December 2018

Source: archdaily.com

In the 1880s, as the price of land in urban areas like Chicago and New York City increased and populations grew denser, the first high-rise buildings in the United States were built. High-rise buildings were (and still are) ideal in many respects because they provide ample housing and office space without encroaching on too much precious land.

The American technological revolution between 1880-1890 made high-rises possible with the inventions of materials like Bessemer steel, which afforded a taller and more flexible frame design than the cast iron that was previously used. By the mid-20th century, high-rise buildings were a staple in most countries worldwide, particularly in downtown areas, offering places for people to shop,

Source: daytonahilton.com

It’s hard to believe that New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, but like it or not, 2019 is just a week away. Of course, with the impending new year begs the question: How are you going to celebrate it? There are seemingly endless things to do on New Year’s Eve, which can make honing in on a single event to ring in the new year pretty tough.

Rather than stress over the whats, wheres, and whens of the big night, check out our picks for the very best New Year’s Eve festivities from San Diego to Palm Beach.

San Diego

Big Night San Diego

If time is a testament to how fun and enduring an event is, then the 15 years that Big Night San Diego has been happening should let you know that this isn't a New Year's Eve

Source: coastalliving.com

Designer Peter Dunham was raised in France, educated in England, and spent summers growing up by the sea in Spain, so to say he's a worldly designer would be an understatement. Eventually, Dunham landed in New York City for a stint, where he dabbled in real estate and renovations, before moving to Los Angeles in 1998.

Upon arriving to Los Angeles, Dunham applied his real estate and design prowess to flipping several houses, sparking friends to begin asking him to design their own spaces. Not long after touching down in LA, Dunham opened up his own interior design company. The designer's big break came when he was invited by Marion McEvoy, then editor-in-chief, to participate in the House Beautiful showhouse. His showhouse

Image Source: leavenworth.org

If you're looking for a truly magical way to spend the holidays, then consider a trip to Leavenworth, Washington. Every December, this snowy mountainous village is illuminated with over 500,000 lights for its annual Christmas Lighting Festival.

Image Source: leavenworth.org

The event is truly something to behold. In addition to nearly every tree, home, and surface featuring synchronized twinkle lights, you'll find live music performances of your favorite Christmas songs, sledding in Front Street Park, and a traditional Gluhwein Tent serving up hot-spiced wine and hot cocoa. And to make the experience truly immersive, you'll notice that there are many costumed characters wandering around, working to get everyone in

2019 is going to see a lot of new trends on the interior design front, and curved furniture is topmost among them. Contrasted with the sleek and sharp edges of trends' past, the sumptuous lines of curvy furniture are equally inviting and compelling, infusing looks with intriguing movement and a dose of retro flair. And due to the wide-ranging array of textures, hues, and patterns that this trend features, it's incredibly versatile, blending seamlessly with nearly any aesthetic.

If you want to get ahead of the 2019 design trend game, consider adding one (or three) of the following pieces to your space for a look that’s equal parts fresh and nostalgic.

Antonella Sofa ($1,299)

The unique shape of this design combined with an ultra-neutral

Source: coastalliving.com

Rated as the Most Fun Small Town by Rand McNally, USA Today, and The Travel Channel, Delray Beach is a town rich in history, architecture, and fun things to do. The first settlers arrived in what’s now known as Delray Beach in the late 1800s. Hearing that the land boasted rich soil and abundant water, many settlers moved with the intention to farm.

These days, the town, which is aptly nicknamed “Village by the Sea,” boasts chic, locally-owned boutiques, tasty restaurants, and a casual, welcoming culture. And all of this is set against the sounds and sights of the Atlantic Ocean, which the town is nestled up next to.

One of the elements that sets Delray Beach apart from other towns is the lack of high-rise luxury condos

In honor of National Gingerbread House Day, December 12th, we want to give some love to what has become a delicious seasonal staple for so many. Gingerbread houses first sprouted up in 16th-century Germany, when they were decorated with sparkling (and inedible) accents like foil and gold leaf. But it wasn't until Brothers Grimm wrote the famous Hansel and Gretel story in which a gingerbread house was the star that they became popular in the United States.

These days, it's almost impossible to get through the holiday season without stumbling upon a gingerbread house - or three. And many people have taken decorating these tasty homes to truly spectacular heights, crafting houses that are as beautiful and detailed as they are delicious.

Check out a

Image source: pantone.com

Avid design enthusiasts know that with the holidays each year comes Pantone’s coveted announcement of the color that’s expected to take over homes and fashion in the new year. Last year, the color authority made the bold choice of Ultra Violet and this year, the boldness continues with Pantone’s choice of Living Coral as the color of 2019.

Pantone’s vice president, Laurie Pressman, told the Associated Press that the choice was inspired by the cultural climate: “With everything that’s going on today, we’re looking for those humanizing qualities because we’re seeing online life dehumanizing a lot of things.” Living Coral is meant to represent the vibrant coral reefs of the sea that are being bleached and threatened by climate

Image Source: sothebys.com

Robert Stilin is a New York-based interior designer in high demand. Boasting more than 25 years of experience at the helm of his own design firm, Stilin has become a go-to favorite for prestigious clientele who flock to him for his casually elegant, inviting designs.

Stilin has a particular knack for layering different mediums. His designs combine vintage and new furniture, often featuring custom upholstery, with bold, contemporary artwork to create classic spaces that also feel very fresh and modern. Speaking of artwork, it’s a major point of influence on Stilin’s designs. He’s an avid art collector, always encouraging clients to invest in pieces of their own, and serves on the board of the Director’s Council at the

Now that Thanksgiving’s over, holiday enthusiasts can finally enjoy all of the seasonal festive fun they’ve been waiting for judgment-free. And there might be no better way to celebrate the season of mirth than by spending some time gazing at beautiful Christmas light displays.

Of course, when it comes to killer Christmas lights, not all neighborhoods are created equal. If you’re in the market to see the best of the best, then be sure to check out one of the following neighborhoods—the residents in these ‘hoods do not mess around when it comes to twinkly festive flair.

Los Angeles: Candy Cane Lane - Woodland Hills

Image source: losangeles.cbslocal.com

The group of homeowners on Lubao and Oxnard in Woodland Hills come together each year in