We are in Italy again and had another adventure that we can loosely blame on the Limoncello. There was another waiter, this time Amine–instead of Ferdinando. And the location this time is Rome instead of Florence. But something in Limoncello seems to create adventure. When Steve and I first arrived at the Hotel Pulitzer in Rome, we decided to take a long walk and explore our setting and dining possibilities for the weekend ahead. Parking is tight in Rome, and across and down the street from the hotel we encountered a narrow dirt parking area and were surprised to see some used condoms scattere ..read more

Whether you’re gathering with family, enjoying a quiet evening with a good book, or simply basking in the gentle glow, a fireplace can add a magical touch to any occasion. However, for your enjoyment and safety, remember that the beauty and warmth of a fire come with responsibilities. Let’s dive into some crucial tips to help you safely enjoy your fireplace, keeping those special moments serene and secure. Make Regular Inspections and Maintenance a Priority Your first job is to develop and adhere to a meticulous maintenance and inspection schedule. At least once a year, enlist the services of ..read more

Smart home technology—like smart appliances, lighting, smart thermostats, and more—offers homeowners many economic and environmental advantages. Below, we’ll explain the many sustainability benefits of smart home technology, like lighting efficiency and waste reduction. Lighting Efficiency A home’s lights and illumination control are fundamental to its sustainability and energy efficiency. Smart homes provide homeowners with a litany of ways to reduce their lighting energy usage and more thoroughly control their home’s illumination. Thanks to smart home technology like smart bulbs, homeowners ..read more

When it comes to designing a luxury kitchen, every detail counts—right down to the faucets for your sink. While often overlooked, faucets help piece together your kitchen’s aesthetics while playing a key role in enhancing functionality. Below, we explore unique faucet designs for a luxury kitchen sink to inspire you. Touchless Faucets For those seeking a blend of innovation and hygiene, touchless faucets are the go-to choice. You can activate these faucets with a simple hand motion in front of a sensor, reducing the transfer of germs and making kitchen tasks more efficient. Beyond their pract ..read more

Way back in 1987, actor Mr. T made headlines for the infamous “Lake Forest Chainsaw Massacre,” where he cut down more than 100 trees on his property in the posh Chicago suburb, which had previously earned the moniker “Tree City, USA” from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The outrage over the loss of the trees and the desecration of a Jens Jensen-designed landscape spurred the city to adopt a tree preservation ordinance that requires property owners to get a permit to remove trees and to plant replacement trees under certain circumstances and in delicate areas, like atop bluffs and in ravine ..read more

When sprucing up the luxury of your home’s outdoor spaces, you can make a big impact by installing a pergola. These nifty additions to your patio space provide shade, weather protection, and beauty. However, not all pergolas will match your home’s aesthetics. Discover the different types of pergolas to consider so you can make the best choice for your patio. Attached The attached pergola seamlessly blends with your home, extending your living space into the outdoors. This pergola type fastens to the side of your house, creating a smooth transition from the indoors to your luxury patio. An atta ..read more

Biophilic Design Trends: Bringing Nature Indoors I love nature, plants, gardening, –and even eating the fruits of my labor. Biophilic Design is a hip term to describe the growing interest in the incorporation of natural elements in our homes and offices. We believe it helps to reconnect the psyche with nature and can even revolutionize the way we think about our living and working spaces. 1. Living Green Walls Living green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are becoming increasingly popular in both commercial and residential spaces. These lush walls of vegetation not only add visual intere ..read more

The meticulous upkeep of gardening tools is an overlooked task that’s extremely important for keeping your garden in excellent condition. This isn’t merely about cleanliness or orderliness; it’s about preserving the vigor and effectiveness of the implements that bring your garden to life. Proper maintenance ensures the integrity of these tools, furthering their functional lifespan and guaranteeing the continuous success of your gardening endeavors. Understanding why you should always clean and store your garden tools will help you achieve consistency while working safely in your outdoor envir ..read more

Barbados is a picturesque island paradise, where the turquoise waters gently lap the shores of white sandy beaches, and the air is rich with the scents of tropical blooms and freshly caught seafood. But what truly brings the Barbados experience home is the interior design that encapsulates the island’s unique heritage and natural beauty. Decorating your space with elements that capture the essence of the Barbadian style can be rewarding if you’re fortunate enough to call this enchanting land your home. We’ll discuss the things to consider when decorating your Barbados home. Understanding Barb ..read more

Entertaining at home is one of life’s great pleasures. It’s where you share stories, laugh with others, and make memories. But what transforms a regular living room into the ultimate entertaining hotspot? Let’s explore how to make your living room the ideal spot for entertaining. Layout and Furniture Arrangement First and foremost, it all starts with flow. The perfect layout is key to avoiding that awkward dance around furniture when guests mingle. Think of your living space as a stage for the evening’s events. Opt for a layout that encourages movement and interaction. Think cozy groupings of ..read more