Smart Home Ideas for 2026

Smart home ideas for 2026 explore how connected technology enhances comfort, control and efficiency, transforming everyday living through smarter homes.

<p><span style="color: #000000;">The last decade has ushered in a new era of consumer smart home technology products, services and applications that have revolutionised the way we live. Driven by increased connectivity through much larger residential internet speeds and the <em>plug and play</em> interfaces that are increasingly common, it has become possible to kit out every room in the home with smart tech capabilities that attend to our lifestyles in a way that is intuitive and influenced by everyday behaviours and requirements. Importantly, all of the functionality and innovations they deliver can be centrally managed from remote devices to ensure that we stay in control of every element of our homes even when we are not there.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">It appears that the next phase of smart home products will build on our collective understanding and adoption to assume even greater functionality for our houses. This guide to smart home ideas for 2026 explores how they can work for different aspects of our lifestyles in the most valuable and efficient ways.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="https://143587181.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/143587181/Smart%20Home%20Ideas%20for%202026.jpg" width="1000" height="546" loading="lazy" alt="Smart Home Ideas for 2026" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="font-family: FreightBig; font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">Living Room Lighting</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">One of the guiding principles of smart home technology has always been to unify the living experience across every space in a house. The majority of the elements this deals with begin in the living rooms and communal spaces that families share.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Smart lighting has advanced to recognise times of day, and external light levels to create the perfect ambient temperatures and moods within a home that correspond to activities taking place with the living rooms. The partnership of <em>Lutron HomeWorks</em> control systems and the <em>Ketra</em> architectural lighting technology is the gold standard combination for smart lighting. This can control windows, blinds and hundreds of lighting points that are automated based on sunlight, living patterns or chosen moods and scenes. All of which are beautifully designed with discreet installations that are equally effective through first-fit for new builds or restorations and renovations. One of the most exciting developments with Ketra is the circadian wellness it promotes to adapt to any seasonal changes in sunlight and nightfall. This can prove to be essential for any home working or increased time spent in the home during the late autumn and winter months.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="font-family: FreightBig; font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">Help in the Kitchen</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Busy lifestyles can often have the biggest impact on how much time and resources are dedicated to food preparation and management for the family. Intelligent appliances that can help have been around for a little while now, but the next generation of products holds some very impressive technology that can take this assistance up to the next level.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">The Miele Dialog Oven operates with a precision approach for every meal that would be impossible to replicate with older appliances. Its patented <em>M Chef</em> technology uses an entirely different cooking method that combines radio-frequency and microwave with convection and steam. This means it can monitor how much energy the food absorbs and automatically adjust time and temperature to prevent overcooking.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">&nbsp;The <em>FoodView </em>built-in camera also stores a picture of when the food enters the oven, recognises what it is and automatically selects its own cooking program of mode and duration for the desired dish. This can also be augmented by specific recipe information that is sent to the appliance directly from your mobile device.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">There are some impressive smart home options for family fridges too. The <em>Samsung Bespoke AI Series 9 Smart Fridge </em>is equipped with a voice activated feature for opening and closing when hands are full. And its AI Vision Inside cameras can recognise food items to track what goes in and out, integrating with any inventory or shopping lists for reordering. Similarly, the <em>LG MoodUP Mutli-Door Fridge Freezer</em> is built with LED door panels that offer over 1800 colour combinations to match the aesthetic and mood of the kitchen space. Its <em>Instaview</em> feature also works in a fascinating and intuitive way. The user knocks on the fridge two times to activate interior lighting and can see directly into the appliance without opening the door at all.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="font-family: FreightBig; font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">The Future of Bathrooms</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Bathrooms have historically been somewhat overlooked in the smart home stakes. Beyond ambient lighting and shower controls there previously did not seem enough scope for innovation and advances in this part of the house. That all looks set to change with some genuinely transformative tech that has recently entered the market to bring spa-like experiences into consumer spaces.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">The Kohler Stillness Infinity Bath offers an immersive bathing experience that almost feels like theatre. Water fills from the bottom without visible taps to a set depth that spills over the edges onto a wooden basin below in a style created to follow the tradition of Japanese hinoki soaking baths. A fog is also created over the water’s surface with an added aromatherapy module that infuses the mist with essential oils of one’s choosing. The Kohler Konnect app controls every element from fill level to lighting and scent with the option to save presets and scenes for different cases such as Recovery and Sleep Preparation.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="font-family: FreightBig; font-weight: 400; color: #000000;">Outside in the Open Air</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Connecting the interior of our homes to the outside spaces and gardens has been a crucial part of architecture and design in the modern era. It makes sense that the smart home tech that has been so transformative should now be focused on these areas in a similar manner.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">The <em>Gardena Smart Irrigation Control and Sensor Set</em> automates the watering and maintenance of all flower beds and lawns through a soil sensor. It works across any scale to support multiple zones for bespoke attention and can even incorporate weather data to act accordingly. As part of the wider Gardena network it can also integrate with robotic mowers for a full smart garden ecosystem that helps make even the most novice gardening hands into capable green fingers.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">This brave new world of smart home technology has the potential to turn every chore and time-consuming role into an automated and seamless task. As it does so, it offers up new opportunities to install professional levels of assistance and experiences for every element of our lifestyle from wellness to watching movies. The age of doing less in our homes could ultimately begin to mean that we start to get a lot more from them.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><span style="color: #000000;">The last decade has ushered in a new era of consumer smart home technology products, services and applications that have revolutionised the way we live. Driven by increased connectivity through much larger residential internet speeds and the <em>plug and play</em> interfaces that are increasingly common, it has become possible to kit out every room in the home with smart tech capabilities that attend to our lifestyles in a way that is intuitive and influenced by everyday behaviours and requirements. Importantly, all of the functionality and innovations they deliver can be centrally managed from remote devices to ensure that we stay in control of every element of our homes even when we are not there.&nbsp;</span></p>


Spanish Kitchen Design Styles

Discover Spanish kitchen design ideas: warm Mediterranean colors, hand-painted tiles, exposed timber, and arches for a stylish, inviting heart of the home.

