Friday Formal Living Rooms: What's Your Style?

The Formal Living Room. Everyone knows it, that room in your grandmother's house "no one ever goes in" or "only when we have important guests," conjuring up images of stark white carpet and delicate glass accouterments.  But the uninviting spaces of your grandparents' days are over and formal living rooms are making a casually elegant comeback. From classic European to charming rustic, there is a room to suit anyone's "formal" preferences. Below, enjoy four unique formal living rooms, and Riskin Associates wants to know, what's your style?

a Montecito estate's formal living room

Elegant Tuscany. This elegant, grand formal living room is the sophisticated centerpiece to an equally grand Tuscan villa. The room has been designed for luxury and outfitted with the highest quality finishes, including hand-finished walls, a coffered lyptus wood ceiling and an imported fireplace mantle.

A Montecito ocean view formal living room.

Casual California. Perched on a high hilltop, this estate's formal living room enjoy a panoramic ocean view, which commands center stage through an expansive floor-to-ceiling window. A soaring pitched beamed ceiling is complemented by a pair of chic iron chandeliers.

A rustic ocean view formal living room in Santa Barbara

Rustic Retreat.If you prefer a rustic,  mountainous atmosphere, perhaps this comfortable formal living room with towering ceilings and beamed walls will suit you. A fireplace warms the expansive room which enjoys a wall of sliding glass doors opening to a terrace overlooking and expansive ocean view.

A craftsman living room in Montecito

Comfortable Craftsman.Warm rays of sun stream in through sky lights and picture  windows in this charming craftsman style room. Take in lush lawns and shady trees from the lovely window seat!

The Luxury Market Goes To The Young and the Wealthy!

The National Association of Realtors has reported on a very intriguing study conducted by the Luxury Institute, which found those who are driving the luxury real estate market are not those middle-aged CEO's but younger buyers with a fresh take on what is "in" in luxury real estate. Looking at young buyers aged 21 or older with a minimum income of $250,000, the survey concludes that these young buyers are willing to pay more than buyers of similar wealth but aged over 55. On average, young buyers spent over $2 million on their most recent residential property purchase which was almost twice as much as older buyers spent! The article by RealtorMag quotes the CEO of the Luxury Institute: “Luxury homes are for more than successful and retired empty nesters,” says Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. “Today’s luxury buyer is both dynamic and diverse, and it’s reflected in the homes and products they’re buying.”

However, it's not just how much young buyers are spending, but also what they are spending it on that is of note. The amenities at the top of most young buyer's wish lists are outdoor kitchens, gyms, home theater systems and garages to house 4+ cars! These amenities all showcase the desire to lead active lifestyles, raise families or entertain in their homes and make the most of their purchases. Despite these new age desires, the oldest adage in real estate still applies: Location, location, location! Location is still the most important factor in property purchases, with only 6% of young buyers purchasing homes outside of the U.S.

Calling all you young buyers looking for the perfect property! Take a peek into these luxury Riskin Associates properties and tell us, do you see something you like?

A home gym in a Santa Barbara estate

This contemporary Montecito property boasts one of the most luxurious outdoor dining areas.

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A Riskin Associates Listing Catches the Wall Street Journal's Eye

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Riskin Associates is proud to represent some of the most unique and exquisite homes in Montecito and Santa Barbara, and we are so flattered that national real estate news outlets recognize our listings for their individuality and luxurious qualities. This time one of our more recent listings is enjoying the spotlight as the Wall Street Journal's House of the Day. This contemporary hacienda on Via Manana is just steps from the world famous San Ysidro Ranch and Montecito's extensive hiking trails.

The home has been extensively renovated by Montecito design team Kirsten and Darrell Becker of Becker Studios. Kirsten Kemp Becker is the former host of numerous HGTV interior design shows and affords her experience and expertise in interior design to the homes which her husband Darrell renovates to maximize each property's livable space. For their latest endeavor, Becker Studios outfitted the home with luxurious, low maintenance finishes and landscaping, to evoke the feel of historic Montecito haciendas.

To learn about the uniqueness of the proeprty that caught the eye of the WSJ, click here. For more information on the property, please contact Riskin Associates.

Deer Lodge is being featured on BRAVO's Property Envy Tonight!

The pool and patio at Santa Barbara's Deer Lodge!

Riskin Associates is excited to announce that our listing, Deer Lodge, will be featured on BRAVO network's new real estate show Property Envy. The show looks inside some of the county's most unique and distinctive properties as a panel of comical real estate personalities provide commentary. Deer Lodge fits the bill of the show, an incredible property with amenities akin to the coolest summer camp you never had the opportunity to attend. With 180 acres of hiking trails, sport courts, mountain view terraces, pool and spa, game room, and multiple structures with five star sleeping accommodations. Riskin Associates will be watching as the cooky panel of Property Envy sounds off on this and a number of other amazing properties tonight on Bravo! For airing times, check your local listings!

