Landscaping: The Curb Appeal Solution You've Been Looking For

In the quest for the perfect home, curb appeal plays a crucial role. Not only does it set the first impression, but it can also significantly boost property value. This article delves into important aspects of landscaping that can transform your home’s exterior, making it the envy of the neighborhood.


How Can Landscaping Improve Property Value?


Landscaping isn't just about aesthetics; it's a smart investment in real estate. A well-maintained landscape can greatly enhance the curb appeal, making your property more attractive to potential buyers. Effective landscape design can significantly increase the market value of a home.


The benefits of landscape lighting should not be underestimated. According to Smartscrapers, there are more than 11,000 landscape lighting designers in the United States. This illuminates the importance and popularity of lighting in creating an inviting and safe atmosphere around your home.


In addition to lighting, other landscaping elements such as well-maintained lawns, trimmed bushes, and seasonal flowers can create a polished and inviting first impression. Such improvements not only catch the eye of potential buyers but also add a tangible value to your property. Real estate experts often highlight these aspects when appraising homes.


What Are the Best Plants for Enhancing Curb Appeal?


Choosing the right plants is pivotal for enhancing your yard's curb appeal. Opt for plants that thrive in your climate and soil conditions to ensure sustainability. Native plants often require less maintenance and can create a stunning visual impact. The right selection of greenery can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful retreat.


According to Lawn and Landscape, 77% of respondents report relaxing in their yards at least once a month, and about one in three Americans, or roughly 32%, garden in their yards multiple times a week. This highlights how integral our outdoor spaces are to our lifestyle. Incorporating plants that offer year-round appeal will make your yard a popular spot for relaxation and gardening.


Flowering shrubs, perennial flowers, and ornamental grasses are excellent choices for enhancing curb appeal. These plants provide continuous color and texture throughout the seasons, making your landscape attractive at all times. Investing in a mix of evergreen and deciduous plants ensures a balanced appearance and keeps your yard lively both in summer and winter.


How to Design a Landscape That Matches Your Home’s Style?


Designing a landscape that complements your home’s architecture is crucial in creating a cohesive look. Begin by analyzing your home’s style - whether it’s modern, traditional, or a blend of different influences. Your landscape should mirror and enhance these elements to amplify your property’s appeal.


According to Bob Vila, a good personal landscape design can add up to 20 percent to your home's value. This statistic underscores the importance of thoughtful design. Consider the lines, textures, and colors in your home's exterior when planning your landscape to achieve a harmonious look.


Outdoor structures like patios, walkways, and retaining walls should complement your home's architecture. For instance, sleek lines and minimalistic plantings suit modern homes, while lush gardens and curved paths match traditional styles. Your landscape design should create a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors.


Furniture and décor in your outdoor space should also reflect your interior style. Choose pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring they withstand various weather conditions. Coordinated design elements make your landscape a true extension of your living area, increasing both the enjoyment and value of your home.


Landscaping is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s an investment in the value and enjoyment of your property. By carefully selecting the right plants, understanding design principles, and maintaining your space, you can create a stunning and functional landscape that boosts your home's curb appeal. Implement the tips outlined in this article to start transforming your yard into the beautiful, inviting space you’ve always wanted.

Hamptons Real Estate Guide: Exclusive Insights for 2024

The Hamptons, a string of seaside communities known for their breathtaking beauty and affluent lifestyle, continue to attract discerning buyers and real estate enthusiasts from around the globe. As we step into the summer of 2024, understanding the peculiarities and allure of Hamptons real estate is more vital than ever for those considering an investment or looking to own a part of this exclusive enclave.

From the pristine beaches that line the South Fork of Long Island to the luxurious properties that dot the landscape, the Hamptons offer a unique blend of natural charm and sophisticated living. The real estate here is not just about providing a roof over one’s head; it’s about offering an experience—a gateway to a lifestyle marked by relaxation, privacy, and an array of high-end amenities. This year, as the real estate dynamics continue to evolve, we are here to guide you through the nuances of owning and enjoying property in this coveted region. Whether you are drawn by the promise of a peaceful beachfront retreat or the vibrancy of summer social festivities, the Hamptons real estate market has something exceptional to offer.

Exclusive Features of Hamptons Real Estate

The Hamptons are synonymous with luxury, and the real estate here is no exception. Each home in these coastal towns boasts unique features that go beyond the standard expectations, catering to an elite clientele. Here, it's not uncommon to find expansive estates with private stretches of beachfront, meticulously landscaped gardens, and vast pools that look more like natural ponds. High-end security systems, private driveways, and secluded settings are standard, ensuring privacy and exclusivity for homeowners.