<p>The kitchen is the heart of every home. It beats to the rhythm of the individuals and families that live there, working as so much more than simply a place to prepare meals. It is often also a space to gather, to connect and to share the moments that make coming together so important. As a result, there is lots to consider when making design choices on what particular styles and trends to follow.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://143587181.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/143587181/Spanish%20Kitchen.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="Spanish Kitchen" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Viva Espana</h2>
<p>The design language of Spanish kitchens is built on the idea of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that became popular in the early twentieth century. They prioritise warmth and texture with Mediterranean sun-dyed colours and ample spaces that work in decorative layers, using hundreds of years of Iberian and Moorish influence to tie the act of cooking and serving into the very fabric of the house. All of which is, of course, an entirely different prospect to the clinical and precise, polished steel kitchens that have become so prevalent in the last two decades.</p>
<p>Spanish Kitchens are a wonderfully versatile design trend that can be applied in part or whole to any home when carried out correctly with planning, commitment and understanding. In this guide we work through a collection of defining features and the steps one must take to achieve them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>A Mediterranean Colour Palette</h2>
<p>Collecting a group of the right colours to work with should be the foundation of your Spanish Kitchen strategy. This should never feel overly coordinated, more of an instinctive choice built around one dominant earthy hue. Terracotta, saffron and paprika reds and oranges will provide a solid base with olive and bottle green providing an engaging and interesting accompaniment. If you are looking for a slightly more modern interpretation, then a deep indigo is also a great way to begin. Using hand rubbed limewash whites as a tactile neutral will always allow for some space to breathe within the colour scheme too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Hand-Painted Tiles &amp; Saltillo Flooring</h2>
<p>Getting the patterned ceramics right goes a long way to achieving the perfect Spanish Kitchen look. Saltillo floor tiles deliver a warmth and structure underfoot that will anchor the whole room. Tiling these up to a decorative panel or surrounding a kitchen plinth sets the tone in a muted way, with the option to add in Moorish star patterns or subtle checks as an occasional accent. Do remember that function is as important as style here, so use dense clays and resilient glazes in areas that will be hardworking, such as splashbacks and around sink areas. These tiles are a chance to inject your own personality across the space in a structured way, so choose tile designs that bring you joy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Arches &amp; Curves</h2>
<p>Employing instantly recognisable Spanish architectural forms within the kitchen space can have a huge impact. The curvilinear shapes of gentle arches above doorways and built-in niches for cooking will relax the geometry of a room to soften light and ease harsh lines. It may be difficult to impose these shapes within existing built environments, but kitchen furniture and accessories can help achieve this effect in simpler ways. Rounded countertop edges and curved canopies over hobs provide an instant focus and will also frame these zones in a subtle way, aiding the movement and circulation around the room.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Work on The Walls</h2>
<p>The use of texture on the walls of a Spanish-style kitchen is perhaps the biggest design influence of them all. Using plaster and stucco creates a matte skin that forms an unmistakable relationship with daylight for an inviting and tactile atmosphere. Adding limewash as a preferred finish delivers a tonal movement across the room that is difficult for paint to achieve and allows for imperfections to become a feature and not a mistake. Using trowelled microcement ensures that you can still carry this theme across backsplash areas with the benefit of being wiped clean and therefore hygienic at all times.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Exposed Timber</h2>
<p>Like so many of the design languages that draw from pre-modernity, there is an element of Spanish Kitchen style that makes features out of functions. The timber frames and beams that are gracefully aged and proudly exposed are a classic element here and if it is possible in your kitchen space, then must be utilised. Highlighting the grain with clear oils and avoiding harsh varnishes allows for a smooth and natural look without becoming glossy and too manufactured. If this is not possible, then introducing cabinet doors of oak, chestnut or even reclaimed pine will work wonders for a similarly honest and hardworking feel. Smaller and lighter touches of breadboards, plate racks and peg rails in the same material are good accents to manage too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Making Metal Work</h2>
<p>The delicate grounding of hand-painted tiles and linear flooring should be paired with examples of visible metalwork to aid the idea of a kitchen as a functional space. Patinated bronze and burnished brass are excellent design choices for taps and sink hardware in soft sheen finishes. These will add to the aged and used look that Spanish kitchens are renowned for. Don’t hesitate to intentionally mix the metals using iron for structure, copper for embellishments and bronze for additional touchpoints across the room for the full effect. For the ultimate application of this theme, you could commission a blacksmith to create wrought iron chandeliers and lanterns to house lighting in bespoke pieces.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Shelves on Show</h2>
<p>Creating open shelving with bold and eye-catching timber on iron brackets encourages more thought on the utensils and crockery that will live in the kitchen. Having these on show tells the story of the people who live and work within the space and can be curated accordingly. Earthenware, Talavera plates and hand-thrown jugs offer interesting silhouettes against the crafted walls with hues of terracotta, cream, olive and indigo adding splashes of subtle colour. The maintenance of open shelving is perhaps a little more difficult than ordinary cabinets, so introducing bespoke glazing may be a good compromise if required.</p>
<p>Spanish kitchens convey the duality of a space that is lived-in and loved. The associated design styles and influences encourage the heart of a home to be at the centre of all lifestyles without any grand fuss or statements. This is the fundamental core of Mediterranean living at its finest and when coupled with purposeful design and dressing, it creates an impressive environment perfect for family living.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The kitchen is the heart of every home. It beats to the rhythm of the individuals and families that live there, working as so much more than simply a place to prepare meals. It is often also a space to gather, to connect and to share the moments that make coming together so important. As a result, there is lots to consider when making design choices on what particular styles and trends to follow.</p>


Eco Houses - Our Homes Are Our World

Explore the future of sustainable living with eco homes — innovative design, renewable energy, and smart architecture for a greener tomorrow.

<p>The design and functionality of our homes have always been a response to the environment that surrounds them. Ever since humans decided to stay in one geographic place to create communities together, instead of roaming the land, this idea has driven the kind of built environment that appears. They have had to attend to the weather, creating roofs and shelter to stay water-tight and secure. They have had to stay mindful of the materials available to them, creating entire crafts and practices using what the natural world has to offer. And, importantly, they have developed an entire aesthetic and remarkable beauty that often serves as testament to our collective ingenuity and imagination.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://143587181.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/143587181/eco%20houses.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="eco houses" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>An Evolution is Required</h2>
<p>From the incredible early Bedouin settlements of the Middle East to the post-modern palaces of 21st century Europe, there is a defining elegance of thought and visual appeal to what our homes do for us all. As the architect Le Corbusier once famously said, ‘A house is a machine for living in,’ and that machine must be able to adapt to the changes that our impact on the planet has brought about.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What Defines an Eco House?</h2>
<p>The 21<sup>st</sup> century has seen a real and necessary upsurge in eco house development. It is no longer enough to fix solar panels on the roof and simply pay lip service to sustainability. The form and function of homes have to coalesce in a way that drives low-impact methods and materials for our planet, with the highest quality and style for its owners and residents.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Thermal Performance</h2>
<p>Architects would refer to this as a ‘fabric-first’ approach with well-insulated walls that are airtight with suitable glazing to maintain a suitable temperature balance in all weathers, without relying as much on energy from mechanical sources.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Passive Design</h2>
<p>Awareness of the site that new eco homes are to be built upon should inform every element of design. Maximising natural light and passive solar gain in winter while shading elements of the home in summer is a key goal, with cross ventilation also promoted to keep fresh air circulating without requiring air conditioning.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Renewable Energy &amp; Low Carbon</h2>
<p>Battery-powered solar energy systems and heat pumps are rapidly becoming the eco-home standard. Their ability to reduce energy use has a huge impact without sacrificing comfort or power, even in sun-poor geographic locations.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Water Efficiency</h2>
<p>One of the most striking themes of climate consciousness is water scarcity. Integrating rainwater harvesting and installing low-flow taps and showers is a great start to addressing this. Reusing the grey water (non-sewage) that makes up around 70% of a household's use is also a safe and innovative way of approaching self-sufficiency for this vital utility.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Biodiversity</h2>
<p>The landscaping of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/lifestyles/eco-friendly/" rel="noopener">new eco homes</a> and developments must involve native planting schemes, wildflower meadows and living, green roofs where possible. Not only do they increase thermal performance and reduce flooding risks, but they also add to the overall wellbeing of both the home and its owner.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Designing the Dream Eco House</h2>
<p>The design strategy for an ideal eco home should begin with some fundamental considerations. If you are at the planning stages with a land purchase or remodelling project, then it helps to keep the following ideas in mind during discussions with your architect, designer and key figures from your building team.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Shape &amp; Layout</h2>
<p>Rectangle or L-shapes with multiple storeys give the most productive and compact footprint possible. Always orient the main living areas south to capture maximum light and warmth and elevate the possibilities of subsequent lighting design.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Fabric</h2>
<p>Insulation for walls, roofs and floors is a first-fix priority. Using sustainable and responsibly sourced, or even reclaimed, materials for cladding on external walls is highly recommended where appropriate and possible.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Systems</h2>
<p>Implementing air or round source heat pumps removes the fossil fuel reliance of gas boilers and traditional heating systems. This can be easily augmented and optimised by choosing low-energy appliances and lighting throughout the entire space when you reach the interior design phase. Small incremental changes like this eventually add up to a huge positive impact.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Future Proof</h2>
<p>One of the most impressive aspects of eco home design is the speed of innovation. Ensuring that your <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/new-homes/" rel="noopener">new home</a> or remodel is built towards a more sustainable future with considerations for long-term developments is a key factor. Adaptable internal layouts are a great way to achieve this, making space to accommodate changing lifestyles as they appear.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Look Towards Lark Rise for Inspiration</h2>
<p>Lark Rise in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/buckinghamshire/buckinghamshire/" rel="noopener">Buckinghamshire</a> is home to a wonderful indication of how attractive eco design can actually be. This detached and all-electric 2-bedroom guest house is now almost ten years old and was the first to gain Passive House Plus certification in the country. Bere Architects made it as a beacon for those looking to a brighter, eco-friendly future for house design with a place that produces enough renewable energy to even surpass its own needs and requirements.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Understanding the Challenges</h2>
<p>The comprehensive and rigorous building standards that are now the accepted gold standard for eco homes, such as Passivhaus and Net Zero, can undoubtedly be challenging to reach. It is also good practice to acknowledge that the initial costs involved are significantly higher than those of traditional building methods. However, with much lower energy costs and a drive towards greater autonomous infrastructure and efficiency, the gains are evident in using this long-term approach. Also, there is an undeniable responsibility that lies on the shoulders of those capable of pushing the boundaries of eco-home methodology and processes. As high-end home builders and individuals become the patrons of what is possible, new design adaptations will surely begin to emerge.&nbsp;</p>
<p><br><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #000000;">Architects and designers will then find the freedom to work within the boundaries of sustainability, and a new aesthetic will appear that may come to define this new era of home design. Just as the master builders of the Renaissance looked to combine the form of the old world with the function of the new, 21</span><span style="color: #000000;"><sup>st</sup></span><span style="color: #000000;"> century house design will establish new and remarkable ways to marry beauty with purpose for our homes.</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The design and functionality of our homes have always been a response to the environment that surrounds them. Ever since humans decided to stay in one geographic place to create communities together, instead of roaming the land, this idea has driven the kind of built environment that appears. They have had to attend to the weather, creating roofs and shelter to stay water-tight and secure. They have had to stay mindful of the materials available to them, creating entire crafts and practices using what the natural world has to offer. And, importantly, they have developed an entire aesthetic and remarkable beauty that often serves as testament to our collective ingenuity and imagination.</p>