Trending: Luxurious, Low Maintenance Finishes!

One of the fastest growing trends in luxurious residential interiors are environmentally friendly and low maintenance finishes. Designers are searching far and wide for unique, sustainable, and easy to live in materials to outfit homes. These days, homebuyers want durable finishes that can withstand day to day living, while maintaining lavish design and aesthetics. While classic materials will always be in style, fresh new materials are taking over our homes. Take a look at the luxurious finishes in the latest Riskin Associates listing...

...Designed by Montecito design team Becker Studios, this contemporary hacienda is adorned in low maintenance materials such as wide-plank drift wood oak floors, combed Chinese basalt, concrete, Lagos Azul and Arival Spanish  Limestone and Calcutta marble. The landscape design acknowledges Montecito's temperate climate, utilizing low maintenance succulents to create attractive gardens, while oak and olive trees line the gravel drive.

Want an inside look into this fabulous hacienda? The home will be open this Sunday from 1pm-4pm, 770 Via Manana, Montecito.

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Celebrity and Summer Camp!

Deer Lodge's Pool and Terrace

It's a beautiful 75 degrees and the sun is shining in Montecito and Santa Barbara, summer is definitely underway! In honor of graduations and great weather, let's tour an incredible compound built by the John Deere family in the early 20th century and once owned by legendary actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg, which just so happens to be the ideal location for a kid (or adult!) summer camp.

The compound is nestled between lush mature landscape of wildflowers and oak tree canopies.

Nestled between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, the original adobe hacienda has been restored and elaborated upon to what is now an incredible wonderland. With multiple residences and 180 acres of spectacular grounds, the  property is absolutely ideal for summer gatherings and weekend getaways for the whole family.

The main residence boasts almost 6,000 square feet of living space and four additional guest houses with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms provide private quarters for your closest friends and family. An expansive entertaining terrace boasting an outdoor kitchen can host over thirty for dinner.

The kids won't be disappointed by the plethora of playful amenities the property offers. An infinity pool with pool house, media area and game room are just the beginning. A tree house and fort, bocce ball court, lighted sport court and 3 miles of walking trails are waiting to be explored. Oh, did we mention the 150 foot long zip-line?

Adults won't be missing out on the fun, the property offers a wine cellar and a 300-vine syrah and grenache vineyard. Don't worry - you won't have to maintain this vineyard yourself, the famous Beckmen Estate tends the vines.

An outdoor fireplaces at Deer Lodge.

Views of the Santa Ynez Valley

Deer Lodge pool house, Montecito CA

Deer Lodge Living room

Deer Lodge's incredible grounds.

The infinity pool overlooks the Santa Ynez Valley and Deer Lodge's Bocce Ball Court.

The expansive kitchen is warm and wonderful gathering area.

Deer Lodge is one of Santa Barbara's most incredible and serene properties.

Discover this most unique treasure trove of amenities offered at $10,900,000.

For more information, please contact Montecito's number one real estate team, Riskin Associates.

Santa Barbara's Diverse Residential Architecture

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Southern California's residential real estate is often misconceived to be a sea of red-tiled roofs and "Mediterranean" style residences, but Montecito begs to differ. A quiet drive along any of our charming streets feels like a trip around the world, revealing a refreshing mix of architectural eye candy inspired by all corners of the earth. From historic English tudors to functional contemporaries, Santa Barbara and it's surrounding communities of Montecito and Carpinteria offer a home to suit everyone's style preference.

Above, check out a collage of some of the area's most distintive homes, boasting unique architecture unparalleled by their neighbors.

Clockwise from top left:

This modern masterpiece was designed around ancient oak trees and offers gallery walls and abundant natural light, perfect for showcasing a collection of artwork; A French provincial style home is nestled behind iron gates opening to a bucolic, tree-lined drive; This incredible residence has been artfully infused with European finishes, 100-year old Tuscan roof tiles and antique French oak and limestone floors; A rustic mountain retreat awaits discovery in the hills of Carpinteria overlooking the Pacific coast; this historic English manor boasts a prestigious address in the heart of Montecito's golden quadrangle; Spanish-inspired La Candelaria is a sanctuary of richly colored walls, unique coffered and wood-paneled ceilings.

