Courtesy of: Home Infatuation

Intimate conversation among party lingerers. Family getting reacquainted. Kids roasting marshmallows.

People’s love of fireplaces has translated to the outdoors, as warmth becomes the biggest draw at celebrations that extend into the evening. If you love to entertain year-round, then you are a candidate for a fire pit.

One of the big hits at my recent get-together was my new, state-of-the-art outdoor fire pit. People who were wandering aimlessly indoors became connected to this cozy communion in the backyard. Conversation was flowing and friends were reconnecting.

Along with grills and low maintenance landscaping, an outdoor fire pit truly define the outdoor lifestyle and are one of the best investments you can make to your home. Stylish and functional, they can add a modern flair to your outdoor space.

Keep in mind that all fire pits are not the same. Today’s designs are more innovative and come in different shapes and configurations. High quality fire pits feature elegant and durable tabletops constructed of marble, granite, porcelain, travertine stone and copper. A burner unit preferably in stainless steel is also an essential and will last indefinitely.

Courtesy of: Home Infatuation

Before buying any fire pit consider the options of each style and choose the one that most fits the needs of your outdoor living space. Besides adding warmth some fire pits can also be used for cooking food and even double as a beverage tub. Many pit table tops now have center plugs that cover the burner when it is not in use so it can be used as a table only — ideal for a small space! Others are portable so you can take to the beach.

You can create ambiance with your fire pit as a focal point and add seating around it. Whether you have a sofa and loveseat or simple chairs and ottomans, bringing it all together will attract your guests and extend the revelry.

Check out Home Infatuation’s free new eBook. “Live Beautifully…Outdoors” is available for quick download on Home Infatuation’s web page – www.homeinfatuation.com

By Mike Voyles, HomeInfatuation.com

Courtesy of: Norwegian Cruise Line

The maiden voyage Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic is nearing. The luxury cruise ship is one of the most talked about ships of all time and is NCL’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date.

The luxurious Norwegian Epic continues its trend of “firsts” such as the largest spa at sea, and will showcase the largest LED chandelier at sea and will be found in the ship’s Epic Casino. In addition, the casino is also the largest ever at sea.

The incredible chandelier, will change colors to all in the spectrum,  up to 255 possible variations. The chandelier has a height of 21 feet, diameter of nearly 11 feet and weighs two metric tons.

The one of a kind chandelier was built in Vienna, Austria by Kalmar, who is a leading glass crystal maker and previously designed some of the largest chandeliers for hotels and palaces around the world.

Designed by UK-based SMC Architects and Lighting Design, the chandelier is fitted with about 40,000 crystal glass pieces of various shapes and sizes.

Spanning vertically to three decks, the chandelier can be seen from various vantage points including the casino, Teppanyanki restaurant, Wasabi Sushi Bar, Malting’s Whiskey Bar, Shaker’s Martini Bar, and the Atrium.

The design is of spiraling oval discs, each up to 30 feet in circumference, and 112 suspended crystal encrusted balls of up to one foot in diameter, which orbit the main structure at varying heights.

The chandelier is the most energy efficient at sea. It is completely illuminated by LED technology, using over 10,000 diodes. It is fully dimmable to most effectively enhance the lead crystals and is currently being programmed by UK-based Project International.

For additional information NCL’s Norwegian Epic or to book a cruise, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit http://epic.ncl.com

Courtesy of: EcoSmart Fire

The summer and fall months are quickly approaching and what better way to add ambiance and appeal to your outdoor living space than with fire.

EcoSmart Fire (www.ecosmartfire.com) recently announced their Outdoor Range product line that includes three new luxury fireplace models, which can be used interchangeably between indoor and outdoor spaces.

As with all EcoSmart Fire products, the new Outdoor Range models are environmentally-friendly, designer fireplaces that are fueled by a renewable, modern energy (Denatured Ethanol) so they burn clean and are virtually maintenance-free.

The new Outdoor Range includes three new freestanding models – Cyl, Mini T and Lantern. Details about the new Outdoor Range products follow:

– Lantern: Lantern is constructed from mild steel with a bronze patina. Each side is decorated with an abstract cut-out pattern so that when the Lantern is lit, the pattern is enhanced by the flame, creating a visually dramatic fireplace. Lantern retails for $3,990.

