Designer Renée Gaddis of Renée Gaddis Interiors shares how she shifted from the fashion world to the design world and discusses a high-rise Naples, Florida project.
Tell us about yourself and your path to interior design:
I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and studied fashion design at Iowa State. After getting engaged, I moved to Florida with my college sweetheart, but I wasn’t able to find a job right away. I eventually connected with an interior designer who offered me a position, insisting that many design principles translate between fashion and interiors, such as how fabrics drape and the importance of space planning.
I dove headfirst into it, getting my interior design certification and license. While I fell into this field at the beginning, it’s now a passion. In hindsight, I feel like I should have always been on this path.
Does fashion inform your design?
Yes. I still look at fashion magazines and Instagram sites in my spare time. Doing so makes me feel a little ahead of the game since interior design is actually somewhat delayed from fashion. Something like a new color or color combination that’s on the runway today will slowly trickle into home fabrics, for example.
Is this project a primary home or a vacation home for the clients?
A vacation home. They’re a husband and wife from Chicago with a daughter and son. Their daughter, who’s probably in her early thirties, was heavily involved in the process as well because her parents are planning to keep the home in their family for a long time. She was more focused on the look and design, yet her parents highly valued comfort. It was a refreshing balance and a fun project.
Did you have to run any ideas by a condo association?
I do a ton of condos down here, around a 75/25 split with houses. This one was a new build, so the association wasn’t even created yet. The developer owned everything, and we worked with them pre-close on all the finishes and other touches. Once the clients bought it, we added details like built-ins, paint colors, and ceiling touches.
With the property being a Florida high-rise, did you have to factor weather into its design?
Definitely. This condo’s on the twentieth floor, a big consideration for hurricane season. Most transplants close everything up outside before returning home for months. But we created two layers of protection here: The hidden sliders in the windows are hurricane-proof, and the lanai shutters allow the clients to keep their balcony furniture in place if there’s bad weather.
Would you talk about the openness of the condo?
The elevator leads you right into their unit. When you step off and look to the right, you get a spectacular, unobstructed view of the outside. This required a very open floor plan in the main area with few walls. In addition, we made subtle tweaks to make it feel even more open, such as doorless kitchen cabinet uppers.
What do the decor’s natural elements add to the home?
The clients wanted the unit to have a coastal vibe, which we included with some of the furniture and fixture choices. A fun example of this is the kitchen table, which looks and feels like a giant tree trunk—it’s very heavy. Another is the woven raffia light fixture in the guest bedroom, which provides an earthy, natural feel. I also love the wave in the pretty blue-green kitchen backsplash.
Are the colors informed by the locale as well?
Very much so. I like to say that down here, the green from the palm trees and the blue from the sky and water serve as neutrals. Basically, anything you’re seeing outside your window is considered a neutral inside.
What were the clients’ goals for the kitchen?
The wife loves to cook. She knows where she wants things and how she wants to do things, so we added a lot of intentional touches in the kitchen to make it a comfortable yet practical space. I wanted it to feel like her kitchen at home.
It was just one example of the custom design that we did for them. Another is the massive ottoman. They wanted a spot to put their feet up as well as a place for cups or snacks. The two tables on the ottoman are on casters so they can easily roll back and forth. On the window side, we also chose these cool, amazingly comfortable open-backed chairs that allow the clients to enjoy the view outside.
The ceiling fixture choices are also very interesting.
Very much so. The master bedroom has lights that look like conch shells made of blown glass, adding a touch of beachiness. I am not a huge lover of regular ceiling fans, so we instead added some “fandeliers,” fixtures that look like chandeliers but are fans. A fandelier is my new favorite thing! I wish I invented it.
Do you enjoy finding unique items for each client?
I love it. I find them all over the place, whether through traveling, looking through magazines, or scrolling through social media. And if a client’s budget allows for something custom-made, that’s even more fun. For example, we spent ample time designing this project’s wine wall. The clients don’t drink a ton, but they wanted a cool wall that stood out in the living room.
Do you lean toward a particular design style, or are you a chameleon, changing based on what your client needs?
I think I’m a chameleon. I’m always trying to truly understand what home is to clients and what they’re looking for. My job is to do the best I can to exceed their expectations. I also have a passion for learning, so I love getting to discover more about whatever my clients are looking for.
Some designers have a style they do over and over again, creating the same look with different materials, lighting, and furniture. I don’t know if I could do that. I’m constantly evolving, and I think that once I try one thing, I want to do something different.
You’re a big supporter of children with heart disease. Would you share why and how you advocate for them?