Creating a Modern Boho Living Room

Create a modern Boho living room with natural materials, layered textiles, rich colors, artisanal accents, greenery, and warm ambient lighting.

<p>The free spirited and unconventional influence of bohemian artists from early 19th-century France has remained a design aesthetic that reappears time and time again in various guises. It is easy to see how the early 2000s were a particular cultural touchpoint with fashion drawing heavily from the free-spirited attitude that eventually centred around icons such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. Their catwalk looks and fashion magazine editorial content refined a two-hundred-year-old inimitable style into what became known as Boho Chic.</p> 

<p>In the past 12 months, there has been a new emergence of Modern Boho for interior design that builds on these early 21st-century fashion elements for a more pared-down and thoughtful application. The living room in any home is the perfect place to experiment with this trend in a functional and transformative way that can reset the heart of the living space as an area of personal expression.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>Our guide to a collection of significant Modern Boho features demonstrates how one can begin to explore this as a practical and cohesive design brief.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/Imported_Blog_Media/Modern%20Boho%20Living%20Room.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="Modern Boho Living Room" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Natural Materials</h2> 
<p>The earthy textures that are present in natural materials such as rattan, sisal, jute and reclaimed wood offer an honest and raw Modern Boho option for the living room. This is all about keeping the overall effect of the room raw and grounded, but with an honesty to the aesthetics. Cane-fronted cabinets and raw timber tables deliver tactile appeal that can be balanced with polished surfaces like marble or smooth, sanded oak for an elegant juxtaposition that draws attention in subtle movements. Organic cotton is also a great way to elevate soft furnishing finishes within the Modern Boho brief.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Layered Textiles</h2> 
<p>The comfort and harmonious energy that Modern Boho seeks to achieve makes layering a good tool to explore for living room interiors. Importantly, this should be done using a combination of neutral and patterned designs to avoid any chaotic clashes that can disturb the overall energy of the room. One of the best ways to experiment with this is through the use of overlapping rugs that differ in texture, perhaps building on a base of the practical and durable sisal material with a vintage statement patterned rug on top. Similarly, cushions can be mixed through a collection of velvet and cashmere for indulgence in the same space as boucle and embroidered options for earthier tones.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>A Rich &amp; Natural Colour Palette</h2> 
<p>Modern Boho prioritises the naturally occurring tones and colourways that prevail in the natural world over the riotous colours of many recent <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/the-top-trends-in-luxury-real-estate-and-home-design-for-2024/" rel="noopener">interior design trends</a>. Forest greens, the decaying oranges and darker hues of rust and autumnal flashes of burnt ochre and umber should all be considered as base layers and accents in the living room. Beginning with soft putty of plaster white makes a fantastically crisp canvas that one can add accents onto, with aged brass or antique bronze working well for door fixtures and fittings in a boutique-inspired manner. The warmer aspects of leather upholstery and ceramics can then provide interesting accents to position around the room in a semi-orderly design.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Minimalism is More</h2> 
<p>The clean lines of minimalist furniture are a welcome addition to the Modern Boho toolkit for living room redesign. Taking cues from the evergreen Scandinavian style of beautiful utility and muted tones is a good way to begin. The classic silhouettes of Eames-style chairs and low-profile sofas work as a boho bedrock for the layered accessories to fix themselves upon, acting like anchors that ground everything in the room. Slimline wood tables, perhaps with the addition of black metal frames or stone tops, can lend an ultra-modern twist too. It can remain playful but never overbearing.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Artisanal Accents</h2> 
<p>So much of the classic bohemian movement was concerned with representations of soul and identity that valued individuality over mass production. This energy is easiest to achieve through handcrafted and often irregular pieces that suggest they carry their own stories and history, taken from all around the globe. Hand-thrown pottery and wall weavings from artisan craft makers or brands work incredibly well in this regard. For the ultimate application of this element, it is a good idea to commission pieces directly from identified leading artists in their fields. Charm and authenticity are the defining characteristics one should be working towards here.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Biophilia is Best</h2> 
<p>The use of plants, flowers and greenery in interior design has been one of the most impressive, valuable and successful design trends of the last decade. It imbues a space with the serenity and calming focus of the living world, bringing the joys of the outdoors inside with refreshing permanence. For the Modern Boho brief, one should look to oversized potted plants such as fiddle-leaf figs, monstera and birds of paradise to live in corners for a sense of movement and seasonal changing and growth. Hanging planters and decorative pots can also work as room dividers to define and frame certain functions within the living room for entertainment and relaxation.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Ambient &amp; Layered Lighting</h2> 
<p>Getting the lighting to suit the style is often the most important aspect of any interior design trend. With so much of Modern Boho concerned with atmosphere and laid-back luxury, there is a requirement for layered lighting to avoid any harsh ceiling spots and promote uniform lighting coverage. Rattan or bamboo chandeliers aligned with low-level table lamps and wall sconces are an interesting option to explore, using soft white and warm tone energy-efficient bulbs that enhance earthly colours. Parchment lampshades, or even linen, diffuse the light in a more elegant way that will make the hazy evening glow last long into the night for a Modern Boho living room.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Personal Expression is Key</h2> 
<p>The ultimate stamp of authenticity in the Modern Boho living room should be one’s own sense of curation and expression. The walls, objects and design choices should be telling your story in a space that is created to share experiences with those near and dear to you. Gallery walls and open shelving provide spaces that should never feel finished, waiting for your next journey or life event to offer something new to showcase.</p> 
<p>As you begin to sketch out ideas for a Modern Boho living room, let imagination be your guide in the first instance. The redrafting, refining and redesigning stages are all about distilling the essence of one’s spirit and soul into a focused display of warmth and comfort. This is a design style and aesthetic that evolves alongside you. Therefore, one must ensure that there is always room for your Modern Boho living room to welcome new additions, adapt existing functions and accept any changes with effortless grace.</p> 
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<p>The free spirited and unconventional influence of bohemian artists from early 19th-century France has remained a design aesthetic that reappears time and time again in various guises. It is easy to see how the early 2000s were a particular cultural touchpoint with fashion drawing heavily from the free-spirited attitude that eventually centred around icons such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. Their catwalk looks and fashion magazine editorial content refined a two-hundred-year-old inimitable style into what became known as Boho Chic.</p> 


Kensington’s Architecture: A Sojourn Through the Ages

Explore Kensington’s architectural journey — from Jacobean relics to Georgian townhouses, Victorian landmarks and modern period conversions.

