Starting with an exemplary use of bamboo seen in the Urban Cabin designed by Fabio Galeazzo, we find ourselves in a world of possibilities. Bamboo elements have this exotic appeal that speaks about the need to surround ourselves with natural materials. Inspired by modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral’s works, this modern cabin received its defining traits in the shape of a sustainable framework of giant bamboo beams and columns. This fascinating combination of colors and textures might inspire your next project.

Exterior use of bamboo brings into the spotlight the Bamboo Forest House in eastern Taiwan. Dressed in an inspiring bamboo skin, the urban family vacation residence is a brainchild of Roewu Architecture. Solid volumes were adorned with a series of bamboo screens that wrap around them in a successful effort of making it easier for the interiors to be naturally ventilated while keeping the windows open. Privacy was also strengthened by this bamboo addition – it acts like a buffer between the calm interior atmosphere and the surrounding urban outdoors.

Another dazzling display of bamboo comes from the Bamboo Courtyard House – a contemporary office building in Yangzhou, China. Extensive use of bamboo brings this design by Harmony World Consulting & Design to our attention – having been built on water, the amazing example filters natural light through bamboo poles, creating an interesting play of light and shadow. Contemporary details like the playful geometry of doors construct the bridge to modern architectural design we have come to cherish.

How about showcasing beautiful bamboo on the ceiling? This idea below was presented by Galeazzo Design in a residential project built in São Paulo, Brazil. The countryside residence makes use of natural materials and modern technologies to create a welcoming environment for the extensive family meeting here once in a while. Known as the Ranch House, the house displays bamboo used in many forms, from the main entrance bamboo doors to the ceilings in the social spaces. By using sustainable materials, the designers prove that we can enjoy both the uprising of informed environmental decisions and the comfortable lifestyle we all strive for.

Last but not least, the use of bamboo in its natural growing state can become the best way to improve a garden, a side of the house or define a beautiful interior garden. As seen in the example below, bamboo sticks go very well with a simple contemporary architecture. Portrayed in the collaboration between San Francisco-based architects Lucian Rosciszewski and Marek Slosar, the bamboo trees make their mark on the collaborative effort of inducing a Zen atmosphere in and around this Californian home.

Which way would you use bamboo to define spaces in or around your own home?

About Ada Teicu: An architecture enthusiast, Ada shares finds from all over the world, constructing a spotlight on modern design. Expressing personal preferences on her blog – she loves uncovering new designers and find what makes acknowledged architects so unique. Follow her on Twitter or Pinterest for inspiring surrounding design.

Take inspiration from this amazing restaurant in Rome that has a large tree growing under a skylight, capturing the essence of modern interpretation of rustic elements. The Kook restaurant was designed by Noses Architects as a concrete space touched by the warmth of wooden details, with an olive tree growing in the middle as if it wanted to root the Mediterranean tradition while allowing contemporary details to take over. This olive tree is supposed to “strengthen the relationship between innovation and tradition, between grandmother’s recipes and recipes from chefs”. As a symbol of wisdom, the tree was captured in between dark-framed windows as if the architects wanted to accentuate its existence.

Sometimes, a large tree is a better option, but other times a couple of slim ones would do the trick even better. The Pit House by UID Architects proves that architecture and nature can become two sides of the same coin. The Japanese residence gives the impression that the surroundings and the architecture coexist in balance. Rounded shapes and a cylindrical concrete core set the tone for a unique view on home life. Slim trees spread their branches just like the branch-like columns supporting the floating volumes that shape the interior spaces, creating a strong bond between natural and man-made.

In a luxurious, contemporary setting like Casa Anapanasati’s main social space, a few tree branches break the monotony, creating a valuable connection with the outdoors. The concrete and teak wood Costa Rican residence is abundant in modern details. This is what makes the indoor tree stand out and architects of Aarcano Arquitectura chose to display it in the double-height space to give it a sense of belonging to nature.

An indoor tree can also become part of a relaxation zone or it can be used as decoration as it is the case with the North Eagle Project by Jeremy Levine. Built around three trees, the house provides both a close tactile relationship with trees, but also an enclosed, strictly visual connection with the boxed trees (pictured above and below). So you see, some people choose to build around the existing trees, while others plant new ones and enjoy their steady growth.

Which kind of indoor tree would you choose to display in your home?

About Ada Teicu: An architecture enthusiast, Ada shares finds from all over the world, constructing a spotlight on modern design. Expressing personal preferences on her blog – she loves uncovering new designers and find what makes acknowledged architects so unique. Follow her on Twitter or Pinterest inspiring surrounding design.

Up next, inside the pages of Ocean Home’s August/September issue, we reveal our picks for the top 10 oceanfront homes for sale in the U.S. These homes are the finest properties currently on the market from South Florida to Central Coastal California.

We’ve got our “Top 10,” now see if you can best us by sending us your (or your client’s) fabulous home (must be for sale)! Maybe it’ll make the list*.

Think you can top our Top 10? Submit a link to the listing of your oceanfront gem, which includes location, square footage, price, and photos to top10@oceanhomemag.com

*Note, this is an editorial feature. If we see something that tops our Top 10, our editors will be in touch.

The 8,659 square-foot home, which was built in 2006, features eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a theatre, pool, sauna, and steam room. But what caught Lopez’s eye was the promise of privacy that also came with the property. Her new home is set on three acres and tucked into a cul-de-sac on Bay Lane. That will give her, her 25-year-old boyfriend Casper Smart, and twin five-year-olds, Emme and Max, plenty of space to do as they please.

Exterior shot of Lopez’s $10 million Hamptons mansion.

Images: Trulia

The bikes, which are offered in a variety of colors, come equipped with 1,000 lifetime battery charges. At less than .05 cents and 40 miles per charge, Jetson’s output is 1,000 miles traveled with under one dollar spending. Which means that by helping out the environment, you are also helping out your wallet.

Don’t worry about the clean up either, no gas means no leaky fluids, no oil changes, and no nitrous oxide, methane, or hydrofluorocarbons from car air conditioners. You can enjoy the wind in your hair (under your helmet, of course) and the sun on your face.

Helpful tip, like motor scooters, you do not need a drivers license to operate these bikes.

Jetson Bike in “Lime”

Newport from the water

American history and Gilded Age opulence define America’s picturesque city by the sea. by Paul Rubio

Newport. It’s a name that conjures up images of sparkling seascapes, historic lighthouses, Gilded Age opulence, regattas, and high society. From centuries-old mansions dotting the coastline to storied coastal forts and narrow streets brimming with history, Newport is a stunningly beautiful place that never fails to impress.

Originally founded as a colony for religious freedom in the 17th century and evolving into America’s society capital by the 20th century, Newport tenderly embraces its rich past. Throughout the centuries, this city by the sea has held claim to several historic firsts: America’s first synagogue, circa 1763 (Touro Synagogue); lending library, circa 1747 (Redwood Library and Athenaeum); and tavern, circa 1673 (The White Horse Tavern), all of which remain in operation. Newport was also site of the first U.S. Open tennis match in 1895, an achievement detailed in the city’s International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum.

By the late 19th century, fortunes from the Industrial Revolution were mounting, and a newfound American elite endeavored to find a summer social playground. Enter Newport, with its picturesque coastlines, idyllic summer weather, and proximity to major economic centers. The likes of the Astors and Vanderbilts were soon entertaining the rest of the Who’s Who of American high society in colossal summer “cottages,” now part of the famous Newport Mansions portfolio.

Across Newport, the peak of America’s Gilded Age opulence has been frozen in time, thanks largely to the Preservation Society of Newport County (newportmansions.org). The society owns and operates 14 historic oceanside mansions, none more spectacular than The Breakers. The pinnacle of early-20th-century wealth, The Breakers headlines Bellevue Avenue’s Historic District and reigns as Newport’s most-visited attraction. The five-story, 65,000-square-foot, 70-room mansion formerly owned by the Vanderbilt family dazzles with its epic Great Hall, sculpted iron gates, Italian Renaissance influences, and lavish interiors. Also on this well-heeled avenue, the extraordinary Elms mansion offers a home and grounds tour completely unlike its neighbors. Inspired by the raging popularity of the television series “Downton Abbey,” the new “Servant Life Tour” at The Elms explores the back lots of this fabled estate and the behind-the-scenes drama of Elms’ servants.

