Your Home Magazine | Vol. 4 Iss. 5 | Chris Lecca

YOUR HOME Top Tech Trends

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MAGAZINE®

LIGHTING INNOVATIONS COOL KITCHEN GADGETS A CELEBRATION OF PASTA

Compliments of

CHRIS LECCA REALTOR®

239.776.5423 | chrislecca@gmail.com www.letsmovetonaples.com

CHRIS LECCA Voted Naples Best Realtor by the Naples Daily News

Your North Naples Specialist Chris Lecca began his Real Estate career when was just 18 years old and has quickly become one of Naples’ most respected Realtors.

As a full-time Real Estate professional since 2009, Chris has proven himself to be one of the most knowledgeable and diligent Realtors in the area, ranking in the Top 1% of over 6000 Naples Realtors. The exceptional experience that he provides to his clients is a reflection of his past roles in customer service and continued commitment to his clients. “I enjoy creating relationships with my clients and being their trusted adviser. Buying or selling a home can be stressful, especially when you are new to the area or working remotely.

“I pride myself on creating as smooth of a transaction as possible and more importantly, providing my clients with a great experience,” says Chris Lecca. Chris specializes in assisting home buyers and sellers in North Naples’ most popular communities including The Quarry, Esplanade Golf & Country Club, Riverstone, Stonecreek, Saturnia Lakes, and Olde Cypress. Whether a client is looking to buy or sell their home, Chris is a true local expert, as North Naples has been his home since 2006 and is even a graduate of Gulf Coast High School – Go Sharks!

Real Estate is constantly evolving, and Chris has remained at the forefront of the industry by committing himself to innovative marketing practices for his listings and continued education for himself.

Over the last 12 years, Chris has sold over 600 properties and over $450,000,000 in sales volume. His integrity, knowledge, energy, and commitment to his clients before and after a sale, has contributed his success at such a young age.

Direct: (239) 776-5423 www.ChrisLecca.com

Downing-Frye Realty

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180 9th St South, Suite 300

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Naples, Florida 34102

NORTH NAPLES MARKET

NAPLES AREA: BUYING FRENZY DIPS WITH INVENTORY With less than a one month supply of inventory available, the Naples area housing market experienced a 14.5 percent decrease in overall pending sales in June to 1,256 pending sales from 1,469 pending sales in June 2020. Overall inventory decreased 78.8 percent to 1,271 homes in June from 6,003 homes in June 2020. The tight inventory isn’t squelching demand quite yet. Closed sales in June increased 67.8 percent to 1,505 closed sales from 897 closed sales in June 2020. The median closed price in June increased 30.3 percent to $465,000 from $357,000 in June 2020. However, for the 12-months ending June 2021, the median closed price for condominiums over $2 million actually decreased 9.4 percent. Sales of condominiums during June skyrocketed 98.7 percent to 767 closed sales of condominiums from 386 closed sales of condominiums in June 2020.

FLORIDA: HOT MARKET IN JUNE, INVENTORY RISESES Home sales in Florida were still up significantly year- over-year, but the numbers are starting to even out a bit when compared with the prepandemic real estate market. Closed sales of single-family homes statewide in June totaled 34,165, up 23.6 percent year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 16,155, up 79.6 percent. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in June was $351,000, up 24.5 percent from the previous year, and for condo- townhouse units was $256,945, up 22.4 percent. All- cash purchases have been on the rise, according to Dr. Brad O’Connor, Florida Realtors Chief Economist. He said, “This year, higher-end sales have made up a greater share of closings than in previous years, and those types of sales are historically much more likely to be all-cash sales. About 56 percent of single-family sales over a million dollars in June were all cash.”

239.776.5423 | www.ChrisLecca.com

29 Quarry Homes Sold in 2021 by Chris Lecca - Your SOLD

SOLD

The Quarry $1,600,000 9269 Quarry Dr Windsor - 4+Den/3(0)/3,078SF SOLD

SOLD

The Quarry $1,300,000 9389 Copper Canyon Ct Jamison - 4+Den/3(0)/3,110SF

The Quarry $1,250,000 8761 Hideaway Harbor Ct Kingston - 5 Bed/4(0)/3,193SF

SOLD

The Quarry $1,250,000 9010 Quarry Dr Windsor - 4+Den/3(0)/3,078SF SOLD

SOLD

The Quarry $1,098,000 9021 Quarry Dr Darthmouth - 3+Den/3(0))/2,547SF

The Quarry $1,050,000 8961 Quarry Dr Darthmouth - 3+Den/3(0)/2,547SF

SOLD

$1,050,000 The Quarry 9755 Nickel Ridge Cir Kingston - 4+Den/4(0)/3,193SF SOLD

SOLD

$900,000 The Quarry 8962 Quarry Dr Dartmouth - 3+Den/3(0)/2,687SF

$850,000 The Quarry 9746 Nickel Ridge Cir Belleflower - 4 Bed/3(0)/2,404SF

SOLD

The Quarry $850,000 9762 Nickel Ridge Cir Reddington - 3+Den/2(1)/2,562SF

Chris Lecca,

Your North Naples Specialist

SOLD

The Quarry $799,900 8805 Spinner Cove Ln Reddington - 3+Den/2(1)/2,601SF

The Quarry $799,500 9403 Copper Rock Ct Reddington - 3+Den/2(1)/2,562SF

PA, REALTOR

239.776.5423 www.ChrisLecca.com Downing-Frye Realty

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180 9th St South, Suite 300

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Naples, Florida 34102

Quarry Real Estate Specialist & Fellow Homeowner SOLD

The Quarry $750,000 9609 Cobalt Cove Cir Windjammer - 3+Den/3(1)/2,450SF SOLD

The Quarry $539,900 9512 Ironstone Ter #201 Tourmaline - 3+Den/2(1)/2,297SF SOLD

$475,000 The Quarry 9508 Ironstone Ter #201 Tourmaline - 3+Den/2(1)/2,297SF SOLD

The Quarry $480,000 8763 Coastline Ct #8-201 Tourmaline - 3+Den/2(1)/2,297SF

SOLD

SOLD

The Quarry $705,000 9451 Quarry Dr Portsmouth - 2+Den/2(0)/1,939SF

The Quarry $629,000 9167 Shale Ct Sugar Cane - 3+Den/3(0)/2,185SF

SOLD

SOLD

The Quarry $539,900 8779 Coastline Ct #202 Tourmaline - 3+Den/2(1)/2,297SF

The Quarry $525,000 9070 Limestone Ln Mackenzie - 3 Bed/2(0)/1,641SF

SOLD

SOLD

$475,000 The Quarry 8843 Nautical Landing Cir #201 Tourmaline - 3+Den/2(1)/2,297SF

