The Distinctive Life

V O L U M E 9

DISTINCTIVE L I FE ® THE

THE BEST EASY DESSERT RECIPES Get ready to thrill your family and friends as we share easy dessert recipes that are just perfect for a season filled with gourmet entertaining. p.18

BACKSPLASHES THAT WOW A distinctive backsplash is your

opportunity to create a space that will make you smile and wow everyone who visits. p.6

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CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO SHERRY CHRIS

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Luxury Interior Design

BACKSPLASHES THAT WOW A distinctive backsplash is your opportunity to create a space that will make you smile and wow everyone who visits.

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INCORPORATING LARGE WALL ART INTO YOUR LIVING ROOM DECOR Whether you adore maximalist interior decor or brutalist design, a stunning piece of large-scale wall art will immediately fill your living room with a sense of luxury.

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Incorporating Large Wall Art into Your Living Room Decor p.12

Gourmet Cuisine

THE BEST EASY DESSERT RECIPES Get ready to thrill your family and friends as we share easy dessert recipes that are just perfect for a season filled with gourmet entertaining.

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MUST-TRY HOLIDAY COCKTAILS Some of our favorite must-try cocktails, from new twists on classic libations to innovative concoctions.

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The Best Easy Dessert Recipes p.18

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Life & Leisure

LUXURY UPGRADES TO A MODERN HOME OFFICE THAT BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

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We reveal the luxury upgrades to a modern home office that can increase productivity and enhance your sense of wellbeing. RENOVATING FOR A GREENER SMART KITCHEN From water conservation to a reduction in food waste, we are revealing some of our favorite suggestions for renovating with the goal of a greener smart kitchen in mind.

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Renovating For a Greener Smart Kitchen p.36

Listing Ads

LUXURY PROPERTIES

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Luxury Properties p.42

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letter from the President & CEO SHERRY CHRIS

A

lthough usually thought of as a time for cooling off, to me fall has always represented warmth and comfort. From the indulgent cuisine, to the wardrobes we

nestle into, fall is the season of indulgence. And as the days and nights get cooler, we find ourselves retreating back into our homes, looking to fill them with coziness. In this issue of The Distinctive Life, we’ll look into the kitchen for design ideas as well as some absolutely delectable recipes and cocktails sure to please any Autumn guest. Next, we talk about adding large wall art to your living room to reinvigorate and add fresh dynamics to your most social room. Lastly, spending time at home for work or play should be productive, so we offer some fresh tips to help you stay creative while enhancing your sense of well-being.

Whatever you’re planning this fall, we hope you stay warm; in heart and home.

Distinctively yours,

SHERRY CHRIS President and CEO Better Homes and Gardens ® Real Estate

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Volume 9

LUXURY HAS A WHOLE NEW LOOK

Find your dream home and keep up with the latest trends in Gourmet Cuisine, Interior Design, Life & Leisure and Travel. Visit www.bhgrecollection.com

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LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN

BACKSPLASHES THATWOW (and not just in the kitchen)

As you start planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel, you’ll quickly realize that even small changes can significantly alter how each space feels.Whether you are hoping to add a dramatic statement to a room or tie your entire color palette together, a distinctive backsplash is your opportunity to create a space that will make you smile and wow everyone who visits. If you are looking for inspiration, read on as designers reveal their favorite trends and ideal backsplashes for the kitchen or bath.

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MODERN SUBWAYTILE

Shannon Kadwell tells Martha Stewart Living that high-contrast veining in your marble pieces may be the answer: “Dramatic black and white marble brings contrast and movement on the counter and backsplash to an otherwise balanced design....” COLORFUL STATEMENTTILES The bolder colors designers and homeowners are already embracing in cabinets and high-end appliances have found their way to backsplashes, both in the kitchen and the master bathroom. As Nancy Epstein, founder and CEO of Artistic Tile, told Martha Stewart Living , “the past several years have been dominated by dramatic white and grays—but color is finally making a comeback.” Shades of blues and greens are at the forefront of this luxury design trend because they can bring either vibrancy or a sense of calm depending on the hues’ richness and how they reflect the room’s décor. Designer Karen Williams, creative director and principal of St. Charles New York, explains to Martha Stewart Living why she went with a stunning cobalt blue tile for one of her recent redesigns: “The dramatic kitchen backsplash was created from thousands of smaller cobalt blue tiles that give it a beautiful undulating texture, almost like the surface of water....” The glimmering, hand-chiseled style of Zellige tile inspired designer Justina Blakeney. The founder and director of Jungalow loves green, and she wanted to bring a custom, high-quality feel that would highlight a variety of green shades when renovating her own kitchen. Not only did she use “handmade Zellige tile from Badia Design” to bring her favorite color into her space, as she explained

