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The luxury homes market grows… in the metaverse

The real estate market in the metaverse is a growing trend, as is for luxury in general. On these new technology platforms, there are more and more people investing in virtual luxury homes: their prices are growing, and continuing to rise. From fashion brands to sellers of virtual lands, the metaverse represents the next frontier of luxury.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• The luxury market in the metaverse
  
• Metaverse and luxury homes: a growing market
  
• How to buy and what is the cost of a virtual property

The luxury market in the metaverse

What is more concrete than a precious object or even a house? Well, it may seem incredible, but now even luxury goods cannot escape the virtual world. In fact, in recent months, the metaverse - or rather, the various metaverses that already exist - has become the scene of the sale and purchase of luxury items and even villas and properties. According to an estimate by the lender Morgan Stanley, the metaverse will represent more than 10% of the luxury goods market by 2030, for a figure that is around 45 billion euros in respect to more than 400 total for the sector. There are already several luxury brands that have equipped themselves to land in the metaverse, such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Moncler. The market for luxury clothes and the most exclusive accessories is already thriving, as many VIPs have pioneered the purchase of virtual products signed by famous brands.

The trend of the fashion and design sector in the metaverse is therefore experiencing exponential growth, but it is destined to grow further and also represents an investment sector for those who can afford it. The link between luxury clothing brands and the virtual world is in fact increasingly close, and also passes through the world of NFTs and cryptocurrencies. In addition to the most exclusive brands, however, also brands that operate on a larger scale such as Nike, which recently expanded its registered brands to products made exclusively for the virtual world, have also landed in the metaverse.

Metaverse and luxury homes: a growing market

The most common luxury goods in the real world are high-value properties, or luxury homes. And this trend is also taking hold in the metaverse, as virtual lands and villas have become one of the favorite investments of VIPs and large companies in recent months. Just think of the PSG and Italian national team player Marco Verratti, who bought an island in the metaverse, or celebrities like the world-famous billionaire rapper Snoop Dogg. But not only. In fact, in the course of 2021, it is estimated that around 500 million euros were spent on virtual properties.

An already staggering figure, which is even expected to double in 2022. The trend is confirmed by other big names that have already bought properties in the metaverse, such as the French Bayern Munich footballer Kingsley Coman and the Swiss tennis player Stanislas Wawrinka, but also multinational companies such as eToro, leader of FinTech, or Republic Realm, a real estate company which has already invested 4,3 million dollars to acquire land on Sandbox, one of the most famous virtual real estate platforms, and which already owns 2.500 parcels of land in 19 different worlds. Investing in virtual properties is therefore now an established reality.

How to buy and what is the cost of a virtual property

Those wishing to purchase real estate in the metaverse will need to have specific cryptocurrencies in their virtual wallets. Those who have the required sum for a specific virtual land will only have to access the websites of the various platforms available, select a plot and pay for it or, if necessary, participate in an auction and then purchase it. These virtual plots, in fact, are perimeters drawn on virtual maps and allow, once the purchase is completed, to build on them or in any case to carry out other operations aimed at increasing the value of the purchased lot. Obviously it is also possible to rent or sell already built properties, even through consultants or dedicated real estate agencies, such as Metaverse Properties.

Currently there are a dozen platforms that offer virtual real estate properties for sale (for a total of about 270.000 units), but the main platforms on which to buy land and virtual properties are four: Sandbox, Decentraland, Cryptovoxels and Somnium, with the first representing 62% of the market alone, with approximately 167.000 properties measuring 96x96 meters, on sale for 12.700 dollars each (in December 2021). Recently Uttopion has also landed in the metaverse, where it is possible to purchase a plot of land for a sum ranging from 2.000 to 20.000 euros. But the number of real estate platforms in the metaverse and of investors is growing daily, so much so that there are those who speak of a virtual "housing boom". Those who have the financial power to do so are in fact buying properties in the metaverse, also not to miss the opportunity to invest in the future of luxury goods. Buying a luxury home in the metaverse can in fact represent an excellent investment, as well as being a way to be the first to land in what appears to be one of the areas that will be the protagonist in the years to come: the virtual world.

Archistars: the most famous and their exclusive projects

Who are the so-called archistars? Who are the most famous Italian and international contemporary architects? Where are the buildings they projected? Let's find the answers to these questions and get to know the archistars.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Who are the contemporary archistars?
  
• The most famous Italian and international archistars
  
• The most exclusive archistars’ projects

Who are the contemporary “archistars”?

The word archistar may sound strange, but its understanding is quite immediate. To take up the technical definition of Treccani, it is "a neologism coined a few years ago by Gabriella Lo Ricco and Silvia Micheli, scholars of contemporary architecture, to define architects to whom the media caliber has given the characteristics of a star". This term, in fact, was born to identify the most famous architects in the world. So famous that they are considered stars, like the most famous Hollywood actors or international rock stars. In particular, in recent decades, there has been an increase in the number of globally famous architects, especially thanks to exclusive and enormously impactful projects, which have made their authors famous.

An archistar is considered such thanks to his revolutionary and innovative projects, at the basis of changes in the concept of architecture itself or of great technological innovations. Naturally, environmental and ecological issues also play an important role in the recognition of archistars, especially in recent years. These figures, therefore, are architects who have introduced fashions, revolutionized design or introduced new approaches to design, both from a creative, technical and technological point of view. In fact, therefore, contemporary archistars are the stars of architecture, who have earned this fame thanks to their incredible works.

The most famous Italian and international archistars

Nowadays, there are really many archistars, so it is not easy to draw up a ranking. However, it is possible to list the most famous, both Italian and international, taking into account their most famous projects. First of all, here is a selection of international archistars:

• Zaha Hadid Architects: The first woman to earn the title of archistar - passed away in 2016 -, who left the Zaha Hadid Architects studio as a legacy, always in line with the style of the founder, famous for the lines that refer to the natural world and to sculpture, applied to technological and ecologically sustainable materials.
• Diller Scofidio + Renfro: Studio founded in New York in 1981 by the spouses Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio, who became famous above all for the Blur Building on Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland), built for Expo 2002.
• Daniel Libeskind: Polish architect, naturalized American, famous for the extension project of the Jewish Museum in Berlin (1989-1999) and, more recently, for his contribution to the works of Citylife in Milan.
• Norman Foster: Founder of Foster Associates (1967, today Foster + Partners), the English designer became famous with the Swiss Re skyscraper in London (2003).
• Coop-Himmelblau:Viennese group of architects, famous for the Contemporary Art Pavilion of the Groningen Museum (1994) and for the Gasometer, an industrial building transformed into a residential complex in Vienna (2001).
• Mario Botta: Swiss archistar, with a studio in Mendrisio since 1969, known both at the academic and research level and for his works that include natural materials and geometric lines

At this point, it's time to introduce the most famous Italian architects, also known outside Italy:

• Renzo Piano: Certainly the most famous Italian architect, starting from 1977, thanks to the work in collaboration with Richard Rogers for the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, the first of a long series of revolutionary and globally recognized works.
• Stefano Boeri: Archistar based in Milan since 2009, made famous by the project for Bosco Verticale, the well-known Milanese skyscraper (2014).
• Archea Associates: This studio was created in Florence (1988) thanks to Laura Andreini, Marco Casamonti and Giovanni Polazzi, who earned the title of archistar with the project created for Cantina Antinori (2013).
• Nemesi & Partners: Italian studio that became famous above all thanks to the creation of the Italian Pavilion for Expo 2015 in Milan.
• Fuksas studio: Studio founded by Massimiliano Fuksas and Doriana Fuksas in Rome in 1967 and famous throughout the world since the 2000s with projects for Rho Fiera in Milan.
• Matteo Thun: South Tyrolean archistar, known nationally and internationally for his projects characterized by the analysis of the geographical context and the ecological approach.