$469,900 The Quarry 9328 Fieldstone Ln Vanderbilt - 3+Den/2(0)/1,901SF

SOLD

SOLD

The Quarry $425,000 9505 Ironstone Ter #202 Tourmaline - 3+Den/2(1)/2,297SF

The Quarry $350,000 9532 Ironstone Ter #8-101 Chesire - 3 Bed/2(0)/1,654SF

Chris Lecca,

PA, REALTOR

Your North Naples Specialist

239.776.5423 www.ChrisLecca.com Downing-Frye Realty

|

180 9th St South, Suite 300

|

Naples, Florida 34102

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REASONS TO WORK WITH A REALTOR

®

GUIDANCE

SHOWINGS Prepares showing COVID protocols for safety precautions

Assists in curating lists of available homes and schedules viewing appointments (both virtual and physical)

MLS

Lists your home in the MLS and in numerous other listing portals and online publications

Negotiates terms of sale or purchase, including repairs or concessions

PRE-QUALIFY Pre-qualifies prospects for safety and to protect customers’ time and personal property

Provides market research on neighborhoods, local amenities and applicable HOA or CDD governance structures

Gives property preparation recommendations

Assists, coordinates and delivers contract to seller/ buyer

Analyzes comparable home sales and assists you in making an offer on your new home

Conducts virtual and in-person open houses to get your home sold

Accompanies buyer to the final walk-through

Coordinates closing with lender, title company, customer and all parties in a transaction

ANALYZE COMPS

OPEN HOUSES

CONTRACT WALK-THROUGH

Coordinates and provides access to homes with all of the features you want

CLOSINGS

advertising RESEARCH

RECOMMENDATIONS

ACCESS

Markets your property through social media, video, networking and pitch sessions with other Realtors

Gives guidance on how to accurately price your home

NEGOTIATE

CURATE

SUPPORT Offers support before, during and after the closing

INSPECTIONS Coordinates all requested inspections at the property and provides access for the appraiser and others as needed

CODE OF ETHICS

Adheres to a strict code of ethics

contents

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5

30

43

6 2 your home marketplace The latest in the YH Marketplace

3 pet tech Keep your furry friends happy with this fun pet-related gear

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lifestyle in the limelight A Naples home in a luxury golf community is sure to impress

14 the best in home office tech Working from home made easy with these popular products

16 light up your home Exciting new technology brings the future indoors

20 designed with panache Updated Parkland residence reflects distinct elegance

28 good vibrations Home audio has never sounded better

30 top picks

32 miami modern Beautiful views meet sophisticated design in this Miami residence

40 kitchen contraptions Enjoy your time in the kitchen by adding these fun gadgets to your collection

43 celebration of pasta Learn how to make pasta from scratch, along with some classic sauces

Autumnal accents add seasonal color to your home

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YOUR HOME MARKETPLACE Everyone loves new technology, and adding a few things to your home can help make your life easier and more fun. Here are some creative items that will help you clean, cook, and create a better life for you and your family. Visit yourhomemarketplace.com or scan the QR code to see more great tech items.

MAGAZINE® P UB LI SHER

2 Pack Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp, 3-6 lbs $49.99

Corner Floor Lamp, Minimalist RGB LED Light $110.99

YOUR HOME Channing Spano A R T D I RECTO R

Tarra Wood P RESI D ENT

Tony Spano CO N TRI B UT I NG WRI T ERS

Oliver Nash Andrea G. Rollin

LET US FEATURE YOUR HOME PRODUCTS AND SERVICES We are always on the lookout for new and innovative products and services that our readers would enjoy knowing about for their fine homes. Give us a call at 239.235.3170 or email at info@yhmagazine.com to discuss how effective content marketing can be for your company.

Portable Vacuum Sealer for Food Preservation $59.99

Intelligent Automatic Sweeping Robot Vacuum $75.68

Premium Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Spice Grinder $29.99

Grey Glass Aroma Diffuser $49.23

connect with us yhmagazine |

@yhmagazineinc |

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@yourhomemagazine | www.yhmagazine.com

Your Home Magazine® is sent to you courtesy of the real estate professional(s) that specialize in your neighborhood. If you’d like to change your mailing preferences, please email us at info@yhmagazine.com.

Your Home Magazine® is published by Your Home Magazine, Inc © Copyright 2021. All right reserved. All prices, specs, and financing rates & terms are subject to change without notice. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Advertisers in Your Home Magazine should not be considered referred or endorsed by Your Home Magazine or any other advertiser. If your home is currently listed, this is not an offer to sell your home.

PET TECH

Technology isn’t just for people, it’s for your pets too. The following fun gadgets make your life easier and enhance your pet’s day to day living keeping them safe, comfortable, and entertained.

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TRACKERS For both dogs and cats, a tacking device gives you peace of mind as you allow your pets to explore on walks and hikes. Unlike a chip which has to be scanned once the pet has been found and turned over to animal control, these devices use GPS to show you exactly where your pet is on your phone.

CUBE REAL TIME GPS TRACKER

If your pet loves to wander, the Cube will give you peace of mind. Equipped with a SIM card, the Cube’s GPS connects to Verizon’s cellular network.

When you connect it to your smartphone or computer, you can set up geofences and receive notifications for speeding, low battery, and more alerts. The rechargeable battery can last from 10 to 60 days. $99.95; www.chewy.com

TRACTIVE DOG & CAT GPS TRACKER

The Tractive Dog & Cat GPS Tracker tracks your pets location and calories to keep them healthy and safe. This tracker can monitor your pets activity, alerts you when they go beyond the virtual fences you’ve set up, and uses LTE for great coverage. A small monthly subscription lets you enjoy unlimited location tracking. The high-tech collar is waterproof, light and shock-resistant. Their app works on Android, iPhone, or your computer. $49.99, www.chewy.com

FEEDERS A way to help you and your busy life, a pet feeder is a great option for feeding dry food and kibble. You can control feeding times and portions which helps your pets stay trim and healthy. This is a great option for cats especially and gives you peace of mind knowing they are fed even if you can’t make it home for dinner.

PETSAFE SMART FEED AUTOMATIC FEEDER

Feed your pet anytime from your smartphone with the smart feed app. This smart feeder allows you to personalize your pet’s meals and schedule up to 12 meals a day for your dog or cat. There is also an option which allows you to feed your pet in addition to scheduled meal times and you can program flexible portions to fit your pet’s needs. The slow feed option allows food to dispense slowly over a 15 minute period to help prevent digestive upset. $169.95; www.amazon.com

PAWPLE AUTOMATIC FEEDER

The Pawple Automatic Dog & Cat Pet Feeder is a convenient feeder that holds up to 20 cups of kibble. Designed with a bright LCD display panel, you can program portion size and precise mealtimes. Record your personal message for your pet to let them know when it’s time to eat. The tray is dishwasher and you can wipe the other parts clean with a damp cloth. $74.99; www.chewy.com

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CAMERAS EUFY SECURITY 2K INDOOR PAN & TILT PET CAMERA

The perfect way to monitor your pets, a home camera lets you watch and communicate with your friend giving you peace of mind throughout the day.

