The High End Magazine Example

ALLISON JAMES PRESENTS

insights into extraordinary living

P e r f ec t i n Pa r i s R e fi n ed R e novat i o ns D i n i n g i n St yl e

Allison James Allison James Real Estate 800.123.4567 Allison@ajre.com www.ajre.com

Welcome to the World of Extraordinary Living Dear «First Name»

Refinement. It’s the trait that separates intricate molding from average trim. It creates the distinction between superior dining and a serviceable meal. It’s what turns a standard room into an elegant setting. This issue of The High End is dedicated to all things refined.

The Focus story on luxury renovations shows us how fine craftsmanship can make any room impressive. Likewise, the Q&A will introduce us to a company that sources only top-of-the-line architectural antiques. And, the Green profile will show how an innovative architect is

Allison James Allison James Real Estate

using his refined skill set to create net-zero-energy luxury homes.

Two articles showcase how it takes a high level of refinement to produce delicate art — one taking high tea to new heights with painting

123.456.7890

on porcelain and the other a floral designer bringing new dimension to

Allison@ajre.com

a craft often overlooked.

www.ajre.com 1234 Houseforsale Avenue

When traveling and seeking cultured experiences, there are ways to ensure that you are getting something extraordinary. The Passport feature will show you how to live in luxury when abroad. And in Wellness, we’ll explain the Danish obsession with getting cozy (called hygge) that is gaining traction worldwide.

When fashion icons start opening restaurants, eating in style is given a new meaning. We’ll show you where in Taste. If you enjoy coffee or the like at the end of your meal, the Treasures spread may be where you want to start.

I feel The High End is a refined way for us to keep in touch; I hope you agree. Please keep me in mind whenever you need someone to bring finesse to your home buying or selling experience.

Allison

Refinement

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Volume 7, Number 3 4 TREASURES by Roger Grody The Perfect Cup Transforming coffee into a work of art.

6 PASSPORT by Kelly Potts More Than A Rental Concierge services at your villa.

10 DESIGN by Samantha Myers Flower Flashes The sought-after “florist bandit.”

12 FOCUS by Camilla McLaughlin Rebuilding Your Dreams Home renovation spending increases.

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PHOTO BY MARTIN MORRELL, COURTESY PARIS PERFECT

17 GREEN by Sarah Binder Going Green 101 Creating the greenest of green homes.

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PHOTO ©DON FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTO BY FRED DONHAM

ADVERTISING PUBLISHER Richard A. Goodwin EDITOR IN CHIEF Kathleen Carlin-Russell MANAGING EDITOR Mark Moffa ART DIRECTOR Jonathan Bayley ASSOCIATE EDITOR Samantha Myers ASSISTANT EDITOR Kelly Potts EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kristen Ordonez PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Amanda Dos Santos EDITORIAL INTERN Alyssa Gautieri PRODUCTION INTERN Jason Shindler

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The High End is published by Unique Homes Luxury Media.

If you would like to use The High End in your marketing plans, contact one of our sales representatives:

Bruce Griset, Director of Sales 888.928.9020 / bgriset@uniquehomes.com

Steven Easley, 877.688.1110, Ext. 300 seasley@uniquehomes.com

Nick Antonicello, 310.574.1907 nantonicello@uniquehomes.com

Kimberly Quevedo, 609.688.0013 kquevedo@uniquehomes.com

EDITORIAL OFFICE 877.688.1110 / 609.688.1110 Fax: 609.688.0201 / krussell@uniquehomes.com 327 Wall St., Princeton, NJ 08540

20 ART by Roger Grody Fragile Masterpieces Taking high tea to new heights.

22 WELLNESS by Alyssa Gautieri Hygge A philosophy of relaxation gains ground.

26 TASTE by Samantha Myers Fashion Meets Food Designer labels are branding restaurants.

30 Q&A by Kristen Ordonez 21st-Century Explorer Finding architectural antiques in Europe.

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PHOTO BY LINDSEY BAUMSTEIGER

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PHOTO COURTESY: ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ROSSHELEN

PARIS COVER: ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SHISHIC

Copyright 2017 © duPont Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. THE HIGH END is trademark owned by duPont Publishing, Inc. UNIQUE HOMES is a registered trademark of © duPont Publishing, Inc. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. For more information on The High End, please contact us at 877.688.1110, Ext. 220. The High End is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not intended to solicit other brokers’ listings. If you are currently working with or in contract with another broker, please disregard this information.

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TREASURES

THE

PERFECT CUP

By Roger Grody

Suddenly obsessed with coffee, Americans are becoming as selective about the quality of their beans, equipment and tableware as their counterparts in Italy. As luxury homeowners increasingly desire to master their own barista skills, demand for high-end products for home kitchens is skyrocketing. Coffee aficionados now enjoy many ways of transforming an ordinary cup of Joe into a work of art.

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passion for espresso. “Let’s face it, espresso equipment options have been around for a long time and everyone has some form of so-called espresso maker in their gadget collection,” says Slayer Espresso founder and CEO Jason Prefontaine. “Trust me, our espresso machine with flavor profiling, needle valve technology will forever change your coffee ritual.... Don’t be surprised if you end up loving coffee like we do,” he adds.

An exclusive Dutch brand renowned for its edgy industrial designs, Kees van der Westen offers the Speedster for home use, loaded with bespoke options. Inspired by automotive and motorcycle construction, this pricy toy (approximately $13,000) delivers professional-quality espresso drinks and will definitely be noticed by your guests.

Coffee is not simply about roasted beans and steamed milk, so luxurious accoutrements are essential. The MOOD collection by Christofle, the venerable French manufacturer of elegant tableware and accessories, presents a set of six espresso spoons — clad in silver ($360) or gilded in 18-carat rose gold ($650) — in a gleaming egg-shaped chest. These spoons are just

TOP PHOTO ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/GRAFNER

Tom Dixon Brew Cafetiere - Copper

andcrafted in Florence, Italy, La Marzocco espresso machines are coveted by professional baristas worldwide, and the company’s Linea Mini ($4,500) is specifically designed for the home. “With the introduction of Linea Mini, we now have a professional-quality machine for anyone interested in creating a café experience in their kitchen,” says Kent Bakke, CEO of La Marzocco International. With a design based on the iconic La Marzocco machines used by the pros, this version is compact (i.e. counter-friendly) and turns out a perfect latte.

Slayer Espresso has earned a cultlike following that appreciates both the performance and aesthetics of its espresso machines. The Slayer Single Group, the company’s model for the home, features dual boilers and a touchscreen that assists in temperature control and flavor profiling, resulting in espresso with great body and a rich crema. Peruvian walnut accents and custom colors or finishes give this machine the sexy looks of an Italian sports car, yet is built by artisans in Seattle. The hefty price tag of $8,500 is no deterrent to those who have a

The Slayer Single Group

MUG PHOTO COURTESY CONSORT-DESIGN.COM; TOP PHOTO COURTESY SLAYER ESPRESSO

Kees van der Westen Speedster

the kind of accessories to elevate any perfectly crafted cup of espresso.

Among other fashionable coffee-related accessories, British designer Tom Dixon has created this cafetière, more commonly referred to as a French press. With a modern unfussy aesthetic, the gleaming copper-finished stainless steel body is classic Dixon, and its heat-resistant handle is artfully functional. Many connoisseurs believe the best way to enjoy coffee at home — short of purchasing one of the espresso machines featured on these pages — is by small-batch brewing in one of these low-tech devices.

