This month we spotlight our first property in the US to be awarded a perfect 100 Luxe List Home score -The Brand New Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place, in the South Coast Metro of Orange County, CA. Two spectacular 25 story towers feature unique one and two-bedroom residences of unmatched luxury. They offer panoramic city, ocean, and mountain views through dramatic floor to ceiling windows, and come with designer finishes never before available in even the finest luxury rental homes. The community amenities at Essex Skyline are equally spectacular. Located close to world-class shopping, dining/entertainment venues and the famed beaches of Orange County, this urban oasis is simply sublime.

More and more, kitchens are incorporating dining rooms and sitting rooms into a unified space. Open and visible from the main living area, consequently kitchen cabinets are looking more like fine furniture, and counters and islands are becoming dining tables. The appliance of choice is Stainless-steel, they bring a sophisticated and rich feel to the kitchen and work with a variety of styles. The sleek silver lines bring a polished look to refrigerators, stoves, and even trash compactors and waste bins. Specialty workstations are also cropping up in kitchens across the country and range from elaborate to utilitarian. Popular examples include baking centers, coffee bars, and wine-tasting nooks. As people become increasingly tech-savvy, kitchens are being accessorized with electronics rather than traditional décor. Popular electronic items, such as wall-mount televisions, sound systems, iPod docking stations, and computers are fast becoming the norm. Products made from sustainable materials are increasingly popular. Water-conserving faucets and Energy Star-rated appliances help homeowners save money on energy bills and reduce the use of natural resources. Refrigerators have become ever larger, but new technology and techniques make them virtually invisible -- a big leap forward in built-in refrigeration. The same is true for dishwashers. Cabinetry panels discreetly hide these appliances, allowing the room's style to take center stage. Having a variety of lighting options lets you instantly convert your kitchen from a functional workspace to an intimate dining space.

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