Behind the collection of mega mansions lies Newport’s Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile walking trail nestled alongside the ocean. Walk south and reach remote swaths of craggy coastline; head north to see surfers hanging 10 on Easton’s Beach (even in the dead of winter).

Much like it has since the early 20th century, modern-day Newport erupts in full bloom during the summer. Socialites young and old vie for space with jet setters at the city’s myriad boat

New England Clambake at Castle Inn.

races, luxury hotels, legendary restaurants, and other iconic attractions. They arrive in droves for Newport’s annual outdoor festivities, like the Newport Jazz Festival, the Newport International Boat Show, the Newport Folk Festival, the Sunset Music Festival, and the Newport Regatta. Private beach and golf clubs welcome back their returning members, while non-members head to Gooseberry Beach for a bit of fun in the sun.

Boat enthusiasts, aspiring photographers, and those in the know spend summer evenings at Castle Inn, a century-old mansion turned Relais & Châteaux hotel on its own 40-acre peninsula. From its sprawling Adirondack chair-dotted lawn to its fine dining restaurant, Castle Inn brings to life the quintessential postcard-perfect image of New England. It also provides a front-row seat to the best sunset in Newport. Order Champagne or the signature oyster martini from your alfresco lounger, or elevate the experience over a multi-course meal. Award-winning chef Karsten Hart dishes out experiential gastronomy with locally inspired dishes, like pan-Seared Georges Bank scallops with crispy blood orange slices, pistachio dust, and Maltaise sauce and pan-seared Georges Bank lemon sole, accompanied by Maine lobster, potato gnocchi, and tempura artichokes.

The Newport experience isn’t complete until you’ve indulged in an overnight stay at one of the town’s gloriously restored mansions. The Golden Age is alive and well at the aforementioned Castle Inn and the wildly popular Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk. Moreover, the former Vanderbilt Hall from 1909 has been completely restored and reinvented as the luxurious Vanderbilt Grace. Ample acreage and design foresight have translated to a wide array of amenities uncommon to Newport’s other boutique mansion hotels—think oversized rooms, a dining atrium, a sumptuous spa, a subterranean indoor pool, an outdoor pool surrounded by manicured gardens, and a rooftop bar where patrons can enjoy sunset cocktails and Wednesday movie nights come summertime.

The Vanderbilt Grace experience begins at check-in with a glass of bubbly served in bespoke flutes. From there, it’s a stroll through the hotel’s majestic common spaces—past fireplaces, grand staircases, exquisite vases, and period furnishings—to one of its 33 rooms and suites, which marry modernity with tradition for a look of understated elegance. In the 700-square-foot VIP Suites, for example, a brick-hewn fireplace and classic portrait art stand opposite a bedroom framed by plentiful windows and white walls and decorated with design-savvy furnishings and accents like lanterns and salmon-tinted linens. Whether visiting for the first or the fifth time, history-steeped Vanderbilt Grace charms visitors with a peek inside this city’s grand past.

The Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk - Newport’s elegant mansion by the sea keeps history in style.

Exterior shot of The Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk

A celebration of Gilded Age glamour, The Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk offers guests the true experience of Newport mansion life. Twenty unique rooms and suites represent various periods of European and American history through design. The imperial English Tudor room, for example, would serve Henry VIII proud with its dark, masculine, and ornate décor. Likewise, the Louis XVI room captures the essence of 18th-century regal opulence, bedazzled with gold trim, blue-and-mustard furnishings, and old-fashioned clocks. Regardless of décor, all 20 of Chanler’s bespoke sanctuaries embody a common theme of romance.

The boutique hotel was originally constructed in 1873 as the summer home of John Winthrop Chanler and Margaret Astor Ward. Nowadays, the Chanler is also connected to the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk path, granting immediate access to Newport’s other famed mansions and nearby Easton’s Beach.

Upon arriving in their rooms or suites, guests are greeted with a box of gourmet cookies, perfect to help digest the “wow factor” of the interiors. After a day spent roaming around Newport, the Chanler’s Spiced Pear restaurant delivers gastronomic greatness from its showroom-style open kitchen with specialties such as butter-poached Maine lobster with truffled leeks, candied beets, and sunchoke purée, as well as Rohan duck breast in blood orange jus.

The service is always top-notch at the Chanler Inn at Cliff Walk, and the front desk staff bears a wealth of knowledge of Newport and its surroundings. The complimentary on-call luxury SUV shuttle moves guests around within three miles of the hotel, putting nearly all of Newport in the palm of their hand.

Planning your next Newport trip? Make time for these must-see spots while you’re in town.

The house’s courtyard centers around a contemporary-style pool and spa.

A new home on the Pacific designed by veteran oceanfront architect Mark Singer balances privacy with wide-open vistas of sea, sand, and sunsets. by J. Michael Welton

As far as walls go, this one, at 992 Oceanfront in Laguna Beach, CA, is a monument to multi-tasking.

This wall doesn’t merely support the roof above. It serves as a shield from surfers and beachgoers hustling along a heavily traveled walkway to the south. It creates a comforting enclosure for a private courtyard with an infinity pool and spa, all tucked in between a garage to the east and living quarters to the west. Its windows above open up to the courtyard and pool below. And best of all, it’s a foil to some of the finest ocean views on this planet.

Stone masons built the wall using rough-cut, buff-toned Texas limestone, carefully eschewing the traditional use of grout between joints. It runs perpendicular to the Pacific Ocean for 126 feet east to west, along the southern elevation of the new home there. Directly opposite it are the wide-open views that make this home, priced at $15 million, even more memorable.

“It’s simply breathtaking,” says realtor Jacqueline Thompson. “From almost every angle in every room, you can see straight to the ocean and to the crashing waves. But there’s a lot of privacy.”

“It’s only steps to the ocean,” says architect Mark Singer, who designed and built it last year. “You can go down for a swim and come back for a shower—or go for a swim, ocean to pool.”

This is a home that’s simple and clean in its celebration of what’s outside, and like its long-running wall, it’s happy to play second fiddle to its place in the sun. The entire design is dedicated to the concept of creating privacy while organizing and capitalizing on open space to the west and north.

“When you have a painting on your wall, the frame around it enhances it,” Singer says. “This house enhances the ocean experience by framing it in its simplicity.”

Inside the home’s 4,300 square feet, the look is stripped-down and contemporary, allowing sunlight to dominate during the day. Even the fireplace in the master suite, where the limestone wall comes to its end, is low-key, encouraging the play of natural light and shadows upon it.

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Singer, who’s been specializing in oceanfront architecture for 30 years, likes to juxtapose the contemporary and the antique in his designs. He deliberately limited his material palette in this home to enhance its sense of elegance. Aiming for a look that is peaceful and sculptural, he splurged only on items like a primitive, Spanish-style garage door made of cedar imported from the forests of western Canada.

It’s all sited on a steep lot, with a house that moves in sections down to the ocean. It starts with the garage standing 52 feet above sea level, then the courtyard at 35 feet, and then sloping down to the living quarters at 23 feet. The lot is 50 feet wide, and the home itself is 40.

“The public spaces are wide and flow very well,” Singer says. “It’s a perpetuating experience that pulls you through. And as you move through, your questions [about the design] get answered, so that you understand the whole thing.”

That limestone wall serves as guide and interpreter all along the way, until your eyes arrive at the sun setting over Catalina Island. “People’s mouths drop,” says Thompson.

And for good reason.

When Lepa Roskopp launched her luxury jewelry line, Misahara, she chose to include a certain symbol on every piece: a triangle. It’s a simple shape, but it stands for something complex and deeply meaningful to the designer and businesswoman. It represents unity and interconnectedness–between cultures, between beliefs, and between people. And in many ways, it reflects the process by which Roskopp creates each Misaraha piece. Through internationally inspired combinations–this gemstone, that shape, this arrangement–the final result is a work of fashion that is far greater and more glamorous than the sum of its parts.