to Martha Stewart Living , but “went with a dark green grout to really let the tile shine.” It is a strong choice to move away from the traditional white or black grouting, but finding a complementary shade adds a twist that can really catch the eye. Want something even bolder in your redesign? The experts at InStyle want you to consider a splash of red-orange for your kitchen backsplash, particularly if it can visually connect to another spot of red-orange in the space, like a counter island or banquette seating. Why? The magazine advises: “In cool weather and gloomy light, even small accents of vivid reds brighten and warm the space.” SHIMMERING GLASS Bathroom backsplashes aren’t just for behind your double sinks. They are much-appreciated additions anywhere you want to protect your walls from water and/or soap splashes. More and more people are showing their design flair by incorporating awe-inspiring backsplashes by and around their tubs – essentially creating stunning wall art that is highly functional. One of Southern Living’s favorite examples is a glass-tiled master bathroom. The wall is curved and accented with windows that, while lovely, presented some décor challenges before the designers found their answer in striking glass tiles. The editors of the magazine marvel: “The curved tub wall, striped with iridescent glass tiles in various shades of blue, strikes a spa tone in the master bath.” And if you needed another reason to love this choice, the glass tiles bounce the light from the windows and the overhead chandelier, making the space bright without sacrificing privacy or the naturally intimate feeling of the room.

Subway tile is a classic backsplash choice for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Not only does it look elegant, but its glazed finish makes it entirely practical – subway tile is easy to clean and helps bounce light (a must in smaller spaces). It’s a timeless charmer, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take it in a modern direction. Consider selecting a dramatic color or an array of colors rather than the traditional white. Also, the placement of the tiles can bring an unexpected visual boost. Interior designer Anne Hepfer confides to Martha Stewart Living that “for a more traditional or transitional look, stagger... for more contemporary look, stack or soldier.” Hope Hassell, director of project development at Case Architects and Remodelers, agrees. She reveals to the magazine that choosing a slightly smaller format tile in a non-traditional pattern worked particularly well when covering a smaller space: “Laying it in a herringbone pattern allowed us to maximize the small backsplash area with a design that was interesting, yet timeless.” GORGEOUS MARBLE BACKSPLASHES Much like the subway tile, marble is a timeless addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Are you searching for something polished and elegant? Designer Jessica Gersten proposes that a “sleek slab” might be the way to go if you already have marble countertops. Why? She explains to Martha Stewart Living : “A slab marble backsplash that bleeds into the countertop creates a sleek look in the kitchen,’... ‘it eliminates the ‘choppiness’ of backsplash tile, and lends itself to a more calm, streamlined feeling.” Want an upgrade that feels dramatic yet luxurious? Designer

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STUNNING METALLICS From entire backsplashes made of metallics (like eye-catching copper) to ceramic tiles with metallic accents, adding this element to a backsplash for the kitchen or bathroom can create a warm, custom look. One of Southern Living’s favorites is a mixed material option using tiny cobalt tiles with copper accents that perfectly reference existing copper fixtures and a bathroom inset in this redesign. Brass and gold are continuing to be popular this year for both cabinet hardware and kitchen and bath fixtures. This is a terrific opportunity to incorporate those elements into your backsplash, according to Jessica Parker Wachtel, senior project manager at GTM Architects, in an interview with Martha Stewart Living . Her recent choice was to include a “white and gold backsplash which adds a pop of pattern and ties in the brass hardware used throughout the space….” For an eye-catching design that brings a new dimension to your kitchen or bathroom, try choosing a backsplash tile that doesn’t fit into the traditional square or rectangular frame. For Nadia Subaran, co-founder of Aidan Design, that meant choosing tile in an arabesque shape in a light color for one of her latest redesigns that needed to make a statement while remaining subtle. According to Martha Stewart Living , Suburban reports that they “are seeing the arabesque—along with other geometric shapes return—as more homeowners are looking for unique shapes in backsplash materials, like ceramics.” UNUSUAL SHAPES AND PATTERNS

ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS

Interior designer Brenna Krouse, co-owner of K Squared Interior Design and Construction, tells Martha Stewart Living that she’s also a fan of using unusual tiles, including “large tiles with bold motifs.” As she reveals to the magazine: “I love to use a patterned tile on a backsplash because it becomes a ‘wow’ factor in the kitchen,” and it’s less labor-intensive than installing mosaics without losing the impact of an arresting design choice. VINTAGE BEADED- BOARD AND NATURALWOOD You might not immediately think of using wood as a backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom, but designers are increasingly adding it to spaces with a vintage or Cottagecore appeal. Southern Living opines that “a natural wood backsplash adds warmth and character to a kitchen,” but be sure to seal it properly so that it is easy to clean and is stain resistant. The editors also love the addition of beaded-board backsplash to a vintage- inspired master bath. Using this technique, you can easily create a picture-perfect feature wall that offers a custom feel to your space and an ideal complement to antique-like bathroom pieces, including an envy-inducing clawfoot or slipper tub.

Think outside the box. Any material that can withstand cooking spatter or water splashes, and can be easily cleaned, can be made into an impressive backsplash for the kitchen or bathroom. What do the editors at Southern Living suggest? The magazine loves using aged mirrors, either in squares or in one large piece. The aged look brings character to the space, and despite the aging artifacts, the mirrors still bounce natural light from nearby windows, pendant lights, and chandeliers. They look fantastic in vintage-inspired kitchens and bathrooms while bringing distinction and softness to industrial-chic spaces filled with brushed-concrete countertops and floors.

