplex to satisfy the loan requirements, and lived there for five years before getting married and buying a single home.
At this point my duplexes were paying for themselves, generating some additional income, and building equity that didn’t suffer even in the most recent housing tumble. Anyone who has watched the movie “Pacific Heights” knows the possible downside to being a landlord. Luckily I did not watch this movie until I was a year into my second duplex.
I had a huge learning curve as a landlord, but never had to evict anyone through the legal system. Twice the tenant and I came to a “mutual understanding,” and they were out by the end of the month.
Maintenance came easy for me, but even if I had to pay contractors to take care of any issues, I still would have been saving money like crazy. The dollar figures have changed over the past 20 years or so and mortgage requirements are changing, but the investment opportunities are just the same, or even better in the current housing market.
If you are renting an apartment, living paycheck to paycheck, I highly recommend that you consider buying a duplex. It doesn’t cost anything to look, and if nothing else you will be more educated on your possible options for the future.
Here’s the story, of a house named Brady. HGTV has put the famous “Brady Bunch” house in Los Angeles, with its instantly recognizable street view, on the market.
The saga of this house has a new storyline, and it’s a real cliffhanger: Will HGTV be able to recoup its investment in the famous home, which was used only for exterior shots on the iconic ’70s TV show?
The home has since been rebuilt, inside and out, as a replica of the set piece from the show. The $5.5 million list price is on the high end of the suburb of Studio City. The area has a median list price of $1.9 million.
But this is a very special home—especially since HGTV got its hands on it in 2018.
The “Brady Bunch” house as it appeared on the show
(CBS/YouTube)
A very Brady abode
Locals have long known about the iconic home, and longtime fans visit frequently to take photos of the exterior. The exterior has essentially stayed much the same way it had appeared in “The Brady Bunch,” which aired from 1969 to 1974, then entered into perpetual syndication.
Some say it’s the most photographed private residence in America, right after the White House.
The owners thought that the notoriety would add some value, so they listed their famous split-level in 2018 for an ambitious $1,885,000. It was built in 1959.
The house as it appeared when it went on the market in 2018
(realtor.com)
What they didn’t expect was HGTV entering a bidding war with former ‘N Sync member Lance Bass and several others. The network prevailed, paying $3.5 million for the home. It had big plans to put the house back on TV.
‘A Very Brady Renovation’
The network taped a limited series, called “A Very Brady Renovation,” in which show hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott worked alongside other HGTV stars to re-create every detail of the iconic home. Joining them were the now-grown cast members who played the six Brady kids.
The renovation series drew in more than 28 million viewers.
The Brady “kids” in front of the old “Brady Bunch” house
(HGTV)
The interior scenes of the TV series were actually shot on nearby sound stages, so it was quite a challenge to find period furnishings and finishes and to redesign the home so it looked exactly like the one on TV.
HGTV poured $1.9 million into the massive renovation, which added 2,000 square feet to the property’s original footprint. That included a full second story.
Fully reimagined living room
(Realtor.com)
Including the renovation costs, HGTV’s investment in the five-bedroom, five-bath, 5,140-square-foot property totals $5.4 million, which is just about the current asking price.
What it looks like now
The house today
(Realtor.com)
So what will the next owners get? Among the standout features added are the floating staircase, the burnt-orange-and-avocado-green kitchen, the kids’ Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and the backyard with a swing set, teeter-totter, and Tiger’s doghouse.
Orange and avocado kitchen
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The backyard
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Customized pieces include the green floral couch and the credenza with a horse sculpture in the living room.
Fun fact: The show producers reached out to collectors to find the horse sculpture used on the set, and when one couldn’t be located, they ended up printing one in 3D.
The horse sculpture was printed in 3D to match the original.
(Realtor.com)
Would you live there?
So, would anyone actually want to live in a home filled with shag carpeting, wood paneling, and pastel-colored walls in all the bedrooms and bathrooms?
Girls’ bedroom
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Boys’ bedroom
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How comfortable would you be in a $5.5 million home outfitted with appliances that were brand-new in the 1970s but not exactly state-of-the-art now, and a backyard that features a swing set rather than a pool?