Lepa Roskopp (second from right) and athletes from the Santa Cruz Syndicate mountain bike racing team at her California home.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Saratoga, CA-based Roskopp is so inspired by the ocean. Land, after all, can be divided by boundaries drawn by nature or by man. But the ocean goes wherever it flows, and its soft, lapping touch links every corner of our big blue planet.

“Water is the most tranquil thing to watch,” says Roskopp, who has ocean homes in Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea and in Zimbali on South Africa’s northern coast. It is in these serene locations where she often seizes the creative sparks for her collection. “I don’t think anyone cannot decompress by the ocean,” she says “It’s the perfect place to reflect and gather thoughts and inspiration.”

When Roskopp reflects on her own high-end-meets-bohemian designs, that aforementioned spirit of unity seems to be paramount. After all, she understood from an early age the kind of devastation that division and fragmentation can bring. It’s true that Roskopp has enjoyed a privileged life; born to a bicultural family in the diplomatic core, her childhood was defined by jet-setting travel that exposed her to an international community. Today she is married to a well-known athlete, former pro skateboarder Rob Roskopp, and runs successful companies that cater to affluent clientele. But she’ll never forget how her world changed in the early ’90s, when violent civil wars dissolved Yugoslavia into many independent countries and created permanent fissures for a once-united people.

“It tore me apart, seeing hatred among friends that I grew up with in the village,” says Roskopp, who grew up between the small Serbian villages of Klek and Cerovac, where her family compound is located. “And it hurt me, seeing how it aged my father. He believed in Yugoslavia and the unity of the people. I think that was my biggest inspiration behind the Misahara unity symbol.”

Unity is also reflected in the jewelry line’s different design elements. Roskopp has a longstanding passion for fashion and was first introduced by her mother to global style scenes in cities like Paris. But today she remains greatly influenced by her own extensive travels. Her designs and custom creations of 18-karat gold, pave diamonds, and precious gems all combine the inspiration Roskopp has culled from the colors and topographies of many far-flung locations.

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The Adriatic Collection, Misahara’s summer launch, is actually a return home in many ways. Childhood memories of growing up by the Adriatic Sea and in Serbian villages results in rippled textures that recall rolling waves and the Balkan Mountains. Regal hues of orange, gold, and purple conjure associations with seaside sunsets. The ultimate result is a unique, feminine style that marries the authenticity of Balkan women with the flair of Mediterranean neighbors.

In addition, Roskopp has planned a lavish August launch for the collection in nearby Porto Montenegro, a former Yugoslav shipyard that is now home to a rapidly developing luxury yacht marina. The ultra-high-end community attracts the world’s wealthiest, and August’s event will be themed like a jewelry heist in a Bond film, says Roskopp. Expect a glittering list of VIPs–from professional athletes to European royalty–assembled among mega-yachts by the docks, fashion shows on jetties, and parties in penthouses. The result: a bona fide ocean of opulence.

Of course, luxury permeates every aspect of Roskopp’s business life. She is also co-founder of The True Collection (thetruecollection.com), a members-only private club (fee to join: $100,000) that curates one-of-a-kind experiences for wealthy clientele: think topnotch accommodations, handpicked personnel, and uniquely immersive adventures that range from African safaris to Alpine skiing and are enjoyed alongside esteemed athletes, artists, and moguls.

But Roskopp works hard to help others enjoy their play. A self-described perfectionist, she strives to balance her demanding professional schedule with family life. That can be hard, says the mother of three, especially when your spouse is your business partner; Roskopp works with her husband Rob on his company, Santa Cruz Bicycles (santacruzbicycles.com), and they are partners in The True Collection (thetruecollection.com), a members-only service providing exclusive travel experiences.

How does the duo make things work as a professional power couple? Roskopp says the key is maintaining an emotional division between home life and family life, something she learned from her father. “Working in the family business helped,” says Roskopp. “My father had multiple companies, and when we got to work, he was no longer our father – he was our boss. I learned early on to separate emotions there. That’s what you have to do in a marriage.”

“Ari” blue sapphire ring

As the couple raises three children in the privileged communities of Silicon Valley, Roskopp thinks it is important to keep her girls grounded. She does it in small ways: for instance, by making sure they do their own chores. The family has a maid, but “she is not allowed to make their beds or wash their clothes,” says Roskopp. “They are not accustomed to having people wait on them.” She also exposes her well-traveled children to very different lifestyles around the world. Every summer, Roskopp returns to Serbia, where her children get a glimpse at a modest community in which their family has roots. “It’s a very humble, simple life there,” says Roskopp. “They see the children playing in the town square. They see how little they have, and how content they are. They understand that material stuff is not going to make you happy.”

“Jansi” 18-karat yellow-gold-and-Mexican-fire-opal cuff

Perhaps the most dramatic reminder of that lesson is found near the Roskopps’ home in South Africa, which at points has been ravaged by apartheid that echoes the division experienced in the former Yugoslavia. Not far from Zimbali is a poor area where Roskopp discovered the Thimbini School, a place where children struggle for the most basic needs. Roskopp says her own children were shocked–and humbled. “My daughter had made a Christmas list. She had asked for a maid, because she was sick of cleaning her room,” recalls Roskopp. “Then she saw the lists of what those children at the Thimbini School were asking for: a mother, pencils. She realized it was kind of gross, the things she had been asking for.”

A portion of Misahara profits are donated to the Thimbini School, and Roskopp is working to broaden her business’s scope of philanthropy by incorporating the nonprofit True Cause Foundation (ultimateexperience.com/truecause). With the launch of the Adriatic Collection, she expects to move the charitable focus closer to that region, helping people in places like Kosovo. (In fact, she is already contributing by employing Serbian locals for the splashy launch event.)

It all goes back to that sense of unity, says Roskopp. Her life and business trade in luxury, but her heart is rooted in a desire to connect people and cultures. Above all else, that is what Misahara represents, says Roskopp.

“We want to see people accept each other, to accept different lifestyles, cultures, and ideas,” says Roskopp of the ethos of Misahara, which takes its name from a combination of her childrens’ names—Sara (sa), Harrison (ha), and Mara (ra)—and business partner and pro athlete Greg Minnaar’s (Mi). “The fusion of all these things is very important.”

Misahara’s symbol may be a triangle, but Roskopp brings its spirit of unity full circle.

Americans are conditioned to think of swimming pools as man-made water dwellings, complete with blue-tinged tiles and chlorine. In Europe, however, that idea has been evolving steadily over the past couple of decades to include pools that look more like extensions of natural surroundings, adapting existing terrestrial methodology for filtration and sustainability. Simply put: Natural swimming pools (NSPs) are eco-friendly, intuitive aquatic innovations. On top of that, they’re finally traveling across the pond and into backyards in the United States.

“It’s new technology, which is why people are skeptical. It’s really the difference between sterile water and natural water,” says Alan Weene, from BioNova Natural Swimming Pools, a global network leading the charge in designing and streamlining NSPs. “Naturally existing bacteria is not necessarily something we should be killing, though. Mother Nature already knows how to purify water. Natural swimming pools are like hybrid vehicles used to be. When people started to understand them, they caught on. We expect the same thing to happen.”

A pool built by BioNova Natural Swimming Pools at a residence on Nantucket

That understanding of NSPs will come with time, and more exposure to the technology in the U.S. Now that BioNova is working on North America’s first public natural swimming pool, to debut at Minneapolis’s Webber Park in spring 2014, don’t be shocked if NSPs catch on in eco culture. What makes them so great? The constructed pools are ecologically harmonious, enhancing nature’s design for swimming instead of developing completely new techniques, which often work against it.