Our daughter has a rare heart condition that was discovered when she was just eighteen months old. At age three, she received a pacemaker, and now, in her twenties, she is 90 percent dependent on it.
It was a huge learning curve for my husband and me. She was our first child, so we were already navigating the uncertainty of new parenthood when we were suddenly faced with serious medical challenges. Those early years were scary, filled with countless doctor appointments and surgeries. At the time, there were no pediatric cardiologists or even a hospital system in our area, which meant we had to drive hours to Tampa or Miami to get her the care she needed.
Those experiences shaped us deeply and are the reason we are so passionate about this cause today. We are actively involved with the American Heart Association and helped get a local children’s hospital up and running so that other families wouldn’t have to endure the long-distance travel we did. Anything we can do to help children with heart disease feels even more meaningful than bringing a design project to life.
For more info, visit reneegaddis.com
When the weather cools down, even in December, it’s a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, whether that involves hiking through the woods, embarking on a bird-watching expedition, or going to your local park to enjoy nature’s beauty.
In addition to the simple enjoyment of it, studies show that being in nature can benefit you mentally and physically, in part because it can expose you to fresher air and encourage you to get moving. The best part? You can experience these amazing benefits for free—all you need to do is step outside and find a garden, park, or nature trail to explore.
Even just a little time in nature can have restorative effects. For example, Lela Betts, a nature enthusiast from the Philadelphia area, sometimes stops during her drive home from work to visit a park or a small patch of woods near her residence. On weekends, she and her husband enjoy bird-watching both locally and in nearby New Jersey. He brings his camera and telephoto lens to capture beautiful photos of the birds they see. “Walking in nature is so relaxing and diverting,” Betts says.
Whether you trek through an untouched natural oasis close to home or simply take in the sights and scents of a local park, there are many ways to immerse yourself in nature and experience its rejuvenating benefits.
When it comes to our health, it seems that nature knows what’s best for us. Depending on the season, it only takes about ten minutes of midday sunshine to get the recommended amount of vitamin D, a nutrient essential for our overall health, and scientists believe that phytoncides, organic compounds that plants emit into the air, can boost immunity. Being outdoors can also make you feel happier, help you sleep better, and prevent negative health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and obesity. Sunshine may even have a role in boosting T cells, which can help fight infection.
Part of the allure of following a quiet path or a winding wooded trail is the opportunity to unplug from the modern world and leave your worries behind. Take a moment to relax, set your thoughts free, and quietly enjoy your surroundings.
While nature can be relaxing, it also offers endless opportunities for discovery. If you look closely enough, you can observe a world of activity even on a short nature trail or in a small garden patch, such as squirrels foraging for winter, an army of ants marching up the trunk of a tree, or a bird feeding its young. Try being an amateur naturalist for the day with an app like iNaturalist—just snap photos of interesting wildlife and plants (if still in bloom) to add to a database that’s open to naturalists and scientists. On her nature walks and bird-watching expeditions, Betts uses the Merlin Bird ID app to identify and share her bird sightings with birders around the world.
You could also use your creativity to document your experiences, such as by drawing, writing, or journaling what you find. The act of preserving your experience on paper or in an image can be therapeutic—you might find your cares drifting away. Even better, your mementos will give you something concrete to help you always remember the pleasant times you enjoyed.
While you can spot hundreds of species of plants and wildlife even in your own backyard, your desire to explore nature can take you to exciting places within your state, across the country, or around the world. For instance, you could see migrating birds in the Rio Grande Valley or explore the bayous and swamps of the Barataria Preserve in Louisiana to glimpse alligators, turtles, and other species in their natural habitats.
Even if you are already a nature buff, you can still discover new opportunities to enjoy everything nature has to offer. For example, looking up at the stars during a clear, moonlit winter nature walk can fill you with a sense of peace and awe.
There are many benefits to being in nature, but there are some drawbacks too. Remember to protect your eyes and skin, even in winter, from sun damage by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen, and be sure to bring layers in case the temperatures drop during your excursion.
The benefits of spending a day or evening in nature are virtually endless, so be sure to get outside and enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer.
For today’s globally minded buyer, real estate is about more than finding a beautiful place to escape. It is about creating optionality: an additional home that supports the way you want to live, the experiences that matter most, and a connection to a community with enduring lifestyle appeal.
From Dubai’s glittering waterfronts to the unspoiled beaches of Fiji and Lisbon’s historic city center to Sarasota’s refined Gulf Coast living, these four destinations invite buyers to think beyond the traditional vacation home. Each offers distinct lifestyle advantages and compelling opportunities to diversify your real estate portfolio with purpose.