<p>Kensington's identity is inextricably linked to British royalty and trappings of generational wealth. From adorning postcards to inspiring fiction and serving as film backdrops, the locale’s enduring acclaim is unassailable. With its distinctive gastronomy and wealth of cultural institutions, the neighbourhood not only reflects London's rich heritage but also stands among the capital's most prestigious enclaves.</p> 

<p>One of Kensington’s most striking features is its architectural mosaic, which is both breathtaking and historically layered — indeed, being in Kensington means experiencing a microcosm of British history. Below, we trace the history of Kensington’s architectural inheritance.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/Imported_Blog_Media/architectural%20styles%20kensignton.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="architectural styles kensignton" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>A Chronicle of Kensington's History</h2> 
<p>It was during the late 17th century when <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/kensington/" rel="noopener">Kensington</a> began rising to prominence, with William III and Mary II purchasing Nottingham House, a modest suburban villa. They initiated what would become a generational undertaking of reimagining it into a magnificent dwelling fit for royalty. After it was transformed into a palace, they began the trend of hosting grand balls and also held weekly “Drawing Rooms”, which were sophisticated soirees for the literati and nobility to mingle. Over centuries, successive Georgian monarchs enriched the palace by adding more gardens and receptions while also adorning the interiors with distinguished artworks. It was here that Queen Victoria spent her childhood, and by this juncture, Kensington’s status as the royals’ homestead was well established. Nottingham House became the iconic Kensington Palace, the official address of minor working royals.</p> 
<p>By the mid-1800s, Kensington became fully integrated into London and began evolving into a flourishing urban landscape. The High Street garnered renown for being a fashionable promenade for high-end leisure, while more residential blocks started emerging throughout the district. Thus was established Kensington's enduring position among London's most coveted addresses – from a rural hamlet to a Royal Borough.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Kensington’s Architectural Legacy – Tracing the Lineage</h2> 
<h3>i. Renaissance Period</h3> 
<p>While Kensington was still a humble agricultural settlement, it was dotted with timber structures and farmhouses, most of which have vanished to time and redevelopment. However, Holland House (also known as Cope House) is a surviving relic of the era, showcasing the unique detailing of Jacobean architecture and still possessing the patina of four centuries.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h3>ii. Baroque Period</h3> 
<p>Kensington Palace stands as the emblem of the following epoch in architectural history, namely the Baroque movement. Initially a Jacobean villa, Sir Christopher Wren was tasked with reinventing the dwelling by William III and Mary II, introducing formal symmetry, classical columns, and opulent ornamentation. The palace embodies the era's characteristic grandeur, making it one of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/buy/london/property-for-sale-kensington/" rel="noopener">Kensington's splendid properties</a>.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h3>iii. Georgian Period</h3> 
<p>The Georgian period heralded an age of classical, restrained elegance, characterised by meticulous symmetry, graceful cornices, and expansive sash windows that enhanced the sense of natural light and spatial generosity. Stuccoed facades featured carefully proportioned windows – uniform sash arrangements framed by shutters and columns – that concealed lofty interior proportions, imposing fireplaces, and rich wooden or marble floors.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>Tall rows of terraced townhouses were erected around impeccably landscaped garden squares, luring in England's social elite from the countryside to London's vogueish urban centre. During this period, houses were designed specifically for aristocrats and landed gentry, with entertaining on a grand scale as a key consideration.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>In Kensington, among the earliest Georgian houses were those built on Holland Street – formerly Parson's Yard – in 1724. Historical accounts suggest the street housed several royal ladies-in-waiting. At the time, whispers circulated of underground passages said to link the residences directly to the palace. Kensington's quintessential Georgian properties can also be found fringing Kensington Square and Campden Hill Square.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h3>iv. Victorian Period</h3> 
<p>During the reign of Queen Victoria, London basked in the bounties of the Industrial Revolution. This ushered in a swift rise in prosperity and population, propelling an equally brisk urban expansion. The cityscape soon unfurled a tapestry of varied architectural styles, signalling the dawn of architectural eclecticism. This epoch embraced numerous movements, from Renaissance and Queen Anne to Moorish Revival and Neoclassicism.</p> 
<p>It is Victorian architecture that’s most prevalent in Kensington, characterised by ornate detailing, bay windows, and Gothic revivalist features. Intricate motifs, cast iron railings, and patterned brickwork signalled a departure from the quiet beauty of Georgian and Regency design, while the occasional stained glass windows and handsome arches spoke to its penchant for Gothic gravity.</p> 
<p>The staggering expansion of Victorian Kensington can be attributed to Prince Albert’s passion for arts and learning, which found expression in his thoughtful transformation of the district into a beacon of culture and academia. Under his patronage, the <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/natural-history-museum-london/" rel="noopener">Natural History Museum</a>, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Royal Albert Hall were commissioned – all reflecting the eclecticism of Victorian architecture through their varying stylistic choices, while remaining key cultural custodians of Europe.</p> 
<p>With the steady population growth, rows of Victorian terraces became integral to Kensington and the rest of London. They were often equipped with plumbing and other modern conveniences that were revolutionary for their time.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h3>v. Edwardian Era</h3> 
<p>The city’s burgeoning population, coupled with the advent of train lines, paved the way for the emergence of suburbia – the outskirts of London that offered refuge from the cluttered city centre. This epoch saw the rise of large homes drawing upon Baroque and Georgian precedents while embracing contemporary Arts and Crafts principles. Tempering Victorian excess, light-filled, spacious interiors became defining elements of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/edwardian-houses/" rel="noopener">Edwardian homes</a>, as were front gardens. It also signalled the beginnings of modernity and innovation, as electric lighting and central heating became standard features in Edwardian mansion blocks.</p> 
<p>There is a notable presence of Edwardian architecture in Kensington, testifying to an era when the neighbourhood welcomed the modern age. Some examples of Edwardian architecture in Kensington include the Kelvin Court in Kensington Park Road and The Lodge in Kensington Park Gardens – both purpose-built mansion blocks exemplifying the period's functional urban living.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h3>vi. Modernist Homes and Period Conversions</h3> 
<p>The Royal Borough of Kensington and <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/chelsea/" rel="noopener">Chelsea</a> saw a fair share of modern buildings emerging during the post-war period. Such properties are defined by their angular silhouettes and the incorporation of concrete, steel, and glass. Rooted in brutalist principles, rigid geometric forms and unspoiled exposure of materials were salient characteristics.</p> 
<p>While most modernist buildings were erected in Chelsea, there are a handful of examples in Kensington, such as the Embassy of Slovakia in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/kensington-palace-gardens/" rel="noopener">Kensington Palace Gardens</a>. Another example is the highly controversial Trellick Tower in North Kensington, a landmark Brutalist-style apartment complex completed in 1972.</p> 
<p>Grounded in tradition, most contemporary properties in Kensington are period conversions – a wealth of heritage buildings have been sensitively upgraded with interior design schemes and cutting-edge modern conveniences, offering an incredible fusion of storied elegance and contemporary sophistication.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2> 
<p>Kensington’s architecture serves as an immersive journey through London’s aesthetic and political history; every home and every street carries the imprint of eras that shaped modern London. When one steps into Kensington, they experience Britain's storied past unfold in real time.</p> 
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<p>Kensington's identity is inextricably linked to British royalty and trappings of generational wealth. From adorning postcards to inspiring fiction and serving as film backdrops, the locale’s enduring acclaim is unassailable. With its distinctive gastronomy and wealth of cultural institutions, the neighbourhood not only reflects London's rich heritage but also stands among the capital's most prestigious enclaves.</p> 


Best Interior Designers in The World

Explore the world’s best interior designers known for creating luxurious, innovative, and iconic spaces in homes, yachts, and public venues.