The most exclusive archistars’ projects

After this roundup of Italian and international archistars, it is worth mentioning some of the most exclusive projects created by the most famous contemporary architects. Among the international archistars we mentioned the Viennese group Coop-Himmelblau, which also carried out the project of the ultra-modern and technological multifunctional building BMW Welt, which is located in Germany, in Munich, and was inaugurated in 2007. Another name already mentioned is that of Zaha Hadid. One of her most exclusive projects was Capital Hill, the only private residence designed by this archistar, built between 2006 and 2011 in Russia, in the Moscow area, for the Russian tycoon Vladislav Doronin. It is a structure consisting of a suite located 22 meters above the ground, with a main entrance located on the third level, including a library and bedrooms. Below are two other floors that include the fitness area, the sauna, the gym, the massage area and the living area (living room, kitchen, dining room), next to the garage and the swimming pool. The master bedroom is located at the top and offers a 360° view of the surrounding forest.

To stay in the context of buildings that allow you to enjoy the surrounding environment, we should mention Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, a residence built in Pittsburgh (USA) between 1936 and 1939 for the Kaufmann family. This incredible house in the Pennsylvania woods is balanced between rocks and a waterfall and is characterized by a series of terraced floors, overhanging the water. Turning to Italy, one of the most exclusive projects by an archistar is Villa Malaparte, the luxury home of the journalist and writer Curzio Malaparte, designed by Adalberto Libera and inaugurated in 1943. It is a building set in the rocks of the Island of Capri, with a rationalist structure and the incredible panorama that only a location like this can offer. Finally, remaining within the context of the Italian archistars, we have already mentioned Massimiliano Fuksas and Doriana Fuksas. In addition to the works in Rho Fiera (Milan), the Fuksas studio also designed the New Congress Center in the EUR district in Rome, known as "La Nuvola", for its imaginative structure which, in the upper part, is reminiscent of a cloud, inside which there are also the Auditorium and other multipurpose rooms.

The characteristics of electric yachts and their benefits

Electric yachts could be the floating houses of the future, with many benefits to offer and some critical points to solve, especially in terms of autonomy. Let's find out what electric yachts are, their impact on the environment, the advantages and limits of their characteristics.

INDICE:

• Characteristics and price of electric yachts
  
• Differences between electric and hybrid yachts
  
• Electric yachts: benefits and limits

Characteristics and price of electric yachts

Electrical power is no longer the future, but the present for many means of transport. This also applies to very special means of transport. So particular as to be real… floating houses. Yes, because electric yachts are considered by some to be the future of luxury houses, obviously aquatic. For example, you can take the AmperAge, the electric boat of the Russian company AMETA, designed by designer Max Zhivov and designed to offer all the comforts and possibilities of a floating luxury home. The aluminum alloy hull ensures durability and solidity, without increasing the total weight of the structure and ensuring thermal insulation. Generally an electric yacht can host between four and six people, accommodated in two or three cabins. The command area is located inside the bow, together with the kitchen area and a sofa bed, while the so-called "owner's cabin" is at the stern, including a double bed, wardrobe and desk. These electric houseboats obviously also offer a bathroom with shower and toilet, a sauna and a large deck, which can also accommodate a grill, a water slide and an anchor for an inflatable boat.

Moving on to motor technology, this yacht has two electric motors powered by a battery pack that works via solar panels, with the possibility of also providing an additional diesel generator. A dream, right? Yes, given that, currently, AmperAge electric yachts are not yet available for purchase and even their price remains unknown, although it is possible to imagine a six figure number. Another dream electric luxury boat is the Fibonacci conceived by Icona Design. 16.60 meters long and weighing 32 tons, this electric yacht can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots, thanks to two electric motors with 200 kW of peak power, powered by lithium batteries with a longevity of 14.000 cycles and capable of completing the full charge (starting from 0) in just 20 minutes. To give an idea of ​​autonomy, this electric yacht is expected to travel up to 150 miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. “It is expected”, as this electric houseboat is also not yet available on the market. And the price - certainly mind-boggling - also remains a mystery.

Differences between electric and hybrid yachts

The electric yachts just described fall into the full electric category, namely the boats with only the electric motors mechanically connected to the propellers and can be equipped with range extenders, or generators for recharging the batteries. But solutions have also been designed which, for medium and large-sized yachts, provide entirely electric systems with generating sets designed to come into operation only in order to recharge the batteries, in the event that the charge deriving from refueling is not sufficient, even allowing electric motors to express their maximum power without interruption.

The case with plug-in hybrid propulsion is different. In fact, hybrid electric yachts exploit a combined use of endothermic and electric engines, in a ratio that can change according to the needs and the state of charge of the batteries (generally the electric propulsion is used for slow transfers, while the endothermic one for transfers fast or for recharging the batteries).

Electric yachts: benefits and limits

Speaking of electric yachts, it is useful to address the benefits and the limits that these houseboats present. Starting with the limits, they essentially concern two aspects: battery recharge speed and autonomy. As there are no electric batteries capable of offering great propulsive power and high autonomy at the same time, owners of electric yachts will have to "settle for" - for now - less fast and more relaxed navigation. Currently another criticality with respect to electric propulsion is that a pack of electric batteries, with the same energy, takes up much more space and takes much longer to recharge.

This difficulty is also linked to the fact that there is not yet a large spread of marine fast charging stations, while the use of solar panels or wind turbines directly on electric yachts to generate energy is not yet possible. In addition to this, another critical aspect of electric boats is the ecological issue related to the batteries disposal at the end of their life, always very expensive and complex. Except, in fact, for the batteries disposal, these houseboats are certainly an excellent ecological choice. Infac the environmental pollution that these luxury boats generate is almost absent. Furthermore, we must not forget about renewable energies, which are objects of rapid development, and of the fact that electric propulsion makes it possible to leverage in a better way internal areas, deck and weight control areas. In short, electric yachts have all the credentials to become, in the near future, real floating luxury houses.

Taxation for supercars: what changes in 2022

The additional taxation for supercars is confirmed for 2022, despite the hypothesis of abolition in recent months. Let's find out which cars have to pay for it, citing some example models, how to calculate the amount for 2022 and how to make the payment.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Taxation for supercars: which cars have to pay for it?
  
• Taxation 2022: from the abolition proposal to confirmation
  
• How to pay the supercar tax
  
• How to calculate the supercar tax
  
• 2022 super tax calculation

Taxation for supercars: which cars have to pay for it?

Before moving on to useful information relating to the supercar tax, it should be clarified that it is an additional tax to the normal car tax, without replacing it. Therefore, those who are not already subject to the payment of the regional vehicle possession tax will not even have to pay the 2022 supercar tax. In any case, the criterion for determining whether or not a car provides for the payment of the supercar tax by the owner is the engine's power. The supercar tax was introduced with Article 23 of Law Decree no. 98 of 2011 and accentuated by the Monti government with the introduction of Article 16 of Law Decree no. 201 of 2011.

The supercar tax is due only to owners of cars that exceed the power of 185 kW (corresponding to approximately 251 horsepower). This power threshold, in fact, only identifies a limited number of car models, which generally fall within sports and luxury cars. It must also be considered, however, that the supercar tax is also linked to the registration date of the vehicle and decreases over time. The tax, in fact, concerns 100% of its amount only for cars registered within the previous 5 years, after which it is reduced first by 40%, then again by 70% of the total starting from the tenth year from registration, to further decrease by 85% of the total starting from the fifteenth year, and finally cancel itself after twenty years from the registration of the vehicle.

Taxation 2022: from the abolition proposal to confirmation

It could sound strange to read that also for 2022 it is necessary to pay the supercar tax, and they have every reason for it. It was thought, in fact, that this additional tax to the normal car tax should be eliminated starting this year, but the attempt to abolish it was not successful. Although the proposal was even passed by the Senate, the abolition of the super tax was not approved and therefore the owners of cars that meet the criteria described above are subject to the payment of this additional tax.