Besides, setting a French press on a dinner party table quietly announces a host’s sense of sophistication and elegance. This product ($210) is available at British online retailer Amara, where founder/creative director Sam Hood has assembled an international collection of designer accessories for the home.

Unique espresso cups and saucers ($50) by Lux/Eros, the ceramics brand from designer Desanka Fasiska, feature an elegant rusticity. They are hand-carved and hand-glazed to order in California, with no two pieces being identical. Distinguished by their high-gloss 90-degree angle handles, these products are available at Consort stores in New York and L.A., or online.

RESOURCES Amara, www.amara.com Christofle, www.christofle.com Consort, www.consort-design.com Kees van der Westen, www.keesvanderwesten.com La Marzocco, www.lamarzoccousa.com Lux/Eros, www.lux-eros.com Lux/Eros espresso cup and saucer

Slayer Espresso, www.slayerespresso.com Tom Dixon, www.tomdixon.net 5

PA S S P O RT

By Kelly Potts

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PHOTO COURTESY PARIS PERFECT

The 1-bedroom, 1-bath Champagne vacation rental is described by guests as one of the most romantic escapes in Paris.

Owners of high-end apartments and villas around the world are differentiating themselves by offering customized concierge services and immersive experiences. magine creating perfect macaroons in the kitchen of an award-winning pastry chef in Paris; enjoying a fireworks display from the comfort of an Irish castle; taking extravagant boat rides around ancient coves in Greece. These are just a few of the bespoke experiences that are now being offered by vacation rental services around the globe.

As travelers search for more tailored itineraries and concierge amenities during their luxury getaway, brands like Paris Perfect, Adams & Butler and White Key Villas provide an authentic, culturally immersed experience for clients who want the total destination package.

PHOTO BY MARTIN MORRELL, COURTESY PARIS PERFECT

PARIS PERFECT Madelyn Byrne and husband Philippe Willems created Paris Perfect about 20 years ago when they found themselves traveling back and forth between their apartments in London and Paris. They decided to rent out Willems’ Paris apartment to family and friends while he joined Byrne in London, and were then inspired to offer unique rental options for vacationers looking for a true Parisian experience.

Dedicated to providing travelers “la vie

Parisienne,” Paris Perfect offers concierge services in addition to bespoke excursions including skip-the-line tours of local attractions, day or night cruises along the Seine river in a private yacht and specialized shopping tours in the city’s best boutique shops.

“Our goal is to find that experience that a client wouldn’t normally do at home, that they can really enjoy doing in Paris,” says Byrne. One new service the company offers is called Paris Perfect Gourmet. “We explore the neighborhood shops together and offer exclusive cooking classes with gourmet chefs,” says Byrne. The hands-on experience includes an award-winning chef showing travelers where to buy ingredients, how to cook meals and even how to make the most of leftovers.

Byrne jokes that being married to a Frenchman requires a love of food — and Paris certainly makes that love come naturally. In fact, Byrne thinks that every family who visits Paris should have a “scavenger hunt” that requires each family member to look for a different type of food in shops around the city to create the perfect Parisian meal together. “I want families to do that more than anything else,” she says, “It’s an experience that everyone should have in their life.”

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The company has also transitioned into real estate in addition to vacation rentals, helping over 90 owners find apartments in Paris. Byrne, who mentions that Paris fascinated her from her first visit, still enjoys the village-like atmosphere that the city provides. “We want our owners and guests to share in the magic of living in a small village in Paris,” says Byrne, “Paris is to be lived and savored and enjoyed.”

tea with the Earl and his cousins, private tours and a few rounds of golf at the fivestar Lough Erne Golf Resort.

“We have people on the ground in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales as well as Africa who are constantly on the lookout for new experiences and properties for us to include in our itineraries,” Learat says.

“We have access to so many people just to provide that perfect experience that’ll stay with you for a lifetime.”

WHITE KEY VILLAS White Key Villas was founded in 2008 in Greece, when founders Dimitris Giannakopoulos and Anna Deimezi realized that Lismore Castle

PHOTO WIKICOMMONS/THELIZARDQUEEN

ADAMS & BUTLER Founder and CEO Siobhan Byrne Learat developed the business plan for Adams & Butler as her thesis for her MBA at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in Ireland. By 2003, her thesis was a reality. “I set up Adams & Butler to satisfy the need for add-on services at the highend level, but I soon realized that there was a huge gap in the market for a ‘one-stop shop’ luxury vacation experience in Ireland,” she says.

Now, Adams & Butler is exactly that one-stop shop, combining high-end experiences and services with private vacation rentals. With themed itineraries ranging from ‘Glitz & Glamour,’ offering luxurious spa treatments, shopping and a horse-drawn carriage tour, to ‘TV & Movie Tours,’ bringing you to locations where scenes from Game of Thrones, Outlander and Downton Abbey were shot, Adams & Butler offers excursions to appeal to anyone. “At the moment, our

most popular requests are for food, whiskey and genealogy tours,” says Learat.

The company is often asked to assist clients in researching their roots in Ireland.

“We can put together a specialized ‘Trace Your Ancestor’ itinerary using our expert genealogists,” Learat says. “The final result when you meet those long-lost cousins over a cup of tea are tears streaming down the face of joy and laughter!”

Learat mentions that her favorite offering is living the real Downton Abbey experience. “We can arrange for you to stay with an Earl as his guest in his private castle — like having a real Downton Abbey experience,” she says. The itinerary can include

Adams & Butler Africa, with rentals available in Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and more, offers unforgettable experiences ranging from helicopter safaris to African train tours.

PHOTO COURTESY ADAMS & BUTLER

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parisperfect.com adamsandbutler.com whitekeyvillas.com

PHOTO BY COSTAS MITROPOULOS COURTESY WHITE KEY VILLAS

The recently renovated, 11-bedroom Villa Melissa in Antiparos has a pool area and access to a semi-private beach.

PHOTO BY LOUISA NIKOLAIDOV COURTESY WHITE KEY VILLAS

Villa Smaragda in the Athens Riviera offers a private waterfront setting and stunning gardens.

The ultra-modern Villa Roellia in Porto Heli has 6 bedrooms and diverse natural scenery, including beautiful beaches and forest areas.

PHOTO BY LOUISA NIKOLAIDOV COURTESY WHITE KEY VILLAS

families were not fully satisfied with vacationing at luxury hotels. Marketing Director Elena Fotiadi mentions, “the reason for this was not that the level of services was inferior, but the fact that in a hotel compared to the villa experience, they could not enjoy the sense of privacy, which is essential for spending quality time with their families.”

Because of that, Fotiadi says that most of White Key Villas’ typical clients tend to be families or a group of good friends who want to spend some quality time in a relaxed, private environment. The company prides itself on not only its large selection of villas, but also finding the right option for a client. “We know our villas and our destinations very well,” says Fotiadi, “We believe that half of the success is to make the right villa selection for our clients.”

White Key Villas offers travel and lifestyle amenities that can include services tailored to each client: an off-the route private helicopter transfer to a boat ride around ancient coves, or a toy package/baby equipment waiting upon your arrival are just a few of the lifestyle and travel experiences that White Key Villas includes. “Our list of services is endless: car rental, airport transfer, chauffeur, private jet, personal chef, yacht rentals, personal trainer, yoga classes, childcare and everything else you can imagine,” says Fotiadi.

White Key Villas has properties in 26 different locations throughout Greece including popular locations such as Mykonos, Corfu or Santorini, but Fotiadi notes that they also manage some stunning properties in more off-the-beaten-track beachfront locations with stunning sea views.