All purification of NSP water is biological, meaning it’s entirely chemical-free—no chlorine, no bromine, no synthetic additions whatsoever. Here’s how the pools work instead: The water is divided into zones with specific plants in each, helping clean and maintain the pool with an optimal cocktail of microorganisms. The plants dwell in gravel, water is pumped through each of the zones, and the tiny life forms become permanent fixtures that are continually cleaning the water. Unlike a traditional swimming pool, filtration plays off the environment, involving biological elements like special grasses and reeds planted at one end of a pool. As with a regular pool, you clean surface water by hand with skimming devices.

Weene says that if you can get used to the natural look and feel of the pool, there are enormous benefits. “It’s chemical-free, so it’s healthier and safer,” he explains. “It helps restore habitats, and it’s a lot like caring for a terrestrial garden.”

That comparison means you’re likely familiar with all the NSP’s upkeep. If you’re looking to become a pool owner but don’t like the thought of maintaining a traditional pool season after season, NSPs might be your best bet. Once the pool is installed, as long as you care for the plants and use basic sediment-removal practices, the chemical-free setup is a gift. Additionally, smaller pumps use less energy, reducing the carbon footprint. And eliminating chemicals also means maintenance costs are nonexistent, whereas traditional chlorinated pools can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per season to maintain.

“The theory of a natural pool is very appealing,” says green-clean expert Leslie Reichert, author of The Joy of Green Cleaning. “They are easier and cheaper to maintain since you don’t use any chemicals. The only real maintenance is vacuuming the sediment. They do not need to be emptied or covered in the winter, and there’s just an initial break-in time where the filtering process would remove algae and let the natural filtration take place.” After that [two-week] delay before each season, you’re free to swim.

However, the downside is you may have to get used to a different kind of swim. While natural swimming pools are pretty to look at, as they often seamlessly meld into the environment, the water isn’t the crystal-clear kind you’d find in a sterilized pool. According to Weene, NSP waters tend to be “moody.” That’s the nature of biology, so to speak. “They’re not going to look the same everyday,” Weene says. “But you will be able to see to the bottom, so that’s still okay. There’s all-natural water in there, and the appearance is telling you that something is out of whack.” Not necessarily wrong, but off—and when you notice changes, nature should make the necessary adjustments to self-correct the issue and stabilize. Cloudy water might signal excess algae growth, for instance, and the aquatic plants serve to perform necessary functions, like nutrient extraction.

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Weene insists the pools are “always safe and healthy to swim in” while the habitat returns to an even keel. However, you may have to ride out those inevitable bumps in the road. “No two pools are exactly the same,” he says. And that can be a positive. The pools are not just different in water behavior, but in look as well, so each design is unique. With NSPs, you can dream up a roadmap for any layout, depending on how exactly you’d like to use the pool and how much space you have.

Take it from Chris Rawlings, founder of Water House Pools. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Rawlings creates natural swimming pools centered around stonework. He constructs ecological wonders in the Northeast, ranging from small to large. Sometimes it’s a plunge pool for one or two people to utilize at a time; other times it’s a super-sized pool for extra functionality, like the one he created for a community-supported agriculture farm in Massachusetts that doubles as a water-retention pond. Every project is different, so prices and specifications fall everywhere across the board.

“It’s really site specific,” Rawlings says. “All my pools have had a specific set of requirements from the owners. We try to make them as energy efficient and maintenance efficient as possible, but other than that, it’s their pool. I try to include the client as much as I can in the design process, so they have a sense of ownership.” Rawlings’s designs, in particular, focus on stones, to further accentuate the natural allure of NSPs. “There’s such an energy that stones give to a constructed landscape,” he says. “It’s a real sense of timelessness, like the design has been there forever.”

So what’s not to love about natural swimming pools? “They’re not for everyone,” Rawlings admits, although he thinks they will make sense for a lot of would-be pool owners in these  more eco-friendly times.

Three Key Benefits of NSPs

Alan Weene of BioNova highlights these NSP advantages:

1. They’re chemical-free With the natural purification, your family won’t be exposed to chemicals like they would with a traditional chlorinated pool.

2. Less energy Lower flow rates and a lack of chemicals contribute to less energy use, helping to reduce the pool’s carbon footprint.

3. Lower maintenance You don’t need to rely on chemicals to maintain and purify water, so taking care of the NSP is more like taking care of a garden–trim and groom plants, and get rid of debris and sediment.

Interior expert, Julie Richard

Interior design expert Julie Richard dishes on summer color trends and what goes into the choosing of superior shades. by Kiley Jacques

When it comes to paint colors for that long-overdue interior makeover, consider those hand-selected by Julie Richard, owner of Shelter Interior Design (shelterinteriordesign.com) in Salem, MA, has much to say on the subject of “color concepts.”

Describing the process by which she and a panel of experts chose Ace Hardware’s Clark+Kensington 2013 summer color palette, Richard points to a number of determinants. Client input and color forecasting from Pantone—a recognized authority on color—as well as what is occurring culturally and creatively in the world all factored in to the panel’s choices. Lifestyle trends often influence a palette’s appeal, as do design styles.

Richard notes a few accent shades usually join the ranks for “a bit of drama and contrast.” Her personal color preferences are inspired, in part, by fashion trends. “What is fresh and new in theatre, Hollywood, and the fashion world often trickles down to home décor,” she says, predicting that Pantone’s choice for color of the year will be a hot hue.

No matter the source for its inspiration, a winning color deck ultimately comprises colors that include varying shades and values of classic neutrals, as well as updated accent colors. “The [current] overall design trend,” says Richard, “is to paint rooms with livable neutral shades. Tans were more popular a few years ago, but shades with gray undertones are now in the forefront.” She sees colors inspired by the ocean—like warm greys, blues, and emerald green—as well as Art Deco neutrals making their way into people’s homes this summer.

Color trends, in general, seem to follow a pattern, says Richard. “Often, I find clients desire cooler colors in the summer and warmer tones in fall and winter.” In fact, the season has great bearing on what’s in vogue in the color kingdom. “I [see] clients go into a nesting mode in the cooler months,” says Richard, “[and] they crave richer, cozier spaces. In the summer, [they] tend to want to keep their spaces light, fresh, and fun.”

Richard demonstrates a successful color combination or, as she calls it, a “cohesive interior color story,” by way of example. She says, “Mixing shades of blue, gray, and green [like] Clark+Kensington’s Apple Grove, Crisp Linen, Beach House, and Sapphire create a serene palette. The Sapphire shade would add just the right amount of contrast and depth to the mix.”

As to how she determines successful unions, Richard explains, “I really don’t follow too many rules while designing spaces.” She does, however stick to some basics, using one primary color, one secondary, and a third to serve as a complementary accent shade. With neutral tones as the base, incorporating “pops of color” readily reflects seasonal changes. Richard suggests using trendy hues for easily altered design elements, like a front door. Throw pillows, window treatments, and other fabrics also lend themselves to quick changes that can have a powerful effect on the mood a room evokes. For somewhat more permanent statements, Richard suggests opting for crisp white walls that are accented with colorful pieces of furniture.

People are creatures of habit, so they generally gravitate toward certain shades. Richard has seen a definite preference for the “safer” calming shades belonging to the family of earth tones. “Neutral colors,” she says, “[that are] inspired by nature are always a favorite.” Of bolder, more unusual choices, Richard says, “A fresh, unexpected paint color is truly transformative.”

Rooms painted with Clark+Kensington Lamp Shade #3046. Richard says favorite objects and destinations should serve as inspiration when choosing paints.

To combat the tendency toward traditional colors, Richard encourages her clients to explore unchartered waters. “I ask my clients to look to what they love for inspiration. I suggest choosing objects or destinations [that] they are drawn to when [picking] paint colors. I also [talk about] the importance of taking risks; 90 percent of the time they find [the] risk was worth it.”

Before dipping a brush, however, interior makeovers should include considerations like the type of lighting used in the space, the room’s location in the home, and the amount of “traffic” to be expected. “I’d approach a playroom differently than [I would] a master bedroom,” says Richard. Sun exposure, too, plays a hand in color selection; shades will appear cooler in north-facing rooms and warmer in those facing south. And, of course, a room’s function matters. Kitchens and living rooms, for instance, tend to be highly active spaces and require particularly careful planning. Richard says, “High traffic areas obviously take more abuse…that’s a good place to consider not only the color for the space but also the finish.”