And then, there are the caveats for potential buyers: “Fireplaces and some appliances/fixtures are decorative only. The home is being sold as is.”
The home is located in a lovely, mostly quiet neighborhood within walking distance of great shops and restaurants, and backs up on the L.A. River.
So, is this a house that’s made more for TV than real life?
Mike Brady’s office with an artificial fireplace
(Realtor.com)
Is it ready for a real-life bunch?
Though true to its TV counterpart, this home’s retro kitchen and bathrooms are no longer in vogue.
Jack-and-Jill bathroom
(Realtor.com)
While the midcentury modern style is still popular, you don’t see a lot of people bringing back that 1970s style. After a while, those period rooms might become an eyesore.
The den
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There’s also the tourist problem.
Coldwell Banker luxury property specialist Gail Steinberg, who lives about a block from the famous home, has had intrepid fans stopping her on the sidewalk to ask, “Do you know where the ‘Brady Bunch’ house is?”
Interest in the house has gone up significantly since the HGTV show, and it draws a steady stream of people cruising by to snap pictures.
Still, Steinberg believes the $5.5 million asking price is not unrealistic.
“Look how far above the asking price it went for last time it sold,” she says.
Could the home become a short-term rental?
If the zoning permits short-term rentals, the new homeowners could fetch a pretty penny from folks who want to bask in the home’s nostalgic glory. But the remodeled interiors seem too valuable to risk exposing to careless renters.
It might have value as a location for photo, TV, and movie shoots. But Los Angeles puts limitations on that as well—for the wellbeing of the neighbors. So it’s also not a dependable source of income.
Also, consider security
“There’s security parked out in front 24/7,” Steinberg notes. Apparently, that’s been necessary ever since HGTV very publicly took over the property, as there are no walls or hedges protecting it from zealous fans.
That’s also an expense the new owners will have to shoulder.
So who is the most likely buyer?
Steinberg believes a high-rolling real estate collector—perhaps someone who would stay in the home occasionally for fun—would happily pay $5.5 million, or more.
Often, buyers at that level pay cash and aren’t affected by high-interest rates, she adds.
Also, a wealthy collector would be less likely to be intimidated by the caveats in the listing: “Intellectual property rights are not included in the sale. Buyer is advised to do their own due diligence to investigate the legal rights and usage of the home including zoning, permits, rental laws, etc.”
But, there’s always bragging rights.
“It’s an ego thing,” Steinberg says. “‘I own the ‘Brady Bunch’ house!’”
Win-win
Neighbors would be most likely OK with the “Brady Bunch” house going private. The street would no longer be a tourist magnet, and a home selling for upward of $5.5 million in the area would surely raise their property values.
Other very deserving people would also benefit from the house selling at a premium. HGTV plans to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to help fight child hunger.
They say people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
But if you lived in the one on Fishers Island, NY, you could toss a few rocks right into Long Island Sound.
Showing more like a “livable art gallery,” according to the listing, the glass-and-steel, waterfront dwelling designed by Thomas Phifer is this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
Other real estate offerings that made our weekly popularity contest include a Queen Anne in North Carolina, a modern marvel in Indiana, and an Ohio home with an exotic waterfall in the basement.
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $825,000 Why it’s here: Behold the Castle in the Pines! Here is the opportunity to live like royalty in your very own castle.
A wrought-iron gate opens to the four-bedroom home with a turret. The entire 3,435 square feet of space has been decked out in medieval style. From custom, arched doors and hanging candelabras, to a knight in armor at the entry, to a sitting room overlooking a mountaintop scene, this kingdom was designed to delight.
It is currently in operation as a short-term rental and is pending sale.
Prescott, AZ
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $575,000 Why it’s here: This ultramodern home is a pretty standout in Houston.
Designed by architect W. Irving Phillips Jr., the 3,032-square-foot concrete townhome is located within walking distance of downtown. Offering just two bedrooms, the open floor plan has industrial, loft-style beams and soaring ceilings, along with concrete and hardwood floors. The primary suite is on the third floor and has two oversized closets and access to a covered terrace.
A monthly homeowners association fee of $472 includes maintenance and use of the pool.
