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Washington
CNN
 — 

Sales of newly built single-family homes in the United States soared in March despite mortgage rates remaining elevated that month.

New home sales, which make up about 10% of the market, jumped 8.8% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 693,000, according to government figures released Tuesday. That trounced the 670,000 rate projected by economists, according to a FactSet poll, and was the strongest monthly increase since December 2022.

Sales of new homes increased across the country last month, rising the most in the Northeast region by a robust 27.8% from February.

Meanwhile, sales of existing homes, which make up the vast majority of the housing market, fell 4.3% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.19 million, the sharpest drop in more than a year, the National Association of Realtors reported last week.

Housing market poised to remain difficult

The broader US housing market is expected to remain tough for Americans, with mortgage rates poised to stay well above 6% this year, economists say. The Federal Reserve doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, but its actions do influence them, and the central bank isn’t expected to cut interest rates anytime soon. A persistent undersupply of housing also remains a key pressure point in the market, contributing to low affordability.

Housing inventory has improved in recent months, but supply still isn’t keeping up with demand. This means homebuyers have limited options as some homeowners who locked in a low mortgage rate before the Fed began to hike rates in 2022 largely prefer to not sell their homes.

“Despite high prices and mortgage rates, homebuyers have limited options on the resale market, although resale inventories have improved some over the course of this year,” Gregg Logan, managing director at RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, said in a note Tuesday.

“The willingness of the major homebuilders to utilize incentives such as price reductions, mortgage rate buy-downs and paying buyers closings costs continue to support a healthy pace of new home sales,” he added.

A stalled housing market recovery?

The housing market began the year with some momentum as home sales surged, homebuilder sentiment perked up and inventory levels climbed, but now it seems to have fizzled out.

In addition to the March drop in existing home sales, residential construction of single-family homes also fell that month, declining 12.4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.022 million units, according to Commerce Department data released earlier this month. Residential construction fell throughout the country except in the West. Meanwhile, building permits for future construction tumbled 3.7% in March to a five-month low.

Data from the National Association of Home Builders showed that 22% of builders cut homes prices in April, down from 24% in March. Meanwhile, the share of builders who offered a sales incentive edged lower to 57% in April from 60% in March. Sentiment among homebuilders in America held steady in April, NAHB said.

“April’s flat reading suggests potential for demand growth is there, but buyers are hesitating until they can better gauge where interest rates are headed,” NAHB’s chief economist, Robert Dietz, said in a release.

This story has been updated with additional context.

Source: cnn.com

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Austin is hailed by many as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” This self-proclaimed weird city has it all from an emerging comedy scene to some of the most talented chefs in the country.

Whether you’re looking for an apartment on 6th Street, enjoying some world-famous barbecue from Franklin, or soaking in Ladybird Lake, Austin provides activities for all. 

Let’s dive a bit deeper into this fast-growing city and finally find out what Austin is really known for.

1. Live music

Austin’s identity is deeply intertwined with its live music scene, which resonates through the city’s veins all year. Venues range from intimate bars to grand concert halls, providing a stage for everything from blues and country to rock and indie. The city’s commitment to musical diversity is on full display during the annual Austin City Limits, which draws artists and audiences from around the globe.

2. Stand-up comedy

Beyond music, Austin has the fastest-growing comedy scene in the country. The city is home to an increasing number of comedy clubs and theaters, like Vulcan Gas Company and Comedy Mothership, where the future stars of comedy are cutting their teeth right now.

3. 6th Street

Renowned for its energetic atmosphere, 6th Street is at the heart of Austin’s nightlife. Those lucky enough to find a home near 6th Street enjoy the many bars, clubs, and concert venues that line the street. 

4. Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue is a pilgrimage site for meat eaters. Known for its smoked brisket and ribs, this restaurant has earned a cult following and international acclaim. The line outside Franklin starts early in the morning, with people waiting to taste their slow-cooked meats. Be prepared, items often sell out within hours. Get there early!

5. Ladybird Lake

Ladybird Lake is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city with picturesque views and plenty to do. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are popular ways to explore the lake, while the surrounding trails invite joggers and cyclists to enjoy the scenic routes. This natural oasis is a favorite for many Austin locals when the weather allows.

6. Zilker Park

Zilker Park is Austin’s premier green space, spanning over 350 acres. It’s a central spot for outdoor activities, community events, and anything outdoors. The park is home to the Zilker Botanical Garden, Barton Springs Pool, and plenty of picnic and play areas, making it an ideal spot for a sunny day in Austin.

7. SXSW

South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual festival that has put Austin on the map as a major center for technology, film, and music. This multi-week event showcases the latest in entertainment and tech. Beyond that, it fosters economic and creative interaction among professionals across the globe. 

8. The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most respected universities in the United States. Its beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city and contributes to Austin’s youthful atmosphere and intellectual energy. The university is a major employer and plays a key role in the city’s community and economy.

9. Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell is one of Austin’s oldest tourist attractions, offering stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding hill country. A short climb to the top rewards visitors with panoramic city views and is a popular spot for sunsets, picnics, and photo opportunities.

10. Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol stands as a symbol of Texan pride and history. Visitors can explore the public spaces and beautiful grounds, or join a guided tour to learn about Texas’ legislative process and history.

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Bunny Williams believes she was born to design. The celebrated decorator, author and furnishings designer said she thinks some enter the world with an innate ability to distinguish what looks good and what does not. But she warned that it takes more than having an eye to be successful in design. 

