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Luxurious condos are also on the rise. While the ownership of these are centered more around a buyer looking for a quality lifestyle, extravagant amenities, and great locations, there are many that are willing to pay the price. In Florida last year, a 4,800 square foot condominium was sold for $4.65 million dollars. In 2005, California experienced a 90% jump in condominiums priced over one million. There were 1,677 condo sales, all in the one million dollar price range. Many of these luxury condominiums are located in areas of wealth and many have top-notch views. Amenities in such luxury condos may include quality furnishings, such as appliances, granite counter tops, and window treatments. Many luxury condo buyers like the fact that the properties are secure and feel their items of wealth are protected in this type of environment and they don’t have to pay the added cost of security. Condo hotel developments are on the rise in larger cities, as well. This type of luxury living affords one the opportunity of living in their own condominium with all the amenities of hotel living, such as room service, maid service, and concierge service. Research shows the average condo hotel buyer to be between the ages of 35 and 50 years old and many simply are purchasing them as both an investment property and vacation property.

The recurring theme of this contemporary addition is openness � in space and in thought. For Joan Parker, the three-story addition to a traditional home she and her husband David Gordon and sons Alex and Charlie had lived in for more than 10 years meant flowing the inside with the outside and providing space to entertain. �The first floor open plan means we spend more time together without being on top of one another,� Parker says. For Alex and Charlie, the addition to their Northwest Washington home provides more space downstairs to play pool, watch TV, and have friends over. It also gives them a homework corner on the main floor that relates to the rest of the home. �You can see what�s going on,� Charlie says, while Alex likes the light from the corner windows.

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As much as it is tempting to do so, do not give in to the urge to make-over your place with latest trend’s lay-out. The process I assure you, is painstakingly difficult and would consume so much time that if you undergo it incorporating the latest pop art design, you might more likely than not, regret it in the long run as revamping an out-of-style look will take as much effort as making it, if not more. Remodeling one’s home is an investment, so make sure you don’t commit to a wild and too pop like designs just for the sake of jumping into the bandwagon.

Aside from having that fantastic rock and water finishing, you can also add steps and various entries for your pool. Depending on your pool size and depth, you can have as much as 5 steps before your whole body dips into the cool water. You can even add lighting fixtures under each step so that the edges will illuminate. Having a running fountain right in the middle of the pool is also good. Your guests can dip into the pool and play with the fountain’s water or they can perhaps relax on their cots, mesmerizing the beauty of your creation.

Photo taken from http://www.landscape-design-advisor.com

If you have a swimming pool in your backyard and you find it plain looking (perhaps, it takes the shape of the usual circle, rectangle or square pool), you might want to give it a face-lift.

If your swimming pool is next to a wall, call your contractor for him or her to make a riprap wall out of it. You can ask the contractor to use granite finishing to make it look more aesthetically pleasing. After that, you can attach a tube or pipe at the back of the wall to make the water run down the granite towards your pool. Your guests will surely love this new addition to your recreation and relaxation area.

Photo taken from http://www.larapools.com

Fireplaces are helpful during winter. When Christmastime comes and your heater can’t seem to stabilize the temperature (maybe it’s busted), fireplaces are a good alternative. Also, if you wish to be that Mr. Romantic in a special evening with your someone, you can light up the fireplace and share wine by the fire. However, fireplaces have this con. Not all the smoke rise to the chimney. Some escape to the opening (just a little). And the result? The topmost center edge of your fireplace turns to black.

Blackened edges.

You can eliminate that ugly part by replacing it with an electric fireplace. No need to scrub that blackened spot!

Electric fireplace.

Photo taken from http://www.irritatedvowel.com and http://www.interiordigs.com

Luxury homes are nice. In fact, their market values normally sky rocket in the real estate arena. These homes do not only attract the rich local and foreign buyers but, sad to say, also the bad guys. Count the culprits and the burglars in.

Since these homes are the primary target of burglars, it is a must in every luxury home to have home security. There are a lot of home securities available in the market today—from the simple coded alarm to the high-tech remote sensors, these machines can surely protect your home from the bad guys.

Photo taken from http://us.st11.yimg.com

Since you have a pretty big house, have you ever wondered how you can save up on electricity? How does a skylight sound? Chic?

If you think skylights are just restricted to museums and meteorology laboratories, you’re wrong (that’s what we see in movies!). In fact, you can have skylights in your own homes! Hire a contractor to remove a part of your roof where you want the skylight to be placed. Kitchens and living rooms are the perfect place since you spend most of your time in these places and/or entertain your guests here. Skylights allows the sun’s rays to enter your home, so no need for you to turn on that switch if the sun’s still up. It also provides warmth, so you can say turn off your heater once in a while. Plus, if you’re the romantic type, you can ask your special someone to stay with you in the living room and watch the stars at night.

Photo taken from http://www.normanconstruction.com

Are you living in a tropical country? I can just imagine how hot it is in your place. With temperatures that can rise up to 32° C (72.96 F), humidity and sickness enter the picture. The best way to avoid this dilemma is to have your house fully air conditioned. You can watch your favorite movie in the den without having troubles in concentrating with the film because of the tremendous heat. You can prepare your favorite garden salad without sweating. And what’s good about this is that, you can keep a snow dog such as the Siberian husky inside your homes! These dogs normally live in cold climates and their number 1 requirement if transferred to a not-so-cold environment is the air conditioner. Enjoy your wintry house!

Photo taken from http://i.treehugger.com

The actresses old home in Quezon City is the complete opposite of the new one. Drenched in bright colors of green, orange, and yellow, the house represents Ai Ai’s working attitude, cheerful and bright. A large family portrait even adorns the living room.

Compared to the new home, there are no pictures adorning the walls and certainly no shocking bright colors. The subdued theme is intended to reflect the true nature of Ai Ai off-screen, simple and cozy. This has taken Ai Ai completely to calling the new house her comfort zone, a place where she can take her mind off work and calm her lifestyle.