Taking notes and thinking hard about all such matters is commendable, but in the end, committing color to walls takes guts. Fear can prove a debilitating obstacle, but Richard proffers a solution: “I always suggest painting a two-foot-by-two-foot sample swatch on a wall before painting an entire room. Live with this color for a few days. It’s amazing how the shade will change in different light and at various times of the day. It’s really the best way to make the right choice.”

Of how to use colors most effectively Richard says, “I try to vary the shades. I’ll pair a bright, high-gloss object next to something quieter and lighter.” She also suggests playing up contrasts, no matter how slight. The variations in texture of materials, for example, can be the starting point for color choices. That same subtlety exists in the ceiling. Richard regards it as “a fifth wall” and says, “It doesn’t always have to be white; even if you slightly tint a white shade with a complementary color…or paint it a few shades lighter than the wall color, it will feel as if you’ve considered the entire environment, and it will add a beautiful sense of depth to the space.”

Color is a complex décor component, but following seasonal trends and giving thought to a few key design concepts can yield a surprisingly pleasant pick from the old box of crayons.  

The Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Color

Do

• Devise a color palette that feels fresh and complements the season
• Look for inspiration in cultural/lifestyle trends, favorite objects, and destinations
• Consider lighting, sun exposure, function, and traffic volume in a space
• Play up contrasts
• Vary the shades
• Use trendy colors in easy-to-change elements, like throw pillows and window treatments
• Test colors with small sample swatches left on the wall for a few days
• Take chances

Don’t

• Use predictable thematic schemes
• Forget the ceiling
• Choose colors only viewed in a store
• Dismiss nearby colors and patterns

What better way to get into the Fourth of July spirit than with entertaining tips straight from our nation’s capital? Mekdim Yemane, director of sales and marketing at The Melrose Hotel in Washington, D.C. (melrosehoteldc.com), shows her patriotic stripes with colorful décor ideas and playful American pastimes, while Executive Chef Nate Lindsay of the hotel’s Jardenea restaurant dishes on a mouth-watering salad and a frosty cocktail to refresh your guests’ palates this summer. Pair these with an eco-friendly tablescape and you’ve got yourself a party. Now, for the fireworks.

Play some games - For outdoor soirées, encourage guests to mingle by scattering large floor cushions on the lawn. Keep with the patriotic theme and buy ones with festive prints, such as bold nautical stripes and playful red polka dots. Another idea: Celebrate America’s favorite leisure activities by filling large containers with decorative green grass and laying sports equipment on top that guests can actually play with, like baseballs and bats, footballs, and red and blue croquet balls.

Set the scene - Start with a colorful runner and build a charming centerpiece by alternating between bowls filled with red peonies floating in water and ice bowls filled with upright red, white, and blue ice pops and pinwheels. Then, create easy place settings by writing each guest’s name on paper cones and filling them with Cracker Jacks. To make your own paper holders, cut a decorative piece of card stock or other sturdy paper to measure 7.5-by-11 inches. Simply twist each into a cone shape and use double-stick tape to hold the shape together.

The Blue Harvest cocktail

Punch up your drinks - For an elegant touch, fill the punch bowl with fruit-filled ice and ice rings. Try using blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, rose petals, and edible white flowers to stay with the red, white, and blue theme. Use a bundt pan to make thicker ice rings that won’t melt as quickly in the hot sun.

Recipes

Blue Harvest Cocktail

• 2 oz. American Harvest vodka
• ½ oz. Organic Blue Curacao
• ½ oz. white cranberry juice
• 1 lime
• Hint of agave nectar
• 1 raspberry
• 1 American flag toothpick
• Red sugar sprinkles

Squeeze half of the lime into a shaker and add vodka, Blue Curacao, and white cranberry juice. Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake for 10 to15 seconds. Rim a chilled highball glass with red sugar. Cut a wedge out of the other half of the lime and dip it in agave nectar. Garnish the glass with the American flag toothpick, lime wedge, and raspberry.

Avocado and Blue Lump Crab Tian

Avocado and Blue Lump Crab Tian – yields 4 servings

• 2 Hass avocados
• ½ lb. lump crabmeat, picked through
• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ lb. field greens
• ½ red pepper, diced small
• ½ yellow pepper, diced small
• 16 grape tomatoes
• 4 oz. A L’Olivier truffle vinaigrette
• Kosher salt and black pepper

In a small mixing bowl, combine the peppers, mayo, lemon juice, cilantro, 1 oz. of truffle vinaigrette, and crab meat. Lightly toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper. Split both avocados in half and remove the pits. Carefully peel off the skin and slice into thin, lengthwise pieces and fan out. Place a spoonful of crab mix into the center of each avocado half. Add salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, and dressing.

Gear

1. Rwanda Basket 12-inch New Spirit Fruit Bowl
Handcrafted by Rwandan women artisans, this basket is naturally dyed sisal coil sewn over bundled sweet grass ($50).

2. Sailboat Bottle Caddy

Made from recycled steel and copper, this whimsical piece holds a wine bottle horizontally on deck ($82).

3. Paradise Linen Table Runner in Spice/Cherry

This hand-printed and -sewn, preshrunk Italian linen is made with eco-friendly, water-based inks ($70).  

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Spartina “Harbor Light” beach towel, $37

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L.A.M.B. “Chase” sandals, $325  

Clare Vivier monogrammed iPad case, $104 

Nicole by OPI nail lacquer in “Hit the Lights,” $7.99

Dannijo “Hixon” necklace, $745 

Spartina 449 “Harbor Light” beach towel, $37

Gucci horsebit bracelet in pink gold, black synthetic corundum, and black diamonds.

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Audemars Piguet “Royal Oak” watch in rose gold, $50,400

Kwiat “Lynx” necklace, $7,500

Tiffany “1837” wide ring in Rubedo metal, $650

Zales Oval Morganite-and-diamond earrings, $789

Gucci horsebit bracelet in pink gold, black synthetic corundum, and black diamonds, $5,000

View from a Viceroy Riviera Maya beach-front villa.

Tucked inside Mexico’s tropical forest, Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a wholesome haven for eco-opulence. by Kiley Jacques

The resort and spa once described by Travel + Leisure as “a sexy, eco-conscious hideaway in the jungle,” Viceroy Riviera Maya is a true green getaway. Situated in the small village of Playa Xcalacoco just outside Playa del Carmen, the 41-villa luxury resort enjoys sea and sun on the coast, as well as forest, flora, and fauna. Opalescent sands, clear waters, and jungle groves blend seamlessly with its organic aesthetic.

Palapa-roofed stucco villas capture the simplicity of Mayan design, while natural materials like louvered-mahogany doors and windows, sisal rugs, and canopy beds with hand-stitched Egyptian cotton linens evoke serenity. The Wayak Spa satiates the soul with marine and herbal treatments, like the Black Lava full-body exfoliation, holistic massage, and the signature Earth and Air Ritual. Onsite composting, recycling, and energy-conservation efforts are a testament to the developers’ respect for the pristine environs. Another eco-touch comes in the form of all-natural handmade Mayan soaps delivered daily by “soap concierges.”

Formerly known as Tides Riviera Maya, the Viceroy was rebranded in January 2012 and a complete renovation added 11 luxury villas, a seaside restaurant, new arrival area and lobby, an updated presidential suite, and a library. Villas feature private patios, plunge pools, outdoor showers, and terraces replete with chaise lounges, hand-carved stone dining tables, and crocheted hammocks. Options include luxury, royal, premium, ocean view, beachfront, and presidential villas—all of which offer something singular.

Resort stays are enhanced by diverse dining venues. La Marea Restaurant, with prime Caribbean views, showcases contemporary twists on traditional Mexican dishes. For alfresco ceviche and top-shelf tequila tastings, the Library Lounge introduces enthusiasts to a “maestro tequilero,” who shares a bit about the libation’s ancient history. Casual ambience and fare are found at Coral Grill & Bar, while an ancient outdoor Mayan kitchen at Casita Maya hosts private parties and cooking classes.

