Luxury real estate sales have been active this year in the Seattle and greater Puget Sound areas. Since January 1st there has been 53 (single family and condos) closed sales above $3 million with an average sales price of $4.5 million. The highest closed sale has been $12 million. There are currently 6 pending sales above $3 million with the average listing price of $3,697,000. There have been 4 closed condo sales averaging $5,654,525. It appears the sales activity for the fourth quarter is slowing down but it is early in the fourth quarter. The market time for closed sales has been 287 days as compared to 480 days for the current pending sales.

We have experienced many international buyers in the market place. Most of the buyers are coming from China. These buyers have businesses in China and Seattle and want to own residences in the Seattle area. The buyers are very attracted to the luxury view and waterfront properties located close to urban centers. If showing traffic is any indication of market strength, we should see a few more sales before the end of the year.

Posted by:  Tere Foster

I am a keen observer of trends – in particular, trends in the luxury real estate sector in Dallas. In 2010, I am seeing a sharp increase in the number of home buyers looking for low-maintenance living – often in a townhome-style condominium community.

Buyers in the luxury market, however, are not seeking just any low-maintenance lifestyle, they are looking for the same level of amenities and superior location they have become accustomed to enjoying in their current, often much larger, luxury homes.

I recently listed several three-bedroom homes at Highland Gates on the Katy Trail. This community excels at offering buyers a low-maintenance lifestyle, but it also offers Lutron lighting, Viking and Asko appliance, Kohler sinks and tubs, granite and marble countertops and hand-scraped hardwoods in a prestigious Old Highland Park location. To top it off, Highland Gates offers access to the popular Katy Trail for exercising and the trendy Knox-Henderson neighborhood for dining and nightlife – all priced from $783,135!

This community gets it right – a low-maintenance lifestyle, a prestigious and convenient location and the high-end amenities today’s homebuyers desire. I can’t predict the future, but I’d be willing to bet that Highland Gates on Katy Trail offers a glimpse into the future of luxury living now.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

I am a keen observer of trends – in particular, trends in the luxury real estate sector in Dallas. In 2010, I am seeing a sharp increase in the number of home buyers looking for low-maintenance living – often in a townhome-style condominium community.

Buyers in the luxury market, however, are not seeking just any low-maintenance lifestyle, they are looking for the same level of amenities and superior location they have become accustomed to enjoying in their current, often much larger, luxury homes.

I recently listed several three-bedroom homes at Highland Gates on the Katy Trail. This community excels at offering buyers a low-maintenance lifestyle, but it also offers Lutron lighting, Viking and Asko appliance, Kohler sinks and tubs, granite and marble countertops and hand-scraped hardwoods in a prestigious Old Highland Park location. To top it off, Highland Gates offers access to the popular Katy Trail for exercising and the trendy Knox-Henderson neighborhood for dining and nightlife – all priced from $783,135!

This community gets it right – a low-maintenance lifestyle, a prestigious and convenient location and the high-end amenities today’s homebuyers desire. I can’t predict the future, but I’d be willing to bet that Highland Gates on Katy Trail offers a glimpse into the future of luxury living now.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

This past week I closed almost $24 million in luxury home sales.Included in this number was the sale of a 19,000-square-foot Italian-style mansion in Highland Park, a 13,000-square-foot Santa Barbara-style home in the gated Creeks of Preston Hollow neighborhood, and a Bluffview estate property totaling almost 6 acres with an exquisite Antebellum-style home and an exceptional Modern residence that at one time served as the guest house for the larger Southern mansion. It was a week to remember! Looking at the broader picture, my experience in June points to the significant positive momentum in the upper-end of the luxury housing market in Dallas. While home sales in the $1- to $2 million range have remained strong in Dallas (relative to much of the remainder of the country), home sales above $4 million had seen a decline in 2009. The below numbers from North Texas Real Estate Information Systems paint an improving picture of the luxury market in Dallas and North Texas as a whole: Year-to-date sales of homes priced from $1 million to $3,999,999 have increased from 246 in 2009 to 312 in 2010. That’s a 21% YTD increase in this critical luxury price point. Illustrating the growing strength of the higher-end luxury housing market is the jump in sales above $4 million in 2010. This year, so far, 11 homes in that lofty price point have sold in North Texas. During the same period last year, that number was 5. Remarkably, we had five such sales in June alone.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

The luxury real estate market in the Seattle and Bellevue area has seen great sales activity in recent weeks. There have been 36 closed sales in the last 180 days priced above $2.5 million. These luxury properties range in type from waterfront to lake and city view to acreage estates. The average of the closed sale price is $4,847,661. During the six month period the market has been experiencing 6 closed luxury sales a month.

Currently there are 21 pending sales (properties under contract but not closed) above $2.5 million. These sales have all occurred within the last 60 days. This is truly great news for the luxury market. The market has seen an increased in sales activity with 10.5 sales per month above $2.5 million in the last 60 days.

   

There are several exceptional pending sales: A new construction estate with built green/energy star rating at 373 Highland Drive in Seattle priced at $3,595,000; an estate featured in Architectural Design at 210 Maiden Lane in Seattle priced at $9,500,000; a gated country estate at 7350 259th Place NE in Redmond priced at $2,600,000; and a custom waterfront home at 94 Cascade Key in Bellevue priced at $7,500,000.

The market is demonstrating great signs of recovery in the luxury market. Our waterfront properties are experiencing a major increase in activity and interest. The Puget Sound Region has become a very attractive place to live and invest.

