“Less is more.” That was the edict of one of modern architecture’s patron saints, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and is still a guiding principle for many contemporary practitioners. Geometric shapes, a lack of ornamentation, open, efficient floor plans, and seamless indoor-outdoor living are hallmarks of modern masterpieces. But above all, materials—glass, steel, and concrete—shape the designs.

Blending sustainability with stylish design, these four distinctive homes prove that reducing a home’s carbon footprint doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury.

When it comes to décor, paintings and photography will always enhance a home. But if you’re looking for an even bigger impact, consider a mural or fresco. These are by no means contemporary art choices—murals have been found in caves as far back as 30,000 BC, and frescoes are credited to ancient Roman, Egyptian, and Minoan civilizations—but they are currently enjoying a renaissance.

These estates—in desirable locales from West Coast to East—offer multi-vehicle garages and spacious motor courts that will please any auto enthusiast, whether they prefer rare antiques, rugged muscle cars, peppy speedsters, or luxurious sedans.

Founded over a century ago, Architectural Digest magazine is a perennial source of inspiration for home design and décor. To be featured in any manner by the publication signifies achievement. One of the highest accolades? Being named to the prestigious AD100 list, the magazine’s annual selection of the top 100 international designers and architects working today.

This year’s list features numerous creatives who have lent their talents to Sotheby’s International Realty homes that are currently on the market. Here are five luxury properties designed by the esteemed talent on this year’s AD100 list.

This one-of-a-kind estate possesses a majestic scale, unabashed luxury, and romantic flair uncommon for its location in the rolling hills of Tarzana’s gated Mulholland Park enclave. Measuring some 10,280 square feet, clad in regal hand-etched Italian marble, and replete with breathtaking finesse, it is a home of Old World splendor, exemplifying an uncommon level of dazzling refinement.

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is practically impossible in these luxurious suites, where windows present stunning city skylines, rosy sunsets, and the sea.

As travelers know, the anticipation of a vacation is part of the experience. Whether exploring a new country or returning to a beloved spot, planning and researching a trip gives the imagination the opportunity to roam free. While travel may be paused for the time being, there’s no limit on daydreaming. As your mind wanders across borders, let these six beautiful homes for rent around the world pique your interest.

Designed for relaxed day-to-day dining, these inviting breakfast rooms enjoy effortless proximity to outstanding kitchens, bright windows with alluring views, and distinctive styles that make them appealing morning, noon, and night.

The penthouse is synonymous with luxury cosmopolitan living. From the impressive vantage point, that height can offer to the many amenities that complement condominium living, the best penthouses are set apart by their thoughtful architecture and extraordinary design. Here are six of the most remarkable penthouses on the market for buyers with a taste for exquisite living.

Few other architects can claim to have influenced the distinctive aesthetic of Napa Valley the way Howard Backen has. The award-winning designer’s work is regularly described as subtly luxurious, elegantly rustic, and filled with a sense of intimacy, warmth, and stylish informality—all traits for which wine country is beloved the world over.

Showcasing the height of new luxury construction in some of the world’s most sought after locations, let’s explore an exclusive new development from our worldwide network.

After spending some 16 years with the inimitable Parish-Hadley design firm, David Kleinberg branched out to establish his own company, now recognized internationally for superior architectural renovation and interior design. Kleinberg brought his sense of sophistication and discernment to the custom-curated and carefully rejuvenated interiors of this magnificent residence, soaring 10 floors above Park Avenue in a building designed by one of the city’s preeminent Prewar architects.

There’s much to be discovered on the road less traveled, and the same is true for lesser-known second-home markets. Of course, there are incredible cities and regions that immediately spring to mind when it comes to buying an additional property—their top-rated amenities and bespoke luxury homes speak for themselves. But if you’re seeking more solitude, a fresh perspective, and possibly even more square footage for your dollar, these second-home locales are well worth your consideration.

Pattern is more than just a point of interest or an aspect of style: it’s one of the fundamental elements of design. As humans, our eyes are naturally drawn to order and repetition—in a tumultuous world, patterns provide the pleasure of orderliness.

Sometimes whimsically detailed but always thoughtfully outfitted with top-tier systems and comfortable seating, these home theatres allow for the celebration of cinema in cozy seclusion.

From the sale of the highest-priced home in the history of Vail, Colorado, to that of an architectural masterpiece in Las Lomas, Mexico, highlighted here are 10 Significant Sales from 2020 represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network.

Amid the coveted confines of Piney Point—perhaps the most prestigious of Houston’s renowned Memorial Villages—Farnham Park is widely regarded and revered as one of the city’s most exclusive communities. On a treasured tree-lined street, this magnificent residence, designed by award-winning area architect Robert Dame, boasts an impressive floor plan of some 15,000 square feet, and while its façade hints at inspiration from English manors of old, it is undeniably and stylishly modern, an exceedingly gratifying home that accommodates the finest contemporary living and entertaining with ease.

Ranging from classically elegant to crisp, clean, and minimal, these staircases are fascinating focal points that create dazzling first impressions.

As temperatures drop in the Northern Hemisphere, homeowners are looking for creative ways to bring their outdoor activities in where it’s warm. From sports facilities to home theaters to spacious places to gather with loved ones, it’s never felt more important to focus on the interior spaces that support year-round hobbies.

With a little ingenuity and creativity, these homes succeed in bringing typical outdoor activities to the indoors, letting homeowners continue to recreate no matter the season.