Archaeological site excursions to Tulum and Chichen Itza, as well as customized guided tours of nearby historical landmarks and ancient cities including Cancun, Cozumel, and Uxmal can be arranged for guests. For cultural journeys, visit an original Mayan Village and home; there, lessons on tortilla making are followed by a jungle walk and canoe voyage across a lagoon to the Reservation of the Biosphere of Spider Monkeys, where a 120-meter-long zip line awaits. Further adventures include skydiving, kite surfing, horseback riding, and exploration of the 82-mile Sac Actun Cave System, where the brave can snorkel and dive in cenotes (natural water-filled pits or sinkholes) and underground rivers.

Viceroy Riviera Maya is luxurious, unpretentious, and rife with green adventure.

You don’t have to drive a hybrid to show the planet a little love when you hit the road. Simple steps like turning off the lights and air conditioning when you leave your hotel room, taking shorter showers, reusing towels and sheets, or opting for walking or biking as your mode of transportation are easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint when you travel. Here are some more divine deeds you can practice to pay homage to Mother Earth:

Be green and clean

“Travelers can reduce their carbon footprint while on the road by selecting hotels that embrace sustainable bath and body products and put unused product to good use, says Tim Kersley, senior vice president of Gilchrist & Soames, the maker of travel-friendly toiletries and bath amenities. “Another smart solution is to pack travel-sized toiletries that support eco-friendly ingredients and practices, ensuring responsible travel no matter the accommodations.”

Respect the environment

“First and foremost is do no harm,” says Jake Kheel, environmental director of Grupo Puntacana. “Traveling in foreign countries, especially developing countries where laws are sometimes not effectively enforced, travelers often have opportunities to purchase products that harm the environment or endangered species. Know what you are buying and know what you are eating. For example, travelers often find jewelry made from sea turtle shells. This is not only illegal, but highly damaging to endangered sea turtle populations. Similarly, consuming sea turtle eggs or meat is illegal in most countries . . .  If there is a ban season on lobster or conch, try to respect these seasons, as they allow populations to recover and encourage healthy coral reefs.”

Visit destinations that embrace eco-friendly travel

“Typically, a destination that focuses on sustainability will have buildings no higher than three or four stories,” says Dario Flota, general director of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing office. “There are several negative environmental effects that can be escalated by taller buildings, such as increased hazards for migrating birds, heat island effect, and high-ground wind velocity effects.”

“These days, it’s almost a given that hotels should be performing standard measures to reduce their environmental impact, such as recycling and only providing new towels if they are left on the floor or requested,” explains Flota. “To find a true eco-conscious resort, find a place that is going above and beyond, [with measures] such as solar-paneled roofs, an on-site compost station, and even conservation programs/integrated environmental education programming.” Flota also recommends visiting places with a UNESCO world heritage site, scouting for for bike programs and paths, and seeing if there are any voluntourism programs.

Snack mindfully

Another way to show the planet is to select snacks and foods that are sustainably grown. “Duchy was founded by Prince Charles [of Wales,] and with the brand, he set out to produce high-quality food in harmony with the environment,” says Steve Dawson, president of Walkers Shortbread, Inc. “All ingredients in Duchy products are sustainably grown using traditional farming practices, and we strive to minimize our environmental footprint through local sourcing and less packaging.”

Switch Lighting LED bulbs $40-$60 per bulb.

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CFC Furniture “Bryon” sideboard from reclaimed Douglas Fir, with gray wash finish, $4,250

Claudia Raimondo “Joy n.1” embossed stainless steel bowl, $205

Switch Lighting LED bulbs offer 80 percent less energy consumption, $40-$60 per bulb

Anglers Art driftwood swan from weathered wood collected from tree stumps, $1,250

Rolf Glass “Glacier Glass” tumblers from recycled wine bottles, $59.99/set of four

A saltwater swimming pool by Aquatic Consultants at a home in Ponte Vedra, FL.

Choosing between chlorine and saltwater pools may seem like a no-brainer to the eco-minded, but the choice is not as clear as the waters surrounding it. by Kiley Jacques

In lieu of a day at the beach, private pools are terrific stand-ins. However, not all pools are created equal. Or are they? A quick comparison of traditional chlorine-treated pools and those boasting salt water exposes some surprising truths.

Developed in the 1960s in Australia, saltwater pools quickly achieved a measure of popularity. The idea caught on in the U.S. in the ’80s, and by the mid ’90s, they were all the rage. As a feel-good amenity, they began popping up at resorts and spas and became a selling point with homeowners.

This wildfire enthusiasm, however, partially stemmed from a few misconceptions that still exist today. Chief among them is the idea that saltwater pools are chemical-free, natural, and eco-friendly. While it is true that chemicals are not added to the water, they are, nonetheless, part of its composition—as is chlorine. Additionally, salt is often thought to have disinfecting properties, as well as the ability to improve water buoyancy; wrong again. As for the idea that salt pools feel, look, and taste better, that is only true when they are compared to poorly maintained traditional pools. But when compared to those that are properly treated, the two stand on par.

Saltwater pool by Aquatic Consultants at a Miami home, designed by Rene Gonzalez Architects

Despite their quasi-ocean lure, saltwater pools are genetically more like their chlorinated cousins. Both use chlorine to sanitize the water; the difference is that salt pools use a generator to produce natural chlorine by separating salt molecules into their component parts: chloride and sodium. This chlorine has the identical chemical structure of store-bought chlorine; it offers the same benefits and poses the same problems. Once the chlorine has sanitized (and oxidized) the water within the generator, it is converted back to salt and returned to the pool. The system, therefore, is self-perpetuating and, as such, conserves salt and balances sanitizer levels.

Surprising truths aside, there are still some very good reasons to go with a saltwater pool. Whereas traditional pools require the addition of chlorine and other chemicals, salt pools are chlorine generators; pool owners need not buy, transport, store, or handle hazardous materials, which makes salt systems a little friendlier toward the environment. Additionally, according to Miami-based Brian Van Bower, president of Aquatic Consultants, Inc., “The constant pH factor…coupled with the minimal chlorine level…creates an extremely eye-friendly environment.”  Furthermore, though there are significant costs associated with the installation of a generator, maintenance of salt pools is more cost efficient, and the systems see fewer incidents of the eye, nose, skin, and lung irritations that are often associated with traditional pools. As a result, Van Bower praises the alternative, saying, “…water chemistry is easy with excellent water quality. It is what I use for my own pool.”

The next wave of eco-conscious pools may be ultraviolet disinfection systems, which harness light energy to eliminate microorganisms, lower chemical usage, and eliminate toxic by-products—a sustainable design sure to please the forward-moving swimmer. spectralightuv.com.

Rimbou Lotus Shade

THE GET – Shade Style

Contemporary chic best describes this 100% Sunbrella® solution-dyed Rimbou Lotus Shade from Frontgate. The leaf-inspired shade pivots 360° atop a galvanized stainless steel base, and it is compact enough to work in challenging spaces while providing individual shade for a chaise or lounge chair. Ideal are the acrylic furniture-grade fabric and decorative anodized aluminum base cover plate for adding a sleek element to poolside décor. Imported and available in two colors, Aruba and Canvas, the unit lists for $1,845 (protection cover included). 

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa is a secluded, family-owned resort nestled along the beautiful Westbrook, CT, shoreline. Located on 25 oceanfront acres, the resort is a historic gem featuring 170 spacious rooms, including 68 timeshare units and, just recently, vacation and full-ownership villas.

Earlier this year, the property launched Villas by the Sea, a luxury condominium hotel. The 20 two-bedroom villas range in size from 1,100 to 1,300 square feet and feature fully equipped gourmet kitchens with Viking appliances. Other amenities include two full baths, elevator access, gas fireplaces, flat-panel LCD televisions, and private beach access. Generously oversized windows and private balconies provide sweeping views of Long Island Sound in each unit.