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Whether you adore maximalist interior decor or brutalist design, a stunning piece of large-scale wall art will immediately fill your living room with a sense of luxury. Bold colors in your artwork can bring a visual warmth to the most minimalist spaces. Moody paintings can enhance the drama of a room, while geometric prints done in light hues shine in a setting otherwise done in a neutral palette. If you are curious about the best ways to incorporate this statement art trend during your remodel or refresh, read on as we reveal our favorite tips for using oversized art as a stunning element of your living room wall decor. incorporating large WALL ART into your living room decor

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STARTINGWITH A BLANKWALL

In the case of statement art, bigger really is better. Oversized vertical paintings, photographs, or tapestries can dazzle on a tall living room wall (the same can be said for soaring entryways). If it looks like you could add multiple pieces around the artwork you are considering, your statement piece could get lost in visual clutter. It’s a warning that you might need to go bigger. Residential designer Eric Rothman of HammerSmith explains to

Southern Living : “If you want to appreciate the art and the space, you’ll create more impact by having fewer items dramatically displayed.”

If you are considering doing a complete refresh of your living room decor, start by literally emptying the space. Feel how the walls flow vertically and horizontally. Notice where natural shafts of light occur and where supplemental lighting might be necessary. Having this blank canvas will allow you to truly make your collection of oversized art pieces (or even a single work) the talk of your living room.

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MAKING IT PERSONAL If you are just beginning your art collecting journey, start with buying something that you love and let that inform the rest of your living room wall decor and furnishings. You can choose to paint the walls a neutral color to highlight your piece or change out the furniture, but, as interior designer Kathy Guyton of Guyton Design Group warned in Southern Living , “Don’t buy a painting just because it matches.” Rothman agrees, advising, “Art should be something that you have because you appreciate it and it’s meaningful to you.” ADDINGTEXTURES When you incorporate impressive wall art into your living room decor, the colors referenced in the piece or pieces are not the only critical element. As interior designer Mariette Himes Gomez recommends to Martha Stewart Living , homeowners should “include items that are not only visually stimulating in terms of their shapes and colors, but also have interesting textures, such as marbles and textured fabrics.” In fact, woven wall hangings are becoming more popular by the day. The striking array of textures, colors, and patterns that appear in a handmade tapestry bring visual interest to any setting, from a 13th-century castle (like the one showcased in InStyle , owned by French fashion designer Christian Louboutin) to a minimalist haven or a Bohemian-inspired retreat.

KEEPING IT LEVEL Depending on your living room’s dimensions, balancing your furniture and your statement wall art may be as easy as placing each of your hanging pieces on the same level. It’s a strategy that interior designer Curtis Herring used in his own home in New Orleans. His luxury space features a stunning mix of modern paintings, and “by keeping the artwork on a large scale and hanging the pieces at roughly the same height all around the room, he made each piece look as important as the next – just like in a gallery,” according to Southern Living . Herring also chose living room furniture that kept a low profile, allowing the art to shine. Each well-designed piece either draws the eye to the artwork or complements it through color references, patterns, or structure. Are you concerned that hanging a large vertical art piece on your wall will feel overwhelming or compete with another architectural element near the ceiling? Try leaning a vertical piece against the wall – it will still have a significant impact on your living room wall decor while avoiding any areas that might compete for your eye. UNIFYING LIVING ROOM DECOR Southern Living argues: “A piece of art, a color, or even a texture can help bring a room’s design together.” You can choose furniture and textiles that color match your statement wall art – a particularly popular approach when you have a neutral palette for your living room decor. You also can draw design inspiration from vivid, bold artwork by referencing any of the vibrant shades in your furniture coverings, drapes, or accessories. Dramatic floral panels

offer a color spectrum that the furnishings can extend by either deepening the hues or going towards lighter shades. Even eye-catching paintings in primary colors can offer a theme that can impact accent choices in modern homes. You can go beyond color with your decor choices. There may be lines or angles in a photograph or painting that can be complemented in the angles of your coffee table or the curve of your sofa. Or you can directly mimic elements from the artwork in your accents, as interior designer Mariette Himes Gomez did by “employing a vividly hued European still-life, which she paired with a small bowl of marbles — mimicking the bowl in the painting,” according to Martha Stewart Living . The effect on the living room decor can be delightfully visually stimulating and immediately enlivening. CREATING CONTRAST A statement piece of art is by definition eye-catching, but it can be arresting when it sits in contrast to the rest of the room. This is often the case when bold modern pieces are added to living room walls where the decor is minimalist or brutalist and utilizing an all-white, light concrete, or neutral palette. Picture a stark industrial background punctuated by pop art done in vibrant primary colors or a geometric theme contrasted against softer, organic elements. Black and white photography can have a powerful, emotional impact on the viewer, and it works brilliantly against more colorful living room decor, as well as dramatic, monochromatic spaces.