Posted by:  Tere Foster

The luxury waterfront season on Lake Washington has begun! There have been nine sales above $3,500,000 in the last 90 days. The Seattle area has had four sales above $9,000,000 since November 16, 2009. The exclusive community of Hunts Point, Washington (a neighbor of Bellevue, Washington) has two new pending sales: an older home at $8,800,000 will be torn down and a new luxury estate will be built on this generous acre lot with 86 feet of lakefront. The other pending sale is listed at $15,800,000, offering 1.2 acres and 8,300 square feet of luxury and an expansive 157 feet of shoreline on the lake. It is not known how the new buyer will improve the property. This sales activity shows real energy among buyers looking for a great opportunity to make the jump to waterfront living. Luxury real estate in the Seattle and Bellevue areas is off to a wonderful start for 2010.

Posted by:Tere Foster

The luxury market in the Northwest is showing signs of recovery. In the last six months of 2009 there were 21 sales above $3 million. And, more importantly, 48% of those sales happened in the 4th quarter. We hope having these sales in the 4th quarter show positive signs for 2010 and that we are heading towards recovery. There seems to be a real energy in the luxury marketplace on behalf of buyers that we did not see at all in the first two quarters of 2009.

In looking at 21 sales that closed in the last 6 months, all of them sold within 15% of the listed price. Remarkably there were two sales above $10 million in the Seattle area. One property in the Laurelhurst neighborhood sold for $11,500,000 and the other in the Washington Park neighborhood sold at $10,600,000. Both of these properties were large estate homes on the Seattle waterfront.

In the Bellevue and Kirkland communities on the Eastside, there were several sales of note: a Clyde Hill estate closing at $5,399,000 and 3 pending sales that will close in the coming weeks: a Kirkland home at $4,575,000, and two Bridle Trails homes: one at $3,750,000 and one at $3,478,000.

We are very excited to see these sales occur and hope this is a sign of things to come for a more healthy market in 2010.

Posted by:Tere Foster

Den Before Staging

To effectively market luxury homes in a competitive housing market it is imperative real estate agents think creatively about how to best present the properties to prospective buyers.

I am proud to represent the ultra-luxury residence at 10005 Meadowbrook in Dallas’ Preston Hollow neighborhood. To highlight the home’s uniqueness, I selected Dallas-based interior designer Barry Williams of Barry Williams Inc. to stage the almost 12,000-square-foot residence, which features a treasure trove of inlaid and mosaic stone. The home is truly a work of art in itself.

At 10005 Meadowbrook, Barry approached two design challenges – keeping an interesting mix

Den After Staging

and the home’s unique living room – in his usual confident manner. “The home features five large living areas and if they all have two chairs flanking one sofa it would appear uninspired,” Barry says. “There are, however, only so many ways to arrange furniture, so keeping the mix of fabrics, textures, colors and whether or not the furniture is upholstered or shows a wood frame is all important.

“I like for a room’s landscape to be varied,” Barry says. “I like all different types of furniture as well – painted and stained wood, metal, stone, all upholstered, and different textures. All comfortable, of course.”

Great Room Before Staging

“The specific challenge of the living room is that the room is ringed by nine onyx columns and all the furniture is seen from all sides,” Barry says. “That is very unusual. The front door is on axis with the back doors to the courtyard. Respecting that line of site is critical and yet that is not the center of the room at all. I had to make it the center of the back of a sofa and then back up a table to the sofa so that would be the view coming in the front door. Walking into the back of a sofa never feels right. It is not welcoming at all. And yet the room can’t be all chairs either.”

Great Room After Staging

Barry has done a superb job complementing the already superb home at 10005 Meadowbrook. I am truly proud to represent this fine property and I know that choosing Barry Williams to add his personal touch was a great decision.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

It’s always informative to step back and take a quick “snapshot” of a specific niche of the local luxury residential real estate market. In Dallas, a good barometer of how things are fairing is the $2- to $3 million price band in the highly sought-after Highland Park Independent School District. The district is widely known for the quality education it offers, and the towns it serves, Highland Park and University Park, are known for the quality of housing they offer the district’s families.

So … just what will $2- to $3 million buy in the way of luxury housing in the Park Cities? A fine example of this price band is my new listing at 3728 Stratford. This classic turn-of-the-century Prairie-style home in Highland Park offers ample charm and is a short distance from highly desirable Armstrong elementary. The four-bedroom residence, on a 70-by-208-foot corner lot, features extensive period detailing, and has been beautifully remodeled and meticulously maintained. It offers all the amenities today’s luxury buyers desire, including a pool and a very tastefully updated kitchen, and a more than 2,000-square-foot guest quarters.

This fine residence is currently competing with 52 other homes for sale in the HPISD priced between $2- and $3 million. The average asking price per square foot of these 51 homes is $417. The average days on market is 156, with the maximum time on market being 418.

Thirteen properties in this price band in the HPISD have sold in the past six months. Those homes sold at an average of $364 per square foot, having spent an average of 153 days on the market. The minimum time on the market for these luxury homes was 18 days, while the maximum time was 422 days.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

It is no longer the little town that started in 1953. Now we can all experience the luxury of shopping at our very own Neiman Marcus. Bellevue has officially grown up into a sophisticated city with luxury shopping in addition to the luxury homes. It is no longer a sleepy bedroom community of Seattle. Sip champagne while shopping at Jimmy Choo or stop for lunch at the Wild Ginger. The shopper girls and trend setters will have their own little bit of heaven right here in Bellevue, Washington.