This system gives you peace of mind while you’re away from your furry family member with the Eufy Security 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera. Simply connect the security camera to Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for easy and comprehensive surveillance. When motion is detected, the camera automatically tracks and follows the moving object so you can see what’s happening. Even better, you can speak in real-time to anyone—or any pet—who passes by via the built-in twoway audio. $89.00; www.chewy.com

FURBO PET CAMERA

With Furbo, you can monitor your pets throughout the day. This camera not only lets you talk to your canine companion, but it also allows you to toss treats to him when you’re not home. Used by over 5,000 vets and professional dog trainers, this camera is designed to help keep your pup safe and happy. It has night vision, a 160-degree wide-angle view day and night, a barking alert that detects when your dog is barking. You can record videos and who knows, your pet might be the next viral sensation! $169.00; www.furbo.com

TOYS & ACCESSORIES High tech toys are fun for dogs, cats, and people. These fun gadgets will keep you and your pet entertained and active.

HYPER PET GODOGGO FETCH MACHINE

THE GOOD2GO COOLING DOG BANDANA

A lightweight way to provide your pup with some relief from sweltering weather. Skip refrigeration and simply dip in water to activate. It uses evaporative cooling to help keep pets comfortable in hot weather. An adjustable hook and loop closure so you can provide a secure and comfortable fit. $7.49; www.petco.com

If your canine companion goes wild for a game of fetch, they will love the Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine. This automatic ball launcher features three distance settings and three time intervals to keep fetch interesting, and a wide-mouth bucket so your dog can easily return the ball. Your pup can play independently, or you can get in on the fun with the remote. $149.95; www.chewy.com

PETSAFE BOLT INTERACTIVE LASER CAT TOY

Keep your cat entertained for hours with this interactive laser pet toy. This batteryoperated toy delivers hours of endless fun with an automated rotating mirror that beams the laser out in random patterns for hands-free solo play while you’re busy.

For interactive play with your pet, you can switch it to manual mode and create your own light patterns for your pal to chase. $18.95; www.chewy.com

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LIFESTYLE IN THE LIMELIGHT

BY C H A N N I NG S PA NO PHO T O G R A PH Y BY L A C A S A T OU R S LO C AT E D I N T H E beautiful Esplanade Golf & Country Club, this home is a fantastic example of what North Naples has to offer.

Featuring four bedrooms plus a den, four and a half baths, and 3,591 square feet of open concept living, this home is perfect for families of all sizes.

“Esplanade really gives people the opportunity to live in a community that feels like a vacation destination all year long,” says Realtor Chris Lecca.

“Esplanade really is a ‘Lifestyle Community’ with something for everyone at every age.” For those who love to sunbathe, there is a great resort-style pool, complete with cabanas and beach entrance. For those who prefer to be more active, the community has six tennis courts, four bocce balls courts, and four pickleball courts as well as a Techno Gym with an Aerobics Room. Residents enjoy the Koquina Day Spa, offering hair, nail, facial, and spa treatments. A gated dog park, poolside Bahama Bar, and 14 miles of biking and walking trails are also great for family and friends. Of course, as a golf and country club, Esplanade would not be complete without its private, 18 hole golf course and pro shop. The 15,000 square foot culinary center features formal and casual dining options, indoor and outdoor bars, wine tasting room, Starbucks-style cafe, and more. “It’s not hard to see why people really love this community, and this home is a great reflection of the expertise the builder brought to this project,” says Lecca. When you enter the home, the large, open floor plan is evident as the great room, kitchen, and dining nook flow together in one bright space. “People want this kind of layout when they come to Naples, and the light, open feel of this home is so eye-catching,” Lecca explains.

G R E AT V I E WS The lake and golf course views from this home showcase the lifestyle residents enjoy here. The home is light and bright, something people seek out when moving to Naples. The great room has been elegantly appointed with linen-clad seating options accented with glass, chrome, and dark woods. Colors throughout the home are kept neutral with each room containing a pop of color through accents and rugs. A large built-in features a floating storage cabinet with dark wood trim and recessed lighting. Above the room, ceiling details add more visual interest to the space. The room opens out onto the lanai via a large sliding glass doors. Hurricane impact glass and electric roll-down shutters protect the home when needed.

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C U LI N A RY ST Y LE In the kitchen, storage space and large counters enhance the livability of the space.

“The flow from the great room to the kitchen is perfect for entertaining. You can see your guests so conversation isn’t limited by walls or corners, and everyone feels like they are a part of the action no matter where they are,” says Lecca. White cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen beautifully complement the grey island. An impressive appliance package, which includes a natural gas cooktop, makes cooking easy. In keeping with the transitional feel of the home, pendant lights offer a mix of traditional and contemporary, as chrome spheres wrap around glass chandeliers. The dark wood of the bar stools ties the great room and kitchen together.

D E LE C TA BLE D I N I N G Beside the kitchen, the dining room offers a slightly more traditional feel through a wooden table featuring silver inlay with matching chairs and buffet. The slim legs and soft curves give the dining set a contemporary edge, while the light fixture pulls from the design of the pendants in the kitchen. The outdoor dining area flows through this space and pocketing glass doors allow for a true indoor/outdoor experience.

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EL E G ANT E N S UITE The master bath’s spa-like interior is enhanced through a large walk-in shower with decorative tile banding and stand alone tub. White cabinets, large format tile floors, silver drawer pulls, and chrome lighting fixtures finish the space.

RELAX & U NWIND The master bedroom is a tranquil space. Filled with neutral tones for the ultimate relaxing experience, dark wood is again used to bring in some contrasting tones. An upholstered bed frame and headboard is accented by subtle, coastal artwork. Bahama shutters cover the doors and windows and bring another gentle reminder of the home’s Gulf town location.

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LO UN GE LOV E An outdoor lifestyle is something people want from their Naples life and this home provides plenty of space in which to enjoy the amazing winter weather. A large living room, with outdoor sectional and armchairs features high performance fabrics that hold up to the rigors of outdoor life. The lanai has been given more color through fun rugs, throw pillows, and accessories and takes on an almost tropical flair thanks to florals and stripes. The tongue-and-groove ceiling accents add texture to the lanai.

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CO O L K I TC H E N The outdoor dining and kitchen area is fitted with marine-grade cabinets, stone countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The grill and hood offer the perfect place to comfortably grill out while the dining room comfortably seats six.

R E S O RT LI FE ST Y LE The home is complete with a limestone deck, large pool with spa, and water bowl features.

A ledge wraps around the pool for lounging and easy access, while four large chaise lounge chairs provide a private sunning experience. “This home has been thoughtfully designed and is ready for its next family, whether they live here full-time or seasonally,” Lecca says. “The whole home generator system, the hurricane impact glass, and electric roll-down shutters means that this home can be left for the summer providing assurance that it is protected. The amenities are fantastic and the location can’t be beat. This really is the perfect place for someone For more information about this home searching for a community with a focus on lifestyle both in and out of the home.” or more like it in your area, contact the Realtor who sent magazine.

This home is offered fully furnished for $2,700,000. For more information onyou thisthis home or others like it, contact the Real Estate professional who sent you this magazine.

