4 Homes That Use Green To Delightful Effect


Introduced to St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the 18th century, when the shamrock became a national symbol of Ireland, green is a soothing, refreshing hue that brings to mind rolling meadows, leafy groves, and idyllic forests. A welcome reminder of the long, warmer days ahead, it provides any home with a sense of cheer and optimism.

Handsome Houston Heights Home

David Atkins | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Custom-designed and constructed with the finest materials and finishes, this four-bedroom, 4,484-square-foot residence in historic Houston Heights exudes warmth and charm at every turn, beginning with a covered front porch and a wood-paneled façade in a natural evergreen hue. The heart of the home is a great room that includes a dining area, a kitchen with handsome green cabinetry and an island, and a family room opening to a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen, verdant walls, and a view of the lush backyard.

Noe Valley Charmer

Julie Peisner | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

This colorful Noe Valley duplex has been cherished, maintained, and updated by the same family for nearly four decades. The lower level is dedicated to a full-floor pied-à-terre with living and dining rooms, an eat-in kitchen, and a bright bedroom overlooking the south-facing garden. The two upper levels feature living and dining rooms whose walls echo the greenery of the surrounding magnolias and other thriving trees, an updated eat-in kitchen, three bright bedrooms, and a sunny private patio affording picturesque views.

Modern Comfort and Style

The Karp Group Sotheby’s International Realty – Westlake Village Brokerage

The classically charming streetside presence of this single-level three-bedroom residence belies its open, airy, light-filled modern interiors. A dining area and multiple living spaces accompany the recently remodeled chef’s kitchen, which boasts custom cabinets, quartz countertops, a farm sink, wine storage, and a large island finished in an invigorating green hue fitting for this leafy, tree-strewn setting. The backyard is a peaceful retreat for outdoor relaxation and entertaining or gathering harvests from fruit trees.

Santa Fe Gem

Ricky AllenCathy GriffithTara Earley | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

Painstakingly remodeled, this bright, elegant 2,552-square-foot condominium residence is a delightful getaway just steps from Santa Fe’s historic downtown Plaza. Cooks of all skill levels will appreciate the kitchen’s top-caliber appliances, and the primary bedroom, the two guest bedrooms, and a bunk room with an adjoining recreation room can accommodate 10 or more residents and guests. Exterior accents and details in the open-plan living and dining area recalls the leaves of the trees that envelope the home and its private patio.

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Mood Board | Homes With Lush Foliage

Gardens and green spaces can be like rooms; expansions of the home that serve as lively entertainment spaces or comfortably cloistered retreats. With gazebos set amid shady groves, orangeries overlooking quiet copses, or pavilions sporting sunny pools, there’s no end to the built features that can factor into a property’s natural environment.

So with the spring season around the corner, here is inspiration on how best to turn a home’s vegetation into its most enjoyable and enviable areas, and create verdant living spaces that are genuinely alive.

Greenery From Ground to Sky

Michael Pallier and Clint Ballard – Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty 

An overhead trellis for climbing plants is a beautiful way to accentuate an external seating or dining area, as there’s no better canopy than a canopy of leaves. For a perfect example, look at the al fresco patio at this resort-like residence, where vines help form a lush and vibrant bower for outdoor relaxation.

Placing Planters and Pergolas

Despina Laou – Greece Sotheby’s International Realty 

Covering part of a terrace with a sumptuously overgrown pergola is a great way to create a truly immersive green space, as demonstrated by this epic estate poised above the Sea of Crete. It extends from the home to create continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, while lending visual dynamism and character.

Perfecting the Art of the Arbor

Mariano Iacono – Italy Sotheby’s International Realty 

While pergolas tend to extend directly from the home, free-standing arbors support plants across their latticed structures to serve as picturesque archways. It can be quite majestic, as attested by this 19th-century mansion. The landscaping here is second to none, with flowerbeds that flourish in the Mediterranean warmth, ancient trees that have stood guard over the grounds for centuries, and a stately glass veranda with views of the water.

A Bounteous Botanical Garden

Shawn Perez and Mary Rose Perez – Atlanta Fine Home Sotheby’s International Realty

Nothing combines interior and exterior design quite like a greenhouse, where a fully enclosed space is dedicated entirely to the flora that defines its colors, textures, layout, and decor. Just look at how effortlessly this idyllic property has added climate-controlled conservatories to its yard, which is contiguous with a miles’ worth of walking and riding trails. Spread across the nearly nine acres of pristine nature, there are also 10 serene gardens, three tranquil ponds, and four fabulous waterfalls.