The grand opening of the Bravern shops and Neiman Marcus will add panache and cache to the city of Bellevue. The landscape of the community has been pleasantly changed, embracing luxury, forever.

Posted by:Tere Foster

One of the best ways to judge the strength of the luxury housing market is to simply count the number of serious buyers at a weekend open house event.

Recently, I held an open house at my newest listing: 4329 McFarlin in Highland Park. This immaculate home completed in 2002 offers more than 6,200 square feet of living space, a downstairs master suite, a corner lot with 90-foot frontage in the well-respected Highland Park school district and a lagoon-style pool. The property is offered at the very competitive price of $1,999,000. Judging by the attendance at Sunday’s open house, a house with this much bang for the buck won’t last long in today’s luxury market. In a two-hour stretch, approximately 35 people toured the residence. Many of these folks were not simply “kicking tires,” they were seriously in search of a new home.

In addition to luxury home shoppers being drawn to competitively priced homes, a trend I am increasingly seeing (and this open house strongly reinforced) is their desire for a downstairs master suite. Often these same buyers are also looking for a downstairs guest suite for their aging parents.

Another trend I am seeing quite often is buyers looking to simplify their lives by downsizing from a larger home to a smaller home that is completely move-in ready.

Lastly, entertaining at home remains a very strong draw for luxury home buyers. Well-appointed kitchens, game rooms and an outdoor entertainment area – preferably one that is surrounded by a pool – are major factors in just how many luxury home shoppers will visit an open house. These same attributes are also often the determining factors in just how fast a well-priced home such as 4329 McFarlin will sell.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

All indications are the market is experiencing the bounce we typically associate with springtime in Texas. This year luxury home sales are growing stronger at a time of year that we often see sales begin to slow. I attribute much of the “typical” summer slowdown to the extreme heat of summer in Texas and the mass exodus of affluent buyers to second homes and vacations in much cooler climates.

A fine example of the market gaining steam in Dallas is my listing at 3412 Princeton in Highland Park, which recently went under contract. This immaculate, updated Tudor is in the very competitive $1- to $2 million price range in the sought-after Highland Park Independent School District. Currently there are 258 homes for sale in this price range in the few square miles that the district serves. To compete effectively in this market, a home really has to stand out. In addition to an aggressive marketing campaign, I focused on two things in particular with 3412 Princeton: knowledgeable pricing based on market conditions and staging the home to bring out its fun personality. The residence was staged by Barry Williams, a Dallas-based designer with impeccable taste and attention to detail. Barry’s stellar work helped buyers appreciate the home’s inherent charm and visualize its potential.

Looking at the larger Park Cities market, a total of 77 homes priced from $1- to $2 million have sold since Jan. 1 of this year. Fifty of those have sold since April 1, providing reason to believe that despite the Texas summer the market really is heating up.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

Every August a certain fever arrives. It beckons cabin owners to travel and hide away during the hottest month of the year. Miller Young Design clients are definitely doing this in style. We have a vast array of “Clientele in the Cabin”. One favorite is The Log Style. Homes built from logs can be found all over the Northern Hemisphere, typically in areas where trees are in abundance. Whether traditional hand crafted log or a new application of the milled log, contemporary and ranch built cabins are quite stylish. For many, the log cabin has become an idyllic form of architecture. These serene escapes, usually lakeside, are surrounded by mountains and are host to the best comfortable casual interiors and exteriors along with acres of lawn to sun on, lunch on, or simply look at as you swing mindlessly in a fringed hammock set between two tall trees. This isn’t “home-life” as usual, a slower tempo kicks in and there is appreciation for the brisk mornings accompanied by the aroma of an old fashioned breakfast cooking as endearing friends arrive.

At Miller Young Design we understand that many associate the log cabin with wholesome values. The well planned cabin is space efficient, simplistic in its plan and can accommodate an active family of generous size and an overflow of guests while maintaining the dignity of private spaces in a casual relaxed mode. Colors must be vibrant to balance the exposed wood that is prominent in this style of architecture. A coordinated palette scheme encompassing multiple colors for the interior and exterior is a must. Once balanced, the colors, no matter where furnishings have been moved, will always look well. Furniture styles should be complementary in finish and scale so that balance remains intact. When selecting linens, stick to basic neutrals, one color throughout including matching PJ’s and Robes. Consider that if everything were out on display at the same time it should all look good together whether inside or outside.

Freedom is in art and accessories. Individual tastes will shine through in regard to the style and color of the chosen scheme. A quote from one of our clients:

“To us a cabin is a state of mind. It is a place where you feel protected, at home and able to express your personal style. In a cabin, life is quiet enough to enjoy simple pleasures traditions and people around you.” When asking what was the best feature about working with a designer to create their cabin, she responded, “You, as all really good designers, live in the moment with the client and focus on their quality of life through your suggestions and specifications knowing these products will endure from that time forward. In this you achieve a timeless design never dated.” A Miller Young Design “cabin home” in particular represents the pinnacle of a somewhat trouble-free and very efficient home.

Posted by:Linda Young

In short, a whole lot of house. Dallas is known as a city that lives large, and that couldn’t be more true than when it comes to luxury real estate. Dallasites expect a lot of square footage and for a few million dollars they can literally count on it. My listing at 9898 Hollow Way is a prime example. Priced at $4.5 million, it is situated on almost three-quarters of an acre in prestigious Preston Hollow. This beautiful new home with every conceivable amenity features a 34-foot-high entryway with an ornate floating staircase and inlaid Crema Marfil flooring. It’s more than 10,000-square-foot floor plan offers more than ample room to entertain in grand style.