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The Best in Home Office Tech

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While many people find themselves back in an office setting once more, there is still a large portion of the workforce now working from home for the foreseeable future. Setting up a home office with helpful,

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cutting edge technology isn’t hard.

Here are a few items we think your home office needs to help you take

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your productivity and your space to the next level.

1. JBL Tune 210 The JBL Tune 210’s price might seem “cheap” at $24, but that doesn’t mean they lack quality sound capabilities. They provide rich audio performance and the cord stays straight and tangle-free. There’s a single, convenient button you can press to control music playback or answer calls.

2. 24” iMac Featuring some fun colors that might remind Apple users of the original iMac G3, the new iMac is a powerful and flexible computer that is the perfect addition to your home office. Their new M1 chip delivers faster CPU performance

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and faster graphics while the 4.5K Retina display is rich and immersive.

3. ILOA Saddle Chair When you do need to sit, this saddle chair is the perfect mix of form and function. Designed

by Jonas Hakaniemi, the ILOA drops your knees below your hips, bringing your spine into healthy alignment—a position that helps distribute weight to your body’s lower half, engaging your core and easing strain on your lower back.

4. UNSIT™ UNDER DESK TREADMILL Unsit has created an elegant way to walk while

you work, so you can feel better, burn more calories, and kick your energy into high gear. The Unsit Walk-1 Treadmill has been designed with a unique short/wide layout to give you more usable space so you can use the full width of your desk.

5. UPLIFT V2 If you haven’t upgraded to a standing desk, this is the time to do so. The UPLIFT V2 Solid Wood Standing Desk combines durability and beauty, making it a great option for home offices. Their genuine-wood desktop is paired with a reliable and powerful UPLIFT V2 Frame to bring you a cutting-edge workstation that helps you accomplish more throughout the day.

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8 9 Choose from five solid wood desktop styles, each boasting unique wood grain details.

6. Vibe Interactive Whiteboard Vibe is an all-in-one real-time interactive whiteboard and video conference system. It combines an interactive digital whiteboard and smart software to help you activate your brainstorming sessions, client presentations, and virtual training by combining video conferencing and your favorite applications with an infinite writing canvas.

7. LG 34WK650-W 34” 21:9 Monitor For many people there are times when a normal

monitor just doesn’t provide enough screen for all the applications they use while they work. With the UltraWide design of the LG 34WK650-W, you get two monitors in one.

Organizing different windows around your screen is a breeze, allowing you to multitask like a pro. The monitor also packs in several advanced display features, like HDR and FreeSync, which make it a great fit for entertainment and gaming when you’re not working.

8. Apple AirPods Pro The new classic, Apple AirPods Pro are the hot item when it comes to headphones. They are the more expensive option, but they have

excellent noise canceling, a comfortable fit, and the microphone quality for phone calls is better.

You can also use them with Android phones, though with limited features.

9. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless NoiseCanceling Headphones With industry-leading noise canceling technology featuring Dual Noise Sensor technology, these headphones offer next-level music with Edge-AI. They also feature 30-hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities.

Touch Sensor controls allow you to pause/play/ skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.

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LI GH T U P YO UR HO ME Exciting New Technology Brings the Future Indoors

BY ANDREA G. ROLLIN

Lighting has come a long way in the last decade. What was fresh and innovative in 2011 has evolved into a new, more technologically advanced treasure trove of products for inside the home today.

MORE THAN JUST BULBS LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs have replaced incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs for many homeowners. These offer positive environmental benefits—they consume 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and contain no mercury—and last for many years.

For example, buildwithrise.com, an online sustainable home improvement store, reports that you might need 21 incandescent bulbs

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for 25,000 hours of use, compared to just one LED. And, that one LED will save you $150 in electricity costs throughout its life.

But the big news, the website reports, is that LEDs now have the ability to incorporate new technologies like occupancy (motion detecting) sensors and Bluetooth speakers. They can also be integrated into home automation systems, which can be preset, controlled from a cell phone app, or be part of a wired or wireless security system.

So, rather than installing and connecting both occupancy sensors and LEDs, you can easily purchase them combined into one unit.

AUTOMATION ANEW Imagine being able to control lighting with a voice command! This option is available through voice-controlled personal assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Google’s Assistant. And, Phillips

TOPGREENER Wireless Motion Sensor Light automatically turns on when motion is detected and turns off when motion is no longer detected. Battery-powered and wireless, these lights are great for areas where plugs are scarce.

Experience the most flexible light source anywhere with the Phillips Hue light strip. Bend and shape it however you like, and use the adhesive back to attach it to any solid surface.

Hue actually works with all personal assistants.

Sengled is one manufacturer that offers LEDs with motion sensors, like its Smartsense A19 bulb. With a built-in motion sensor, the light will illuminate for 90 seconds and can be installed in standard fixtures around the house.

The A19 can also be used as a normal light by temporarily deactivating the sensor.

For attics, closets, storage areas, and laundry rooms where there’s only one overhead outlet

for lighting, buildwithrise.com recommends the Leviton 9864-LED. It offers plenty of light with none of the fuss of changing batteries. They also recommend the TOPGREENER Wireless Motion Sensor Light (available in three packs), a smart wireless option for hard-to-light places like stairs, pantries, and bathrooms. The sensor detects motion up to 10 feet away and the light is immediately activated.

Texsens is a major manufacturer of Bluetooth-

The LIFX Mini Wi-Fi LED bulb is LIFX’s most compact light yet, offering you total control over millions of bold colors and variable white lighting from your iPhone or iPad.

enabled lighting. The Bluetooth speakers reside in the middle of the product, surrounded by the LED lighting element. One model provides an LED flame effect, while another serves as an (indoor/outdoor) patio umbrella light.

SMART LIGHTING “Smart lighting” is an advanced way to light your home, reports philips-hue.com. Smart LED bulbs contain software that connects to an app,

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The award-winning inMOOV pendant lamp by Studio Lieven De Boeck folds and expands to vary the levels of light in a room. You can pull a rope to tighten the shape, concentrating the light downward, or unfold it, diffusing light throughout the space.

smart home assistant or other smart accessory, so you can automate your lights or control them remotely. Wyze, Phillips, Lifx, and Lutron all produced some of the best smart lighting options this year and created products to fit any home and any smart lighting need.

Voice-controlled home lighting is a smart lighting concept in which the use of the traditional wall switch as you enter each room is replaced with a smart speaker that you can ask to turn on the lighting, according to realhomes.com. Manufacturers say that voicecontrolled home lighting is one of the fastestgrowing trends in home lighting automation, reports residentialproductsonline.com, an online company that sells products for residential construction professionals.

Manufacturers like IKEA offer the IKEA TRADFRI smart app. With this app, you can actually control LED smart lighting in four ways: remote control, motion sensor lighting, the IKEA Home smart app, and/or by voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

WHY LIFI MAY BE THE NEW WIFI

The wide, flattened shape of the Aplomb Large concrete lamp by Foscarini is reminiscent of a UFO, with the LED casting a wide beam of light. Italian artisans use concrete processing to craft the slim form while with a pleasing thickness and texture.