<p>Our lives are all the richer for imperious interior design; those rarefied spaces that you can’t imagine being any more perfect or pleasing. Usually, first and foremost, we think of interior design as something that is applied in the home. But thoughtful, sympathetic, striking, and user-friendly interior design makes a tangible difference to the indoor environments that we occupy: public, commercial, and cultural spaces, offices, hospitality, hotels, and even transport. In reality, certainly at the upper echelons of the industry, the very best interior designers are in great demand for a hugely eclectic range of projects. Those who are prolific and successful in creating sumptuous, super-comfortable living spaces don’t tend to limit their scope – most will gladly turn their hand, and creativity, to stimulating non-domestic projects, especially where there is an ambitious scale and impressive budget to work with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Universities, boutiques, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, co-working spaces, creative studios, libraries, hospitals, art galleries, airports, museums, conference halls, yachts. The list goes on, but the main aim is the same: to create a cohesive, impactful space that has a bit of a ‘wow’ factor and also just works. This needs to connect on two levels – for the client, initially, and then for the people who use it (unlike a private home, where only a handful or a dozen people benefit, public spaces might have hundreds of thousands passing through every year). Here is our guide to the world’s best interior designers – those with flair, vision, and versatility.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/Imported_Blog_Media/Interior%20Designers-jpg.jpg" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="997" alt="Best Interior Designers in The World"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Anouska Hempel&nbsp;</h2>
<p>British designer Hempel is seriously hot property. Her calling card is a highly distinctive, luxurious, eclectic approach, which she delivered in style at the Monsieur George in Paris, an elegant boutique hotel near the Champs-Élysées. Her influence here is plain to see: with her meticulous attention to detail, she has uncorked an undeniably Parisian atmosphere, but also drawn on global inspiration for a ‘global’ city. Inspired by her Lebanese and Arabic connections, dark-green detailing and lush velvet furnishings bring to mind a sumptuous ‘desert oasis’, and a riot of plants across the hotel makes some areas feel almost garden-like. Each room in the Monsieur George is individually styled – each one a real hideaway of understated luxury – and the small touches are a joy, with mirrored surfaces, bespoke door handles, and expert craftsmanship giving every nook and cranny an air of real exclusivity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Benton; font-weight: bold;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/spanish-style-kitchen/" rel="noopener"><span>Spanish Kitchen Design Styles</span></a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Andrew Winch</h2>
<p>Winch is a real master when it comes to making a superyacht justify its hallowed status. His company, Winch Design, has won multiple awards, including the World Superyacht Awards, for its consistent excellence in maritime design, delivering flawlessly on projects for a wide variety of yachts, some of which have even been over 300 feet long. One notably iconic project was the (US$300 million) Al Mirqab yacht, built for Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (former Qatar prime minister): every inch of interior detailing was opulent to the core. Collaborating with leading shipyards like Lürssen, Feadship, and Amels, Winch always puts the client first – he likes to call them ‘patrons’ – so their wishes are his command, with some expert guidance. Invariably this means decking them out with ultra-luxurious features that are perfectly tailored to the owner’s preferences, with the emphasis on comfort and a sense of the lavish. Attention to detail, custom furnishings, bespoke artwork, and high-end materials almost come as standard – other elements might include wellness areas, indoor swimming pools and spas, indoor paddle tennis courts, staterooms, and office suites, while state-of-the-art technology is always integrated into the design and functionality of Winch’s superyachts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Benton; font-weight: bold;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/rustic-bedroom-ideas/" rel="noopener"><span>How to Achieve a Rustic Bedroom</span></a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Sig Bergamin</h2>
<p>Much cherished across South and North America, and gaining ever more traction in Europe, Bergamin is something of a Brazilian genius. He is a magician when it comes to making interiors feel alive and exuberant, whatever the brief, whatever the project. Often focusing on beach houses and penthouses – places of escapism – he is passionate about delivering his signature style: tropical flair, Old World influences, and Brazilian modernism; all skillfully meshed together.<strong> </strong>As both a ‘decorator’ and art collector, Bergamin has a real eye for big colours and loud, quirky furnishings. Design critics call it ‘maximalism with balance’: Bergamin's designs are vibrant, but they are comfortable, cohesive, and livable. For the man himself, he believes interiors should be irresistible and illuminate the joy of living.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Benton; font-weight: bold;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/mid-century-modern-colour-palette/" rel="noopener"><span>Mid-Century Modern Colour Palette</span></a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Kelly Hoppen</h2>
<p>Such is the overwhelming success of Kelly Hoppen, she transcends the interior design world. Starring roles on TV shows, authoring books galore, and a product design range incorporating everything you can think of to make the home glisten: she is a veritable tour de force, and rightly so. Having executed countless design projects with her richly distinctive style, she is an inspiration, both to other designers and those who need a touch of guidance at home. Her style is sometimes referred to as ‘East meets West’, but ultimately it’s all about neutral colour palettes, clean lines, total functionality, and timeless elegance. These trademarks – always more than the sum of their parts – have seen her take on a vast range of hugely ambitious residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. Celebrity residences even include fellow natives of England, David and Victoria Beckham. Hoppen has even branched out into luxury travel – sprinkling her signature touches all over the pioneering Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship, a groundbreaking project that has seriously uplifted the standard of cruise liners and interiors, with Hoppen’s ‘understated elegance’ in glorious evidence throughout.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Benton; font-weight: bold;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/best-interior-designers-in-oxfordshire/" rel="noopener"><span>Best Interior Designers in Oxfordshire</span></a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Vincenzo De Cotiis</h2>
<p>Design evolves; pushing boundaries is important. This is the ethos of Italian architect and designer Vincenzo De Cotiis, who is deeply celebrated (and booked) for his avant-garde and so-called ‘sculptural’ approach to interior design and furniture. His driving force is a vivid combination of modernism with industrial and vintage influences, and while De Cotiis is truly defiant about disrupting the norm, this has undoubtedly worked in his favour – he is a trusted visionary for projects including boutique hotels and luxury retail spaces. Unleashing a sense of artistic abandon, he bestows the bold and often unconventional. H is lauded across Europe and the USA for visually stunning cohesion. Reclaimed/repurposed materials are common, as is a colour palette that merges metallic accents with earthy tones. When De Cotiis designs retail spaces for luxury brands, his mission is to create an upscale look and a sense of wonder. Clients keep on coming back for more. The ultimate compliment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With high expectations from high-net-worth clients, elite interior designers are under real pressure to deliver. Incredible spaces can seem deceptive; sometimes they look simple. But they're not – that’s just the gift of rare design talent. They can make what is stunning look easy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Our lives are all the richer for imperious interior design; those rarefied spaces that you can’t imagine being any more perfect or pleasing. Usually, first and foremost, we think of interior design as something that is applied in the home. But thoughtful, sympathetic, striking, and user-friendly interior design makes a tangible difference to the indoor environments that we occupy: public, commercial, and cultural spaces, offices, hospitality, hotels, and even transport. In reality, certainly at the upper echelons of the industry, the very best interior designers are in great demand for a hugely eclectic range of projects. Those who are prolific and successful in creating sumptuous, super-comfortable living spaces don’t tend to limit their scope – most will gladly turn their hand, and creativity, to stimulating non-domestic projects, especially where there is an ambitious scale and impressive budget to work with.&nbsp;</p>


The Best Luxury Cabins in the World

Discover the world's best luxury cabins, from sustainable log mansions in Canada to modern forest retreats in Sweden, offering stunning views and serenity.