“I do think we are born with an eye. All of us in this field, we see, we take in things, but it’s how we train that eye that I think is important,” she told an audience of fellow designers at the recent High Point Market in North Carolina. “When I was writing this book, I was looking back and thinking of how I got started and how important education is, and you educate yourself over and over again.” 

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That book is “Life in the Garden,” a new coffee table tome filled with photos of the lush gardens surrounding Williams’ Connecticut home. She purchased the house and grounds — which were fairly rundown and overgrown — more than 40 years ago. In the years since, she and her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli, have brought the home and garden back to flourishing life. 

A view of Bunny Williams’ garden and house in Connecticut.

“I think one of the reasons I wanted to buy a house is I wanted a garden,” Williams said. “I was living in an apartment in New York, but I’d grown up in the country, and I wanted to get back to the country.” 

Williams was raised on a farm in Charlottesville, Va., where she rode horses and developed an appreciation not only for the land, but also stately Southern homes. 

“We lived in the country, but my mother and father both loved houses and loved gardens, and they took me constantly on tours,” she said. 

Perhaps most memorable of those tours was a trip to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia when Williams was a teen. As she wandered the newly opened hotel, the decor and furnishings unlocked an unexpected passion for design. 

“The famous American decorator Dorothy Draper had decorated the hotel, and I went into this amazing place with these bright colors,” she said. “My family was fairly conservative, so frankly, I’d never seen anything like this in my life. And I loved every inch of it.” 

The bold use of color and variety that epitomizes Draper’s Greenbrier design scheme reoccurs in the gardens in Williams’ book. Set against the verdant greens of all manner of grasses, stately boxwoods, delicate ferns and curling ivy, the deep crimson of poppies, bubblegum pink snapdragons, golden sunflowers and purple orchids create a tapestry of color that changes with the season. 

Just as with her interiors projects and furnishings collections, Williams drew inspiration from her travels to help shape her gardens. 

Bunny Williams believes the best gardens have a variety of heights, seen here in her garden.

“John and I would go to France [and] to Italy, and we would not only go shopping, but we’d go look at gardens,” she said. “I went to gardens in Normandy. Obviously you go to Sissinghurst, the most extraordinary garden, I think, in the world. And you realize that these gardens had a plan. They were beautifully laid out. All I was interested in were the plants, but I realized that my garden needed structure.” 

Williams outlines the structure of her gardens in the book, from the primly laid out parterre garden to the wild, unfettered growth of native plants in the woodland one. And she explains that just as in an interior room, a garden needs differentiation in height and spacing. 

“And in a garden, just like in your house, you’ve got to go from one room to another. You have hallways, you have doors, there’s a flow.” 

Williams collects gardening accoutrements, storing and displaying them in outbuildings such as her greenhouse and potting shed. 

Bunny Williams collects garden accoutrements, such as old watering cans, seen here.

“I love old watering cans,” she said. “I’m always buying baskets, rakes, tools. I just think they look so beautiful. When I see wonderful terracotta pots, mossy terracotta pots, I can’t resist them. But we do use them.” 

Williams brings elements of the outdoors inside as well. Tablescapes get a lively boost from centerpieces crafted with colorful vegetables from the garden. Single sunflowers in a bud vase add interest to the mantle, and during the holidays, Williams drapes her interiors in evergreens grown specifically for decorative use. 

“Whether it’s coleus in urns or morning glories growing in a terracotta pot, all these things add so much to a garden and a property and a house,” she said. 

Along with her book, Williams introduced new designs from her Bunny Williams Home collection with Wesley Hall at High Point Market. The line includes an assortment of seating and dining options, as well as beds and accent tables, which Williams said inspired the launch of the partnership with Wesley Hall. 

“I couldn’t find enough drink tables,” she says. “I can’t stand sitting in a chair and not having a place to put my water or my bourbon or whatever. And so every time there’s a chair, I want a little table next to it. And I couldn’t find enough. So I started designing them.”

Source: wwd.com

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The “City of Angels,” Los Angeles, CA, is one of Southern California’s most iconic cities, from the Hollywood sign and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to sports teams like the Lakers and the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. With too many landmarks to list, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of calling Los Angeles home.

Living in Los Angeles can be expensive, though. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,614. But, if you want to experience Los Angeles’ major attractions, renting in a more expensive neighborhood may be for you. ApartmentGuide has compiled a list of the most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles to help you find the perfect place to rent.

14 Expensive Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Los Angeles, you’ll find a range of options from the luxurious PICO neighborhood to the tech hub of Silicon Beach. These Los Angeles neighborhoods will be sure to fit your lifestyle.

1. PICO
2. Silicon Beach
3. South Robertson
4. Macarthur Park
5. Mid-City West
6. Park La Brea
7. Westside
8. Mid – Wilshire
9. Silver Lake
10. Central Hollywood
11. Palms
12. Bunker Hill
13. Arts District
14. Brentwood

Let’s jump in and see what these neighborhoods have to offer.

1. PICO

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,475
Apartments for rent in PICO

PICO is the most expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles, as the average rent for a one-bedroom unit is $3,475. There are plenty of reasons why this neighborhood draws residents. PICO is near attractions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, making it a prime location to explore the city. If you’re looking for a taste of the neighborhood, there are a variety of local restaurants to explore, showcasing Los Angeles’ global food scene. For renters living in Los Angeles without a car, there are several public transit options near PICO.