Architectural design firm DiLeonardo International furnished, designed, and decorated the new Villas by the Sea. A color palette of warm creams, yellows, natural sands, and ocean blues complement custom-made wood cabinets from Covenant Kitchens & Baths and tile, stone, and Carrera marble counters from Daltile. Accented stone walls under the kitchen cabinets and around the fireplace add visual interest and texture to the space. Bathrooms feature a Kohler air bubble soaking tub and Kohler shower and body spray system.

Residents and guests have access to an array of amenities, including a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, and championship tennis courts. Dining options include The Restaurant at Water’s Edge, which features the best brunch in Connecticut; the Seaview Bistro and Martini Bar, featuring live entertainment; and the Sunset Bar and Grill, which offers seasonal outdoor seating.

Villas start at $750 per night or $5,000 for a seven-night stay. Villas by the Sea units are also available for purchase, with prices from $550,000 to $1.2 million. Owners can rent their individual villa when not in use through the resort’s rental program.  

The Water’s Edge Resort & Spa

Desroches Island, Beach Suite bedroom

Private Island Retreat - Desroches Island adds new luxury lodging options

Part of the Amirantes Archipelago group of islands in the Seychelles, Desroches Island is a private island resort just 40 minutes by plane from Mahé, in the Indian Ocean. With more than eight miles of unspoiled beaches and pristine forest, Desroches Island is a luxurious refuge for romance and an exceptional destination for diving and fishing. The retreat recently added two five-bedroom Dibwa Residences and a three-bedroom Madam Zabre Spa Retreat.

The Madam Zabre Spa Retreat is the most exclusive retreat in the Seychelles. It offers a large central living and entertainment area; a spa treatment villa; fully equipped kitchen; kayaks and bicycles; and a private butler, personal chef, and Spa Angel are at guests’ disposal. The 8,255-
square-foot Madam Zabre Spa Retreat is ideal for six adults and rents for approximately $15,500 per night, all-inclusive.

The new Dibwa Retreats have three bedrooms, large infinity pools, modern kitchens, dining areas, and entertainment and lounge spaces. Kayaks are available for guests, and a personal Dibwa butler completes the ultimate retreat experience.

At 7,114 square feet, Dibwa Retreats rent for approximately $11,600 per night, all-inclusive. Full- and shared-ownership opportunities are also available. Co-ownership starts at $500,000 per share.

Zemi Beach Resort and Spa

At Home on Anguilla - New homes are complete at Zemi Beach

Zemi Beach Resort and Spa, a 5.25-acre beachfront resort offering 28 two-and three-bedroom residences in Shoal Bay East, Anguilla, celebrated the completion of its first four homes last November. Homes at Zemi Beach offer a modern interpretation of classic Caribbean style, with indigenous materials like coral stone and sustainable hardwoods. Top brands in the residences include Kohler bathroom suites, GE profile appliances, and Hansgrohe deluge showers. Both residents and renters at Zemi Beach have access to onsite restaurants, bars and lounges, infinity-edged pools, a luxury spa, juice bar, and a fitness center with an outdoor yoga terrace. Residents will also have access to a 24-hour concierge and a preorder system to stock their residences with their favorite groceries upon arrival. Homes are priced between $2 million and $3.1 million.

Tides Condominiums

Tides are Turning - New life for a premier Charleston property

East West Partners recently announced the release of Tides Condominiums, bringing the remaining residences of one of Charleston, SC’s premier properties back to the market. After entering into a partnership to acquire the unsold residences, East West Partners has made several enhancements to the property, including a redesigned entrance, improved landscaping throughout, and significant improvements to the Harbor House Amenity Center. Located in the Charleston harbor, at the base of the Cooper River Bridge and adjacent to the new Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, the Tides offers quick access to downtown Charleston, the shops of Mount Pleasant, and the beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. The Tides Residences are known for their unbeatable views, open floor plans, and luxurious amenities.

Posh Panama City - Laketown Wharf’s major renovation

Laketown Wharf

Laketown Wharf, currently offering short- and long-term vacation rentals in the heart of Panama City Beach, FL, completes a $10 million renovation in June, adding new amenities including a grocery store and deli, leasing center, redecorated hotel lobby, conference/meeting rooms, business center, new pool and boardwalk furniture, family zone, owners’ lounge, and arcade. Additional renovations include a deck expansion, the addition of new fountains and landscaping, and the opening of the lake to the public. Spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans are available, all with sweeping views and convenient beach access. Additional resort amenities include a lakefront boardwalk, a fully-equipped fitness center, covered parking, and a kids’ playground along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. New retail space on the property will also soon be available for lease. 

Posh  Party - Paresa Resort opens a chic new beach club

This spring, Paresa Resort in Phuket, Thailand, opened a new beach club, Zazada, which boasts an infinity pool overlooking Surin Beach, as well as a large event space, dance floor, and DJ booth. Zazada will be open to the public, but Paresa guests have priority access. Zazada features a full bar, wine room, juice bar, and restaurant with a menu by Ryan Arboleda of Paresa’s Talung Thai and Diavolo restaurants. With full luxury showers and changing areas, guests can relax at the club and then get ready for a night of dining and dancing.

Oceana Beach Club Hotel

Beachside Revival - Inside Oceana Beach Club Hotel’s pricey overhaul

JRK Hotel group recently announced the reemergence of the popular beachfront Oceana Beach Club Hotel following a multimillion-dollar renovation. Oceana Beach Club Hotel, located on the bluffs of Santa Monica, CA, boasts a chic new lobby, reception area, pool deck, and restaurant. Designer Anthony Baratta created a 1960s beach club vibe throughout the property that captures a modern-day interpretation of Santa Monica. The beachside retreat features a clean, sleek design and a playfully refined ambience. The natural elements of Santa Monica are reflected with a soothing color palette of seafoam greens, pale blues, and bright whites, all of which accentuate the ocean views. The hotel’s intimate dining area mixes natural materials and earthy tones with retro elements to create a fresh and contemporary environment.

Oceana Beach Club Hotel completes its transformation with the debut of Tower 8 by acclaimed two-Michelin-star chef Josiah Citrin, best known for Mélisse Restaurant. A Santa Monica native, Chef Citrin brings a local sensibility to a menu of delectable seasonal dishes. The Tower 8 menu exemplifies “food with a view,” providing guests with an ideal reflection of Southern California lifestyle and cuisine. Guests can also enjoy signature cocktails created by renowned mixologist Pablo Moix and carefully selected wine pairings by Mélisse’s resident sommelier Brian Kalliel.

The new Oceana Beach Club Hotel is luxury beachside living at its finest, featuring 70 suite-style accommodations overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

A guestroom at the Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ guests take their luxury with a healthy dose of social responsibility. by David Eisen

Most companies are interested in producing a healthy P+L statement, not a transparent sustainability report. But since 2006, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, with 20 properties in places like Thailand and the Maldives, has been doing just that. The company’s reports cover each resort and highlight resource conservation topics like green house gas emissions and energy consumption.

“It’s what we do, and we seek to be as transparent as possible to allow everyone to make their own judgment,” explains Claire Chiang, senior vice president of Banyan Tree Holdings and co-founder of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.

In fact, everything about Banyan Tree begins with sustainability—from its resorts’ designs to the manner in which they’re run to the way they integrate the local community. “We look to use the most architecturally efficient materials within a reasonable investment cost,” Chiang says. “This is applied anywhere, from using the passive method on natural lighting and ventilation to the selection of building supplies. We plan and design resorts with minimum impact to the environment and great impact on a guest’s experience.” (Take Banyan Tree Ringha in China, where 32 lodges and suites were reconstructed, log by log, from decades-old Tibetan farmhouses, without the use of nails or other modern materials.)

Banyan Tree’s commitment to sustainability does not mean it comes at the expense of profits; the Banyan Tree product is not cheap. Consider Banyan Tree Samui in Thailand, where rates for a Deluxe Pool Villa begin around $900 per night. The Presidential Villa at Banyan Tree Seychelles commands a rate of around $4,700 per night.