<p>Consider the idea of a ‘Cabin in the woods’ and it’s likely that you’ll summon up an image of a simple, rectangular log-built structure that’s home to a lumberjack. It’s strange to think that until modern times, a house or cabin in the woods was thought of as being one small step up from living in the wild. A log cabin – or a variation on the theme - is now a sought-after holiday destination or even a dream home.</p> 
 
<p>These days, the timbers may not always be recognisably logs but they are very often reclaimed timber, sustainable and ecologically ethical. The upgraded cabin is usually remote, in a part of the region that has little but space or trees around it, and in keeping with the luxury element, it has a spectacular view.</p> 
<p>Much of our perception of the ‘log cabin’ is influenced by their appearance in literature and movies over the years – adventure stories like Jack London’s ‘Call of the Wild’ feature our old notion of a single log cabin stuck out in the snowy wilds.&nbsp;</p> 
<p><img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/Imported_Blog_Media/Cabin-jpg.jpg" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Let’s take a look at some examples of the very best that luxury log cabins have to offer.</span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Sustainable Log Mansion, British Columbia, Canada</h2> 
<p>This iconic award-winning Canadian property is sprawled across 67 acres at the southern end of Vancouver Island. Designer Marko Simcic called the structure “sustainably entwined” due to its location in one of Canada’s most endangered natural ecosystems, the Garry Oak savannah. Panoramic views of an extensive shoreline and private beach add to amazing ocean views with an added background of the Olympic Mountain range. This log mansion features amenities like a swimming pool, tennis court, boathouse, library and vineyard.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Mountain Lodge, Idaho, USA</h2> 
<p>This beautiful Idaho Lodge borders the Adams Gulch Trail System, a wilderness area in the Sawtooth National Forest. Local architect Janet Jarvis designed the 12,624-square-foot residence with dramatic, open-plan living spaces styled for both casual family living and elegant entertaining. The six-and-a-half bedroom home includes media and games rooms, a custom-built cocktail bar, a two-story ‘great room’ and a heated rear terrace with a jaw-dropping view of the stunning surrounding wilderness.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Modern Island Lodge, Sweden</h2> 
<p>You’d expect stunning ‘Log Cabins’ in Scandinavia and this certainly hits the spot. The contemporary four-bedroom lodge is located on a quiet and private Swedish island located on the seafront. With over 3,500 square feet, the main property is built with 360-degree glass windows to make you feel at one with nature even when you’re indoors. The outdoor terrace is an ideal entertaining space, featuring a kitchen, a pool as well as a jacuzzi. Also included on ‘the estate’ is a second guest house property constructed in the same high-quality glass and timber, perfect for accommodating family and friends during visits.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Contemporary Forest Cabin, New Hampshire, USA</h2> 
<p>This modern custom-built property on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee was designed to blend in with its surroundings and give the residents the privacy they so desired. With seven en-suite bedrooms and a soundproof media room and sauna, this ticks the Mansion boxes but is also perfect for the outdoors lovers, thanks to its lakeside decks for fishing or lounging, a hot tub, as well as a boathouse and dock. This seemingly has everything covered and more.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Timber House, Rio Negro, Argentina</h2> 
<p>A beautiful timber house that looks like it should either be in Colorado or by a Swiss lake – this is actually in Argentina.<span> </span>Chalet Pire Co is a private, 4.5-acre estate on the shores of Lago Moreno, a crystalline mountain lake in Argentine Patagonia. The property includes three dwellings, all positioned to capture views of the lake and Mount Tronador in the southern Andes. The main four-bedroom, four-bathroom house was designed in the style of an Alpine chalet rather than a log cabin, with wide timber beams and railed verandas under a pitched roof. But it still has that same back-to-nature principle of a cabin. Inside, gleaming wood floors flow throughout the principal living spaces to create a suitably relaxing ambience.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p>It’s clear to see that it’s the location that inspires designers and builders to create a dwelling that fits in with its beautiful surroundings, and that’s not just the case in North America – there are examples of beautiful Cabin Mansions in Japan, Australia and New Zealand as well as across Europe and South America. Whether it’s a place to stay on vacation or a place to buy and call your own, the cabin market has grown up and developed into a thing of beauty worldwide. The best examples of these ‘cabin mansions’ are undoubtedly to be found in the wide-open wilds of the USA and Canada and none of them come cheap when it comes to buying or renting but the luxury living within such spectacular locations certainly offers the opportunity of a lifetime.</p>{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

<p>Consider the idea of a ‘Cabin in the woods’ and it’s likely that you’ll summon up an image of a simple, rectangular log-built structure that’s home to a lumberjack. It’s strange to think that until modern times, a house or cabin in the woods was thought of as being one small step up from living in the wild. A log cabin – or a variation on the theme - is now a sought-after holiday destination or even a dream home.</p> 


Five of the World’s Most Impressive Desert Houses

Explore five of the world’s most impressive desert houses, blending traditional techniques with modern design to create sustainable, stunning homes.

<p>The world’s most impressive desert properties tend to reflect a little of the cultural heritage of their location and demonstrate what can be achieved when architects and builders work with the conditions of the local environment in mind.</p> 
 
<p>One way of doing this is using local and easily accessible materials as part of the construction. This can reduce the environmental impact and help the house blend seamlessly into its surroundings.</p> 
<p><img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/Imported_Blog_Media/Five%20of%20the%20World%E2%80%99s%20Most%20Impressive%20Desert%20Houses-jpg.jpg" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1066"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Overcoming the Challenges</h2> 
<p>Desert climates are incredibly hot during the day and temperatures can plummet below freezing at night. Over the generations, people have developed some clever ways to keep heat gain and loss under control. Small windows, thick walls, and shaded outside spaces are typical features of desert homes that help to achieve this.</p> 
<p>When it comes to water scarcity, many properties turn to traditional techniques, like the qanat system. This ancient Middle Eastern water-supply system uses an almost horizontal tunnel to collect groundwater from an underground well or aquifer. This method has been crucial to the survival of generations of people living in otherwise uninhabitable desert environments.</p> 
<p>Techniques like greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting are other useful ways desert households can maximise every drop of this most precious resource. Water-saving (as well as the general look of the property) can also be aided by decisions such as using drought-resistant plants when designing the exteriors.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><strong>Let’s take a closer look at some of the world’s most impressive desert houses.</strong></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Villa Rama, Agadir, Morocco</h2> 
<p>Villa Rama, located in Agadir, Morocco, is a great example of how a desert house built in a traditional Islamic style can be the ideal space for modern living.</p> 
<p>This palace has direct access to a private beach and is spread across 3,000 square metres. Inside there are 12 suites and an equal number of bathrooms. It also boasts more than 7,000 square metres of landscaped garden, plus two swimming pools, a tennis court and even a nightclub.</p> 
<p>The property is built around a central courtyard, with traditional geometric patterns and tiling, offering the perfect space for people to stay cool and avoid the sun in the heat of the day.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Ecolodge by Christian Felix and Laetitia Delubac, Siwa, Egypt</h2> 
<p>With walls made of kershef, a traditional local building material made from sand, mud and salt from nearby salt lakes, the Ecolodge holiday home by Paris architects Christian Felix and Laetitia Delubac in Siwa, Egypt looks like it has long been part of the desert landscape. It was, in fact, completed in 2007.</p> 
<p>Local craftsmen were employed to build the walls, which help to keep indoor temperatures comfortable no matter what is happening with the weather.</p> 
<p>The house is designed to be a retreat and offers guest rooms, courtyards, gardens, and patios around its central tower, which also helps to keep the property cool by drawing air up from a water basin.</p> 
<p>There is no electricity in the house. Instead, occupants use candles, which can be placed inside niches in the thick walls. A spring at the bottom of a nearby mountain provides fresh drinking water to the house, and also allows for a small pool.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Through Gardens House, Parvaneh, Iran</h2> 
<p>Through Gardens House blends traditional and modern building techniques to create a peaceful home in the village of Parvaneh, near the city of Isfahan, Iran. Created by BAM Architects, the house uses a plaster put together using a blend of sand, straw, cement, limestone and a local stone powder. It gives the appearance of the traditional building material adobe. This allows it to blend in with other local properties, and the natural landscape.</p> 
<p>The home has a U-shaped floor plan and a central garden, which inspired its name. The courtyard provides natural ventilation and extra daylight to the property, and its use here follows a longstanding tradition of courtyards in Iranian architecture.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge, Agadir, Morocco</h2> 
<p>The Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge in Morocco is North Africa’s first ecolodge. This imposing Berber fortress operates as a guesthouse and is located in Agadir’s UNESCO-designated argan forest. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby Atlas Mountains, and the Souss Massa National Park is conveniently located and waiting to be explored.</p> 
<p>The property opened in 2009 and is award-winning thanks to its sustainability and local sourcing efforts. It was built by local craftsmen using traditional methods and materials, including rammed earth, stone, wood, and tadelakt (a waterproof plaster surface commonly used in Moroccan architecture). It continues to benefit the community today, as it employs and offers training to local people, including those with no formal schooling. These local people also introduce visitors to their way of life.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Tucson Mountain Retreat by DUST, Sonoran Desert, Arizona</h2> 
<p>The Tucson Mountain Retreat, designed by architecture firm DUST, is a striking modern desert property. It uses many traditional methods to minimise its physical impact on the natural environment.</p> 
<p>The creators of this single-storey Arizona holiday home, which sits amongst the cacti, used local soil to construct its red earth walls, making it look right at home in the Sonoran Desert. They also ensured it was carefully positioned to avoid the worst of the desert’s wind and sun.</p> 
<p>The sustainable building material is made of compacted soil, and offers great insulation and thermal mass. This regulates the property’s temperature even without the use of air conditioning or heating. The creators also had local wildlife in mind, making sure the house avoided interfering with animal migration paths.</p> 
<p>The house itself is split into three separate buildings – a living space, a sleeping and bathing area, and a music studio. The Mountain Retreat is able to produce its own water thanks to a rainwater harvesting system and a filter to make it suitable for drinking.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p>These stunning properties are just a few examples of how traditional techniques can combine with modern innovations to create gorgeous, unique properties, even in challenging desert environments.</p>{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"__ActaDisplay_5dc6a7":["Light","Medium","Regular"]}) }}