Another fine property currently available to luxury home shoppers in Dallas is my listing at 10005 Meadowbrook, which is set on a more than 1-acre lot in Preston Hollow. Priced at $5,195,000, this new Mediterranean-style home offers more than 11,000 square feet of living space, onyx columns and flooring and spectacular attention to every detail.

For a bit more, say $8,995,000, buyers can expect the kind of square footage and acreage that is frankly unimaginable in many of the world’s large cities. My listing at 9338 Meadowbrook offers luxury home buyers almost 14,000 square feet of living space on 2 acres with a guest house, a tennis court and two apartments!

These homes are fine examples of why Dallas continues to attract affluent homebuyers who know quality – and value – when they see it.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

These days, everyone is cutting back on wants & focusing mainly on needs. For this reason, the secondary home market has been hit reasonably hard during this economic recession. I believe it will make a come back as confidence in the real estate industry grows & more buyers take a leap of faith to invest once again in real estate. While the financial implications of a second home carry considerable weight, the hope is that your second home is first a place for fun, relaxation, enjoyment and quality family time. And in a world where time comes at a premium, family time is never overrated. So is the owning of a second home truly just a luxury? Let’s look at a few reasons why purchasing a second home is a wise investment & not necessarily only a luxury.

Casual Luxury the enchanting style of luxury homes of today is deep-rooted in the desert foothills and is truly a style that is rising at sea level.

The creation of a comfortable natural environment with a dignified aura of modishness that is not strict and noticeably casual, however maintains the specifications of luxury products, is an art form.

Natures’ backdrops such as mountain views sites are optimal for desert residences. Mountains are indicative of the landscape of the valleys of the West and since streams and lakes are usually not on property, man-made natural water features are complementary and key in offering a relaxing approach and feeling of well-being throughout the property.

The application of identical specification for interior and exterior stone facades presents a link to nature, nurturing indoor-outdoor experiences and leading to the embraced (now massive) great rooms in the style of Casual Luxury. The same application can also be seen in the private residence areas with their ever so popular “Spa Features” together with all amenities. Spa ensembles are increasingly chic, enjoyable, and convenient to have at home for health and beauty. Pure luxury in a natural setting is the description of a beautiful spa.

Home Chef? Or just prefer a substantial welcoming kitchen? A plan that tends to this craving has divided great rooms which now include the serving and dining kitchen suited with dramatic ceiling treatments.

Hosting a concert of art takes us to completion. This is the answer to all other calls of the habitat; strong architecture, stone and natural backdrops. Collections by several individual artists. Powerful either in subject, size or color, each relative to the site and their group. Artifacts are welcome in moderation. Viewing spaces are generous and open to observers of the collections, as are the distinguished natural views.

Miller Young Design’s Bill Miller has recently completed the firm’s latest “Casual Luxury Residence” revealed in Contemporary.

Within our portfolio of style we at Miller Young are inspired to create Casual Luxury for our clients offering them the Beautiful Natural Environments they call home.

Posted by:Linda Young

Bellevue, Washington - the new epicenter of luxury shopping? Recent data seems to say yes! An article in the Puget Sound Business Journal this week highlighted why Neiman Marcus chose to open a new flagship store at the Bravern in the heart of downtown Bellevue. According to the article, there are more affluent consumers in the 10-mile radius around where the new Neiman Marcus store will be than there are in Beverly Hills. Here is a link to view the entire article.

Even though affluent consumers in the Northwest seem to prefer more a more understated luxury lifestyle, they still respect the quality that comes from top luxury brands.

We are so excited to see how many luxury retailers have chosen Bellevue (and the Bravern ) as their newest area to open - including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tory Burch. So now, in addition to being the luxury real estate destination of the Northwest, now Bellevue is fast becoming the luxury shopping destination as well.

Posted by:Tere Foster

The Preston Center office of Dave Perry-Miller & Associates welcomed a special visitor this past week when former President George W. Bush, the ultimate luxury real estate client, dropped in to attend our Monday morning office meeting. Mr. Bush talked with our agents and staff members about plans for his presidential library to be built on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Mr. Bush also spoke candidly about the book he is currently writing, which will discuss the reasoning behind some of the toughest choices that he had to make while serving as president. But most of all, the former president expressed how happy he is to be back in Texas and getting re-acquainted with longtime friends and the state he loves. Recently he and Laura purchased a beautiful luxury home right in Preston Hollow.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

The “El Camino Real Bells” along with their destination have long influenced today’s architecture.

My design career has been influenced by the history of the California missions, specifically when designing California classic homes and commercial buildings from this era.

The “El Camino Real Bells” were in place from the early part of the last century to designate the route of “El Camino Real” from San Diego to Sonoma, California. They were built by the Spanish during the early mission days.

370 original bells graced The El Camino Real, (Royal Highway or King’s Highway), which is guided by Highway 101 in California. The El Camino Real is the first recorded road in the state, and was built by the Spanish when the missions were operational.

Most bells were produced in the 1920’s and over the years have been displayed on commercial and residential properties of historical importance. They have a dignity denoting mission and convey the Spanish Colonial or Spanish Revival periods.

