A new year invites a more meaningful approach to interior design, with personalized spaces that support your well-being and values, writes Emma Reynolds Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty Each new year invites reflection and renewal and much of that begins at home. Where we live is an extension of who we are and what we value. In 2026, luxury design is moving beyond fleeting trends and strict design rules, embracing more individualized interiors, richer color and texture, a lived-in ease and spaces that foster connection. New York-based interior designer Andrew Suvalsky says his clients are pivoting from minimalism to embrace a more personalized aesthetic. “People want homes that are layered, expressive and distinguished, rather than neutral or generic,” he says. The most compelling interiors aren’t static; they evolve with their owners over time. Consider these ideas a thoughtful roadmap for elevating your home and lifestyle. Think big with wallpaper Ontario, Canada | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Blank white walls can be a creative canvas: an invitation to go bold with statement coverings. Wallpaper, once tied to dated living rooms and grand old hotels, has reemerged as a powerful design tool that can double up as artwork. It appears in non-traditional ways—on wrapped ceilings and in lined cabinetry—while transforming smaller spaces such as closets, powder rooms and offices into moments of surprise. Skilled artisans and heritage design houses such as de Gournay—as featured in this contemporary home in Ontario, Canada—create bespoke works from intricate hand-painted murals to luxurious tactile materials (silk, pearl appliqué, linen, grasscloth) that add beauty and depth to walls that could otherwise fall flat. Go wild with an orangery Portland, Oregon | Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty An orangery is a purpose-built garden room originally designed to shelter citrus trees through harsh European winters. Popularized in 17th-century England, it soon became a symbol of refinement, evolving into a sophisticated setting for entertaining guests. Today, the orangery feels newly relevant as homeowners embrace biophilic design, the philosophy of connecting people to nature through natural light, views and proximity to the outdoors to enhance well-being. Essentially, a more elevated take on the conservatory, orangeries are conceived as a true architectural extension of the home, with insulated masonry walls, oversized windows, and, ideally, a glazed lantern roof that lets the sun shine through all year. Have fun with color contrasts Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty Homeowners are growing ever more confident when it comes to experimenting with color as they realize that low-risk, low-maintenance, non-permanent tweaks using paint, textiles and accessories can easily transform a room without a full redesign. Whether bright and vibrant, or dark, earthy and moody, color is the most satisfying of upgrades. Methods like color drenching (painting walls, ceilings, trims and doors the same hue) or contrasting unexpected shades, through furniture, art and decor, can both work. This Mediterranean-style property in Austin, Texas is a lesson in tasteful yet daring color contrasting, featuring saturated red hues alongside shades of saffron and green. “There’s a desire to bring the richness of high fashion, as we see on runways and magazine editorial imagery, into the home through color, texture and materiality,” says Suvalsky. Create a sanctuary—inside or outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming |Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty New year’s resolutions often revolve around our health. Wellness-focused amenities in the comfort of your own home can help support these goals long-term. Saunas, gyms, cold plunges, spas and mediation rooms are among the most in-demand luxury residential features as a new wave of buyers prioritize longevity of lifestyle. A mountain home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming approaches the booming sauna culture in particular through a design-forward lens; its outdoor sauna is a sleek and contemporary structure tucked into the wild landscape. Some high-end homeowners and property developers are even installing hyperbaric oxygen chambers and IV drip stations. Though wellness means something different for everyone, the benefits of creating a calm, relaxing space for restorative rituals, whatever its size or scale, go a long way. Source locally whenever possible Queenstown, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Sustainability is not a trend but a guiding principle for today’s homeowners and designers. Locally sourced materials ground a home in its surroundings and create a true sense of place, while reducing environmental impact and fostering community. It’s just as important to work with local artisans and craftspeople, who bring knowledge, tradition and nuance that can’t be imported or replicated. “With the flood of mass-produced furniture from global retailers, clients want something more customized and turn to finely crafted special-order furnishings built by hand,” says Suvalsky, who has curated a strong network of artisans and fabricators in his work. There’s no better display of how contemporary design can sit cohesively with expert craftsmanship and local materials than this hilltop manse in Queenstown, New Zealand. An architectural marvel overlooking Lake Wakatipu, it features locally sourced schist stone, slate flooring and reclaimed Kauri timber details that incorporate an organic feel. Artful touches, like a sculptural spiral staircase, make the home feel one-of-a-kind. Interested in the architecture and design trends set to define 2026? Read our guide