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TRANSFORMING UNEXPECTED PLACES Stunning wall art can also be used to bring attention to some unexpected (and often neglected) areas in your home. An impressive sculpture could command attention in a living room corner that would otherwise remain ignored. Even architectural elements, such as handmade window segments can become striking works of art when displayed properly. As Southern Living raves: “Three-dimensional art, including architectural fragments … can add a special element to any space. A window frame, a finial, or even a tapestry can enliven a room and serve as an interesting focal point.” HIGHLIGHTING EACH ARTWORK Each of your carefully chosen art pieces deserves to be displayed in the very best light. And we mean that literally. Direct natural sunlight can severely damage the pigments used in a painting over time, so be careful what kind of artwork is displayed where, and consider introducing subtle shading that will block harmful UV and infrared light. Fluorescent lights and other bright white bulbs can produce a disturbing glare and should also be avoided when possible. Instead, try a variety of adjustable lighting techniques to highlight your art. Adjustable options, including LEDs, can be positioned to showcase your living room wall decor to its best advantage, whether that means brighter spotlights for dark, detailed art pieces and sculptures, or softer beams that help moody or warm, rich paintings glow.

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GOURMET CUISINE

the best EASY DESSERT recipes

Are you searching for gourmet dessert recipes that are both easy to make and thoroughly decadent? The autumnal harvest yields some of the year’s most indulgent and memorable flavors. Just one bite of a vegan blueberry crisp or Champagne chocolate mousse, and your guests will be clamoring for more. Get ready to thrill your family and friends as we share easy dessert recipes that are just perfect for a fall filled with gourmet entertaining.

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TARTETATIN DESSERT

When you think of fall, delicious, just-ripened apples are bound to spring to mind. Whether you can pick your favorite variety right off the tree or mindfully shop for options at your local farmers’ market, choosing the tastiest options has never been easier – and your dessert recipes will thank you for it. It’s no wonder that one of Food & Wine’s favorite fall dessert recipes is Tarte Tatin with Crème Fraîche. It looks divine and tastes even better, despite being relatively easy to create. Food

& Wine raves: “The apples in this luscious tart are cooked in a rich caramel sauce” and “when turned out of the pan, the lightly spiced apples are melt-in-your-mouth tender.” For this easy dessert recipe, you’ll need four pounds of apples – Golden Delicious are the preferred choice, but you can opt for your favorites. If you are a genius at puff pastry, you’ll want to prepare that before you begin the bake. However, buying ready-made puff

pastry works just as well, and it will allow you to focus on creating a truly indulgent caramel sauce. A Champagne pairing with this dessert is always a good idea, but a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley will hit all the right notes.

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GOURMET CUISINE

APPLE CROSTATA

CRANBERRY CLAFOUTI If you can make pancake batter, you can make clafouti. Described as being “in between a flan and a pancake” by Martha Stewart Living , this French fruit dessert is surprisingly easy to make but will be a sure hit for any fall gathering. Preparation is approximately 15 minutes, and you can pluck the cranberries fresh or use frozen without sacrificing taste. When Rachael Ray In Season was asked about its favorite late fall dessert recipes, Champagne Chocolate Mousse came immediately to mind. This quick-to-prepare twist on a classic is so festive that you can serve it for an elegant fall dinner party or any winter holiday celebration. You will be shocked at how easy this sumptuous dessert is to make – the total time from preparation to serving is only 30 minutes. The key to this decadent wonder isn’t just using something tantalizingly sparkling in the mix, but the very best chocolate morsels. Craft chocolate from a chocolate maker like Scharffen Berger or gourmet dark Belgian chocolate chips from Callebaut can be a splurge, but so worth it. CHAMPAGNE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

This apple crostata dessert recipe is one of Martha Stewart Living ’s favorite fall treats. As the magazine explains: “This rustic free- form take on apple pie has sharp cheddar cheese in the crust which adds richness and a slight savory tang.” A pre-made cheddar pie dough disk makes this a relatively easy recipe to prepare, while tart Granny Smith and McIntosh apples just off the tree make this recipe sing. Each step of this recipe crafts a pie that looks decidedly upscale. Don’t forget the crowning glory – warm apricot preserves that are lightly brushed over the apples as soon as the crostata is taken out of the oven. Pair it with your favorite Prosecco and let the applause begin. FIG AND FRANGIPANE GALETTES Food & Wine raves that their Fig and Frangipane Galettes are among the most “crave-worthy fall desserts.” We have to agree. The secret to these decadent free-form tarts is the “fresh figs and almond paste.” The Frangipane can take some time, and you will far prefer using a food processor than trying to create it by hand, but the galettes can be made the day before your dinner party and stored at room temperature until you are ready to present them. Food & Wine suggests serving this late-fall delicacy with “a juicy, dark-fruited ruby port” as the warm glow of great food and wonderful friends settles around you.