2. Silicon Beach

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,394
Apartments for rent in Silicon Beach

Silicon Beach is a bustling area that’s west of downtown Los Angeles, located by the beach. This beautiful neighborhood is near lots of attractions like Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. Silicon Beach is well-known for its green spaces, like Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and the charming shops and cafes along the beach. The average rent for one-bedroom apartments is $3,394, which is about $700 above the city’s average, making it a pricier neighborhood. However, Silicon Beach’s charm and location may be worth it.

3. South Robertson

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,326
Apartments for rent in South Robertson

With an average one-bedroom rent of $3,326, South Robertson is the third most expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles. This neighborhood has plenty of historic homes in styles like Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman, making it a great area to explore. South Robertson is also near I-10, making it a convenient location for commuters. If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, you can find Reynier Park and the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center in the area.

4. Macarthur Park

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,252
Apartments for rent in Macarthur Park

Macarthur Park is the next most expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles. This neighborhood is known for its central location near Wilshire Boulevard, where you’ll find The Wiltern, Lafayette Park, Dynasty Typewriter, and MacArthur Park. It’s one of Los Angeles’s centrally-located neighborhoods, and it’s no wonder this area is expensive. Macarthur Park has a lot of shops and restaurants, reflecting Los Angeles’s vibe. Make sure to check out spots like Doña Bibi’s Restaurant, Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant, and Yangmani.

5. Mid-City West

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,237
Apartments for rent in Mid-City West

Mid-City West is a stellar neighborhood if you want to live near plenty of popular attractions like the Beverly Center, the Peterson Automotive Museum, and the El Rey Theatre. While more expensive, the perks of living in Mid-City West may help offset the costs. For example, you can live in Los Angeles without a car as Mid-City West is near plenty of bus routes. You can also walk to attractions like The Grove, Pan Pacific Park, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

6. Park La Brea

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,227
Apartments for rent in Park La Brea

Next up is Park La Brea, the sixth most expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles. Park La Brea is full of history and charm, with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and museums. This area also has plenty of parks, restaurants, and attractions, so you’ll have lots to explore. Make sure to enjoy the outdoors at Pan Pacific Park, see a concert at El Rey Theatre, tour the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, or grab a meal at one of the neighborhood restaurants. It’s no wonder the rents are above Los Angeles’ average.

7. Westside

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,150
Apartments for rent in Westside

Located west of downtown, Westside is the next neighborhood on our list. Westside has a friendly atmosphere and community feeling, with plenty of local cafes and restaurants along Westwood Boulevard and Pico Boulevard, such as The Apple Pan and Taste of Tehran. You can also check out some of Westside’s green spaces, like Cheviot Hills Park. Since Westside is near the Los Angeles Country Club and the Museum of Tolerance, its activities are one of the many reasons people live here.

8. Mid – Wilshire

Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,117
Apartments for rent in Mid – Wilshire

Mid – Wilshire takes the eighth spot on our list of most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is roughly $700 more than the city’s average. Mid – Wilshire is a great option to consider if you’re looking to be near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. It’s about 7 miles from downtown, so you’ll have easy access to the city center without living in the bustling atmosphere. This area is also near some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

9. Silver Lake

Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,995
Apartments for rent in Silver Lake

A well-loved Los Angeles neighborhood, Silver Lake is the next area. Silver Lake is home to the Silver Lake Reservoir and the Silver Lake Meadows, meaning there’s plenty to do throughout the week. You’ll find there are countless historic buildings in Silver Lake, like the Paramour Estate, Lautner’s ‘Silvertop’ Reiner-Burchill Residence, and the Mattachine Steps, so make sure to explore the area’s charm. The iconic Sunset Boulevard runs through the neighborhood, so there are lots of restaurants and cafes, such as Pine and Crane Silverlake and Alfred Coffee. If you need to commute to work, there are lots of options, as the I-5 is nearby.

10. Central Hollywood

Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,917
Apartments for rent in Central Hollywood

The tenth most expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles is Central Hollywood. This famous neighborhood is home to iconic attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, The Hollywood Museum, and the Capitol Records Building. You can find parks like Runyon Canyon Park and the Hollywood Reservoir, which are perfect for enjoying a sunny day in Los Angeles. Central Hollywood also hosts the Hollywood Farmers’ Market each week, providing residents with lots of opportunities to enjoy the neighborhood.

11. Palms

Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,845
Apartments for rent in Palms

Number 11 on our list is Palms, located near Culver City. This neighborhood is located west of downtown Los Angeles and is a fantastic area if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a charming main street. You can find plenty of cozy cafes and lively restaurants along Venice Boulevard and Motor Avenue. Palms is also close to Media Park and the popular Sony Pictures Studio Tour.

12. Bunker Hill

Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,788
Apartments for rent in Bunker Hill

Taking the 12th spot is Bunker Hill, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,788, compared to the city’s average of $2,614. Bunker Hill’s expensive rent may be offset by its famous attractions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad, the Angels Flight Railway, or the Museum of Contemporary Art. The convenience of these activities might be worth it to move to the neighborhood.

13. Arts District

Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,734
Apartments for rent in Arts District

The Arts District is a popular area located in eastern Downtown LA. With attractions like Hauser & Wirth, Resident, Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and Arts District Brewing Company, there are many reasons this expensive area may be for you. The average one-bedroom rent is $2,734, but this vibrant neighborhood may be right for you. Be sure to check out nearby Little Tokyo and Pershing Square to get the most out of the area.

