In desirable locales from East Coast to West, these inviting homes greet visitors with front doors that provide welcoming doses of cheerful eye-catching colour.

A rousing game of bocce—on a private court just steps from a home filled with sophisticated spaces and luxurious amenities—is the perfect way to pass some time alfresco during the last warm weeks of summer.

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.

Summer is in full swing, bringing with it long days, shimmering pools, cocktails, and lazy afternoons with the latest bestsellers. For the innovative homeowner, the pool patio can be so much more than a functional space for dripping on the concrete. From cozy furnishings to vivid foliage, here are some ideas to refresh your backyard and turn your major water feature into a fabulous oasis.

Beautiful residential gardens are the green equivalent of surround sound. They envelop, intensify, and enrich the very experience of being. It’s like an embrace from nature.

The opportunity to interact with the landscape provides homeowners with a sense of belonging. “The more personal, the more meaningful,” says Edward Furner, landscape designer and horticulturalist at Mariani Landscape in Lake Bluff, Ill. “Engaging in the landscape—that’s the ideal scenario where homeowners are reaping the biggest benefit.”

As more people become increasingly aware of the effects of our energy consumption on climate change, homeowners are choosing to adopt more sustainable design solutions. Creating a welcoming, stylish home is now as much about putting thoughtful care into responsibly sourced furnishings as it is about picking pieces that suit you and your family’s needs. Conscientious, sustainable interior design is all about balancing these impulses—it’s about making smart choices for the environment without having to sacrifice beauty or function.

If you’re considering selling your house, curb appeal is crucial. Good landscaping not only beautifies your home, but also increases its value. Depending on your area, a well-planned lawn and garden can increase your home’s worth by as much as 28%. Even if you’re not planning to move, garden design is an investment in your home. Though it might take a few years to reap full benefits as plantings mature, think of it as a venture that grows over time.