Waterfront Living with Global Energy
Dubai continues to stand out as one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets, offering modern infrastructure, international connectivity, a favorable business environment, and a lifestyle defined by luxury, safety, dining, culture, and year-round sunshine.
Riva Residence from Vakson Development brings that vision to life in Dubai’s Maritime City. This 25-story tower features premium one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed for modern waterfront living. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the sea and skyline, while interiors include luxury finishes and smart home features.
Residents can enjoy infinity pools, outdoor spaces, wellness areas, resort-style amenities, a private yacht club, and a serene marina boardwalk. Riva Residence is designed for those who want the sophistication of urban living paired with the calm of the water.
Rare Freehold Ownership in a South Pacific Paradise
For buyers dreaming of a tropical escape, Fiji offers privacy, adventure, and a deep connection to nature. From an investment perspective, opportunities for foreign buyers to secure freehold land are limited, making carefully planned resort communities especially noteworthy.
Nanuku Resort Fiji is a 500-acre, master-planned coastal estate on the Adventure Coast of Viti Levu. More than a boutique resort, Nanuku is a residential community offering foreign investors the rare opportunity to secure freehold title land in one of the world’s most desirable tropical climates.
The one- and two-bedroom Nanuku Beach Villas sit just steps from the ocean, combining luxury beachfront living with the ease of a fully managed resort. Each villa features spacious layouts, high-end finishes, a private pool, expansive windows, and a private terrace designed to capture ocean views and tropical breezes.
Owners enjoy a private coastal residence with access to luxury resort services, including daily upkeep, personalized guest services, and property management, whether they are in residence or away.
Historic Elegance with Contemporary Ease
Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most beloved destinations for international buyers, thanks to its beauty, climate, culture, walkability, and exceptional quality of life. The city offers Old World charm with modern sophistication, particularly in prime central neighborhoods.
Represented by ORIA Real Estate Advisors, AYA Príncipe Real offers an extraordinary opportunity to own within a true architectural jewel. The six-story building includes only 11 exclusive apartments, creating a boutique residential experience with privacy and distinction.
The project preserves the building’s original Art Déco façade, ornate high ceilings, and tiled entrance hall while introducing contemporary systems, enhanced safety, and improved natural light. Inside, each residence features premium materials and finishes, blending Art Déco glamour with botanical inspiration.
Custom kitchens include Bosch appliances and Dekton countertops, while bathrooms combine Lioz stone, microcement, and refined fixtures. Private gardens, panoramic terraces, and a common garden with a pool create a tranquil oasis in the city center.
Boutique Luxury on the Gulf Coast
Sarasota continues to attract buyers drawn to Florida’s Gulf Coast lifestyle: beautiful beaches, a vibrant arts scene, exceptional dining, boating, culture, and year-round outdoor living. Downtown Sarasota is especially appealing for those who want urban convenience with easy access to the water.
Represented by Michael Saunders & Company, the Edge Sarasota is a 10-story boutique condominium in the heart of downtown, offering just 27 residences and more than 10,000 square feet of amenities. With construction underway and move-ins anticipated in 2026, The Edge represents a timely new-construction opportunity.
Residences include two- and three-bedroom floor plans starting at 3,145 square feet, with expansive living areas, chef-inspired kitchens featuring Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, elegant baths, luxurious owners’ suites with morning bars, and large private balconies.
Amenities include a resort-style pool, cold plunges, a spa, outdoor lounge areas, a 24-hour fitness center, a yoga studio, a treatment room and an infrared sauna. There’s also a sophisticated social lounge with two bars, a pool table, and a private tasting room.
Whether your next purchase is driven by lifestyle, legacy, investment diversification, or the desire to explore a new corner of the world, the right property can open the door to something far greater than ownership. Reach out to discover the opportunity that best aligns with your goals.
You can learn more about these new developments and more at DestinationsByLeadingRE.com.
There is something irresistible about celebrating New Year’s Eve away from home. Maybe it is the thrill of seeing a familiar holiday through a new lens or the way a city seems to reveal its personality when the clock strikes midnight. Around the world, New Year’s celebrations range from dazzling fireworks and glamorous parties to centuries-old traditions, quiet reflection, and joyful gatherings that spill into the streets. For travelers, it can be one of the most memorable times of year to experience a destination.
If glamour is the goal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates delivers it on a grand scale. The city is known for going big, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Fireworks, light shows, and entertainment center around landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, while hotels, beach clubs and restaurants host elaborate celebrations across the city. Dubai is especially appealing for travelers who want variety: You can enjoy a luxury dinner, a family-friendly waterfront show, a desert experience, or a rooftop countdown with skyline views. It is a destination where the new year feels polished, modern, and spectacular.
For a celebration with deep roots and plenty of character, Edinburgh, Scotland is hard to beat. The city’s famous Hogmanay is not simply a countdown; it is a multiday celebration filled with concerts, street parties, torchlight processions, and traditions that go back generations. One of the most charming is “first-footing,” the custom of being the first person to cross a friend or neighbor’s threshold after midnight, often bringing symbolic gifts for good luck. Edinburgh’s medieval skyline, cobblestone streets, and dramatic castle backdrop give the whole celebration a storybook quality. It is festive, historic, and unmistakably Scottish.
London, England offers another classic urban celebration. Fireworks along the Thames, the chimes of Big Ben, and views of the London Eye create a cinematic backdrop for midnight. Visitors can book river cruises, rooftop dinners, or hotel celebrations or simply enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere. London also makes it easy to extend the trip, with winter markets, theater, museums and neighborhood pubs offering plenty to enjoy before and after New Year’s Eve. It is elegant, energetic, and familiar in the best possible way.
In Madrid, Spain, the celebration is anchored by a wonderfully specific tradition: eating twelve grapes at midnight, one with each chime of the clock. The custom is said to bring good luck for each month of the coming year, but anyone who has tried to keep up with the chimes knows it is also a funny, shared challenge. Puerta del Sol is the classic place to gather, but the tradition happens in homes, restaurants, and plazas across the country. Madrid offers the best of both worlds for New Year’s travelers: lively public celebration and a warm, local custom that is easy to join.
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, New Year’s Eve is a celebration for the senses. Copacabana Beach becomes the heart of the city’s Réveillon, drawing crowds dressed in white, a color traditionally associated with peace and renewal. Music, dancing, and fireworks over the ocean create a scene that is both spiritual and exuberant. Many people bring flowers or offerings to the sea, blending celebration with tradition. For travelers who want a New Year’s Eve that feels warm, communal, and full of energy, Rio offers an unforgettable way to begin the year barefoot in the sand.
For something quieter and more reflective, both Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan offer a beautiful contrast to the fireworks-heavy celebrations elsewhere. At Buddhist temples, bells are rung 108 times in a tradition known as Joya no Kane, symbolizing the cleansing of worldly desires before the new year begins. In Kyoto, the atmosphere can feel especially moving, with historic temples, lantern-lit streets and a sense of calm that invites reflection. Tokyo offers its own mix of temple visits, city lights, and late-night energy. For travelers who prefer meaning over spectacle, Japan’s New Year’s traditions can feel deeply memorable.
In Sydney, Australia, the new year arrives with one of the most recognizable scenes on the planet. Fireworks burst over Sydney Harbour, lighting up the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the water below in a display that feels made for postcards. Because Sydney is one of the first major cities in the world to welcome the new year, it has become a global symbol of the holiday itself. Visitors can choose from harbor cruises, waterfront restaurants, public viewing areas, or private parties, making it a celebration that can be as casual or as elevated as you wish. Add in warm summer weather, beaches, and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and Sydney becomes an especially appealing escape for those leaving winter behind.
Of course, no New Year’s Eve article would be complete without New York City. Times Square may be the famous image, with the ball drop watched by crowds in Manhattan and millions around the world, but there are other ways to experience the holiday that feel a little more local. Brooklyn’s Prospect Park has hosted a beloved New Year’s Eve fireworks tradition for decades, with crowds gathering near Grand Army Plaza for music and a midnight display. And for the truly bold, New Year’s Day can begin at Coney Island, where the Polar Bear Plunge sends swimmers into the Atlantic in a bracing start to January. It is a reminder that New York’s New Year is not just one square in Manhattan; it is a citywide celebration with many personalities.
What makes these celebrations so compelling is that each destination welcomes the new year in its own voice. Dubai is sleek and dazzling. Edinburgh is historic and spirited. London is timeless and grand. Madrid is playful and traditional. Rio is joyful and beachside. Sydney is bright and summery. Japan is reflective and serene. New York is iconic but full of surprises.
Whether you are dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime trip, a seasonal getaway, or simply a fresh start somewhere beautiful, New Year’s Eve can be a wonderful lens through which to discover the world. And if you fall in love with one of these destinations so much that you can imagine buying a home there, reach out to get introduced to a trusted local expert of the global real estate network.