14. Brentwood

Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,725
Apartments for rent in Brentwood

Taking the final spot on our list of expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles is Brentwood. This area has an average one-bedroom rent of $2,725, meaning it’s closer in price to the city’s average. If you plan to rent in Brentwood make sure to check out the Getty Center, hike the Murphy Ranch trail, and check out the cafes and restaurants along San Vincente Boulevard to immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere.

Methodology: Whether a neighborhood has an average 1-bedroom rent price over the city’s average. Average rental data from Rent.com in March 2024.

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Best Budget-Friendly Luxury Furniture Brand

TOV

Best Budget-Friendly Luxury Furniture Brand

TOV

Price range: $

Known for: Contemporary furniture, reasonable prices

Luxury furniture does not always have to denote a high price point. This family-owned brand created a line of contemporary furniture that was created to stand the test of time. Spanning several design styles, TOV is a one-stop shop for wallet-friendly furniture.

Best Durable Furniture

Sundays Company

Best Durable Furniture

Sundays Company

Price range: $$

Known for: Seating, modern bedding

Sundays is committed to making durable pieces, which can withstand both wear and tear, and the ever-changing trending market. The result is that they have made some of the most comfortable, solution-oriented furniture. While many of their pieces are modern and neutral, they often have a hidden feature, whether that’s extra storage, a fold-out bed, or just truly comfortable seating.

Best Retro-Inspired Furniture Store

Soho Home

Best Retro-Inspired Furniture Store

Soho Home

Price range: $$$

Known for: Retro-inspired design

Soho Home has created a collection of high-end design, that is so intricate and special that its rarely seen in contemporary furniture. An offshoot of Soho House, the members-only clubs scattered across the globe, this furniture brand came about to satisfy their members who wanted to recreate the interior of the homes. The end result is a collection that is luxurious and opulent.

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Best Trendless Furniture Brand

Casterly

Best Trendless Furniture Brand

Casterly

Price range: $

Known for: Contemporary design, high-quality pieces

Tired of endless middlemen and fast-changing furniture trends, the minds behind Casterly decided to create a brand that they would oversee entirely, from production to shipping. With a mix of styles and genres to choose from, Casterly created luxury furniture with reasonable prices, that can withstand trends,

Best Craft-Focused Furniture Brand

Maiden Home

Best Craft-Focused Furniture Brand

Maiden Home

Price range: $$$

Known for: High-quality material

At Maiden Home, every material is hand-chosen for not just its beauty, but for its durability. Every piece of furniture is carefully thought through, and sometimes special artisans must be employed to create never-before-seen materials. Handmade in North Carolina, this brand is keeping heritage and craft alive in their work.

Best Cottagecore Furniture Brand

ABC Carpet & Home

Best Cottagecore Furniture Brand

ABC Carpet & Home

Price range: $$$

Known for: Modern design, luxurious rugs

ABC Carpet & Home is a New York City landmark, known for their rich offerings across luxury rugs and furniture. With an eye both on modern design and on antique shapes, they stock some of the most eye-catching designs on the market. Many of their pieces stray away from minimalism, instead leaning towards the English country style.

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Best Maximalist Furniture

Anthropologie

Best Maximalist Furniture

Anthropologie

Price range: $$

Known for: Patterned, maximalist furniture

Anthropologie is known for their fashion, but their furniture and home decor is some of the most unique on the market. For anyone who wants their home to feel one-of-a-kind and bold, Anthropologie does not shy away from incorporating colors, patterns, or ornate design.

Best Timeless Luxury Furniture Brand

Knoll

Best Timeless Luxury Furniture Brand

Knoll

Price range: $$$

Known for: Bauhaus design

For more than 80 years, husband-and-wife duo Hans and Florence Knoll’s brand has remained committed to Bauhaus designs. Many of the brand’s designs are now replicated by other labels, but the originals continue to reign supreme. With a true eye for modern design, Knoll’s office and dining furniture lines contain some of the brand’s most iconic pieces, like the oft-reproduced Saarinen Dining Table and Barcelona Chair.

Best Modern Luxury Furniture Brand

Eternity Modern

Best Modern Luxury Furniture Brand

Eternity Modern

Price range: $$$

Known for: Modern design, iconic pieces

This online furniture retailer stocks up on some of the most iconic and sought-after designs from throughout history. From Mario Bellini sofas to Le Corbusier daybeds, Eternity Modern makes it easy to source, purchase, and own insiders’ favorite luxury furniture.

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Best Secondhand Luxury Furniture Seller

Chairish

Best Secondhand Luxury Furniture Seller

Chairish

Price range: $$

Known for: Vintage and pre-owned furniture

Chairish makes it easy to shop and sell furniture from truly genius designers, from George Nakashima wooden chairs to the forever-loved Eames lounge chair. Along with vintage items, you can also find contemporary designers sold secondhand at Chairish as well, discovering huge discounts and rare pieces.

Best Danish Luxury Furniture Brand

Audo

Best Danish Luxury Furniture Brand

Audo

Price range: $$

Known for: Scandinavian design

Audo is a Danish furniture brand that embraces its homeland’s eye for minimalist design with a focus on quality materials. The brand brought together several designers and Danish studios to create its furniture and home accessories, from the sheepskin lounge chairs to the stunning wall decor.

Most Customer-Friendly Luxury Furniture Seller

Design Within Reach

Most Customer-Friendly Luxury Furniture Seller

Design Within Reach

Price range: $$

Known for: Luxury furniture, iconic designs

Design Within Reach is the go-to online retailer for luxury furniture. Founded with the intention of bringing online iconic designs that were previously available only in hidden showrooms, Design Within Reach’s collaborations with designers and brands often involve revered interior-design pieces, like the Eames chair.