A rare piece of architectural history, this six-bedroom residence on Shelter Island was one of famed Norman Jaffe’s early creations, exemplifying his style with its strong lines, generous use of stone and wood, and harmony with its serene seaside setting. A recent painstaking renovation by an esteemed designer has honored the original architecture while elevating the home as a bastion of luxurious modern living. After numerous sojourns on Long Island in the 1960s, young American architect Norman Jaffe quickly developed an affinity for designing beach houses. By the early 1970s, he had become the most prolific architect in the Hamptons, ultimately credited with pioneering the iconic rustic modernist aesthetic there. His legacy—an innovative use of natural materials, bold geometry, and an aim of integrating architecture with nature—has endured well into the 21st century. East Hampton, New York| Nick Brown | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Hampton Brokerage In the late 1960s, Meir and Eileen Osofsky commissioned Jaffe—then still in the early days of his career—to design a retreat on exclusive Shelter Island, on an estate site bookended by two other, smaller properties and elevated like a crown jewel above the water. So dedicated was Jaffe to the relationship between a home and its land, he is reported to have slept on the property until construction commenced. The resulting residence, built in 1971 and considered one of Jaffe’s finest, is a rare piece of architectural history, with strong lines, pervasive stone and wood, and a clear affection for geometry that exemplify Jaffe’s singular style. Its expanses of glass and distinctive cantilevered decks make it ideal for appreciating its coveted seaside setting, on the coast of Gardiners Bay, and sweeping ocean views. A 1981 Jaffe expansion, also commissioned by the Osofskys, added a guest wing that affords visitors consummate privacy as well as their own relaxed living area and space for dining. This wing connects seamlessly and feels at one with the original residence. Benjamin Brouham—senior creative director of Jonathan Adler and an esteemed design professional behind the restoration and modernization of the storied Grey Gardens—purchased the property in 2020 and, with the help of revered Shoshi Builders, embarked on a painstaking two-year renovation that added some 1,600 square feet to the floor plan. Simultaneously respecting and elevating the original architecture, this rejuvenation moved the cook’s kitchen to the lower level, where it opens to an alfresco dining area, and created a chic cocktail bar with a dumbwaiter on the main level. The attached garage was transformed into a well-outfitted theater. Today, the main level is dedicated to easy, luxurious living and sophisticated gatherings, with a fluid collection of dining and lounging spaces walled in stacked stone and uninterrupted glass. Six serene bedrooms with en suite baths allow for the comfortable accommodation of more than a dozen people, affording a rare combination of privacy and togetherness. The home also features a gym and an office with a balcony. No detail has been overlooked, and the quality of every fixture, furnishing, and finish is of the highest quality. Multiple decks and terraces encourage basking in fresh air, sunshine, and sea breezes. Festivities can continue outdoors thanks to a deep heated gunite pool and an alluring pergola—added during the most recent expansion—with an open-air kitchen, a fireplace, a living area, and dining space for up to 14. Further afield on the 1.7-acre grounds is a tennis and pickleball court. Landscaping by celebrated designer Vickie Cardaro added enchanting pollinator gardens and carefully chosen native coastal flora. This idyllic setting, which includes 175 feet of frontage of Gardiners Bay, helps the estate accomplish one of the core goals of modernism, beloved by Jaffe and discerning aficionados the world over: the creation of harmony, well-being, and sustainability by uniting a home with its environment. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Why simply holiday in your favorite ski resort when you can embrace high-end mountain living and make it a home? Emma Reynolds reports Megève, France | Megève Sotheby’s International Realty With ski season officially underway for 2026, winter sports enthusiasts are scattering to mountain destinations across the globe for perfect pistes, picturesque views and an array of outdoor recreation options. Canada and the U.S., Japan, the European Alps and, increasingly, Eastern Europe, are just some of the regions where ski lovers will be making their snowy escapes. And while there are dozens of five-star hotels and chalets in which to spend a winter vacation, luxury buyers are increasingly discovering the benefits of purchasing property in a ski-focused locale. “Ultimate access to the outdoors is one of the most meaningful benefits of owning a home in these places,” says Austin DePree, co-founder of the architecture firm Northworks, with offices across the U.S, including Aspen, Colorado. “These homes become more than somewhere to rest,” DePree adds. “They’re places to gather, to bring friends and family into an experience, and to share a way of living that’s deeply tied to landscape. Owning a home removes the pressure of trying to maximize every moment during a short stay and allows you to be more present.” Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty This year, the 2026 Winter Games will take place from February 6-22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, which also hosted the event in 1956. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” the Northern Italian resort of Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski area. Season after season, jet-setters descend on the town for its upscale lifestyle and nostalgic European glamor (think Slim Aarons photographs from the 1960s and 1970s). Known for its alpine-style chalets and midcentury-modern design, Cortina has flair in abundance. A 1950-built home in one of the area’s most exclusive pockets is situated in a large private park that contributes to its quiet and refined appeal. The property has 11 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, cozy yet refined interiors, a panoramic terrace, indoor pool, fitness room and large garage with a heated snow avenue. “We’re seeing an increased emphasis on comfort, durability and wellness-driven amenities,” says DePree of mountain-based builds. “Radiant heating throughout the home, including garages, mudrooms and primary bathrooms, has become nearly essential. Saunas, steam showers, cold plunge rooms and fitness spaces are increasingly common, reflecting how closely these homes are tied to active lifestyles.” Megève, France | Megève Sotheby’s International Realty Chalet Ischia, in the high-end ski spot of Megève in the French Alps, is a case in point. As well as its seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, this traditional chalet home has a dedicated wellness area with a hammam, ample space for exercise equipment, and an indoor pool that opens to the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows maintaining the connection to nature. Megève, meanwhile, blends aristocratic heritage and an old-world feel with Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques. Materiality plays a key role in today’s luxury ski properties, says DePree, with many clients gravitating toward natural, tactile materials inspired by a property’s location. At Chalet Ischia, exposed wood beams, reclaimed wooden flooring and walls, and custom stonework all contribute to the authentic aesthetic. Most importantly of all, the property is located right on the slopes of La Princesse with direct ski access. Donnelly, Idaho | Group One Sotheby’s International Realty Ski-in/ski-out properties are highly sought-after no matter the location, and in Donnelly, Idaho, an 8,000 sq ft estate delivers. The sprawling mountainside home within the resort of Tamarack is situated on a peak named Sugar Loaf with direct access to one of the area’s most challenging slopes. A contemporary five-bedroom house designed by award-winning architect Dale Jones-Evans, it includes an 800-bottle wine cellar, integrated sound system, sauna and outdoor fireplace. Such properties promote wellness beyond their luxury amenities, says DePree—they offer the opportunity to unplug from urban routines into a healthier, more intentional lifestyle. “These environments naturally encourage movement, time outside and a closer relationship with daylight, weather and seasonality,” he explains. “There’s a mental clarity that comes from living in places where the built environment feels secondary to the landscape. These homes serve as a retreat that supports both activity and rest.” From Milan to Mexico City, here’s where you’ll really want to be in 2026
From Milan to Mexico City, these are the luxury locations to head to this year, writes Francesca Perry Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty Looking ahead, a number of exciting, high-profile events and openings will animate cultural hotspots around the globe in 2026—but where are the biggest draws? Whether you’re a fan of sports, contemporary art or collectible design, here are our picks of the places to set your sights on this year, each with its own real estate landscape, full of opportunities. Milan, Italy Milan, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Forever a center of fashion and design, Milan will also co-host the Winter Olympics this February along with the Alpine ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Music icon Mariah Carey will reportedly perform at the opening ceremony in Milan on February 6, and the city is set to host the ice sport events. Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, an arena designed by David Chipperfield Architects for the event, will become a large-scale sports and entertainment venue after the Games conclude.In spring, the agenda-setting Salone del Mobile furniture fair returns (April 21‑26) with a new section dedicated to the very best of collectible design. Named Salone Raritas, the presentation reflects the growing culture of curated, crafted and unique design objects and furniture. Beyond the fair, the entire city comes to life for the week, dotted with exhibitions and installations showcasing the pinnacle of luxury and emerging design. Doha, Qatar Doha, Qatar | Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty Qatar’s capital, Doha, will welcome the inaugural edition of the Art Basel fair in the region on February 5, reflecting the city’s growing cultural prowess. Curated by artistic director Wael Shawky, Art Basel Qatar will present 87 world-leading galleries alongside a special projects program of large-scale, site-specific sculptures, installations and performances unfolding across the Msheireb Downtown Doha district. Shawky hopes that, under the curatorial banner of Becoming, the fair will be “a meditation on change.” In the Gulf region, he says, “oral traditions flow into digital networks and ancient trade routes return as new pathways of culture and exchange. Here, art is not only a witness to history but a force that shapes how we imagine and reimagine identity.”Two months later, the city will host the second edition of the Design Doha Biennale (April 12‑June 30), exploring the creativity of designers in the Middle East and beyond. American curator and writer Glenn Adamson, curatorial director of December’s Design Miami, is artistic director here, and aims to connect the Gulf’s design scene to a global audience. Mexico City, Mexico Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty The 2026 Men’s Fifa World Cup has not one host nation but three—Mexico, Canada and the U.S.—with 104 games being held in 16 cities across the North American continent this summer. But when the action kicks off on June 11, the tournament’s opening ceremony and first game of the group stages will be held at the iconic Mexico City Stadium. Designed in 1966 by Mexican modernist architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez for the then upcoming 1968 Olympics, the 83,000 capacity, earthquake-resistant venue is said to have been inspired by London’s original Wembley Stadium and Milan’s San Siro, and has already hosted two World Cup finals—in 1970 and 1986 respectively.Several months before the soccer fans descend, CDMX will be welcoming gallerists, artists and collectors for the always buzzy Zona Maco (February 4-8). Latin America’s leading international art fair is actually four fairs in one, platforming contemporary art, design, photography and antiques from galleries across the region to the world. London, U.K. Notting Hill, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Two major museums will arrive in London in 2026: V&A East and the London Museum. The former sees the expansion of the design and decorative arts-focused Victoria & Albert Museum, which already has three destinations in the U.K. capital, as well as one in the city of Stoke-on-Trent and one in Dundee, Scotland. Located in east London’s evolving Olympic Park, V&A East is designed by Dublin firm O’Donnell + Tuomey. After opening on April 18, it will host major exhibitions, as well as festivals, installations and live performances. The London Museum opens later in the year, in central London’s historic Smithfield Market, to a design by architects Asif Khan and Stanton Williams. A rebrand and relocation of the former Museum of London, this new destination will host exhibitions and events about the city, its culture and history. As ever, London is also home to some of the global cultural calendar’s key moments, from fashion weeks in February and September to the London Design Festival (September 12-20) and Frieze art fair (October 14-18). Seoul, South Korea Paris’ iconic modern art museum, Centre Pompidou, may be closed for renovations, but in May 2026, an outpost will open in the South Korean capital of Seoul. Named Centre Pompidou x Hanwha-Seoul, the gallery is located in Tower 63, a skyscraper in the financial district of Yeouido that is being transformed by leading French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Exhibitions of the Pompidou’s modern and contemporary collections will be accompanied by an educational area for young visitors. Seoul, already a thriving capital city and hub of K-pop music, has been expanding its cultural offering over the past five years, becoming a leading Asian destination. The Photography Seoul Museum of Art opened its doors in May 2025. Frieze art fair, which made its Seoul debut in 2022, returns in 2026 for its fifth edition (September 2‑5) having recently opened its new permanent exhibition space in the city, Frieze House Seoul. Not far from that cultural hub, apartments at “La Terrasse” offer verdant terraces with panoramic views of the Han River—and plenty of wall space for an avid art collector. As fashion week season approaches again, which is the world’s most stylish city?