“Knowing that 95 percent of our clients are families with children and being parents ourselves, we know how to point you and your clients in the right direction with respect to children having the best time,” says Fotiadi. “Our main assets are our people and our years of know-how that ensure a sophisticated experience from booking to departure.”

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Flower Flashes Known for enchanting floral “graffiti” throughout New York City, this florist-bandit is sought-after for everything from weddings in Aspen to parties in Venice.

LEWIS MILLER

DESIGN

PHOTOS ©DON FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

By Samantha Myers

U

sually Lewis Miller’s beautiful flower arrangements can be found decorating exclusive events for his clients, which include the likes of Chanel, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue. But recently, Miller’s stunning designs have been popping up throughout the streets of New York City — beautifying city landmarks and otherwise unappealing trash cans in what he has coined “Flower Flashes.”

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Despite his firm’s East Village location, Miller has not abandoned his country roots.

“I’m living the closest thing to a country lifestyle in Manhattan,” Miller jokes of his situation — but it’s this specific city-meetscountry aesthetic that has resonated with high-end clients enough to establish his firm as one of the premier floral powerhouses in the entire city.

Born and raised in California farm country, Miller developed an appreciation

for nature at a young age and eventually moved to Seattle to study horticulture and landscape design. “I grew up as a farm kid and was always surrounded by flowers and growing things,” says Miller. “Then, it translated into floral design.” In 2000, Miller brought his discerning vision of country life to New York City, and worked for a successful floral boutique before launching his own company only two years later: LMD New York, Lewis Miller Design. “I have always loved growing

FLOWER FLASH PHOTOS ©LEWIS MILLER DESIGN

flowers,” he says. “I love the immediacy of floral arrangements, and especially the effect they can have on a space.”

Beyond his roots, Miller’s inspiration comes from homes and gardens — “from the bucolic English garden, to the most formal,” he says. If versed in art history, one can also recognize the immediate influence of fine art on his designs. In fact, his book, Styling Nature: A Masterful Approach to Floral Arrangements (2016), filled with painterly photographs of his organic creations, discusses seventeenth-century Dutch still lifes as an influence. “Art and painting are huge sources of inspiration for me,” he says. “The color, energy … sheer gut, visceral reaction it can give you. Whether it be a super modern, sloppy wet painting, or a really rich, sexy masculine Caravaggio, or a precious Flemish still life.”

The bulk of Miller’s work comes from creating arrangements for events — from travel and destination weddings in Aspen or the South of France, to cocktail parties for exhibition openings at The Met, to birthday parties in Venice. “We are primarily a social event business, but we do a select amount of corporate work,” explains Miller. He has decorated perfume shoots for the Italian luxury label Bulgari, and provided floral designs

While Miller’s favorite kind of flower changes with the season, some of his choice ones include a Black and White French Anemone, fragrant garden roses and Black Hollyhock.

for an American Express Top 200 Member soiree. “My clients are not about the flash,” says Miller. “They want it to be gorgeous and inviting and warm, but they don’t want to look like they are spending the money. It needs to look completely organic.”

One of the more memorable celebrations Miller has worked on was a black-tie wedding at New York’s famous Katz’s Delicatessen, with a guest list donned in furs and tuxedos.

“I had to do that one really quickly,” he recalls.

“But I love doing things fast. So many things can take such a long time — you can excruciate over it for months, but it kills the energy.”

To satisfy his love of immediacy, Miller has recently found an unexpected fusion of flower design and street art through his “Flower Flashes,” which has garnered im-

ing him the nicknames “Banksy of Flowers” and the “Florist-Bandit,” among others. “It’s ethereal. It’s there and it’s gone. People take the flowers, and I like that. I want to see how it gets destroyed. People love flowers — you put a flower in front of them, and they are going to take it.”

“Doing something where no money is attached is really liberating,” Miller adds.

“When you’re doing it as a gift and to brighten up someone’s day. Someone will walk around the corner and see the flowers and it’s so freeing. I had no idea it was going to blow up like it did.”

When it comes to describing his arrangements, Miller often uses the words “lush” and “sumptuous.” But when articulating overall style, he has crafted a defini-

mense, positive media attention. “I love art when it’s sort of one simple idea and it’s just done. And it’s there for whatever reason, and it’s not overly thought-out. As much as I love the country and fresh gardens, I love street art,” says Miller.

Using leftover flowers, Miller and his team complete these acts of floral graffiti at random spots throughout the city, thus earn-

tion with help from his clients. “You know, somebody once said that they were not only gorgeous, but also masculine gorgeous,” he says. “It feels rich, but completely unassuming. Thought-out, and abundant and inspired, but nobody feels like it was slaved over. Whether it’s a handle of weeds, or anything, I use it — it doesn’t have to be the most precious flower in the world.”

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FOCUS

Luxury homeowners are spending more than ever on renovations.

By Camilla McLaughlin

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PHOTO COURTESY BARNETT HOMES

A gracious entry sets the stage for this renovated 7,000-square-foot residence, formerly a four-unit apartment building.

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PHOTO COURTESY TONY SUTTON

uxury sales may be surging, but behind the scenes another housing sector is undergoing a similar remarkable resurgence — renovation and home improvements. Renovations have always been a given in the luxury realm, and typically new owners make changes soon after the acquisition. Today, recent homebuyers aren’t the only ones spiffing up homes. With the number of properties on the market at historic lows in many places, some homeowners are opting to stay put and upgrade their current abodes, moving walls, redoing kitchens and baths, finishing basements and adding outdoor enhancements.

“The remodeling market continues to benefit from a stronger housing market and, in particular, solid gains in house prices, which are encouraging owners to make larger investments in their homes,” says Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard.

Research from HomeAdvisor shows that owners who have been in their homes for six years or less still spend the most

on home improvement, followed by those who have owned for 11 years or more. Projects can range from a simple refresh and updated finishes to a complete revision of the layout.

“Typically, the incentive is around entertaining and functionality. The two go hand in hand and often when the family areas, such as the kitchen/family room, aren’t working, the house will undergo a renovation,” says Christine Markatos Lowe, owner of Christine Markatos Design in Santa Monica, California. Life events can also trigger a revamp.

“Some of our clients have redone the entire house to refresh it upon a milestone such as children leaving for college,” Lowe says.

Increasingly, long-term owners are making improvements with a future sale in mind. But learning that their well-maintained home will not resonate architecturally with buyer expectations comes as a “news flash” to some, says Tony Sutton, president of Est Est Inc., an award-winning design firm in Arizona. “Potential sellers need to understand what they have to do to bring their 13

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©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/IPGGUTENBERGUKLTD

homes up to speed, so there will be no objections or obstacles to a reasonable offer,” he says. Sutton illustrates with the example of a home with $400,000 worth of cabinetry. “There is nothing wrong with it, except the color is ugly. The buyer is going to come in and say, ‘I have to replace all of the cabinets,’ and I tell potential sellers, ‘they are going to ding you several hundred thousand dollars.’” Sutton suggests refinishing all cabinets in the house to look current and eliminate that objection. It might cost $20,000 or $30,000, but, in the end, he says you could get an additional $350,000 out of the house.