<p>The world’s most impressive desert properties tend to reflect a little of the cultural heritage of their location and demonstrate what can be achieved when architects and builders work with the conditions of the local environment in mind.</p> 


Our Pick of The World’s Most Futuristic Houses

Explore the world's most futuristic houses, blending innovative design, technology, and sustainability to create visionary living spaces.

<p>Some people love traditional homes, while others prefer houses that stand out from the crowd and give us a glimpse of the future. The trend for forward-thinking and futuristic houses is nothing new. It has a history dating back to the rise of futurism in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century.</p> 
 
<p><img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/Imported_Blog_Media/Our%20Pick%20of%20The%20World%E2%80%99s%20Most%20Futuristic%20Houses-jpg.jpg" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" alt="Our Pick of The World’s Most Futuristic Houses"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Futurism in Home Design</h2> 
<p>This artistic and social movement was started by Filippo Marinetti in Italy in 1909 and aimed to capture the dynamism and energy of the modern world. Those driving the movement were up to date with the latest technologies, and the impact of industry, and tried to bring this into their work.</p> 
<p>His initial idea planted an influential seed, which grew and spread to other industries and nations. It also evolved. In architecture, it was seen as an opportunity to create a free and uninhibited approach to work. There was a shift towards architects using innovative new materials, geometric shapes, and dynamic lines to suggest motion and speed.</p> 
<p>Of course, as time went on technology opened up even more possibilities and architects were increasingly able to use glass, steel, and concrete to push boundaries and create buildings like never before.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/the-top-trends-in-luxury-real-estate-and-home-design-for-2024/" rel="noopener"><span data-sheets-root="1" data-hsprotecttimes="" data-hsprotectnew="">Interior Design Trends</span></a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Modern Futurism</h2> 
<p>Today, many futuristic homes incorporate the latest energy-efficient products and materials, to give the lucky owners a combination of practicality and sustainability. Modular construction techniques and 3D printing also allow for designs that simply were not possible in the near past.</p> 
<p>In this piece, we explore some of the world’s best futuristic properties. Each takes a unique approach, but what they all have in common is a standout look that gives us a glimpse of an alternative reality.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/top-10-uk-interior-designers/" rel="noopener"><span data-sheets-root="1" data-hsprotecttimes="" data-hsprotectnew="">Luxury Interior Designers</span></a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Capital Hill Residence, Moscow, Russia</h2> 
<p>The impressive Capital Hill Residence in Moscow is the only private residential project from the late world-renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. This four-level property, built in 2011, is located on a north-facing hillside in the Barvikha Forest and is owned by Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin. There are two sections to the property – one is blended into the hillside and the second is suspended over the forest. As you can imagine, it offers some incredible views.</p> 
<p>The house is constructed from pre-cast and in-situ concrete, glass and steel. The upper levels of the house contain the entrance lobby, bedrooms, a study/library, and a lounge with an external terrace. The lower levels feature living and dining spaces, a kitchen, an entertainment space, an indoor swimming room, a sauna, a massage and fitness space, baths, and parking.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/best-house-builders-uk/" rel="noopener"><span data-sheets-root="1" data-hsprotecttimes="" data-hsprotectnew="">Luxury Property Developers</span></a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>High Desert House, California, US</h2> 
<p>High Desert House is a remarkable home located in an arid and otherworldly landscape on the edge of California’s Joshua Tree National Park. The 10-acre plot sits within a cluster of huge boulders. The owners approached architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg with the project and his design makes remarkable use of a unique plot. The property uses 26 freestanding, curved concrete columns that blend into the natural environment, with every column embedded seven feet into the ground to give stability.</p> 
<p>The designer spent five years working on the house until it was completed in 1993. The interiors are also a sight to behold, with an open plan layout and large, arched concrete pillars throughout. Designer John Vugrin spent 14 years creating the perfect décor and bespoke luxury furniture for the space to ensure it looked just right.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/homes-with-cosy-and-chic-interiors/" rel="noopener"><span data-sheets-root="1" data-hsprotecttimes="" data-hsprotectnew="">Cosy Interiors</span></a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>&nbsp;Klein Bottle House, Mornington Peninsula, Australia</h2> 
<p>The award-winning Klein Bottle House on Australia’s Mornington Peninsula is a futuristic holiday home like no other. The property, designed by McBride Charles Ryan, takes its name from the Klein Bottle, a geometrical object representing a non-orientable surface. The house sits a short distance from the beach amongst the trees on the dunes.</p> 
<p>The interiors make full use of the property’s unconventional shape as the space is spread around an impressive central courtyard, while a spiral staircase connects each level. This is one holiday home that is a destination in its own right.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/best-colour-for-hallway/" rel="noopener">Why Is Feng Shui Important</a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Wave House, Mikkeli, Finland</h2> 
<p>The Wave House in Mikkeli, Finland is a remarkable futuristic lakeside residence. The design was originally created for a similar site in Russia. That project never happened, but the design was so eye-catching that it eventually found its perfect match on a green slope among the trees in the Finnish countryside</p> 
<p>The property’s pine wood, curved roof is shaped to resemble waves and is one of the most impressive features, along with its sizable, cantilevered terrace giving an amazing view of the lake and forest. Every part of the property is set up to make the most of its location, with the master bedroom and open-plan living area all offering gorgeous views. As you might expect from a property in this part of the world, there is also a sauna. This one stands out from the crowd by also having a fully glazed wall, offering even more opportunity to admire the view.</p> 
<p>The home was designed by Finnish architect Seppo Mäntylä and uses a combination of pine, steel and glass. This is very much a futuristic vision of what a cabin in the woods could be.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/modern-victorian-hallway-ideas/" rel="noopener"><span data-sheets-root="1" data-hsprotecttimes="" data-hsprotectnew="">Modern Victorian Hallway Ideas</span></a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Shapeshifter, Nevada, US</h2> 
<p>Shapeshifter is a futuristic home in Reno, Nevada and offers a great example of how to incorporate sustainability into an incredible building project. This three-storey property offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and was designed by San Francisco’s Ogrydziak Prillinger Architects.</p> 
<p>The brief from the owners was to create a house that reflected both the American West and the contemporary moment. Inspired, the firm crafted a home that is angular in appearance and also is capable of complementing the landscape around it.</p> 
<p><br>Futuristic properties come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes, but it’s clear the most innovative architects and designers around the world are always looking to try new things and create showstopping properties.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> {% module_block module "widget_4d8db529-96b4-4a4f-8e4a-3d2048a44a7b" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Living Rooms in Mansions","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/mansion-luxury-living-room/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Biggest House in the Hamptons","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/biggest-houses-in-the-hamptons/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Billionaires Row New York","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/billionaires-row-new-york/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Mansion Reachable by Helicopter","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/mansion-only-reachable-by-helicopter/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