Houston, TX
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $965,000 Why it’s here: Attention, historic-home lovers: The stately Smathers-Gautier-Messer House is nestled between two mountain ranges.
The Queen Anne beauty built in 1898 boasts wavy glass windows and octagonal towers. Inside, there is a Colonial Revival staircase and paneled wainscoting. The six-bedroom estate also features high ceilings, custom millwork, nine fireplaces embellished with Italian tile, and pocket doors.
The 2.5-acre lot also comes with a barn and a small cottage.
Waynesville, NC
(Realtor.com)
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Watch: Hollywood Beginning: Movie-Themed Vacation Home in Florida Wows for $11.75M
Price: $134,900 Why it’s here: Calling all Hobbit fans! This triple-dome home offers eco-friendly living.
The three-bedroom abode boasts 1,593 square feet of unique space. Built in 2004, the domicile is in need of restoration, as the price reflects.
“Interior walls have been removed to the steel frame, allowing you to build your ultimate vision,” the listing notes.
The 3-acre lot also has a fenced dog run. The property is being sold as is and must be a cash sale.
Sharon, SC
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Price: $880,000 Why it’s here: This magnificent home in the middle of Bittner Woods was the work of award-winning architect Earl R. Flansburgh.
The four-bedroom residence offers stylish, one-level living. Built in 1970, the 2,584-square-foot home was “professionally redesigned in 2020 with the help of Susan Yeley Homes,” according to the listing.
Oak hardwood and terrazzo floors can be found throughout the open floor plan. A central, open-air atrium connects all of the rooms. Clean lines, natural materials, and lots of glass seamlessly blend the interior with the outdoor space.
The property is pending sale.
Bloomington, IN
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Price: $799,000 Why it’s here: This A-frame beauty was built in 1964 as the personal home of local architect William Wayman. It has since been “respectfully remodeled,” the listing notes.
The sleek, 2,481-square-foot, four-bedroom home boasts wood paneling, skylights, and beamed ceilings. The two-story living room has a gas fireplace and lots of glass to take in the southern views. There are two separate living spaces; three bedrooms are upstairs, and one is downstairs with a full kitchen.
The property is pending sale.
Portland, OR
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $37.5 million Why it’s here: A venture capitalist is selling this ultraluxe mansion on the exclusive enclave of Star Island. The guard-gated island has been home to celebs such as Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jennifer Lopez.
This six-bedroom mansion on the waterfront boasts 9,747 square feet of living space. The foyer features a 30-foot ceiling and a custom staircase. Luxury finishes include custom millwork and travertine, marble, and wood flooring.
Built in 1992, the high-end home has a chef’s kitchen and a primary suite with access to the pool area.
The 1-acre lot includes a heated pool, outdoor kitchen, and a private dock.
Miami Beach, FL
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Price: $499,900 Why it’s here: Here’s the chance to own two homes and a chapel on nearly 50 acres overlooking a private lake.
This six-bedroom house has 5,600 square feet of living space and comes with a commercial kitchen and dining hall. The open floor plan also includes a spacious living room with a brick fireplace and four bathrooms.
The property offers a variety of potential uses, including as a church retreat, rental property, or bed-and-breakfast.
Paducah, KY
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Price: $519,999 Why it’s here: The Mansion on the Hilltop comes with an exotic waterfall in the basement!
This four-bedroom home looks like a traditional, stone-front dwelling from the outside. Inside, the 5,800-square-foot floor plan features a two-story entry with a dramatic staircase. Built in 2000, the home features arched doorways and an abundance of windows and glass doors to take in views of the 5-acre parcel.
The real surprise happens when you head downstairs, where you will find an unexpected waterfall and an impressive taxidermy collection. There’s also a hot tub.
Mansfield, OH
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $8,250,000 Why it’s here: From the outside, this mesmerizing mansion built of glass looks like a vast, open space.
The 4,744-square-foot estate sits prominently on Fishers Island and offers breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. Featuring one-story living at its best, the home was designed by architect Thomas Phifer. Built of glass and steel in 2008, this one-bedroom home boasts black bamboo flooring and white gallery walls.
The landscaped gardens on the 3-acre lot “allow one to live in a garden with art as the owner desired,” the listing notes.
