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

From a modern residence in San Francisco to a getaway on the banks of the Rio Grande, these homes feature stained-glass elements that transform light into vivid, glowing color, creating accents that are both visually striking and vibrant.

The beauty of Japanese and Scandinavian interior design styles are blending together this year. The result? Japandi design, which can be used to transform a house into a welcoming, comforting, and calm sanctuary. While both styles are grounded in minimalism, Japanese design operates on the Zen Buddhist ethos of wabi-sabi, where relaxation and a connection to nature are imperative, while rustic Scandinavian design emphasizes the cozy contentment inspired by hygge. For a foray into Japandi style, experience the benefits of its characteristic soft, nature-inspired hues that encourage simplicity and peace at home.

How can a luxury home enter a new strata? With the integration of the latest smart technology. When working in unison, the best home automation systems are woven into the house’s design and framework to make life more effortless, more secure, and even more eco-friendly. These seven characteristics of a truly smart home provide security, efficiency, and a seamless experience.

Significant design from two centuries—the 19th and 21st—combine in this bright, sophisticated home in a historic building on an iconic cobblestone street in the dynamic neighborhood of TriBeCa.

The surrounding city lights, fine dining on your doorstep, and a short commute to the financial district—condominium living is chock-full of conveniences. But when it comes time to refresh your space or put it on the market, it can be a challenge to know where to focus your efforts. For those looking for a return on investment, these condo upgrades are worth the effort.

In peaceful locations from the verdant reaches outside Greenwich to New Mexico’s “O’Keeffe Country,” these rural retreats enjoy plentiful privacy, inspiring views, fresh air, and interiors that are as enchanting as their surroundings.

These wine rooms go beyond mere function, storing bottles properly while incorporating eye-catching materials—such as richly hued wood and ornate ironwork—to create spaces that are both practical and attractive.

On the top floor of this striking modern four-bedroom home in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, walls, doors, and a ceiling of glass blur the lines between its stylish interiors and the iconic views of the city and the bay, which sweep past the Marin Headlands and the Palace of Fine Arts to the Golden Gate Bridge.

From an equestrian compound in Ridgefield, Connecticut to timeless Georgian estate in England, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale over $16 million.

Equipped with lighting, entertainment, and climate control systems manageable from anywhere in the world, these compelling homes set high—and high-tech—standards for luxurious 21st-century living.

There is a perception paradox that sometimes exists within real estate: the idea that an empty minimalist home offers a blank slate for potential buyers to imagine their perfect home. While a small slice of the general population may have the unique vision to picture a space with cascading light features, warm and inviting furniture arrangements, or eye-catching objets d’art, the majority of buyers look to experts in interior design for help. The truth is, the benefits of staging your home are extensive. Properly staged homes spend substantially less time on the market, routinely sell for more money, and frequently end up on must-see lists.

Nothing compares to the experience of relaxing with a good book. From light-filled and contemporary to formal and wood-clad, these five libraries are ideal for displaying and enjoying a collection of favored volumes.

Minimalism has its appeal, but it’s hard to argue that maximalism doesn’t deserve its share of the design spotlight. In contrast to the pared-down aesthetics of minimalism and its Scandinavian neutrals, maximalism makes the claim that more is better. Instead of white walls and sparse decorative elements, think saturated colors, layered textures, and eclectic pieces that contribute to a bold and undeniably unique space.

If you feel ready to embrace maximalist design in your home, a good place to start is by introducing some color. Whether through a new coat of paint, punchy fabrics, or vivid greenery, a splash of color can be a great way to turn a space into a modern and carefully considered maximalist haven.

There’s a keen satisfaction that comes from tending to one’s own garden or orchard, and with an increased interest in self-sustainability as of late, it’s no wonder homeowners are turning to their own garden plots for dining inspiration. From vegetable gardens to orchards and olive groves, there’s little else quite like harvesting a bounty from your own property.

The right space and conditions are needed to achieve farm to table dining at home, and these five luxury properties are all set with spectacular garden plots to make it possible.

The home is at the heart of this concept. We are a product not only of the people we surround ourselves with, but of the spaces that surround us too. Regardless of where you spend your days, your home is the one place that can reflect your best intentions back at you. In the same way minimalist design principles champion pause, design can change the way you live. These five ideas will help you find and reaffirm your plans and purpose each time you walk through the door.

Good design is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s also about considering the context in which a product is made. Ethical design embraces sustainability while going beyond it to consider a product’s social impact, which includes the diversity of representation and even the treatment of employees within design firms and manufacturing companies. As designers and homeowners alike become more concerned about ethical design, the industry is responding by establishing clear standards for planning and production.

It is possible to celebrate the best parts of luxury without sacrificing the planet or benefitting from unfair design practices. Here are a few starting points to guide you towards more ethical design for your home.

When it comes to luxury homes and their amenities, it’s no surprise that prospective buyers are looking for top-shelf. But unlike a decade ago, when a triple-car garage and swimming pool were deal breakers, now Canadians are making happiness and wellness their first priority when looking for their next home.

What makes a house truly feel like a home? Aside from the events that take place between its walls, much of a home’s personality is found in the materials, textures, and accents that bring it together. While it can be time-consuming to keep up with the latest design trends—especially the perennials that come in and out with the seasons—incorporating the latest high-end materials into your home is an easy way to give a space an instant, luxurious update. From cozy fabrics to rich metals, here are seven futuristic materials to freshen any room.

A smaller outdoor space doesn’t mean sacrificing when it comes to relaxing. With a few strategic choices, you can create something truly special out of even the smallest yard or deck. Follow these design and décor recommendations to maximize the potential of your home’s outdoor space.