In other instances, when specific features might not be up to buyer expectations and owners don’t want to make the financial outlay, Lisa Adams, owner of LA Closet Design, suggests having plans drawn up and a rendering completed. She uses the example of an $11 million listing. “Everyone who walked through the house was clearly excited about the property, but when they got to the master closet you could tell it was anticlimactic,” she explains. The owners opted to have a new closet designed along with detailed renderings. “If you don’t want to carve out that space now, think about doing a rendering. People can’t visualize it, and they want to see that space exists.” Adams notes that builders often use her renderings for high-end spec homes. “Renderings show the potential of the space, how the corners will be accessed, what the ceiling will be like.”

This year, JCHS estimates owners will spend almost $20 billion more on home improvement than the previous year, with a total outlay well in excess of $300 billion. But the actual number of dollars devoted to improving and rehabbing homes tallies much higher — the JCHS figure does not account for spending by developers or builders. Developers, who in the past often focused on commercial to residential conversions, are now looking at existing homes, not to tear down, but to improve and refocus.

Recent research from HomeAdvisor shows in the last 12 months the average homeowner is spending nearly 60 percent more on home projects than they did during the prior 12 months, and two-thirds of those surveyed expect to spend as much

What’s Hot? In Los Angeles, affluent consumers are 10 times more likely to use experts to install and remove holiday lighting, while upscale owners in D.C. are six times more likely than average consumers to install outdoor lighting. There are just two of the differences uncovered in our in-depth look at renovation projects undertaken by high-income homeowners in some of most expensive metros in the country, thanks to HomeAdvisor.

There is also a surprising similarity among cities, especially considering differences in the age of the housing stock and climate. From Boston to Los Angeles, bathroom remodels top the list of most requested home improvements, along with kitchen remodels. Everywhere, too, outdoor living enhancements rank high, whether the location is Chicago or Seattle.

In Washington, D.C. luxury owners are twice as likely as overall consumers to add a pool. Pools, and pool renovations, rank high in L.A., where affluent consumers are more than three times as likely to consult a landscape designers or an architect, while D.C. denizens call on an interior designer three times more often than consumers in general.

Basement remodels are big in Chicago, Boston and D.C. or more in the next year. “We’ve seen a 7-percent increase in total nationwide expenditures on home improvement — with homeowners tackling bigger-ticket projects like kitchen and bath remodels and exterior renovations,” observes Brad Hunter, chief economist for HomeAdvisor.

In addition to data on home improvement projects in the 10 wealthiest counties in the country, at the request of “The High End,” HomeAdvisor also took a look at requests submitted by affluent individuals in metros

such as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Seattle. In every location, bathroom remodels topped the list, while requests for projects such as stone restoration and polishing or the construction of built-in furniture exceeded demand from the general population by 100 percent or more. “People living in high-income areas are spending more on their homes and making more lifestyle improvements.

These are purely discretionary projects, which are typical of owners of luxury homes,” continued on page 16

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/FLAIRIMAGES ; ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY BARNETT HOMES

The new kitchen and family room reflect the classic but modern ambiance of the interior of this Chicago home.

Future Proofing

by Working with Agents

Many designers and almost all builder developers work closely with agents to be sure their plans and finishes are current and aligned with what buyers are looking for today.

Paul Williamson, principal of the development firm True Craft Residential, works with agents to determine floor plans — whether, for example, one of the bedrooms should be turned into an office — as well as for input on finishes.

After a design is finished, Williamson says he often will take it back to the agent to get their approval. In this sense, he says, they represent potential buyers, the generic buyer. In this function, the expertise of an agent becomes obvious. “A good agent knows their market well enough to provide an accurate report of buyer preferences. You can tell, because they give you specific examples,” he says. A less skilled agent doesn’t have that in-depth knowledge of the market, so they can’t speak to a particular home type or neighborhood.

Top agents, on the other hand, have designers, architects and builders they call on to consult with prospective buyers regarding potential renovations of a property. Tony Sutton of design firm Est Est Inc., says he works with a number of groups, including agents, to educate potential sellers on current market preferences. Sutton compares architects, designers and buildings as essential elements in a renovation equation, but real estate agents are often an important addition to this mix.

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whole-home remodels. Basement remodels are becoming popular once again, even in places where basements are not customary. Again, this is another instance of homeowners looking for found space that can be turned into usable square footage.

Real estate agents in a range of locales, including California, confirm this is a growing trend, with more lower levels outfitted as entertaining spaces.

Other projects that track much higher among affluent consumers include installing brick and stone driveways and floors,

observes Hunter. High-end consumers also order computer networking and wiring 188 percent more often than average consumers. Not only is this an indication of demand for smart home features, but also it reflects an increase in telecommuting.

Overall, high earners were more likely to hire designers, interior decorators and architects, which Hunter says is “strong evidence of homeowners — especially high-income homeowners in appreciating neighborhoods — taking on more largescale projects,” including additions and

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Lessons from Developers

NAR FINE CARPENTRY/FRED DONHAM PHOTOGRAPHER; PHOTO COURTESY NKBA

“We completely reposition the house.

We move walls around, pull ceilings and do small changes to the exterior facade.

We have a clearly defined process and a literal check list of hundreds of items that we go through before construction,” explains Paul Williamson, principal of the development firm True Craft Residential, of the process his company follows to rehab a property, many of which are considered high end.

“Where I see most homeowners get bogged down, is they tend to want to start before they get the final plans done and before a full specification.” In the end, this approach proves more costly and time consuming.

It is important to key into the surrounding aesthetic, says Ken Fixler, president of Barnett Homes, a Chicago-based luxury builder specializing in new construction as well as rehabbing older houses. Often the exterior of these homes will reflect the character of the location, while interiors resonate with current preferences with open-concept floorplans that are light and bright. Designers say the mix of exteriors in harmony with the local vernacular combined with up-to-date modern or transitional interiors can be found in almost every region.

In locations where homeowner associations have strict rules regarding work in condos, it is important for consumers and potential buyers to be aware of restrictions regarding work on interiors other than simple tasks like interior painting.

In Naples, Florida, single-family ren-

pergolas, walkways, and custom shrubbery, all indications of how closely outdoor enhancements and outdoor living align with upscale lifestyles.

“When you identify a budget, you have to understand what the threshold of pain is likely going to be and you figure out how to judiciously spend those dollars to get the best bang for your buck,” Sutton explains, referring to a designer’s job. In climates like Arizona, you can double the square footage of livability in many homes just by taking advantage of access to the outside.”

Kitchen designed by Nar Bustamante ovations deliver “more bang for your renovation buck,” says Scott Kish, principal of KTS Group, a custom design-build firm in Naples. But condo renovations are in demand because a majority of the units in the city were built decades ago and new buildings are not being developed. Most HOAs limit the number of renovations per year and typically work can’t begin before

May 1 or after November 15, at the latest.

“Most newcomers don’t have a clue. If they don’t start prepping a job in January, there is no way you can get everything done within that time frame, he explains.

Meanwhile, in places like New Jersey, the opposite is true — condos on the ocean may prevent work from being done between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

GREEN

olorado is well-known for being a leader in green residential building in America. In Boulder, the professional building community (engineers, architects, builders, et cetera) passionately adheres to one of the most progressive and strict energy building codes in the country. Here, the bar for sustainability in luxury homes is reached, and raised, regularly — without compromising on beauty and livability.

Architect Scott Rodwin, founding principal of Rodwin Architecture and president of Skycastle Construction, is an ambassador for this art form, educating everyone from his clients seeking the green homes of their dreams, to architects, builders, and Realtors across the country.

While environmental issues such as global climate change can be polarizing, Rodwin has found throughout his 25-plusyear career that nearly all clients care about creating a healthy living environment at home for their families.