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RASPBERRY- HAZELNUT MACAROONS

In the “tastes gourmet but is actually easy” desserts category, Food & Wine applauds the serving of Haselnussmakronen (aka Raspberry-Hazelnut Macaroons). Every bite is a delight, and you would never know that the recipe only requires five ingredients (whole hazelnuts, egg whites, kosher salt, sugar, and raspberry jam). This German dessert can be made a few days before your festivities, and it looks so inviting on a plate that your guests might not wait until dessert to start sampling. ROASTED PEARS IN BUTTERSCOTCH How do roasted pears in a butterscotch sauce sound to you? Pears are at their best in the United States from August through October, making a roasted pear dessert recipe a “must” for autumn dinner parties. Rachael Ray In Season is a big fan of this easy recipe which takes less than 20 minutes to make and uses only six ingredients. In it, your favorite pears are roasted and then drizzled with a rich butterscotch sauce that can be made with just a hint of Scotch whisky for a little added heat. The final flourish is a topping of chopped pistachios. Don’t be surprised if you come back to this enticing dessert over and over again throughout the season.

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GOURMET CUISINE

VEGAN BLUEBERRY CRISP Martha Stewart Living ’s Vegan Blueberry Crisp is an easy dessert recipe that will tempt the taste buds of all of your guests. This recipe relies on six cups of blueberries – allowing you to pick and choose the best varieties on the bush in early fall. Once you have your blueberries, the magazine reveals: “The berries are tossed with sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice, then topped with a rolled oat- and-almond crumble.” Pair this special treat with a ripe, fruit-forward Champagne for celebrations or an elegant and structured Malbec for quiet nights among friends.

For the full recipes mentioned in this article, please visit: www.bhgrecollection.com/blog/ easy-dessert-recipes/

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must-try HOLIDAY COCKTAILS Are you searching for the best cocktails to sip and savor this fall? As the shadows lengthen and the temperatures ease, seasonal delights are waiting to be discovered and shared. Read on for some of our favorite must-try fall cocktails, from new twists on classic libations to innovative concoctions.

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GOURMET CUISINE

MR. OCTOBER When Travel + Leisure started researching fall cocktail recipes, they reached out to bartenders throughout the United States to learn about their best creations. One of their favorite responses came from Timothy Miner from Magic Touch Cocktails in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. October “combines cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg—those classic fall flavors—to gorgeous effect,” according to the magazine. You’ll need to stock some apple brandy, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, Galliano L’Authentico, St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram, and fresh nutmeg for this tantalizing drink. Then get ready for an experience that tastes like comfort and celebration. RED MAPLE SWIZZLE Are your guests fans of elevated rum drinks? The Red Maple Swizzle, a creation of The Hawthorne’s Jackson Cannon in Boston, Massachusetts, is “an autumnal sibling of the Dark and Stormy, but featuring lime rather than lemon, and a dash of bitters for balance,” reports Travel + Leisure . It’s crafted by stirring together Smith and Cross rum, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters, and, of course, Grade A Maple Syrup in a highball glass with ice. Your guests will love everything about this decadent cocktail.

APPLE CIDER COCKTAIL

if possible, small bulb of fennel. And, of course, your favorite vodka plays a vital role. Described as a “savory seasonal infusion,” this libation will be the hit of your party. ENGLISH HARVEST Can you imagine a dry gin cocktail with notes of apples and peanut butter? Luckily, Mixologist Ryan Fitzgerald found a way to get the English Harvest close to those flavors. Food & Wine reveals that the secret “was to mix almond syrup with apple juice and fiery apple brandy.” This London dry gin cocktail is a beauty to behold – the taste is incredible, and the libation is a gorgeous one to serve, as it is strained into a "small, chilled coupe or snifter and garnished with an orange twist.” TENNESSEE CHERRY FALL COCKTAIL For a sweet treat that is perfect for late fall, including Thanksgiving dinners, the editors at Better Homes & Gardens rave about the Tennessee Cherry Cocktail. This fall sipper features “sweet cherries, cherry-infused whiskey, cocoa, and vanilla.” Fresh sweet cherries are preferred, but frozen cherries work well, too, and the richness of the chocolate-flavored syrup adds to a depth of flavor that thrills the palate. The recipe calls for muddling in an old-fashioned glass for a refined look that can make any gathering feel like a special occasion. You can also make this cocktail into a mocktail simply by swapping out the “whiskey with your favorite cola,” according to the magazine.

Whenever we think of autumn, we think of apple cider straight from the orchard. It is that quintessential experience that, in part, influences the love Better Homes & Gardens has for this cocktail. The magazine reveals that “grapes, apples, lemon, and orange form the perfect melody of tart fruit flavors in this fall drink.” Artisan barrel-aged gin and Vermont hard cider are also added to this big-batch cocktail, which offers a warmly spirited sip that will elevate any gathering.

APPLE CIDER, CRANBERRY, AND GINGER PUNCH

Martha Stewart Living is also a fan of blending seasonal fruits into delectable fall cocktails. Described as “a festive choice for happy hour,” this favored “fall cocktail recipe is made with ginger beer, fresh cranberries, and apple cider.” You start by muddling cranberries with sugar in a pitcher and then add the other ingredients, stirring as you go. The punch is delicious as is and perfect for the whole family. However, if you want to shift this recipe from a mocktail to a tempting cocktail, all you need to do is add your favorite gin into the mix.

