A home is much more than a place to rest your head at night—it’s a personal sanctuary and the starting point for everyday living. With the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s no wonder nature-inspired décor is appearing in luxury homes across the country. This approach to interiors mimics the hues, textures, and materials of the outdoors, and helps to recreate the feeling of peace often inspired by a walk in the woods or an afternoon by the sea. To add serenity to your home, incorporate the following six trends that make the most of bringing the outdoors indoors.

One luxury that has skyrocketed in popularity over the last year and a half is pet ownership. Many people have expanded their families with four-legged companions during the pandemic. And while a gourmet kitchen, landscaped grounds, or a swimming pool may top the list of personal must-haves when considering the purchase of a new home, it’s important to accommodate dogs and cats as well. Here are seven features to look for in your next home that pets are sure to appreciate.

In locales from Connecticut to California, these homes feature exceptional closets that are perfect for the curated collections of the best-dressed, providing a proper place for practically everything.

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.

Sticking to a daily wellness routine is no sweat when top-tier fitness equipment, private pools, and expert-level sports courts are just steps away.

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.

New York penthouses lead the list of the world’s most expensive and rarest properties. Barely a hundred penthouses number amongst the more than 2,300 upscale NYC apartments currently up for sale. And the prices for these properties are no less astonishing than the views from their terraces; the most expensive penthouse available in New York today is listed for $90M, and 50% of the rest lie within the $30M-75M range.

Country style isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s an ethos, a route back to nature and simpler living. Get inspired to leave the city behind with these five gorgeous rustic homes, complete with spacious lots, exposed beams, generous wood-burning fireplaces, and plenty of room for daydreaming under starry skies.

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.

Full House | 6 Winning Game Rooms - From timeless Old World–inspired spaces with handsome woodwork to playful modern rooms with colorful décor, these stylish game rooms up the ante on form, function, and fun.

High-End Hospitality: Six Stylish Guesthouses | Whether in California, on the sugary sand in Palm Beach, or in the hills north of the historic Santa Fe Plaza, these welcoming guest houses allow visiting family and friends to unwind in style.

7 Stylish Dining Rooms That Are Feasts for the Eyes | Whether hosting a quiet, casual solo meal or a formal fête for a crowd, the dining room is an essential space in the welcoming modern home. From classical to contemporary, subtle to striking, these dining rooms invite everyone to gather ‘round the table – just in time for the Holiday Season!

Luxury Properties For Sale Over $37 Million | December 2019 - From a private mansion in Paris, France to the palatial Swan Lakes Castle in Granite Bay, California, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale over $37 million.

Luxury Properties for Sale Over $30 Million | From an architectural masterpiece in Cote d’Azur, France to the Heathfield House, an exceptional modern mansion in London, England, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale over $30 million.

5 Historic Homes That Tell A Story | The homes we live in tell a story, and the older the house, the more it has to say. Today we look at five extraordinary properties that outlasted wars, economic booms and downfalls, seen owners of fame on the world stage, and proprietors of local notoriety. These homes have been lovingly cared for, with their storied elements protected and restored. From the relatively new history of the United States and a fortress in Europe, to a playwright’s estate in between, these historic homes still have a lot more life to live

The evolution of luxury is personal, and for many, it is defined by experience, not price | In this issue of Insight: The Art of Living, we introduce you to people and places that reflect the future of luxury, as defined by creativity, craftsmanship and elevated experience, rather than simply by the price tag. You will meet notable Canadian designers Liz Eeuwes and Calla Haynes whose experimental styles are invigorating the world of high-end carpet-making. We’ll take you on a global journey to meet gourmet chocolatiers, such as CXBO, which makes edible art in Toronto, and To’ak in Ecuador, whose aged tree-to-bar chocolate pairs with vintage wines and fine whisky. Then join us as we explore the culturally rich, dynamic cities of Montreal, London and Cape Town, where luxury and design are being taken to new levels.

Going with the Flow | 6 Estates with Private Lakes | Few things can compare to time spent private relaxing sound of fresh water, the cool shade of trees, and soothing sylvan scents create the most tranquil settings at these six estates, each of which includes its own peaceful private lake.

Inside a Panoramic Wonder in San Francisco, California | This sophisticated contemporary aerie in the hills of Clarendon Heights spans approximately 4,195 square feet and offers four bedrooms, a sleek open living and dining level, and a vista that is dazzling by day and sparkling by night.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Waterfront Property | Whether appreciating the view from indoors or enjoying the breeze along the shore, owners of waterfront homes benefit from a different perspective and pace. Little in life can match the tranquility and inspiration of life along the water—but when it comes to making the move to a waterfront property permanent, there is a unique set of considerations to keep in mind. Whether a coastal home is your retirement dream, vacation getaway, or your primary residence, here are things to note before settling on the shoreline.

Lighting and shelter are often intertwined, as they evoke the warmth and familiarity of home — the porch light as a welcoming beacon or, perhaps, seen from the street through the windows, a glow hinting at the lively gathering inside.

Evocative as it is, lighting design has been garnering more appreciation recently. “While lighting will always be an essential product in both residential and commercial applications, it’s morphing into a powerhouse category of its own,” says Karen Kang, national director of the Interior Design Show (IDS), which showcases innovative new products and design concepts in Canada and beyond. “Canadian creatives, such as Matthew McCormick, Anony and Guillaume Sasseville, are making a significant impact on the world stage where they’re presenting lighting, not just as a necessary form but [also] re-imagining it with technology, provenance and design that push the boundaries of innovation.”