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Best Classic Luxury Furniture Brand

Roche Bobois

Best Classic Luxury Furniture Brand

Roche Bobois

Price range: $$$

Known for: Made-to-order furniture

With over 200 showrooms across the world, Roche Bobois is a familiar name to luxury furniture lovers. The company sells a wide array of made-to-order furniture and home designs. Across living, bedroom, and office spaces, pieces are so well made, you’ll own them forever. Roche Bobois also believes in full service, offering interior design consultations to help you find the perfect pieces for your home.

Best Art Deco Furniture Brand

Modani

Best Art Deco Furniture Brand

Modani

Price range: $

Known for: Art deco, mid-century modern furniture

Modani was founded by three design lovers who wanted to create an easier way to shop for contemporary luxury furniture. Inspired by art deco style and midcentury modern designs, Modani’s pieces feature angular shapes and minimal ornamentation.

Best Minimal Luxury Furniture Brand

Kartell

Best Minimal Luxury Furniture Brand

Kartell

Price range: $$$

Known for: Environmentally-friendly design

Milan, Italy–based Kartell creates luxury furniture while focusing on minimizing the impact to the environment. The brand’s method? Using innovative materials, such as recycled upholstery and chairs made of coffee waste.

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Best One-of-a-Kind Luxury Furniture Retailer

1st Dibs

Best One-of-a-Kind Luxury Furniture Retailer

1st Dibs

Price range: $$

Known for: Vintage and pre-owned furniture and decor

Shopping for vintage furniture? 1st Dibs is an online retailer that stocks some of the most well-known designs. From the beloved Egg Chair to Victorian dining tables, you can hunt to find a piece that no one else will own. While you’re at it, check out their jewelry and fashion, too.

Best Budget-Friendly Luxury Furniture Brand

CB2

Best Budget-Friendly Luxury Furniture Brand

CB2

Price range: $$

Known for: Trendy design pieces

The luxury little sister to Crate & Barrel, CB2 offers timeless design and quality, without the enormous price tags other brands have. You can often find great deals on piece that create a calm and cool environment for your home without breaking the bank (or skimping on quality).

Best Contemporary Luxury Furniture Brand

Blu Dot

Best Contemporary Luxury Furniture Brand

Blu Dot

Price range: $$

Known for: Modern furniture

Blu Dot is the brand to shop for contemporary, modern furniture designed for color and comfort. The label focuses on classics like cozy sectionals and back-supporting desk chairs, rather than trends; all furniture is designed in-house, emphasizing usability and durability.

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Best British Luxury Furniture Brand

Flash Table Circle Brass

Best British Luxury Furniture Brand

Flash Table Circle Brass

Price range: $$$

Known for: British design

Tom Dixon’s furniture is all about honoring its British roots—the pieces adapt Victorian designs, and Dixon was even awarded an OBE by the late Queen Elizabeth. The brand exclusively sells angular tables and chairs, alongside lighting and home accessories.

Best Trendy Luxury Furniture Brand

Rove Concepts

Best Trendy Luxury Furniture Brand

Rove Concepts

Price range: $$$

Known for: Sustainable, trendy design

For Rove Concepts’ furniture, no detail is too small. A focus on sustainability, innovative materials, and funky design makes it a go-to shop for anyone who wants to invest in their home’s aesthetic. From midcentury modern pieces to bulbous sofas, Rove Concepts makes it easy to shop any home decor style in one place.

Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

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Source: harpersbazaar.com

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Find a place to hang your hat. Then decorate it with the best of the West.

This might not be Texas or a hold-em, but you can still design a place fit for your “Cowboy Carter” era. Whether you’re renting a house in fast-paced Northeastern cities like Philadelphia or an apartment deep in the heart of San Antonio, TX, you can find the cowboy-inspired touches that give your house a rustic, down-home appeal that feels true to your lifestyle.

At Rent., we turned to the experts who specialize in Western design and curated our very best suggestions from them. Our roundup includes interior stylists, art specialists, lifestyle bloggers, and others, so keep reading to see their recommendations.

What’s cowboy chic? Why is it trending?

Western styles such as “cowboy chic” give apartment and home dwellers a mix of cozy, rugged, and lived-in that feels approachable. “After all, it’s the versatility of Western designs that makes this accessible trend popular in the first place, as Lacey Boyer of her eponymous Lacey Boyer Interior Design says. “The popularity of Western decor taps into a broader cultural fascination with nostalgia, authenticity, and a longing for connection to rugged landscapes and simpler times. The enduring appeal of cowboy-chic lies in its versatility. It’s not merely a fleeting trend but a timeless aesthetic that can be adapted to various design sensibilities, from modern rustic to eclectic bohemian.”

It seems that other designers agree. According to Alex Woulf of Sustainably Staged, ” Western decor is poised to make a stylish comeback, and there’s no better time to explore the intersection of heritage-inspired aesthetics and modern design principles. From rugged textures to earthy palettes, there’s a richness and authenticity to Western-inspired interiors that I find utterly captivating.

Laura Medicus of Laura Medicus Interiors, a premier home design studio in Denver, also weighs in: “When Beyonce sings about Levi Jeans and line dancing, we pay attention. Cowboy chic is a cool Western vibe that’s lived in, it embraces vintage finds and is pulled together with dark colors and metallic shine.  In 2024, this is inclusive of Western Americana with moody colors, fringe, denim, and worn leather.”