“Nobody wants a toxic living environment, and nobody wants to pay more energy bills than they have to,” he says. “We talk to our clients to learn what level of energy performance they desire in their home, and then we thoughtfully and carefully design it.”

Almost any architect or builder can

Creating the greenest of green homes is an art form.

Scott Rodwin, LEED AP, is founding principal of Rodwin Architecture in Boulder, Colorado. In 2006, he was named American Institute of Architects’ “Young Architect of the Year” for the U.S. Western Mountain Region.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/GUDELLA

RODWIN PHOTO COURTESY RODWIN ARCHITECTURE + SKYCASTLE CONSTRUCTION

By Sarah Binder

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aiming for is so high that you have to have complete cohesiveness among everyone involved,” Rodwin says.

His favorite residential design/build project is net-zero energy, and also was his firm’s most challenging undertaking to date, taking four times as many hours of design to complete than an average project. An entrepreneur and CEO moving to Boulder from Germany challenged Rodwin to build the greenest home in America. Built in 2007, the 6,200-square-foot, $3.5 million Edge House is certified LEED Platinum. “[The client] asked us to pioneer a number of technologies, including the first legally permitted grey water system in Colorado.

He designed a brand-new grey water

PHOTOS COURTESY RODWIN ARCHITECTURE + SKYCASTLE CONSTRUCTION

construct a home that uses 50 percent of the allowable amount of energy by code, Rodwin notes. But, creating a luxury home that is highly energy efficient or zero-energy, meaning on an annual basis that it produces as much energy as it consumes, requires a deeply experienced and knowledgeable team. He recommends utilizing a design/build team wherein the project is managed and executed by a single entity.

The design/build process is fully integrated, has a single point of responsibility for any issues that may arise during a project, and leads to high-quality, detailed work that results in increased client satisfaction.

“When you’re looking to create a net-zero building, the performance level that you are

Kitchen (Far Left) and Staircase: Certified LEED Platinum, the Edge House was awarded “2009 Green Home of the Year” by the Colorado Home Builder’s Association.

Nestled into a forested hillside glade, the Dineen Residence combines old world materials with clean contemporary lines.

system for this house, which he got patented,” Rodwin explains.

Green building has progressed signif icantly since 1999, when Rodwin launched his firm. Today, to obtain a building permit in the United States, the plans must be farily energy efficient.

The energy section of the International Residential Code has advanced farther and more rapidly than any other section of the code in the past two decades, he notes.

Each municipality then adopts and can modify that baseline code.

“In order to get a building permit in Boulder, if you are building a 5,000-squarefoot house, the home is required to be net-zero energy,” says Rodwin. “You have to do everything right — renewable energy on the roof, exceptionally high-quality construction, and passive solar.”

The only sustainable technology that is completely free, passive solar design is the “starting point” to achieving a net-zero

house. It involves strategically designing a home’s orientation, windows, walls, and more, so that the home distributes solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and rejects solar heat in the summer.

While his firm’s specialty is creating brand-new, high-end custom homes, Rodwin suggests a few strategies owners of existing homes can implement to improve the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of their properties. Weatherization (caulking and sealing) can cost just a few thousand dollars, yet will pay for itself over a few years.

After weatherizing, owners should consider adding new insulation and upgrading their windows, especially single-pane or metal windows, which are significant weak spots.

A number of upgrades, such as adding solar panels, generate value through rebates or the opportunity to sell excess energy back to one’s utility company, in addition to increasing the value of the home.

“Upgrade your mechanical system,”

Rodwin recommends. “Old, open combustion mechanical systems are only about 70 percent efficient. They also lead uncombusted gases into the house. Most states and utility companies offer energy-efficiency rebates to their customers, and you can usually get a subsidized system.”

Whether going green from the ground up or through updates, homeowners do not need to compromise on beauty, quality, size, views, or any other aspect in order to achieve a highly sustainable home, Rodwin notes.

“Green building pays back over time and creates a more valuable house. You’re getting a better building. You’re getting a Tesla.”

In Boulder, where everyone “speaks fluent green building,” says Rodwin, the mission is to continue pushing the envelope. His team already has a high level of knowledge of what the next level of green building entails, including larger and more solar arrays, triple-paned windows, and fullfoam insulation packages.

“Our goal is no longer net-zero energy.

Our new goal is regenerative design, wherein you produce more energy over the course of a year than you consume. Regenerative housing is Olympic-level green building — only a handful of these homes exist in the whole country.”

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ART

Fragile Masterpieces

By Roger Grody

Artist Lissi Kaplan brings color and life to delicate porcelain, taking high tea to new heights.

W

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knew she had inherited much more than just table settings.

When Kaplan began painting, it was not only therapeutic during a period when she needed healing, but was also a tribute to her late mother. “I had so many memories of sipping tea with her, so I was happy to be able to create artwork around that ritual,” says Kaplan, explaining that her mom was her first voice coach and they would warm up their vocal chords over cups of tea.

“That art form spoke to me… a little painting under glaze forever. I was attracted to porcelain painting because it’s functional art and an heirloom that can be passed from generation to generation,” explains Kaplan.

“There’s something about applying a brush to that smooth surface that is very soothing to the spirit.… You almost become one with the porcelain,” says Kaplan, who notes the

use of fire adds another layer of magic to the process.

Kaplan has been in constant demand for two decades, commissioned by a wide range of celebrities and institutions. She created a collection for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, but her bipartisan career also included an exquisite set of porcelain designed for Hillary Clinton. Kaplan prepared hand-painted gifts — porcelain emblazoned with poppies, the State Flower — for visiting dignitaries to California Governor Gray Davis, and her work can be found in the collections of Deepak Chopra, Tony Blair and Madeleine Albright.

When creating tableware for individuals, Kaplan’s artistic approach is informed by personal characteristics observed through one-on-one interactions. The bold colors used for Secretary Clinton reflect her strong

PHOTO BY LINDSEY BAUMSTEIGER

hile most painters work w i t h c anvases , some apply their skills to wood or metal and others, sometimes controversially, transform buildings.

Artist Lissi Kaplan’s work is preserved on fragile porcelain, often contemplated over tea service in opulent salons. She is one of the premier porcelain painters in America and her work is coveted by collectors and exclusive hotels.

Born into an artistic family, Los Angelesbased Kaplan was once an aspiring opera singer who studied voice in college, but eventually embraced her creative spirit as an interior designer. With the passing of her mother in 1997, however, she found herself searching for a more personal form of expression, and when she discovered the porcelain collection her mother left her, she

Kaplan applies her art to a three-piece tea set with matching Limoges tea table.

PHOTO BY LINDSEY BAUMSTEIGER

An exquisite hand-painted California wildflower collection elevates the elegance of tea service.

must be fired in the kiln separately.

Grand hotels are among Kaplan’s biggest patrons and she was recently commissioned to create a new silver-laced tea collection commemorating the 25th anniversary of The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Other hotels that have served high tea on Kaplan-designed porcelain include The Montage in Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara’s El Encanto resort. Today, many renowned hotels opt for mass-produced porcelain, concerned with breakage of the more precious handcrafted items.

Kaplan’s first book deal was the direct result of tea service at The Peninsula, when influential literary editor Judith Regan admired the hotel’s porcelain, part of a 600-piece original collection Kaplan created for the Beverly Hills hotel. “She looked at my teacups and said, ‘This artwork is speaking to me’,” reports the artist, whose book The Power of a Teacup (William Morrow, 2003) is personal and heartfelt.