Greenery brings so many benefits to a home, from its calming hues and soothing fragrance to the way it freshens the air and serves as a natural buffer against heat and noise. And springtime is the best time to nurture new growth—so take advantage of the changing seasons and breathe new life into your surroundings.

Looking for ways to complement the splendor of your greenery? Browse some outdoor living spaces with bespoke wood features.

3 Blissful Bedrooms With A View

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is practically impossible in a dreamy bedroom with a picturesque vista of city lights, mountains, vineyards, sunsets, or the sea.

Classic Style, Golden Gate Views

Carrie B. Goodman | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

This handsome 5,580-square-foot residence in prestigious Pacific Heights offers four levels of inviting living and entertaining spaces. Highlights include living and dining rooms opening to an expansive deck, a kitchen and family room overlooking verdant gardens, a two-car garage, a media room with a kitchenette, a pentroom with wine storage, and space for a roof deck. One of five restful bedrooms, the owner’s suite enjoys a cinematic view across neighboring rooftops toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.

Chic Southwestern Contemporary

Tara EarleyRicky AllenCathy Griffith | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

This distinctive home and freestanding casita in Santa Fe’s coveted Las Campanas community overlooks a lake and the 18th fairways of two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. It features clean modern style, an open-concept floor plan, floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors, outdoor spaces with golf course views, and a landscaped interior courtyard with grape vines, lush grass, a fire pit, and a tranquil water feature. One of three bedrooms, the luxurious owner’s suite boasts a fireplace, a private portal, and a picturesque vista.

Hawksreach

Jennifer Powers | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sonoma Brokerage

Exemplifying warm, welcoming living in the George Ranch community of Northern California’s wine country, this five-bedroom, 5,423-square foot home shares its 4.07 acres with a swimming pool, a pool house, a tennis court, and detached a three-car garage. In addition to a den, a family room, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a kitchen with a walk-in pantry, a great room with a wet bar, and numerous decks, it offers a primary suite with views of rolling hills, thriving trees, and blue skies.

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Frank Hardy SIR Welcomes New Associate: Catherine Richmond

Catherine Richmond, is a distinguished real estate professional holding prestigious designations, including GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute), RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert), SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist), MRP (Military Relocation Professional), and AHWD (At Home With Diversity). Her unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous education sets her apart in the dynamic real estate industry.

A native of Ivy, Virginia, Catherine specializes in representing buyers and sellers throughout the state. With a solid background of 32 years in the health sciences service industry, she brings exceptional customer service to her clients. Catherine’s family legacy, with both her grandfather and father serving Charlottesville as real estate attorneys, provides her with a unique perspective on the market, history, and environment.

Catherine’s expertise covers a spectrum of real estate aspects, from in-depth market knowledge to adept negotiation skills. The GRI certification underscores her dedication to ongoing learning, ensuring clients receive well-informed guidance. As an RENE, Catherine excels in negotiations, securing optimal deals with finesse. Compassionate and knowledgeable, Catherine is particularly attuned to the unique needs of military personnel and their families, thanks to her MRP designation. She simplifies the complexities of military relocations, offering unwavering support throughout the process.

Dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in real estate, exemplified by her AHWD designation, Catherine goes beyond professional accomplishments. Deeply committed to her community, she approaches every transaction with warmth, integrity, and a genuine desire to help clients succeed in their property endeavors. With extensive market knowledge and expert negotiation skills, Catherine ensures a seamless experience for buyers and sellers alike. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion, coupled with a strong sense of community, sets her apart in the industry. In her free time, Catherine can be found hiking, picking apples, swimming, skiing, and biking with her children.

4 Homes With Incredible Maximalist Decor

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is said to have popularized the famous phrase, “Less is more”—and in doing so, he set a standard for many of his successors in the fields of architecture and design. But standards, by their very nature, are confining, and an increasing number of decorators are liberating themselves from the harsh limits imposed by stripped-down, pared-back aesthetics. Indeed, maximalism is making a meteoric ascent in popularity, and these four residences prove why.

It’s About Questioning the Rules

Margot Royer-Boquillon – Paris Marais Sotheby’s International Realty 

As a term, “maximalism” only originated recently as a counterpoint to minimalism. In many ways, minimalism is a discipline more than a style; it demands a rigid adherence to specific principles of austerity and restraint. You can immediately identify a minimalist space because it follows certain conventions. Therefore, it’s fair to say that maximalism is based on the opposite—on defying convention and flouting norms—much like this whimsical mansion.