Where to find the Western look and defining characteristics

While anyone can add elements of this aesthetic to their homes, it’s going to feel more authentic in Western or Western-adjacent areas, like the desert areas or the Midwest. With that said, anyone can introduce cowboy-chic to their interior design. No need to gatekeep here!

As Casey Coleford of the California-based design firm, Casey Coleford Interior Design, posits, “Western-themed elements will always have a place in interior design. Whether it be a cowhide rug, wrought iron hardware, or a collection of cowboy hats hung on the wall. Geography also has a lot to do with what you’ll find in any given room: It is expected in heartland states (think Cracker Barrel). Incorporating Western elements pays homage to our settlers, and won’t be affected by music trends.” he says.

According to studio mtn founder Sierra Fox, “Western influence is everywhere, permeating beyond interior design; models dating cowboys, beach girls in cowboy boots, and a vacation on a ranch to see a rodeo is reigning over tropical getaways and city stays.”

While Fox and her team are inclined to protect their own private Idaho, they are also embracing the Western movement as a whole. “For example, studio mtn loves seeing the resurgence of worn leather, the warmth of reclaimed wood and patinated metals, and the timeless allure of rustic finishes. Western style goes beyond just aesthetics — it captures the essence of adventure, resilience, and a connection to nature. When done right, any space can tap into the soulful energy of the American West.”

Try Western rugs for starters

One Western decor idea to try is pretty low-commitment: Simply add a cowboy-chic rug to the floor to see if you fancy this trend. For example, cowhide rugs provide a fresh take on an animal print that feels more on-trend than, say, leopard print.

According to Alicia at Rodeo Cowhide Rugs, “Affordability has also made cowhide rugs more accessible, once seen as luxury items, they are now within reach for a broader audience. Additionally, they align perfectly with the latest design trends, including bohemian chic and Scandinavian minimalism. In particular, as Western themes gain popularity each year, cowhide rugs have become essential for creating an authentic cowboy-inspired decor, enhancing the rugged yet refined aesthetic of Western-themed spaces.”

Add some artwork

Want to display your Western decor more prominently? Dress up your wall with some tapestries or art.

“Western art portrays a unique time in history,” explains renowned Arizona-based artist Miguel Camarena. “The modern western look is trending because of the simplicity and elegance of the rustic modern decor and its simple use of muted colors such as warm and cool greys of the whole hue scale.

An example of this would be my “White Horse” painting. At the same time, there is the opposite end of the spectrum where whimsical and high key colors can add a pop of color and accent to most homes, which is why my “Donkey Collection” has become famous worldwide.”

Look to rustic decor for inspiration

Rustic decor gives your space an unfinished look, whether or not you’re committing to a fully Western decor scheme. Think live-edge dining tables, reclaimed wood furniture, and well-worn leather when curating items.

This style exudes warmth and coziness through its use of organic textures and vintage-inspired furnishings, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of ranch side cottages or lodges set in the mountains. Some rustic decor bleeds into other down-home looks, such as modern farmhouse and shabby chic, allowing DIY designers to play around with different looks to find the self-expression sweet spot.

Bring fashion into your Western decor

“We love seeing ‘cowboy core’ emerging in both fashion and home design,” says Patrick Burch, co-owner of Cave + Post Trading Co., an Arizona-based men’s boutique specializing in American heritage brands. “In our store and in our home, we like to use authentic Western pieces as decor. For example, we love to use cowboy hats from Spur Hats or Lost River Hat Co. as wearable wall art. Guitars mounted on the wall are another fun way to introduce a Western vibe.”

Similarly, Libby Palmieri of House of L Designs talks about how the runway’s influence is energizing the trend beyond the Western states: “As a designer, the usual requests for Western embellishments are typically found in dusty cowboy towns tucked away in Colorado, Montana, and Utah where home design can embrace the fantasy and bring the landscape strokes inside.

Now, however, the influence of runway fashion in the house of Louis Vuitton (for starters) with Pharrell at the helm and his Western-themed men’s spring 2024 retro cowboy collection and the music industry, with Beyonce’s new release of ‘Cowboy Carter,’ that is all about to change.”

Just how much will pop culture influence Western decor?

“As a roofer who’s seen a fair share of houses over the years, I’d say trends come and go faster than a Texas tumbleweed,” says Brendan Anderson of Montana-based roofing company Brix Systems. “Now, this Beyonce country album buzz sure is something new. I wouldn’t say it’ll cause a full-on stampede toward Western decor, but it could definitely spur some folks on the fence. Here’s why…”

  • Celebrity influence is powerful: Anderson continues, “Beyonce’s a huge star, and when she shines a light on something, people notice. It can spark interest in people who might not have considered Western style before.”
  • Rustic charm allure: “Western decor already has a certain timeless appeal. The worn leather, natural textures, and warm colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This might resonate with folks lookin’ for a more comfortable, down-home feel.”
  • Subtle shift, not a roundup: “I wouldn’t expect folks to overhaul their whole house. More likely, we’ll see a sprinkle of Western influence – fringe on throw pillows, a rustic coffee table, or maybe some weathered barnboard on an accent wall.”

Anderson goes on to explain why pop culture influence might not supersede more practical considerations, like maintenance needs, location, or budget:

  • Maintenance matters: “Western decor often features natural materials like leather and wood. These require more upkeep than, say, laminate flooring or synthetic fabrics. Folks gotta be prepared to put in the extra effort.”
  • Regional appeal: “The Western aesthetic might not translate everywhere. Sure, it fits perfectly in ranch houses and cabins, but might feel out of place in a beach bungalow or a modern loft.”
  • Budget considerations: “Genuine Western furniture and antiques can be pricey. Most folks will likely stick to accents and accessories, which can be more affordable.”