Peek inside a Hollywood director's one of a kind Carpinteria compound

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Montecito and its surrounding coastal communities is known for its relaxed and luxurious California lifestyle, so it's no wonder that LA's elite flock to the casual oceanside towns to unwind. A stone's throw from our offices in Montecito, high in the hills of the seaside town of Carpinteria, Hollywood heavyweight Joel Schumacher, known for the Batman films of the 90s, and more recently for directing Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum in Phantom of the Opera, has collaborated with noted Santa Barbara architect, Don Nulty, to create a truly one of a kind compound. As if plucked from a forest in the snowy Sierras and gently placed in one of California's most desirable beach towns, the property beautifully marries rustic yet refined finishes with breathtaking views of the Pacific ocean. Upon stepping through the grand foyer, ocean views are the centerpiece to the expansive living room with soaring ceilings and furnished to the nines with plush couches and cozy blankets perfect for enjoying the impressive fireplace.  The home features three incredible bedrooms in the main house, a loft designed to take in the surrounding views, a masterpiece of a kitchen, and a spacious guest house just off the key-shaped pool with additional guests quarters. A gem of a hideaway, the entire home begs to entertain, relax, and recharge all who step onto its special property.

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Al Fresco Entertaining

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Montecito is known for its beautiful surroundings and fantastic climate, including incredible ocean views, epic mountain vistas, hidden meadows and rolling hills, which beg to be enjoyed with al fresco dining and entertaining. Here, we highlight some of the most enviable outdoor spaces in the area!

Montecito Luxury Gift Guide: Deck The Halls

To get everyone it the mood for the holiday season, we've put together a 2012 Montecito Luxury Holiday Gift Guide. Each week we'll cover a new topic, including gifts for the home, him and her. Happy Holidays! PART 1: DECK THE HALLS

1. This year succulents have become in staple in home decor, adding beautiful accents in seaside communities such as Santa Barbara and Montecito.  This gorgeous faux succulent wreath by Botanik of neighboring Summerland is the perfect addition to holiday decor and will last year after year.  Botanik Succulent Wreath $195

2. What could be more luxurious than toasting family and friends with a crystal-clad champagne flute? Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flutes, $390

3. Don't forget the perfect wine for your upcoming holiday parties. Look locally for a varietal that will wow even the most discerning guest. Just this year, Wine Spectator awarded Vogelzang Vineyards with an outstanding rating for their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, receiving 92 points. In sunny Santa Barbara, a Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with appetizers and seafood even during the winter holidays. Want to really impress your guests? Purchase the entire 180-acre Santa Ynez Valley Vogelzang Vineyard, currently listed with Rebecca Riskin & Associates. 2010 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (12 bottles), $384; Vogelzang Vineyard, Happy Canyon, $7,250,000

4. When decking the halls, don't forget to deck your pooch! To make a real impression at your next holiday gathering, fasten this striking genuine leather bow tie on your favorite four-legged friend and turn on the charm. D.O.G. Pet Boutique Bow Wow Tie Collar, $69.95

5. Deck the halls of your Santa Barbara or Montecito Beach Home with a fabulous driftwood tree. Restoration Hardware's decorative trees are handcrafted by artisans with natural driftwood and promise to provide the perfect touch of seaside shabby chic. Restoration Hardware Driftwood Tree (35"), $125

beautiful kitchens: eat your heart out (part two)

As promised, today we bring you part two of our kitchens feature. We briefly spoke about the importance of a well-appointed kitchen these days, especially with a cultural shift in how Americans use their kitchens. In other words, increasingly more people are using their kitchens as a central social zone in their homes, foregoing separate dining rooms in favor of enjoying meals directly within the kitchen itself. Here are some more of our favorite kitchens from various Montecito real estate listings-- ones we definitely want to spend time in.

1. We love how this kitchen places bright, white marble with dark cabinetry and hardware; it creates a sleek, yet prominent contrast.

2. Country style kitchens tend to feel the most inviting and easy to spend time in. The use of open spaces and an immediate eat-in area makes this one feel particularly social.

3. Another lovely country-style kitchen, this more charmingly-sized space uses lots of bright white, light countertops, and a bit of sheen to maximize cheerfulness. This creates a perfect balance between refreshing and cozy.

4. Country kitchens can take on a Mediterranean flair, like this one, which has a touch of Tuscan villa and looks out over the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountain range.

5. Kitchens with less space can still be spectacular, with beautiful beamed ceilings, gleaming granite counter tops,  stainless steel appliances, and stone tile back splashes.

beautiful kitchens: eat your heart out (part one)

Over the years, kitchens have become a more and more important part of the home. Throughout most of the history of the kitchen-- especially in high-end homes-- it was closed off from the rest of the home, considered more of a workspace than a living one. The popularity of cooking as a creative outlet and admirable skill encouraged the trend of open kitchens, eat-in kitchens, and kitchens suited for socializing in. Today, the kitchen can be the most important room of a home and many buyers will make decisions based primarily on this room. A well-appointed kitchen can be a spectacular place to spend time with family and friends, and thus a major selling point for a home.