FENNEL AND FIG INFUSEDVODKA

Food & Wine loves introducing readers to the Fennel and Fig Infused Vodka cocktail made by Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Typically served in a sophisticated rocks glass, this fall cocktail recipe relies on both fresh and dried Black Mission figs, as well as a just-picked,

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HOT CRANBERRY JUICE

THE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

Named the “Unexpected Fall Cocktail to Master” by Food & Wine , Hot Cranberry Juice is due to be one of the most requested and celebrated libations this autumn. The bar director at Constantine in Minneapolis, Jeff Rogers, approached this cocktail like one would a mulled wine. As Food & Wine explains: “He adds baking spices, and then mixes it with rye whiskey and amaretto, garnishing it with an orange coin for the finishing touch, so it resembles ‘a twist on a familiar favorite.’” It’s an inspired choice that will delight and surprise your guests throughout the season and into the holidays. PEAR NECTAR AND THYME MIMOSA For a fall-inspired twist on a traditional mimosa, you might want to try the pear nectar and thyme version. The Food & Wine editors adore this fall cocktail recipe from Caitlin Moran at Glitter Guide and named it one of the best cocktails you haven’t tried. As you can guess, this cocktail was made for fall brunches. For a batch of cocktails, you just need to combine a bottle of dry Prosecco or Champagne with a 12-ounce bottle of delectable pear nectar. Then pop in four to six sprigs of fresh thyme, and get ready for the compliments!

Of course, you can never go wrong when you usher in fall with a Champagne cocktail toast. A twist on a classic, this recipe from Allen Katz, host of “The Cocktail Hour” on Martha Stewart Living Radio , introduces epicureans to the delights of Angostura Bitters. He begins by “soaking a sugar cube in several drops of Angostura Bitters” and then places the soaked cube at the bottom of a flute before filling it with Champagne. A quick stir with a long spoon will help dissolve the soaked cube and set the Champagne bubbles brightly dancing in the glass. All that is left to do is serve and celebrate with this dazzling fall cocktail.

For the full recipes mentioned in this article, please visit: www.bhgrecollection.com/blog/ fall-cocktails/

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luxury upgrades to a MODERN HOME OFFICE that boost productivity Are you ready to elevate your home office?Whether you quickly set up a basic home office in response to work-from-home opportunities or just want to upgrade a long-used space, even minor improvements can boost your productivity significantly. Start by taking stock of how you work throughout the day.What are the things that distract you? Do you feel stressed and fidgety because you are working against your environment rather than with it? Simple design changes can help. Read on as we reveal the luxury upgrades to a modern home office that can increase productivity and enhance your sense of wellbeing.

UPGRADEYOUR DESK Your desk is one of the most important elements in your home office. Whether you yearn for a Louis XV gilt mahogany desk or a modern, standing unit, this one piece of furniture is likely to inform the decor of your entire space and impact your attitude when you approach work each day. If you want a simple, calming vibe to replace your current home office atmosphere, Laurence Carr of Laurence Carr Designs tells Martha Stewart

Living that people, “when designing an in- home office, should begin with a blank, clean space, and start by adding a simple, chic desk and a comfortable chair arranged so your back is to a wall for grounding — a Feng Shui technique.” Fully adjustable, modern sit- stand desks also can be appealing and offer significant health upsides. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t choose an elegant 18th-century piece or eye-catching Mid-

Century Modern option. You can even mix and match by having a classic, much-loved desk re-topped with marble or other stone options, to give something time-worn a luxurious new look – an idea that is applauded by the editors of Better Homes & Gardens .

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LIFE & LEISURE

INVEST IN AN OFFICE CHAIR

Finding the perfect ergonomic desk chair is often equated with finding hidden treasure. You can do a lot of searching and follow many false leads, but when you strike gold, it will all be worth it. Some people focus on chairs that fit with their décor or have some history to them. Who wouldn’t love to write the next great American novel while sitting in a chair that belonged to their favorite novelist? But in most modern home offices, the desk chair is whatever fit into the room at the time of its creation, and it is doing nothing to boost productivity. In fact, a bad home office chair can actually make you less productive. Unless you are specifically searching for a chair with history or a specific look, focus on getting an office chair that fits your body well. You want it to be adjustable so that it is high enough for your arms to be comfortably flat on your worktop or slightly angled downward if you will be typing all day. Next, feel how your body is supported in the chair. You shouldn’t feel strain in your back, hips, or knees when sitting with your feet placed flat on the floor or a riser. Now, consider your budget. A luxury office chair can be expensive, but if you are using it daily, it might be worth a splurge, especially if it will help you stay productive and keep you from developing poor posture habits that can stress your spine. Luxury office chairs can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands or more, with the most expensive chair in the world (the Xten Office Chair by Pininfarina) ringing in at $1.5 million. If you aren’t ready to invest quite that much in a chair, take a look at luxury options like the “Think Chair” (fantastic ergonomic design)

from Steelcase or “the Eames Executive Chair” (a classic done in stunning leather, perfect tufting, and a deeply cushioned seat and armrests). Looking for something that has both a modern edge and a traditional feel for your home office? Try the Grand Executive Chair from Vitra. The high-back version costs approximately $6,300, but its wingback- like style, adjustable neck cushion, and FlowMotion mechanism make it a wonderfully comfortable choice. INSTALL MODERN ANTI-FATIGUE FLOORING If you have embraced the idea of adding a modern standing desk into your home office or your job, or other creative passions require long hours working by design boards, the editors at Better Homes & Gardens recommend laying down supportive flooring, like an anti-fatigue floor mat or an area rug with an ultra-plush rug pad. Are you interested in elevating your office refresh even more? The magazine suggests “installing cork flooring, an antibacterial surface with cushioned support that’s perfect for a standing desk.”