Someone asked me today if I was ready for Christmas. My response? Absolutely not. Note even close. Between work, babies, remodels and general attempts at sanity, there is not a Christmas decoration to be found in my house nor a wrapped present – let alone a purchased one. But there’s 72 hours left. No worries. No worries at all.
Express shipping, will be my new BFF. And since I’ve been scouring the interwebs for last second gift genius, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite finds with you.
> For the guy who has everything you can possibly think of – natural drink rocks in cool shapes. He can’t complain when his drink is the perfect temperature
> These key rings are the perfect way to keep from grabbing one another’s keys
> For the ladies who love a stylish stocking stuffer
> And for those chicas who have never met a chic soap or stylish salve they didn’t love
> For the wee ones who are just too dang cute
> And because we love cute toys as much as our littles do
> For those who can appreciate the power of a tchotchke
> And for those who always love to switch up their living room
Good luck with the last second holiday scramble my friends. I’ll see you on the Christmas flip side! PS – I’m pinning more favorite gift picks here if you need ’em.
A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, 6,918-square-foot Usonian home in New Canaan, CT, awaits its next steward.
Newly arrived on the market, it’s “the quintessential Usonian house,” says listing agent Albert Safdie, of Coldwell Banker Realty.
He’s co-listing with Marsha Charles, also of Coldwell Banker Realty.
The seven-bedroom, 8.5-bath house was built in 1956 and has an equally large $8 million price tag. Even at that amount and after mere hours on the market, “We already have somebody interested in the house,” Safdie says.
True to Wright’s Usonian design approach, the kitchen is a galley-style space; and trademark details such as concrete-block walls, a flat roof, walls of windows, built-ins, ample use of curved lines, and Philippine mahogany abound throughout the home. A Cherokee-red, iron gate marks the home’s entrance.
Wright himself is said to have occupied “Tirranna,” as the house is known, during his work on New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in the 1950s, the listing notes.
Living room
(Udor Photography)
Glassed-in living space
(Udor Photography)
Dining area
(Udor Photography)
Kitchen
(Udor Photography)
Bedroom
(Udor Photography)
Terrace
(Udor Photography)
Pool
(Udor Photography)
The seller bought the home in 2018 for $4.8 million and worked with the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy to maintain it.
New Canaan is a 40-minute drive from New York City and home to famed architect Philip Johnson’s Glass House, among other midcentury modern masterpieces.
Set on 14 acres, the property includes the house, a barn (with a bedroom, bath, and lots of storage), pool, and tennis court.
And tucked into the scenic grounds, there’s even a waterfall. Wright hired Frank Okamura to create the home’s landscaping.
A rooftop observatory allows for further communing with nature.
The home’s one-time bomb shelter was converted into a wine cellar, suiting architecture-minded oenophiles. Some furnishings in the house, which were designed by Wright, are included with the sale.
The dwelling’s concrete construction extends to the fireplace, which also flaunts gold leaf on three sides.
A five-car garage is included in the listing, and the owner maintains a chicken coop and beehive on the property.
Some of the home’s updates were made by Wright’s son-in-law, William Wesley Peters, who is also an architect.
So, who will jump at the chance to live in one of Wright’s celebrated Usonians?
On a grand scale, “you can’t really put a price on it,” says Safdie. “This is a special home, and it hasn’t aged.”
He adds that the buyer will likely be “somebody who is interested in architecture and special homes. It could be an international buyer.”
Watch: Group Project! See How This Former Pennsylvania School Was Turned Into Gorgeous Apartments
A two-year restoration transformed a Joshua Tree, CA, home into a design marvel.
And now the remarkable dwelling is listed for $779,000, after its initial September 2022 ask of $875,000.
“The current owner bought it as a fixer,” says listing agent Faisal Alserri, with Sharon Rose Realty. “She’s done quite a lot of work.”
After buying the three-bedroom, two-bath, 2.5-acre spread in 2020 for $154,500, the owner—who is an architect—dramatically improved the 1951-era property.
New epoxy-coated, concrete floors in the 1,280-square-foot house offer easy maintenance. And the newly modernized kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry; a large island; and high-end, Bertazzoni appliances.