Since this is an additional charge on the normal car tax, the payment of the supercar tax must be made in compliance with the ordinary deadlines. In this case, the expiry of the supercar tax coincides with the end of the month following the expiry of the regional tax for the ownership of the vehicle to which it is added.

How to pay the supercar tax

Unlike the normal car tax - intended for the region of registration of the vehicle - the supercar tax is instead a state tax, so it must be paid using the appropriate F24 form. In particular, the "F24 identification elements" form, available on the Agenzia delle Entrate website, must be used, specifying the code "3364" in the document for the additional revenue to the vehicle tax.

If, on the other hand, there are also penalties and/or interest to be paid at the same time as the tax, the codes "3365" and/or "3366" must be entered respectively. This operation, as well as via internet banking (for affiliated banks), can also be carried out at the ACI delegations, the car handling agencies or in the bank. As previously specified, the payment of the supercar tax duty is added to that of the normal car tax, which instead can also be paid through the website of the region to which it belongs, through the Poste Italiane website or at affiliated tobacconists.

How to calculate the supercar tax

The time has come to understand how the supercar tax is calculated. Starting from the Monti government's maneuver in 2011, the cost amounts to 20 euros for each kW exceeding 185 kW (previously the cost was 10 euros for each kW over the same threshold). As anticipated, the cost of the supercar tax is also linked to the registration date of the vehicle, so after 5 years from that date, 12 euros will have to be paid for each kW exceeding 185, after which they will become 6 euros after 10 years, then 3 exceeded 15 and finally it will be canceled at the age of 20 from enrollment. Now that we have defined the formula for calculating the supercar tax, it is also possible to cite a concrete example to understand the amount of this additional tax. A 510 hp Porsche 911 GT3 has a power of 375 kW, therefore, in addition to the normal car tax, there will be an addition of 20 euros for each of the 190 kW in excess of the 185 kW threshold, for a total of 3.800 euros per year.

In the wake of this example, here are some car models that require the payment of the supercar tax, with the relative amount:

• Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (375 kW, 4.386,95 euros)
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 Turbo (206 kW, 1.006,95 euros)
• Audi A6 Avant 50 TFSI e (195 kW, 786,95 euros)
• BMW 330d (210 kW, 1.086,95 euros)
• BMW X5 xDrive45e (210 kW, 1.086,95 euros)
• Ford Focus ST (206 kW, 1.006,95 euros)
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0 Turbo (200 kW, 886,95 euros)
• Land Rover Defender 110 2.0 Si4 (221 kW, 1.306,95 euros)
• Mercedes Classe C 63 AMG Coupé (350 kW, 3.886,95 euros)
• Volkswagen Tiguan R (235 kW, 1.586,9 euros)

2022 super tax calculation

Following the regulatory update of 2011, there have been no other changes with respect to the calculation coefficients of the supercar tax, therefore, the 2022 super tax also follows the criteria described above. That is, according to the website of the Agenzia delle Entrate, the supercar tax 2022 is applied if the vehicle's power exceeds 185 kW, beyond which the vehicle owner must pay 20 euros for each kW exceeding the threshold.

In any case, the calculation of the 2022 supercar tax duty can be easily done through the ACI website, which provides an online service to find out the amount of the regional/provincial car tax to be paid. Alternatively, the same operation is possible through the website of the Agenzia delle Entrate, which offers the same possibility by simply entering the vehicle license plate.

What are the best collectible Italian wines? Ranking and prices

Italian wines are famous and appreciated all over the world, and some of them are so precious to be real collectible wines. We offer you a journey through Italy to discover its best wines, with the ranking of the most valuable and their prices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• What are the best Italian precious wines?
  
• Collectible Italian wines: a growing trend
  
• Top 5 precious Italian wines: the Wine-Searcher ranking

What are the best Italian precious wines and how much do they cost?

When speaking about Italian wines, it is always very difficult to draw up a ranking of the best or to identify a single region which produces them. Certainly Tuscany has always meant fine wines, but also Veneto and Piedmont are a guarantee of very high quality wines, especially reds. In fact, in Veneto, Amarone della Valpolicella is produced, one of the most loved reds in Italy and in the world. In particular, Giuseppe Quintarelli's Classico Riserva DOCG, with its garnet red color and the aroma of bitter almonds and cherry aftertaste, is one of the most expensive, reaching even 600 euros per bottle. The same farm also produces Amabile del Cerè and Alzero, another red, dry and still, both of which cost around 380 euros. Also from Veneto, for 370 euros, you can buy Recioto della Valpolicella, a delicate and sweet red. Moving on to Friuli Venezia Giulia, we find the Calvari wine from the Miani winery, which can cost up to 400 euros. Piedmont, on the other hand, is the region of Barbaresco and Barolo, which are increasingly appreciated, especially from foreign countries.

Giacomo Conterno Monfortino's Barolo DOCG, produced in the Serralunga d’Alba area, is aged for seven years before being marketed, for a sum of around 500 euros. The Barolo Falletto di Giacosa has the same price and has a unique flavor, thanks to the red fruit and spices present in the bottle. Last but not least, we just have to mention only a few names of Tuscan wines among the finest and most renowned. Before moving on to the Tuscan reds, it is a must to mention the Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice di Avignonesi: produced with 100% Sangiovese grapes, it is one of the most expensive sweet wines (around 400 euros). The first red wine we present is the refined and orange Brunello di Montalcino Biondi Santi (470 euros), similar in type to Case Basse di Montalcino (450 euros), elegant and particular. Finally, to close this roundup of fine Italian wines, it is worth mentioning one of the most expensive of all: the Masseto Toscana IGT, characterized by the fruity aroma of blueberries, blackberries and berries, as well as hints of vanilla, cocoa, spices, black truffles, tobacco and dark chocolate. The price of this wine can even reach 1.300 euros.

Collectible Italian wines: a growing trend

Recent years data concerning fine Italian wines, and in particular those for collectors, indicate an upward trend with respect to the prices of the most expensive bottles of wines produced in Italy, with Piedmontese ones first in favor of consumers, followed by those produced in Tuscany. These wines, the cost of which can be around 1.000 euros per bottle - but rarely exceeds it - can be purchased directly from the producers, through high-level wine shops or even at sector auctions. The price may vary depending on the circumstance and time, although the label and the year of the bottle are the two main criteria.

An interesting analysis on the subject was carried out by the American company Liv-ex, a company specialized in quotations of collector's bottles, which has recently also launched Liv-ex Italy 100, an index focused on Italy and its wines. In 2021 this index grew by 11,5%, following a trend that began about five years ago, during which Italian wine evaluations increased by 47%. The names of the finest and therefore more expensive Italian collectible wines are the aforementioned Barolo and Barbaresco for Piedmont, in addition to Brunello di Montalcino for Tuscany, which can also boast two of the wines most present in international auctions, Sassicaia and Masseto, both produced in the Bolgheri area.

Top 5 precious Italian wines: the Wine-Searcher ranking

At this point of our journey through the fine wines produced in Italy, we just have to go back to the most recent ranking drawn up by Wine-Searcher on the subject. Wine-Searcher is the famous wine search engine that allows you to compare the prices of the best bottles from all over the world, but also to leave and read reviews. The ranking published by Wine-Searcher focuses in particular on five Italian wines, of which only one exceeds the threshold of 1.000 euros: let's find out what they are.

5 - Bruno Giocosa Collina Rionda Barolo DOCG (726 euros): Produced with Nebbiolo grapes, it is a very rare wine due to the fact that the Bruno Giocosa winery no longer bottles from the sites of origin of this bottle, which makes it a purely collector's item for those who love Barolo, as well as a real treasure, especially if you have the best vintages bottles.

4 - Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Selection (727 euros): Both Amarone della Valpolicella and the Giuseppe Quintarelli winery have already been mentioned when talking about the best Venetian wines, but this one in particular is among the most highly valued in Italy.

