Our latest edition of the Luxury Portfolio Magazine is now online! Click on the cover to the right for the latest in luxury living, design trends, architecture and high-end travel.

And, enjoy nearly 150 pages of content, photos and information about the most extraordinary luxury properties in the world.

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Mobile technology continues to evolve and the conveniences withheld in our powerful smartphones continue to infiltrate more and more aspects of daily life. The new LuxeTrends^® newsletter takes a look at a few technology trends making their way into restaurant dining rooms.

Diners at Mundo in Sydney, Australia use an iPad to browse the menu, find more information on dishes and get suggestions on a wine pairing for their meal. MoJo iCuisine in Taiwan removes the device and incorporates the high tech interface directly into the dining table. On the tabletop interface, you can order dishes, play games, pay your bill and even choose a virtual tablecloth.

Read the latest LuxeTrends^® for more on high tech and other current dining trends - and subscribe to the e-Newsletter that features exciting design concepts, luxury lifestyle trends, destinations and more.

Mediterranean architecture became popular in the U.S. in the 1920s through the 1940s. Most homes of this style can be found in California and Florida due to their Spanish histories and Mediterranean-like climates. Although the housing market declined during The Great Depression, Mediterranean architecture regained momentum in the 1960s and remains popular today.

Influences for this style stem from a variety of countries in the Mediterranean, including Spain, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Greece. Based on the climate in these areas, Mediterranean style homes were built in a way that would provide relief from hot temperatures. Some of the most common identifiable features of Mediterranean architecture include:

• Bright roofs – similar to Spanish missions
• Sloped, tiled roofs
• Arches and columns
• Heavy wooden doors
• Stucco finishes on the exterior 
• Interior courtyards
• Balconies
• Several large windows
• White or bright painted walls

With the popularity of Mediterranean style still growing, several luxury properties and homes are currently on the market internationally – most commonly in warmer locations. In Manalapan Beach, Florida, between Palm Beach and Boca Raton, sits a gorgeous oceanfront estate. Listed at a little over $29.9 million, this home features seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and three partial baths in its 23,500 square feet. The Venetian-inspired home embodies the Mediterranean style with its varying roof elevations, entry veranda and multiple loggias. Also on the market, in La Jolla, California, is a coastal compound with 10,000 square foot home that is currently listed at $29.5 million. With six bedrooms, six bathrooms, one partial bath, a movie theater and private spa, this property boasts incredible ocean views and expansive outdoor living areas. Additionally, the stucco finishes and patio space offer that unique Mediterranean feel.

Luxury Portfolio International™ has released a White Paper entitled “How Today’s Highly Affluent U.S. Consumer Selects Luxury Real Estate Associates and Brokerages.” The paper focuses on affluent American consumer’s wants and needs in today’s economic environment. Findings specifically show that performance and reputation are more critical than ever to earning the trust of the consumer.

In late 2010 we engaged the Harrison Group (the research company that authors the Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America) to conduct primary research on behalf of Luxury Portfolio with affluent US consumers. The purpose was to gauge their priorities, likes and dislikes related to the selection of an agent to buy or sell a $1M plus home.

Some key conclusions:  
• Reputation remains paramount
• Elegant websites are important, but equally important is 1) that websites popularity, 2) the number of luxury properties represented, and 3) a proven online presence and tracking statistics
• A top priority for today’s luxury consumers when selecting an agent is market knowledge and experience (no surprise) but also, global reach
• While the Internet is paramount, printed material is still vital for advertising purposes and must be elegant
• Magazine advertising is still considered appropriate, where the affluent and wealthy expect to find real estate tips and home design trends

The paper also identifies changes brought about by the recession and how consumers have become more fiscally responsible, but expectations have risen. For luxury real estate, this means consumers are seeking fair-priced homes that still provide superb quality of amenities and features that fit the needs and lifestyle for a family setting. They are more focused than ever on “bargains.” Luxury Portfolio continues to tap into the minds of the luxury real estate consumer and market trends through studies and reporting on the luxury market. Read the entire White Paper here.

In the late 18th century and early 19th century, a new style of architecture became popular for luxury homes. The Greek Revival style was predominately seen internationally but made its way to the U.S. between 1820 and 1850, where its popularity grew. Greek Revival homes came at the beginning of American democracy, as the country was beginning to expand. This style was inspired by not only Greek architecture, but also Greek philosophy, as many Americans sympathized with the Greeks’ similar struggle for independence.

This style of architecture is very distinguishable for several reasons. Because of the Greek influence, many of the homes were modeled after the Parthenon, but you may also recognize these as Southern antebellum plantations. Greek Revivals had several unique features, including:

• Symmetrical in shape
• Tall columns
• Low pitched roof
• Pediment gable
• Large porch
• Embellishments and moldings
• Made of wood and plaster
• Often painted white

The formal feel of this style attracts buyers still today, and several luxury Greek Revival homes are currently available throughout the world. Sitting on three acres in Morris Township, NJ a landmark Greek Revival estate dubbed ‘The Sycamores’ rests on the path followed by George Washington and his troops when returning from the Battle of Princeton. The home epitomizes the Greek Revival style with large columns and elaborate moldings and it is currently listed at $1.95 million. In Benahavis, Spain sits a modern version of the Greek Revival style infused in a Mediterranean estate. This seven bedroom, seven bathroom home offers fantastic views and amenities for €8.95 million. Click around to take an online tour or view the photo galleries of these incredible homes, as well as other Greek Revival luxury homes.

Mid-Century Modern refers to the interior design and architecture that developed in the mid-20th century. Homes of this style began being built after World War II in the mid-to-late 1940s and continued through the 1960s and beyond. Because of the war, several new building materials were able to be utilized, and this architectural style began to flourish.