Abundant windows and retracting, sliding-glass doors yield that coveted indoor-outdoor aesthetic.
The two baths are updated with high-end fixtures, and one bath features indoor-outdoor spaces and a retractable, motorized shade.
Living room
(Realtor.com)
Kitchen
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One of the bedrooms
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One of the baths
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Indoor-outdoor bathroom vibes
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Deck and built-in soaking tub
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Covered front porch
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The updated abode currently operates as a short-term rental.
The home is positioned to offer expansive views of Joshua Tree National Park—particularly from the deck, which has a built-in a soaking tub designed by French industrial designer, Philippe Starck. And a covered front porch is the perfect place to host dinner guests.
“People are looking to elevate Joshua Tree,” says Alserri, who is listing another brand-new, modern build in Joshua Tree for $719,000. Meanwhile, the phenomenal Invisible House nearby is still on the market for $18 million.
“The desert has always been a place for creative people, and I think the architecture is reflective of that,” Alserri observes.
The property could be good fit for someone looking to work remotely from the desert.
“Right now, most of the buyers [in Joshua Tree] are live-in buyers,” Alserri says.
He notes that the Palm Springs International Airport is only 43 miles away from Joshua Tree, which has proven enticing to the work-from-home crowd.
Plus, the area’s robust popularity with tourists makes the house “relatively easy to rent out,” Alserri says.
Katie Ridder is famed for her gloriously colorful spaces.
Recently, the New York City-based interior designer and author exclusively shared her most important home decor ideas and rules with us for a perfectly finished room.
So if your rooms are nearly there but not quite, let Katie’s advice help you get them over the line.
1. Include tiny, eye-catching details
Blue stripped wallpaper, inbuilt white shelves, bed
‘The thing that really marks out a well-designed and thought-out home is the really tiny details; that is often what’s missing, and what it takes a bit of thought to pull together,’ says Katie.
‘But when you introduce them – be it a beautiful trim on a lampshade or a painting that picks up on another color in the room or a high gloss paint finish on something unexpected – then the room comes together in a really special way.
‘A really brilliant example I have of this level of detail is Charlottenhof Palace, a former royal palace in Germany that has a blue and white striped room with fabric on the walls that looks like a tent; there is some red and white embroidery along the base of the upholstered walls, as well as on the curtains, which perfectly lines up and it’s that detail which brings it to another level. It might not be something you consciously notice if you’re not looking for it, but your brain registers it on a subconscious level.’
You can see Katie’s take on this above in the fabulous nook bed idea.
2. Make space for handmade pieces
‘I have such respect for artisans, of all kinds, whether they make beautiful lampshades or furniture or woodcraft; as a designer I rely on their skill to make pieces that make a room really sing.
‘Hand crafted pieces really bring something extra to a space because they reference the person behind the object and the time and skill that went into the piece.
‘Something handmade really elevates a room because by its very nature it is one of a kind. We used a decorative artist to paint the floors of one client’s home and it adds an unbeatable element of pizzazz.’
Our painted floor ideas gallery has plenty of inspiration for your own scheme.
3. Add personal touches
Painted mirror frames and folk chest Wicklewood
‘You don’t need a huge budget to add detail and personality. When my husband and I were first married, we decided to paint detailing on our furniture. He cut a stencil and I painted with it. In a recent project, I lined the back of a bookshelf with marbleized paper. It’s all about having something that no on else has; it forces you to be creative.’
Our painted furniture ideas are easy to copy for your own personal touch.
4. Ensure beautifully hung drapes
Blue walls, green armchair, white bedding
‘Beautifully hung curtains can look very smart. One trick I recently learned on a project is to tack the end of the curtain to the wall, and the middle of the curtain panel so that it all stays crisp, tidy and straight.’
We have all the curtain ideas you need to create a sumptuous scheme, whatever your budget.
5. Style your bed beautifully
Green wallpaper, blue bedframe, armchair
‘A beautifully dressed bed is important as it is often the first thing that catches your eye. I like to have a coverlet tucked in very tight and then a duvet or a blanket folded in thirds at the end of the bed.