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LiFi (or Light Fidelity) is a wireless communication technology that utilizes light to transmit data and position between devices.

The term was first introduced by Harald Hass during a 2011 TEDGlobal talk in Edinburgh.

Because of less interference incurred by light compared to radio frequency waves, it is used in more dense environments. LiFi covers a distance of about 10 meters while WiFi covers about 30 meters. Another big advantage of LiFi over WiFi is that the usage of light allows LiFi connections to occur almost instantaneously because light travels at extremely fast speeds.

So, this results in faster transmission of data and faster Internet connections—about 100 times faster than speeds achieved by WiFi. Specifically, LEDs are used in LiFi as visible light transmitters. This means that future

The moon-inspired Ameluna is a collaboration between Artemide and Mercedes-Benz Style. Instead of a central light source, the fixture’s bottom edge features a flexible aluminum strip with 288 LEDs that transmit light throughout the fixture’s body. Ameluna can be controlled by an app to replicate the lighting experience of the Mercedes E-Class.

The Buster + Punch Heavy Metal pendant lighting is made from solid steel and features knurled satin metal and a matte black rubber cord. It’s offered in smoked bronze, steel brass, or matte black finishes and can be paired with the company’s Buster Bulb.

lighting systems fulfill two functions: highspeed wireless networking and illumination.

According to purelifi.com, LiFi can transmit at multiple gigabits, is more reliable, is virtually interference free, and is uniquely more secure than radio technology like WiFi or cellular.

LIGHTING TRENDS AS DESIGN FOCAL POINTS In addition to being merely functional, LED lighting products like ceiling lighting will become the focus of rooms, with elegant and extravagant light fittings in every style, reports the article, “Lighting trends 2021—see the beautiful designs set to brighten our homes next year” on homesandgardens.com. One example is the Haring brass LED ceiling light

by Habitat, a low-hanging modern geometric fixture that catches the eye.

Color and pattern can also be vital elements in our homes through furnishings and accessories. For example, a Paisley floral lampshade on a unique and decorative base, both by Pooky, in collaboration with Matthew Williamson, bring vivid-colored LED lighting to a room that can set the mood and be aesthetically pleasing.

For your home office or workspace, the Abercrombie LED-lit table lamp by Jim Lawrence is a strong choice. Designed with a heritage look, the traditional spun brass shade and base are matched with a contemporary steel stem and exposed braided cable to create an eclectic feel.

Patera, a decorative globe of light inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, is a collaboration between Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen and Danish designer Øivind Slatto. The intricate positioning of cells helps prevent glare while revealing different impressions of light at different angles.

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DES IG NED W ITH

PA NAC HE U P DAT E D PA R K L A N D R E S I D E N C E REFLECTS DISTINCT ELEGANCE

BY ANDREA G. ROLLIN | IMAGES BY 360 VIEW PHOTOGRAPHY

B

EAUTIFULLY SITUATED

in the upscale Parkland Golf & Country Club is a sprawling five bedroom, five bath, open-concept home remodeled to accentuate all of its attributes— and add quite a few more. “The owners were already living in the same community in Parkland but decided to buy a bigger house that gave them the ability to grow with their family,” says Panache Designs President and Lead Designer, Karen Press. “As their children got bigger, a larger home worked better for their needs.” The owners hired Press in September 2020 to update the family’s (then) residence, but she received a text a few days later saying they had sold

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that house and bought a new one in the same neighborhood. Although they didn’t close until Thanksgiving, timeliness was (still) an important aspect of the project. “Putting the pieces together was easy; getting the work done was the challenge,” Press says. “Because the owner herself is elegant and likes things more formal, the couple was generous with their budget,” explains the designer, whose Boca Raton luxury boutique firm is all about ‘distinct and updated elegance’ that works within each client’s budget. The residence, which is a Signature Estate home, features two stories spread across an expansive 6,031 square feet of total space, a three-car garage, a spacious foyer entrance, and a gourmet

kitchen furnished with stone countertops, custom wood cabinets and marble backsplash.

Other distinctive elements of the home include high ceilings, custom trim, marble floors, and picturesque windows that allow natural light to stream in. Outside is an enticing built-in pool with plenty of room for entertaining, and serene waterfront views. “It’s a wonderful house but needed brightening up inside,” Press explains.

“The rooms in the home were dark and didn’t reflect the personality of its (new) owner.”

G RAND ENTRANCE

Because the living room is the first room that you see when you walk in the front door, Press wanted it to be a showstopper. “They requested a bar, so I looked for one that’s traditional yet moving toward transitional flair,” Press says. “This one is unique because it’s not only a typical beverage center with an icemaker, but also has a humidor.” The custom-made wood cabinetry is a high-gloss leather-like laminate, while the opulent backsplash, designed with a three-dimensional feel in black agate-like stone with different shades of blue, black, and white that ties in the colors of the room. Lit glass shelves allow the beauty of the stone to be fully revealed while not interrupting the lines of the piece. The Jet Black bar countertop, by Caesarstone, accompanies a beautiful assortment of gold-leaf barware and goldhammered undermount sink—and again displays the gold-leaf details that the owner loves. Inviting blue chairs with gold-leaf trim, by Caracole, are family favorites. The attractive center Swain coffee table is real onyx with a custom-wood base in a champagne gold-leaf finish.

BEFORE

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T H AT ’S ENT ERTAINMENT

The majestic bar is a statement piece that the owner requested. With its custommade wood cabinetry in a high-gloss leather-like laminate finish, it complements the living room with luxury and richness—and is the epitome of ‘design elegance’ that Press continually strives for. Dramatic detailing, accentuated by a black agate-like backsplash with lit glass shelving, infuses the bar with an almost hypnotic-like quality. Glass barware and gold-leaf elements provide the perfect contrast to the Jet Black Caesarstone countertop. “She loves gold-leaf and has a lot of gold-leaf pieces on the shelves,” says Press.

PURPO SE PIECE

This beautiful foyer credenza by Caracole is designed with different shades of fanning wood. It may look three-dimensional, but it actually isn’t. The colors blend nicely with the bar. Its stylish ivory top and base add contrast; lines in the two doors tie into the area rug. “Everything has a purpose when I design my homes,” Press says. Gold-leaf again is brought into the accent pieces—lovely orchids in a gold-plated vase and an intricate picture frame by Michael Aram.

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BUSINE SS B E ST

The home office was reinvented to create an upbeat, cheerful mood. “There was dark molding everywhere—it was pretty glum,” Press says. “Because the owner works from home, she wanted an office that was feminine, yet productive—to be glamorous and reflect her personality.” The designer replaced the dark shutters with clean, light window treatments, repainted the room Origami White and applied Pacific Designs Mica wallpaper on top and Phillip Jeffries Chanel-like wallpaper on the bottom. “The new cabinets are all a refreshing white,” Press explains. White molding on the ceiling opens up the office, with the ceiling color a different color than the molding throughout for contrast.