“Banyan Tree’s definition of sustainability echoes the triple-bottom-line approach, whereby we seek social, environmental, and financial success simultaneously,” Chiang says. “We see sustainability as not being a zero-sum game between earning profits, promoting communal prosperity, and ecological conservation. The biggest obstacle is when we allow the time horizons associated with profitability to shrink such that the tail (short-term profits) is truly wagging the dog (long-term success).”

Currently, Banyan Tree properties are mostly situated in Asia, but there are two in Mexico. For the time being, Banyan Tree taking up a presence stateside is unlikely, but not out of the question, says Chiang.

Banyan Tree’s main goal is to continue operating and serving its brand of sustainable luxury. “Resorts are even more exposed to the three Ls of real estate: location, location, location,” says Chiang. “You can have the most beautiful location, but if you’re not conscientious about designing, building, and operating the resort, you’ll destroy the competitive advantage of that destination by destroying…the local ecosystem.”

Kari Whitman

Kari Whitman was green before anyone even knew what being “green” was. The Boulder, CO-raised and Los Angeles-based owner of Kari Whitman Interiors, who has designed the homes of celebs like Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell, Emilio Estevez, Don Johnson, and Virginia Madsen, says, “My parents led kind of a hippie lifestyle. I never realized how much waste and indulgence was going on in the world around me until I left my Boulder bubble.” Even in college, Whitman was decorating her dorm room with the environment in mind. “Whether or not my client is ‘green,’ I’ll always spend my own time researching the greenest way to go. In every project I do—whether it’s a cozy studio apartment or a huge mansion—I always bring in the highest-quality, eco-friendly products available.” Ready to remodel that kitchen or bath? Whitman reveals that it’s easier than you think to reduce your environmental impact while maintaining a chic look in these essential rooms.

1. CLUED-IN COUNTERTOPS When designing a kitchen or bath, countertops set the stage for the look and feel of the space. Now more than ever before, there are absolutely gorgeous materials for your surfaces that would otherwise have ended up being dumped into landfills. Consider glass, sustainable stone, and even architectural metal salvages. “EnviroGLAS’s Enviroslab countertops look like gorgeous granite, and you’d never believe they’re actually made from recycled mirrors, windows, and even soda bottles,” Whitman says. If you prefer a stone-counter look, check out beauties from Eco by Cosentino, which are made from 75-percent recycled materials and 25-percent natural stones. And PaperStone offers sustainable countertops made out of 100-percent recycled paper, which “look like stone and they’re actually really strong, so they’re perfect for kitchens,” Whitman explains. Another option is architectural salvage. “Metal grates look great on top of countertops or used as a backsplash. Pounded metals are especially interesting and hip,” Whitman advises. This type of “trash to treasure” is the ultimate way to go green. Before you rip out your old stuff, ask yourself, “Can I repaint this? Restain it? Resurface it?”

Reuse: This vintage hood, in the kitchen of West Hollywood bachelor, was found in an antique store. “To reuse is to recycle, and buying vintage or antique is the ultimate green,” says Whitman. The cabinets were constructed from sustainable wood and the faucet is low flow.

2. FLOOR STORY Bamboo, palm wood, and cork are all eco-friendly flooring options. Some companies, like Kirei Board, make beautiful, sustainable flooring from a combination of materials, like bamboo and wheat board with low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Added bonus: If you choose cork floors, not only does it look really cool, it’s also hypoallergenic, so it’s great for people with asthma and allergies. “Cork is a naturally renewable resource, and Nova Flooring kicks it up a notch in the green department and recycles all byproducts from manufacturing,” Whitman says.

Evolving Door: The pivoting glass door between the cabinets and refrigerator in the kitchen of a hip, young prince’s Beverly Hills home is made from recycled glass from pulp, with pressed rice paper in between. This stunning feature opens from the kitchen to the dining room. Kangen Water filters and sustainable wood cabinets also were installed.

3. TILE FILE Look for tiles and slabs made from natural stone and environmentally conscious materials. You can find everything from travertine to hand-painted tiles to recycled products. Two options Whitman recommends are Stone Age Tile and Eco-Terr Tiles.

4. APPLIANCE MART Definitely scout out Energy Star-rated appliances, which use less energy and help prevent greenhouse emissions. “The best companies also restrict the use of hazardous substances and chemicals in the production of their products,” Whitman notes. She recommends using Green Building Advisor as a fantastic resource to make sure you’re buying from companies that are truly green.

The home’s “love tub” (which accommodates up to eight guests) has low-flow faucets, as does the toilet.

5. NEED A FILTER Save the Earth from your bottled-water habit by installing a water filtration system in your kitchen. “Kangen Water machines transform your tap water, balance its pH levels, and can even work wonders on your skin,” Whitman says.

6. BATH PRODUCTS Luxury toilets, faucets, and bathtubs can be “green,” too. “TOTO’s products are so incredibly elegant and they really think of the big picture when it comes to manufacturing. They even use soybean-based hydraulic oil to fuel their factory forklifts,” Whitman raves.

The cabinets in this luxe bathroom in Beverly Hills are made from recycled wood, as is the bathtub surround. The faucets, tub, and toilet are all from eco-conscious TOTO. Whitman installed solar energy to run the sauna.

7. PAINTERLY WAYS White, gray, and black with hints of metallic are very cool right now—think modernized Venetian plasters, shimmering with flecks of metal. Whitman advises to look for zero-VOC, lime-based plasters. “Eco-friendly paint is not only important for people; it’s important for your pets, too. Paints with zero-VOCs reduce emissions, meet LEED standards, and eliminate all those nasty toxins,” she says.

8. ETHICAL ACCESSORIES You can find all sorts of cool kitchen and bathroom accessories made from recycled and upcycled goods. Choosing items made in the USA is a great way to cut down on emissions caused by long-distance shipping (and to fuel American jobs). You can go even more local and choose unique art, furniture, and accessories handcrafted by artisans in your hometown or region.

Whitman had antique cabinets installed in this Asian-inspired West Hollywood home’s bathroom to accommodate its fixtures.

9. WALL WEAR “I love going outside the box and covering kitchen stools, dining chairs—even walls—with pleather,” Whitman says. Available in everything from rich chocolate browns to faux ostrich, pleather is a cruelty-free alternative to leather that’s also green. “Animal production leaves a huge eco-footprint with its carbon emissions and major use of fossil fuels, water, and land … Even better, if you spill a glass of red wine or your pets slobber all over it, just wipe it clean with a sponge,” Whitman says.

10. BE RADIANT Radiant heat takes up less energy, as it warms water to also heat your home. “Plus, who doesn’t love a warm bathroom floor underfoot on a cold morning?” Whitman asks.

Friendly Finds: It’s easy to be green in other areas of your home

1. Billboard Beauty Doreen Catena “I C U,” $600. This 43-by-30-inch work of art is handmade in the U.S. from old billboards.

2. Sitting Pretty Sifas lounge chair, $4,850. A cute seat is made by using electro polishing to reduce the effects of air pollution, while the low-carbon footprint materials are durable and recyclable.

3. Eco Pups Greener Pup large round bed in “Earth,” $89.99. Kari Whitman’s eco-friendly designer pet bed is custom made in the USA.

4. Hit Snooze Pluunk bunk bed, $4,400. Your kids will pass this bed down to their little ones with its high-quality hardwood and ply with environmentally sound whey-based finishes.

5. Hot Spot Sunlighten infrared sauna, starting at $3,999. Made from eco-friendly woods and assembled with magnets to avoid VOC-heavy glues, this sauna uses no more electricity than a hair dryer.

6. All Fired Up John T. Unger sculptural firebowl, $3,000. This outdoor decorative gem is made from 100-percent recycled steel and designed to last for generations.

Contact Kari Whitman Interiors P.O. Box 2357, Beverly Hills, CA 90213 310-652-8684, kwinteriors@aol.com, kariwhitmaninteriors.com

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