Additionally, these properties often feature bespoke design elements such as custom-built kitchens, state-of-the-art entertainment rooms, and eco-friendly technologies. We understand the importance of details in crafting not just living spaces, but homes that resonate with the aspirations and styles of their owners. The architecture varies from classic shingle-style homes to modernist estates, each reflecting the character and taste of the owners. Such diversity in options allows us to offer something truly special to each buyer, aligning with their vision of luxury and comfort.

Geographical Allure: Why Location Matters

Location is at the heart of real estate decision-making, and nowhere is this truer than in the Hamptons. Situated on the eastern end of Long Island, this stretch of land offers unparalleled access to pristine beaches, which are a significant draw during the summer months. Living here means waking up to the calming sounds of ocean waves and enjoying sunsets that paint the sky in spectacular colors — experiences that become everyday moments rather than rare indulgences.

The Hamptons are not just about the beautiful views; they are also strategically positioned away from the frenetic pace of New York City, making them an ideal retreat. However, they are close enough to allow for an easy commute into the city when required. This balance of accessibility and seclusion makes the Hamptons a perfect choice for those who lead dynamic lives but value peace and privacy at home. The geographical allure extends beyond natural beauty, with well-preserved historic towns where the rich cultural heritage adds depth to the community experience. In these towns, every restaurant, shop, and public space carries a story, enriching the lives of its residents.

Hamptons Market Dynamics: Seasonal and Long-Term Trends

Understanding the real estate market dynamics in the Hamptons requires a nuanced view of both the seasonal ebbs and flows as well as the broader, long-term trends. During the summer months, the market noticeably heats up as potential buyers flood the area, drawn by the vibrant lifestyle and the prospect of a summer retreat. This is when we see a spike in demand for properties close to the beach and those with amenities suited for summer living, such as outdoor kitchens and expansive decks.

However, the Hamptons real estate market is not merely a seasonal phenomenon. Over the years, we have observed a steady appreciation in property values, underpinned by the Hamptons' enduring appeal as a top-tier destination. Investment in Hamptons real estate is seen not just as a lifestyle choice but as a savvy financial decision. The historical resilience of the market, even during economic downturns, attests to the long-term value of owning property here. Buyers are increasingly aware of this trend, looking to the Hamptons not just for seasonal enjoyment but as a part of their broader investment portfolio.

The Lifestyle Appeal of Owning Property in the Hamptons

Owning property in the Hamptons offers more than just a home; it's a gateway to a lifestyle that many aspire to. Here, homeowners enjoy access to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Northeast, top-rated restaurants, exclusive social gatherings, and a cultural scene that blends high-end sophistication with laid-back beach vibes. The lifestyle here caters to both active and relaxing preferences. Whether it's sailing, golfing, or attending art galleries and live performances, there's an activity to match everyone’s interests.

Moreover, the sense of community in the Hamptons is particularly strong. Despite its fame and the influx of visitors in the summer, the Hamptons maintain a close-knit community feel with local traditions, annual events, and a shared appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of the area. This community aspect, combined with the high standard of living and the natural beauty of the region, makes owning property here highly desirable.

The Hamptons represent an iconic destination that offers exceptional real estate opportunities, a rewarding lifestyle, and a solid investment. Whether you’re seeking a seasonal sanctuary or a year-round residence, we at Off The MRKT are here to assist you in finding the perfect Hamptons home that fits your lifestyle preferences and investment goals. Explore your options with us and discover why so many choose to call the Hamptons home. Let’s make your real estate dreams a reality. If you want a piece of the Hamptons lifestyle stay tuned for our latest blog posts and guides.

Kicking Off Pride Month: Jordan Roth Hosts Luncheon and Tour at MAD

In a vibrant kickoff to Pride Month, Jordan Roth was the guest of honor at a luncheon and tour at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City. The event, hosted by Chair Emerita Barbara Tober and Director Tim Rodgers, celebrated two compelling exhibitions currently on display: OUT of the Jewelry Box and Identity Is…. These exhibitions explore themes of queerness, identity, and artistic expression through unique and thought-provoking pieces.

The OUT of the Jewelry Box exhibition features 56 works on loan from The Porter Price Collection. This collection showcases wearable art from a queer perspective, delving into themes such as AIDS, closetedness, and identity. MAD Curator Elissa Auther explained, “This art is designed to make us think differently about what jewelry can be, and appreciate queerness from perspectives we don’t usually see.” This collection, worn and given by two gay men, Ron Porter and Joe Price, is a first of its kind for the gallery.

Identity Is…, another highlight of the event, features a coat designed by Michael Sylvan Robinson for Jordan Roth to wear at the 2021 Met Gala. The coat, currently displayed in the Barbara Tober Grand Atrium, is hand-stitched into a collage with pieces of art and fragments of Roth’s writing. “We are conditioned to think of art as only that which is framed or put on a pedestal—some art is worn, some art is hung on the ear or the neck,” noted Roth. He praised MAD’s curatorial rigor and its platform that allows visitors to see art in its many forms.