Award-winning architect Kevin Daly—an acolyte of the late Frank Gehry—composed this avant-garde compound in Venice, California, creating an enclave ideal for multigenerational living and today’s desirable work-from-home lifestyle. Over the last half decade, the concepts of multigenerational estates and a work-from-home lifestyle have emerged as significant real estate trends. Such arrangements—carefully considered and implemented—can reduce expenses, increase efficiency, balance privacy and togetherness, and allow for emotional connection, caregiving, and the creation of a lasting legacy. With these notions in mind, award-winning architect Kevin Daly—an acolyte of the late Frank Gehry—composed an avant-garde compound just a short walk from the shops, restaurants, famed canals, bohemian boardwalk, and sunny, sandy beach of Venice, California. Venice, California | Simon Beardmore | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage The primary residence—spanning 3,400 square feet—is composed of stalwart concrete pillars, a swath of glass, and architectural “screens” of warm wood. Highlights include four bedrooms, polished concrete floors, and a streamlined kitchen giving way to an inviting patio. The second home—a 2,200-square-foot three-bedroom stucco abode—features upper levels wrapped in folded origami-esque screens of perforated metal that filter sunlight and provide subtle privacy while framing views of trees and sky; three bedrooms, an open-plan living and dining area, a colorful kitchen opening to a courtyard with a living plant wall, and a primary bedroom with its own deck and a steamshower are among its hallmarks. The accompanying 510-square-foot pied-à-terre provides an additional bedroom and bath, a living area with a dual-sided fireplace, a deck with view from on high, and a private entrance. Soaring ceilings, fireplaces, and radiant in-floor heating are among the elements found throughout. The configuration of the three homes around a central courtyard garden can create a seamless work-life balance or allow the residents of each building to remain both independent and intimate, as desired. Beyond a swimming pool surrounded by Heath Ceramics tiles are an impossibly green lawn; vibrant landscaping; terrace spaces designed for gathering, conversation, and entertaining; three alfresco fireplaces; a sports court; and an open-air shower. The property has also been outfitted with state-of-the-art security systems—a prime example of Daly’s dedication to modernity, convenience, and pure peace of mind. The architect and his firm have established a global reputation for advancing the use of all things contemporary in everyday life, and clearly, they have accomplished this here, at this eye-catching enclave, a one-of-a-kind escape in one of California’s most colorful destinations and cultural meccas. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
With its refined living spaces, impressive outdoor areas, and desirable systems that allow for off-grid capability, this exceptional, sustainable estate near Yountville harmonizes architecture and interiors with the idyllic landscape. Visionary architect Holder Parlette has made a name for himself with a holistic approach to home design, dedicating his efforts to uniting architecture, interiors, and landscape while maintaining a focus on sustainability. One of Parlette’s most recent achievements, this exceptional sustainable residence on 6.7 acres just minutes from the enchanting wine country town of Yountville perfectly exemplifies those harmonious aims with its 8,600 square feet of refined living space—incluidng a two-bedroom guesthouse—impressive outdoor areas, and desirable systems that allow for off-grid capability. Every material and detail has been carefully considered, from artfully used stone in a variety of tones and textures to robust, highly secure Reynaers sliding doors and expansive walls of glass that create seamless transitions from home to landscape. Napa, California | Ginger Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage The centerpiece is an open-plan great room that includes soigné living and dining areas bookended by a striking gas fireplace and a unique “wine wall” as well as a charming chef’s kitchen with an island, superior-caliber appliances, and ample counter and cabinet space. These often sleek, streamlined interiors are delightfully contrasted by the pastoral surroundings, and nearly every space—whether public or private—has an outdoor counterpart or complement in the form of a terrace or balcony. Views, openness, and light are paramount here. Among the six serene bedrooms, the compound cleverly includes two owner’s suites, one of which features an exceptionally spacious closet and dressing room and a bath with walls of glass that afford vistas—particularly from the sculptural soaking tub—of the idyllic setting and majestic mountains. Even the home gym and office enjoy outlooks that transform the surrounding greenery into dynamic, inspiring art. In