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CREATE AVISUALLY STIMULATING HOME OFFICE From accent walls to impressive wall art, your home office should inspire you to do your best work. Among designer Marika Meyer’s favorite tips, which she shared with Martha Stewart Living readers, is that the modern home office should be uplifting and that homeowners should “decorate the space with lots of fabulous patterns and compelling colors to stay energized when they work from home.”

Blima Ehrentreu, of the Designers Group, agrees that “spending your time in a visually stimulating space” is one of the best ways to stay motivated, particularly when faced with complicated projects and/or looming deadlines, according to the magazine. If your office area is open, but you want to create the sense of having a well-defined space, a new paint color or wall covering might be your

best answer. Apply paint in slightly darker shades than the walls in the surrounding areas, or introduce a new texture. As the editors at Southern Living explain: “A textured but neutral wallpaper, such as burlap or grass cloth, is also a great choice to give the office its own distinct look.” Even hanging a much- loved work of art can infuse your office with a new energy that will help you thrive.

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LIFE & LEISURE

IMPROVEYOUR LIGHTING

If you are on a mission to redesign your modern home office so that it inspires you, do not skip making a thorough review of the lighting. Departures suggests that “a desk lamp should be both visually appealing and practical.” You don’t want your workspace to look cluttered or feel overwhelmingly crowded. Often lamps with small bases or statement lamps that arch over and into the space can be the best choices. But in addition to shedding light on your work, a statement lamp is “an opportunity to create some interest” so be sure to choose “a piece with a nice texture on the base or a unique shape,” shares designer Bria Hammel with Departures . Among the magazine’s favorite upscale choices: the sleek “Aerin Austen Large Offset Table/Desk Lamp” for its “simple modern design;” the “Jonathan Adler Versailles Buffet Lamp with Fabric Shade” because you can “add a pop of color to your work area with this elegant lamp inspired by Neoclassical candlesticks;” and the “Kelly Wearstler Minimalist Medium Table Lamp” because the “geometric-inspired lamp is the epitome of modern sophistication.” At times, you may love the style of your statement lighting but still dislike the light that it throws. That’s okay. The answer may be as simple as changing the light bulb to cast warmer light to boost your creativity or infuse the space with cooler light to improve concentration.

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SPLURGE ON HEADPHONES

If you live in an urban area, city noises can often bleed into work phone and Zoom calls. Emergency services sirens, car alarms, honking horns, and construction noise are just some of the sounds that can derail even the most focused business calls. Plus, there are times where your standard headphones just aren’t cutting it when you are trying to listen to your colleagues. AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds can be great for convenience and offer excellent audio quality. Over-the-ear headphones with an attached microphone can offer you significant advantages when giving presentations, as there is often less interference. Of course, if you are mainly trying to block out the sounds of summer around you, then adding high-quality noise-canceling headphones to your home office should be a priority.

INTRODUCE GREENERY

Greenery soothes and is known to improve the sometimes stale air quality of the most intense offices. Plants may even boost your productivity. From adding one relatively easy-to-care-for spider plant to installing a collection of ficus, snake plants, and dwarf bamboo, the experts at Better Homes & Gardens love the idea of “decorating your home office with houseplants for fresh texture and color.” And if you are worried that you might have a brown thumb, Martha Stewart Living is a fan of a thoroughly modern solution – subscription services that bring house plants to your door. Each plant is selected based on the amount of attention and care you want or can give. It’s the perfect answer for anyone who wants the benefits of a room filled with lush, air-purifying greenery without the stress involved in caring for a finicky plant. Now breathe deeply and let your creativity flow.

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LIFE & LEISURE

renovating for a GREENER SMART KITCHEN

The popularity of smart kitchens is growing. Each year, the new releases of ovens with built-in cameras, responsive dishwashers, and sensor-driven faucets make homeowners applaud. But what if you are renovating your kitchen with sustainability in mind? The good news is that most newly released smart appliances and accessories also produce an eco-friendlier home. From water conservation to a reduction in food waste, we are revealing some of our favorite suggestions for renovating with the goal of a greener smart kitchen in mind.

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NEXT-GEN SMART KITCHEN HUBS

The next-gen Smart Kitchen Hub Micro from GE not only makes “cooking and meal prep more streamlined than ever,” according to Martha Stewart Living , but it may help reduce the reported 20% food waste that many American families experience. How can the hub system cut down waste? It starts with the interactive AI technology that allows you to use oven cameras to check on your food as it cooks, even if you are in another room entertaining, on a Zoom call, or working from home. You can even turn the heat down if your call is running long without going to the kitchen. Do you struggle to use fresh vegetables or other ingredients before they expire? Todd Getz, the Executive Brand Director of GE and GE Profile at GE Appliances, thinks that the newest smart kitchen hub will put an end to that. As Getz explains to Martha Stewart Living : “With new computer-vision cooking and AI technology, Kitchen Hub will make it easier for consumers to make recipes based on ingredients they already have on hand, create perfect meals that aren’t overcooked, calculate nutritional values, and add groceries to their shopping list.”