From mosaicked floors that look like a collaboration between Kandinsky and Hundertwasser, to staircases that seem to float, to bold blocks of color that serve as shelving and storage, this home demonstrates how unique and unfettered maximalism can be. There’s no “right” way to do it; rather, it allows spaces to speak for themselves—and their owners—and cultivate the curiosity of their inhabitants.

It’s About Linking Past to Present

Sophie Tripier – Paris Marais Sotheby’s International Realty 

Today, the word “baroque” is shorthand for lavish and often synonymous with maximalism, though it hearkens back to a distinct movement in the 18th century when opulent adornment was highly sought-after. Since then, these baroque sensibilities have remained firmly in place—from the excess of Victorian design to the extravagance of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Such is the timeless appeal of maximalism. By being free rather than fixed, and dynamic rather than static, it celebrates anachronisms, as seen in this opulent triplex.

Built in 1830, the home stands as a tribute to maximalism across the ages. The meticulous detail in the architecture is unparalleled, with finely crafted pilasters and cornices, along with a mirrored ceiling and striking skylight. And the materials, such as the brocade upholstery, gilded accents, and crystal chandelier, are almost deliriously luxurious.

It’s About Inspiring Joy, not Envy

Stacy Sims and Will Pitt – United Kingdom’s Sotheby’s International Realty

A “more is more” mentality may be conducive to conspicuous displays of wealth, but that’s not the purpose of maximalism. While an intricately furnished interior might be impressive, it’s far more important that it’s invigorating. Maximalism is fundamentally focused on jubilance. The point is to decorate with what feels right to you, and not what has been deemed “right” by trendsetters and tastemakers—an ethos that’s alive and well in this stately townhouse.

With statement prints juxtaposed alongside sleek neutrals, and ornately papered cabinetry set next to simple yet eclectic ceramics, this residence showcases the ease with which maximalism transcends time and trends. Rooms are relaxing but also exciting, personal while also universal; there may be references from many periods and places contained within four walls, but the result is a space unlike anywhere else in the world.

It’s About Expressing Individuality

Alberta Magni – Italy Sotheby’s International Realty 

It’s no surprise that maximalism is a powerful means of self-expression, and is meant to be subjective. If an artwork or keepsake conjures a fantastic feeling or a beautiful memory, then it belongs—and this enables maximalist spaces to mix colors and textures even if they contrast, and blend design and decor even if they’re from different decades or centuries. The only criterion that matters is that it makes you happy, and who couldn’t be constantly delighted in an apartment like this wild wonderland

Created in the style of traditional Milanese workshops from the late 1800s/early 1900s, this surrealist loft designed in collaboration with Toiletpaper utilizes captivating visuals to emphasize and expand the scale of the space, ushering the eye upwards and outwards, vertically and horizontally, with statement art pieces and one-of-a-kind collectibles. There always seems to be something novel to discover, as no two vantage points provide the same view.

Too often, trends are cyclical; as they recur, they return their followers to an earlier moment instead of fuelling forward momentum. But that’s not the case with maximalism. It remains relevant because even as it references its history, it endows every artist, architect, designer, and decorator with something fresh and new to work with that’s theirs—and theirs alone.

Maximalism is inherently personal—discover how these four homes are similarly distinctive.

Home Is Where The Heart Is: 3 Romantic Residences


With their firelit spaces, secluded bedroom suites, soaking tubs, relaxing alfresco spas, and private balconies with picture-perfect views, these estates create an ambience just right for spending Valentine’s Day at home.

Southwestern Warmth and Elegance

Britt Klein | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

Filled with the warmth of richly hued woods, an earthy palette, and Santa Fe’s glorious light, this captivating 9,164-square-foot adobe home and casita in the exclusive community of Las Campanas exemplify luxurious Southwestern living. The main residence offers three bedrooms—including a primary suite with a sitting area for cozy fireside moments—formal living and dining rooms; a kitchen with professional-grade appliances; and numerous outdoor areas, among them a dining courtyard with a romantic ambience created by a fireplace, colorful plantings, and a tranquil water feature.