Courtesy of: EcoSmart Fire

– Cyl: Cyl is a cylindrical shaped “tea light” inspired fireplace. Cyl features a stainless steel base and a cylindrical glass surround made of toughened glass panels which embrace the flame. Cyl retails for $1,990.

– Mini T: Mini T is a smaller version of its “big brother” Tower. Mini T features a brushed stainless steel base and a solid plinth, made from four toughened glass panels, which encloses the central, elevated flame. Mini T retails for $1,990.

Don’t forget about the tax advantage that is available. Through December 2010, the purchase of any EcoSmart Fire product qualifies for Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency, with customers receiving up to 30% or $1,500 in tax credits.

For additional product information, go to: EcoSmart Fire (www.ecosmartfire.com)

Courtesy of: Huf Haus

Have you ever dreamed of owning a 100% independent, self contained home that can generate enough energy to power its own heating, cooling and electricity demands?

Well Huf Haus from Germany, has worked very hard to make this dream of mankind come true.

On a yearly basis, Huf Haus builds 150 modular mansions, all over Europe, China, and now Russia. Prices for these luxurious homes start at $1.5 million.

The German-based company, which is more than 90 years old, is now making its homes available in the United States.

The North American operation is headed up by head architect, Alexander Kolbe.

Mr. Kolbe designs green zero-carbon “of the grid” houses made of glass exterior walls and based on Bauhausian (except for the pitched roofs made of solar panels.)

Courtesy of: Huf Haus

Below is a link featuring the Art 9 house designed by Alexander Kolbe:
http://www.dotgreenusa.com/index.php?page=0205.HUF_ART_9

This video showcases the Art 9 house:
http://www.huf-haus.com/images/video_art9/art9_gb.html

To view several of these 100% energy independent homes, go to:
http://www.huf-haus.com/gb/08_01_hausvorstellung.html

Courtesy of: Döttling

The world’s most expensive and luxurious safe is the Karl Lagerfeld-designed “Narcissus” by Döttling. The name is derived  from a character from Greek Mythology, who fell in love with his own reflection.

The Döttling Safe “Narcissus” model, is a spectacular hand-crafted, high security and futuristic product. The Narcissus is custom-made with a limited production of thirty safes.

Weighing in at an indestructible 800 kilos (1,600 pounds) and 1.80 m high and 1.0 m wide, the “Narcissus” breaks through previous aesthetic and technical limits.

Its slim, steel-bodied exterior is sheathed in high-gloss, chrome-plated aluminum – giving the appearance of a flawless glass case. However, its owner-recognition technology allows for simple operation – just a wave of the hand provides access to the treasures stored in a revolutionary room.

Watch winders, jewelry drawers and innumerable custom-designed compartments keep valuables safe. The “Narcissus” is custom-made at a designer’s price of €250,000 or $340,000.

According to Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design founder, the Narcissus design was inspired by the classic combination of form and function. Functionality is met by unmatchable security, and form is undeniably found in its startlingly sleek, glamorous exterior and its luxurious interior.

“I am not interested in what people want. I’ve designed a safe that I would like to own and which will stand in my home. Markus Döttling built it for me,” commented Karl Lagerfeld, referring to his masterpiece.

A timeless design combined with the ultimate in security makes Karl Lagerfeld and Döttling Safes’ Narcissus a remarkable innovation and a uniquely appropriate piece for contemporary keeping of personal treasures. Narcissus is available exclusively through LA Closet Design, www.laclosetdesign.com <http://www.laclosetdesign.com/> .

Courtesy of: Dragons of Walton Street

The arrival of a baby is an exciting time for decorating and shopping.

When cost is not an issue and only the best will do, the baby room preparations of royals, celebrities and their heirs takes on a new level of luxury and sophistication.

We traveled the world to discover a few top-of-the-range children’s furniture brands sought by uber affluent moms-to-be.