3 - Bruno Giacosa Bussia Di Monforte Special Reserve Barolo DOCG (754 euros): Let's go back to Azienda Agricola Falletto, founded by Bruno Giacosa, for the Bussia di Monforte, an intense and full-bodied wine, produced from grapes of Nebbiolo and third in the ranking of the most expensive Italian wines according to Wine-Searcher.

2 - Ruffino Special Reserve Chianti Classico DOCG (800 euros): The Ruffino winery was born in Pontassieve (Florence), Tuscany, in 1877 and produces one of the best Italian collectible wines, the Riserva Particolare Chianti Classico, second in this particular ranking.

1 - Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia Barolo Riserva DOCG Millennium Collection (1.336 euros): On the first step of the podium of Italian wines according to Wine-Searcher, we find again a Barolo, Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia. The company that produces this red is based in Langhe, in Monforte d’Alba. This wine, made with Nebbiolo grapes, is aged for at least nine years in the cellar, only in the best years and in limited quantities.

What are the best destinations for luxury travel in Italy?

Traveling in Italy is always a guarantee of breathtaking landscapes and top quality products, and there are several destinations also known for the luxury they offer their guests. From the mountain peaks of the Alps and the Dolomites, to the most exclusive seaside resorts and the most popular tourist destinations for art and services. Let's find out together the best destinations for luxury travel in Italy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Luxury destinations in the mountains: where to find them in Italy
  
• Italian luxury destinations by the sea: which ones to choose
  
• The best luxury tourist destinations in Italy

Luxury destinations in the mountains: where to find them in Italy

For those who desire a luxury vacation, Italy is certainly a good idea. The Italian territory offers exclusive options of comfort and services in the most disparate locations: from the Alpine and Dolomite peaks to the crystalline waters of the islands. Without forgetting the tourist destinations linked to art and the possibilities of the metropolis. Starting with those who love the mountains, and therefore from Northern Italy, there are many places that offer the utmost luxury near the Italian peaks. In our recent article we have already talked about chalets to rent or buy in Italy. For a luxury holiday in the mountains, the Dolomite resorts are a guarantee of comfort and proximity to the ski slopes, especially in Trentino Alto Adige, but Courmayer for the Aosta Valley and Bormio for Lombardy also offer many options.

Remaining in Lombardy, Lake Como is an ideal location for a luxury holiday surrounded by unique views and with the possibility of crossing the lake by boat, perhaps staying in one of the various hotels in the area with classy interiors, swimming pools and terrace with a view. Between Lombardy and Veneto there is also Lake Garda, another ideal environment for a luxury holiday, with its villages on the shores of the lake, the unique views and the various hotels available especially in Gardone Riviera. Returning from the lakes to the mountain peaks, the Dolomites also offer other ideal locations for a luxury holiday, such as Sestriere (Piedmont) and Madonna di Campiglio (Trentino Alto Adige), while the Venetian Alps host Cortina d'Ampezzo. Also in Veneto, for maximum comfort and luxury, it is possible to visit Abano Terme, known above all for its thermal baths and for the comforts guaranteed to visitors.

Italian luxury destinations by the sea: which ones to choose

If Italian mountains really offer many opportunities for a luxury holiday, the seaside resorts in Italy are not behind. For a beach holiday there are many possibilities, especially in Southern Italy and the islands. But also Liguria, for example, can boast the Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore), and also another renowned location such as Portofino, a picturesque town suitable for hosting a luxury holiday, for its classy hotels and excellent fish restaurants. Talking about luxurious and elegant beach holidays, it is necessary to quote the Amalfi Coast, which stretches from Sorrento to Ravello and is famous for the splendid cliffs and the fantastic bays formed by its inlets. The scenic beauty here is combined with the possibility of staying in various luxury hotels, especially in Amalfi and Positano. There are also other luxury destinations in Campania, in particular two islands: Capri, the favorite destination for VIPs in the Gulf of Naples, and Ischia, where you can find every comfort and high quality services, from hotels to restaurants and spas.

In Italy, however, there are two other most famous islands: Sardinia and Sicily. Starting with the first, Sardinia's scenic beauty and incredible beaches are known all over the world, but the island is also known for the possibility of spending luxury holidays in different areas. Surely one of these is the Costa Smeralda, in the North-West, but the whole northern Sardinian coast is perfect for finding both unique maritime views and top-level services, as in Stintino, Costa Paradiso and La Maddalena. Going further south, we obviously find Sicily, which boasts many unique and breathtaking seaside resorts, as well as the possibility of spending luxurious and comfortable stays. A mention in this sense certainly goes to Taormina, a real jewel overlooking the Ionian Sea, with its Ancient Theater overlooking Mount Etna and various options for a stay in the name of luxury and elegance. Throughout the island you can find other locations with incredible seascapes and quality services, and in particular the Aeolian archipelago, north of Sicily, is at the top of the list, with Panarea first in the ranking for a luxury holiday on the sea.

The best luxury tourist destinations in Italy

From the scenic and natural beauties, both in the mountains and at the sea, we are now moving to the artistic, cultural and service-related ones. In fact this option must also be considered when organizing a luxury holiday in Italy. Just think of a city like Venice, built in fact on the Adriatic Sea, but famous above all for its architectural beauties and for its exclusive hotels scattered throughout the lagoon. Venice offers several luxury hotels overlooking the famous Grand Canal, flanked by splendid Renaissance and Gothic palaces, magnificent churches - mostly known for their mosaics - and picturesque views. A luxury holiday in Italy, however, can also be focused on comfort and services, concerning which Milan is certainly at the forefront. As the Italian economic center, Milan offers the best in the field of luxury hotels, hosting one of the few 7 stars in the world, but also in terms of restaurants, museums, exhibitions, events and everything related to social life in general.

Returning instead to the search for scenic and, at the same time, artistic beauties, it is a must to mention Tuscany. Obviously Florence is the best known city and due to its largest number of buildings and works of art, especially from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as to the great range of luxury hotels and restaurants. But Tuscany also includes destinations for a luxury holiday throughout the Chianti area, with its farmhouses offering comfort and unique landscapes, and in the Siena area. Even Versilia, the stretch of coast between Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio, is famous for its trendy clubs and for the frequentization of VIPs and foreign tycoons. Finally, for a luxury holiday in a tourist destination, you cannot forget Rome. The Eternal City has nothing to envy to those already mentioned in terms of art, services and luxury accommodation, within a unique architectural context that allows you to relive the entire history of Europe.

The luxury train arrives in Italy: price and itinerary of the Orient Express La Dolce Vita

The Orient Express is the exclusive luxury train that will soon also arrive in Italy with the “La Dolce Vita” project: let's find out the itineraries, the characteristics of the train and the ticket prices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• La Dolce Vita: the Italian Orient Express project
  
• The exclusive interiors of the Orient Express
  
• Itineraries and prices of the most exclusive luxury train

La Dolce Vita: the Italian Orient Express project

Almost a century and a half has passed since the first Orient Express journey, based on an idea of ​​Georges Nagelmackers, heir to the oldest Belgian bank, who was inspired by the trains of George Mortimer Pullman, seen on a trip to the United States. Between the late 1800s and the 1930s, the Orient Express was an avant-garde and elegant luxury train, with varnished, steam-heated and gas-lit teak wood carriages. The attention to details and the interior’s comfort made this train a true luxury hotel on rails, as well as having stimulated the imagination of directors, cartoonists and writers, including the great Agatha Christie with her "Murder on the Orient Express". About 150 years later, the Orient Express is once again a reality for travelers from all over the world and, very soon, it will also arrive in Italy. In fact, starting from 2023, it will be possible to travel on the Orient Express “La Dolce Vita”, a project born from an agreement between the French group Accor (which has owned the "Orient Express" brand since 2017), Trenitalia and Arsenale S.p.A. (company that operates in luxury hospitality), and aimed at lovers of slow and luxury rail tourism.