Old World Grandeur in Houston

Marlene Rhoden | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

In Houston’s prestigious gated Stablewood area, this 9,661-square-foot residence exemplifies Old World elegance. Its heart is a majestic living room with an ornate fireplace and a well-outfitted wet bar. The home also offers a grand owner’s suite, four guest bedrooms, a formal dining room with a butler’s pantry, a wine cellar, a chef’s kitchen with superior appliances, a den, a leather- and wood-clad study, a game room, a theater, an outdoor kitchen, a rose garden, a koi pond, and a swimming pool and spa.

Magnificent Texas Manor

Brian Spack | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

On a lush, wooded lot in the leafy environs of Houston, this Lucian Hood–designed European-inspired brick villa impresses with its generous scale and refined styling. Highlights include six bedrooms, a dining room or salon, an elegant great room with a vaulted tray ceiling and a reclaimed French stone fireplace mantel, a kitchen with a room-sized pantry, a gym, a library, a media room, a game room, and a loggia with Palladian doors to the rear terrace, emerald backyard, and sparkling pool and spa.

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Life At The Top: 4 Fabulous Penthouses


Basking in cinematic vistas of some of the most enviable skylines and scenery in the U.S., these four unparalleled penthouses enjoy consummate privacy, sophisticated style, and amenities that go above and beyond.

Peerless Parkside Penthouse

The Heyman-Cupolo Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage

On the 11th floor of the coveted northwest corner of a LEED Gold certified building in DUMBO’s Brooklyn Bridge Park, this light-flooded four-bedroom aerie is on the market for the first time. It enjoys cinematic panoramic views from its chic 3,655-square-foot interiors—many rooms of which boast oversized windows—and its landscaped Manhattan-facing rooftop terrace, which includes a built-in grill. The building offers 24-hour concierge service, a lounge, a gym, package and bicycle storage rooms, and laundry facilities.

Spectacular SoMa Penthouse

Gregg Lynn | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

The tallest and largest condominium residence in California, this sophisticated 5,009-square-foot home towers above San Francisco in a prime perch that affords riveting vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, Angel and Treasure Islands, and the dazzling downtown skyline. Its distinctively detailed interiors include two bedrooms and a great room that opens to an enviable terrace. The building offers a fitness and Pilates center, a saline lap pool, a screening room, a lounge, a landscaped terrace with fire pits, and wine storage.

Extraordinary Oasis Above Ocean Boulevard

Greg Forest | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage

A veritable mansion in the sky, this luxurious penthouse at the Bellaria offers more than 7,500 square feet of majestic living space with dramatic views of the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. It features a chef’s kitchen, four serene bedroom suites, an office, two welcoming living areas, and an expansive private terrace. The pet-friendly building provides residents with a club room, a gym, a theater, a game room, and designated beach area.

Penthouse Garden Paradise

Patricia A. WheatleyThe Field Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Atop the historic Dorilton, a landmarked Beaux-Arts Upper West Side building, this gloriously bright four-bedroom haven is filled with enchanting original architectural details, including the fireplace mantelpiece, striking moldings, and handsome wood floors. The heart of the home is a great room whose 20-foot ceiling is crowned with a spectacular vaulted skylight. Just outside is one of the neighborhood’s largest private rooftop gardens. Pets are welcome here, and Central Park and Lincoln Center are minutes away.

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3 Homes With Covetable Closets


These impressive homes in a variety of desirable locales have been equipped with exceptional closets that provide a proper place for carefully curated clothing collections.

Organic Opulence in Beverly Hills

Marc NoahNeyshia Go | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

This new Beverly Hills home has a light-filled open-concept floor plan that seamlessly links living, dining, culinary, and entertaining spaces. One of five bedrooms, the owner’s suite is a lofty aerie with herringbone-patterned wide-plank wood floors, a vaulted ceiling, and numerous windows—some stretching from floor to ceiling. The bedroom is accompanied by a stylish marble bath with a soaking tub, dual vanities, and an oversized rainshower as well as an enviable room-sized skylit closet with mirrored doors, an island, and abundant wood-clad shelves and drawers.

Handsome Houston Haven

Brian Spack | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

On a quiet cul-de-sac in Houston, this comfortably elegant home is filled with handsome spaces, rich tones, and fine finishes. In addition to a striking kitchen and great room, a library, and a generous game room, it offers five bedrooms, including a remarkably spacious primary suite that opens to the backyard pool and terrace. Adjoining is a lavish L-shaped closet area with a quartz-topped island, decorative concrete tile flooring, and custom drawers and glass-front cabinetry that makes wardrobe choices effortless.