When I was commissioned to design homes and commercial buildings from this era, some of my travel and research took me through the El Camino Real, reviewing the homes and buildings of the 1920’s. This allowed me to journey back into time and find sources sensitive to the era and lifestyle. This would assist me in the design which would soon be dictated by the historic influence of these periods. I found skilled artisans who hand painted tile from this era and were baking them on site all while I watched. There were shops with one-of-a-kind 1920’s lanterns, hardware, vintage iron and vintage wood carvings and of course, old mission bells.

When we look at a beautifully well constructed home or building with a unique design that stands out, is rich in history, is a meticulous reproduction of an era, however new in amenities, it more than likely is the result of a dedicated designer’s travels and research which has been interpreted into an owner’s dream.

While Spanish Colonial is a classic period it is only part of the Miller Young Design portfolio of style and eras that we embrace. We at Miller Young Design have created “Classic Origins” for connoisseurs of traditional homes. This is a signature design for those who desire a home designed with authentic influences enhanced by a library of fine pieces crafted in Old World techniques, celebrated in spaces of serene contentment.

Posted by:Linda Young

Representing truly unique and special properties is one of the highlights of my residential real estate career. And, frankly, it’s not every day that I have the opportunity to represent a modern masterpiece!

Designed by Glen Allen Galaway, who trained with Philip Johnson in New York, as his Dallas home, the mid-Century Modern residence at 7010 Airline in University Park is a shining star in the Park Cities.

The Park Cities includes the small, affluent towns of Highland Park and University Park, which are actually island cities surrounded by the much larger city of Dallas. Both towns are well known for significant architecture, but not typically of the modern variety!

The property offers an ideal setting in which to display a significant modern art collection. Natural lighting plays a prominent role in its design – and skylights add to the drama.

The current owners made a commitment to preserve the integrity of this significant Dallas residence and I am proud to have been chosen to represent their home. This magnificent residence truly offers buyers who appreciate mid-Century Modern architecture an unmatched opportunity in this part of the world.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

Greenway Parks is a 150-acre neighborhood three miles north of downtown Dallas known for its abundant parks and homes of architectural significance.

Designed in 1927 by David R. WIlliams, the neighborhood was an innovative concept intended to be like no other American suburb. Homes in Greenway Parks are clustered around a series of open private parkways in the English Commons tradition, offering residents ample green space in the center of a major metropolitan area.

Noted architects who have designed homes in the neighborhood include Charles Dilbeck, O’Neil Ford, Howard Meyer, Ralph Bryan and John Aston Perkins. A strong homeowners association, as well as deed restrictions, have helped to preserve the integrity of Greenway Parks.

The neighborhood is increasingly popular with upscale Dallas homebuyers -- so popular that one of my recent listings (pictured) drew as many as four prospective buyers a day and went under contract in only six days!

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX

Any style home can be prepared to its highest potential and become your sanctuary. I always thought of home as a sanctuary, a legendary showcase of beauty, luxury and comfort.

People visualize the homes they want in different ways - some as a vacation once taken and they dreamed would never end. Others in a sculptural fantasy or maybe a glass box trimmed in steel supported by concrete with abundant gardens.

The most popular dream home, luxuriating in amenities, is found in the request of the “California Casual.” It is forever loved for outdoor decks and patios that are incorporated as integral parts of day-to-day living spaces.

Interiors are simple in taste, complex in their composition and high quality. We plan with sensational large scaled furnishings, treat oversized window walls with lined automated draperies and select organic wood tables and new unbound accessory pieces. You’ll see commissioned wall art by a known artist expressing personal style and accent colors. Special effects lighting is planned by lighting designers for maximum mood enhancement.

The color schemes are that of the sea and we use multiple textures to make things unique. When selecting navy we stay with it, then accent in any color, layering in shades of cream and taupe as background colors. When selecting sage or green we stay with it, accenting in crisp white and tangerine. We start with a simple base and add a powerful punch of color.

The pristine beauty of the California coast and the value of its property have made homeowners, buyers, and designers, profoundly sensitive about keeping luxury properties in top resale condition at all times.

Exteriors are somewhat more composed. We design outdoor dining spaces to capture the ultimate views, convenience and comfort. The banks of chaise lounge flanking the pool are a prelude to the pool’s tanning divisions… accompanied by chaises and umbrellas. The cutting edge is in the barbeques - with outdoor grills and refrigeration. A “must” is built-in storage located in unsuspecting places to house pool toys, furniture covers and beach items.
We at Miller Young Design have created the layered concept of “California Casual” for you to further see the landscape, experience the sun of the west, the serene nature of waters in the ocean of the pacific and make dream homes for your reasons.

By: Linda Young, a nationally known high-end interior designer

The talk is all about the style of Jackie Onassis Kennedy this season. There is an updated Version dressed in The Modern Parisian Hues of Ethereal Simplicity that we are currently seeing entering the global interior design market in Greige Tones introduced by Calvin Klein and offered by Kravet Fabrics.

This harmonious blend of mild patterned soft color blends is sure to be a staple in the library of Miller Young Design and other high end interior design firms. Subtle colors are very popular in France and across the European continent today and they rein queen of this collection. The high luxury, glowing threads and silken hand of these fabrics are waiting to take the shape of their designers new creations. Materials take form and form must be advanced to application. Any of the high quality materials designed for this exceptional collection could have been seen as a garment fabric for our former First Lady or selected by her for design use. The effects of fashion have always prejudiced interior design for decades after their inauguration and who better to trend set than Calvin Klein. We at Miller Young Design echo the past through design and so will our ateliers and clients.