‘What I’m trying to do is make the bed look smaller, so it doesn’t dominate the space. For that reason, I don’t like monster mattresses – they look so out of proportion – and I do not use dust skirts – I get the bottom of the bed upholstered. Bed hangings – curtains around the bed – are also a really nice touch if you have space.’
We have a guide on how to style a bed for the uninitiated.
6. Repeat design motifs
Green painted living room with green floral patterned sofa, striped side table, plant, cushions, artwork on wall
‘Tying in design details and repeating them subtly across a room is a subtle way to make a room feel pulled together. I had one project where I had a pair of vintage ceramic lamps, with circles in their design. I paired them with a fabric which had embroidered sunbursts on it – it wasn’t the same design, but it reflected it just enough to work.’
Our feature on repetition in interior design will help you learn how to achieve this seamlessly.
7. Shop for white lampshades
Blue sofas and armchairs, orange cushions, blue walls
‘Crisp white lampshades are the easiest and most stylish shades to pair with any lamp in any room; if in doubt, go white.’
8. Decorate the ceiling
cozy corner with grey u-shaped sofa and brown walls with art
‘You can never underestimate the power of wallpaper to transform the look of a room. I love a pattern. Don’t forget to look up: the ceiling can be a whole extra surface to decorate.’
Our ceiling wallpaper ideas and ceiling paint ideas offer up plenty of advice and inspiration.
9. Use red and blue
Blue and white tile floor and curtains
‘I think red has such clarity to it – it goes well with brown, navy, goes with everything. I often include red in my work. But I also think that you can never go wrong with the quintessential combination of varying shades of blue.
‘I’ve done a bathroom with patterned floor tile, cobalt wallpaper, and marine-colored curtains and it’s divine. In another living room in a Connecticut farmhouse, I’ve combined both red and blue, drawing on the two colors from the antique rug.
‘Even if you have disparate colors around the room, all it takes to tie the scheme together is to repeat a color in strategic places. The repetition doesn’t have to be in the biggest items, it can be picking up on a red in a painting and placing a red book on a coffee table and then on a border of a cushion.’
Decorating with red takes courage; decorating with blue less so – you can find advice for both in our features.
10. Introduce game-changing antique rugs
Bedroom with Scalloped Jute rug from Vanrenen GW Designs
‘Rugs are an amazing way to add layers of depth and color to a room; and a great way to update a look if you fancy a change. I love antique carpets because they have a gravitas and interest to them.
‘Antiques are really important to me because they set a tone for a room in a bold way. The history and gravitas behind them lends an historical texture that newer pieces just don’t have.’
We have expert tips on both choosing an area rug and decorating with antiques.
11. Don’t neglect texture
orange and white bennison fabric used as fabric walling in a sitting room setting by kate guinness design
‘Try to add textures on surfaces, because it brings a luxury air. Fabric on walls is particularly interesting to me because of the texture it provides, and the way that it can soften a room; my own living room is lined with a cream fabric that has a waxed French glaze. Or in a client’s kitchen I have used fish-scale patterned tiles behind the cooker and worksurfaces. The way the light reflects around the room adds a layer of interest and detail.’
12. Layer lighting
A fall color scheme in a bedroom with deep red walls, yellow stool and neutral bedding
‘Lighting is tremendously important and can instantly set the tone – or kill it. I think it’s important to have down lights in the ceiling; the apertures are so small now that they’re not as glaringly obvious as they used to be, and then you pair that within the room with sconces, table lamps, and lighting for paintings – different heights of light create different moods and layers of interest.’
13. Bring in flowers
Decorating ideas. Pink and white flower arrangement in planter and candles on console table.
‘Flowers are so important to me. I love to bring some element of living nature into a room – even if it is just a branch. It makes the whole room feel friendlier and alive.’
Where Katie shops
Fabrics: I adore Christopher Farr for bold and colorful printed and woven fabrics, Christopher Moore and Robert Kime.
Antiques: we use Alexander Cohane who sources from Europe.
Paint colors: are always Benjamin Moore or Farrow & Ball, because they do beautifully rich shades.
Lighting suppliers: are Collier Webb or Charles Edwards and our lampshades are all custom made by local artisans.
what we do with our interiors is a reflection of our most personal aspirations and value (Source: Pexels)