The Top 5 International Luxury Children’s Furniture Brands:

Theophile & Patachou
A Belgium Company.  Tells the story of charm and gentleness to children. Their range includes cribs, cradles, dresser, wardrobe, bedside table, chest of drawers with baby changer and play pens.  The company boasts the Belgium Royal Family as one of its clients as well as Angelina Jolie who visited their store while in the South of France.

Kidsmill
A  Dutch  Company.   Sells high-quality  furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms in the Netherlands,  Germany, Belgium, Spain, United Kingdom and Ireland. The collection comprises exclusive furniture manufactured to your own design and styling.

Dragons of Walton Street
An English Company.  Dragons makes the finest hand-painted children’s furniture in the world.  Company offers outstanding design solutions, which complement both traditional and contemporary living, for children and adults alike.

Courtesy of: Videl

Videl
A French Company.  Videl mission is to manufacture children’s furnishings which offer parents an attractive alternative, with a variety of options and layouts adapted to each child, family and situation; a solution likely to accompany children’s development as they grow.

Adorable Tots
An English Company.  Exclusive to the company is their Swarovski Crystal Nursery Set.  With its swarovski elements this nursery furniture set will add style and bling to any child’s first room. Sleeping in any one of these luxury children’s rooms, your baby will feel like the Prince or Princess he or she is born to be in your family.

Written by:
Roselle Hope, Children’s Lifestyle Stylist  at http://www.roselleandrea.com/ Visit us for more interior design options and luxury children’s furniture shopping.

In the Windy City of Chicago, a restoration project is underway at the former Lake Shore Athletic Club.

The Lake Shore Athletic Club is located in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Gold Coast.

The restoration is the responsibility of developer Integrated Development Group.

The historic building was built in 1924, and designed by noted architect Jarvis Hunt. It’s now being transformed into a luxury senior retirement community.

Integrated Development Group (IDG), is working hard to retain many of the original details and fixtures, by both repairing and then reinstalling them.

A large, antique silver chandelier was recently removed from the Grand Room of the building. The chandelier is currently being carefully restored by Archistoric Products, who is skilled restoration company in Chicago.

The beautiful silver chandelier weighs more than 600 pounds and stands an impressive seven feet tall.

Courtesy of: Home Infatuation

The ultimate luxury for many of us is a cozy bed to cuddle up in and relax or sleep in.  Well owning a daybed is becoming an increasingly growing trend.

Well you no longer have to just dream about sinking into your cozy daybed as the birds sing. Go out and get your today!

Daybeds do not only look comfortable, but are the perfect size for two people to recline leisurely.

Although you may think daybeds are designed exclusively for a bedroom, the contemporary daybed effectively creates a private retreat in your own backyard.

There are a wide variety of daybed designs to choose from. For example, a cabana daybed is ideal poolside. A rectangular full or single width is ideal against a wall as a couch or bed.

The chaise daybed offers ultra-comfy seating. Space with privacy curtains over a round outdoor daybed offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Today’s high quality daybeds have corrosion-proof steel frame construction that feature a resin or wicker weave that survives the outdoor elements.

Courtesy of: Home Infatuation

Home Infatuation offers everything required for distinctive outdoor living. The popular company addresses the wish lists of homeowners with its diverse menu of products for the Outdoor Room, from luxurious table tamps to all-weather high def TVs.

Home Infatuation chooses its line of products from around the world, and delivers a high level of customer service and a true quality experience.

Home Infatuation now also offers international shipping.

For additional daybed product information, please call 877-224-8925, or visit www.homeinfatuation.com

Courtesy of: Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children’s Interiors

Are you looking for a luxury, custom bed for your children? Well, so was Kimora Lee Simmons, star of the reality show “Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane“.

Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children’s Interiors has an incredible high-end product bed offering to meet even the most demanding tastes.

Based in Delaware, the company specializes in creating luxury custom children’s beds, theme beds, high-end playhouses and custom children’s furniture.

Kimora is a highly accomplished model, author, and CEO of Phat Fashions. She was looking for princess rooms and princess castle beds for her two young daughters.

The company’s line of one-of-a-kind custom children’s beds caught Kimora’s eye and she purchased the Princess Carlie Bed for her oldest, ten-year-old daughter and the Sweet Dream Bed Versailles Castle Bed for her youngest, seven-year-old daughter.