Mid-Century Modern architecture has several defining features. One focus of the style is to bring the outdoors inside to encourage healthy living and a newfound exploration of the environment. Additionally, Mid-Century Modern homes will likely have:

• Unusual frame shape
• Flat planes and geometrical shapes
• Flat or gabled roof
• Large sliding glass doors to receive light from many angles
• Glass walls
• Open floor plan
• Changes in elevation to create the feeling of a split-level
• Natural materials used on the interior
• Extensive outdoor living space to provide integration with nature

With the popularity of organic materials and green living on the rise, so are Mid-Century Modern style homes. This style utilizes space, lighting and materials to create a connection with the outdoors. Several Mid-Century Modern luxury homes are on the market today.

Built in 1963 on a 2.5 acre lot, a stunning Mid-Century Modern home is currently listed at $6.795 million in Highland Park, Illinois. The home features 18 rooms, fantastic views of Lake Michigan and a private beach. However, the elements that really make this home the epitome of the Mid-Century Modern style are the tall glass windows and doors, circular living room and large outdoor area that include a bluestone terrace, cabana, pool and extensive landscaping.

Also available, located in Rye, New York, is a seven bedroom, six bathroom home. This home was built in 1965 and was designed by renowned architect George Nemeny. Large windows, glass walls and an open floor plan allow radiant light to be infused throughout the house. Additionally, mature trees and specimen plantings on the expansive 1.93 acres make this $3.4 million home ideal for those looking for a luxurious Mid-Century Modern place to call their own.

Regardless of our selling situation and the market conditions, once the decision to sell is made, we all have the same goal – a quick sale at the highest price possible. Market conditions are out of our control, but the other factors that play into the fast sale/best price goal are 1) condition and 2) presentation – and those we can control.

The condition factor is easily controlled through cleaning and repairing, fairly objective goals. The presentation factor is more subjective, and this is where staging comes in – evoking the emotions of home to help potential buyers imagine their life in your house – from how their furnishings will fit to how their lifestyle will fit. Staging is the finishing touch that, as its name implies, allows your property to take center stage when buyers start looking – creating a neutral décor and adding accessories to bridge the gap between property statistics and dreams. Check out this insightful home staging video showcasing the transformative effect staging can have.

To disregard the presentation factor and expect buyers to “look through” your furnishings and decorating style is leaving much to chance. Most buyers think that what they see is what they get – everything from furnishings to décor colors. When buyers are either looking on the Internet or standing in your living room, they are usually eliminating before they begin evaluating. There are simply so many properties on the market at such fabulous price points that it can become overwhelming; eliminating is the default process to get the number of options down to a more manageable decision. Staging is the single most important activity to insure that your house isn’t eliminated without buyers truly evaluating its potential relevance to their goals and lifestyle.

A recent study by the Harrison Group revealed that since the recession began luxury home buyers have narrowed the purchase time of a second home property from approximately two years to three months. They are doing the research on the Internet; think of it as pre-selling themselves. This places the importance of staging at an all time high – regardless of price and location, with so many purchase opportunities, it is easier to click on to the next property if doesn’t “feel” like home.

Through staging you can increase your chances of surviving the Internet elimination process and move your house into the evaluating stage more quickly.

Contributing Author: Martha Webb can be reached at marthawebb.com

*Photos Credit: Edina Realty

After World War II, architectural focus shifted from form to function. Homes built between the late 1940s and 1970s were considered to be less visually appealing, but they were made to accommodate more residents than in the past. This style of architecture is considered to be Post-war.

Post-war homes often came in the form of high-rise apartment buildings in several major cities. These practical residences provided additional services that were not available during the Pre-war era, such as parking garages, laundry rooms, elevators and doormen. Additionally, Post-war buildings had identifiable features such as:

• Brick exterior
• Boxy shape
• Little or no ornamentation
• Plain, symmetrical windows

Simple, unassuming design is not to be confused with boring and despite some feeling that many Post-war buildings are uninspired, several remarkable luxury properties of this style are for sale in appealing metropolitan areas. In Chicago, Illinois, a penthouse in a Post-war style building is currently listed at $8.9 million. The spacious three bedroom home features two 1,000 square foot decks plus four balcony areas, boasting incredible city and lake views.

As implied by its name, Pre-war refers to the style of architecture built before World War II from 1890 to 1940. During this time, many people began moving to larger city environments and leaving the small town farmlands behind. However, residents were not willing to sacrifice comfort for style, so they turned to a new type of home that would give them comfortable city living. Pre-war architecture came as a result of the shift from functional homes or extravagant mansions to what many would call a happy medium. Manhattan is full of stunning Pre-War style homes featuring limestone construction, Juliet balconies, large windows and more period details.

Pre-war architecture came prior to the time of mass production, so the individuality of each building attracts homebuyers even today. Pre-war homes are typically two stories with a basement and also may feature:

• High ceilings
• Hardwood floors
• Decorative moldings
• Fireplaces
• Arched doorways
• Ornamentation

Many luxury Pre-war properties are available on the market today in cities across the country.  A duplex apartment in a prestigious Park Avenue co-op is currently listed at $7.195 million. This luxury Pre-War/Vintage style property features a grand foyer, beautiful wood burning fireplace and a large terrace perfect for entertaining. To experience the essence of Pre-war luxurious homes for yourself or to view additional properties, visit our photo galleries or take a video tour.

The newest edition of Luxury Portfolio’s LuxeTrends® newsletter shares some of our favorite places to access luxury online and on-the-go. Several destinations on the web, along with mobile apps from well-known luxury brands are offering a multitude of ways to better and more easily access goods and services.

Take a look at the new LuxeTrends® for some ideas on how to remain connected to the latest in luxury.