a relaxed upper-level living area and a media and billiards room with a wet bar and wine chiller, glorious natural light floods in, and high ceilings further the sense of delightful airiness. Commercial-grade integrated smart home systems and a 12.5-kilowatt solar array ensure virtually uninterrupted comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. A variety of shaded and open-air alfresco living and dining areas—as well as bar seating and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen—accompany the main residence and guesthouse. Heaters, ceiling fans, fire pits, and fireplaces help maintain a pleasant temperature year-round. Beyond are an alluring swimming pool and a separate spa, garden beds, and—outside the four-car garage—a generous motor court offering abundant parking accented by a landscaped water feature. Some four acres of professionally farmed vineyards sit on the verge of the manicured grounds, creating a perimeter of emerald that draws the eye outward, toward the Mayacama and Vaca Mountains and the dreamy blue skies of California wine country. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
From natural materials to climate-resilient architecture, the design trends shaping 2026 reflect a shift towards sensitive, responsive living, writes Mandi Keighran Byron Bay, Australia | Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty Looking back, 2025 will likely be remembered as a year of unease and acceleration. Environmental challenges became harder to ignore, cultural and political divisions deepened, and technology became ever more ingrained in our everyday life. Against this backdrop of a world in flux, the design trends emerging for 2026 feel refreshingly grounded. There is a clear shift toward homes that prioritize natural materials, crafted finishes and a sense of connection to landscape and how we live now. What unites each of the trends explored here is a growing desire for a more human response to this changing world. Natural materials Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty One of the most dominant design shifts heading into 2026 is a renewed emphasis on natural materials. Stone and timber are being used to create richly tactile residences that feel connected to the land, and as they age, these materials only become more beautiful. AA315, in Mexico City’s Lomas de Chapultepec, is an impressive example. Designed by Bernardi + Peschard with interiors by Gloria Cortina, the residence is defined by a palette of stone, timber and metal. Think Swiss larch and Macassar ebony joinery and cladding, expansive marble surfaces, and a sculptural staircase crafted by local woodworker Simón Hamui. “Natural materials are an extension of ourselves—a reminder of where we came from,” says Cortina. “Favor them always.” Craftsmanship Byron Bay, Australia | Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty There is also a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, particularly bespoke, place-specific work that reflects local skills and traditions. In a world where mass production has become the default, celebrating the human hand can lend homes a depth and individuality that cannot be replicated. Lo Scoglio, perched on a crest in Coopers Shoot near Byron Bay, Australia, exemplifies this approach. Conceived as a contemporary reinterpretation of a Sicilian masseria (rural estate), the main villa and guest house are united in their sensitive use of craft—from hand-chipped limestone walls, century-old hardwood floor and terracotta finishes to brass details sourced through Tigmi Trading. In a contemporary take on crafted luxury, the estate blends these artisanal details with modern systems, including solar power and rainwater harvesting. Future-proofing Calistoga, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage As climate volatility becomes an unavoidable reality, future-proofing has emerged as a core design consideration. In 2026, this increasingly means homes that incorporate resilient materials and construction techniques capable of withstanding environmental extremes. In some cases, that means looking to the past for solutions. At a modern sanctuary in Calistoga, California, designed by Signum Architecture, both shou sugi ban—an ancient Japanese timber-charring technique—and stained cedar have been used to create an exterior cladding that offers natural resistance to fire and insects. Combined with concrete and expansive glazing, the palette is a sophisticated balance of durability and material warmth. “This home occupies sensitive terrain that called for a design solution that is both sustainable and fire resistant,” says Jarrod Denton, partner at Signum. “Our approach was holistic.” Statement glazing Athens, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty As we move into 2026, glazing is taking on a more expressive role, moving beyond transparency to become a defining architectural feature used to frame landscapes, heighten spatial drama, and reinforce the relationship