Your parents' condominium is out. Lifestyle condominiums are in. What's your lifestyle? Are you an uber-hip trendsetter who attends chic gallery events and mingles with the fashionistas? If so, the Chelsea Modern in West Chelsea is just your speed. 
Love him or hate him, he's here to stay. Philippe Starck's "New Design" style is off the deep end, literally (see his indoor pool design for Yoo Downtown in Manhattan at left). Owning in Starck condo is a good deal, as his designs of the common areas add value to your property. In an age (and town) where unique features create buzz and demand, a Starck condo is a sure thing.
Probably not as cool as the new Atelier condominium, a towering glass structure in Midtown West by architect, Costas Kondylis, and developer, The Moinian Group. The lobby of the Atelier was packed with fashion insiders for the Alice + Olivia show, the closing show at Fashion Week in 2007. Celebrities Carmen Electra and Molly Sims sat front row as models paraded in Andy Warhol-inspired outfits. A fashion show and celebrity endorsement that fit the new development's chic image...can you think of a better publicity play? 
Everybody's heard of a wood-burning fireplace...but have you heard of a glass-burning biofireplace? Didn't think so. These fireplaces burn on FANOLA fuel, a special eco-friendly biofuel. While burning, biofuel is more energy-efficient than wood by about 40%. While burning, no smoke or smell is given out, but merely steam and CO2 in proportions similar to those contained in air exhaled by humans. 
Miraval Living. Lucky owners in this awesome Upper East Side condominium will be pampered to their heart's content. So, what makes this condo so special? Hold your breath - here's a partial activity schedule: Aqua Circuit (a combination of cardiovascular and resistance work in a non-impact water environment), "Dive In" Movies (float around the pool on an innertube on a Friday night while watching a movie projected on the wall), Digital Photography Workshop, "Artists In Residence" Showcase (a showcase of the artwork done by Miraval residents), Latin/Rhythm Dancing Lessons, Poetry Reading & Writing, Scrapbooking, Ashtanga Yoga Intensive, Tea Ceremonies, among others. Mind you, this all takes place on the condominium premises! These high-end spa amenities are just an elevator ride away... 
Founded in Italy in the early 1980’s, Valcucine cabinets immediately distinguished themselves by refining the design and quality of their product and thereby revolutionizing the standard for residential kitchens. With over sixty styles available you’re sure to find something that is not only fine-looking but functional. Their trademark Lift-up Door wall cabinets are a great space saver as they can be attached to walls or hang freely over center islands. Or, for something more traditional, their “Ricicla” cabinet doors are made of all recycled materials and use only 1/10 of the resources needed in other types of doors.
According to Bruce Fowle, Senior Principal of FXFOWLE Architects, "There's a greater concentration of green buildings here (Manhattan) than anywhere else." Consumers are increasingly eager to "green" their environment and new developments are meeting those demands in high style. Some of the coolest advances in "greening" new developments include: ventilation systems that provide filtered and humidified air, photovoltaic cells that generate a percentage of the building's electric load, on-site water treatments, recycled steel/wood/concrete drawn from local resources, solar rooftop panels, and landscaped rooftop gardens that capture rainwater for re-use. 
Every once in a while, certain advances in technology really excite me. Enter http://www.nycgarages.com. Not only does this Web site plot each and every garage in Manhattan on a Google map (by neighborhood), but it compares the daily and monthly rates for different vehicle types. A simple scroll of the mouse over a particular parking garage on the map pops up a small window with more information about the garage, including capacity, contact phone number, hours of operation, etc. Totally awesome. 
Some seem to think that inclement weather keeps people indoors and hurts business. Others seem to think inclement weather brings out the "serious" home hunters. I'm interested to know what home hunters think? Do you brave the storm with the best of 'em or are you a couch potato when there's inclement weather? It is my personal opinion that the best deals are to be had on days where there is inclement weather. Most people will stay indoors, affording you the opportunity to be the first to view an apartment that just hit the market and avoid crowded open houses and sales centers. That's just my two cents.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...I thought to myself, "Why can't my bathroom at home mimic those of the 5-star hotels I've stayed in?" I miss that feel good, bubbly, butterflies-in-my-stomach feeling that I get everytime I set foot in those lavish chambers. Is it the lighting? Is it the pressure of the water? Is it the fixtures? Is it the luxury furnishings? 
A poor attempt at a play on words ("Feng-Shui")? Yes. A brilliant interior designer? Yes. For all those who aren't familiar with Ian Schrager - shame on you. Some of his projects include the Gramercy Park Hotel (pictured left), 50 Gramercy Park North and 40 Bond. In an age where selling is increasingly difficult and differentiation is the key to success, an Ian Schrager-designed residence will do the trick. 
Not without an RFID refrigerator. Well, at some point in the near future, at least.