Studio City Stunner

Kristine Miller | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage

The hallmarks of this soothingly streamlined new five-bedroom home in Studio City are easy, breezy open living spaces and panoramic views afforded by its prime location. A Thermador-appointed kitchen and living, dining, and family rooms give way to a 620-square-foot deck with mesmerizing mountain vistas. The primary suite features an eye-catching stone-surround gas fireplace; a sleek, chic spa-inspired bath; a private balcony; and an expansive wood-paneled closet and dressing room with a wide variety of storage options, including drawers, hanging racks, shelves.

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No Membership Required: 3 Homes Designed For Healthy Living


Luxurious properties with top-tier fitness equipment, invigorating swimming pools, and private sports courts make it easy to stick to a daily wellness routine without leaving home.

Meadowcroft Manor

Leslie McElwreathPatte Nusbaum  | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

On 2.2 acres on a prestigious Greenwich lane, this stately, stylish residence has been renovated to the highest of standards. In addition to seven bedroom suites, it offers formal living and dining rooms, a wood-paneled library, a chef’s kitchen, a media room with a bar and a wine cellar, and two family rooms. At-home fitness is effortless thanks to a gym, an indoor sports court, and a new pool and spa. A massage room and spa-like bath allow for post-workout rejuvenation and relaxation.

Hamptons Hideaway

Sandra Liveric | Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage

This 7,500-square-foot, six-bedroom getaway enjoys a peaceful location at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac adjoining verdant town land in Southampton. Highlights include a welcoming living room, an entertaining space and game room with a wet bar, a cook’s kitchen with top-caliber appliances, a butler’s pantry, a dining room with wine storage, an office, and a covered terrace with an outdoor kitchen. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the mirrored gym, heated gunite pool and spa, sauna, and steamshower.

Grand Lakefront Getaway

Leslie McElwreath | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

Reminiscent of Gilded Age summer retreats, this classically elegant Shingle-style manor overlooks picturesque Converse Lake in Greenwich’s esteemed Conyer’s Farm area. A solarium, banks of west-facing windows, and a spectacular conservatory create magnificent light-filled spaces throughout the 19,950 square feet, and French doors in many rooms open to a spacious lakefront terrace. The walk-out lower level features a mirrored gym and a sauna, while the sweeping 21.9-acre grounds include a tennis court and floating dock that encourages boating and fishing.

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A Recipe For Style: 4 Homes With Fabulous Kitchens


Whether in the heart of Manhattan or in the historic district of Santa Fe, these impeccable kitchens offer an impressive blend of functionality, comfort, and style.

A River Oaks Classic

Walter Bering | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

On one of the most sought-after streets in Houston, this stately 1939 residence has been painstakingly, stylishly renovated to serve as a chic setting for sophisticated living and entertaining. Each of the five bedrooms is accompanied by an en suite bath, and a versatile game room provides space for relaxation on the uppermost level. The open floor plan unites the living room, the family room, a wet bar with a wine closet, and a handsome kitchen with custom cabinetry, a sizeable island, and superior appliances.

Contemporary Elegance in Century City

Allen RothLori Berris | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

This chic two-bedroom residence enjoys all the amenities of Century City’s coveted Le Parc community, among them 24-hour security, manicured grounds, lush gardens, waterfalls, swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, a gym, and a clubhouse. The home’s easy,light-filled floor plan features a spacious living room, a formal dining room, and a kitchen with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, streamlined cabinetry, a built-in breakfast banquette, and access to a terrace with treetop views.

Modern Refinement in Santa Fe

The Hultberg and Burgess Team Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

Just steps from storied Canyon Road, this refined home has been meticulously re-imagined and reconstructed with natural elements—including white oak floors—throughout. Beyond the inviting covered front terrace are a beautiful living and dining room with vaulted beamed ceilings and a fireplace, three restful bedrooms, and a kitchen featuring a marble-topped island, solid-surface countertops, high-caliber stainless-steel appliances, windows with floating shelves, and a nearby butler’s pantry. Two off-street parking spaces are a welcome amenity in this historic location.

Light-Filled NoHo Loft

Serena Boardman | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

This impressive 3,700-square-foot residence shares its luxurious building in the heart of NoHo with only eight other homes. Its centerpiece is a light-flooded great room with soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling cast-bronze windows. It flows directly to a chef’s kitchen with custom teak Bulthaup cabinetry, polished slate countertops, two Sub-Zero refrigerators, a Sub-Zero wine chiller, and wall ovens, an espresso machine, and a six-burner range from Miele. One of three south-facing bedrooms, the primary suite enjoys a private balcony.

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