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RESPONSIVE DISHWASHERS

Dishwashers might not be the first thing you think of when looking for sustainable or green updates for a kitchen because of their energy and water usage. However, today’s smart kitchen dishwashers not only correctly regulate the amount of water used for each load but can save considerable energy. How? Martha Stewart Living explains: “Whirlpool’s ® Smart Dishwasher senses the size and soil level and automatically adjusts to get all your dishes cleaned in half the time. The dishwasher also integrates with Nest thermostats to avoid washing dishes during energy rush hours, helping this smart home upgrade pay for itself.” If you rarely wash large loads of dishes, you may also want to investigate luxury dishwasher drawers with Energy Star labels. They are up to 50% more energy-efficient than standard models, and if you only use one drawer most of the time, you’ll enjoy the benefits of using significantly less water. Also, smart dishwashers often are quieter than the units of yesteryear, offering “near- silent cycles,” thus, nearly eliminating at least one source of noise pollution in your home, according to Southern Living . Quiet, convenient, and eco-friendly – that’s an all- around win.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT REFRIGERATORS High-tech refrigerators have been turning heads over the last five years. Not only are energy-efficient models available, but the latest smart models effectively reduce food spoilage. Many of the most popular brands, including GE, LG, and Samsung, offer smart monitoring systems that you can check remotely, so you know exactly what you need to buy as you are trying to navigate the grocery aisles. Some have made advances to their drawer electronic temperature controls that help keep food fresher longer. Smart refrigerators will alert you when the door has been left open or hasn’t sealed properly, protecting your food and your energy bill. All of the latest models offer smartphone notifications and controls. Many smart refrigerators provide options for using voice support systems like Alexa, so you can update your shopping lists, order food, “look up a recipe or call an Uber without having to use any other apps,” raves Southern Living .

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WATER-SAVING FAUCETS

LED LIGHTING There are several ways that rethinking your kitchen’s lighting scheme can take your home in a greener direction. Recessed ceiling can lights look lovely, but they aren’t always airtight, which leads to rising heat or swirling air conditioning escaping into your attic or upper floors. Instead, you may want to invest in long-lasting, energy-efficient LED lighting or other options that can be networked into smart homes. Motion sensors will turn lights on and off as needed, and a smartphone can control networked lights whether you are on vacation or realize halfway to work that you left the lights on. Brands like Kohler are introducing stunning LED options that can elevate a space, from your kitchen to the master bedroom. As Martha Stewart Living reveals: “KOHLER Lighting … is comprised of six swanky collections featuring 200 new designs, ranging from LED chandeliers to modern farmhouse-style pendants and everything in between.” OTHER EARTH- FRIENDLY OPTIONS Once you have selected your smart kitchen appliances and accessories, you can make numerous other choices during your renovation for a more sustainable space. For example, Better Homes & Garden loves the idea of adding solid cork flooring, as it “costs roughly the same as hardwood, but solid-cork flooring has a distinct ecological advantage — sustainability.” And it takes significantly less time (only nine years) for cork trees to regenerate. Cabinets can be challenging and expensive to replace when going green, but there is an increasing number of options out there that do not use urea-formaldehyde.

It might seem counter-intuitive to say that your kitchen sink’s water faucet can help eliminate water waste, but it’s true. No- touch smart kitchen faucets became popular during the pandemic, as just a wave of your hand or a request to a smart-enabled system started the flow of water. But light-touch models continue to thrive as well, as just a light touch anywhere on the unit turns on the water. Either model makes cooking more manageable, and Better Homes & Gardens loves that the faucets “limit cross- contamination and conserve water — and money.” Smart faucets that have built-in aerators are also worth considering, as air bubbles help increase your water pressure while decreasing the actual volume of water used. Also, recirculation pumps are becoming popular, as they maintain hot water at the tap itself – no more watching water flow down the drain as you wait for it to get hot. Speaking of water, would you love to get fresh, filtered water instead of relying on plastic bottles? The editors at Martha Stewart Living are big fans of the “Elkay ezH2O Liv built-in filtered water dispenser.” It features a gorgeous design and the ability to have filtered water inside and outside of the kitchen space. If you love to entertain, this can be a game-changer. The magazine raves: “Thanks to its chic glass front design, NSF-certified filter, and sensor-activated technology (for hands-free filling), this state-of-the-art water appliance is every bit as pretty as it is practical.” FILTEREDWATER DISPENSERS

Solid wood or wheatboard cabinets finished with a non-toxic sealer or paint are gorgeous, eco-friendly, and well worth the price. Finally, look into eco-friendly wallpaper using no-VOC glue and low or zero VOC paint and finishes for the walls and countertops, including vegan options. The results will look fantastic, and you may even improve your health in the process.

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