This exclusive convoy is inspired by the years of “La Dolce Vita”, offering different itineraries (tene at the moment) through 14 Italian regions, with Rome as the heart and central stop of the route. In Rome, in fact, you will first find the lounge room dedicated to the guests of the Italian Orient Express, inside a historic building that will be renovated near Rome Termini Station. In addition to this, the Capital will also host the first hotel signed by the brand which will open in 2024, the Hotel Orient Express Minerva. This luxury hotel will be built in the former Palazzo Fonseca (now of Arsenale S.p.A.), one of the favorite buildings of visitors to Rome such as Herman Melville, Stendhal and George Sand. The Orient Express Minerva Hotel - 93 rooms, 24 suites and a Guerlain spa - will be the forerunner for the openings scheduled in London, Paris, Milan and Florence, as well as representing the center of the Italian Orient Express project “La Dolce Vita”.

The exclusive interiors of the Orient Express

In this luxury train nothing can be left to chance, especially the interiors designed for the few passengers who will be able to afford this exclusive journey. The design of the Orient Express “La Dolce Vita” was made by the well-known international studio Dimorestudio which wanted to pay homage to the Roman La Dolce Vita of the Sixties and Seventies in the choice of furnishings and livery. The inspiration that guided the interior concept came both from the masters of Italian design of that period, namely Gio Ponti, Carlo Scarpa, Piero Fornasetti and Ignazio Gardella, and from the creative genius of artists such as Lucio Fontana, Agostino Bonalumi, Enrico Castellani and other exponents of Italian Spatialism. These sources of inspiration were taken up by Dimorestudio within the 12 deluxe cabins, the 18 suites, the suite of honor and the restaurant, which obviously provides a menu of the highest level and fine Italian wines. In particular, the dining car includes rattan-style curtains, precious tables with glass tops, chairs decorated with fabrics with floral patterns and surfaces with a marble finish.

The design recalling the Sixties and the Seventies has obviously been designed in a more modern style, thanks to colorful carpets, panoramic windows and works of contemporary art in the carriages. Going more into the detail of the interiors of the Orient Express “La Dolce Vita”, the project includes textures and finishes combined in all spaces, a color palette composed of neutrals flanked by deep reds and oranges. Moving on to the private areas, here the shades become colder, with shades of green and blue, always taking up the mixture of models and finishes. In the public areas, on the other hand, the neat banquette seating contrasts with the straight lines of the carriage, while the lighting varies from art deco style wall lights to simpler pendants and lamps. It is almost obvious to specify that, in such a context, the dress code of the passengers must also be adequate and respect the minimum standards of elegance, such as the mandatory jacket and tie on board, in addition to the tuxedo required for dinner - as regards men's clothing.

Itinerary and prices of the most exclusive luxury train

The Orient Express “La Dolce Vita” is therefore a luxury train that is unique in the world for its elegance, interior style and comfort. But not only. The itineraries of this train are also truly unique and exclusive. Currently, ten routes have already been planned (with overnight stays from one to three nights) through 14 regions and 131 Italian cities. The ten sections will be covered by six trains, for a total of more than 16.000 km of railway lines - of which 7.000 km are not electrified - and will also reach three international destinations, connecting Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split. The itineraries of this exclusive luxury train cater for all tastes. Including those of Chiara Ferragni, who was recently photographed aboard the already active route between Venice and Paris. This journey includes a single night of travel, but the price is still staggering, since it can reach up to 4.800 euros, however, starting from more than 2.500 euros for a ticket in a single or double cabin. The route from Venice to London costs just under 4.000 euros, while getting from Venice to Istanbul costs more than 8.500 euros. After having anticipated the rates for international journeys, we can move on to those within the Italian territory, whose prices are not yet defined. As for Italy, there are ten routes already planned and include different packages, ranging from one to three nights.

There will be the Alpine Train, which will depart from Milan and arrive in Cortina, the Truffle and Wine Train, which will cross Piedmont and Liguria, with a focus on wine and culinary themes. Three different convoys are planned for Sicily: one in the West of the region, from Palermo to Trapani, one dedicated to Baroque Sicily and one that will go from West to East, following a food and wine itinerary. The Route of the Sirens, on the other hand, will travel along the Ionian side of Basilicata and Calabria, but there will also be a convoy between Salento and Matera, which will also be touched by the route that, via the Trans-Siberian of Italy, will arrive in Rome. The city will also be the point of departure and arrival of the itinerary that will cross the Val d’Orcia and the Tuscan Maremma. And, as anticipated, trains will always depart from Rome to the three international destinations of Paris, Istanbul and Split. Dream itineraries through beautiful territories, inside luxury carriages with a unique design. The Orient Express “La Dolce Vita” promises to be a truly exclusive and unforgettable, a luxury, slow and sustainable travel. Yes, because it should also be remembered that the “La Dolce Vita” project also includes a series of ecological interventions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of its railway line.

Ideas for an elegant house: English-style furniture

The English-style furniture is ideal for making a home refined and classy, in all three of its variants: modern, classic and country. Let's find out how to furnish a house in English style, focusing also on the use of white as the main color and the management of the different rooms of the house.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• English-style furniture: classic or modern?
  
• The use of white in the English-style furnishings
  
• English country style furniture: the characteristics
  
• The different rooms of the house furnished in English style

English-style furniture: classic or modern?

The first peculiarity of the English style is undoubtedly its class, which makes it an always elegant choice for decorating the interiors of a beautiful home, especially if it is luxurious. The English-style furniture is in fact characterized by the utmost care in the choice of each piece of furniture and the elegance of each environment. This style of furniture is mainly divided into three types: the classic one, which refers to the original Victorian style, the modern one, which incorporates elements of the so-called “urban” style, and the country one, which refers to the rural reality, but also fits perfectly to the city context. Starting from the first distinction, the classic English style refers to that of English cottages or mansions, where the hues, at most three different, are an essential element that contributes, together with the warm lighting, to create a classy and elegant atmosphere.

The classic English style also includes furnishing elements made of solid wood and with dark shades, in addition to the typical Chesterfield sofas in genuine brown capitonné leather, the display cabinets, the cupboards and the chest of drawers. The classic English style is therefore maximalist and very attentive to the warmth and hospitality of the rooms. Moving on to the modern English style of furniture, it can be seen as a reworking of the classic one in a more contemporary key. Although the furniture is always made of wood, with a lived-in and ancient air, they are combined with elements - such as chairs, tables, lamps - with more modern lines and more contemporary materials and colors. The modern style English furniture combines tradition and modernity, elegance and innovation, class and technology. But, even in the modern style, in order to obtain an English-style furniture it is necessary not to forget to include the classic elements of this style: wallpaper and boiserie, a fireplace or a stove, a pendulum clock or a column, a showcase or in any case some framed family portraits, and the inevitable chest of drawers, sideboard or console.

The use of white in the English-style furnishings

As anticipated, when it comes to colors in English-style furniture, you have to be careful not to mix too many, limiting yourself to two or three hues at the most. Compared to the color choices, however, you can freely range from yellow to gray, from black to green, but also to intense blue, purple, red and even brown. Without forgetting their nuances. Although some atmospheres require more intense and vivid colors, white is a choice that can adapt to any style of English furniture, from classic to modern, passing through the country one.

White always ensures elegance and refinement to the rooms, also favoring their brightness. White is a color that can be used in all the rooms of an English-style house, from the kitchen to the bathroom, and of course in the bedroom, also due to its ease of combining with any other color. White, in addition to giving brightness, also favors the sense of spaciousness of a room, as well as guaranteeing an atmosphere of class and luxury.

English country style furniture: the characteristics

At the beginning of this journey into English furniture, we anticipated the category of country, or that particular style that refers, at least ideally, to the context of the countryside and of the past, but which also fits perfectly to town houses, for its ability to make the home even more welcoming and warm. The English country style is typically relaxing and designed for conviviality, with a vintage and seasoned character.