Barbara Tober, a longtime friend of Jordan’s mother, Daryl Roth, expressed her pride in celebrating Pride at MAD. “Pride has always been an integral part of this museum,” she said. Tim Rodgers added, “Craft has always been intertwined with the queer community, and it is important to celebrate that. As a gay man who has been out throughout his career, it is a pleasure to lead this institution.”

The event was graced by notable guests including MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen, Bjorn Amelan and Bill Jones, Frederick Anderson, Mickey Boardman, Louis Bofferding, Randall Bourscheidt, Ron Chereskin, Dan Clay (A.K.A Carrie Dragshaw), Jamie deRoy, Lee Fryd, Kelly Graham and Will Fleming, Alvin Hall, David Hochberg, Tony Ingrao, Richie Jackson, Paolo Martino and Frank Riti, Bob Morris, Michael Musto, Tinu Naija, Wang Newton, Cheryl Riley, Scott Rothkopf, Sophie Sumner, Bronson Van Wyck, and MAD Curators Elissa Auther and Barbara Paris Gifford.


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Dive Into Luxury: The Most Stunning Residential Pools in New York City

As the city starts to shimmer under the summer sun and New Yorkers begin to seek solace from the heat, the allure of refreshing, beautifully designed residential pools in the city becomes irresistible. Be it a tranquil oasis nested in a coveted development, a rooftop retreat offering exceptional city views, or an architectural masterpiece, these watery havens are transforming urban living, bringing a touch of Hamptons-style luxury right to your doorstep. In this piece, we'll explore the crème de la crème of these serene sanctuaries, the best residential pools in New York City that epitomize both style and substance, offering residents an unmatched experience and a well-deserved respite from the sizzling city heat.

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ELLE Decor Announces Their A-List 2024: Celebrating the Best Designers, Interiors, and Architecture

ELLE Decor has unveiled its highly anticipated A-List 2024, highlighting the best in design, residential interiors, architecture, and landscape. This annual survey recognizes the creative forces behind some of the world’s most stylish homes, as well as the globe’s buzziest hotels, restaurants, and shops. This year’s standout debut studios include Augusta Hoffman, Charlap Hyman & Herrero, Jeremiah Brent, Uchronia, and Yellow House Architects. You can explore the full final class here.

Augusta Hoffman - New York City

New York City-based designer Augusta Hoffman launched her solo career in 2019, quickly gaining recognition for her romantic, elegant, and timeless interiors. Her projects include a stunning Upper West Side apartment, her own NoHo residence featured in ELLE Decor, and a Manhattan atelier for wedding dress designer Danielle Frankel. Hoffman's understated and refined designs continue to impress, showcasing that true grace lies in the details.

Charlap Hyman & Herrero - New York City / Los Angeles

Founded by Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero in 2014, this architecture and interior design firm has undertaken a diverse range of projects, from opera set designs to art-filled Miami Beach high-rise apartments. The duo's playful and precise approach to design has also extended to art curation and retail environments, making each project a unique blend of erudition and fun.

Jeremiah Brent - Los Angeles / New York City

Jeremiah Brent, the newly minted star of "Queer Eye," has been a prominent figure in the design world since launching Jeremiah Brent Design (JBD) in 2012. Known for his California cool interiors that reflect emotional sensitivity and curatorial ambition, Brent has designed notable spaces like the restaurant Juliet in Los Angeles. His recent collaboration with partner Nate Berkus and his book "The Space That Keeps You: When Home Becomes a Love Story" further highlight his impactful design journey.

Julien Sebban - Paris

Julien Sebban's firm, Uchronia, brings a fantastical and historical play to its vivid, colorful spaces. Known for stylish interiors and furniture design, Sebban's work has graced the cover of ELLE Decor with a gemstone-inspired Paris apartment. His bold, graphic style is also evident in retail and hospitality projects, including Sonia Rykiel boutiques and the Forest restaurant at Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris.

Elizabeth Graziolo - New York City

Founder of Yellow House Architects, Elizabeth Graziolo is a proponent of classicism, with a portfolio spanning residential and commercial projects both in the U.S. and abroad. After nearly 18 years at Peter Pennoyer Architects, Graziolo established her firm in 2020. Her attention to detail is evident in projects like the Upper East Side penthouse duplex, which seamlessly integrates historical architectural elements with modern design.

The 2024 A-List celebrates these debut studios and many more, highlighting their contributions to design and architecture. For more details on the best designers, interiors, and architecture, explore the full list online and in ELLE Decor's Summer 2024 issue.


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