Away from the Noise: Make your Bedroom an Urban Retreat | Many people love the thrum of life in the city. That is, of course, until it comes time to rest and the sounds and stresses of the urban village threaten to interrupt. No matter where you live, transforming your bedroom into an oasis at the heart of the city can be as simple as implementing a few savvy design choices. Follow the path to respite with these tips.

What’s new in Art, Architecture, and Design | Beautiful, bold, and beneficial are the catchwords this season in the worlds of art, architecture, and design. We’re decorating our bodies, building healthy environments, and brightening our rooms with rainbows of color. Here’s what’s happening.

Wide Open Spaces: 5 Homes Perfectly Positioned for Stargazing | When life gets hectic, there’s no better way to put things into perspective than by simply looking up at the stars. With light pollution in urban centers, it’s not always easy to see the night sky in all its glory, let alone make out any constellations. Luckily, these secluded properties around the world offer respite from the brilliance of city life and the opportunity to truly admire the heavens.

Incredible Coastal Contemporary Home in Carlsbad, California | Enjoy your morning coffee to the sound of the ocean while watching surfers at one of the most iconic Southern California surf breaks. Welcome your guests in grand style through La Cantina back doors that open up to an entertainers paradise or retreat to the top deck for white-water ocean views from La Jolla to Dana Point and enjoy a panoramic sunset.

The International in Aukland New Zealand | 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.

Dream Homes: 5 Coveted Toronto Condos | Toronto has an undeniable energy, matched only by its sophistication and style. With a world-class dining scene, dazzling nightlife of arts and sports entertainment, and exclusive shopping, the city’s vibrancy makes it a highly coveted place to call home. It’s only natural that Toronto’s most-desired properties are as sharp and brilliant as the city itself, right in the centre of it all.

Summer Design Essentials Your Should Know | When it comes to design for summer 2019, it’s all about remixing, bringing the outdoors in, and embracing the unexpected. From patios to gardens to breakfast nooks, both indoor and outdoor spaces deserve a summer refresh, with sustainability and lasting quality in mind. Take full advantage of the warm weather with outdoor spaces that speak to design-forward luxury, and ensure your interiors keep pace with the striking haven you’ve created outdoors.

6 Outdoor Kitchens to Inspire Your Next Al Fresco Dinner | As summer heats up, it’s the perfect time to move dinner outdoors. Whether in the shade of ivy-covered pergolas or on warm, sun-dappled terraces, spending more time outside is a premium perk of warm weather—even better when accompanied by a great meal, a glass of wine, and good company.

Bank of Canada Lowers Rate Used in Mortgage Stress Tests | A key Canadian interest rate used by lenders to determine who can qualify for a mortgage has dropped for the first time in almost three years, potentially giving the country’s housing market a near-term boost.

The Bank of Canada lowered its 5-year conventional mortgage rate on Wednesday to 5.19%, from 5.34%, where it had been since May 2018. It’s the first decrease since August 2016. The rate is an indicative measure based on average price quotes from financial institutions.

Austin’s Bouldin Creek Offers Hip Luxury | Homes range from 1920s bungalows to contemporary houses

Bouldin Creek, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, Texas, offers an artistic, bohemian vibe in a sublime suburban setting of streets shaded by Heritage Oak trees.

Union Park | All You Need to Know - The vision is to build upon and complement Toronto’s icons with exceptional, but timeless design. Union Park will deliver the largest mixed-use development in Toronto’s history – contributing office space, community-serving retail, rental residential, public realm improvements, and a large park.

Food First, Shopping Second | In-store restaurants aren’t new: For decades, spots like the Zodiac at Neiman Marcus in Dallas have let shoppers unwind over a glass of wine and a salad. But now, more retail locations are including upscale eateries, hiring celebrity chefs, and developing elaborate menus that emphasize freshness and seasonality. These restaurants are becoming dining destinations in their own right, drawing customers who come for the food first and the shopping second.

Pools with Views | They’re carved into rocks, they jut into oceans. They’re perched over cliffs, seemingly defying gravity.

Today’s swimming pools are wet, wild, and wondrous. Designers are going bold with new technologies and audacious ideas. Pools may function as extensions of one’s living spaces, but when builders sculpt backyard environments into dreamscapes, they carry homeowners off into the realm of fantasy.

Heritage Hotels | Jet-setters in search of memorable accommodations are wise to seek out a lovingly restored heritage hotel that combines modern luxuries and fine service with a historic atmosphere. Some heritage hotels operate as independent properties, while others are backed by global hotel brands. Here’s a look at some of the most notable ones around.

Modern Takes on Marble | In the world of interiors, no material exudes elegance quite like marble. Prized for its varied colorways and unique veining, marble elevates an interior to luxury status. It’s no wonder the natural stone has graced the palaces and temples of kings and emperors for centuries. “Marble has been used in the most noble homes for flooring and decoration since the beginning of time, and using it in any interior perpetuates this legacy,” says Rome-based architect and designer Achille Salvagni. “Because there are so many types of marble, it is an easy way to play with color and pattern.”

Modern Beach Homes | At the beach, people want as few barriers to the water as possible. So when it comes to modern beach houses, views, light, and outdoor space are at the top of every buyer’s wish list. Oversize windows, glass walls, and open layouts are integral design elements, as are covered porches, decks for entertaining, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.

The Inspiration of Shohei Shigematsu | A Japan-born architect, Shohei Shigematsu is the driving force behind the design of renowned cultural venues including the Quebec National Beaux Arts Museum, the Faena Arts Center in Miami Beach, and the re-imagined gallery spaces at Sotheby's NY.

Restoration Hardware’s Evolution to Design Studio | Restoration Hardware is in the business of selling furniture, but these days, the retail experience is more than just buying products. It’s becoming an entire lifestyle.

In 2016, the brand launched RH Interior Design as well as the interactive RH Design Ateliers across all their retail stores. So not only can consumers come to Restoration Hardware to fill their homes, but they can also rely on internal interior designers—and even bring their own architects and designers to RH workspaces—to give their spaces a point of view and sense of style.

4 Top Neighbourhoods in Mississauga | Those looking to cozy up to Toronto may be won over by the lakefront lifestyle Mississauga has to offer. The sixth most populous municipality in Canada, this thriving city offers options for those looking to be near the action while also holding onto a slice of suburban life. Boasting the historic Port Credit perched on the shores of Lake Ontario, long rambling walking trails that stretch all the way to Toronto, and neighbourhoods flooded with annual festivals, Mississauga isn’t one to miss. Review these neighbourhoods in Mississauga and plan your next adventure—or your next place to put down roots.

New Development Spotlight : Paras Quartier in Guragon, Haryana, India | 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.

Paras Quartier is a prestigious condominium project in the National Capital Region of India and has set a new trend in spacious high rise living. Being only five minutes away from Golf Course Road in the scenic Aravali hills region on Gurgaon-Faridabad Expressway, Paras Quartier is spread over 10 acres that showcase wide spaces and ample green areas, making it one of the most serene and peaceful residential properties in Gurgaon.