By: Linda Young, a nationally known high-end interior designer

How many times have you heard the phrase, “All real estate is local”? When it comes to luxury real estate in Dallas this couldn’t be more true. The high-end market in Dallas is not only local it’s actually a micro-niche of the larger area housing market. While the upper-end home market is somewhat “slower” than it has been, sales of very expensive properties are still quite strong.

In the first three months of 2009, eleven Dallas luxury homes priced at more than $2 million have sold. The most expensive home sold to date this year is an $11.5 million mansion in the new Creeks of Preston Hollow neighborhood.

Trends are showing that real estate – particularly in Dallas’ close-in neighborhoods – is still a very good investment. While many Americans have lost a great deal of their accumulated wealth in the stock market, Dallasites can rest assured that, according to the signs we see, that won’t be the fate of their local real estate holdings.

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX

There is a trend right now in Chicago luxury real estate - land width. In Amsterdam, the typical lot size is 12-15’ wide. Based on Amsterdam’s history, land was sold per linear foot, so it created pinched land values & the houses became very tall, narrow, vertical parcels. This happened largely because of the canals & the limited amount of land, thus land value went up.

Like most urban settings, Chicago has established a similar parcel identity for it’s own reasons. I think it was derived from sections that are 1 mile square. When you go with 16 blocks per mile, adding in a 16 foot alley and a 66 foot wide street it roughly equals a mile. With this equation in mind, the typical Chicago lot size became 25’ x 125’ and therefore the ultimate luxury niche - width - was born. In the current luxury home market, there is great demand for width in lot sizes and Chicago luxury buyers are willing to pay a premium for it. I know numerous buyers trying to assemble consecutive lots to achieve their desired luxury “frontage.” I brokered an assemblage of 4 consecutive lots in Bucktown, which virtually became a square 100’ x 125’ parcel - affording the buyer the ultimate luxury of width.

Nationally, brokers & Realtors sell waterfront property based on frontage. In Chicago this is lot frontage. Anything larger than 25’ feet wide is premium and automatically increases the property value. Part of this is the repetition of the Chicago box car property. Arguably, 9 out of 10 Chicago properties on a block are the standard 25’ x 125’ (depending on area/neighborhood, of course). The luxury of width is scarce yet once a buyer experiences its’ possibilities, it’s hard to go back. Greater width is felt in the floorplan mostly in the bedrooms, then the living spaces. In an indirect way it can allow for 3-4 bedrooms on one level, ideal for a family or multi-generation co-habitance. Greater width and a more flexible floorplan also opens the home up to a larger pool of buyers. At the same time, the experience of the home changes from vertical to horizontal and provides a much more expressive & open feel, greater light, flexibility, floorplan options & most of all space. Chicago is living this housing evolution, making for a more transverse & internationally competitive housing stock. And the demand is validated by the successful & heightened values of these wider homes.

By: Robert John Anderson, a luxury real estate expert serving Chicago, IL

Rolling hills, winding tree-lined streets and hilltop vistas. These are not typically images people think of when they think of Dallas. But sophisticated locals know that’s what sets the Bluffview neighborhood apart.

Originally developed in the 1920s and 1930s, Bluffview is home to many historic residences that have been lovingly preserved. Some of Dallas’ most interesting residential architecture is located in the northwest Dallas neighborhood.

Among the architects who over the years have been active in Bluffview was Charles Dilbeck, who designed distinctive and eclectic homes throughout Dallas during his 40-year career.

In recent years, Bluffview has been “discovered” and is experiencing significant new construction in a wide variety of home styles.

Among the homes currently in the luxury home market in Bluffview is my listing at 4911 Shadywood, which is offered for $2,995,000. This distinctive residence is situated majestically on a wooded 1.23-acre heavily wooded lot. Built in 1938, it offers the country setting and sophisticated ambience that make Bluffview so desirable to so many affluent homebuyers. And, it offers all of this only minutes from downtown Dallas.

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX

It was elegance and dramatic chic at the reception party for Allan Knight of Dallas. The event was held in our resort community of Palm Desert at The Egg and Dart Showroom. Allan’s high brow accessory minded furnishings line is true theatre. My absolute favorite and to be put into “The Miller Young Design Collection” is the couture upholstered bed. It features imported fabrics trimmed in polished platinum nail heads and crystal acrylic Palm Beach or cabriole legs. With the classic Palm Beach bed known for its tapered leg, and the Chambord bed linked to the past in cabriole – these luxurious beds were floating on a rim of platinum nail heads that sparkled like diamonds. For Miller Young Design the beauty of these timeless classic pieces is that they can be also dressed and finished in a Ralph Lauren kaki, safari fabric and have a wood distressed Palm Beach or cabriole leg. Then I can see placing this in the homes where making statement for the affluent needs to be individualized to their personal style. Here it is, any way you wish, in any bedroom setting, the possibilities are endless, and so is the beauty of couture design.

By: Linda Young, a nationally known high-end interior designer

It was a full house at Fashion Week’s Fashion Runway. The resort city of Palm Desert, California welcomed fashion guru Cheryl Tiegs among the judges and of course I was there with Bill Miller of Miller Young Design. Susan Stein, of Palm Springs Life Magazine’s served as fashion host and graced the runway podium with her impeccable New York glamour and carried the crowd of who’s who off to different eras of design - each so uniquely expressed through garments produced by interior design firms. The garments were constructed with the highest quality design products for home and commercial use. Our most treasured fabrics intended for window treatments were elegantly shown by professional models on the runway. One in particular was magnificently draped in lavish proportions, only to be then opened to perfection in a silhouette of a gown in silk. It was royally completed by frosted chandelier rounds forming drop earrings and a wrap at waist. This ticket was a rich reward for any lucky attendee.