Commenting on the recent interest in Western decor ideas, Patrick Burch of Cave + Post Trading also adds, “Shows like Yellowstone were already popularizing Western fashion and design, and Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” is feeding that trend. Subtle Western touches go with so many styles — just like in fashion. You can add accent pieces to your home that don’t overwhelm, but add a cool Western touch.”

Maggie McCombs is the managing editor at Rent., where she oversees the content calendar and production schedule for three high-traffic websites. She studied linguistics and Spanish at the University of Georgia, where she learned the fundamentals of languages like Arabic, Latin, French and Old English and mastered Spanish literature. Since college, Maggie has developed a strong portfolio of blogs and journalistic pieces alike. Outside of work, Maggie spends time playing video games (especially anything Zelda!), competing in trivia contests, listening to audiobooks, exploring new cities and relaxing with her husband, dogs and cat.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Americans are traveling abroad in droves.

The number of U.S. citizens flying to international destinations reached nearly 6.5 million passengers in March, according to the International Trade Administration. That’s the highest March total in over five years and shows that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” trend is the new normal.

It wasn’t just March, which usually sees a spike in international departures for spring break. In every month of 2024 so far, more Americans left the country than last year and 2019. These trends point to a blockbuster summer for overseas travel.

Nearly half of Americans (45%) plan to travel by air and/or stay in a hotel this summer and expect to spend $3,594 on average, on these expenses, according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted online by The Harris Poll and commissioned by NerdWallet.

That’s despite rising travel prices that have caused some hesitancy among would-be travelers. About 22% of those choosing not to travel this summer cite inflation making travel too expensive as a reason for staying home, according to the poll.

So where are traveling Americans going? And what does it mean for those looking to avoid crowds of tourists and higher travel prices?

New travel patterns

Nearly every region in the world saw an increase in U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2023, according to International Trade Administration data. Only the Middle East saw a decline of 9%. Yet not every region saw the same year-over-year bump. U.S. visitors to Asia saw a 33% jump, while Oceania and Central America each saw a 30% increase.

Comparing 2024 with 2023 only tells part of the story, however. The new patterns really emerge when comparing international travel trends to 2019. For example, Central America received 50% more U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2019. Nearly 1.5 million Americans visited Mexico, up 39% compared with before the pandemic. That’s almost as many visitors as the entire continent of Europe, which has seen a more modest 10% increase since 2019.

Only Canada and Oceania saw fewer visitors in March 2024 than in 2019, suggesting that interest in these locations has not rebounded. Indeed, the trends indicate a kind of tourism inertia from COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns: Those destinations that were more open to U.S. visitors during the pandemic, such as Mexico, have remained popular, while those that were closed, such as Australia, have fallen off travelers’ radars.

Price pressures

How these trends play out throughout the rest of the year will depend on a host of factors. Yet, none will likely prove more important than affordability. After months of steadiness, the cost of travel, including airfare, hotels and rental cars, has begun to sneak up again.

About 45% of U.S. travelers say cost is their main consideration when planning their summer vacation, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans by the travel booking platform Skyscanner.

That’s likely to weigh further on U.S. travelers’ appetite for visiting expensive destinations such as Europe, while encouraging travel to budget-friendly countries. It could also depress overall international travel as well, yet so far, Americans seem to be traveling more.

For those looking to avoid crowds while maintaining a budget, Skyscanner travel trends expert Laura Lindsay offered a recommendation many of us might need help finding on a map.

“Albania has been on the radar of travelers looking for something different,” Lindsay said. “Most people have yet to discover it, but flights and tourism infrastructure are in place, and there are fewer crowds in comparison to trending European destinations like Italy, Greece, or Portugal.”

On the flip side, American travelers looking to avoid crowds of compatriots would do well to avoid Japan, which has seen a staggering 50% increase in U.S. tourists between March 2019 and 2024.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Is it any surprise to see a strong reaction to economic data when the phrase “data dependent” has come to unequivocally rule all other approaches to understanding the interest rate outlook?  Yes, actually, it can sometimes still be a surprise because data dependency depends on the data being depended upon. In today’s case, we have a report that has been inconsequential more often than not over the past decade, but increasingly relevant in the last 2 years.  There could be some debate as to whether that’s due to the gradual increase of acceptance for S&P’s PMI data in a country where ISM has long been the dominant source of PMI data or whether it’s simply due to the bond market’s strong desire for econ data. Either way, it’s a market mover today.

The reaction is so blatantly obvious that it begs the question as to how the underlaying data justifies the move.  After all, there wasn’t a huge departure in Indices themselves.  We’ll focus on the services side of the economy here, just to keep the chart simple, but the takeaway from Manufacturing is no different.

Broader context is helpful.  Today’s move in yields is well within the weekly range and not-at-all meaningful in the bigger picture.  In other words, it becomes less impressive the more we zoom out.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

Mohtashami: Read the data

Mohtashami kicked off the sessions by talking about the differences between the current mortgage rate environment and some of what was seen in the early days of the financial crisis of the 2000s, saying that Americans generally are in a much better position than they were back then.

The Fed has recently indicated that it is not likely to reduce interest rates anytime soon due to economic indicators, and Mohtashami revived a 2022 prediction about what it will take to get the Fed to “break” on rates.