A striking black-and-white-checked Mackenzie-Childs rug introduces drama and a modern flair and carries the black and white theme throughout. “She wanted her office to truly feel like home,” Press explains. “There’s a large whiteboard above the printer and she even has a refrigerator built into the bookcase.” A magnificent “poppy glass” chandelier from Regina Andrew serves as a majestic focal point. Center stage is a sleek, rectangular desk, made of snakeskin by Interlude Home, which offers plenty of space for the owner’s computer and business accoutrements. One of the most unique and interesting design elements in the room is a gold-leaf abstract-shaped wall mirror that pays tribute to the individualism, stateliness, and modern flair of the owner. The gold-leaf theme is carried throughout—evidenced by the bookcase drawer handles and accent pieces, desk supplies and frame, and even the mousepad.

BEFORE

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BEFORE

B L I N G FACTO R

“The dining room also needed brightening up,” says Press. Out went the dark wood furnishings and ceiling; in came a high-gloss elongated modern wood table with an eye-catching glass base, and white molding on the walls and ceiling. Manufactured by Designmaster Furniture, the customized white and taupe chairs feature pearls rippling vertically along the backs. “A chair tells a story by the fabrics that you put on it—and has to bring the room together,” Press explains. Below the window, a John-Richard Collection buffet is hand painted to resemble weeping willows and showcases a mix of champagne and gold-leaf banding around the doors. Even the drapes have gold and silver sequins. Cobra Platinum Anthology wallpaper, manufactured by Zoffany, blends well with the finish on the buffet. A fascinating three-dimensional gold-leaf finish mirror serves as wall decor. Press herself custom-designed the glass-blown tri-color piece by Canadian glass artist Kristine Daniel on the table. “The chandeliers are fine crystal from Fine Art Lamps, and each elongated pendant is 48 inches from the Forest Collection.”

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PI N K PE R F E C T I O N

Pretty in pink best describes the daughter’s bedroom and playroom. Appointed in pale pink combined with darker pink throughout the valence and tieback on the draperies, the room is perfect for a young girl to grow into. A playful ribbons-and-bowspatterned wallpaper in shades of pink, by Ralph Lauren, along with a white-framed bunk bed, white nightstand and dresser, adds youthful femininity to the bedroom. Just a short walk through the bathroom takes you to the playroom, which follows the same color scheme as the bedroom. The wallpaper, called Les Touches Petal by Brunschwig & Fils, introduces a fun petal pattern. “I love her playroom,” Press explains. “It’s likethis a Jack For more information about home bedroom.”

Toys, dolls,the or moreand likeJill it in your area, contact andwho plenty ofyou pint-sized furniture Realtor sent this magazine. invite hours of enjoyment.

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Good Vibrations

AUDIO TECHNOLOGY FOR THE HOME HAS NEVER SOUNDED BETTER

BY ANDREA G. ROLLIN TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN the audio world now make it possible for homeowners to experience the best sound quality.

Speaking of speakers, gone are the days of tangled wires and multiple cables.

A lot of speaker systems, especially sound bars (a type of loudspeaker that projects audio from a wide enclosure), have gone wireless. Now, you can connect an audio source to a speaker system through a wireless network or even through Bluetooth technologies, which makes setting up and playing any sort of audio much more convenient.

Even the smallest of portable speakers have excellent sound capacity. Only a fraction of the size of earlier speakers, they offer the same, or sometimes better, sound than their older and larger counterparts. These speakers also have battery lives that can last several hours, making them truly portable.

With so many shapes and sizes of wireless speakers to choose from, it can be difficult to select the perfect ones for your home. Everything from compact voice assistant-enabled desk buddies, to big multi-room models

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that reverberate booming sound are available. The best wireless speakers have plenty of modern features packed in, including smart assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. They also offer built-in support for a range of your favorite streaming services, in addition to sleek designs that will beautify your home.

Bluetooth Versus Wi-Fi Speakers

Although Bluetooth is the most common wireless music-streaming method, it isn’t the only option. Bluetooth is very direct and easy to set up and allows you to stream relatively high-quality music. But, Bluetooth generally doesn’t have multi-room capabilities even though some speakers can set up stereo pairing with the help of an app. So, it isn’t as high-fidelity or as powerful sound-wise as Wi-Fi multi-room audio.

Wi-Fi music systems require a Wi-Fi network to connect to, so they can’t be used portably with your smartphone like Bluetooth speakers (even

Amazon Echo Virtual Assistant

though many offer Bluetooth pairing as a backup). The different Wi-Fi standards may also limit streaming over the device, although it’s a more solvable problem these days than in the past because of Chromecast and Sonos’ long lists of supported third-party services.

Sound Systems for a Vibrant Home

A great home audio sound system can transform watching and listening to TV and music into truly remarkable experiences. Factors like room size play a huge role in deciding the necessary power and wattage for your speaker arrangement as well as whether or not you want surround sound.

One of the most popular sound systems on the market is the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 DTS:X Soundbar. This system negates the need for a receiver, has solid sound quality, and a 4K Passthrough.

For small rooms, a great option is the Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System with Bluetooth and NFC. The system has versatile connectivity options and expansive features in a small package.

If you’re looking for a good beginner system, make sure you consider the Logitech Surround Speakers Z506. It’s inexpensive and has reliable sound quality.

Great for large rooms, the Acoustic Audio AA5170 Home Theater 5.1 Bluetooth System offers inexpensive 5.1 surround sound and lots of connectivity options.

Logitech Surround Speakers Z506

Speakers for Your Patio and Lanai

Pairing wonderful music with your outdoor entertainment area takes your listening experience to a new level. A major factor to consider when it comes to outdoor sound is the environment. It doesn’t make sense to put your nice wooden tower speakers outdoors. You would have a ruined device after the first downpour. So, you’ll want to find speakers that are portable and can be easily moved outside or those designed to resist various elements that are permanently installed, especially if you entertain on a frequent basis.

Outdoor in-ceiling speakers, which now come in marine versions, are a great option for a covered or screened porch. The advantage to in-ceiling marine speakers is that they install seamlessly into your ceiling, so they look the best from an aesthetics standpoint. Popular choices include the MartinLogan Vanquish Aimable Round In-Ceiling Speaker and the MartinLogan ML-55AW Outdoor Speakers.

Another smart outdoor option is to mount to the wall, the floor, or parts of your decking. These are box-based speakers that generally have better bass and the ability to adjust the orientation, so that you can point them in any direction. Great choices are the Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 Outdoor Speakers or the MartinLogan Sat 60 Outdoor Satellite Speaker.

For an open patio or deck with no ceiling, you can use the same speakers that you would on a porch, which are typical wall or eave-mounted outdoor weatherproof speakers. Also popular are outdoor rock speakers set along the perimeter, facing back toward your house, or to mount weatherproof speakers along the edge of your entertaining area. Choices are the MartinLogan ML-75R Large Outdoor Landscape Speaker or the Klipsch AWR-650-SM Outdoor Rock Speaker.

Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 Outdoor Speaker

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TOP PICKS

RAVENNA VASE $79; arhaus.com

autumnal home accents It might still be a little warm outside, but we are in love with these fall-colored elements. Following this year’s emphasis on warm, rich colors, autumn offers you the perfect opportunity to add some in vogue pieces to your home. In addition to their great color, these items offer fantastic textures like linen, wood, and glass that will help you layer depth into your rooms and home.

TURMERIC 100% FLAX LINEN PILLOWCASES $50; bedthreads.com

JUSTICE OAK COFFEE TABLE $799; cb2.com

HOLT SECTIONAL IN VIBE SUNKIST $4338; joybird.com

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EDISON STRING AND PENDANT LIGHTS $20-$80; food52.com AUDREY TALL OVAL GLASS VASE $199; rejuvenation.com

LINEN DUVET COVER $265; brooklinen.com

WIDE WEAVE LEATHER BASKET $198; shopterrain.com LAGO BLACK HIGH-GLOSS RATTAN DINING CHAIR $549; cb2.com YOU R HOME MAG AZ INE® | 31

M I A M I M O D E R N

BY OL I V ER NA SH | PHOTOGR A PH Y BY SOT H EBY ’ S & L I FE ST Y L E PRODUC T ION GROU P

A

spectacular example of expert design and craftsmanship, this home on Belle Meade Island encompasses the Miami lifestyle that so many have come to love. With Bay views and over 100 feet of linear waterfront access, the home is the perfect for the avid boating enthusiast. “The home was really finished with the end user in mind so the attention to detail is impeccable,” says Realtor Allan Kleer of the One Sotheby’s team Kleer & Garcia-Diaz. “The home has the

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highest quality finishes throughout and was also given special features like integrative Tesla Powerwalls, a whole home solar battery system that can run the home for three days if the power goes out.” Located within a double gated community, the home offers privacy and security for the most discerning buyer. With over 8,000 square feet of total living space, this five bedroom, five and a half bathroom home provides space to relax after a long day or entertain even the largest of friend groups.

E Y E F O R D ETAI L

The home’s architecture incorporates an array of materials, like Travertine and stained wood, to create a multidimensional texture on the exterior. Large windows play an important role as well, letting in light and adding details inside and out. Built to the latest codes, the main living areas of the home are on the second and third floor, allowing the architect adding interesting details, like the long, elevated hallway that creates a covered parking area. Simple vegetation was used to highlight the home’s lush South Florida surroundings.

MODERN LIGHT

Inside, the materials found on the exterior are repeated. With the dining room, entry, and great room sharing one large space, ceiling height and details are used to delineate each area and add visual interest. A floating staircase keeps sightlines open and allows light to pass through from the myriad of large windows. The home’s elevator sits adjacent to the stairs for easy access to the three story residence. Colors are kept minimal, allowing the wood and metal to shine while vegetation brought in through glass encased planters adds a pop of color.

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E N T E RTAI N IN G AR EA

“I love how the natural elements in the home soften and enhance the contemporary lines,” says Kleer. “The dining room has this great floor-toceiling window wall and separation was created between the great room and dining room through the glass planter.

On the far wall, the wine room has mirrors behind it to reflect the view from the large windows, so you get this really seamless effect and it feels like you are outside no matter where you look.” The wood and glass dining table, which seats a dinner party of 12, is illuminated by a chrome and glass light fixture that feels like a modern coral sculpture.

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CO NTEMPORA RY C OOKING

The large Italian kitchen by Veneta Cucine is the definition of sleek and modern. The lines of the glossy flat panel cabinetry are uninterrupted by knobs and pulls. Stainless steel appliances also feature sleek handles and are set flush with the cabinetry. A mix of counter materials adds texture to the glossy kitchen and above, linear ceiling details with recessed lighting incorporate some color.

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S PAC E FOR F U N

In the home’s 12 car garage, a large game room offers plenty of space for entertaining kids and adults alike.

A bright yellow has been used on the upholstery, custom cabinetry, and game tables to create a custom feel. High gloss floors and lighting details finish the space.

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AU TO IN SP I R ATI ON

The 12 car garage sets the tone for the car themed home office. The double drop down ceiling leads the eye to the focal point, a red wall with built-in shelves behind a glass desk. Additional shelves along the side wall provide storage. The high gloss, large format tile floors really come to life in this room, reflecting the light from the windows and recessed lighting above.

ART LOV E R

Nighttime really brings this home to life as the recessed lighting in most of the ceiling details creates a whole new mood. Nowhere is this better seen than in the long art gallery which leads to the home office and upstairs elevation access.

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ST UN N IN G SETTI N G

Spacious with amazing views, the master bedroom takes on a warmer feel thanks to wide plank wood floors. In keeping with the theme of the home, neutral colors allow the water outside to pop. Ceiling details are used again to create different spaces in the room—one for sleeping and one for winding down with a great movie. The sectional, which pulls color from the Bay outside, sits across from the large entertainment system with floating cabinets and framed niches. Large glass sliding doors open onto a balcony beyond.

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RELA XING V IBES

In the master bath, glass walls allow for uninterrupted water views. Elegant stone, chrome fixtures, and contemporary floating cabinetry creates a space that feels like a modern spa experience. Walk in closets offer plenty of storage for the master bedroom as well.

OU T DOOR O FFER I N G S

The waterfront setting of Biscayne Bay provides the perfect place for a boat enthusiast, complete with a boat lift. If a day of fun at home is what’s called for, the 50-foot infinity edge pool with sun shelves offers a place for a refreshing dip with beautiful views. The covered lanai is finished with a well appointed summer kitchen and simple, yet modern landscaping.

This home is listed for $14,900,000. For more information about this home, or other’s like it, contact the agent that sent you this magazine.

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KITCHEN

CONTR A P TIONS If there’s one room where new technology makes a big difference, it’s in the kitchen. These clever items will make your life easier, your food better, and your kitchen clean and organized. Here are our kitchen tech recommendations for this season.

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1

BARTESIAN COCKTAIL MACHINE

This amazing little kitchen gadget will entertain guests as it turns out bar-level cocktails. This unique cocktail maker combines a variety of syrup-based pods with base spirits (tequila, vodka, rum, or whisky) to create an effortless drink. You can choose the preferred strength of your drink with a press of a button. $349.85; www.bartesian.com

1 2

2

YUMMLY SMART THERMOMETER

This kitchen thermometer can track two temperatures at once on your smartphone via an app, so it’s a great option for holidays like Thanksgiving when cooking multiple things at the same time can be a little tricky. $79; www.bestbuy.com

3

3

EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL SMART MUG

Everyone knows how annoying it is to make the perfect cup of coffee only to take a sip and find it’s gone cold. This mug solves that problem using an appcontrolled technology that lets you set the temperature of your coffee or drink of choice and keeps it warm all morning or afternoon. It even enters sleep mode after two hours of inactivity or once a mug is empty. $99.95; www.amazon.com

4

GE CONNECTED DOUBLE OVEN ELECTRIC CONVECTION RANGE

4

Did you know you can talk to your oven, now too?