By: Linda Young, a nationally known high-end interior designer

One of my favorite things about being in the real estate business is the opportunities it provides to serve our community. Heroes for Children is a nonprofit organization that our firm feels strongly about.

Heroes for Children provides financial and social assistance to Texas families with children who are battling cancer. Formerly known as Taylor ‘s Angels, the organization was created in memory of Taylor Anne Brewton and Allison Leigh Scott.

Dave Perry-Miller & Associates is a proud sponsor of the annual Heroes & Handbags event, which benefits this worthy organization. This year the event takes place from 9:30 to noon on April 3 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The brunch with silent auction features one-of-a-kind vintage and new designer handbags donated by area retailers. Attire for the event is casual chic with a fabulous handbag!

An estimated 12,400 children in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with cancer. With diagnosis comes the challenge to provide financially for the family. The money Heroes for Children donates directly to families helps relieve some of the strain and stress during this difficult time in their lives. A social worker at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, says, “When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it seems that the family, even a financially stable family, has financially hard times. Having the added stresses associated with financial burdens is more than families should have to bear. It is so nice to have an organization that is available to help in these types of situations. No strings attached!”

Tickets for the Dallas Heroes & Handbags event are available for purchase through March 31. For more information about the Dallas Heroes and Handbags event, contact Danielle Soffa at dsoffa@heroesforchildren.org. Interested in reading more about what Heroes for Children does to support families in Texas? Visit www.HeroesForChildren.com.

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX

Every year we see new trends in the Seattle area luxury real estate. However, this year, as we see the whole world change as we once knew it buyers are asking themselves “What really matters in life?” And the answer is time with our family and friends. As the economy continues to change around us, affluent buyers in the Seattle area are re-prioritizing what they really want in a luxury home. A floor plan that works for them.. and that means focusing on spaces for casual entertaining and family time. The kitchen is the new “center of attention,” as we have been calling.

It is now more than ever the focal point of the home…homework with the kids, wine tasting with friends, Sunday brunch with family. A fabulous, open kitchen tops buyers’ lists over and over again. Buyers are also wanting a smaller footprint – less square footage to maintain and fill up. They are willing to trade space for more quality finishes and a better floor plan. They want to live the luxury lifestyle in a more understated and manageable way. It’s all about doing more with less.

By: Tere Foster, a luxury real estate expert serving the Seattle, WA region

Interior Design on The Runway

This week, I will be attending WESTWEEK, Los Angeles and Fashion Week, El Paseo. Exquisite furnishings and fashion runways fitting this into an already busy schedule is harder than getting into the size 4 pencil thin suits and dresses I’ll be sporting to the shows!

I’m a believer in high-end luxury markets previews like WESTWEEK tailored to the lifestyle of our clients. This gives us an up close look at what we are going to offer this year. Luxury minded clients expect the designer to not only know design, they expect practical knowledge of the latest and archived products, fixtures and amenities that are to be perfectly assimilated into their homes and projects. At Miller Young Design, it is not only our job, it is our goal to achieve the desired result and complete each project through co-creation with our clients.

Today’s top market clients intend to be indulged in the design of their homes – homes that can be defined as “comfortable luxury,” “trendy California contemporary” and some will even exude confidence in a home of “stately magnificence” yet all in a contemporary world.

Total Luxe! This is a week for admirers and buyers of the luxury interior design market, to see the newest and the best in home furnishings at The Los Angeles posh interior design showrooms. Edelman Leather launches their first LA Showroom ever this season at The Pacific Design Center and I understand it is lavished of course with luxurious leather and the most stunning showroom in that location. I will be there!

The same week, I will be attending “The Great White Tent.” Fashion minded trend spotters are to view models in couture dresses adorned in jewels toting the finest designer handbags. I can’t miss this! What a week.

By: Linda Young, a nationally known high-end interior designer

Preston Hollow ... Chances are, regardless of where you live, you’ve heard of this North Dallas neighborhood. It’s been in the news recently because it is the new home of former U.S. president George W. Bush.

Preston Hollow is also home to some of Texas’ wealthiest residents and most expansive and expensive homes. The Bushes bought an 8,500-square-foot residence valued at approximately $2.1 million -- a relatively humble abode by Preston Hollow standards. The former president’s new neighbors include Tom Hicks, owner of three professional sports teams as well as a 29,000-square-foot Preston Hollow mansion. Other notable Preston Hollow residents include Dallas Mavericks owner and billionaire Mark Cuban, billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens and former presidential candidate and billionaire H. Ross Perot. At present there are 22 homes for sale in Preston Hollow priced above $5 million, making now an ideal time to invest in this legendary Texas neighborhood. (Photos shown are of 10731 Bridge Hollow Court in the gated Creeks of Preston Hollow neighborhood. Contact Me for further details.)

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX

We are the winners – again! Bellevue has consistently received national recognition for being one of the top cities to live and work in and we just did it again as CNNMoney.com announced that Bellevue is the #1 “Best Places to Live and Launch”

They chose Bellevue because of the business climate – it’s no wonder companies like Microsoft, Expedia and Symetra all are located here. And also because of our amazing access to lifestyle amenities – from outdoor recreation to the arts community there is something for everyone. All of that with one of the top rated public school districts in the country and who wouldn’t want to call Bellevue home?!