The Sweet Dream Beds were featured on the March 28 show of the Style Network’s reality series Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane on the Style Network.

JoAnn Means is the co-founder of Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children’s Interiors and was quoted, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to create custom luxury princess castle beds and princess rooms for Kimora Lee Simmons’ daughters. Kimora requested custom faux paint jobs and lots of hidden storage on the inside of the playhouse and beds. We tell parents and children, ‘If you dream it we can create it.’ Our high-end luxury custom children’s furniture is for both boys and girls – and you are only limited by your imagination.”

Courtesy of: Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children’s Interiors

Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children’s Interiors is proud to be a family owned company.

The company has a variety of custom theme beds for girls, including: Princess Castle loft beds, Princess Castle bunk beds, Victoria Doll House Cottage Bed, Murphy beds or trundles.

In addition, they offer a full line of boys’ beds including: Tree House loft bed, Castle bed and Sports themed beds.

Later this year, Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children’s Interiors will debut a Pirate Ship-themed bed, made especially for boys.

Pricing for the children’s line of Sweet Dream Theme Beds begin at $5,000 and go up.

In addition to the beds, there is a full line of coordinating children’s bedroom furniture accessories including: children’s armoires, children’s dressers, book cases and even kid’s computer desks.

All the company’s custom children’s beds are available in any size mattress from twin, full or queen.

The company also creates luxury custom beds for special needs children.

Also in 2010, the company will launch a full line of luxury custom pet homes.

For information on all the Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children’s Interiors products, Click Here

Courtesy of: Snell Acoustics

Snell Acoustics is following up on the success of the brand’s flagship Illusion loudspeaker, with two new exciting products: the Phantom B7 Tower Loudspeaker and Phantom Center Channel Loudspeaker.

Phantom Center Channel Loudspeaker (pictured above)
The just introduced Phantom center speaker is a reference quality center channel loudspeaker that is designed to match the overall style, quality and performance of the Phantom B7 tower. The starting price for the Phantom Center Channel Loudspeaker is $7,500.

Courtesy of: Snell Acoustics

Phantom B7 Tower Loudspeaker
The newly available Phantom will feature many of the astounding audio characteristics and leading-edge technologies that the Illusion offers, but with a much smaller footprint. The starting price for the Phantom B7 Tower Loudspeaker is $20,000/pair.

The stellar reputation of Snell Acoustics in the audio world for their fine wood finishes and craftsmanship is exemplified in their new line of Phantom products.

The speakers’ standard finish is a high-gloss piano black under multi-coated, hand-rubbed clear lacquer.

If you are looking for a specific paint finish, no matter how exotic, Snell Acoustics makes it available under with special order.

For more information, go to Snell Acoustics

Courtesy of: E.S. Kluft

Earl Kluft is the visionary and creative entrepreneur plus the founder and owner of E. S. Kluft & Co.

Earl Kluft believes that ultra-premium sleep systems should be available to affluent Americans right here in the United States.

Well he has succeeded and now, people from all over the world can purchase luxury bedding from his company E.S. Kluft.

For those looking for luxury bedding with elegant tailoring and excellent craftsmanship, “The Beyond Luxury Sublime” should be your choice.

The limited edition, made-to-order beds retail at $44,000 for a king set, making it the most expensive American-made mattress available in the market today.

The limited edition ultra-posh “The Beyond Luxury Sublime” bed is hand-sewn in Southern California by skilled artisans who use the finest materials available, including cashmere, exotic wools, silk, certified organic cotton, horsehair and Talaly latex.

“The Beyond Luxury Sublime” is made-to-order and offers an unparalleled night of restful and refreshing sleep.

The luxury mattress is distinguished by an over-sized Wedgwood blue medallion motif. The tissue pick design emanates a presidential suite, with an air of royalty as well as providing a striking contrast to the rich, cream-colored Jacquard Damask background.

If the $44 thousand price tag, is a little above your budget, E.S. Kluft also offers a wide range of mattresses that are available with price points below $1,000.

For more information, please visit E.S Kluft