These characteristics are obtained with a careful choice of colors, preferably warm and dark, perhaps with floral patterns or checked motifs, also with regard to wallpaper and walls in general. The furniture, then, must look country and seasoned, while the accessories that refer to the world of the countryside are fundamental: landscape paintings, family photographs and window curtains are essential, as are cushions and decorative plants.

The different rooms of the house furnished in English style

Each room in a house furnished in English style has specific characteristics, also linked to the typical British way of living everyday life and houses. Starting from the entrance, this space must be set up to welcome guests upon their arrival with everything they may need, even on a rainy day: the coat hanger, a rug, an umbrella stand and a grid for shoes. Once inside the house, the main room is the living room, which must be as welcoming and rich as possible. Living rooms furnished in the English style are maximalist, in combination with the highest class. A large leather sofa cannot be missing, as well as one or two armchairs, the essential tea table, a larger table, upholstered chairs and a large display case to display tea sets, photographs and knick-knacks. The main material for the furniture is obviously wood: mahogany, cherry, ash and walnut are the most indicated types, as they are solid, solid and durable over time.

Any room used as an office or study should also be furnished with dark wood furniture. Moving on to the kitchen, you can opt for both the entirely wooden solution and the masonry one, always with neutral and warm colors. For the bathroom, on the other hand, the so-called “colonial” English style is more suitable, with elements with a vintage taste and shades close to white. Even the bathroom fixtures recall past eras, perhaps made of porcelain, certainly with the bathtub with curtains, certainly with the bathtub instead of the shower. The bedroom furnished in English style is equally retro, starting from the bed to the furnishing details, with fabrics that alternate geometric patterns with floral patterns, in shades of pastel. The same can be said about a possible English kids bedroom, where it is not strange to find the classic four-poster bed. Finally, in the case of outdoor spaces, the English furniture obviously includes the aforementioned country style, with wicker, velvet and fabric armchairs ready to welcome guests on the patio or in the garden.

Luxury watches: 10 most expensive models

When can a watch be defined as luxury? What are the most expensive models in the world? And what are the best luxury watch brands? Discover the ranking of the finest pieces in the world and the list of the best luxury watch companies, both for men and women.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Luxury watches? Rare and expensive
  
• The ranking of the 10 most expensive watches
  
• Top luxury watches brands in the world
  
• Luxury watches for women: the most exclusive models

Luxury watches? Rare and expensive

Watches have always been a cult object for those who want to express their elegance and, at the same time, their socio-economic status in a refined way. A luxury watch, both for men and women, is an item that expresses the style of the wearer and denotes their elegance. In addition to this, the right watch is obviously also a worthy completion of clothing, accompanying it and emphasizing its class. In particular, luxury watches are defined by specific characteristics, therefore also very expensive. First of all, the type of materials used to create them, especially precious parts such as precious stones (rare diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc.) or metals (gold, platinum, etc.).

In addition to this, a watch acquires value based on the time it takes to produce it and the level of detail it reaches, two elements that define its quality. Finally, its rarity, which also depends on its non-material (for instance, historical) value. All these peculiarities combine to make a watch a luxury item and, in some cases, a real precious piece, if not a work of art. Yes, because some luxury watches are more unique than rare and have an unlimited duration over time, becoming a family legacy to be passed down from generation to generation. This is why many watches are very expensive and some even unreachable: let's find out.

The ranking of the 10 most expensive watches

There are several brands that produce luxury watches worldwide, therefore there are also many models and precious pieces with a very high commercial value. Before analyzing them, however, let's find out which are currently the 10 most expensive watches in the world, starting from the tenth to the first in order of value.

10) Vacheron Constantin Tour de l’Ile – 1,5 million euros: this is the model created to celebrate the 250th anniversary (in 2005) of the manufacturer Vacheron Constantin, famous for its complex and refined watches.
9) Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 – 1,8 million euros: measures above the norm for this watch with visible mechanisms alternating with authentic sapphires, with 36 different complications and more than 1.400 elements making up the internal skeleton.
8) Richard Mille RM 52 06 Sapphire – 2 million euros: the mechanisms and hands are made from top quality sapphires and the hour movement is based on a complex suspension mechanism, with a transparent dial that allows you to observe it in action.
7) Rolex Antimagnetique Ref 4113 del 1942 – 2,4 million euros: this vintage model is inspired by its predecessor from 1942 and is a limited edition, which only counts 12 pieces.
6) Lange & Sohne Grand Complication – 2,5 million euros: it is the most expensive model ever made by Lange & Sohne, with its solid gold case, built-in calendar with moon phases and its particular complexity of execution.
5) Blancpain Le Brassus Tourbillon Carrousel – 3,8 million euros: model that includes both the Tourbillon and the Carrousel (system designed in 1901 with the same function) and equipped with a pure gold case.
4) Patek Philippe 1939 Platinum World Time Watch – 4 million euros:this model from the famous Swiss house perfectly combines the refinement and preciousness of materials with functionality.
3) Louis Moinet Meteoris Watch – 4,6 million euros: it is a very rare model, given that there are only four examples, which also include fragments from space (the “Meteoris Mars” from Mars, the “Meteoris Rosetta Stone” from the oldest meteorite found on earth, the “Meteoris Asteroid” and the “Meteoris Moon” from the Moon).
2) Hublot Big Bang – 5 million euros: covered with very precious diamonds, weighing over 100 carats, this model from the famous Swiss manufacturer Hublot is a very precious piece.
1) Patek Philippe Reference 1527 Perpetual Calendar – 5,5 million euros: this is the most expensive wristwatch in the world, with its 18-karat yellow gold case, matte silver dial and perpetual calendar with phase indicator lunar.

Top luxury watches brands in the world

Now that we know what are the 10 most expensive watch models in the world, we just have to discover a selection of the best brands in terms of luxury watches. We have already met some of them as manufacturers of some models that are in the top 10 of the most expensive in the world.

• Patek Philippe - luxury watch brand known for its very refined classic style, precious materials and strong colors.
• Hublot - characterized by the care in the creation of their luxury watches and a wide range of models, thanks also to important partnerships such as the one with Ferrari.
• Rolex - the most famous luxury watch manufacturer in the world, known as a guarantee of quality, recognition and reliability.
• Richard Mille - some of the most luxurious models on the market, which exceed 8.000 euros for the finest pieces, often chosen by VIPs, such as actress Natalie Portman or the great tennis player Rafael Nadal, whose dedicated model costs around 635.000 euros.
• Panerai - luxury models with a classic and elegant style, very reliable and a universally recognized synonym of class.
• Vacheron Constantin - is a historic Swiss watch brand, founded in 1755, and produces pieces famous for their refinement and staggering costs, especially those of the oldest and most complicated models, adored by collectors.
• Zenith - innovative and avant-garde, especially as regards the choice of materials for its watches, which combine luxury and elegance, as evidenced by the very high prices, which can even reach 3 million euros.
• Blancpain - the oldest manufacturer of luxury watches, obviously from Switzerland, was established in 1735 and it was the first to produce a modern diver's watch (1953).
• Omega - founded in 1848, famous for the precious materials used, the quality of its products, which cost from 7.000 up to about 2 million euros, and for having been chosen by various movie stars, including George Clooney and Nicole Kidman.
• Franck Muller - known for its complex and refined luxury watches, but is also famous for being the favorite watch brand of the world famous singer Elton John.
• Corum - this luxury watch brand has a particularity: it has only produced 25 watches in total, so they are unique and highly valuable pieces.
• Breitling - universally known as one of the best in the sector, a real benchmark in the field of sports watches, but loved above all by VIPs, in particular by Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Charlize Theron.
• Cartier - luxury watches brand focused on both men's and women's models, as evidenced by the fact that it is the one chosen by the former US First Lady, Michelle Obama.
• Lange & Sohne - makes quality and technical avant-garde its strengths, with examples appreciated all over the world.
• Ulysse Nardin - another very old Swiss luxury watches brand, founded in 1846, and very appreciated in the world of navigation and underwater sports.
• Tudor - manufacturer that has established itself thanks to the quality in the choice of the best materials and attention to detail.
• Longines - founded almost two centuries ago (1832) and known for the great variety of models and prices, which make it more competitive on the market than other brands, without losing quality and performance.