between inside and out. Orama, a private residence in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera in Greece, is a dazzling showcase of glazing ingenuity. Designed by ISV Architects, the four-level home is wrapped in expansive glass facades that capture sweeping views of the Aegean. Inside, tall ceilings and full-height glass walls flood the interiors with light, making the coastal setting as much a design feature as the finishes and furniture. Energy passivity Bluffdale, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Sustainability standards continue to rise, with energy passivity the benchmark rather than the exception in 2026. As a result, passive house principles, once associated with modest dwellings, are now being applied at an ambitious scale, nowhere more so than in a 15,000-square-foot home in Bluffdale, Utah built by Cross Construction. The sprawling home, which has earned recognition as the world’s largest certified single-family passive house, is powered by geothermal and solar energy. It also features triple-pane Alpen windows and continuous filtered fresh air. This mix of luxury living and ambitious design is a powerful blueprint for sustainability at any scale. “Passive homes matter today because they allow luxury to perform at a higher level,” says Alex Cross, CEO of Cross Construction. “When executed properly, they deliver a healthier, quieter, and more comfortable living experience, preserving the luxury you may never see, but always feel.” Rooted in the local Hudson Valley, New York | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Expect a renewed commitment in 2026 to homes that are deeply rooted in place, celebrating the unique attributes of a particular site and breaking away from a generic approach to the built form. A forthcoming residence in New York’s Hudson Valley by Kushner Studios—playfully titled Falling Rocks in a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright—embodies this ethos. Set in a landscape shaped by ancient glacial activity, the six-level home has a bold form inspired by these local geological forces. “Every foot of land is unique—sacred even—and thus worthy of consideration,” says Adam Kushner, president of Kushner Studios and owner of Falling Rocks. “It is the role of the architect to make the most of these opportunities, to create a narrative and propose a unique way of living.” In conversation with Kulapat Yantrasast, the art world’s go-to architect
default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1024x683.jpg" alt="Home in Osterville, Massachusetts" class="wp-image-345702" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" From a US$56M sale in Portola Valley, California, to a CHF 22M sale in Zermatt, Switzerland, here are nine sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in November. Portola Valley, California Chris Iverson | Golden Gate International Realty, US$56M View properties in Portola Valley, California Aspen, Colorado Mandy Welgos| Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, US$45.55M View properties in Aspen, Colorado Zermatt, Switzerland Oliver Herweg| Stieger & Cie Sotheby’s International Realty, CHF 22M View properties in Zermatt, Switzerland Bronte, Australia James Ball, Edward Quince| Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty, AUD$18M View properties in Greater Sydney, Australia Cambridge, Massachusetts Lauren Holleran, George Ballantyne| Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, US$18M View properties in Cambridge, Massachusetts Milan, Italy Barbara Legnani| Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, €11M View properties in Milan, Italy Coral Gables, Florida default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1024x768.jpg" alt="Home in Coral Gables, Florida" class="wp-image-345701" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-800x600.jpg 800w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-600x450.jpg 600w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" Sebastian Acosta, Banna Fakhoury | ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, US$11.225M View properties in Coral Gables, Florida Osterville, Massachusetts default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1024x683.jpg" alt="Home in Osterville, Massachusetts" class="wp-image-345704" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" Gene Orloff | Sotheby’s International Realty – Osterville Brokerage, US$10.5M View properties in Osterville, Massachusetts Tokyo, Japan Sara Takano| List Sotheby’s International Realty, Japan, JPY1.6B View properties in Tokyo, Japan Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog
As a true local agent, she takes pride in representing you and your home to the highest quality. When choosing Jayce, you can feel confident that she knows the area well and will provide you with a valuable real estate experience with her approach to all levels of the market, from entry-level to custom-built luxury.
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