<p>Some people love traditional homes, while others prefer houses that stand out from the crowd and give us a glimpse of the future. The trend for forward-thinking and futuristic houses is nothing new. It has a history dating back to the rise of futurism in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century.</p> 


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St James’s, named after its eponymous royal palace, is a fascinating area in the heart of London. Known as ‘clubland’ to Londoners, due to its abundance of members clubs, the area is characterised by prestigious landmarks, world-class restaurants, and stunning architecture.



St James's

Ascot, best known for its famous racecourse, sits in a particularly green stretch of Berkshire where woodland, heathland, and royal parkland shape the landscape.

Ascot

Explore Oxford: a city blending medieval charm with modern living. Home to the University of Oxford, rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse property options.

Oxford

The Cotswolds: Experience quintessential rural England with honey-hued houses, rolling hills, charming villages, fine dining, cultural landmarks, and luxury country living.

Lying in the leafy expanse of North London, commonly referred to as Hampstead Village, Hampstead stretches northward to Hampstead Garden Suburbs, sharing borders with St. John’s Wood to the south and neighbouring Highgate to the east.


Hampstead

Situated by the River Thames and enveloped by green open spaces, Putney is one of southwest London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.



Marylebone is one of London’s prettiest and oldest areas – its evolution spans from royal deer parks and country estates to grand redbrick buildings. Today, its beautiful architecture is coupled with its trendy high street known for its heritage brands, quirky shops, and electric atmosphere.

Set along River Wey in the Surrey countryside, Weybridge is among the Home Counties' most prestigious addresses.



Weybridge

Soho, London: A vibrant district rich in history and charm, known for its dining, nightlife, and thriving real estate market. Discover luxury living in the heart of the city.

Soho

South Kensington: Coveted London neighborhood offering luxury homes, top schools, world-class shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks like the V&A and Natural History Museum.

South Kensington

For those looking to step back from the pace of London without losing touch with it entirely, Esher remains one of Surrey’s most enduring choices.



Esher

Kingston

Holland Park represents an exquisite blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern convenience, renowned for its tranquillity, with ample opportunities to relax, shop, and dine without venturing too far from home.



Chiswick

Nestled along the banks of the River Thames in South West London, you will find the idyllic Barnes. The area is much loved by families and offers a wonderful blend of convenience thanks to its proximity to central London, as well as a village-like feel.



Barnes

Residing on the Southern banks of the River Thames, Wandsworth has long been an area of London favoured by families, young professionals, and couples, thanks to its lively streets anchored by hip brunch spots, cafes, eclectic indie boutiques, and large Victorian houses as well as being mere moments from the Thames.



Tucked away between the refined sophistication of Hampstead and the dynamic Camden, Belsize Park is a lovely corner of North London. Known for its architectural patchwork of styles, Belsize Park has a collection of some of London’s finest buildings.



Belsize Park

Kensington is one part of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, a highly sought-after area in Prime Central London for super prime residences. The district offers a vibrant atmosphere defined by beautiful architecture, world-class shopping, famous museums, stunning galleries and two Royal Parks.

Not just one of the Capital’s smiliest areas – Richmond was named London's happiest borough and the second nationally – but arguably one of its prettiest, Richmond’s riverbank position is paired with a village-like charm that casts a spell on anyone who visits.



Explore Covent Garden: London's cultural epicentre with historic landmarks, luxury living, world-class dining, and vibrant arts scene, making it a sought-after residential area.

Explore Berkshire: Royal castles, Michelin-starred dining, thrilling horse racing, and serene gardens. Discover history, flavor, and adventure in this quintessential home county.

Berkshire

Pimlico, a charming neighbourhood in the heart of the City of Westminster, is one of London’s best-kept secrets. Known for its pretty garden squares, elegant architecture, and a strong sense of community, Pimlico's is a small but perfectly formed area that was designed by the master builder Thomas Cubitt.





Pimlico

Cobham sits on the banks of the River Mole in Surrey, around 20 miles south-west of London.



Cobham

Walton-on-Thames sits along a broad stretch of the River Thames in Elmbridge, positioned between Weybridge, Esher and Hampton Court.



Walton-on-Thames

Ealing sits to the west of central London and has long been one of those places people move to and stay.

Ealing

To own a luxury property in Belgravia is to find yourself amongst the most elite members
of society, surrounded by neighbours who recognise the immense value of this prestigious
residential area.

Wentworth's reputation as one of Europe's most prestigious residential estates is well over a hundred years in the making.

Wentworth

Fulham is a pocket of southwest London where the Thames glides past Victorian townhouses and tree-lined avenues, and where a morning coffee by the river tastes better.



Hammersmith

Westminster, one of the most iconic areas of London, is known for being the epicentre of the UK’s political power since the first official Parliament of England convened here in 1295.



Westminster

With their period detailing and generous sizes, the luxury homes of St John’s Wood are a huge draw for discerning families from all over the world who want to live in the height of luxury surrounded by excellent schools, quaint cafes and attractions like Abby Road, Lord’s Cricket Ground and Regent’s Park.

St John's Wood

Defined by its artistic legacy, excellent shopping and diverse range of luxury properties,
Chelsea is the ideal destination for those looking for a deluxe lifestyle in Prime Central London.

Part of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Coombe sits between Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond Park and New Malden.

Coombe

With its historic attractions and sophisticated tree-lined streets, Knightsbridge continues to be one of the most sought-after areas of Prime Central London for luxury real estate, from its listed buildings to its modern serviced residences.

Knightsbridge

Hyde Park sits at the centre of one of London’s most established and desirable residential areas, where grand stucco terraces, garden squares and mews houses surround one of the capital’s best-known green spaces.


Hyde Park

Oxshott is a charming village nestled in the heart of Elmbridge, sitting quietly between the bustling towns of Esher and Leatherhead.



Oxshott

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or a dynamic urban lifestyle, Buckinghamshire will exceed your expectations. Here’s our guide to exploring all that this enchanting county has to offer.

Buckinghamshire

An elite melting pot of fine dining restaurants, dazzling theatres, designer boutiques, five-
star hotels and private member clubs, Mayfair is a haven for wealthy individuals who like to
prioritise the finer things in life.

Hidden in the heart of central London, Connaught Village is just a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of Oxford Street and the serene expanses of Hyde Park. This elegant neighbourhood captures the essence of what makes London’s village-like pockets so special.



Connaught Village

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