By: Tere Foster, a luxury real estate expert serving the Seattle, WA region

The Park Cities -- made up of Highland Park and University Park -- are “island cities” that are actually surrounded by the much larger city of Dallas.

These two small towns’ reputations for quality housing is enhanced by their scenic settings among parks and creeks. Approximately 11,500 households, including some of America’s best-known and wealthiest families, live in the Park Cities. Local residents include Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys football franchise; and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman.
Families, in particular, flock to the Park Cities because of the towns’ shared school district, which is known nationally for its high-quality public schools. Many people who grew up in the Park Cities later return there to raise their own families, thus perpetuating the small-town feel of the neighborhoods.

Currently available in this small slice of Americana are 298 properties priced at $1 million or more. Of those, 24 are priced at more than $5 million. In other words, now is truly an ideal time to purchase a residence in the Park Cities.

Historically, buying property in Highland Park and University Park has proven to be a sound investment. A friend mentioned to me recently at a cocktail party that had she put the same money into Park Cities real estate that she has put into the stock market in the last few years she would be much better off financially, and be sleeping much more soundly at night.

Photo caption: Among the notable properties currently available in the Park Cities is Dave Perry-Miller & Associates’ listing at 3500 Beverly Drive. The 18,841-square-foot mansion by Andrew Merrick Homes is offered for $17.9 million.

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX

1. Exceptional Waterfront Living - From Puget Sound to Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, everyone can enjoy the waterfront lifestyle.
2. Endless Outdoor Recreation activities - As home to REI, the Greater Seattle area offers some of the best activities for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking, to kayaking to mountain biking to watersports to skiing, the options are endless for year round fun.
3. Thriving Arts Community - Whether it’s the theater, symphony or visual arts that draw you, Seattle has one of the strongest arts communities in the country.
4. Exciting Restaurants & Dining – From world renowned seasoned chefs like Tom Douglas to new chefs gaining international acclaim like Jason Wilson, the Seattle area boasts quite the reputation for culinary hotspots. From coastal inspired fare to Asian fusion, there is always something new and exciting to try.
5. Wine Country - Quickly becoming a destination for wine enthusiasts, the Eastern side of the state has long been home to many wineries. Now closer to home, the Woodinville area is host to many wineries as well. Whether it’s an evening of wine tasting, or a short drive for a weekend away, there are endless options for your palette.

By: Tere Foster, a luxury real estate expert serving the Seattle, WA region

Dare we say rebound? It looks like it. The numbers for Bellevue jumped up in February, both for single family residences and condos in the downtown core. There were 22 luxury home sales above $1.1 million, the median home price for the “West Bellevue” area. Compare that to January where we only had 2 sales and the median price was $800,000. We are continuing to see an increase in activity with buyers recognizing that this may be the optimal time to buy before interest rates start to rise. West Bellevue continues to be one of the most desired areas in the Greater Puget Sound region. With great public schools, a vibrant and growing downtown core with restaurants and great shopping, and easy access to corporate offices it truly is THE place to live.

By: Tere Foster, a luxury real estate expert serving the Seattle, WA region

Dallas is known as the “city that works,” in other words people move to Dallas because of its business-friendly environment and its international access due to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Dallas attracts many people because of its low tax base, available land and large work force.

Unique characteristics of Dallas:

1. Corporate headquarters - the Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to more than 10,000 corporate headquarters. A few of the Fortune 500 companies based here include Exxon-Mobil (which earned more than $40 billion in 2007, making it the most profitable company in the United States), Texas Instruments (which invented the handheld calculator and the integrated circuit), American Airlines, Electronic Data Systems, J.C. Penney, Kimberley Clark, Southwest Airlines and Neiman Marcus.
2. Temperate climate - Dallas residents enjoy year-round outdoor living. While much of the U.S. is experiencing cold weather in the winter months, affluent Dallas residents enjoy entertaining poolside in their outdoor cabanas with kitchens.
3. Fashion sense - outside of New York and L.A., no other U.S. city is more fashion-conscious. Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus is based in Dallas. Its president, Stanley Marcus, was responsible for many innovations in the fashion industry. In 1939, he established the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalogue, which became famous for extravagant “his and hers” gifts, such as airplanes.
4. Dining - While many cities claim this recognition, studies have shown that Dallas has more restaurants per capita than any city in the United States. Dallasites enjoy eating out often. The city is home to several of the nation’s top chefs, including Dean Fearing (whose Fearings restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton-Dallas was named No. 1 in the U.S. in hotel dining by Zagat), Stephan Pyles (the founding father of Southwestern cuisine) and Kent Rathbun, who has created some of the most talked about restaurant concepts in the nation.
5. Shopping - Dallas is not only the home of Neiman Marcus, it is the home of Dallas Market Center, the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource with more than $8 billion in annual transactions. Shopping is the favorite past time of many Dallasites. The city is home to scores of upscale stores such as Barneys New York, Tiffany & Co. and Nordstrom.
6. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - in terms of passenger traffic, it is the seventh-busiest airport in the world. It is operated like a small city. It has its own ZIP code, post office and public services. It serves 128 domestic destinations and 36 international destinations, offering Dallasites and visitors to Dallas an ease of access that is rare among American cities.

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX