Climate change is one of the environmental issues that affects us on a global scale that we have become more aware of over the years. As the consequences of rapid industrial advancements are still catching on to us to date, we have gone past the need for awareness. It is now time to act upon it for the life we live now and the world that is yet to come. this is where the benefits of tree planting comes in.

There are many numerous activities that you can do to help improve the quality of our environment. Aside from your actions as an individual when it comes to your consumption, purchasing habits, and the way you manage your waste in your household, sharing your advocacies and acting upon them with the community is the most effective way of multiplying our conscious environmental efforts for maximum benefits.

When it all began: Earth Day 1970

Ever since the modern environmental movement was born in 1970, April 22 has been marked as Earth Day.

Before that monumental point in world history, Americans, who were then the world’s frontrunners in modern innovation and progress, were consuming great amounts of leaded gas through automobiles.

As shiny and as exciting as it was to be immersed in a new, more convenient way of transportation, the industry freely belched out harmful smoke and sludge with no regard for its consequences. At such a time when everyone was thrilled to be part of the high of being part of these technological advancements in society, air pollution was akin to the smell of progress and prosperity.

With the hunger for innovation and a thirst for the shiny and new, mainstream America remained oblivious to the threats a polluted environment brings to the health of humans and the ecosystem as a whole.

This was not until more and more individuals began to be concerned about the oil spills and the practices of factories and powerplants with raw sewage and toxic dumps. There was also the widespread use of pesticides and the rapid spike in the construction of several freeways, which contributed to the extinction of wildlife.

Earth Day 1970 was spearheaded by a variety of people – from urban dwellers and farmers to politicians, businessmen, and labor leaders. The first movement showed how the people, no matter how different we are from each other in social stature, can strongly be united through shared common values and goals.

This resulted to environmental laws being in place to encourage sustainable living that encourages progress while recognizing that we also need to take care of the planet we live in.

The Fight For a More Sustainable Future Carries On

Start marking your calendars – July 28 is World Nature Conservation Day. While Earth day marks the monumental point in history when the world’s frontrunner in modern advancements began leading environmental initiatives, World Nature Conservation Day digs deeper in the purpose of why we should and how we can protect the home we live in.

World Nature Conservation Day highlights the growing need to conserve the Earth’s natural resources and ecosystems that are crucial to maintaining the health of our planet.

This day aims to raise awareness of the ongoing climate crisis we are still facing to date. World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that the fight to ensure a sustainable and healthy planet for future generations lives on, and that Earth Day 1970 was simply just the beginning.

It’s becoming increasingly urgent to protect the Earth from modern advancement’s harmful environmental practices, as climate change’s ravages become more and more apparent.

Tree-Planting as the Straightforward Solution

Trees are a symbol of life, transformation, and hope. As more people become aware of the issues the world is facing and will continue to face due to climate change, tree planting activities have become increasingly popular.

Widely perceived as a seemingly straightforward and relatively inexpensive solution to climate change, tree planting is not only good for the environment in the long run, but beneficial to our communities as well.

It’s an activity that, with enough guidance and an efficient procedure, can be done by just about anyone who wants to partake in a community-building activity that also combats the complex and widespread problem that is climate change.

Trees Provide Comfort and Cool in the Urban Landscape

It’s easier to see the effects of global warming in the urban environment. The materials and shapes of the structures affect heat distribution, with surfaces like concrete and asphalt heating up from the sun, contributing to the rising temperatures, especially in the summertime.

To add to this, pollutants that stick in the atmosphere also block the rise of heat from the surface to the atmosphere. This alters the natural rise and fall of temperatures, making it hot in the city even at night.

Given these conditions, along with the decline of tree coverage in the cities, the heat greatly affects the lifestyle and health of urban dwellers. For instance, in Metro Manila, for instance, housing the most prominent business districts and commercial establishments, millions are forced to cope with the rising heat.

Making room for more trees and finding ways to incorporate more green coverage in urban landscapes, it can greatly help in alleviating this problem. By providing shade and releasing water, trees can cool cities up by a significant margin.

One of the most pressing global issues is climate change

Ironically, the cost of rapid technological advancements in transportation and manufacturing that aims to make our lives easier comes at a cost – a cost so pricey that in turn makes progress moot as it gradually harms the planet we live on.

What’s convenient and easier now greatly costs the sustainability of the Earth, our home, in the long run. The build-up of excess harmful carbon dioxide in the atmosphere worsens climate change, one of the most pressing global issues we have been dealing with for the longest time.

Trees help fight this by absorbing harmful CO2 gases in the air while releasing much-needed oxygen to the surroundings. Tree-planting projects do not only help offset current carbon emissions, but they also draw out those that have lingered in the atmosphere for so long.

Nature Rewards Her Most Loyal Stewards

Even if you don’t live in a city, chances are you’ve found yourself wishing you were on a beach or mountain vacation, if only for the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to breathe in some cleaner, fresher air.

Aside from having fewer carbon emissions brought about by establishments and vehicles, rural landscapes have greater tree coverage that purifies the air. Inhalation of polluting gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides is reduced by trees.

By absorbing odors and with their leaves acting as a filter for particulates in the atmosphere, trees contribute to the “fresh feel” in the environment.

By being stewards of environmental protection, the natural resources we sustain, then, in turn, reward us with good health and a greater quality of life.

A Community Unified by a Common Goal for the Greater Good

As a collaborative activity, tree-planting projects also have several social benefits. By educating communities about its environmental benefits and raising awareness of climate change, community spirit and unity are built and made stronger.

In a community, people from all walks of life are bound together by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

As an outdoor activity, this also has a positive impact on everyone’s mental health and well-being in both the short and long term.

Celebrating Progress Without Compromise

All of us know how beneficial it is to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life to spend some time in nature. The Japanese even coined a specific term for being surrounded by nature: Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”.

You don’t even have to be physically outdoors to reap the health benefits of nature. Even just having a great view outside your window of trees gently waving in the breeze around lush greenery, already reduces stress, and anxiety, and generally improves your wellbeing.

Imagine enjoying the convenience of living in an urban area without compromising your quality of life and overall health – this is the vision of initiatives such as tree-planting projects. We don’t have to choose between progress and the environment as they can harmoniously co-exist through our conscious choices as individuals and collective initiatives.

The Vision for a Sustainable Future Through Progress

Apart from environmental efforts like tree-planting projects, the vision of providing a good quality of life without compromising ease of life is also realized by many private corporations nowadays, who are offering their products and services that are produced or sourced sustainably.

There are also notable home and community developers, such as Vista Land and Lifescapes, who build sustainable residential properties in master-planned communities.

Conveniently nestled nearby urban landscapes, these communities also highly prioritize green spaces not only to help protect the environment but also to maintain a great quality of life for all without sacrificing progress and convenience.

Even as the strong drive for urban advancement initially brought us to having to deal with global issues such as climate change, we can also use these innovations to once and for all, turn it around and start building a sustainable future for the many generations to come.

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On the list of anothermag.com‘s “Top 10 Amazing Libraries” in the world, one particular private library may catch your attention with its extraordinary collection of literature, decking a wall. This is Karl Lagerfeld’s private library in Paris.

The website states that it is “Home to over 60,000 times – making it one of the largest private collections in the world.” This proves that owning a large amount of literature is not unusual for a billionaire modern luxury house.

While having a private library is appealing, not many people are committed to giving time and effort to build one. However, it is still essential for them to own pieces of literature that represent their personality.

Owning Pieces of Literature in the Comfort of Your Home

As stated in Brittanica, the 11th edition of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, literature is considered various writings that have the excellence of form and expression and express ideas of perpetual or universal interest.

Other than thatart, pieces of literature, specifically books, allow a homeowner to express one’s interests. One of the most common types of books through which one can express their interests is coffee table books.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a coffee table book as a large, expensive book with many pictures. This book is typically placed on a table for people to open and look at casually.

If you believe that being accommodating is part of luxury living or Brittany living, you might want to cater to several interests and help your guests be at home.

Appreciate what it means to truly live in luxury with Brittany: Redefining Luxury Home

A List of the Coffee Table Books You’d Want to Have

Gardening

People’s interest in plants has grown more than ever due to the pandemic. People learned to appreciate nature by bringing a piece of it in a pot or a plant box at home since they cannot go outside.

One fine piece of literature for those into gardening is the book “House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants and Cacti” by Caro Langton and Rose Ray. Apartment Therapy has named it one of the 8 Beautiful Coffee Table Books That Show Your Plant Pride.

This book introduces you to which plants are best for your urban space, especially if you live in a luxury condo. While the book is a guide for your urban gardening, it is minimalist, and the color of the year exterior makes it an excellent aesthetic book to have on your coffee table.

If you’re looking for a home with enough space for gardening, consider Crosswinds Tagaytay: Condo in Tagaytay: Your Ideal Vacation Home

Fashion

Fashion is a topic that is always in. Beyond haute couture, the New Norm has made fashion relatable. It now means more than iconic dresses and designer bags. A hot item of fashion recently is sneakers.

Having items in a luxury home that speaks to several generations makes it more accommodating and modern. It is good to have a coffee table book relevant to the younger generation.

The “Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book” by Simon “Woody” Wood, the founder of the magazine Sneaker Freaker on Elle Decor‘s list of “The 50+ Best Coffee Table Books to Gift in 2020,” is the coffee table book you are looking for.

This coffee table book is more than its excellent cover, and this book takes readers to 100+ years of the evolution of sneakers. Elle Decor assures that this piece of literature not only features fashion lessons; this also features history lessons.

If you’re into fashion or appreciate the beauty in general, it is best to also live in a home that reflects that: A Home Beyond Beauty is a Home Beyond Luxury

History

Speaking of history, this is easily one of the most celebrated topics for coffee table books. Looking at the past allows an individual to have a clearer perspective of the present and the future. Although not many people would talk about their interest in history, once they indulge in the topic, one cannot help to either learn or share a lesson.

Hence, a good coffee table book that also features rich literature about history is the “Old Manila (2nd Edition),” authored by Carlos Quirino and edited by Ma. Eloisa P. De Castro. According to Tatler Asia, it “is an evocative and intensive collection of essays that showcase the life in Old Manila during the Spanish rule up to its last years.” The book conveys different themes with enhanced visuals such as maps, postcards, engravings, sketches, and photographs.

As a local pick, this history coffee table book will surely showcase the glorious culture of the Filipinos.

Cooking

Regarding Filipinos, other than having pride in history, food is also a well-celebrated topic. A good cookbook is always a good option for a coffee table book.

The Asian Journal enumerates “6 Filipino-Authored Cookbooks To Add To Your Shelf,” and one, in particular, does not only feature recipes it also features stories of different Filipino chefs who have worked around the globe. “The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Around the Globe” are edited by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri. After almost three years of making it, the book was released in 2018. The Asian Journal says that you can read about 30 recipes and stories from some of the world’s most accomplished Filipino chefs in this book.

Level up your food experience at home because you deserve luxury: Fine Dining Set Up at Home

Interior Design

In the same way that Brittany Corporation is committed to giving you the best luxury living experience, you are also committed to providing the best hospitality experience to your guest. This is why you give importance to interior design, which is one of the most common literature topics when it comes to coffee table books.

If the discussion is centered on luxury, what better way to be inspired than to read the “Buckingham Palace: The Interiors” by artist and designer Ashley Hicks.

This one is also on Elle Decor‘s list of “The 50+ Best Coffee Table Books to Gift in 2020”.

This is a good read for understanding what luxury means for the royalties. This is an opportunity to discover the impressive execution of Regency, Victorian or Edwardian styles in interior design.

Get a glimpse of luxury living through Brittany: Luxuriously Safe: Interior Design in the New Normal

Adventure

There is always an adventure as a final suggestion for literature pieces, best as coffee table books. Experience adventure by the books like this one from NY Mag‘s “41 of the Year’s Most Giftable Coffee-Table Books”. This is the “Big Wave Surfer: The Greatest Rides of Our Lives” by Kai Lenny. Being a Hawaiian-born surfer, you can read about surfing big waves, particularly one 70-foot-tall wave off the coast of Portugal, through this coffee table book.

A Home for Your Books

These coffee table books make literature come alive in your home, but if you are looking for a house and lot for sale or a condo for sale that you and your books can call home, look no further and find your dream house at Brittany Corporation.

Brittany will undoubtedly meet the criteria of properties you are looking for. While literature takes you places without leaving your home, communities designed and developed by Brittany will transport you to experience different world-class cultures in the world.

This is an opportunity for you to live in a themed community from Italian, Swiss and American. There is no shortage of luxury homes available for you.

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You worked hard. For sure, one way or another, whether it’s owning that lot for sale you’ve been eyeing, building your dream home, or finally being secure with the amount of cash that you have, you gave your time, your knowledge, and your skills to get to where you are. If you are now enjoying the luxury lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of, rest assured, that you can be proud of yourself.

Achieving the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of is no small feat. It takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of time and effort to get to where you want to be. But, when you finally do achieve your goals, it is all worth it. You can finally enjoy the luxury lifestyle you’ve always wanted, safe in the knowledge that you’ve earned it. You worked hard to get where you are, and you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor. So, go ahead and indulge yourself. You’ve earned it.

Safety Begins in the Properties You Are Looking to Live in

The question now is how do you protect your wealth? Most certainly, you need to take care of what you have earned because you did not get them the easy way. You have worked hard for your riches, and now it is time to ensure that your wealth continues to grow. But how do you do that?

It starts with houses, definitely, because it’s what protects you and what hides your belongings. It’s best to make sure that you live in a secure environment. Whether houses and lots for sale, or condo for sale, you can find the best communities in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cavite, through Brittany Corporation’s wide array of luxury homes.

Diversifying your investments is a smart way to keep your money secure. By putting your money into different types of assets, you can minimize your risk and maximize your potential for growth. However, simply diversifying your portfolio is not enough. You also need to be proactive in monitoring your investments and making adjustments as needed. Although it may take a huge amount of effort, protecting your hard-earned assets is well worth it in the end.

The security is provided in residences like this hits the items in the criteria of properties you are looking for. There are a lot of benefits when it comes to Brittany Living, from the gated luxury house design to giving you the top-notch security service, from the people assigned to the system implemented. It’s a community fit for a billionaire modern luxury house.

Discover more on residing in a secure community: How Living in Portofino Gives You A Piece of Peace | Brittany Corporation

Now, let’s say you have secured the house of your dreams, how can you now make sure that you protect the valuables that you are about to keep inside.

A Safe of Properties You are Keeping

A lot of people say that the consequence of being rich is having to worry about the wealth you have accumulated. Wouldn’t you agree?

How do you keep them safe? How do you have peace of mind when it comes to burglars or thieves?

After talking about where you live, the discussion now is about where to keep the most valuable items you have.

The answer is by having a safe in your home. According to lifehack.org having a safe in one’s home can give them peace of mind because their valuables are being protected from disasters such as fire incidents, and also from burglary. Also, safes do not only hold jewelry or money, safes can also secure important documents. These documents can be your house and lot title, stock certificates and other proof of investment.

When it comes to updating your investments, this article is a good place to start: Updating Your Investment Portfolio

List of the Safes that are in the Market

Owning a safe may not come as simple. But, visiting safewise.com, can help you decide which type of safe is a good buy, or what specific safe will really meet your needs.

To refine the criteria of buying a safe that is found on safewise.com, and if you are not exactly price-conscious, consider these four: lock type, interior size, weight, and resistance provided.

What do these Criteria mean?

In terms of purchasing a safe, there are some considerations that you should keep in mind. The first is the type of lock. Many safes come with a key lock, but some also have a digital keypad. Key locks are more secure, but digital keypads are more convenient. The size of the safe’s interior is also an important consideration.

Make sure to measure the items you want to store in the safe to ensure they will fit. The weight and resistance of the safe are also important. Heavier safes are more difficult to move and therefore more difficult to break into. Finally, consider the price. Safes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Choose the safe that fits your budget and your needs.

Having said that, here’s the list of safes that have the potential of giving you the best experience of security.

Best Home Safe: SentrySafe SFW123GDC

So, according to safewise.com, SentrySafe SFW123GDC is the best home safe because it is a heavy-duty safe that can withstand water and fire. Looking further into it through amazon.com, it states that this safe can endure one hour of 1700°F or almost 930°C. This safe can also survive a 15-foot fall and it will remain closed. Besides being able to withstand fire, this safe also has water resistance. It can endure being submerged in eight-inch deep water for 24 hours.

What can you keep inside? You can keep irreplaceable documents, memory storage, and other valuables in its 19.3 x 16.3 x 17.8 inches interior.

Weighing 87 lbs., this safe can be accessed manually with a key and digitally with its keypad.

Best Budget Safe: Amazon Basics Security Safe

Although the Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe is budget-friendly, this safe is Amazon’s Choice for a home safe. Probably because it’s easy to transport and convenient for homeowners too. This safe has a programmable keypad with a backup key, and it’s measured at 13.8 x 13 x 16.5 inches. Despite weighing lighter at 37.6 lbs., this is still a heavy-duty carbon steel construction.

While you can be assured protection from burglary, there may be the risk of not having the best protection against water and fire incidents, unlike the SentrySafe SFW123GDC.

A more High-Tech Option: Verifi Smart Safe

Fire and water resistance may not be so strong on this one, especially since it only weighs 21 lbs. But, the Verifi Smart Safe is a “Biometric safe featuring the largest and only FBI certified fingerprint sensor in any gun safe.” according to Amazon.

The item size is 13.2 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches which can store documents, money, jewelry, and other valuables. This kind of safe represents luxury living in terms of being very modern and adding that additional security that only the owner can access through his or her fingerprint.

Also, if you are considering installing a vault in your house, here is a suggested read: High-Security Vault For Your Luxury Home

Imagine these safe in your own luxury home

Even though they are commonly associated with businesses and government institutions, safes and vaults can also be an excellent addition to any private residence. A home safe can provide peace of mind by keeping important documents and valuables secure, and a vault can add an extra layer of protection for especially valuable items.

In addition, safes and vaults can be used to protect sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s belongings or your own private collection, safes and vaults offer a reliable solution.

If you’re looking for a luxurious house and lot for sale that also comes with a spacious safe room, then check out Brittany’s luxury properties. With plenty of space and rooms to store your valuables, this is the ideal investment for those looking for the best of both worlds.

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Is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy wearing jewelry? Around the world, diamonds are known as a woman’s best friend.

For thousands of years, jewelry has been a part of human culture, and it shows no signs of going out of style. Women, in particular, have a rich history of adorning themselves with lovely pieces, and diamond jewelry has always been highly valued.

Diamonds are not only incredibly beautiful, but they are also very durable, making them perfect for everyday wear. In addition, diamonds are said to represent eternal love, making them a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.

Diamond jewelry is always a wise choice, whether you are looking for a special piece to mark a milestone or simply want to add a bit of sparkle to your outfit.

Luxury jewelry brands have been one of the pleasures in life one could ever have. People might think that those billionaire modern luxury houses have luxury jewelry brands because it is a great accessory for big events or collections. But those who have a luxury lifestyle do not only have this for pleasures, it is also for financial security and investment as this jewelry is linked to currency and money.

For many years, the precious stones of luxury jewelry brands have captured the hearts of many investors. These stones are not only stunning, but they are also extremely valuable. Investing in high-end jewelry brands is a status symbol for many people.

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It shows that they are doing well financially and can afford to buy expensive items. In addition, stocks, real estate, and other investments can be volatile and may lose their value quickly.

However, luxury jewelry brands generally keep their value or even increase in value over time. As a result, investing in these brands is a wise choice for those who want to protect their wealth.

When it comes to jewelry investing, here are reasons to consider:

1. Make Money While Enjoying Wearing Luxury Jewelry Brands

Tiffany & Co., founded in New York, is one of the most well-known American jewelry brands. Fine jewelry, crystals, personal accessories, and diamonds are among the company’s most well-known products. Tiffany’s jewelry is popular with women of all ages, but it is especially popular with teenage girls.

The brand’s simple and elegant designs are timeless, and its diamonds are of exceptional quality. Tiffany’s has a long history of excellence and innovation in the jewelry industry, and its products are highly sought-after by discerning shoppers. Tiffany & Co. is a brand that epitomizes luxury, and its products are cherished by those who own them.

Teenagers were advised to know where they are most passionate because things will follow when you do something out of passion and not only because of obligation.

Luxury house design or billionaire modern luxury houses similar to Crosswind, Portofino, and Promenade of Brittany Corporation are the goals for some young adults.

To do this, financial education on savings, budgeting, and appropriate investments is needed. And investing in luxury jewelry brands has been a way to go. Having these fine-looking gems suffice a human’s pleasure and needs (in the future).

An article from Bloomberg stated how valuable those rare jewels could be. For instance, someone in 2003 bought a Belperron amethyst cuff, and recently (2021), this cuff was sold for the amount of $87 500. An excellent example of a great investment people can make. That is what can happen when passion and knowledge collide.

2. Gold and diamonds maintain their high demand

Some of the materials of luxury jewelry brands, such as gold and diamond, maintain their high demand despite the changes in the economy and society. Investment in jewelry pieces is not considered high risk in the investment world. For instance, other assets could be very volatile, but jewelry maintains its value because it has circulated for a thousand years. Even before money, “lots for sale,” and luxury house design could emerge, people already used jewelry as one of the measures of wealth.

An exclusive subdivision with modern green living, like Brittany living, which offers billionaire modern luxury houses, was not there. Before, the more pieces of jewelry a person had, the richer they could be. Furthermore, it is always better to invest the hard-earned moneyin those things that have proven their value and are more secure than others.

One reason why gold and diamond were able to maintain their high demand and value is because of the process of searching for and creating gold. The process of finding and extracting gold is no joke. This affected the perception of many people regarding gold. Economically speaking, when things become bad and other forms of currency won’t work. Gold may come into the picture and proves how it can be valuable in good times or even bad times.

You can start investing in luxury jewelry brand as David Yurman. Fine jewelry and timeless brand from the land of luxury living, in New York. Brands in the world are very competitive yet you can make sure that David Yurman’s pieces are the top quality brands that actually outshine its competitors.

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3. Jewelry is a liquid asset

According to Investopedia, something is a liquid asset if it can be converted to cash in a short amount of time. If you need money quickly, your best bet is to invest in something that can be sold quickly. For example, if you’re looking to invest in jewelry, you might want to consider pieces that are made with common materials or styles.

In a recent survey, 3700 women were asked about the kind of jewelry they would most likely buy. Earrings were the most popular response, followed by bracelets and necklaces. This indicates that investopedia potential investors of jewelry should focus on these types of products if they’re looking for a quick return on their investment.

4. A trouble-free keeping of assets

Jewelry has been a part of human civilization for centuries, and its history is a complex and fascinating story. Though the exact origins of jewelry are unknown, it is clear that people have been adorning themselves with decorative items for a very long time. Early pieces were often made from natural materials like bone, wood, and stone, and they served both practical and spiritual purposes.

Over time, jewelry became increasingly ornate, and new materials like metal and glass were introduced. Today, jewelry is made from a wide range of materials, and it can be found in every corner of the globe. Whether simple or lavish, jewelry is prized for its beauty and meaning, and it continues to be an important part of many cultures.

It only proves that luxury jewelry brands like diamond rings are trouble-free keeping assets. Regardless of the time, possessing them is really easy and doable. If the owner of jewelry wants to purchase a condo for sale, getting them in the jewelry box or a place where they are kept is not that complicated.

When people collect things of great value for investment, they also look for ways to keep them securely. Compared to vintage cars, vases, decorations, and paintings, jewelry is easier to handle. The storage of these gems does not take up a lot of room. Not all villages offer what Brittany living offers, a modern yet spacious house with a relaxing view on their promenade. Thus, in choosing what to invest in, jewelry has always been a high score for the most manageable investment to keep.

5. A Timeless Asset

When it comes to fashion, what’s popular today may be out of style tomorrow. This is why luxury jewelry brands are often considered a more timeless asset. While a costume piece from the 1950s might be difficult to sell today, luxury jewelry can maintain its value for much longer. This is because luxury jewelry is designed to be timeless, not follow fleeting trends.

Instead, luxury jewelry focuses on classic shapes and styles that can be worn for years to come. As a result, luxury jewelry is often seen as a wise investment, rather than a waste of money. Luxury jewelry is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for something that will hold its value over time.

An investment as beautiful as a piece of jewelry

Take for example, investing in a house to sell in the near future, but because the Philippines are becoming more Westernized, Brittany living and luxury house design from different countries are emerging and dominating the designs of billionaire modern luxury houses in Manila.

Investing is one way to achieve financial security. It’s very tempting to acquire those “condo for sale,” “lots for sale,” and even those luxury jewelry brands. But before investing in things, one should do research and understand the risk of doing it. Or better yet, learn to invest in jewelry because its worth never fades away.

Many people see pieces of jewelry as a good investment. They grow in value over time and can be passed down through the generations. In recent years, luxury real estate has become another popular investment. Brittany Properties offers some of the best luxury properties in the Philippines, located in Tagaytay, Alabang, and Sta. Rosa Laguna.

These areas are known for their stunning scenery and peaceful, relaxing environment. Our properties are well-built and designed to meet the needs of the most discerning buyers. Brittany properties are the ideal place to invest if you’re looking for a luxury property that will appreciate in value over time.

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Having a new home that you can call your own is a dream for everyone. A dream that everyone perseveres to get. After all the hardship, it is a great joy to be welcomed by your own billionaire modern luxury house.

Moving into your new property, whether it is a new luxury house design, or a condominium living on your purchased new lot for sale, is life-changing. But before you can achieve this, you better not just work hard, but work smart!

When you move into a new upscale property, you want to feel like you’re finally living the life you’ve always dreamed of. A house surrounded by greenery and a community with a very relaxing atmosphere. You want your home to reflect your success, and you want it to be an inspiration to others, not just eye-catching.

But achieving that luxurious lifestyle can sometimes be easier said than done. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips that can help you put the finishing touches on your home’s features and make them feel truly luxurious. And once you get this all done, you might be able to share your home with the world.

Building Your Dream Home

When it comes to building a home and decorating it, it’s important to balance making it look its best and showing off your unique taste and personality through your home features.

You’ll end up in a comfortable and happy home if you do it correctly. However, if you do it badly, you will be left with regrets and a broken heart. Creating an upscale lounge is one way to achieve this balance.

This will give you the opportunity to showcase your sense of style while still providing a comfortable and inviting space that can accommodate your guests. By doing this, you’ll enjoy your space without having to worry about whether or not it meets everyone’s approval.

The first part of the home that gives a relaxed feeling is the upscale lounge. It’s the feature of the house that welcomes everybody and is loved by everybody.

If you give careful consideration to the design of your upscale home lounge and make definite decisions about how you want it to look, you will increase the likelihood of living a life similar to that of a Brittany. You can also consider viewing the upscale lounge of condominiums for sale of Alpine Villas of Crosswinds and Luxury house design of Portofino to give you better ideas.

How to Design Your Own Upscale Lounge at Home?

Know your measurements

According to New York Interior designer Davide Kleinberg, the most mistake for people about building their homes is that they buy things in the wrong sizes. As they decorate their luxury living room, people usually buy the wrong size of sofas. Sofas are mostly too big compared to the size of the room. What’s worse, they even don’t measure their room size and doors that sometimes sofas don’t fit the doors open.

Matching the measurements of your chosen furniture to the scale of your luxury lounge is a very critical and very vital part of the design. An L-type sofa can easily overpower a small room, and a swivel chair can get lost in a wide-open upscale home lounge.

Before thinking of the wall color, floor design, and ceiling fixtures, it is very important that you measure the length, width, and height first as you upscale your home lounge. You also need to take note of the obstructions such as window openings, door openings, and the edges of the columns and beams.

With this, you can start thinking of how big you will allow each furniture and fixture to get into that billionaire modern luxury house of yours.

Create your floor plan

Once you have the measurements of your upscale home lounge, it’s time to put them in a floor plan. The floor plan will give you a bird’s eye view of your upscale lounge that will give you the space for a luxury lifestyle.

Once you have the outline of your space, you can now experiment with the area of your tables, chairs, plants, and cabinets. Since you have started to have your own floor plan in the most comfortable part of your home, you could also make it and apply it for the lots for sale at Brittany that you are also targeting to acquire next.

Create the color scheme

Making your home aesthetically pleasing to the eyes is very important, and the secret to this is choosing the right motif and color scheme for your home.

Searching for colors, patterns, and finishes online is awesome, but digital images are mere approximations of what the real things look like, and most of the time the color varies with the quantity of light they get.

It is recommended to get sample swatches from your preferred supplier of paints and furniture, not just inquire about the cost. Pin the different sized sample material swatches on your floor plan. In this way, you will see the different colors and patterns that will live in harmony or tension based on the upscale home lounge you have dreamed of. This can also help you visualize your home even more easily with the colors in front of you.

Never forget the ceiling area when you are choosing your color scheme. The ceiling plays an important part in providing you with the kind of Brittany lifestyle that you are hoping to experience in your very own lounge.

Choose the furniture

Working from your floor plan, choose the specific pieces of furniture you want, starting with the sofas, chairs, plants, cabinets, and tables. This will make your billionaire modern luxury house upscale lounge liveable, and sophisticated.

Oftentimes, the symmetrical layout of furniture gives a formal style to the lounge, while the asymmetrical layout gives the vibe an informal or chill vibe.

When it comes to chairs, seat height is important in designing your own upscale home lounge. Generally, lower seats offer a  casual and laid-back feel, while the higher seats come off as more formal. You can see this kind of laid-back feel in the lounge of the studio unit at Alpine Villas at Crosswinds.

Manner of things

No upscale home lounge inside a luxury house design has a chair that is an island of its own. It is recommended to have a variety of items in an organized manner near each seat, such as a side table or end table, so that people have a place to put their drinks or books. Make sure to also have enough clear walking paths inside the Brittany living room to avoid any injuries.

Furthermore, if you are thinking of having a high-end television in your lounge, you should prepare a wall-mounted media unit to hold it and clear the path for cables so it won’t be an eyesore in your upscale home lounge.

Brittany offers this kind of luxury lifestyle in one of the condominiums for sale at Alpine Villas of Crosswinds.

Final touches: rugs, art, and accessories

The last step in finishing your upscale home lounge is to add soft rugs that match your tables and chairs and add art and accessories to your walls. It varies if you are a minimalist type or if you don’t want any spaces in between. Brittany condominiums for sale offer a variety of choices that will suit your taste in all seasons.

It’s important to remember that creating your own upscale lounge should be enjoyable. You’ll make the experience much less stressful if you start with a plan and follow the above-mentioned steps rather than go at it haphazardly. And hopefully, you’ll end up buying the luxury lots for sale that will give you the ultimate prize: the home of your dreams.

Comfortable seating, lighting, and ample storage are common features of upscale lounges. When you go shopping for the pieces that will complete your vision, keep these things in mind. It’s possible to create a luxurious lounge with a little advance planning and attention to detail during the construction process.

Having your own personal space is a unique experience. A place where you can completely relax and unwind. The ability to do so is just one of the many advantages that come along with being a homeowner. It’s even more special when that home is a luxurious, upscale property. Having a home that truly reflects your unique style, whether it’s a sprawling estate or a sleek and modern penthouse, is a dream come true.

And when you’re able to entertain in your upscale lounge or simply enjoy the sweeping views from your private balcony, you’ll know that all the hard work was worth it. Welcome to the good life!

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One of the greatest places to get your signature jewelry pieces is in the Hong Kong Jewellery Show! Happening from July 29 to August 2, 2022, majestic jewelry pieces are going to be up for display in the Hong Kong Jewellery show. Let us give you a glimpse of some of the magnificent pieces you have to watch out for!

“It’s good to start early when buying jewelry pieces. Aside from being investments, they are classic, they are timeless, and they are something that you pass on – it’s a memory, it’s an heirloom.” 

– Heart Evangelista, Filipino Fashion Icon & Socialite

Luxury jewelry pieces are classic and timeless. They’re also a great way to improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem. A single piece of luxury jewelry can make a big impact, and it is an investment that will last for many years. When you buy luxury jewelry, you are not just buying a piece of metal or stone. You are investing in artistry and craftsmanship.

Luxury jewelry is made from the finest materials and is built to last a lifetime. Luxury jewelry is the way to go if you want an exquisite piece of jewelry that will make you feel special.

A single piece of jewelry can enhance your whole look; it can greatly boost your confidence as well

If you are living a luxury lifestyle, it is a must to always have a jewelry piece in your outfit. Indeed, you are not fully dressed until you have a piece of jewelry that will make you stand out. But where is the best way to get yourself some jewelry? Why the Hong Kong Jewellery Show, of course!

Elegant Jewels Found in the Hong Kong Jewellery Show

1.) 18K Rose Gold and Silk Bracelet

The beautiful voguish cuff bracelet is curated from 18k rose gold and silk. In order to bring out more of its charm, the one-of-a-kind bracelet is accentuated with blue enamel. The bracelet truly shows excellent craftsmanship.

The rose gold bracelet with a hint of blue would definitely go with most of your wardrobe. Furthermore, the bracelet comes in various designs. The exquisite bracelet is from Italy, made by the Graziella Group.

2.) Jadeite Diamond Bracelet/Bangle

The next piece of jewelry that you would love is the Jadeite Diamond Bracelet. Derived from its name, the bracelet possesses natural jade (hard jade A type jade)as its gem material. There are a total of eight gems, which are shaped into squares.

Of course, it would not be complete without its dazzling diamond. Meanwhile, 18k white gold is used for the material of the bracelet. The bangle is curated by Tingmei Jewellery Limited.

3.) 18K Rose Gold Diamond Ring

Today, stacked rings and 18k rose gold are the trend! So, with this 18k Rose Gold Diamond Ring, you can have the best of both worlds. This beauty shows off various split rings in different designs, which go from a delicate ring of rose-gold beads to the classic diamond-glazed ring.

The ring is finished with a daring split ring patterned with round-cut diamonds and baguette-cut solitaires for a precise and refined facade. Icon Jewellery Limited made sure to flaunt the stylish ring with its layered effect.

The details of the diamond are 4 baguettes 33 rounds Did 1.07 CT. Meantime, the diamond quality is G/H color top SI. Anybody can get their very own ring since it is available in any size! Give Icon Jewellery Limited 21-35 days in order to produce your very own 18K Rose Gold Diamond Ring.

Suggested Read: Brittany’s List Of Top Luxury Bag Brands

4.) 18K White Gold Diamond Ring

If you have a slender finger, this next ring is definitely for you! With a diamond as its main stone, this ravishing 18K White Gold Diamond Ring would certainly make you stand out.

The ring accents an intricate diamond-encrusted swirl-like piece, which links up the two ends of the white gold ring band. The sophisticated jewelry is the unqualified mix of classic and contemporary, that will draw attention to your slender finger by elongating it.

The ring material used to make this is karat gold. Platinum, Rose Gold, White Gold, and Yellow Gold are incorporated as well.

If you are looking for just diamonds, gems, and pearls, fret not because they have it in at the Hong Kong Jewellery Show!

Tanzanite Stone

The bewitching navy-blue color that has a violet-like hue is called tanzanite. Perfect for different jewelry designs, the gemstone is delicately cut into different majestic shapes.  Did you know that tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones on earth? It is one of the most understated relative to its rarity.

Furthermore, it is believed that Tanzanite strengthens the immune system and improves the body’s vitality.

Most people believe that this gemstone will aid you in slowing down and letting go of the stress you are experiencing. Thus, you will be more sharp and composed, which will help you achieve your goals, including financial goals.

So if you are aiming to have a luxury lifestyle, perhaps you want to become a billionaire who owns a modern luxury house, then you may consider having a Tanzanite in your jewelry pieces.

It’s said that it’s a must to invest in jewelry because it’s something that you will wear every day. It is something that makes you feel good. Besides ravishing pieces of jewelry, do you know what else you should invest in? modern houses.

Luxury Homes for Sale in Vista Alabang

If you are looking for luxury homes for sale, you should definitely check out the luxury houses in Vista Alabang. The homes for sale in Vista Alabang are definitely the best luxury homes for sale in the Philippines.

Portofino Heights

Brittany Corporation’s Portofino Heights offers residential developments inspired by the finest contemporary Italian architecture. It’s part of Portofino Alabang, a sprawling 300-hectare estate south of Metro Manila that seamlessly blends the allure of old-world Italy with the modern chic of Europe. All of the homes in Portofino Heights are classic Italian-styled homes with unique courtyards, cupolas, gabled roofs, and pocket gardens, which are typical Italian architectural features.

This is a one-of-a-kind development that screams elegance. It would be like living in Europe’s old, charming streets if you lived in Portofino. In the Philippines, developments like Portofino Heights are rare. As a result, residents should take a chance and purchase the property if the opportunity arises. The investment would not be wasted because the community is magnificent, exceptional, and unmistakably European in nature.

The 75-hectare land area of this development is filled with detached homes and vacant lots, with house and lot prices in Portofino Heights starting at around PHP 42 million. Typically, these are four-bedroom homes with less than 300 square meters of living space. Some units can cost up to PHP 70 million. This price range includes homes with at least six bedrooms and floor areas of more than 500 square meters.

Experience Portofino Heights

For site viewing of the units, do not hesitate to get in touch with Brittany Corporation. Brittany is the premier name in luxury real estate development in the Philippines. It is a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the largest and most successful homebuilder in the country and a pioneer in themed real estate development.

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Every first Monday in May of every year, the fashion industry and those interested in art and pop culture look forward to one particular event: the Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit—more popularly known as the Met Gala.

Social media feeds and other media outlets clamor with supercuts and photographs of celebrities and A-listers attending the ball. For one night, the stairs of Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City becomes a runway for avant garde and glamorous outfits meant to stand out for decades. Some of the hit red carpet looks—Cher’s sheer beaded “naked dress” (Met Gala 1975), Princess Diana’s satin slip Dior gown (Met Gala 1996), and the coppery satin Versace gown worn by Blake Lively as tribute to New York City’s architecture (Met Gala 2022).

But what really is the Met Gala and what makes it a very important event for the fashion industry? Ahead is a rundown of the things you need to know and more.

Behind Fashion’s Biggest Night

Behind all the designer gowns, bespoke suits, and star-studded sartorial soiree, the Met Gala is actually a charity ball. It is an annual fundraiser for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York. The museum is self-funding, which explains why all the money raised through the ball sustains its operations and annual exhibitions. These include the two-part exhibit “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” which explores the beginnings of American fashion.

And the Met Gala definitely served its purpose. The event’s organizer and Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, revealed that 2021 Met Gala raised a whopping $16.75 million. Meanwhile, the 2022 Met Gala with a theme of “Gilded Glamour,” recently broke the record by bringing in $17.4 million. The numbers are not surprising when you take into consideration how much would it cost to attend the event.

Insiders reports that a ticket to one of the most prominent and exclusive social events in the world could cost you around $35,000. Meanwhile, a table inside is prized around a hefty $200,000 to $300,000. Take note that unlike other fundraising parties, the Met Gala is invitation only and there is usually a waiting list to get your ticket. Around 600 guests are welcomed to attend—and each one must be approved by Anna Wintour. The guest list typically includes young creatives, renowned celebrities, and industry paragons.

From Haute Couture and Beyond: Why Does the Met Gala Have a Theme?

All the looks and ensembles you see on the red carpet could be a hit or miss, but one thing’s for sure—they are all eccentric. Every year, the gala releases a specific theme that would set the tone of the whole fashion event and inspire the attendee’s dress code for the night. It started with the Met Gala 1995: “Haute Couture,” the French term for “high dressmaking,” as tribute to the art of creating custom-made luxury clothes and exclusive fashion. But what’s the importance of such themes?

Despite being a star-studded fundraising night, the Met Gala, in its core, is a celebration of art in fashion. Plus, the Met Ball signals the official opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition. Each Met Gala theme is picked through careful consideration—does it tell an important story? What does it teach the world about fashion’s culture and history of American fashion and beyond?

Take a look at the 2021 Met Gala with a theme of “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” The event celebrated the importance of emerging designers in America in sparking conversations around social and political issues through art. These include body inclusivity, gender fluidity, and sustainability.

The Met Gala is among the most awaited fashion events of the year. Every year, the who’s who of the fashion world descends on New York City to attend the gala, which is held in support of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The event is always a spectacle, with attendees often opting for daring and eye-catching ensembles that push the boundaries of fashion. This year’s theme, “camp,” was no exception, with many attendees channeling their inner Lady Gaga and embracing their more outrageous side.

The Met Gala provides a perfect platform for boundary-pushing fashion. It encourages guests to take risks and experiment with their style, knowing that they will be surrounded by like-minded people who appreciate the art of fashion. For one night each year, the Met Gala allows its guests to let their freak flags fly and celebrate fashion in all its forms. In doing so, it inspires a collective fashion revolution that encourages art enthusiasts around the world to explore their craft and dare to make a difference.

Brittany Corporation: The Gold Standard of Luxury, Exclusivity, and Prestige in Real Estate

Just like how the Met Gala sets the standard for opulence and innovation in fashion, Brittany Corporation also raises the bar high when it comes to luxury real estate. Brittany Corporation is the luxury residential arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc, offering masterfully crafted homes only for the privileged few.

As pioneers of luxury-themed communities in the Philippines, Brittany Corporation brings you closer to the architectural marvels of the city scenic destinations around the world. One of its most renowned developments is Brittany Sta. Rosa.

Nestled within the heart of Laguna, Brittany Sta. Rosa is a 300-hectare community that perfectly captures the quaint charms of classic American homes amidst nature. Walking past its guarded gates reveals a paradise of lush greens, tree-lined streets, and cobblestone walkways that lead to huge, cozy mansions.

Here’s a closer look at Brittany Sta. Rosa’s residential communities alongside the luxury house and lot properties for sale inside the enclave:

Georgia Club at Brittany Sta. Rosa

Georgia Club covers a beautiful 15-hectare gated luxury house and lot community that is dressed in Southern American-style homes and luscious greens. Distinct mansions intricately built with massive wrap-around porches, large French windows, and gabled roofs stand proudly to welcome those who would like to experience luxury living in harmony with nature.

Promenade at Brittany Sta. Rosa

Promenade transports you to the rolling English countryside, thanks to the Italian villas, Georgian houses, English gardens, and haciendas masterfully built on the enclave. Despite its Old-world appeal, Promenade does not compromise in modern luxuries and comforts. Coming home to Promenade will give you access to world-class amenities and prestigious golf courses in the South: Sta. Elene Golf Club, the Country Club, and the Canlubang Golf and Country Club. A major win if you are a golf enthusiast.

Augusta at Brittany Sta. Rosa

Marvel at the laidback allure and natural landscape of Augusta, a 15-hectare luxury residential community inspired by the American Southern state of Georgia. With signature houses standing on 200 to 249 sq.m lot area, Augusta offers the dream home for young professionals or starting families seeking the warmth of the Old-world luxury lifestyle in today’s modern homes.

Belle Reve at Brittany Sta. Rosa

Literally translates as “beautiful dream,” Belle Reve offers unique, custom-built luxury houses that embodies the best of quintessential French-Mediterranean homes. Think of tall, symmetrical mansions enveloped by pristinely-manicured gardens and stunning courtyards—truly a marvelous sight to behold!

Come Home to Brittany Sta. Rosa

Brittany Sta. Rosa is a peaceful retreat for city-dwellers and anyone who wants to enjoy the luxury of idyllic suburban life. If you are looking for high-end properties to explore outside the city, the luxury house and lot properties are for sale in Brittany Sta. Rosa is right up your alley. After all, Brittany homes are everything luxury real estate can be—unparalleled beauty, world-class amenities, and a life in the grandest heights.  Come home to Brittany Sta. Rosa today!

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When talking about home décor, one of the items at the top of the list is throw pillows. A living room, entertainment lounge, or even a bedroom does not seem complete without the addition of throw pillows. They are a staple in every household, especially for those who want a simple décor idea that is affordable and will not entail much work. All it takes is to purchase the throw pillow that suits the theme or color scheme of the house, put it on top of the sofa or bed, and there it is—instant pop of color for the house’s interior.

Throw pillows are also called toss pillows or decorative pillows. For those who confuse it with a regular bedroom pillow, a throw pillow is a small cushion-like one with a covering that usually uses a fancy material such as silk, micro fiber, velvet, suede, linen, leather, or cotton. They are usually extra soft and are available in different shapes, sizes, and colors. It can be used as a pillow, of course, but its main purpose is to add more elements to the household for decoration.

Decorate with Throw Pillows

Whatever the purpose of the homeowner for buying throw pillows—to some, it can be more for functional than aesthetic purposes—the bottomline is that it is seen in the vast majority of households. This is why it is best to learn how to decorate with them to make sure that they will not end up looking like clutter inside the house.

Clueless on how to decorate using throw pillows? Frequently, a lot of people combine different patterns to make them connect to the aesthetics and the overall theme of the house without looking boring. Align with the colors and patterns that are already present in the area where they will be placed in. To read more about luxury house design tips, read this article.

Stores That Sell Throw Pillows Online

With the massive boom of e-Commerce caused by the pandemic, almost everything can be bought online these days—not just household items, but even the house itself! Digitization has been adopted by many businesses, even real estate which was traditionally an industry that people thought is only possible through the face-to-face selling process.

One of the real estate developers who adapted to the move to digital platforms is Brittany Corporation who offers luxury homes for sale in prime communities located at the south of Metro Manila. The most beautiful houses in the Philippines developed by Brittany Corporation can now be viewed through the company’s website and social media pages.

Likewise, many businesses selling household essentials have joined the wave of e-commerce in the Philippines, even with international businesses. As a homeowner, you can find a collection of household items needed to keep the house functional and aesthetic—only through the internet.

AllHome

AllHome is a familiar store for home building and furnishing as it is present around many residential communities in the Philippines. It is a local retail chain that caters to the home needs of contractors, architects, interior designers, and homeowners.

AllHome launched their online shopping website for people’s easier access to their household needs. The retail chain is also available via popular e-Commerce platforms in the Philippines such as Lazada and Shoppee.

Currently, there is a wide selection of throw pillows’ fillers and cases available in their website.

IKEA Philippines

The long-awaited IKEA Philippines opened its doors to Filipinos last November 25, 2021. Since then, the Swedish home furnishings retailer has been visited by thousands of Filipinos who are excited to roam around IKEA’s largest store in the world, try the famous Swedish meatballs, and buy aesthetic household must-haves.

IKEA Philippines’ outlet is a five-story blue building located next to SM Mall of Asia. According to reports, it can accommodate up to 8,000 people when full capacity. However due to the still ongoing pandemic, the capacity allowed inside has been limited to about half of that number to allow maintenance of physical distancing.

For those who does not want to be among big crowds, IKEA products are available online! Just visit IKEA’s website and follow these three simple steps: 1) Shop your products, 2) Checkout and select your services, and 3) Wait for the delivery.

IKEA products have a certain aesthetic to it. If it goes along with the house’s interior, IKEA is one of the best stores to buy those throw pillows to decorate the house.

Our Home

Our Home started in 1997. Since then, the company has invested in its customers and continue to think of ways to improve their shopping experience. Now, the brand has been made accessible through online shopping, contactless shopping, and even a personal shopper service.

Our Home also offers interior design advice, even without a purchase, through the company’s designated interior design team. Currently, there is a massive selection of throw pillows available in their online shop that can cater to any aesthetic requirement of the house’s interior.

To know more of Our Home’s services, visit their website.

Summary

Designing one’s own space is a dream for many. Make this dream a reality by checking out the luxury real estate properties nestled in Brittany’s beautiful, world-class themed communities!

Experience Brittany living with the luxury house and lot for sale, luxury condo, and luxury lots that are perfect either for residential or investment purposes. These properties come with amenities and features to provide homeowners the comfort and convenience they deserve—every single day! Brittany desires for its residents to have a world-class luxury living experience within their own community.

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When deciding on the design of a house’s interior, it is inevitable to include furniture to the discussion. According to a recent article, a new homeowner spends about 10-50 percent of house’s purchase price for the furniture alone. Evidently, furnishing the house’s interior with the necessary furniture items is a task for the well-informed in this area to ensure that the budget will be spent on worthy investments.

When it comes to furniture, one of the most—if not the most—popular materials used is wood. Wood furnitures provide a sophisticated and luxurious feel to the house’s interior that makes them a classic when it comes to home furnishing. Each wood furniture carry a sense of uniqueness because of its distinctive marks that adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Besides the aesthetic, a well-crafted wood furniture is a timeless art piece that can last for generations. The material is capable of providing an excellent quality that suits a luxury lifestyle especially when it is built to be exceptionally durable and sturdy. Some wood furnitures use materials that can even withstand those that are being used for construction. Overall, wood furnitures are meant to last for a long time. This is why it is best to make sure that a new homeowner who is about to complete their luxury house design should know the basic details about wood to be able to choose wisely.

For those who are considering purchasing wood furniture but don’t know where to begin, this article is a good starting point. This should be a good introduction lesson to sign up on to be ready for that scheduled furniture shopping.

Understanding Hardwood vs. Softwood

Choosing a wood furniture for the house is going to be an easier experience when the buyer knows the difference of hardwood and softwood. Determining what the preference is between these two will narrow down the options for the wood furniture to buy—and take note, there are tons to choose from. Each comes with a pros and cons list that may or may not fit the considerations the buyer have.

Hardwood is made from trees that produce seeds and drop their leaves each year, whereas softwood is derived from trees that do not do either. On the other hand, softwood comes from trees that have needles and does not produce seeds which are also known as conifer trees.

Most hardwoods are heavier and more durable than softwoods. They are also more resistant to fire and are usually darker in color. However, hardwoods are always more expensive which makes softwood a good choice for those looking for budget-friendly wood furnitures.

Suggested Read: 10 Types of Wood Used for Furnitures

Common Types of Wood Used in Furnitures

1. Narra

Narra is household name for Filipinos since it is the Philippines’ national tree. Narra wood is known to be one of the hardest woods in the world which symbolizes the strong and enduring persistence of the Filipino people in times of challenges.

Aside from the Philippines, Narra is a hardwood that is also known within Asian and African countries. Because of its durability, it is considered an ideal wood to be used in making furniture. On top of this, Narra wood is also generally resistant to termites and other pests which makes them a perfect material for a home furniture.

2. Mahogany

Mahogany wood is a hardwood that is common in North and Central America. It is popular for its attractive red-brown color and strong wood grain. With some polishing, a furniture made with it shines as mahogany wood oils very well. Aside from its look, mahogany wood is perfect for furniture and fittings because of being durable, long-lasting, and water-resistant. It can definitely withstand a bad weather and can be a great furniture investment.

The downside for mahogany wood is that is one of the most expensive woods available in the market. Although very aesthetically pleasing on its own, it also has a huge color difference with other types of wood which makes it difficult to mix and match with other wooden furniture that is not like it.

3. Veneer

A veneer is a manufactured type of wood that is made up of a thin layer of a natural hardwood which is then bonded to a stable base material. The common prejudice is that veneer wood is not as sturdy and durable as a natural wood type but the reality is, it can also be long-lasting.

A wood furniture made of veneer is usually more affordable with aesthetics as much as what natural wood provides. Another advantage is that a veneer is not as susceptible to moisture which leads to warping over time unlike with natural, solid wood.

4. Oak

Oak wood is a highly durable hardwood that can last more than a lifetime. It is also a popular material for home furnishings as it is remarkably resistant to insect, fungi, and water.

Furnitures made of oak wood are eye-catching as it has a unique grain pattern that features the rings of oak trees. Oak trees are common in countries that are part of the Northern Hemisphere and there are many species available, although, it has two main types—white and red.

5. Maple

Maple wood is a strong hardwood that is resistant to moisture. It has a creamy white color but sometimes with a tinge of red. Cabinets for storing heavy items, such as dressers and kitchen cabinets, are more commonly made from this hard wood than anything else.

Among the hardwoods in this list, maple wood is more affordable. It looks good for many years and is often stained with darker stains to look like more expensive wood types such as mahogany.

6. Walnut

Walnut wood is an exotic hardwood. It is famous for its rich and vibrant brown colors, although, it is also available in whiter shades. Walnut wood is known to be adaptable which makes it a suitable material not just for home furnishings but also for fashion. Furniture builders find it easy to work with as it finishes nicely.

Walnut wood is used for many home and office furnitures featuring mid-century contemporary designs. With an impressive design, a furniture using walnut wood is an asset that every space can have.

7. Ash

Ash wood is a hardwood which is usually light-colored with smooth grain. This type of wood is generic name for up to 65 species of trees which exhibits the same properties and habits.

Ash wood is known for having great bending abilities. This is why this material is usually used for furniture pieces that have curved elements. It is widely used in the home because of its beautiful color and grain, making it a versatile type of wood. Either traditional or modern design, ash wood is a great type of wood to use for furniture.

8. Plywood

Plywood is another manufactured wood that is usually made of thin wood veneers that were peeled from logs, also called as plies. These are bonded together using binders and will then be pressed and heated. The plies are laid at alternating angles so the grain goes on different ways in every layer. This stifles the contraction or expansion of wood due to moisture which makes plywood more stable and resistant to breaking, shrinking, and twisting.

Plywood is used a lot because it is less expensive than other types of manufactured wood. Plywood is famous in furniture and flooring businesses since they are one of the easiest to work with. Both painting and polishing are not a problem with plywood.

9. Pine

The first and only softwood in this list is pine wood. Pine wood is known to be a very stiff softwood that has a high compressive strength and density, with great bending abilities unlike other softwoods. However, it is considered a little weaker than most hardwoods.

Pine wood is inexpensive compared to other types of wood. It is also lightweight yet durable enough to last a lifetime as long as given proper care. For someone who already has other wooden furniture inside the house, pine wood will blend well as it has a natural aesthetically-pleasing appearance that is easy on the eyes.

10. Fiberboard

Last on the list is another manufactured wood. Fiberboard, like veneers and plywood, is a kind of artificial wood that is made of wood shavings that is turned into fiber. It is then bonded using wax and resin in heat.

Fiberboard is known for having equal strength in every direction with intense bending strength. It is not susceptible to breaking and warping as it avoids the defects of natural wood, and is commonly used for furniture, flooring, wall slab, door board, and other decorations as an alternative to more expensive types of wood. It is also usually installed to provide insulation or heatproof .

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Summary

Start working on that luxury house design by choosing wood furnitures for your own luxury home! Be part of a Brittany community to experience luxury lifestyle everyday.

Luxury real estate development company Brittany Corporation has a wide range of luxury homes, luxury condo, and luxury lots for sale. These properties feature world-class themes that are representative of what Brittany living is all about.

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As the forecast for the real estate industry has started to sound positive again, after being affected by the global health crisis that is COVID-19, many people are regaining the confidence to look into investing in real estate properties. The demand is starting to pick up, especially in areas around the central business districts in the Philippines as the return-to-office mandates are now almost in full swing. Pre-selling house and lot units, studio apartments, and condominium units seem to be back on track as the pandemic ceases and the world is getting back its taste of normalcy.

However, having enough resources to purchase and move into a new property is not all that it takes when it comes to real estate. There are laws of the land that needed to be strictly complied with, a bunch of contracts and certificates to be taken care of, and taxes that needed to be paid with due diligence.

Truth be told, it is better to ask legal advice from a professional when it comes to real estate laws before starting to do any transaction, especially when it concerns a huge investment. There are plenty of legal terms that are enough to make one’s head spin just by looking at them—it is definitely not a beginner’s game. Although, there is nothing wrong for potential homebuyer to look up Philippine real estate laws on their own and try their best to be informed on the subject. It is best to be familiar with the details to avoid any legal violations in the future even without the constant presence of a real estate attorney anyway.

What is Real Estate Law?

Real estate law, also known as real property law, is the area of law that governs the purchase, use, and sale of land, according to Legal Career Path. It is the legal framework that governs how people acquire property and what they can do with it once they do.

Real estate law has many different aspects under it. It involves processing of deeds, titles, loans or financing, zoning, taxes and estate planning. There are many Philippine real estate laws in place to regulate the real estate industry in the county. These laws are not only for the protection of rights of the sellers, but also the investors and buyers.

Philippine Real Estate Laws

To jumpstart one’s journey to becoming a legitimate homeowner, here is an easy guide to the Philippine real estate laws. This guide shall serve as an introduction to a more thorough discussion on the subject as not every bit of detail can be covered by this article.

1. The Maceda Law

The Maceda Law, also called as “The Realty Installment Buyer Act or Republic Act 6552,” is initiated by lawmaker Ernesto Maceda and has been in place since 1972. This law concerns potential homebuyers who are planning to buy a property from a real estate developer or contractor that offers installment scheme for the equity payment.

Pre-selling units is one of the most popular real estate offerings in the Philippines that are being availed mostly by the working class or Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are dreaming of becoming a homeowner. Typically, pre-selling units—may it be a house and lot or condominium—work by paying an equity payment that is stretched out to 12 months or longer straight to the developer or contractor. Afterwards, the rest of the property price will be paid through a loan with a bank or other financial institutions that offer housing loans.

In case the buyer can no longer keep up with the equity payment because of financial or any other personal concern, naturally, a buyer would ask if it is possible to refund at least a part of the payment. The Maceda Law is now to be applied in this scenario as a protection to the buyer.

Basically, once the buyer has paid at least two years with the real estate developer or contractor, the law indicates that the buyer has a right to grace periods without additional interest or even a refund. For buyers who paid less than two years, only a grace period of 60 days without additional interest applies.

To the buyers who are concerned about contract cancellation, there is also a section in the Maceda Law that emphasizes its overriding power against the contract made by the developer and the buyer. It protects the buyers from the fine prints of the contract imposed to them that most often than not, they failed to review thoroughly during the contract signing.

2. Presidential Decree No. 957

The Presidential Decree No. 957 (P.D. 957), also called as the “The Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree,” was initiated and signed during the regime of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1976. This law was passed to immediately address the fraudulent transactions happening in the the real estate business at the time.

The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 957 (P.D. 957) is to protect the buyers’ interests from any type of misrepresentation in real estate, especially if the property seller or developer seem to be suspiciously involved in fraudulent activities. Purchasing a real estate property almost always involves a huge amount of money so it is not surprising that the industry became a target for illegal schemes aimed to deceive buyers.

P.D. 975 contains rules and regulations that govern the entire process of buying and selling a home, in addition to preventing fraudulent transactions. This protects the buyers from developers who fail to deliver to their contract—starting from the point of sale to turnover of unit, even to the processing of property title of ownership. It also includes the other laws about the buyers’ rights after the sale and the developer’s obligations.

P.D. 957 also states the policies in dealing with real estate professionals such as developers, dealers, brokers, and agents. This gives the buyer the right to file a complaint when a business practice that is against the law has been observed. In line with that, this decree includes the sanctions and penalties for the real estate professionals if they violated any of the governing laws of real estate.

3. The Condominium Act

The Condominium Act, also called as the Republic Act No. 4726 (RA 4726), has been enacted as early as 1966. It governs the ownership, rights, and obligations of condominium owners, and enumerates the rules and requirements for the creation of condominiums.

A condominium is an interest in real property that consists of a separate interest in a unit in a building, as defined by law (whether residential, industrial or commercial). The interest also includes an undivided common interest in the land on which the building is constructed, as well as the building’s common areas.

In the act’s provisions of this Philippine Real Estate Law, there are inclusions regarding the regulations on common areas and the exclusive rights of a condominium unit owner. Guidelines on refinishing or decorating the unit, selling, or disposal are also included in the Condominium Act. Basically, this allows people the right to land co-ownership aside from their unit in which they have absolute ownership. It also explains the extent of the unit owners’ influence when it comes to the property. This protects the buyers from being misled by the condominium developers regarding the management of their unit.

4. Investor’s Lease Act

The Investor’s Lease Act, also called as the Republic Act 7652, has been in effect since 1993. It has been enacted to encourage more foreign investors to be part of the Philippines’ real estate industry without taking away the majority of opportunities from the Filipino people.

The Investor’s Lease Act limits the involvement of foreign investors in the ownership of real estate properties in the Philippines. Instead, this act gives them the right to lease land in the Philippines for productive use. A foreign national or corporation with more than 40% foreign equity can be in a lease agreement with Filipino landowners for an initial period of up to 50 years. Afterwards, it can be renewed once more for up to 25 years.

Related to foreign homeownership, The Condominium Act that was previously discussed in this article states that foreigners can purchase condominium units as long as long as the foreign ownership does not amount to more than 40% of the condominium corporation.

5. Real Property Tax

The Presidential Decree No. 464 has been enacted in 1974 to implement a real estate tax code starting from the regime of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

P.D. 464 is the code that provides the guidelines of how real properties should be assessed and appraised for tax purposes. Some of the factors that affect the assessment includes the current market value, uniformity in each location, and the specific purpose of the property. This assessment aims to equally distribute the burden on real estate properties’ taxes. This process is done by the government which means that there is no private entity that can assess, appraise, or collect real property taxes.

Real property tax is different from the taxes involved upon the sale of a real estate property. When purchasing a new house and lot, condominium, or any other real estate property, there are more taxes involved that need to be settled to proceed with the transaction.

Bonus: Taxes Involved in a Sale

Here is a quick rundown of the taxes involved in a sale of a real estate property:

Seller’s Responsibility on Capital Gains Tax

Capital gains are taxed at 6% on the selling price, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) zonal value, or the assessed value by the provincial/city assessor, whichever is higher.

Seller’s Responsibility on Income Tax & Value-Added Tax/Percentage Tax

If the property is considered an ordinary asset, meaning the seller is not habitually engaged in the real estate business, the tax to be paid falls under the seller’s other income. It amounts to around 30% for regular income tax or 2% minimum corporate income tax if the seller is a corporation.

Seller’s Responsibility on Value-Added Tax/Percentage Tax

A 12% value-added tax is imposed on the sale of the property and those licensed for brokerage business based on their commission. There are tax exemptions based on the type of property and price but these are still subject to 3% percentage tax.

Seller’s Responsibility on Creditable Withholding Tax

This is the tax withheld by the buyer/withholding agent from his payment to the seller who is habitually engaged in the real estate business. Although, if the real estate sold is considered a capital asset, there is no creditable withholding tax imposed and it will fall under capital gains tax instead.

Seller’s Responsibility on Documentary Stamp Tax

Simply put, this is the tax imposed for the documents, papers, or loan agreements that certify the sale and transfer of an obligation, rights, or property.

Buyer’s Responsibility on Transfer Tax

It is the tax imposed on the process of transferring ownership of a property, whether it is through a sale, donation, or any other way. The tax rate is determined by the property’s location.

Buyer’s Responsibility on Registration Fee:

This fee is imposed during the registration process of the property’s deed. It amounts to 0.25% of the selling price or the market value, whichever is higher.

Bottomline

Being well-informed about the laws governing real estate in the Philippines is equal to knowing the rights and obligations that homeowners have upon owning a real estate property. This ensures that the homeowners can protect themselves and deal with concerns that might arise along the way.

Continue your way to homeownership! Check out Brittany Corporation‘s luxury real estate properties in Crosswinds Tagaytay, Brittany Santa Rosa, Vista Alabang, and The Lakefront Sucat. Being nestled within stunning communities in these prime suburban locations, these luxury real estate developments are suitable for either residential and investment purposes.

Brittany living is all about the luxury lifestyle that comes with being part of a themed community. Brittany Corporation ensures that homeowners will enjoy world-class luxury living every day with the perfect balance of beauty and comfort.

Get to know more about Brittany’s extensive portfolio of luxury real estate properties. Send a message to this link for sales inquiries or follow Brittany’s social media pages to see a glimpse of the luxury that Brittany living offers!

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