“In 2022, I brought up the premise that the Fed will not pivot until the labor market breaks,” he said. “So, if all of you are looking for a sustained lower move in mortgage rates, that’s what you’re going to see.”

While a lot of the oxygen in the discussion is taken up by inflation, Mohtashami asserts that’s not what the Fed is primarily focused on.

“What the Fed wants to see is the labor market get very soft and to the point that it’s breaking, and then they will find all the confidence in the world to do rate cuts and talk about making sure we have a soft landing,” he said.

Reading the data, he said, might tell a different story about the situation as opposed to strictly paying attention to what Fed officials are saying.

Illuminating data points include wage growth, job openings, the number of people quitting to find higher-paying work, and jobless claims on a weekly or monthly basis. These help observers to monitor changes in the labor market similarly to the Fed, he explained.

From there — and when combined with employment in construction and housing permit data — the thinking around rates will become clearer.

“If the labor market gets softer and the Fed starts getting a little bit more dovish, then not only can the spreads get better, but if the 10-year yield goes down, there’s your 6% [or] sub-6% mortgage rates,” he said. “But this means the labor market has to break. So, we’re all focusing on inflation, but not what really matters.”

Simonsen: More data, less ‘vibes’

A lot of the conversation in the housing market can be focused on “vibes,” or general feelings about the way things are going. Simonsen explained to attendees at The Gathering that focusing instead on real-time data is key to having accurate, predictive indicators about where the market is at and where it will go.

Simonsen began his presentation by talking about an early Altos interaction with both Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers. In 2007, right around the time he started Altos Research, he was attending a conference where representatives of both companies were speaking. After they finished speaking, he aimed to pitch both companies on why they might need the kind of data Altos specializes in.

He recalled his pitch.

“I’m Mike Simonsen, my company is Altos Research, and we track every home for sale in the country every week,” he recalled saying. “We check all the pricing, all the supply and demand, and all the changes in that data, and we give that to you because traditional housing data is months behind the curve before you see what’s happening.”

The Lehman representative turned him down flatly, saying, “We’ve got so much more data than you can possibly imagine. We’re making so much money. Don’t even bother,” Simonsen recalled.

The Goldman representative was more open to hearing what he had to say, and 12 weeks later engaged with Altos as a client. A year later, Lehman Brothers went out of business, Simonsen explained.

Simonsen asserted that monitoring changing data points on a daily and weekly basis — including inventory levels, new and pending home sales, and home price data and signals —can help to more efficiently track the impact of mortgage rates.

“I believe that our obligation is to communicate with the data for everybody in the cycle, from the biggest players down to every single homebuyer and seller,” Simonsen said.

He began by looking at fresh inventory data.

“The biggest takeaway from when we’re looking at the inventory numbers is rising rates constitute rising inventory — or put another way, demand slows, inventory grows,” he said. “And that’s actually counterintuitive for a lot of folks who are just casually looking at the data.

“They think, ‘Mortgage rates are higher, nobody’s going to sell, therefore inventory is going to fall when rates fall again. Then we’ll finally get some inventory.’ But the data shows that actually, the opposite is true.”

Multiple years of higher rates will be needed to return inventory to pre-pandemic levels, but inventory growth is rising across the country, particularly in states like Florida and Texas, he explained.

More home sellers are also starting to enter the market. Last year, rising rates depressed seller participation, but higher rates are starting to be seen as more of a norm. A general sense of predictability will allow more sellers to enter the market, he said.

Prices are likely to remain stable due to higher rates, he added.

“More data, less vibes,” Simonsen said.

Fairweather: Less affordability

Daryl Fairweather of Redfin primarily spoke about housing demand; generational participation in the market; the impact of climate events and natural disasters on homebuying activity; and the flexibility that renters might experience, particularly as weather events become more prominent nationwide.

“People are spending more and more of their money on housing, and housing isn’t getting any more affordable,” she said. “We still have this underlying shortage of homes.”

But the presentation was primarily designed to be forward looking, and in that respect, interest rates and inflation are elevated, but the economy is growing. Demographics are also changing, with millennials being the largest generation and Gen Z being smaller but increasingly influential in the economy.

Changing preferences and economic realities are also disrupting long-standing paradigms related to housing in the U.S., she said.

“It used to be that homeownership was the American dream, and now it’s more the American pipe dream,” Fairweather said. “People just feel like it’s a ‘pie in the sky’ thing for them to achieve because housing affordability keeps getting worse and worse.”

Climate is also a very real issue having an impact on the housing market, Fairweather said.

“For a long time I would talk about a changing climate and people would say ‘That’s a problem for the future,’” she said. “But now, we’re seeing insurance costs going up and people are deciding where to live based on the climate. It’s becoming a more and more important issue in the housing market.”

Fairweather shared that Redfin experimented in 2020 to analyze the impacts that climate change can have on homebuying behavior over a three-month period in which users were divided into two pools: one that showed them a view of flood risk and one that did not.

“In the control view, there is no flood risk, and then in the treatment view, you could see flood risk for every single home that’s on Redfin,” she said. “The people that were shown flood risk — if they were previously looking at severely or extremely risky homes for flood risk — they went on to buy homes that had half as much risk when they saw that information,” she said.

This communicates a potential value-add opportunity for mortgage professionals to offer more robust climate information, in addition to where interest rates are projected to go or demographic information.

“[That can help] inform them about how to make the best homebuying decision,” Fairweather said.

Source: housingwire.com