Luxury watches for women: the most exclusive models

Ending this review on luxury watches, it is the moment to list a selection of the most exclusive women's luxury watches. Although in the past the watch was a typically male accessory, it is certainly not new that this object has also become an essential part of women's clothing, comparable to jewelry. Let's discover some of the most luxurious women's luxury watch models.

• Panthère de Cartier (Cartier) - screwed bezel, set with diamonds on the bezel, price 12.200 euros.
• PanoMatic Luna Edizione Speciale (Glashütte Original) - set with diamonds and rubies, white mother-of-pearl dial, limited edition of 50, price 17.700 euros.
• Grand Seiko (Seiko) - rose gold case with bezel set with 37 diamonds, limited edition of 50, price 32.000 euros.
• Royal Oak (Audemars Piguet) - bezel set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds, case and bracelet in pink gold, price 39.000 euros.
• Datejust 31 (Rolex) - bezel set with diamonds, yellow gold case, green malachite dial, price 41.150 euros.
• Twenty-4 (Patek Philippe) - round case made of pink gold with diamonds set on the bezel, automatic movement, price 41.840 euros.
• Mademoiselle Privé Bouton (Chanel) - button embellished with a pearl, a lion in carved gold, a camellia of diamonds, a Byzantine motif or with a Mademoiselle profile in agate, price 48.000 euros.
• RM 71-01 Tourbillon Automatico Talisman (Richard Mille) - automatic movement with tourbillon in a casket of diamonds, mother of pearl, onyx and black sapphires, price 413.500 euros.
  
  
  

Furnishing a modern luxury kitchen: prices and materials

How to choose and furnish a modern luxury kitchen: a journey through the best brands of luxury kitchens, with a focus on prices and the on the most popular materials for modern kitchens. The modern kitchen in a luxury house is a central space, in which elegance and functionality need to be combined, with particular attention to the choice of furnishings and materials.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Modern luxury kitchens prices
  
• Modern luxury kitchens with island
  
• Luxury kitchens best brands
  
• Top modern luxury kitchens materials

Top modern luxury kitchens materials

The modern kitchen is a multifunctional space, no longer limited to preparing meals and washing the tools used to cook them. The modern kitchen is an environment to be lived and inhabited, where guests also have access and which must be aligned with the style chosen to furnish the other spaces of the house. This also applies to modern kitchens in luxury homes, which, in particular, are often characterized by open spaces or island structures - to leave room for living activities -, by a minimal style - which combines elegance and functionality - and obviously by the most efficient and innovative technological appliances. A modern luxury kitchen is a mix of aesthetics, cutting-edge comforts, practicality and energy efficiency, in which furnishings and materials also play a central role.

To obtain this result, it is advisable to rely on the best brands (to be presented below) in the field of luxury kitchens and it is necessary to be willing to invest adequately in it. A price range for modern luxury kitchens can start from around 20.000 euros and go up to (but also over) 100.000 euros. For example, introducing some of the brands that we will present below, the Toncelli basic kitchens start at 20.000 euros, while the Dada and Valcucine ones range between 25.000 and 60.000. Going up in price, we find the Arcilinea, Minotticucine and Boffi kitchens, which can even reach 80.000 euros - or even more, depending on the choice of materials, finishes and appliances.

Modern luxury kitchens with island

As anticipated, one of the most popular structures in modern kitchens is the island. Luxury kitchens with islands are very popular because they meet the need to create large and functional spaces, convivial places ready to host people. Kitchens with an island often have the hob positioned on the central island and dominated by large technological hoods. These modern kitchens - in which the island has the role of a cooking and washing area - are formed by a single element in the center of the room, with no furniture around it, while the kitchens in which the island represents a support surface (similar to a table) also include additional elements of furniture.

The modern luxury kitchens with islands therefore represent an ideal solution to combine the typical characteristics of both modern kitchens - large spaces, simple and clean lines, technological appliances - and those of the luxury kitchen - elegance, maximum comfort, refined materials and attention to detail, that is what distinguishes all luxury homes.

Luxury kitchens best brands

Whether you choose a kitchen with an island or opt for other solutions, there are brands you can rely on when it comes to modern luxury kitchens. Made in Italy kitchens are always an excellent choice, but we want to start our list with a German brand: Poggenpohl. This is the luxury brand of Porsche design, which only produces tailored and made-to individual orders kitchens, with the utmost attention to detail, such as finishes, surfaces, craftsmanship and the hand assembly of each piece of furniture.

After this necessary parenthesis for Poggenpohl, we can enter the world of Italian luxury kitchens, which are always a guarantee of elegance and technology.

• Toncelli: luxury kitchens with attention to details, still technological but always with a preference for manual work.
• Zappalorto: wooden and custom-made kitchens, designed only on request.
• Cappellini Cucine: the right mix of craftsmanship and modern style.
• Dada: design with an architectural taste, where aesthetics and practicality are in balance, as well as refined materials (wood, lacquered, fenix and stone) and technological accessories (LED lighting, integrated sockets, doors with hinges and electrical appliances avant-garde).
• Valcucine: functional, comfortable and eco-friendly luxury kitchens (thanks to the choice of sustainable materials such as aluminum, glass, wood, HPL, zero-impact lacquered and corian) and with an international feel.
• Arclinea: organized and efficient modern kitchens, starting from the choice of materials (preference for steel, often accompanied by wood, fenix, stone and lacquered), equipped with state-of-the-art appliances.
• Minotticucine: luxury kitchens with minimal and essential style, innovative and technological in terms of accessories and furnishing elements, with simple geometric lines and elegant materials (mainly stone, combined with cast bronze, wood and even glass-silk combinations).
• Boffi: exclusive luxury kitchens, mostly structured in metal (with elements in wood, marble, lacquered and even corian), devoted to functionality but above all to luxury and maximum comfort.

Top modern luxury kitchens materials

In our journey into the world of modern luxury kitchens, we have already mentioned the most popular materials for furnishing these environments. Metal is very popular, in particular polished stainless steel, which is often combined with lacquered wood or solid wood furniture, however high quality ones. For the worktops of a modern luxury kitchen, resin is generally chosen, with tops and coatings in hi-tech and very resistant materials such as corian, titanium, dekton or quartz such as okite and ceramics.

Another material that is never lacking in luxury kitchens is marble. Yes, because marble, in addition to being a refined and precious material, is also ideal from the hygiene point of view and it is resistant over time, as well as ensuring easy maintenance. Marble goes very well with wood, but also with ceramics, and ensures the immediate perception of luxury. In modern high class kitchens, there are also other materials increasingly used, such as glass and laminate, ideal for reconciling an elegant style with the minimalist and geometric trends of modern kitchens.

How to choose a luxury house furniture

How to furnish a luxury house: a guide to the choice of furniture, with a focus on villas by the sea and a comparison between modern houses and period houses. The furnishings of luxury houses are a fundamental component, as they reflect the style of the owners and make the home unique. To furnish a villa, it is necessary to take into account both its characteristics, whether it is modern or vintage, but also its location, as in the case of luxury furnishings in seaside houses.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• What characteristics transform a building into a luxury house?
  
• Modern houses and luxury furnishings
  
• Furnishing a luxury house near the sea
  
• How to furnish a period house

What characteristics transform a building into a luxury house?

It's easy to say "luxury house". And, perhaps, some will think that to define a "luxury" house is only its valuation or what it contains. In reality, Italian regulations are very precise in specifying what are the characteristics that define a luxury house, namely with the Ministerial Decree of 2 August 1969, which we have already discussed in depth in our previous article.