We adore lovely kitchens and appreciate the many styles that can be done. Here are a few of our favorites from our current and recent Montecito real estate listings:

1. Between the view, eat-in kitchen, and center island, this Mediterranean kitchen was certainly designed to spend some quality time in.

2. This very white kitchen with over-sized spaces and counter tops, and a pitched ceiling achieves a very heavenly feel.

3. This kitchen, in a modern, Spanish-style home, features another white-based space that is far from bland. Dark accents and exquisite details make it feel refreshing yet opulent.

4. Stainless steel and sleek lines make this contemporary kitchen so beautiful, you'll forget there are other rooms to relax in.

5. Vintage-style appliances make this country kitchen an incredible and unique living space.

These are merely but a few impressive spaces; we'll be back soon to showcase some more exceptional kitchens, including old world Mediterranean styles and kitchens that make a small space a gorgeous one.

Luxury Portfolio features La Pumada for its "captivating ceiling"

Recently, one of our favorite high-end real estate affiliations, Luxury Portfolio, chose to feature our La Pumada property alongside a group of properties with "captivating ceilings."

Indeed, intricate, hand-painted ceilings grace the living and dining rooms of this estate. The amount of craftsmanship and artistry that has gone into this ceiling-- along with the similarly exceptional details that cover every corner of the house-- make this property the gem that it is. Such intricacies seem almost dreamlike and otherworldly, and thus walking through La Pumada feels downright heavenly.

We don't like to play favorites, but if we had to, La Pumada would be at the top of our list.

More photos of La Pumada, a Montecito estate.

Here are a few other captivating ceilings Luxury Portfolio featured:

1. A very jungle-like, natural ceiling on this Sierra Blanca Estate, Marbella Golden Mile, Spain:

2. Quite contemporary in composition, the ceiling of this Moroccan Villa works beautifully with the traditional shapes and patterns, Marrakech, Morroco:

3. We love the sleek, yet natural look in this Architectural Estate, Beverly Hills, California:

4. For those with ultra-chic, avante garde taste, who never grew out of their love for tree houses, the Villa Due Mari fulfills dreams, Sardinia, Italy:

popular home styles for 2012

Yahoo Real Estate published an interesting article today about the most popular home styles of 2012. We decided this would be a great opportunity to discuss their findings and showcase the many beautiful listings we currently have that fit each category.

1. One of the most popular styles right now is the modern home. Clean lines, simple floor plans, and easy, open spaces. The modern design leaves out decorative details in favor of industrial materials like glass, steel, and concrete.

Our property on Olive Mill Road honors the modern style with bold splashes of color and unique architectural details.

While not overtly modern-esque, our newly-built Hot Springs property features an open, flowing floor plan, geometric lines, and a clean aesthetic in a modern style. The home's Spanish flair adds a bit of intrigue for contemporary style-lovers who want a bit of detail.

2. Neo-Mediterranean homes look fantastic on Montecito and Santa Barbara foothills and coastal cliffs. Local architects have always recognized this and built (and continue to build) in this style accordingly.

One of our most stunning properties is a Mediterranean home graciously overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

A brand new construction, this next home features state-of-the-art amenities with a grand, old-world feel.

One of the most beloved features of the Neo-Mediterranean style is its eye-catching, red spanish-tiled rooftops. Another newer construction, this Mediterranean beauty graces the foothills and overlooks Montecito's one-of-a-kind coastline.

Ornate details, while out of place in modern homes, can figure beautifully into the Mediterranean style. In this home, intricate details warm up grand spaces.

3. Craftsman style homes have captured the adoration of Americans across the country for over a century. They are perhaps one of the few distinctive styles that have timeless charm.

Our historic listing on Ashley Road offers the best of the style, with a wrap-around porch, and decorative brackets and gables. Its artistic details make every room feel special and it looks like it belongs among the giant oak trees that decorate its landscape.

A Day at the Greystone Mansion

Last Friday, December 2nd, Luxe Interiors + Design magazine put on its "Maison de Luxe" event at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Twenty-four lauded designers decorated the historic mansion's rooms to their hearts' desires.

We decided it would be a great opportunity to head down to L.A. for the day and check it out. While there, we received a wonderful tour of the mansion's expertly-decorated interiors and attended a lecture featuring four of the designers on the panel.

The over 46,000-square-foot mansion (for comparison, our biggest Montecito estate clocks in at 30,000 sq. ft.) was built in 1928 for the Doheny family on over 18 acres. The property is now a landmark, restored by nonprofit Friends of Greystone with tours and events run by the city's Parks & Recreation Department. Obviously, this estate is truly magnificent, especially what with the internationally-renowned designers having gotten their hands on it.

Here are some photos of our wonderful day there.

Montecito also has some amazing historic homes and estates-- take a look at some of our favorites here.