In an era when many of the world’s porcelain manufacturers make concessions to mass production — even some producers in the revered village of Limoges, France’s capital of artisanal porcelain, now use decals — hand-painted porcelain is truly appreciated.

Artists like Kaplan are increasingly rare and

their work viewed as exquisite treasures.

Kaplan is moving into new territories, with her delicate brushwork appearing on textiles and wallpaper. Her most recent book Light as a Feather (Little Finch Press, 2016) is an endearing coming-of-age fable whose illustrations create a world of Kaplan’s signature pastel etherealness. If the pages look like they were lifted from an opulent tea room, it is because they were, in a sense.

Each image was painted onto a porcelain tile, the medium this artist has mastered with great intimacy, then transferred to paper for publication. “When you put your heart into anything you love, it will be felt by others,” says Kaplan, an alchemist and dreamer whose passion elevates a cup of tea.

PHOTO BY STEVE REISCH

PHOTO BY LINDSEY BAUMSTEIGER

personality and convictions, while Mrs. Reagan’s collection features softer tones expressed through peonies, a flower beloved by the late First Lady. Kaplan continues to be commissioned by clients seeking table settings with family crests or initials incorporated into ornate designs. In the vanishing art of porcelain painting, a fivepiece set can take four months to produce.

Nature has always been one of Kaplan’s greatest inspirations, but the flowers and butterflies that populate her table settings are not precise scientific representations.

“I think my work resonates with people because the designs are more whimsical and ethereal,” explains Kaplan, who suggests that like Chinese brush painting, her art is more about the spirit than science.

Roses, which Kaplan reports are among the most technically challenging images to create on porcelain, appear on a fluted dessert plate with 24-karat gold accents, an ornate Limoges tea table or even a whimsical hand-painted piggy bank that makes a unique baby shower gift. Images of tiger orchids create a dramatic effect and a leopard skin pattern appearing on vases and tea sets is created with gold leaf. Kaplan says this design, originally produced for actress Fran Drescher, is particularly labor-intensive as each of five separate layers of painting

Lissi Kaplan

lissikaplan.com 818.517.5293 21

WELLNESS

This philosophy of relaxation that is gaining traction in the U.S. and around the world.

By Alyssa Gautieri

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©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ROSSHELEN

“Hygge so perfectly describes what it means to be happy. It’s not material items that make us happy — it’s taking time to discover what really fills up our tank internally,” says Samantha J. Vander Wielen, health coach and owner of Philadelphia-based Hygge Wellness.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ULZANNA

he taste of cake and hot tea, the sound of fire crackling, the scent of fresh bread in the oven, the sight of flickering candle flames and the feeling of total contentment — this may describe your ideal hygge moment.

“Hygge” (hoo-gah) is a Danish term used to describe an atmosphere of coziness and calmness. It isn’t about spending money, but instead, it’s about taking a step back and enjoying the smaller things in life. Hygge is about togetherness and sharing a pot of coffee among friends or family. But, it also may be about grabbing a good book, snuggling up with a blanket and enjoying some “you” time.

While the perfect hygelig evening — complete with a hot beverage, fireplace, thick blanket and sweatpants — may seem ideal for the fall or winter, hygee can be shared year-round.

Hygge has been embraced in the Danish culture for centuries, but only recently has the concept spread worldwide.

British Journalist Helen Russell has done her part to spread knowledge of hygge. As she spent a year in Denmark, Russell became largely influenced by hygge — a concept so engrained in Danish culture — and it became the inspiration for her bestselling work, The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country.

While the word hygge defies literal translation, Russell believes the best definition is “the complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming: taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things.” She adds, “Hygge isn’t a

commodity and it shouldn’t cost you anything — simple candles are better than fancy scented ones, an old knitted blanket is better than the latest designer incarnation, and hot drinks in mismatched mugs are just fine.”

With little knowledge of Danish culture and without knowing a bit of the Danish language, Russell moved to Denmark when her husband was offered a job in the rural city of Jutland. After only a few days there, Russell first heard the term used in a Danish bakery.

About a year later, she wrote a book about her life in Denmark. “My intention in writing the book was to uncover the lessons we can all learn to get happier by living more Danishly — wherever we are,” she says. “The book was the first to introduce the world to the concept of hygge and distil the best advice on getting happy.”

Since its publication in 2015, the response to the book has been phenomenal. It is now a bestseller, published in 19 countries worldwide and has spurred a huge interest in the Danish lifestyle. “I knew that the phenomenon would strike a chord, but I had no idea it would become so huge,” Russell admitted.

One of the many individuals who were inspired by the book is Samantha J. Vander Wielen, health coach and owner of Philadelphia-based Hygge Wellness. After reading the book, Wielen decided to name her business after hygge because of the relationship she saw between hygge and wellness.

“Hygge so perfectly describes what it means to be happy.

It’s not material items that make us happy — it’s taking

23

the time to discover what really fills up our tank internally,” she said. “I realized there was such a strong connection between this idea and my approach to wellness.”

Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, has also brought a lot of attention to hygge with his 2016 book, The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living. While each individuals’ ideal hygge moment may vary, there are some components that Wiking discusses in his book — and many Danes have agreed — are essential to hygge.

Togetherness

Light Wiking dedicates his entire first chapter of The Little Book of Hygge to light, claiming “no recipe for hygge is complete without candles.” According to Wiking’s research, more than half of Danes light candles almost every day during autumn and winter, and only 4 percent say they never light candles.

When it comes to lamps, the Danes don’t like bright lights. Instead, they prefer a warm, soft glow, — artfully using

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SOLSTOCK

“Hygge has a lot to do with togetherness so it’s about prioritizing your people, cramming as many of the folk you care about around a table and eating, drinking and being generally merry.”

In The Little Book of Hygge, Wiking says 57 percent of Danes believe it takes 3 to 4 people to have hygge. A smaller, more intimate group seems to create a perfect space for support and coziness. “Hygge is about the company you’re keeping,” says Russell. “Hygge has a lot to do with togetherness, so it’s about prioritizing your people, cramming as many of the folk you care about around a table and eating, drinking and being generally merry.”

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illumination to produce soothing pools of light throughout their homes.

fireplace, candles (obviously), wooden furniture, vintage accents, books, nature and an abundance of blankets and pillows.

Food and drink

Wielen, whose business is centered on fitness and health, created Hygge Wellness around the concept of hygge because she believes hygge is essential to mental health.

“To me, hygge is all about cultivating experiences, moments and spaces in your life and home that restore, rejuvenate, and fulfill you,” she said.

According to Wielen, a client’s fitness goals may be reached only after their mental health and happiness is prioritized. “It’s when we’re fulfilled in the major areas of our life that we feel comfortable around food, eager to move our bodies, and present enough to care for our minds,” she said.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KUPICOO

Wellness

Cake, ice cream, soup, wine, coffee or beer — hygge is about comfort food and drink and treating yourself to the treats you love. According to Wielen, there is one fundamental difference between the way Americans eat and drink and how the Danes indulge. “Danes don’t binge then purge like we do in the U.K. and the U.S.,” she said.

“Instead they’re kind to themselves, indulging when they fancy it and not depriving or punishing themselves.”

But hygge isn’t about getting too full or eating to the point of regret. Instead, it means eating and drinking slowly while appreciating the present moment. According to Wielen, the Dane’s way of indulging “makes them nicer to be around and happier as a nation.”

Incorporating natural elements and vintage accents can help to bring hygge into any home. Here, Ronbow’s contemporary vanities merge a minimalist sophisticated design with form and function.

Clothing

Home Décor According to Wiking, 71 percent of Danes experience hygge most often within their own homes.

So, what are the essentials to a hygelig home? A hygelig home should include a

PHOTO COURTESY RONBOW

Bulky sweaters, cozy sweatpants, oversized scarfs and fluffy socks are hygge.

Hygge is not about looking cute, it is about feeling comfortable. As Wiking puts it in The Little Book of Hygge, “casual is key” when it comes to hygelig clothing. Hygge is about layers and the bigger, the better.

Is Hygge the Reason the Danes Are So Happy?

Consistently, the Danes have been among the top three on the World Happiness Report. Cultures around the world are beginning to embrace hygge in hopes that it will bring them happiness too. Can the Dane’s happiness be contributed to hygge?

Helen Russell: “Hygge has been proven to make you happier — because you’re being kind to yourself. This in turn has been

shown to make you nicer to other people and more generous and kind to society as a whole. Denmark has been ranked the happiest country in the world in studies going back to the 1970s — so it’s clear that there’s something Danes are doing differently and hygge plays a big part in this.”

Samantha J. Vander Wielen: “Absolutely! It’s not just the act of hygge or having

hygge moments that makes the Danes some of the happiest in the world. It’s the fact that they cultivate experiences, and make space in their homes and lives to take care of themselves. They seem to have mastered the idea that they need to practice self-care in order to be the best versions of themselves.

I also think the emphasis on social interactions makes them some of the happiest.”

25

TA S T E

Fashion meets

f

Some designer labels have successfully expanded their 26

f

ood

I

PHOTOS COURTESY BURBERRY

n recent years, high-end fashion houses have begun expanding their brands into fashionable food ventures, ranging from fine dining locales to cultivated cafes and refined bars.

One of the most notable fashion designers to establish contemporary food businesses as a direct extension of a signature brand is famed American designer Ralph Lauren. In 1999, Lauren opened his first restaurant, RL, adjacent to the world’s largest Polo store in Chicago. Similar to his fashion ideology, the restaurant focused on American classics — but traded in its collared Polo shirts, cashmere sweaters and neckties for steaks, seafood, chops and sandwiches.

RL, along with his subsequent restaurants, The Polo Bar in New York and Ralph’s on Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris, all have found ways to embody aspects of his iconic style.

Lauren’s newest venture is Ralph’s Coffee & Bar in London, located just next door to his flagship European store — a space that spans over 3 floors of product — on the iconic shopping stretch of Regent Street. The club-like atmosphere offers a decor that fits the designer’s equestrian aesthetic, and utilizes materials such as leather, brass and dark wood paneling.

“Ralph’s Coffee & Bar is a natural extension of the heritage of Polo and will add yet another dimension to the worlds we create,” said Lauren of the bar’s opening in January 2017. “I’ve always imagined our stores as a

By Samantha Myers

style to include branded restaurants.

27

Ralph’s Coffee & Bar

Ralph’s Coffee & Bar 173 Regent Street Mayfair, London W1B 4JQ +44.(0)20.7113.7450 28

take on an ‘Old Fashioned’ was good, too, served in a huge polo-etched glass, made with woody Eagle Rare bourbon.”

A few minutes down Regent Street, another famed fashion brand has quite literally broadened its label into a culinary eatery.

Known for its iconic trench coats and classic trademark tartan plaid, British luxury fashion house Burberry is also giving its clientele an equally posh spot to dine as their clothes have given them to wear.

Named for its founder, Thomas Burberry, Thomas’s is described as an “allday dining destination” within the company’s flagship London store. This particular location offers a special gift area, as well as in-store monogramming services so that leather accessories and luxury goods can be embellished with one’s initials.

With a menu ranging from lobster to finger sandwiches and English cakes, Thomas’s is a sophisticated cafe for both a shopping break or a social meal. What’s better than concluding a Burberry shopping spree with a fine cup of tea and a locally sourced lunch?

“All of the produce is sourced from British small farms and artisan suppliers, while the decor is quite simple with mar-

Thomas’s 5 Vigo Street London W1S 3HA +44.(0)20.3159.1410

ble-topped tables, dark-wood chairs and plenty of natural light that floods the room,” says Hatchman. “Inside, the cafe is, essentially, a continuation of the store, with friendly, unthreatened service, as expected from a high-end retail space.”

Hatchman visited the store-cafe for Breakfast at Burberry. “For me, the quality of carefully selected produce really stood out,” he says. “In terms of food, the full English breakfast is a million miles from the greasy spoon classic, but it’s a fair, refined version that doesn’t skimp on quality or on the meat. I remember the black pudding being particularly delicious.”

Yet, aside from the cafe’s quite literal connection with its store, the restaurant refrained from becoming a physical manifestation of its iconic Burberry clothes. “Thomas’s is very much an extension of the store,” says Hatchman. “It would appeal most to central London shoppers — either customers of Burberry, or surrounding Regent Street shops.”

Rather than extend its brand, Burberry has extended its store’s space into the realm of nourishment. “I wouldn’t say that the cafe is a complete embodiment of the brand’s style,” he says. “But — like Burberry

Armani / Ristorante 5th Avenue 717 5th Avenue 3rd Floor New York, NY 10175 212.207.1902

Jonathan Hatchman www.JonathanHatchman.com info@JonathanHatchman.com

ABOVE LEFT PHOTO COURTESY RALPH LAUREN; ABOVE RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY GIORGIO ARMANI

place for customers to experience a world.

[This location] will add to that experience by offering a warm, friendly place to sit cozily with friends and family to sip a cup of our distinctive coffee or toast a special moment with one of our unique cocktails.”

Jonathan Hatchman, food editor for The London Economic, believes Ralph’s Coffee & Bar meets its intent and holds up the Ralph Lauren image. “The bar completely epitomizes everything expected from Ralph Lauren: from the equestrian and polo themed accents, brass-topped bar, saddle leather seats and a palette of rich browns and bottle green,” he says.

While the menu follows suit with American classics, it has also embraced European elements. The bar sells three signature cocktails specifically created for the London location: Regent Street Sour, Ralph’s Winter Punch and Ralph’s Evening Roast.

During his visit, Hatchman indulged in the bar’s beverages and complementary snacks — especially the “ludicrously delicious” breaded and deep-fried olives.

“I particularly enjoyed ‘The Chairman’ — a rye whiskey cocktail with an absinthe rinse, both typical Sazerac components and one of my favorite cocktails,” he says. “The bar’s

Armani / Ristorante 5th Avenue cafe — is staunchly British and proud.”

While Ralph Lauren and Burberry have effectively incorporated restaurants into their brand’s empire, others have been unsuccessful, with their restaurants disappearing quickly after the initial buzz diminished.

Take Marc Jacobs Café in Milan or Cavalli Miami Restaurant & Lounge.

Armani, however, has not had a problem.

Across the sea, immersed in the heart of Manhattan overlooking New York’s own

Thomas’s at Burberry Regent Street

PHOTO COURTESY BURBERRY

shopping stretch — 5th Avenue — is Armani/ Ristorante, one of the slew of restaurants bearing the name of the Italian megadesigner. You don’t have to travel far to find a Giorgio Armani restaurant venture — Armani Restaurants have been steadily popping up across the Americas, Europe and Asia for years, and now have over a dozen locations.

This articular Armani restaurant can be found on the third level of the Armani/5th Avenue store. Designed by Fuksas, the heart of the building is the sculptural steel staircase that leads customers to and from Armani-curated shopping and dining. The restaurant incorporates an Italian-inspired trendy style through a commanding backdrop of black and white, sleek curves and straight lines and furbished LED lights that give it the edge it needs.

Armani/Ristorante is structured in true Italian fashion — antipasti, primi piatti, secondi, and also offers breakfast and lunch, most likely for visitors to its bustling store.

Although epitomizing Armani’s sleek, hard-edged style, Armani restaurants are beyond a re-creation of his style in restaurant format. In fact, his locations have bolstered into culinary expeditions and have seen partnerships with some of the world’s top chefs, such as Milan’s Armani/Nobu, where he created a restaurant with celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The polished restaurant is unmistakably Armani, yet has a warm Japanese influence in both the design details and of course, the food.

29

Q&A

Though born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Ruth Gay spent most of her childhood and adolescence growing up in Europe, traveling around the continent and living in places like Belgium, Ireland and Germany. This sense of adventure transpired into her career, as she opened Chateau Domingue, an architectural antiques firm, and became a 21st-century explorer. The High End was able to speak with Gay about the launch of her business, her love for European architecture, and how she strives to remain authentic.

By Kristen Ordonez

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How often do you travel to Europe and what do you typically look for?

Traditionally, I go about every other month, but recently with the start up of Domingue Architectural Finishes [see page 32] I’ve only gone about three times in the last year. Typically, I will buy anything, from flooring to beautiful mantels and doors. I will buy things like entire private chapels, entire ferry stations for components at a time, orangeries, reclaimed lighting, ceilings … a lot of stone, mixed materials, and stone tables.

Do you prefer the smaller items like stones and tables, as opposed to the larger pieces like chapels and ceilings?

No, it’s got to be big, the bigger the

better. Although I have a really big door fetish at the moment; we have about 700 doors in our inventory.

What are your favorite areas to visit in Europe?

My favorite area to visit and to work is Provence. I love the people, the weather, and the lifestyle. I’m also in Belgium a lot, which I really love. When it comes to design, I think Belgians are some of the more forward-thinking people, whether it’s interior design, architecture, or clothing design. I think the Belgians really have it going on.

What do you mean, “forward-thinking”?

They love to use old materials, and yet

PHOTO BY KAREN SACHAR

How did you start in this business?

What inspired you to begin working with antique home pieces?

My husband and I were going to build a house and my idea for his birthday was to take a trip to France to celebrate and shop for pieces to include in our new home. I really wanted to bring Europe to Houston. When we got there, it was harder to find certain pieces even though I knew they were there, and this was before the Internet was “big.” In 2001, I went on my first buying trip, starting out with one employee in the fall, and by Valentine’s Day I was asking my husband for a forklift as my gift. Now, with somewhere between 70 to 80 employees, it’s definitely no longer a hobby.

PHOTO COURTESY CHATEAU DOMINIGUE

The Chateau Domingue showroom in Houston, Texas is appointed with antique, reclaimed architectural elements and features a consistently rotating inventory of decorative antiques acquired in Europe.

PHOTO BY KENNON EVETT

it’s so clean and contemporary looking. It’s the way they use the old materials. They probably use the old materials because they all live in old houses and that’s what they have.

A serene blue wall finish, inspired by the city of Bruges, from the Domingue Architectural Finishes palette.

Do you think this kind of style is how you base your searching, or are you open to other design styles?

I’m very open. We work with so many designers all over the country and so many people have their own style. It’s just so fun to watch how somebody will use our 17thcentury flooring and old stonewalls in a very contemporary setting.

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What would you like people to take away when they see you and your brand?

What makes you stand out?

That one’s easy for me: it’s quality.

Whenever we say something is what it is, if it’s reclaimed or it’s 17th century, it is. It’s really about authenticity and quality, and I think that’s what people take away when they come here. We’re an 18,000-squarefoot showroom on 3 acres, and when people come to visit us, that’s one of the things we always hear: “I’m really blown away by the quality.”

PHOTO COURTESY CHATEAU DOMINGUE

Upon entering the Chateau Domingue showroom, one can expect to be greeted by a beautifully curated vignette.

Where would you like to see yourself and Chateau Domingue in 5 years?

Continuing to grow the business, and eventually my dream is to open another showroom somewhere else.

ay recently partnered with artisan Eddy Dankers to open Domingue Architectural Finishes, a line of antique finishes within Chateau Domingue’s umbrella of other name brands. Dankers was able to speak with The High End as well about his interests in the architectural business.

How did you start in this art and in the business with Ruth Gay — what inspired you to begin working with her?

I could tell from the wonderful pieces Ruth imports for Chateau Domingue that she had an appreciation for natural materials and that her taste was very sympathetic to mine.

We both care about things that are authentic and discretely luxurious, that capture quality and beauty in equal measure.

What about European design and art is so intriguing to you?

My passion is more for the materials than for a particular style. There is so much history behind what we do. These are materials that have been used in Europe for centuries and have never gone out of fashion for restoration projects. But what makes them exciting is how well suited they are for contemporary buildings and interiors. The 32

finishes are so flexible; you can achieve any look, so they suit any style.

Can you go into more detail about Domingue Architectural Finishes and what the company offers?

We offer lime wash, mineral paint and a range of lime plasters. All of the materials are natural and together represent a collection of architectural finishes that are beautiful, flexible and unprecedented in the U.S. market. We will soon be introducing a line of interior and exterior paint from Belgium that is ideal for trim, windows and doors and other wood elements. It is a remarkable paint: easy to apply with a beautiful and durable matte finish.

What advice would you give to someone going into art, the antique business or even working on designing the interior

of their home?

What we do is a mirror of our eyes so you always want to be curious and observant, traveling and connecting with people.

It’s important to make no assumptions, to be naïve in a way, to just be honest and open.

Allison James • 123.456.7890 • Allison@ajre.com • www.ajree.com

Country Manor Tucked away in Horse Cove is this wonderful kingdom well suited for nature lovers and equestrians. A 1930s eclectic farmhouse has been lovingly renovated with a screened porch and a flat yard that connects to your own lake. Unbelievable master suite. Stone fireplace. Offered at $1,650,000. MLS #71633

Country Club Living On one of the largest and most private lots at the club. A 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath loaded with custom features. Lofty open spaces with clean lines and loads of glass bring in the outside light. The living areas are clustered around the large covered porch with sounds of the stream below. Offered at $1,695,000. MLS #74164

Complete Comfort Lovely Family home is in pristine condition and has cutting-edge features. Smart wiring can be controlled from anywhere with internet/computer access. More storage than you could imagine, 2-car garage. Spacious patio. Many designer touches. Great mountain view from the gentle knoll. Offered at $1,385,000.

MLS #74420

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Ripon, WI Permit 57

insights into extraordinary living

Allison James

Allison James Real Estate 1234 Houseforsale Avenue Somewhere, California 10101

The Ultimate Estate

A Gorgeous vineyard estate is amidst 101 acres of pinot noir. The outbuildings total 26,739 square feet, including the 10,000-square-foot main home, a car barn, 1-bedroom guesthouse and a pool house. Features include limestone fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, an elevator and a pool with a spa. Host parties in the banquet-sized dining room.

The 748-square-foot wine cellar has a dining area, dumbwaiter, wet bar and custom temperature-controlled wine storage for 5,000 bottles. Balconies and decks offer panoramic views of the vineyards, flower-covered foothills and beyond.

For more information and to schedule your private showing contact me at 123.456.7890.