Without going too deep into regulatory details, there are categories of houses considered luxury according to the legislation in force in Italy, including: villas or private parks, houses with a swimming pool of at least 80 square meters or tennis courts with a non-drained substrate less than 650 square meters, real estate units with a usable area of ​​over 240 square meters - and more. In addition to this, those real estate units that have at least five of the characteristics defined in the "Table of characteristics (point 8 of the Ministerial Decree of 2 August 1969)", relating to dimensions, services, interiors and other elements of various types, are also considered luxury.

Modern houses and luxury furnishings

This is not the first time that we face the interesting debate on how to furnish a luxury house. Starting from the type of modern houses, they can be furnished in a luxurious way, although these houses usually prefer simple and geometric shapes. The luxury furniture in a modern house is minimal and at the same time elegant, with classy interiors, which however do not include sophisticated elements or opulent materials. A modern house is in fact characterized both by the maximum cleanliness of lines and functionality, often obtained with latest generation technologies and innovative materials, which however must harmonize with more natural elements, such as wood and stone, often handcrafted.

Hence, luxury furniture in a modern home is rather configured as the right mix of the most modern technologies, which ensure maximum comfort, and classy elements. So even the furniture will have to harmonize a modern and youthful design with the elegance that characterizes luxury homes, to make each room unique. Moving on to the chromatic aspect, modern luxury homes often include brightness and bold combinations, even between bright colors and neutral colors.

Furnishing a luxury house near the sea

Luxury furniture in a seaside house is mainly aimed at one purpose: to highlight the location of the house itself. A villa by the sea is a possibility only for a few people and it is therefore appropriate to enhance the landscape, with open space and large windows that allow one to enjoy the surrounding environment. The harmony with the marine context is also achieved with the choice of materials, which must be predominantly natural, like wood, especially if it recalls maritime elements. The shapes and colors of the furniture must also refer to the latter. Focusing on the chromatic aspect, luxury furnishings of a seaside house will have light and bright shades, often obtained from combinations of colors such as white, blue and light blue.

The interior coloring can also be darker, with more neutral shades and less bright colors, but always in connection with the marine environment that surrounds the house, therefore with tones that blend with those of sea, sand and cliffs. A good solution in this sense can be the choice of hand-decorated ceramic tiles, which, with their play of colors, restore freshness and uniqueness to the spaces of the house. And als wooden paneling is ideal for conveying the feeling of life at sea and navigation.

How to furnish a period house

Furnishing a period house is not an easy task, since you need the utmost attention to be able to give your personal touch and, at the same time, enhance what already exists, that is all the story contained in the building. Luxury furniture in a period house must at the same time make one perceive the sense of the house's past, without appearing as a sort of museum. For this reason, with respect to furniture and furnishing elements, it is preferable to choose pieces related to the time of construction of the property and not antique pieces, so as to create a link with the past of the house without weighing it down. It is therefore advisable to keep intact those that are the characterizing elements of the period house to maintain its originality: stained glass windows, marble, original and historical flooring - especially if made of solid and precious woods, decorations, high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and so on, need to be enhanced and not replaced.

While furnishing a period house, even the choice of the color of the walls is essential to hide the signs of aging and accentuate the elegance of the house at the same time. Even if light and neutral colors, such as beige, usually dominate in classic-style luxury homes, in a period home you can also opt for gold in combination with blue or for wallpapers, that always need to refer to the period of construction of the property. Luxury furnishing in a period house also includes detailed and refined decorations, such as furniture in carved solid wood, precious fabrics such as leather or silk, and refined carpets. To sum up: everything must enhance the story that the house itself has to tell.

Luxury houses: when a swimming pool makes a difference

The swimming pool can be a decisive element to define a luxury house, even at a regulatory level. Starting from the difference between indoor and outdoor pools, let's take a look at the situation, also with respect to the luxury tax and size.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Internal or external pool: some differences
  
• Is it always requir a luxury tax to have a domestic swimming pool?
  
• Sizes of a luxury swimming pool
  
• How to build a luxury swimming pool

Internal or external pool: some differences

To introduce the topic of swimming pools pertaining to private houses, it must first be specified that there are different types. In particular, the first macro distinction is that between external and external pools, not to be confused with that between covered and uncovered pools. Focusing on the first category, it can be said that an internal pool is literally part of the house, being integrated into it - unlike outdoor covered pools. Another difference is that an internal swimming pool is not suitable for all houses: in fact, particular characteristics are needed, both of the building and of the land on which it is located, to be able to build it.

An external swimming pool - especially if covered - is obviously a unique comfort, since it offers the opportunity to be used at any time and without bothering to reach the gym or the municipal swimming pool. A swimming pool inside the house, however, has some additional advantages, such as the fact that it is not even necessary to leave the house, ensuring maximum privacy and all the tranquility needed to enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation or to train in total serenity.

Is it always requir a luxury tax to have a domestic swimming pool?

As we have already explained recently in one of our articles, the characteristics that define luxury houses are specific and well regulated. In particular, the Italian regulation that identifies the characteristics of luxury houses is the Ministerial Decree of 2 August 1969. Based on this law, it can be stated with certainty that not all swimming pools represent a luxury item, nor do they automatically trigger the passage to the cadastral categories that exclude the tax benefits provided for non-luxury houses. For example, all PVC or frame inflatable above ground pools are not linked to landscape constraints, therefore they have no impact on the cadastral category. And this ensures that these pools have no impact on taxation.

The case of inground swimming pools is different, as they cause the need for stacking, therefore increasing the cadastral income, but only in cases where the square footage of the pool exceeds specific dimensions. Finally, with regard to the luxury tax, swimming pools are also mentioned in the "Table of characteristics (point 8 of the Ministerial Decree of 2 August 1969)", with respect to which a luxury home must have at least five. In this case, an "covered or uncovered, masonry pool, when serving a building or a complex of buildings comprising less than 15 real estate units" represents only one of the specifications for identifying a luxury home, but, in absence of other four among those listed in the table, does not entail any consequences in terms of taxation.

Sizes of a luxury swimming pool

As mentioned a few lines ago, the crucial element to define a luxury swimming pool and, consequently, have an impact on taxation, is its size. Returning to the aforementioned legislation governing luxury houses, this category includes "houses with a swimming pool of at least 80 square meters''. The pools for private use, therefore, do not in themselves require the payment of taxes. And it is also very rare for a home swimming pool to reach 80 square meters, since most hardly exceed 70 (i.e. about 12 x 6 meters).

Therefore, the Italian Agenzia delle Entrate considers "luxury" only a swimming pool that exceeds 80 square meters, causing a significant increase in the amount to be paid for the IMU and canceling the possibility of benefiting from the exemption provided for first house properties. If, on the other hand, the pool measures less than 80 square meters, the pool is classified as a simple appurtenance falling within the cadastral category C/4, or as an indirect accessory compartment, with a relatively low impact on the calculation of house taxes and the IMU.

How to build a luxury swimming pool

Those who desire a luxury swimming pool, however, may not be interested so much in the issue of taxation, as in the methods of construction. First of all, even in the case of above ground pools, it will be necessary to rely on experts to avoid the risk that the structure could sink under the weight of the water. This advice is also valid for in-ground pools and internal ones. In particular, in-ground swimming pools involve an intervention that changes the territory, thus requiring a preliminary permit which is called DIA (Notification of Commencement of Activities), otherwise known as “building authorization”. This permit, in addition to the construction permit and administrative costs, obviously affects the cost of the pool itself and also the timing of construction.

It is also useful to remember that each Municipality or Region may require different parameters and consequent bureaucratic requirements to be respected. In addition to this, if you want to create a real dream villa, it is recommended to contact experts in the sector to obtain tailor-made projects, technologically advanced and, at the same time, in line with the rest of the real estate unit. A luxury pool needs to be hosted by an equally elegant exterior, which is enhanced and not affected by the pool itself. Everything, from shape to depth, from materials to dimensions, must be studied in detail to create the luxury swimming pool that satisfies the owner's needs and aesthetic taste.