This electric convection range from GE is just one example—it connects to wifi, so you can set it up to work with your Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, and several other apps for the easiest cooking experience ever. $2,619.99; www.bestbuy.com

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5

5

HESTAN CUE SMART INDUCTION BURNER & FRY PAN

Embedded sensors in both the cooktop and the pan allow them to connect to the Cue’s accompanying app, guiding you through recipes and ensuring that you never over or undercook a meal again. $499.95; www.williams-sonoma.com

6

MIELE G7000 DISHWASHER WITH AUTODOS WITH POWERDISK

Miele’s PowerDisk helps reduce the amount of detergent and energy used to wash dishes. With a detergent powder and rinse aid incorporated, the PowerDisk automatically releases the precise amount of detergent during each cleaning cycle.

The load is monitored by a sensor with more detergent dispensed for heavy loads and less for lighter ones. $695; www.appliancesconnection.com

7

REVOLUTION COOKING2-SLICE HIGH SPEED SMART TOASTER

8

Yes, a toaster that doesn’t burn your bread the second you turn your back exists! This particular toaster from Revolution boasts a first-ever touchscreen plus it features smart cooking sensors that perfectly toast bread, bagels, waffles, toaster pastries, and English muffins. It also has a 15-second reheat function for when your toast gets cold. $299.95; www.williams-sonoma.com

8

UMBRA OTTO AUTOMATIC TOUCHLESS SOAP DISPENSER

Just put your hand under the sensor and this handy dispenser gives you the right amount of soap each time. Preventing dirty hands from touching the same dispenser over and over, this can help you stop bacteria from spreading throughout your kitchen and home. $35; www.amazon.com

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6 7

celebration of pasta L AST I S SU E W E TA L K E D about homemade pizza; this issue we are covering pasta. Elegant, impressive, and absolutely delicious, homemade pasta is a favorite food staple in so many countries and cultures. A popular legend claims Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy after exploring the Far East in the late 13th Century, but pasta can be traced back as far as the 4th century B.C., where an Etruscan tomb showed people making what appears to be pasta.

Typically very easy to make, it takes your favorite sauce to a whole new level. And while you may have seen chefs using pasta makers to get those perfectly even noodles, you can achieve delicious and rustic pasta by rolling out the dough and cutting your desired widths with a sharp knife. There’s no reason not to give homemade pasta a try!

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basic pasta It might surprise you to see how simple the basic pasta recipe is. Some recipes don’t even call for olive oil, but we like the texture better when it is added in. Pasta dough can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for two days. To freeze homemade pasta, cut your pasta into the desired length and shape, let it dry for at least an hour, and place it in a freezer bag or container for up to 8 months.

2 cups all-purpose flour, leveled

½ teaspoon sea salt

3 large eggs

½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Pile the flour on a clean work surface and make a nest in the center. Add the eggs, olive oil, and salt, and then use a fork to gently break up the eggs. Try to keep the flour walls intact as best as you can while you use your hands to gently bring the flour inward to incorporate. Continue working the dough to bring it together into a shaggy ball.

Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes. Initially, the dough should feel pretty dry, but slightly sticky. After 8-10 minutes of kneading, it should become cohesive and smooth. You will know it’s ready to rest when it springs back when you poke it with your finger. If the dough still seems too dry, sprinkle a little water across the dough and incorporate. If it’s too sticky, dust more flour onto your work surface.

Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Dust two large baking sheets with flour and set aside.

When the dough is done resting, slice it into four pieces. Gently flatten one into an oval disk.

If you have a pasta machine, run the flattened dough through the pasta roller attachment three times on level one. Then fold both short ends in to meet in the center, and fold the dough in half to form a rectangle. Now, run the dough through the pasta roller three times on each setting from 2-6 to create a thin sheet.

Once you have a thin sheet of pasta, run the sheet through the pasta cutter to create your desired pasta thickness. Make sure both sides of the sheet have been well floured to prevent sticking and tearing as you put it though the cutter. You can also make ravioli or tortellini at this stage.

Place small piles of cut pasta on your floured baking sheets and let them dry for 15-30 minutes before adding to salted boiling water. This helps the pasta hold its shape while cooking.

If you are not using a machine, cut the rested dough into 4 or 5 pieces. Flour your counter well, and use your rolling pin to roll out the dough into a long strip. With each pass as you roll, lift the dough up, re-dust the counter beneath, and flip it over. When you’re finished, you should have a long, thin piece of dough. Your sheet should be almost paper thin, but strong enough to be lifted off of the countertop.

Dust the strip of dough with more flour. Starting with the short end, loosely fold like an accordion. (You can also picture a pack of sticky notes: when you drop it, picture one long streamer.)

Use a very sharp knife to cut the stack across the folds into thin strips. You can cut the strips as thin or as thick as you prefer to create all kinds of pasta from spaghetti to pappardelle.

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classic marinara sauce 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

1/3 cup finely-diced white onion 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finelyminced 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1 (28-oz) can San Marzano whole tomatoes (with juices) 1 tsp dried oregano 3/4 tsp fine sea salt 1/2 tsp freshly-cracked black pepper 3 large sprigs of fresh basil

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until combined.

To that same pan, add the tomatoes, oregano, salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.

Use a large spoon or a potato masher to gently break up the tomatoes as the sauce continues to heat. Stir in the basil sprigs.

Heat until the sauce reaches a simmer, then reduce heat to mediumlow, cover, and continue to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove and discard the fresh basil sprigs. Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper, as needed. Serve the sauce warm and enjoy.

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cashew basil pesto 2 cups packed fresh basil 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/3 cup raw cashews 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 cloves garlic Kosher salt and black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil

Add all the ingredients, except the salt and pepper, to your food processor and blend until a paste starts to form.

While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until ingredients are well combined. Scrape down the sides as you go.

Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

If the consistency is too thick and you’d like a sauce vs. a paste, drizzle a little water into the food processor one tablespoon at a time.

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator and eat within a week.

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mushroom cream sauce 6 oz fresh pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, pappardelle 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 tbsp olive oil 10 oz your favorite mushrooms, sliced 3 garlic cloves finely chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan 1/2 tsp salt and pepper

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Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

In a skillet, combine butter and oil over medium-high heat.

Add mushrooms and cook, stirring regularly. When they start to sweat, add a pinch of salt and pepper.

When golden (about 6-8 minutes), add garlic, and cook for 5 more minutes. Make sure you don’t burn the garlic, you just want to cook it until you see a golden tint. You will probably have to adjust your heat to medium or low depending on your stove.

Add wine (careful, it will steam and bubble) and then stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Simmer rapidly until wine has mostly evaporated.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add broth, cream, parmesan, salt and pepper. Stir to dissolve parmesan and gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, to thicken.

While the sauce is simmering, add your fresh pasta to your boiling water. Homemade pasta cooks much faster than store bought so this process will take at most 90 seconds.

Drain and transfer cooked pasta into sauce, toss sauce coats pasta. If the sauce gets too thick add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water. Serve immediately.

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